Schubert patches degenerate to subword complexes

Abstract: We study the intersections of general Schubert varieties X_w with permuted big cells, and give an inductive degeneration of each such "Schubert patch" to a Stanley-Reisner scheme. Similar results had been known for Schubert patches in various types of Grassmannians. We maintain reducedness using the results of [Knutson 2007] on automatically reduced degenerations, or through more standard cohomology-vanishing arguments. The underlying simplicial complex of the Stanley-Reisner scheme is a subword complex, as introduced for slightly different purposes in [Knutson-Miller 2004], and is homeomorphic to a ball. This gives a new proof of the Andersen-Jantzen-Soergel/Billey and Graham/Willems formulae for restrictions of equivariant Schubert classes to fixed points.


A note on the Compound Burgers-Korteweg-de Vries Equation with higher-order nonlinearities and its traveling solitary waves

Abstract: In this paper, we study a compound Korteweg-de Vries-Burgers equation with a higher-order nonlinearity. A class of solitary wave solutions is obtained by means of a series expansion.


Reconstructing the geometric structure of a Riemannian symmetric space from its Satake diagram

Abstract: The local geometry of a Riemannian symmetric space is described completely by the Riemannian metric and the Riemannian curvature tensor of the space. In the present article I describe how to compute these tensors for any Riemannian symmetric space from the Satake diagram, in a way that is suited for the use with computer algebra systems. As an example application, the totally geodesic submanifolds of the Riemannian symmetric space SU(3)/SO(3) are classified. The submission also contains an example implementation of the algorithms and formulas of the paper as a package for Maple 10, the technical documentation for this implementation, and a worksheet carrying out the computations for the space SU(3)/SO(3) used in the proof of Proposition 6.1 of the paper.


Causality, Modality and Explanation

Abstract: We present a sequent calculus system for a modal reformulation of a system of nonmonotonic logic due to McCain and Turner: we prove cut elimination for our system. The proof system is in general infinitary: because we can prove cut elimination, many applications need, in practice, only the application of finitary rules. Consequently, nonmonotonic logic is, in many cases, much less scary than it might seem to be a priori. We derive from this a critique of Fodor's philosophical worries about the nonmonotonicity of human reasoning.


Characteristic cycles of standard modules for the rational Cherednik algebra of type Z/lZ

Abstract: We study the representation theory of the rational Cherednik algebra $H_\kappa = H_\kappa({\mathbb Z}_l)$ for the cyclic group ${\mathbb Z}_l = {\mathbb Z} / l {\mathbb Z}$ and its connection with the geometry of the quiver variety $M_\theta(\delta)$ of type $A_{l-1}^{(1)}$. We consider a functor between the categories of $H_\kappa$-modules with different parameters, called the shift functor, and give the condition when it is an equivalence of categories. We also consider a functor from the category of $H_\kappa$-modules with good filtration to the category of coherent sheaves on $M_\theta(\delta)$. We prove that the image of the regular representation of $H_\kappa$ by this functor is the tautological bundle on $M_\theta(\delta)$. As a corollary, we determine the characteristic cycles of the standard modules. It gives an affirmative answer to a conjecture given in [Gordon, arXiv:math/0703150v1] in the case of ${\mathbb Z}_l$.


Continuous biorthogonality of the elliptic hypergeometric function

Abstract: We construct a family of continuous biorthogonal functions related to an elliptic analogue of the Gauss hypergeometric function. The key tools used for that are the elliptic beta integral and the integral Bailey chain introduced earlier by the author. Relations to the Sklyanin algebra and elliptic analogues of the Faddeev modular double are discussed in detail.


Plane Jacobian problem for rational polynomials

Abstract: This paper has been withdrawn by the author due to a crucial error in the last lines in the proof of Lemma 3.3.


Divergence in lattices in semisimple Lie groups and graphs of groups

Abstract: Divergence functions of a metric space estimate the length of a path connecting two points $A$, $B$ at distance $\le n$ avoiding a large enough ball around a third point $C$. We characterize groups with non-linear divergence functions as groups having cut-points in their asymptotic cones. By Olshanskii-Osin-Sapir, that property is weaker than the property of having Morse (rank 1) quasi-geodesics. Using our characterization of Morse quasi-geodesics, we give a new proof of the theorem of Farb-Kaimanovich-Masur that states that mapping class groups cannot contain copies of irreducible lattices in semi-simple Lie groups of higher ranks. It also gives a generalization of the result of Birman-Lubotzky-McCarthy about solvable subgroups of mapping class groups not covered by the Tits alternative of Ivanov and McCarthy. We show that any group acting acylindrically on a simplicial tree or a locally compact hyperbolic graph always has "many" periodic Morse quasi-geodesics (i.e. Morse elements), so its divergence functions are never linear. We also show that the same result holds in many cases when the hyperbolic graph satisfies Bowditch's properties that are weaker than local compactness. This gives a new proof of Behrstock's result that every pseudo-Anosov element in a mapping class group is Morse. On the other hand, we conjecture that lattices in semi-simple Lie groups of higher rank always have linear divergence. We prove it in the case when the $\mathbb{Q}$-rank is 1 and when the lattice is $SL_n(\mathcal{O}_S)$ where $n\ge 3$, $S$ is a finite set of valuations of a number field $K$ including all infinite valuations, and $\mathcal{O}_S$ is the corresponding ring of $S$-integers.


Lie bialgebra structures on the $W$-algebra W(2,2)

Abstract: Verma modules over the $W$-algebra W(2,2) were considered by Zhang and Dong, while the Harish-Chandra modules and irreducible weight modules over the same algebra were classified by Liu and Zhu etc. In the present paper we shall investigate the Lie bialgebra structures on the referred algebra, which are shown to be triangular coboundary.


From Laplacian Transport to Dirichlet-to-Neumann (Gibbs) Semigroups

Abstract: The paper gives a short account of some basic properties of \textit{Dirichlet-to-Neumann} operators $\Lambda_{\gamma,\partial\Omega}$ including the corresponding semigroups motivated by the Laplacian transport in anisotropic media ($\gamma \neq I$) and by elliptic systems with dynamical boundary conditions. For illustration of these notions and the properties we use the explicitly constructed \textit{Lax semigroups}. We demonstrate that for a general smooth bounded convex domain $\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^d$ the corresponding {Dirichlet-to-Neumann} semigroup $\left\{U(t):= e^{-t \Lambda_{\gamma,\partial\Omega}}\right\}_{t\geq0}$ in the Hilbert space $L^2(\partial \Omega)$ belongs to the \textit{trace-norm} von Neumann-Schatten ideal for any $t>0$. This means that it is in fact an \textit{immediate Gibbs} semigroup. Recently Emamirad and Laadnani have constructed a \textit{Trotter-Kato-Chernoff} product-type approximating family $\left\{(V_{\gamma, \partial\Omega}(t/n))^n \right\}_{n \geq 1}$ \textit{strongly} converging to the semigroup $U(t)$ for $n\to\infty$. We conclude the paper by discussion of a conjecture about convergence of the \textit{Emamirad-Laadnani approximantes} in the the {\textit{trace-norm}} topology.


Goodness of fit test for small diffusions by discrete observations

Abstract: We consider a nonparametric goodness of fit test problem for the drift coefficient of one-dimensional small diffusions. Our test is based on discrete observation of the processes, and the diffusion coefficient is a nuisance function which is estimated in our testing procedure. We prove that the limit distribution of our test is the supremum of the standard Brownian motion, and thus our test is asymptotically distribution free. We also show that our test is consistent under any fixed alternatives.


Critical percolation of virtually free groups and other tree-like graphs

Abstract: This article presents a method for finding the critical probability $p_c$ for the Bernoulli bond percolation on graphs with the so-called tree-like structure. Such a graph can be decomposed into a tree of pieces, each of which has finitely many isomorphism classes. This class of graphs includes the Cayley graphs of amalgamated products, HNN extensions or general groups acting on trees. It also includes all transitive graphs with more than one end. The idea of the method is to find a multi-type Galton--Watson branching process (with a parameter $p$) which has finite expected population size if and only if the expected percolation cluster size is finite. This provides sufficient information about $p_c$. In particular, if the pairwise intersections of pieces are finite, then $p_c$ is the smallest positive $p$ such that $\operatorname {det}(M-1)=0$, where $M$ is the first-moment matrix of the branching process. If the pieces of the tree-like structure are finite, then $p_c$ is an algebraic number and we give an algorithm computing $p_c$ as a root of some algebraic function. We show that any Cayley graph of a virtually free group (i.e., a group acting on a tree with finite vertex stabilizers) with respect to any finite generating set has a tree-like structure with finite pieces. In particular, we show how to compute $p_c$ for the Cayley graph of a free group with respect to any finite generating set.


From combinatorics to large deviations for the invariant measures of some multiclass particle systems

Abstract: We prove large deviation principles (LDP) for the invariant measures of the multiclass totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP) and the multiclass Hammersely-Aldous-Diaconis (HAD) process on a torus. The proof is based on a combinatorial representation of the measures in terms of a \emph{collapsing procedure} introduced in \cite{A} for the 2-class TASEP and then generalized in \cite{FM1}, \cite{FM2} and \cite{FM3} to the multiclass TASEP and the multiclass HAD process. The rate functionals are written in terms of variational problems that we solve in the cases of 2-class processes.


Distribution of twisted Kloosterman sums modulo prime powers

Abstract: In this note we study Kloosterman sums twisted by a multiplicative characters modulo a prime power. We show, by an elementary calculation, that these sums become equidistributed on the real line with respect to a suitable measure.


Computational aspects and applications of a new transform for solving the complex exponentials approximation problem

Abstract: Many real life problems can be reduced to the solution of a complex exponentials approximation problem which is usually ill posed. Recently a new transform for solving this problem, formulated as a specific moments problem in the plane, has been proposed in a theoretical framework. In this work some computational issues are addressed to make this new tool useful in practice. An algorithm is developed and used to solve a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometry problem, two time series interpolation and extrapolation problems and a shape from moments problem.


