Table of contents

The current status of research on the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and composites containing them is reviewed. The structural features of CNTs determining their mechanical characteristics are considered. The applicability of the concepts of classical mechanics for describing the behavior of nanometer-sized objects is analyzed. The results of experimental investigations into the mechanical characteristics of CNTs and macroscopic objects containing nanotubes are discussed. The problem of reinforcement of polymer materials as a result of inserting carbon nanostructures is reviewed. Examples showing the effective operation of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMSs) are analyzed.

Research on spatially extended excitable systems with cross-diffusion components is reviewed. Particular attention is given to the new phenomena of the quasi-soliton and half-soliton interaction of excitation waves, which are specific to such systems and occur along with the standard nonsoliton wave interaction that causes the waves to mutually annihilate. A correlation is shown to exist between interaction regimes and wave profile shapes. One example of a cross-diffusion system is population systems with taxes. Based on the mathematical models of and experimental work with bacterial populations, waves in excitable cross-diffusion systems can be identified as a new class of nonlinear waves.

The three known property-specific definitions for forward and backward waves propagating through various media and waveguides are reviewed. Criteria by which these waves can be identified according to their definitions are introduced. It is shown that in some cases using these criteria simultaneously can yield inconsistent or even opposite results. Usability conditions and ranges of applicability of these criteria and the above definitions are specified by employing the example of electromagnetic waves and waveguides.

Application of the impedance model to typical quantum-mechanical barrier problems, including those for structures with resonant electron tunneling, is discussed. The efficiency of the approach is illustrated. The physical transparency and compactness of the model and its potential as a teaching and learning tool are discussed.

A joint meeting of the Editorial Board of the Journal "Izvestiya Vuzov. Radiofizika" and the Scientific Council of the Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences dedicated to the ninetieth birthday of Vitalii Lazarevich Ginzburg was held in the Conference Hall of the Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences (Nizhnii Novgorod), on 4 October 2006. The following reports were presented at the session:

(1) Zheleznyakov V V (Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nizhnii Novgorod). "On the Nizhnii Novgorod school of Vitalii Lazarevich Ginzburg"; (2) Andronov A A (Institute of the Physics of Microstructures, Nizhnii Novgorod). "Chirality: optical rotation, the detailed balance principle, and life"; (3) Bratman V L (Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nizhnii Novgorod). "Fast moving radiators and their use in high-frequency electronics"; (4) Derishev E V, Kocharovsky V V, Kocharovsky Vl V (Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nizhnii Novgorod). "Cosmic accelerators for ultrahighenergy particles"; (5) Frolov V L, Bakhmet'eva N V, Belikovich V V, Komrakov G P (Scientific-Research Radiophysical Institute (NIFRI) Federal State Scientific Organization, Nizhnii Novgorod), Vertogradov G G, Vertogradov V G (Rostov State University, Rostov-on-Don), Kotik D S, Mityakov N A, Polyakov S V, Rapoport V O, Sergeev E N (NIFRI, Nizhnii Novgorod), Tereshchenko E D (Polar Geophysical Institute of the Kola Science Center, Russian Academy of Sciences (PGI KSC RAS), Murmansk), Tolmacheva A V, Uryadov V P (NIFRI, Nizhnii Novgorod), Khudukon B Z (PGI KSC RAS, Murmansk). "Modification of the earth's ionosphere by high-power high-frequency radio waves."

A brief presentation of reports 2 — 5 is given below. • Chirality: optical rotation, the detailed balance principle, and life, A A Andronov Physics-Uspekhi, 2007, Volume 50, Number 3, • Fast moving radiators and their use in high-frequency electronics , V L Bratman Physics-Uspekhi, 2007, Volume 50, Number 3, • Cosmic accelerators for ultrahigh-energy particles , E V Derishev, V V Kocharovsky, V V Kocharovsky Physics-Uspekhi, 2007, Volume 50, Number 3, • Modification of the earth's ionosphere by high-power high-frequency radio waves , V L Frolov, N V Bakhmet'eva, V V Belikovich, G G Vertogradov, V G Vertogradov, G P Komrakov, D S Kotik, N A Mityakov, S V Polyakov, V O Rapoport, E N Sergeev, E D Tereshchenko, A V Tolmacheva, V P Uryadov, B Z Khudukon Physics-Uspekhi, 2007, Volume 50, Number 3,