We show how two topologically distinct spaces-the Kahler K3 x T^ 2 and the non-Kahler T^ 2 bundle over K3-can be smoothly connected in heterotic string theory. The transition occurs when the base K3 is deformed to the T^ 4/Z_2 orbifold limit. The orbifold theory can be mapped via duality to M-theory on K3 x K3 where the transition corresponds to an exchange of the two K3's.

We survey the theory of complex manifolds that are related to Riemann surface, Hodge theory, Chern class, Kodaira embedding and HirzebruchRiemannRoch, and some modern development of uniformization theorems, KhlerEinstein metric and the theory of DonaldsonUhlenbeckYau on Hermitian YangMills connections. We emphasize mathematical ideas related to physics. At the end, we identify possible future research directions and raise some important open questions.

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Let X be a smooth complex projective variety. Using a construction devised by Gathmann, we present a recursive formula for some of the Gromov–Witten invariants of X. We prove that, when X is homogeneous, this formula gives the number of osculating rational curves at a general point of a general hypersurface of X. This generalizes the classical well known pairs of inflection (asymptotic) lines for surfaces in P^3 of Salmon, as well as Darboux’s 27 osculating conics.

In this note we derive some consequences from the Mario-Vafa formula and the cut-and-join equation, these include unified simple proofs of the \lambda_g conjecture and some other Hodge integral identities. We also describe a proof of the ELSV formula relating Hurwitz numbers and Hodge integrals by using the cut-and-join equation, following our proof of the Mario-Vafa formula.