Sobolev of the Euler School

Abstract: This is a short overview of the origins of distribution theory as well as the life of Sergei Sobolev (1908--1989) and his contribution to the formation of the modern outlook of mathematics.


Lectures on Stability and Constant Scalar Curvature

Abstract: An introduction is provided to some current research trends in stability in geometric invariant theory and the problem of Kaehler metrics of constant scalar curvature. Besides classical notions such as Chow-Mumford stability, the emphasis is on several new stability conditions, such as K-stability, Donaldson's infinite-dimensional GIT, and conditions on the closure of orbits of almost-complex structures under the diffeomorphism group. Related analytic methods are also discussed, including estimates for energy functionals, Tian-Yau-Zelditch approximations, estimates for moment maps, complex Monge-Ampere equations and pluripotential theory, and the Kaehler-Ricci flow


Symmetric and Asymptotically Symmetric Permutations

Abstract: We consider two related problems arising from a question of R. Graham on quasirandom phenomena in permutation patterns. A ``pattern'' in a permutation $\sigma$ is the order type of the restriction of $\sigma : [n] \to [n]$ to a subset $S \subset [n]$. First, is it possible for the pattern counts in a permutation to be exactly equal to their expected values under a uniform distribution? Attempts to address this question lead naturally to an interesting number theoretic problem: when does $k!$ divide $\binom{n}{k}$? Second, if the tensor product of a permutation with large random permutations is random-like in its pattern counts, what must the pattern counts of the original permutation be? A recursive formula is proved which uses a certain permutation ``contraction.''


On the inheriting of the property $C_\pi$ by some normal subgroups

Abstract: In the paper we prove that the Hall property $C_\pi$ is inherited by normal subgroups which index is a $\pi'$-number.


Multivariate Meta-Analysis: Contributions of Ingram Olkin

Abstract: The research on meta-analysis and particularly multivariate meta-analysis has been greatly influenced by the work of Ingram Olkin. This paper documents Olkin's contributions by way of citation counts and outlines several areas of contribution by Olkin and his academic descendants. An academic family tree is provided.


Experiments with moduli of quadrilaterals II

Abstract: The numerical performance of the AFEM method of K. Samuelsson is studied in the computation of moduli of quadrilaterals.


Classification of irreducible Harish-Chandra modules over the loop-Virasoro algebra

Abstract: The loop-Virasoro algebra is the Lie algebra of the tensor product of the Virasoro algebra and the Laurent polynomial algebra. This paper classifies irreducible Harish-Chandra modules over the loop-Virasoro algebra, which turn out to be highest weight modules, lowest weight modules and evaluation modules of the intermediate series (all wight spaces are 1-dimensional). As a by-product, we obtain a classification of irreducible Harish-Chandra modules over truncated Virasoro algebras. We also determine the necessary and sufficient conditions for highest weigh irreducible modules over the loop-Virasoro algebra to have all finite dimensional weight spaces, as well as the necessary and sufficient conditions for highest weigh Verma modules to be irreducible.


Johnson's homomorphisms and the Arakelov-Green function

Abstract: Let $\pi: {\mathbb C}_g \to {\mathbb M}_g$ be the universal family of compact Riemann surfaces of genus $g \geq 1$. We introduce a real-valued function on the moduli space ${\mathbb M}_g$ and compute the first and the second variations of the function. As a consequence we relate the Chern form of the relative tangent bundle $T_{{\mathbb C}_g/{\mathbb M}_g}$ induced by the Arakelov-Green function with differential forms on ${\mathbb C}_g$ induced by a flat connection whose holonomy gives Johnson's homomorphisms on the mapping class group.


Majorization: Here, There and Everywhere

Abstract: The appearance of Marshall and Olkin's 1979 book on inequalities with special emphasis on majorization generated a surge of interest in potential applications of majorization and Schur convexity in a broad spectrum of fields. After 25 years this continues to be the case. The present article presents a sampling of the diverse areas in which majorization has been found to be useful in the past 25 years.


Generalization of Jeffreys' divergence based priors for Bayesian hypothesis testing

Abstract: In this paper we introduce objective proper prior distributions for hypothesis testing and model selection based on measures of divergence between the competing models; we call them divergence based (DB) priors. DB priors have simple forms and desirable properties, like information (finite sample) consistency; often, they are similar to other existing proposals like the intrinsic priors; moreover, in normal linear models scenarios, they exactly reproduce Jeffreys-Zellner-Siow priors. Most importantly, in challenging scenarios such as irregular models and mixture models, the DB priors are well defined and very reasonable, while alternative proposals are not. We derive approximations to the DB priors as well as MCMC and asymptotic expressions for the associated Bayes factors.


A permutation model for free random variables and its classical analogue

Abstract: In this paper, we generalize a permutation model for free random variables which was first proposed by Biane in \cite{biane}. We also construct its classical probability analogue, by replacing the group of permutations with the group of subsets of a finite set endowed with the symmetric difference operation. These constructions provide new discrete approximations of the respective free and classical Wiener chaos. As a consequence, we obtain explicit examples of non random matrices which are asymptotically free or independent. The moments and the free (resp. classical) cumulants of the limiting distributions are expressed in terms of a special subset of (noncrossing) pairings. At the end of the paper we present some combinatorial applications of our results.


Solvable Subgroups of Locally Compact Groups

Abstract: It is shown that a closed solvable subgroup of a connected Lie group is compactly generated. In particular, every discrete solvable subgroup of a connected Lie group is finitely generated. Generalizations to locally compact groups are discussed as far as they carry.


Geometric approach to Ending Lamination Conjecture

Abstract: We present a new proof of the bi-Lipschitz model theorem, which occupies the main part of the Ending Lamination Conjecture proved by Minsky and Brock-Canary-Minsky. Our proof is done by using techniques of standard hyperbolic geometry as much as possible.


On instability of excited states of the nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation

Abstract: We introduce a new notion of linear stability for standing waves of the nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation (NLS) which requires not only that the spectrum of the linearization be real, but also that the generalized kernel be not degenerate and that the signature of all the positive eigenvalues be positive. We prove that excited states of the NLS are not linearly stable in this more restrictive sense. We then give a partial proof that this more restrictive notion of linear stability is a necessary condition to have orbital stability.


Analyticity and propagation of plurisubharmonic singularities

Abstract: A variant of Siu's analyticity theorem is proved for relative types of plurisubharmonic functions. Some results on propagation of plurisubharmonic singularities and maximality of pluricomplex Green functions with analytic singularities are derived.


Relaxation rate, diffusion approximation and Fick's law for inelastic scattering Boltzmann models

Abstract: We consider the linear dissipative Boltzmann equation describing inelastic interactions of particles with a fixed background. For the simplified model of Maxwell molecules first, we give a complete spectral analysis, and deduce from it the optimal rate of exponential convergence to equilibrium. Moreover we show the convergence to the heat equation in the diffusive limit and compute explicitely the diffusivity. Then for the physical model of hard spheres we use a suitable entropy functional for which we prove explicit inequality between the relative entropy and the production of entropy to get exponential convergence to equilibrium with explicit rate. The proof is based on inequalities between the entropy production functional for hard spheres and Maxwell molecules. Mathematical proof of the convergence to some heat equation in the diffusive limit is also given. From the last two points we deduce the first explicit estimates on the diffusive coefficient in the Fick's law for (inelastic hard-spheres) dissipative gases.


A Gr\"obner basis proof of the flat extension theorem for moment matrices

Abstract: This paper has been withdrawn by the author since $U$ in Lemma 2 is in general not a subspace.


On non-formality of a simply-connected symplectic 8-manifold

Abstract: We show an alternative construction of the first example of a simply-connected compact symplectic non-formal 8-manifold given in arXiv:math/0506449. We also give an alternative proof of its non-formality using higher order Massey products.


Inclusions and positive cones of von Neumann algebras

Abstract: We consider cones in a Hilbert space associated to two von Neumann algebras and determine when one algebra is included in the other. If a cone is assocated to a von Neumann algebra, the Jordan structure is naturally recovered from it and we can characterize projections of the given von Neumann algebra with the structure in some special situations.


Lower bounds for transition probabilities on graphs

Abstract: The paper presents two results. The first one provides separate conditions for the upper and lower estimate of the distribution of the exit time from balls of a random walk on a weighted graph. The main result of the paper is that the lower estimate follows from the elliptic Harnack inequality. The second result is an off-diagonal lower bound for the transition probability of the random walk.


A.-M. Guerry's Moral Statistics of France: Challenges for Multivariable Spatial Analysis

Abstract: Andr\'{e}-Michel Guerry's (1833) Essai sur la Statistique Morale de la France was one of the foundation studies of modern social science. Guerry assembled data on crimes, suicides, literacy and other ``moral statistics,'' and used tables and maps to analyze a variety of social issues in perhaps the first comprehensive study relating such variables. Indeed, the Essai may be considered the book that launched modern empirical social science, for the questions raised and the methods Guerry developed to try to answer them. Guerry's data consist of a large number of variables recorded for each of the d\'{e}partments of France in the 1820--1830s and therefore involve both multivariate and geographical aspects. In addition to historical interest, these data provide the opportunity to ask how modern methods of statistics, graphics, thematic cartography and geovisualization can shed further light on the questions he raised. We present a variety of methods attempting to address Guerry's challenge for multivariate spatial statistics.


