On the etale cohomology of algebraic varieties with totally degenerate reduction over p-adic fields

Let K be a finite extension of Q_p and X a smooth projective variety over K. We define the notion of totally degenerate reduction of such an X and the associated Chow complexes of the special fibre of a suitable regular proper model of X over the ring of integers of K. If X has such reduction, we then show that for all l, the Q_l-adic etale cohomology of X has a filtration whose graded quotients are isomorphic, as Galois modules, to the tensor product of a finite dimensional Q-vector space (with a finite unramified action of Galois) with twists of Q_l by the cyclotomic character.Comment: 29 pages This and math.AG/0601401 replace math.AG/030612

Some determinants of path generating functions

We evaluate four families of determinants of matrices, where the entries are sums or differences of generating functions for paths consisting of up-steps, down-steps and level steps. By specialisation, these determinant evaluations have numerous corollaries. In particular, they cover numerous determinant evaluations of combinatorial numbers - most notably of Catalan, ballot, and of Motzkin numbers - that appeared previously in the literature.Comment: 35 pages, AmS-TeX; minor corrections; final version to appear in Adv. Appl. Mat

Differential Galois Approach to the Non-integrability of the Heavy Top Problem

We study integrability of the Euler-Poisson equations describing the motion of a rigid body with one fixed point in a constant gravity field. Using the Morales-Ramis theory and tools of differential algebra we prove that a symmetric heavy top is integrable only in the classical cases of Euler, Lagrange, and Kovalevskaya and is partially integrable only in the Goryachev-Chaplygin case. Our proof is alternative to that given by Ziglin ({\em Funktsional. Anal. i Prilozhen.}, 17(1):8--23, 1983; {\em Funktsional. Anal. i Prilozhen.}, 31(1):3--11, 95, 1997).Comment: 31 pages, 1 figur

Maharam's problem

We construct an exhaustive submeasure that is not equivalent to a measure. This solves problems of J. von Neumann (1937) and D. Maharam (1947)

Perfect countably infinite Steiner triple systems

We use a free construction to prove the existence of perfect Steiner triple systems on a countably infinite point set. We use a specific countably infinite family of partial Steiner triple systems to start the construction, thus yielding 2ℵ0 non-isomorphic perfect systems

Thermal evolution and structure models of the transiting super-Earth GJ 1214b

The planet GJ 1214b is the second known super-Earth with a measured mass and radius. Orbiting a quiet M-star, it receives considerably less mass-loss driving X-ray and UV radiation than CoRoT-7b, so that the interior may be quite dissimilar in composition, including the possibility of a large fraction of water. We model the interior of GJ 1214b assuming a two-layer (envelope+rock core) structure where the envelope material is either H/He, pure water, or a mixture of H/He and H2O. Within this framework we perform models of the thermal evolution and contraction of the planet. We discuss possible compositions that are consistent with Mp=6.55 ME, Rp=2.678 RE, an age tau=3-10 Gyr, and the irradiation level of the atmosphere. These conditions require that if water exists in the interior, it must remain in a fluid state, with important consequences for magnetic field generation. These conditions also require the atmosphere to have a deep isothermal region extending down to 80-800 bar, depending on composition. Our results bolster the suggestion of a metal-enriched H/He atmosphere for the planet, as we find water-world models that lack an H/He atmosphere to require an implausibly large water-to-rock ratio of more than 6:1. We instead favor a H/He/H2O envelope with high water mass fraction (~0.5-0.85), similar to recent models of the deep envelope of Uranus and Neptune. Even with these high water mass fractions in the H/He envelope, generally the bulk composition of the planet can have subsolar water:rock ratios. Dry, water-enriched, and pure water envelope models differ to an observationally significant level in their tidal Love numbers k2 of respectively ~0.018, 0.15, and 0.7.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figures, 1 table, accepted to Ap

Microscopic Investigation of Vortex Breakdown in a Dividing T-Junction Flow

3D-printed microfluidic devices offer new ways to study fluid dynamics. We present the first clear visualization of vortex breakdown in a dividing T-junction flow. By individual control of the inflow and two outflows, we decouple the effects of swirl and rate of vorticity decay. We show that even slight outflow imbalances can greatly alter the structure of vortex breakdown, by creating a net pressure difference across the junction. Our results are summarized in a dimensionless phase diagram, which will guide the use of vortex breakdown in T-junctions to achieve specific flow manipulation.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

Regular graphs with four eigenvalues

AbstractWe study the connected regular graphs with four distinct eigenvalues. Properties and feasibility conditions of the eigenvalues are found. Several examples, constructions and characterizations are given, as well as some uniqueness and nonexistence results

Liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen boost/vane pump for the advanced orbit transfer vehicles auxiliary propulsion system

A rotating, positive displacement vane pump with an integral boost stage was designed to pump saturated liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen for auxiliary propulsion system of orbit transfer vehicle. This unit is designed to ingest 10% vapor by volume, contamination free liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The final pump configuration and the predicted performance are included

Making productive use of exemplars: Peer discussion and teacher guidance for positive transfer of strategies

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