Table of contents

The gauge/string theory duality in curved space is discussed mainly using a non-Abelian conformal N = 4 supersymmetric gauge theory and the theory of a closed superstring in the AdS₅ × S⁵ metric as an example. It is shown that in the supergravity approximation, string duality yields the characteristics of a strong-coupling gauge theory. For a special shape of the contour, a Wilson loop expression is derived in the classical superstring approximation. The role of the hidden integrability in lower-loop calculations in gauge theory and in different approximations of string theory is discussed. It is demonstrated that in the large quantum-number limit, gauge theory operators can be described in terms of the dual string picture. Examples of metrics providing the dual description of gauge theories with broken conformal symmetry are presented, and formulations of the vacuum structure of such theories in terms of gravity are discussed.

Selected results obtained in major observational sky surveys (DSS, 2MASS, 2dF, SDSS) and deep field observations (HDF, GOODS, UHDF, etc.) are reviewed. Modern surveys provide information on the characteristics and space distribution of millions of galaxies. Deep fields allow one to study galaxies at the stage of formation and to trace their evolution over billions of years. The wealth of observational data is altering the face of modern astronomy: the formulation of problems and their solutions are changing and all the previous knowledge, from planetary studies in the solar system to the most distant galaxies and quasars, is being revised.

Experimental studies between 1978 and 2004 on ambipolar (tandem) mirror traps are reviewed. Results on the formation of ambipolar ion-confining barriers and the formation of thermal barriers for thermally insulating electrons in ion barriers from plasma confined in a solenoid are discussed. Achievements on improving longitudinal plasma confinement and limiting transverse plasma losses in the trap are reviewed. The reasons for the limited density of solenoid plasma in TMX-U and GAMMA-10 machines are discussed. Some results on the MHD stabilization of plasma and on the suppression of plasma microinstabilities are reviewed. Prospects for constructing ambipolar fusion reactors are discussed

Modern infrared focal plant array cameras with thermal sensitivities up to 0.01 – 0.02 °C have made it possible to form a novel view of various physical, chemical, and biological processes that involve both the heat production and mobility of fluids affected by local thermal gradients. The mobility of water is important, especially in studying the formation mechanisms of water structures due to Rayleigh –Bénard convection. Various water structures can successfully be studied using infrared imaging.

High-resolution, pulsed, and wide-line NMR studies of fossil coals are reviewed. Coal substance conversion due to outbursts is discussed. Results on water and methane interactions with coal substance, which provide insight into the dynamic characteristics of boundary water, the location of methane in coal structure, and water and methane's hazard implications for coal beds (gas- or geodynamic phenomena) are presented; these are shown to have potential for predicting and preventing life threatening situations.

The history of the origination of Einstein's hypothesis of light quanta is described. Reviewed is the arduous route of development of this hypothesis, which received ample recognition after the discovery of the photon.

On 22 November 1955, the Semipalatinsk test site saw the test of the first domestic two-stage thermonuclear RDS-37 charge. The charge operation was based on the principle of radiation implosion. The kernel of the principle consists in the radiation generated in a primary A-bomb explosion and confined by the radiation-opaque casing propagating throughout the interior casing volume and flowing around the secondary thermonuclear unit. The secondary unit experiences a strong compression under the irradiation, with a resulting nuclear and thermonuclear explosion. The RDS-37 explosion was the strongest of all those ever realized at the Semipalatinsk test site. It produced an indelible impression on the participants in the test. This document-based paper describes the genesis of the ideas underlying the RDS-37 design and reflects the critical moments in its development. The advent of RDS-37 was an outstanding accomplishment of the scientists and engineers of our country.