Iterates of the Schur class operator-valued function and their conservative realizations

Abstract: Let $\mathfrak M$ and $\mathfrak N$ be separable Hilbert spaces and let $\Theta(\lambda)$ be a function from the Schur class ${\bf S}(\mathfrak M,\mathfrak N)$ of contractive functions holomorphic on the unit disk. The operator generalization of the classical Schur algorithm associates with $\Theta$ the sequence of contractions (the Schur parameters of $\Theta$) $\Gamma_0=\Theta(0)\in \bL(\sM,\sN), \Gamma_n\in\bL(\sD_{\Gamma_{n-1}}, \sD_{\Gamma^*_{n-1}}) $ and the sequence of functions $\Theta_0 = \Theta$, $\Theta_n\in {\bf S}(\sD_{\Gamma_n},\sD_{\Gamma^*_n})$ $ n=1,...$ (the Schur iterares of $\Theta$) connected by the relations \[ \Gamma_n=\Theta_n(0), \Theta_n(\lambda) = \Gamma_n+\lambda D_{\Gamma^*_n} \Theta_{n+1}(\lambda) (I + \lambda\Gamma^*_n\Theta_{n+1} (\lambda))^{-1}D_{\Gamma_n}, |\lambda|<1. \] The function $\Theta(\lambda)\in {\bf S}(\sM,\sN)$ can be realized as the transfer function \[ \Theta(\lambda)=D+\lambda C(I-\lambda A)^{-1}B \] of a linear conservative and simple discrete-time system $\tau = {\begin{bmatrix}D & C \cr B & A\end{bmatrix}; \mathfrak M, \mathfrak N,\mathfrak H}$ with the state space $\mathfrak H$ and the input and output spaces $\mathfrak M$ and $\mathfrak N $, respectively. In this paper we give a construction of conservative and simple realizations of the Schur iterates $\Theta_n$ by means of the conservative and simple realization of $\Theta$.


Surfaces with Many Solitary Points

Abstract: It is classically known that a real cubic surface in the real projective 3-space cannot have more than one solitary point (locally given by x^2+y^2+z^2=0) whereas it can have up to four nodes (x^2+y^2-z^2=0). We show that on any surface of degree at least 3 in the real projective 3-space, the maximum possible number of solitary points is strictly smaller than the maximum possible number of nodes. Conversely, we adapt a construction of Chmutov to obtain surfaces with many solitary points by using a refined version of Brusotti's theorem. Finally, we adapt this construction to get real algebraic surfaces with many singular points of type $A_{2k-1}^\smbullet$ for all $k\ge 1$.


A general necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for singular control problems

Abstract: We consider a stochastic control problem where the set of strict (classical) controls is not necessarily convex and the the variable control has two components, the first being absolutely continuous and the second singular. The system is governed by a nonlinear stochastic differential equation, in which the absolutely continuous component of the control enters both the drift and the diffusion coefficients. By introducing a new approach, we establish necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for two models. The first concerns the relaxed-singular controls, who are a pair of processes whose first component is a measure-valued processes. The second is a particular case of the first and relates to strict-singular control problems. These results are given in the form of global stochastic maximum principle by using only the first order expansion and the associated adjoint equation. This improves and generalizes all the previous works on the maximum principle of controlled stochastic differential equations.


Complete intersections on general hypersurfaces

Abstract: We ask when certain complete intersections of codimension $r$ can lie on a generic hypersurface in $\PP^n$. We give a complete answer to this question when $2r \leq n+2$ in terms of the degrees of the hypersurfaces and of the degrees of the generators of the complete intersection.


A geometric Schur-Weyl duality for quotients of affine Hecke algebras

Abstract: After establishing a geometric Schur-Weyl duality in a general setting, we recall this duality in type A in the finite and affine case. We extend the duality in the affine case to positive parts of the affine algebras. The positive parts have nice ideals coming from geometry, allowing duality for quotients. Some of the quotients of the positive affine Hecke algebra are then identified to some cyclotomic Hecke algebras and the geometric setting allows the construction of canonical bases.


On the naturality of the exterior differential

Abstract: We give sufficient conditions for the naturallity of the exterior differential under Sobolev mappings. In other words we study the validity of the equation $d f^* \alpha = f^* d\alpha$ for a smooth form $\alpha$ and a Sobolev map $f$.


Continuous first order logic and local stability

Abstract: We develop continuous first order logic, a variant of the logic described in \cite{Chang-Keisler:ContinuousModelTheory}. We show that this logic has the same power of expression as the framework of open Hausdorff cats, and as such extends Henson's logic for Banach space structures. We conclude with the development of local stability, for which this logic is particularly well-suited.


An Improved Construction of Progression-Free Sets

Abstract: The problem of constructing dense subsets S of {1,2,..,n} that contain no arithmetic triple was introduced by Erdos and Turan in 1936. They have presented a construction with |S| = \Omega(n^{\log_3 2}) elements. Their construction was improved by Salem and Spencer, and further improved by Behrend in 1946. The lower bound of Behrend is |S| = Omega({n \over {2^{2 \sqrt{2} \sqrt{\log_2 n}} \cdot \log^{1/4} n}}). Since then the problem became one of the most central, most fundamental, and most intensively studied problems in additive number theory. Nevertheless, no improvement of the lower bound of Behrend was reported since 1946. In this paper we present a construction that improves the result of Behrend by a factor of Theta(\sqrt{\log n}), and shows that |S| = Omega({n \over {2^{2 \sqrt{2} \sqrt{\log_2 n}}}} \cdot \log^{1/4} n). In particular, our result implies that the construction of Behrend is not optimal. Our construction and proof are elementary and self-contained.


Two finiteness theorem for $(a,b)$-module

Abstract: We prove the following two results 1. For a proper holomorphic function $ f : X \to D$ of a complex manifold $X$ on a disc such that $\{df = 0 \} \subset f^{-1}(0)$, we construct, in a functorial way, for each integer $p$, a geometric (a,b)-module $E^p$ \ associated to the (filtered) Gauss-Manin connexion of $f$. This first theorem is an existence/finiteness result which shows that geometric (a,b)-modules may be used in global situations. 2. For any regular (a,b)-module $E$ we give an integer $N(E)$, explicitely given from simple invariants of $E$, such that the isomorphism class of $E\big/b^{N(E)}.E$ determines the isomorphism class of $E$. This second result allows to cut asymptotic expansions (in powers of $b$) \ of elements of $E$ without loosing any information.


A general stochastic maximum principle for optimal control problems of forward-backward systems

Abstract: Stochastic maximum principle of nonlinear controlled forward-backward systems, where the set of strict (classical) controls need not be convex and the diffusion coefficient depends explicitly on the variable control, is an open problem impossible to solve by the classical method of spike variation. In this paper, we introduce a new approach to solve this open problem and we establish necessary as well as sufficient conditions of optimality, in the form of global stochastic maximum principle, for two models. The first concerns the relaxed controls, who are a measure-valued processes. The second is a restriction of the first to strict control problems.


Estimators of Long-Memory: Fourier versus Wavelets

Abstract: There have been a number of papers written on semi-parametric estimation methods of the long-memory exponent of a time series, some applied, others theoretical. Some using Fourier methods, others using a wavelet-based technique. In this paper, we compare the Fourier and wavelet approaches to the local regression method and to the local Whittle method. We provide an overview of these methods, describe what has been done, indicate the available results and the conditions under which they hold. We discuss their relative strengths and weaknesses both from a practical and a theoretical perspective. We also include a simulation-based comparison. The software written to support this work is available on demand and we illustrate its use at the end of the paper.


Necessary Optimality Condition for a Discrete Dead Oil Isotherm Optimal Control Problem

Abstract: We obtain necessary optimality conditions for a semi-discretized optimal control problem for the classical system of nonlinear partial differential equations modelling the water-oil (isothermal dead-oil model).


Parametric Integer Programming in Fixed Dimension

Abstract: We consider the following problem: Given a rational matrix $A \in \setQ^{m \times n}$ and a rational polyhedron $Q \subseteq\setR^{m+p}$, decide if for all vectors $b \in \setR^m$, for which there exists an integral $z \in \setZ^p$ such that $(b, z) \in Q$, the system of linear inequalities $A x \leq b$ has an integral solution. We show that there exists an algorithm that solves this problem in polynomial time if $p$ and $n$ are fixed. This extends a result of Kannan (1990) who established such an algorithm for the case when, in addition to $p$ and $n$, the affine dimension of $Q$ is fixed. As an application of this result, we describe an algorithm to find the maximum difference between the optimum values of an integer program $\max \{c x : A x \leq b, x \in \setZ^n \}$ and its linear programming relaxation over all right-hand sides $b$, for which the integer program is feasible. The algorithm is polynomial if $n$ is fixed. This is an extension of a recent result of Ho\c{s}ten and Sturmfels (2003) who presented such an algorithm for integer programs in standard form.


Limit leaves of a CMC lamination are stable

Abstract: Suppose ${\cal L}$ is a lamination of a Riemannian manifold by hypersurfaces with the same constant mean curvature. We prove that every limit leaf of ${\cal L}$ is stable for the Jacobi operator. A simple but important consequence of this result is that the set of stable leaves of ${\cal L}$ has the structure of a lamination.


Scott's problem for proper Scott sets

Abstract: I show that assuming PFA, every proper Scott set is the standard system of a model of PA. A Scott set X is proper if it is arithmetically closed and the quotient Boolean algebra X/Fin is a proper partial order.


The stability of conditional Markov processes and Markov chains in random environments

Abstract: We consider a discrete time hidden Markov model where the signal is a stationary Markov chain. When conditioned on the observations, the signal is a Markov chain in a random environment under the conditional measure. It is shown that this conditional signal is weakly ergodic when the signal is ergodic and the observations are nondegenerate. This permits a delicate exchange of the intersection and supremum of $\sigma$-fields, which is key for the stability of the nonlinear filter and partially resolves a long-standing gap in the proof of a result of Kunita [J. Multivariate Anal. 1 (1971) 365--393]. A similar result is obtained also in the continuous time setting. The proofs are based on an ergodic theorem for Markov chains in random environments in a general state space.


