Editing to a Graph of Given Degrees

We consider the Editing to a Graph of Given Degrees problem that asks for a graph G, non-negative integers d,k and a function \delta:V(G)->{1,...,d}, whether it is possible to obtain a graph G' from G such that the degree of v is \delta(v) for any vertex v by at most k vertex or edge deletions or edge additions. We construct an FPT-algorithm for Editing to a Graph of Given Degrees parameterized by d+k. We complement this result by showing that the problem has no polynomial kernel unless NP\subseteq coNP/poly

Closed-String Tachyon Condensation and the Worldsheet Super-Higgs Effect

Alternative gauge choices for worldsheet supersymmetry can elucidate dynamical phenomena obscured in the usual superconformal gauge. In the particular example of the tachyonic $E_8$ heterotic string, we use a judicious gauge choice to show that the process of closed-string tachyon condensation can be understood in terms of a worldsheet super-Higgs effect. The worldsheet gravitino assimilates the goldstino and becomes a dynamical propagating field. Conformal, but not superconformal, invariance is maintained throughout.Comment: 4 pages; v2: typos corrected, a reference added; v3: final version, to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett. (abstract and intro modified for a broader audience

Code loops in dimension at most 8

Code loops are certain Moufang $2$-loops constructed from doubly even binary codes that play an important role in the construction of local subgroups of sporadic groups. More precisely, code loops are central extensions of the group of order $2$ by an elementary abelian $2$-group $V$ in the variety of loops such that their squaring map, commutator map and associator map are related by combinatorial polarization and the associator map is a trilinear alternating form. Using existing classifications of trilinear alternating forms over the field of $2$ elements, we enumerate code loops of dimension $d=\mathrm{dim}(V)\le 8$ (equivalently, of order $2^{d+1}\le 512$) up to isomorphism. There are $767$ code loops of order $128$, and $80826$ of order $256$, and $937791557$ of order $512$