New upper bounds on sphere packings II

We continue the study of the linear programming bounds for sphere packing introduced by Cohn and Elkies. We use theta series to give another proof of the principal theorem, and present some related results and conjectures.Comment: Published by Geometry and Topology at http://www.maths.warwick.ac.uk/gt/GTVol6/paper10.abs.htm

Generalized Widder Theorem via fractional moments

We provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the representability of a function as the classical multidimensional Laplace transform, when the support of the representing measure is contained in some generalized semi-algebraic set. This is done by employing a method of Putinar and Vasilescu [Putinar, M. and Vasilescu, F.-H., Solving moment problems by dimensional extension, Ann. of Math. (2) 149 (1999), no. 3, 1087-1107] for the corresponding multidimensional moment problem.Comment: Differs slightly from the final (published) versio

On the existence of quantum representations for two dichotomic measurements

Under which conditions do outcome probabilities of measurements possess a quantum-mechanical model? This kind of problem is solved here for the case of two dichotomic von Neumann measurements which can be applied repeatedly to a quantum system with trivial dynamics. The solution uses methods from the theory of operator algebras and the theory of moment problems. The ensuing conditions reveal surprisingly simple relations between certain quantum-mechanical probabilities. It also shown that generally, none of these relations holds in general probabilistic models. This result might facilitate further experimental discrimination between quantum mechanics and other general probabilistic theories.Comment: 16+7 pages, presentation improved and minor errors correcte

Real-variables characterization of generalized Stieltjes functions

We obtain a characterization of generalized Stieltjes functions of any order \lambda > 0 in terms of inequalities for their derivatives on (0,\infty). When \lambda=1, this provides a new and simple proof of a characterization of Stieltjes functions first obtained by Widder in 1938.Comment: LaTeX2e, 9 pages. Version 2 contains some improvements in the exposition suggested by a referee. To be published in Expositiones Mathematica

Deleuze and Guattari’s ‘War Machine’ as a Critique of Hegel’s Political Philosophy

AbstractThis paper elaborates Deleuze and Guattari’s ‘war machine’ in relation to key theses in Hegel’s political philosophy, with the aim of showing how it illuminates the conditions under which politics and political institutions as Hegel understands them both emerge and are compromised. After first introducing the idea of the war machine and its appropriation by discussing it in relation to Carl Schmitt’s theory of partisan warfare, it examines both the war machine and Hegel’s theory of the State by way of a focus on Hegel’s discussions of drive (Trieb) and semblance (Schein). Regarding the first, the paper explores how both Hegel and Deleuze and Guattari conceive of social structure in terms of a structure of drives even while they differ in their understandings of the drives in relation to desire and subjectivity. Regarding the second, the paper explores how moments of semblance identified by Hegel as he develops his system of Right reveal points where the war machine can emerge from within State structures. The paper argues that the war machine concept challenges understandings of politics built on friend/enemy antagonisms and the use of external conflict to secure internal unity, the former being Schmitt’s explicit political project and the second being the place at which Hegel’s project ultimately finds itself when it fails to secure the rational structure of Ethical Life.</jats:p

Living Whole Without a Better Half

An unabashed celebration of the wholeness of single life lived within the will of God. Using the lessons of Bible characters, the author shows singles how to find abundance in life instead of letting it slip away while waiting for marriage.https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/alum_books/1215/thumbnail.jp

A Match Made in Heaven: How Singles and the Church Can Live Happily Ever After

Singles and the church may seem to go together like a grilled steak at a vegetarian party but God has a radically different plan . . . one where everyone truly belongs in the family of God.https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/alum_books/1216/thumbnail.jp

Aesthetics of Autonomy: Ricoeur and Sartre on Emancipation, Authenticity, and Selfhood

A book review of Farhang Erfani, Aesthetics of Autonomy: Ricoeur and Sartre on Emancipation, Authenticity, and Selfhood (Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2011)