Knotted surfaces in 4-manifolds

Abstract: Fintushel and Stern have proved that if S \subset X is a symplectic surface in a symplectic 4-manifold such that S has simply-connected complement and nonnegative self-intersection, then there are infinitely many topologically equivalent but smoothly distinct embedded surfaces homologous to S. Here we extend this result to include symplectic surfaces whose self-intersection is bounded below by 2-2g, where g is the genus of S. We make use of tools from Heegaard Floer theory, and include several results that may be of independent interest. Specifically we give an analogue for Ozsvath-Szabo invariants of the Fintushel-Stern knot surgery formula for Seiberg-Witten invariants, both for closed 4-manifolds and manifolds with boundary. This is based on a formula for the Ozsvath-Szabo invariants of the result of a logarithmic transformation, analogous to one obtained by Morgan-Mrowka-Szab\'o for Seiberg-Witten invariants, and the results on Ozsvath-Szabo invariants of fiber sums due to the author and Jabuka. In addition, we give a calculation of the twisted Heegaard Floer homology of circle bundles of "large" degree over Riemann surfaces.


Proper and piecewise proper families of reals

Abstract: I introduced the notions of proper and piecewise proper families of reals to make progress on an open question in the field of models of PA about whether every Scott set is the standard system of a model of PA. A family of reals X is proper if it is arithmetically closed and the quotient Boolean algebra X/fin is a proper poset. A family is piecewise proper if it is the union of a chain of proper families of size $\leq\omega_1$. Here, I explore the question of the existence of proper and piecewise proper families of reals of different cardinalities.


Incidence Modules for Symplectic Spaces in Characteristic Two

Abstract: We study the permutation action of a finite symplectic group of characteristic 2 on the set of subspaces of its standard module which are either totally isotropic or else complementary to totally isotropic subspaces with respect to the alternating form. A general formula is obtained for the 2-rank of the incidence matrix for the inclusion of one-dimensional subspaces in the distinguished subspaces of a fixed dimension.


Symmetric and Quasi-Symmetric Functions associated to Polymatroids

Abstract: To every subspace arrangement X we will associate symmetric functions P[X] and H[X]. These symmetric functions encode the Hilbert series and the minimal projective resolution of the product ideal associated to the subspace arrangement. They can be defined for discrete polymatroids as well. The invariant H[X] specializes to the Tutte polynomial T[X]. Billera, Jia and Reiner recently introduced a quasi-symmetric function F[X] (for matroids) which behaves valuatively with respect to matroid base polytope decompositions. We will define a quasi-symmetric function G[X] for polymatroids which has this property as well. Moreover, G[X] specializes to P[X], H[X], T[X] and F[X].


On bicycle tire tracks geometry, hatchet planimeter, Menzin's conjecture and oscillation of unicycle tracks

Abstract: The model of a bicycle is a unit segment AB that can move in the plane so that it remains tangent to the trajectory of point A (the rear wheel is fixed on the bicycle frame); the same model describes the hatchet planimeter. The trajectory of the front wheel and the initial position of the bicycle uniquely determine its motion and its terminal position; the monodromy map sending the initial position to the terminal one arises. According to R. Foote's theorem, this mapping of a circle to a circle is a Moebius transformation. We extend this result to multi-dimensional setting. Moebius transformations belong to one of the three types: elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic. We prove a 100 years old Menzin's conjecture: if the front wheel track is an oval with area at least pi then the respective monodromy is hyperbolic. We also study bicycle motions introduced by D. Finn in which the rear wheel follows the track of the front wheel. Such a ''unicycle" track becomes more and more oscillatory in forward direction. We prove that it cannot be infinitely extended backward and relate the problem to the geometry of the space of forward semi-infinite equilateral linkages.


Canonical moments and random spectral measures

Abstract: We study some connections between the random moment problem and the random matrix theory. A uniform draw in a space of moments can be lifted into the spectral probability measure of the pair (A,e) where A is a random matrix from a classical ensemble and e is a fixed unit vector. This random measure is a weighted sampling among the eigenvalues of A. We also study the large deviations properties of this random measure when the dimension of the matrix grows. The rate function for these large deviations involves the reversed Kullback information.


Some relational structures with polynomial growth and their associated algebras II: Finite generation

Abstract: The profile of a relational structure $R$ is the function $\varphi_R$ which counts for every integer $n$ the number, possibly infinite, $\varphi_R(n)$ of substructures of $R$ induced on the $n$-element subsets, isomorphic substructures being identified. If $\varphi_R$ takes only finite values, this is the Hilbert function of a graded algebra associated with $R$, the age algebra $A(R)$, introduced by P.~J.~Cameron. In a previous paper, we studied the relationship between the properties of a relational structure and those of their algebra, particularly when the relational structure $R$ admits a finite monomorphic decomposition. This setting still encompasses well-studied graded commutative algebras like invariant rings of finite permutation groups, or the rings of quasi-symmetric polynomials. In this paper, we investigate how far the well know algebraic properties of those rings extend to age algebras. The main result is a combinatorial characterization of when the age algebra is finitely generated. In the special case of tournaments, we show that the age algebra is finitely generated if and only if the profile is bounded. We explore the Cohen-Macaulay property in the special case of invariants of permutation groupoids. Finally, we exhibit sufficient conditions on the relational structure that make naturally the age algebra into a Hopf algebra.


Fully Bayes factors with a generalized g-prior

Abstract: For the normal linear model variable selection problem, we propose selection criteria based on a fully Bayes formulation with a generalization of Zellner's $g$-prior which allows for $p>n$. A special case of the prior formulation is seen to yield tractable closed forms for marginal densities and Bayes factors which reveal new model evaluation characteristics of potential interest.


Hilbert modular forms with prescribed ramification

Abstract: Let $K$ be a totally real field. In this article we present an asymptotic formula for the number of Hilbert modular cusp forms $f$ with given ramification at every place $v$ of $K$. When $v$ is an infinite place, this means specifying the weight of $f$ at $k$, and when $v$ is finite, this means specifying the restriction to inertia of the local Weil-Deligne representation attached to $f$ at $v$. Our formula shows that with essentially finitely many exceptions, the cusp forms of $K$ exhibit every possible sort of ramification behavior, thus generalizing a theorem of Khare and Prasad. From this fact we compute the minimal field over which a modular Jacobian becomes semi-stable.


The distribution of natural numbers divisible by 2,3,5,11,13 and 17 on the Square Root Spiral

Abstract: The natural numbers divisible by the Prime Factors 2, 3, 5, 11, 13 and 17 lie on defined spiral graphs, which run through the Square Root Spiral. A mathematical analysis shows, that these spiral graphs are defined by specific quadratic polynomials. Basically all natural number which are divisible by the same prime factor lie on such spiral graphs. And these spiral graphs can be assigned to a certain number of Spiral Graph Systems, which have a defined spatial orientation to each other. This document represents a supplementation to my detailed introduction study to the Square Root Spiral, and it contains the missing diagrams and analyses, showing the distribution of the natural numbers divisible by 2, 3, 5, 11, 13 and 17 on the Square Root Spiral. My introduction study to the Square Root Spiral can be found in the arxiv-archive. The title of this study : The ordered distribution of the natural numbers on the Square Root Spiral.


Invariant manifolds for a singular ordinary differential equation

Abstract: We study the singular ordinary differential equation $$ \frac{d U}{d t} = f (U) / z (U) + g (U), $$ where $U \in R^N$, the functions $f \in R^N $ and $g \in R^N $ are of class $C^2$ and $z $ is a real valued $C^2$ function. The equation is singular in the sense that $z (U)$ can attain the value 0. We focus on the solutions of the singular ODE that belong to a small neighborhood of a point $\bar U$ such that $f (\bar U) = g (\bar U) = \vec 0$, $z (\bar U) =0$. We investigate the existence of manifolds that are locally invariant for the singular ODE and that contain orbits with a suitable prescribed asymptotic behaviour. Under suitable hypotheses on the set $\{U: z (U) = 0 \}$, we extend to the case of the singular ODE the definitions of center manifold, center stable manifold and of uniformly stable manifold. An application of our analysis concerns the study of the viscous profiles with small total variation for a class of mixed hyperbolic-parabolic systems in one space variable. Such a class includes the compressible Navier Stokes equation.


$L^2$-torsion invariants and the Magnus representation of the mapping class group

Abstract: In this paper, we study a series of $L^2$-torsion invariants from the viewpoint of the mapping class group of a surface. We establish some vanishing theorems for them. Moreover we explicitly calculate the first two invariants and compare them with hyperbolic volumes.


A bijective proof for a theorem of Ehrhart

Abstract: We give a new proof for a theorem of Ehrhart regarding the quasi-polynomiality of the function that counts the number of integer points in the integral dilates of a rational polytope. The proof involves a geometric bijection, inclusion-exclusion, and recurrence relations, and we also prove Ehrhart reciprocity using these methods.


An Algorithm for Finding Symmetric Gr\"obner Bases in Infinite Dimensional Rings

Abstract: A \textit{symmetric ideal} $I \subseteq R = K[x_1,x_2,...]$ is an ideal that is invariant under the natural action of the infinite symmetric group. We give an explicit algorithm to find Gr\"obner bases for symmetric ideals in the infinite dimensional polynomial ring $R$. This allows for symbolic computation in a new class of rings. In particular, we solve the ideal membership problem for symmetric ideals of $R$.


The Synthesis of Regression Slopes in Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Research on methods of meta-analysis (the synthesis of related study results) has dealt with many simple study indices, but less attention has been paid to the issue of summarizing regression slopes. In part this is because of the many complications that arise when real sets of regression models are accumulated. We outline the complexities involved in synthesizing slopes, describe existing methods of analysis and present a multivariate generalized least squares approach to the synthesis of regression slopes.


Conjugacy Classes of 3-Braid Group B_3

Abstract: In this article we describe the summit sets in B_3, the smallest element in a summit set and we compute the Hilbert series corresponding to conjugacy classes.The results will be related to Birman-Menesco classification of knots with braid index three or less than three.


