The parameterized space complexity of model-checking bounded variable first-order logic

The parameterized model-checking problem for a class of first-order sentences (queries) asks to decide whether a given sentence from the class holds true in a given relational structure (database); the parameter is the length of the sentence. We study the parameterized space complexity of the model-checking problem for queries with a bounded number of variables. For each bound on the quantifier alternation rank the problem becomes complete for the corresponding level of what we call the tree hierarchy, a hierarchy of parameterized complexity classes defined via space bounded alternating machines between parameterized logarithmic space and fixed-parameter tractable time. We observe that a parameterized logarithmic space model-checker for existential bounded variable queries would allow to improve Savitch's classical simulation of nondeterministic logarithmic space in deterministic space $O(\log^2n)$. Further, we define a highly space efficient model-checker for queries with a bounded number of variables and bounded quantifier alternation rank. We study its optimality under the assumption that Savitch's Theorem is optimal

An Algebraic Preservation Theorem for Aleph-Zero Categorical Quantified Constraint Satisfaction

We prove an algebraic preservation theorem for positive Horn definability in aleph-zero categorical structures. In particular, we define and study a construction which we call the periodic power of a structure, and define a periomorphism of a structure to be a homomorphism from the periodic power of the structure to the structure itself. Our preservation theorem states that, over an aleph-zero categorical structure, a relation is positive Horn definable if and only if it is preserved by all periomorphisms of the structure. We give applications of this theorem, including a new proof of the known complexity classification of quantified constraint satisfaction on equality templates

Matrix Boussinesq solitons and their tropical limit

We study soliton solutions of matrix "good" Boussinesq equations, generated via a binary Darboux transformation. Essential features of these solutions are revealed via their "tropical limit", as exploited in previous work about the KP equation. This limit associates a point particle interaction picture with a soliton (wave) solution.Comment: 24 pages, 11 figures, second version: some minor amendment

Non-isospectral extension of the Volterra lattice hierarchy, and Hankel determinants

For the first two equations of the Volterra lattice hierarchy and the first two equations of its non-autonomous (non-isospectral) extension, we present Riccati systems for functions c_j(t), j=0,1,..., such that an expression in terms of Hankel determinants built from them solves these equations on the right half of the lattice. This actually achieves a complete linearization of these equations of the extended Volterra lattice hierarchy.Comment: 31 pages, 3rd version: introduction extended, part of Section 2 moved there, Appendix D added, additional references, to appear in Nonlinearit

Generalised parton distributions of the pion in partially-quenched chiral perturbation theory

We consider the pion matrix elements of the isoscalar and isovector combinations of the vector and tensor twist-two operators that determine the moments of the various pion generalised parton distributions. Our analysis is performed using partially-quenched chiral perturbation theory. We work in the SU(2) and SU(4|2) theories and present our results at infinite volume and also at finite volume where some subtleties arise. These results are useful for extrapolations of lattice calculations of these matrix elements at small momentum transfer to the physical regime.Comment: 15 page

Deeply virtual Compton scattering beyond next-to-leading order: the flavor singlet case

We study radiative corrections to deeply virtual Compton scattering in the kinematics of HERA collider experiments to next--to--leading and next--to--next--to--leading order. In the latter case the radiative corrections are evaluated in a special scheme that allows us to employ the predictive power of conformal symmetry. As observed before, the size of next--to--leading order corrections strongly depends on the gluonic input, as gluons start to contribute at this order. Beyond next--to--leading order we find, in contrast, that the corrections for an input scale of few GeV^2 are small enough to justify the uses of perturbation theory. For $\xi > 5 10^{-3}$ the modification of the scale dependence is also small. However, with decreasing $\xi$ it becomes moderate or even large, in particular for the phase.Comment: 17 pages, 2 figure

Field theoretic study of bilayer membrane fusion: I. Hemifusion mechanism

Self-consistent field theory is used to determine structural and energetic properties of metastable intermediates and unstable transition states involved in the standard stalk mechanism of bilayer membrane fusion. A microscopic model of flexible amphiphilic chains dissolved in hydrophilic solvent is employed to describe these self-assembled structures. We find that the barrier to formation of the initial stalk is much smaller than previously estimated by phenomenological theories. Therefore its creation it is not the rate limiting process. The barrier which is relevant is associated with the rather limited radial expansion of the stalk into a hemifusion diaphragm. It is strongly affected by the architecture of the amphiphile, decreasing as the effective spontaneous curvature of the amphiphile is made more negative. It is also reduced when the tension is increased. At high tension the fusion pore, created when a hole forms in the hemifusion diaphragm, expands without bound. At very low membrane tension, small fusion pores can be trapped in a flickering metastable state. Successful fusion is severely limited by the architecture of the lipids. If the effective spontaneous curvature is not sufficiently negative, fusion does not occur because metastable stalks, whose existence is a seemingly necessary prerequisite, do not form at all. However if the spontaneous curvature is too negative, stalks are so stable that fusion does not occur because the system is unstable either to a phase of stable radial stalks, or to an inverted-hexagonal phase induced by stable linear stalks. Our results on the architecture and tension needed for successful fusion are summarized in a phase diagram.Comment: in press, Biophys.J. accepted versio