A Malmquist-Yosida type of theorem for the second-order algebraic differential equations (Q1864648)

The classical Malmquist theorem tells that, whenever \(R(z,f)\) is a birational function, and a differential equation \(f'=R(z,f)\) admits a transcendental meromorphic solution in the complex plane, then the equation reduces to a Riccati differential equation \(f'=a_{0}(z)+a_{1}(z)f+a_{2}f^{2}\) with rational coefficients. The corresponding second order result remains open. However, there are several indications towards the validity of the following conjecture: If \(f''=R(z,f,f')\), where \(R(z,f,f')\) is rational in all three arguments, admits a transcendental meromorphic solution, then the equation reduces to \(f''=L(z,f)(f')^{2}+M(z,f)f'+N(z,f)\), where \(L,M,N\) are birational functions. For partial results of this type, see, e.g., \textit{N. Steinmetz} [Complex Variables, Theory Appl. 13, 75-83 (1989; Zbl 0692.30022)] and \textit{K. Ishizaki} [Tôhoku Math. J., II. Ser. 44, 305-325 (1992; Zbl 0764.34002) and Result. Math. 24, 97-118 (1993; Zbl 0787.34011)]. The present paper offers a proof for the claim of the conjecture under the stronger asumption that \(f''=R(z,f,f')\) admits a meromorphic solution of infinite order. The proof essentially relies on a known variant of the \textit{L. Zalcman} lemma [Bull. Am. Math. Soc., New Ser. 35, 215-230 (1998; Zbl 1037.30021)], and to a method of estimating derivatives of meromorphic functions, see \textit{G. Barsegian} [J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 34(2), 534-540 (1986; Zbl 0608.30034)]. Unfortunately, in the opinion of the reviewer, the ideas of the proof cannot be applied to prove the full contents of the conjecture above. Finally, we remark that Theorem B in the paper, accredited to N. Steinmetz, is actually due to \textit{K. Yosida} [Jap. J. Math. 9, 253-256 (1933; Zbl 0007.12002)], while \textit{N. Steinmetz} listed in his dissertation[Eigenschaften eindeutiger Lösungen gewöhnlicher Differentialgleichungen im Komplexen. Fakultät für Mathematik der Universität Karlsruhe (1978; Zbl 0427.34008)] all possible forms of \(R(z,f)\) which may appear in Theorem B.