Antisymmetric Elements in Group Rings II

Abstract: Let $R$ be a commutative ring, $G$ a group and $RG$ its group ring. Let $\vp : RG\to RG$ denote the $R$-linear extension of an involution $\vp$ defined on $G$. An element $x$ in $RG$ is said to be $\vp$-antisymmetric if $\vp (x) = -x$. A characterization is given of when the $\vp$-antisymmetric elements of $RG$ commute. This is a completion of earlier work.


Integral Points on Hyperelliptic Curves

Abstract: We give a completely explicit upper bound for integral points on (standard) affine models of hyperelliptic curves, provided we know at least one rational point and a Mordell-Weil basis of the Jacobian. We also explain a powerful refinement of the Mordell--Weil sieve which, combined with the upper bound, is capable of determining all the integral points. Our method is illustrated by determining the integral points on a two genus 2 hyperelliptic curves with Mordell--Weil Jacobian ranks of 3 and 6.


Abstract: Necessary and sufficient conditions for Lipschitzness of the Lempert and Green functions are found in terms of their boundary behaviors.


The simplest and fastest method of solving Exact Differential Equation by developing the idea of Basic Functions

Abstract: This paper concerns exact differential equations. First, I define two types of functions which I have named Basic Function of Type One and Basic Function of Type Two. I then derive the property and theorems of these functions. Finally, by applying the property and theorems of Basic Functions, I establish the method of solving exact differential equation with n variables which is significantly simpler and faster than the standard method.


On the birth-and-assassination process, with an application to scotching a rumor in a network

Abstract: We give new formulas on the total number of born particles in the stable birth-and-assassination process, and prove that it has an heavy-tailed distribution. We also establish that this process is a scaling limit of a process of rumor scotching in a network, and is related to a predator-prey dynamics.


On the motion under focal attraction in a rotating medium

Abstract: New results are established here on the phase portraits and bifurcations of the kinematic model in a system of ODE's, first presented by H.K. Wilson in his 1971 book, and by him attributed to L. Markus (unpublished). A new, self-sufficient, study which extends Wilson's result and allows an essential conclusion for the applicability of the model is reported here.


Non-archimedean canonical measures on abelian varieties

Abstract: For a closed d-dimensional subvariety X of an abelian variety A and a canonically metrized line bundle L on A, Chambert-Loir has introduced measures $c_1(L|_X)^{\wedge d}$ on the Berkovich analytic space associated to A with respect to the discrete valuation of the ground field. In this paper, we give an explicit description of these canonical measures in terms of convex geometry. We use a generalization of the tropicalization related to the Raynaud extension of A and Mumford's construction. The results have applications to the equidistribution of small points.


Equidistribution over function fields

Abstract: We prove equidistribution of a generic net of small points in a projective variety X over a function field K. For an algebraic dynamical system over K, we generalize this equidistribution theorem to a small generic net of subvarieties. For number fields, these results were proved by Yuan and we transfer here his methods to function fields. If X is a closed subvariety of an abelian variety, then we can describe the equidistribution measure explicitly in terms of convex geometry.


The Inverse Simpson Paradox (How To Win Without Overtly Cheating)

Abstract: Given two sets of data which lead to a similar statistical conclusion, the Simpson Paradox describes the tactic of combining these two sets and achieving the opposite conclusion. Depending upon the given data, this may or may not succeed. Inverse Simpson is a method of decomposing a given set of comparison data into two disjoint sets and achieving the opposite conclusion for each one. This is always possible; however, the statistical significance of the conclusions does depend upon the details of the given data.


Homotopy theory of Spectral categories

Abstract: We construct a Quillen model structure on the category of spectral categories, where the weak equivalences are the symmetric spectra analogue of the notion of equivalence of categories.


A connection between viscous profiles and singular ODEs

Abstract: We deal with the viscous profiles for a class of mixed hyperbolic-parabolic systems. We focus, in particular, on the case of the compressible Navier Stokes equation in one space variable written in Eulerian coordinates. We describe the link between these profiles and a singular ordinary differential equation in the form $$ dV / dt = F(V) / z (V) . $$ Here $V \in R^d$ and the function F takes values into $R^d$ and is smooth. The real valued function z is as well regular: the equation is singular in the sense that z (V) can attain the value 0.


Groups that do and do not have context-sensitive word problem

Abstract: We prove that a group has word problem that is a growing context-sensitive language precisely if its word problem can be solved using a non-deterministic Cannon's algorithm (the deterministic algorithms being defined by Goodman and Shapiro). We generalise their results to find many examples of groups not admitting non-deterministic Cannon's algorithms. This adds to the examples of Kambites and Otto of groups separating context-sensitive and growing context-sensitive word problems, and provides a new language-theoretic separation result.


The cluster category of a canonical algebra

Abstract: We study the cluster category of a canonical algebra A in terms of the hereditary category of coherent sheaves over the corresponding weighted projective line X. As an application we determine the automorphism group of the cluster category and show that the cluster-tilting objects form a cluster structure in the sense of Buan-Iyama-Reiten-Scott. The tilting graph of the sheaf category always coincides with the tilting or exchange graph of the cluster category. We show that this graph is connected if the Euler characteristic of X is non-negative, or equivalently, if A is of tame (domestic or tubular) representation type.


Macroscopic dimension of the $\ell^p$-ball with respect to the $\ell^q$-norm

Abstract: We show estimates of the "macroscopic dimension" of the $\ell^p$-ball with respect to the $\ell^q$-norm.


Subordinated discrete semigroups of operators

Abstract: Given a power-bounded linear operator T in a Banach space and a probability F on the non-negative integers, one can form a `subordinated' operator S = \sum_k F(k) T^k. We obtain asymptotic properties of the subordinated discrete semigroup (S^n: n=1,2,...) under certain conditions on F. In particular, we study probabilities F with the property that S satisfies the Ritt resolvent condition whenever T is power-bounded. Examples and counterexamples of this property are discussed. The hypothesis of power-boundedness of T can sometimes be replaced by the weaker Kreiss resolvent condition.


A proof of the Gordon Conjecture

Abstract: A combinatorial proof of the Gordon Conjecture: The sum of two Heegaard splittings is stabilized if and only if one of the two summands is stabilized.


Twistorial maps between quaternionic manifolds

Abstract: We introduce a natural notion of quaternionic map between almost quaternionic manifolds and we prove the following, for maps of rank at least one: 1) A map between quaternionic manifolds endowed with the integrable almost twistorial structures is twistorial if and only if it is quaternionic. 2) A map between quaternionic manifolds endowed with the nonintegrable almost twistorial structures is twistorial if and only if it is quaternionic and totally-geodesic. As an application, we describe the quaternionic maps between open sets of quaternionic projective spaces.


Counting lattice points in the moduli space of curves

Abstract: We show how to define and count lattice points in the moduli space $\modm_{g,n}$ of genus g curves with n labeled points. This produces a polynomial with coefficients that include the Euler characteristic of the moduli space, and tautological intersection numbers on the compactified moduli space.


Characteristic varieties for a class of line arrangements

Abstract: Let $\mathcal{A}$ be a line arrangement in the complex projective plane $\mathbb{P}^2$, having the points of multiplicity $\geq 3$ situated on two lines in $\mathcal{A}$, say $H_0$ and $H_{\infty}$. Then we show that the non-local irreducible components of the first resonance variety $\mathcal{R}_1(\mathcal{A})$ are 2-dimensional and correspond to parallelograms $\mathcal{P}$ in $\mathbb{C}^2=\mathbb{P}^2 \setminus H_{\infty}$ whose sides are in $\mathcal{A}$ and for which $H_0$ is a diagonal.


Relative hyperbolicity and relative quasiconvexity for countable groups

Abstract: We lay the foundations for the study of relatively quasiconvex subgroups of relatively hyperbolic groups. These foundations require that we first work out a coherent theory of countable relatively hyperbolic groups (not necessarily finitely generated). We prove the equivalence of Gromov, Osin, and Bowditch's definitions of relative hyperbolicity for countable groups. We then give several equivalent definitions of relatively quasiconvex subgroups in terms of various natural geometries on a relatively hyperbolic group. We show that each relatively quasiconvex subgroup is itself relatively hyperbolic, and that the intersection of two relatively quasiconvex subgroups is again relatively quasiconvex. In the finitely generated case, we prove that every undistorted subgroup is relatively quasiconvex, and we compute the distortion of a finitely generated relatively quasiconvex subgroup.


C$^{*}$-bialgebra defined by the direct sum of Cuntz-Krieger algebras

Abstract: Let ${\sf CK}_{*}$ denote the C$^{*}$-algebra defined by the direct sum of all Cuntz-Krieger algebras. We introduce a comultiplication $\Delta_{\phi}$ and a counit $\epsilon$ on ${\sf CK}_{*}$ such that $\Delta_{\phi}$ is a nondegenerate $*$-homomorphism from ${\sf CK}_{*}$ to ${\sf CK}_{*}\otimes {\sf CK}_{*}$ and $\epsilon$ is a $*$-homomorphism from ${\sf CK}_{*}$ to ${\bf C}$. From this, ${\sf CK}_{*}$ is a counital non-commutative non-cocommutative C$^{*}$-bialgebra. Furthermore, C$^{*}$-bialgebra automorphisms, a tensor product of representations and C$^{*}$-subbialgebras of ${\sf CK}_{*}$ are investigated.


Twisted cyclic theory and an index theory for the gauge invariant KMS state on Cuntz algebras

Abstract: This paper presents, by example, an index theory appropriate to algebras without trace. Whilst we work exclusively with the Cuntz algebras the exposition is designed to indicate how to develop a general theory. Our main result is an index theorem (formulated in terms of spectral flow) using a twisted cyclic cocycle where the twisting comes from the modular automorphism group for the canonical gauge action on the Cuntz algebra. We introduce a modified $K_1$-group of the Cuntz algebra so as to pair with this twisted cocycle. As a corollary we obtain a noncommutative geometry interpretation for Araki's notion of relative entropy in this example. We also note the connection of this example to the theory of noncommutative manifolds.


