When Can Matrix Query Languages Discern Matrices?

We investigate when two graphs, represented by their adjacency matrices, can be distinguished by means of sentences formed in MATLANG, a matrix query language which supports a number of elementary linear algebra operators. When undirected graphs are concerned, and hence the adjacency matrices are real and symmetric, precise characterisations are in place when two graphs (i.e., their adjacency matrices) can be distinguished. Turning to directed graphs, one has to deal with asymmetric adjacency matrices. This complicates matters. Indeed, it requires to understand the more general problem of when two arbitrary matrices can be distinguished in MATLANG. We provide characterisations of the distinguishing power of MATLANG on real and complex matrices, and on adjacency matrices of directed graphs in particular. The proof techniques are a combination of insights from the symmetric matrix case and results from linear algebra and linear control theory

Hadron yields and the phase diagram of strongly interacting matter

This paper presents a brief review of the interpretation of measurements of hadron yields in hadronic interactions within the framework of thermal models, over a broad energy range (from SIS to LHC energies, $\sqrt{s_{NN}} \simeq$ 2.5 GeV -- 5 TeV). Recent experimental results and theoretical developments are reported, with an emphasis on topics discussed during the Quark Matter 2014 conference.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, Proceedings of the XXIV International Conference On Ultrarelativistic Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions (Quark Matter 2014). Accepted by NPA. Corrected label in figs. 2, 3,

Inductive approach to effective b-semiampleness

It has been conjectured by Prokhorov and Shokurov that the moduli part in the canonical bundle formula is effectively b-semiample. In this work we reduce this conjecture to the case where the base of the fibration has dimension one. Moreover, in the case where the moduli part M is numerically trivial, we prove the existence of an integer m, that depends only on the middle Betti number of a canonical covering of the fibre, such that mM is linearly equivalent to the trivial bundle.Comment: 20 page

The first results from the Herschel-HIFI mission

This paper contains a summary of the results from the first years of observations with the HIFI instrument onboard ESA's Herschel space observatory. The paper starts by outlining the goals and possibilities of far-infrared and submillimeter astronomy, the limitations of the Earth's atmosphere, and the scientific scope of the Herschel-HIFI mission. The presentation of science results from the mission follows the life cycle of gas in galaxies as grouped into five themes: Structure of the interstellar medium, First steps in interstellar chemistry, Formation of stars and planets, Solar system results and Evolved stellar envelopes. The HIFI observations paint a picture where the interstellar medium in galaxies has a mixed, rather than a layered structure; the same conclusion may hold for protoplanetary disks. In addition, the HIFI data show that exchange of matter between comets and asteroids with planets and moons plays a large role. The paper concludes with an outlook to future instrumentation in the far-infrared and submillimeter wavelength ranges.Comment: Invited review paper to appear in Advances of Space Research; 32 pages, 9 figures. See http://www.sron.rug.nl/~vdtak/adspres.pdf for a 14-page journal-style versio