Quotients by non-reductive algebraic group actions

Abstract: Given a suitable action on a complex projective variety X of a non-reductive affine algebraic group H, this paper considers how to choose a reductive group G containing H and a projective completion of G x_H X which is a reductive envelope in the sense of math.AG/0703131. In particular it studies the family of examples given by moduli spaces of hypersurfaces in the weighted projective plane P(1,1,2) obtained as quotients by linear actions of the (non-reductive) automorphism group of P(1,1,2).


Finsleroid-regular space. Landsberg-to-Berwald implication

Abstract: By performing required evaluations, we show that in the Finsleroid-regular space the Landsberg-space condition just degenerates to the Berwald-space condition (at any dimension number $N\ge2$). Simple and clear expository representations are obtained. Due comparisons with the Finsleroid-Finsler space are indicated. Keywords: Finsler metrics, spray coefficients, curvature tensors.


Un scindage de l'application de Frobenius sur toute l'alg\`ebre des distributions de SL_2

Abstract: We study a splitting of the Frobenius map on the whole algebra of distributions of SL_2 (over a finite field) and its relation with the explicit Frobenius descent on arithmetic D-modules over the projective line


Sup-norm convergence rate and sign concentration property of Lasso and Dantzig estimators

Abstract: We derive the $l_{\infty}$ convergence rate simultaneously for Lasso and Dantzig estimators in a high-dimensional linear regression model under a mutual coherence assumption on the Gram matrix of the design and two different assumptions on the noise: Gaussian noise and general noise with finite variance. Then we prove that simultaneously the thresholded Lasso and Dantzig estimators with a proper choice of the threshold enjoy a sign concentration property provided that the non-zero components of the target vector are not too small.


Nonisomorphic curves that become isomorphic over extensions of coprime degrees

Abstract: We show that one can find two nonisomorphic curves over a field K that become isomorphic to one another over two finite extensions of K whose degrees over K are coprime to one another. More specifically, let K_0 be an arbitrary prime field and let r and s be integers greater than 1 that are coprime to one another. We show that one can find a finite extension K of K_0, a degree-r extension L of K, a degree-s extension M of K, and two curves C and D over K such that C and D become isomorphic to one another over L and over M, but not over any proper subextensions of L/K or M/K. We show that such C and D can never have genus 0, and that if K is finite, C and D can have genus 1 if and only if {r,s} = {2,3} and K is an odd-degree extension of F_3. On the other hand, when {r,s}={2,3} we show that genus-2 examples occur in every characteristic other than 3. Our detailed analysis of the case {r,s} = {2,3} shows that over every finite field K there exist nonisomorphic curves C and D that become isomorphic to one another over the quadratic and cubic extensions of K. Most of our proofs rely on Galois cohomology. Without using Galois cohomology, we show that two nonisomorphic genus-0 curves over an arbitrary field remain nonisomorphic over every odd-degree extension of the base field.


Continuous and measurable eigenfunctions of linearly recurrent dynamical Cantor systems

Abstract: The class of linearly recurrent Cantor systems contains the substitution subshifts and some odometers. For substitution subshifts and odometers measure--theoretical and continuous eigenvalues are the same. It is natural to ask whether this rigidity property remains true for the class of linearly recurrent Cantor systems. We give partial answers to this question.


Necessary and sufficient conditions to be an eigenvalue for linearly recurrent dynamical Cantor systems

Abstract: We give necessary and sufficient conditions to have measurable and continuous eigenfunctions for linearly recurrent Cantor dynamical systems. We also construct explicitly an example of linearly recurrent system with nontrivial Kronecker factor and a trivial maximal equicontinuous factor.


Convex ordering for random vectors using predictable representation

Abstract: We prove convex ordering results for random vectors admitting a predictable representation in terms of a Brownian motion and a non-necessarily independent jump component. Our method uses forward-backward stochastic calculus and extends previous results in the one-dimensional case. We also study a geometric interpretation of convex ordering for discrete measures in connection with the conditions set on the jump heights and intensities of the considered processes.


Optimal regularity for planar mappings of finite distortion

Abstract: Let $f:\Omega\to\IR^2$ be a mapping of finite distortion, where $\Omega\subset\IR^2 .$ Assume that the distortion function $K(x,f)$ satisfies $e^{K(\cdot, f)}\in L^p_{loc}(\Omega)$ for some $p>0.$ We establish optimal regularity and area distortion estimates for $f$. Especially, we prove that $|Df|^2 \log^{\beta -1}(e + |Df|) \in L^1_{loc}(\Omega) $ for every $\beta <p.$ This answers positively well known conjectures due to Iwaniec and Martin \cite{IMbook} and to Iwaniec, Koskela and Martin \cite{IKM}.


On the Distribution of the Adaptive LASSO Estimator

Abstract: We study the distribution of the adaptive LASSO estimator (Zou (2006)) in finite samples as well as in the large-sample limit. The large-sample distributions are derived both for the case where the adaptive LASSO estimator is tuned to perform conservative model selection as well as for the case where the tuning results in consistent model selection. We show that the finite-sample as well as the large-sample distributions are typically highly non-normal, regardless of the choice of the tuning parameter. The uniform convergence rate is also obtained, and is shown to be slower than $n^{-1/2}$ in case the estimator is tuned to perform consistent model selection. In particular, these results question the statistical relevance of the `oracle' property of the adaptive LASSO estimator established in Zou (2006). Moreover, we also provide an impossibility result regarding the estimation of the distribution function of the adaptive LASSO estimator.The theoretical results, which are obtained for a regression model with orthogonal design, are complemented by a Monte Carlo study using non-orthogonal regressors.


Transversality and Lefschetz numbers for foliation maps

Abstract: Let $F$ be a smooth foliation on a closed Riemannian manifold $M$, and let $\Lambda$ be a transverse invariant measure of $F$. Suppose that $\Lambda$ is absolutely continuous with respect to the Lebesgue measure on smooth transversals. Then a topological definition of the $\Lambda$-Lefschetz number of any leaf preserving diffeomorphism $(M,F)\to(M,F)$ is given. For this purpose, standard results about smooth approximation and transversality are extended to the case of foliation maps. It is asked whether this topological $\Lambda$-Lefschetz number is equal to the analytic $\Lambda$-Lefschetz number defined by Heitsch and Lazarov which would be a version of the Lefschetz trace formula. Heitsch and Lazarov have shown such a trace formula when the fixed point set is transverse to $F$.


Recursive Bias Estimation and $L_2$ Boosting

Abstract: This paper presents a general iterative bias correction procedure for regression smoothers. This bias reduction schema is shown to correspond operationally to the $L_2$ Boosting algorithm and provides a new statistical interpretation for $L_2$ Boosting. We analyze the behavior of the Boosting algorithm applied to common smoothers $S$ which we show depend on the spectrum of $I-S$. We present examples of common smoother for which Boosting generates a divergent sequence. The statistical interpretation suggest combining algorithm with an appropriate stopping rule for the iterative procedure. Finally we illustrate the practical finite sample performances of the iterative smoother via a simulation study. simulations.


Rational periodic points for quadratic maps

Abstract: Let $K$ be a number field. Let $S$ be a finite set of places of $K$ containing all the archimedean ones. Let $R_S$ be the ring of $S$-integers of $K$. In the present paper we consider endomorphisms of $\pro$ of degree 2, defined over $K$, with good reduction outside $S$. We prove that there exist only finitely many such endomorphisms, up to conjugation by ${\rm PGL}_2(R_S)$, admitting a periodic point in $\po$ of order $>3$. Also, all but finitely many classes with a periodic point in $\po$ of order 3 are parametrized by an irreducible curve.


Connectedness in the Pluri-fine Topology

Abstract: We study connectedness in the pluri-fine topology on $\CC^n$ and obtain the following results. If $\Omega$ is a pluri-finely open and pluri-finely connected set in $\CC^n$ and $E\subset\CC^n$ is pluripolar, then $\Omega\setminus E$ is pluri-finely connected. The proof hinges on precise information about the structure of open sets in the pluri-fine topology: Let $\Omega$ be a pluri-finely open subset of $\CC^{n}$. If $z$ is any point in $\Omega$, and $L$ is a complex line passing through $z$, then obviously $\Omega \cap L$ is a finely open neighborhood of $z$ in $L$. Now let $C_L$ denote the finely connected component of $z$ in $\Omega\cap L$. Then $\cup_{L\ni z} C_L$ is a pluri-finely connected neighborhood of $z$. As a consequence we find that if $v$ is a finely plurisubharmonic function defined on a pluri-finely connected pluri-finely open set, then $v= -\infty$ on a pluri-finely open subset implies $v\equiv -\infty$.


Refracted Levy processes

Abstract: Motivated by classical considerations from risk theory, we investigate boundary crossing problems for refracted L\'evy processes. The latter is a L\'evy process whose dynamics change by subtracting off a fixed linear drift (of suitable size) whenever the aggregate process is above a pre-specified level. More formally, whenever it exists, a refracted L\'evy process is described by the unique strong solution to the stochastic differential equation \[ \D U_t = - \delta \mathbf{1}_{\{U_t >b\}}\D t + \D X_t \] where $X=\{X_t :t\geq 0\}$ is a L\'evy process with law $\mathbb{P}$ and $b, \delta\in \mathbb{R}$ such that the resulting process $U$ may visit the half line $(b,\infty)$ with positive probability. We consider in particular the case that $X$ is spectrally negative and establish a suite of identities for the case of one and two sided exit problems. All identities can be written in terms of the $q$-scale function of the driving L\'evy process and its perturbed version describing motion above the level $b$. We remark on a number of applications of the obtained identities to (controlled) insurance risk processes.


Admissibility of kneading sequences and structure of Hubbard trees for quadratic polynomials

Abstract: Hubbard trees are invariant trees connecting the points of the critical orbits of postcritically finite polynomials. Douady and Hubbard \cite{Orsay} introduced these trees and showed that they encode the essential information of Julia sets in a combinatorial way. The itinerary of the critical orbit within the Hubbard tree is encoded by a (pre)periodic sequence on $\{\0,\1\}$ called \emph{kneading sequence}. We prove that the kneading sequence completely encodes the Hubbard tree and its dynamics, and we show how to reconstruct the tree and in particular its branch points (together with their periods, their relative posititions, their number of arms and their local dynamics) in terms of the kneading sequence alone. Every kneading sequence gives rise to an abstract Hubbard tree, but not every kneading sequence occurs in real dynamics or in complex dynamics. Milnor and Thurston \cite{MT} classified which kneading sequences occur in real dynamics; we do the same for complex dynamics in terms of a complex \emph{admissibility condition}. This complex admissibility condition fails if and only if the abstract Hubbard tree has a so-called \emph{evil} periodic branch point that is incompatible with local homeomorphic dynamics on the plane.


Symplectic embeddings of 4-dimensional ellipsoids

Abstract: We show how to reduce the problem of symplectically embedding one 4-dimensional rational ellipsoid into another to a problem of embedding disjoint unions of balls into appropriate blow ups of \C P^2. For example, the problem of embedding the ellipsoid E(1,k) into a ball B is equivalent to that of embedding k disjoint equal balls into \C P^2, and so can be solved by the work of Gromov, McDuff--Polterovich and Biran. (Here k is the ratio of the area of the major axis to that of the minor axis.) As a consequence we show that the ball may be fully filled by the ellipsoid E(1,k) for k=1,4 and all k\ge 9, thus answering a question raised by Hofer.


Stochastic maximum principle for optimal control problem of backward systems with terminal condition in L1

Abstract: We consider a stochastic control problem, where the control domain is convex and the system is governed by a nonlinear backward stochastic differential equation. With a L1 terminal data, we derive necessary optimality conditions in the form of stochastic maximum principle.


The strict and relaxed stochastic maximum principle for optimal control problem of backward systems

Abstract: We consider a stochastic control problem where the set of controls is not necessarily convex and the system is governed by a nonlinear backward stochastic differential equation. We establish necessary as well as sufficient conditions of optimality for two models. The first concerns the strict (classical) controls. The second is an extension of the first to relaxed controls, who are a measure valued processes.


A general stochastic maximum principle for mixed relaxed-singular control problems

Abstract: We consider in this paper, mixed relaxed-singular stochastic control problems, where the control variable has two components, the first being measure-valued and the second singular. The control domain is not necessarily convex and the system is governed by a nonlinear stochastic differential equation, in which the measure-valued part of the control enters both the drift and the diffusion coefficients. We establish necessary optimality conditions, of the Pontryagin maximum principle type, satisfied by an optimal relaxed-singular control, which exist under general conditions on the coefficients. The proof is based on the strict singular stochastic maximum principle established by Bahlali-Mezerdi, Ekeland's variational principle and some stability properties of the trajectories and adjoint processes with respect to the control variable.


Gamma-reduction for smooth orbifolds

Abstract: The aim of this short note is to show how to construct a rationnal Remmert reduction for the universal cover of a smooth K\"ahler orbifold. Doins this, we are led to introduce some singular K\"ahler metrics adapted to the orbifold structure.


Stagnation zones for $\mathcal{A}$-harmonic functions on canonical domains

Abstract: We study stagnation zones of $\mathcal{A}$-harmonic functions on canonical domains in the Euclidean $n$-dimensional space. Phragmen-Lindel\"of type theorems are proved.


A Modular Curve of Level 9 and the Class Number One Problem

Abstract: In this note we give an explicit parametrization of the modular curve associated to the normalizer of a non-split Cartan subgroup of level 9. We determine all integral points of this modular curve. As an application, we give an alternative solution to the class number one problem.


Asymptotic behavior for dissipative Korteweg-de Vrie equations

Abstract: We study the large time behavior of solutions to the dissipative Korteweg-de Vrie equations $u_t+u_{xxx}+|D|^{\alpha}u+uu_x=0$ with $0<\alpha<2$. We find $v$ such that $u-v$ decays like $t^{-r(\alpha)}$ as $t\to\infty$ in various Sobolev norm.


Hyperbolicity of arborescent tangles and arborescent links

Abstract: In this paper, we study the hyperbolicity of arborescent tangles and arborescent links. We will explicitly determine all essential surfaces in arborescent tangle complements with non-negative Euler characteristic, and show that given an arborescent tangle T, the complement X(T) is non-hyperbolic if and only if T is a rational tangle, T=Q_m * T' for some m greater than or equal to 1, or T contains Qn for some n greater than or equal to 2. We use these results to prove a theorem of Bonahon and Seibenmann which says that a large arborescent link L is non-hyperbolic if and only if it contains Q2.


Gradient Estimate and Harnack Inequality on Non-Compact Riemannian Manifolds

Abstract: A new type of gradient estimate is established for diffusion semigroups on non-compact complete Riemannian manifolds. As applications, a global Harnack inequality with power and a heat kernel estimate are derived for diffusion semigroups on arbitrary complete Riemannian manifolds.


Differential equations with discrete state-dependent delay: uniqueness and well-posedness in the space of continuous functions

Abstract: Partial differential equations with discrete (concentrated) state-dependent delays in the space of continuous functions are investigated. In general, the corresponding initial value problem is not well posed, so we find an additional assumption on the state-dependent delay function to guarantee the well posedness. For the constructed dynamical system we study the long-time asymptotic behavior and prove the existence of a compact global attractor.


Necessary and Sufficient Lyapunov-Like Conditions for Robust Nonlinear Stabilization

Abstract: In this work, we propose a methodology for the expression of necessary and sufficient Lyapunov-like conditions for the existence of stabilizing feedback laws. The methodology is an extension of the well-known Control Lyapunov Function (CLF) method and can be applied to very general nonlinear time-varying systems with disturbance and control inputs, including both finite- and infinite-dimensional systems. The generality of the proposed methodology is also reflected upon by the fact that partial stability with respect to output variables is addressed. In addition, it is shown that the generalized CLF method can lead to a novel tool for the explicit design of robust nonlinear controllers for a class of time-delay nonlinear systems with a triangular structure.


Ramsey-like cardinals

Abstract: One of the numerous characterizations of a Ramsey cardinal kappa involves the existence of certain types of elementary embeddings for transitive sets of size \kappa satisfying a large fragment of ZFC. We introduce new large cardinal axioms generalizing the Ramsey elementary embeddings characterization and show that they form a natural hierarchy between weakly compact cardinals and measurable cardinals. These new axioms serve to further our knowledge about the elementary embedding properties of smaller large cardinals, in particular those still consistent with V=L.


The Bernoulli sieve revisited

Abstract: We consider an occupancy scheme in which "balls" are identified with $n$ points sampled from the standard exponential distribution, while the role of "boxes" is played by the spacings induced by an independent random walk with positive and nonlattice steps. We discuss the asymptotic behavior of five quantities: the index $K_n^*$ of the last occupied box, the number $K_n$ of occupied boxes, the number $K_{n,0}$ of empty boxes whose index is at most $K_n^*$, the index $W_n$ of the first empty box and the number of balls $Z_n$ in the last occupied box. It is shown that the limiting distribution of properly scaled and centered $K_n^*$ coincides with that of the number of renewals not exceeding $\log n$. A similar result is shown for $K_n$ and $W_n$ under a side condition that prevents occurrence of very small boxes. The condition also ensures that $K_{n,0}$ converges in distribution. Limiting results for $Z_n$ are established under an assumption of regular variation.


Stochastic extrema as stationary phases of characteristic functions

Abstract: The paper is dealing with semi-classical asymptotics of a characteristic function for a stochastic process. The main technical tool is provided by the stationary phase method. The extremal range for a stochastic process is defined by limit values of the complex logarithm of the characteristic function. The paper also outlines a numerical method for calculating stochastic extrema.


Stabilization of nonlinear systems with semi-quadratic cost

Abstract: The paper addresses the stabilization of nonlinear systems with semi-quadratic cost: quadratic with respect to controls and nonlinear for state variables. Paper presents the effective new feedback synthesis procedure. The novel feedback design procedure is based on the ideas borrowed from nonlinear optics and the theory of semi-classical asymptotics.


Yang-Mills theory and Tamagawa numbers

Abstract: Atiyah and Bott used equivariant Morse theory applied to the Yang-Mills functional to calculate the Betti numbers of moduli spaces of vector bundles over a Riemann surface, rederiving inductive formulae obtained from an arithmetic approach which involved the Tamagawa number of SL_n. This article surveys this link between Yang-Mills theory and Tamagawa numbers, and explains how methods used over the last three decades to study the singular cohomology of moduli spaces of bundles on a smooth complex projective curve can be adapted to the setting of A^1-homotopy theory to study the motivic cohomology of these moduli spaces.


Brill-Noether Theory for stable vector bundles

Abstract: This paper gives an overview of the main results of Brill-Noether Theory for vector bundles on algebraic curves.


Construction of combinatorial manifolds with the prescribed sets of links of vertices

Abstract: To each oriented closed combinatorial manifold we assign the set (with repetitions) of isomorphism classes of links of its vertices. The obtained transformation L is the main object of study of the present paper. We pose a problem on the inversion of the transformation L. We shall show that this problem is closely related to N.Steenrod's problem on realization of cycles and to the Rokhlin-Schwartz-Thom construction of combinatorial Pontryagin classes. It is easy to obtain a condition of balancing that is a necessary condition for a set of isomorphism classes of combinatorial spheres to belong to the image of the transformation L. In the present paper we give an explicit construction providing that each balanced set of isomorphism classes of combinatorial spheres gets into the image of L after passing to a multiple set and adding several pairs of the form (Z,-Z), where -Z is the sphere Z with the orientation reversed. This construction enables us, for a given singular simplicial cycle of a space R, to construct explicitly a combinatorial manifold M and a mapping $\phi:M\to R$ such that $\phi_*[M]=r[\xi]$ for some positive integer r. The construction is based on resolving singularities of the cycle $\xi$. We give applications of our main construction to cobordisms of manifolds with singularities and cobordisms of simple cells. In particular, we prove that every rational additive invariant of cobordisms of manifolds with singularities admits a local formula. Another application is the construction of explicit (though inefficient) local combinatorial formulae for polynomials in the rational Pontryagin classes of combinatorial manifolds.


Lower bounds for the number of semidualizing complexes over a local ring

Abstract: We investigate the set S(R) of shift-isomorphism classes of semidualizing R-complexes, ordered via the reflexivity relation, where R is a commutative noetherian local ring. Specifically, we study the question of whether S(R$ has cardinality 2^n for some n. We show that, if there is a chain of length n in S(R) and if the reflexivity ordering on S(R) is transitive, then S(R) has cardinality at least 2^n, and we explicitly describe some of its order-structure. We also show that, given a local ring homomorphism f: R\to S of finite flat dimension, if R and S admit dualizing complexes and if f is not Gorenstein, then the cardinality of S(S) is at least twice the cardinality of S(R).


Remarks on derived equivalences of Ricci-flat manifolds

Abstract: We present results indicating that the decomposition of a Ricci-flat manifold in its irreducible factors is reflected by the derived category of coherent sheaves. More precisely, we prove that a smooth projective variety that is derived equivalent to an abelian variety resp. an irreducible symplectic variety is of the same type. The paper also contains a proof of a conjecure of Caldararu for manifolds with trivial canonical bundle saying that the modified HKR isomorphism for Hochschild homology is compatible with the module structure.


Toward Best Isoperimetric Constants for $(H^1,BMO)$-Normal Conformal Metrics on $\mathbb R^n$, $n\ge 3$

Abstract: The aim of this article is: (a) To establish the existence of the best isoperimetric constants for the $(H^1,BMO)$-normal conformal metrics $e^{2u}|dx|^2$ on $\mathbb R^n$, $n\ge 3$, i.e., the conformal metrics with the Q-curvature orientated conditions $$ (-\Delta)^{n/2}u\in H^1(\mathbb R^n) & \ u(x)=\hbox{const.}+\frac{\int_{\mathbb R^n}(\log\frac{|\cdot|}{|x-\cdot|})(-\Delta)^{n/2} u(\cdot) d\mathcal{H}^n(\cdot)}{2^{n-1}\pi^{n/2}\Gamma(n/2)}; $$ (b) To prove that $(n\omega_n^\frac1n)^\frac{n}{n-1}$ is the optimal upper bound of the best isoperimetric constants for the complete $(H^1,BMO)$-normal conformal metrics with nonnegative scalar curvature; (c) To find the optimal upper bound of the best isoperimetric constants via the quotients of two power integrals of Green's functions for the $n$-Laplacian operators $-\hbox{div}(|\nabla u|^{n-2}\nabla u)$.


Effective structure theorems for symplectic spaces via height

Abstract: Given a $2k$-dimensional symplectic space $(Z,F)$ in $N$ variables, $1 < 2k \leq N$, over a global field $K$, we prove the existence of a symplectic basis for $(Z,F)$ of bounded height. This can be viewed as a version of Siegel's lemma for a symplectic space. As corollaries of our main result, we prove the existence of a small-height decomposition of $(Z,F)$ into hyperbolic planes, as well as the existence of two generating flags of totally isotropic subspaces. These present analogues of known results for quadratic spaces. A distinctive feature of our argument is that it works simultaneously for essentially any field with a product formula, algebraically closed or not. In fact, we prove an even more general version of these statements, where canonical height is replaced with twisted height. All bounds on height are explicit.


Cryptanalysis of Anshel-Anshel-Goldfeld-Lemieux key agreement protocol

Abstract: The Anshel-Anshel-Goldfeld-Lemieux (abbreviated AAGL) key agreement protocol is proposed to be used on low-cost platforms which constraint the use of computational resources. The core of the protocol is the concept of an Algebraic Eraser (abbreviated AE) which is claimed to be a suitable primitive for use within lightweight cryptography. The AE primitive is based on a new and ingenious idea of using an action of a semidirect product on a (semi)group to obscure involved algebraic structures. The underlying motivation for AAGL protocol is the need to secure networks which deploy Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags used for identification, authentication, tracing and point-of-sale applications. In this paper we revisit the computational problem on which AE relies and heuristically analyze its hardness. We show that for proposed parameter values it is impossible to instantiate the secure protocol. To be more precise, in 100% of randomly generated instances of the protocol we were able to find a secret conjugator z generated by TTP algorithm (part of AAGL protocol).


Asymptotic behavior of global solutions of the $u_t=\Delta u + u^{p}$

Abstract: We study the asymptotic behavior of nonnegative solutions of the semilinear parabolic problem {u_t=\Delta u + u^{p}, x\in\mathbb{R}^{N}, t>0 u(0)=u_{0}, x\in\mathbb{R}^{N}, t=0. It is known that the nonnegative solution $u(t)$ of this problem blows up in finite time for $1<p\leq 1+ 2/N$. Moreover, if $p> 1+ 2/N$ and the norm of $u_{0}$ is small enough, the problem admits global solution. In this work, we use the entropy method to obtain the decay rate of the global solution $u(t)$.


Constructing Seifert surfaces from n-bridge link projections

Abstract: This paper presents a new algorithm "A" for constructing Seifert surfaces from n-bridge projections of links. The algorithm produces minimal complexity surfaces for large classes of braids and alternating links. In addition, we consider a family of knots for which the canonical genus is strictly greater than the genus, (g_c(K) > g(K)), and show that A builds surfaces realizing the knot genus g(K). We also present a generalization of Seifert's algorithm which may be used to construct surfaces representing arbitrary relative second homology classes in a link complement.


The Principal Element of a Frobenius Lie Algebra

Abstract: We introduce the notion of the \textit{principal element} of a Frobenius Lie algebra $\f$. The principal element corresponds to a choice of $F\in \f^*$ such that $F[-,-]$ non-degenerate. In many natural instances, the principal element is shown to be semisimple, and when associated to $\sl_n$, its eigenvalues are integers and are independent of $F$. For certain ``small'' functionals $F$, a simple construction is given which readily yields the principal element. When applied to the first maximal parabolic subalgebra of $\sl_n$, the principal element coincides with semisimple element of the principal three-dimensional subalgebra. We also show that Frobenius algebras are stable under deformation.


Equidistribution of Dynamically Small Subvarieties over the Function Field of a Curve

Abstract: For a projective variety X defined over a field K, there is a special class of self-morphisms of X called algebraic dynamical systems. In this paper we take K to be the function field of a smooth curve and prove that at each place of K, subvarieties of X of dynamically small height are equidistributed on the associated Berkovich analytic space. We carefully develop all of the arithmetic intersection theory needed to state and prove this theorem, and we present several applications on the non-Zariski density of preperiodic points and of points of small height in field extensions of bounded degree.


Commensurators of cusped hyperbolic manifolds

Abstract: This paper describes a general algorithm for finding the commensurator of a non-arithmetic cusped hyperbolic manifold, and for deciding when two such manifolds are commensurable. The method is based on some elementary observations regarding horosphere packings and canonical cell decompositions. For example, we use this to find the commensurators of all non-arithmetic hyperbolic once-punctured torus bundles over the circle. For hyperbolic 3-manifolds, the algorithm has been implemented using Goodman's computer program Snap. We use this to determine the commensurability classes of all cusped hyperbolic 3-manifolds triangulated using at most 7 ideal tetrahedra, and for the complements of hyperbolic knots and links with up to 12 crossings.


A formula for Pl\"ucker coordinates associated with a planar network

Abstract: For a planar directed graph G, Postnikov's boundary measurement map sends positive weight functions on the edges of G onto the appropriate totally nonnegative Grassmann cell. We establish an explicit formula for Postnikov's map by expressing each Pluecker coordinate as a ratio of two combinatorially defined polynomials in the edge weights, with positive integer coefficients. In the non-planar setting, we show that a similar formula holds for special choices of Pluecker coordinates.


From Continuous-Time Design to Sampled-Data Design of Nonlinear Observers

Abstract: In this work, a sampled-data nonlinear observer is designed using a continuous-time design coupled with an inter-sample output predictor. The proposed sampled-data observer is a hybrid system. It is shown that under certain conditions, the robustness properties of the continuous-time design are inherited by the sampled-data design, as long as the sampling period is not too large. The approach is applied to linear systems and to triangular globally Lipschitz systems.


A representation formula for indefinite improper affine spheres

Abstract: We construct a new representation formula for indefinite improper affine spheres in terms of two para-holomorphic functions and study singularities which appear in this representation formula. As a result, it follows that cuspidal cross caps never appear as the singularities on indefinite improper affine spheres and so on. Comparison with other representation formulae are also studied.


Tropical and Ordinary Convexity Combined

Abstract: A polytrope is a tropical polytope which at the same time is convex in the ordinary sense. A $d$-dimensional polytrope turns out to be a tropical simplex, that is, it is the tropical convex hull of $d+1$ points. This statement is equivalent to the known fact that the Segre product of two full polynomial rings (over some field $K$) has the Gorenstein property if and only if the factors are generated by the same number of indeterminates. The combinatorial types of polytropes up to dimension three are classified.


Sparse permutation invariant covariance estimation

Abstract: The paper proposes a method for constructing a sparse estimator for the inverse covariance (concentration) matrix in high-dimensional settings. The estimator uses a penalized normal likelihood approach and forces sparsity by using a lasso-type penalty. We establish a rate of convergence in the Frobenius norm as both data dimension $p$ and sample size $n$ are allowed to grow, and show that the rate depends explicitly on how sparse the true concentration matrix is. We also show that a correlation-based version of the method exhibits better rates in the operator norm. We also derive a fast iterative algorithm for computing the estimator, which relies on the popular Cholesky decomposition of the inverse but produces a permutation-invariant estimator. The method is compared to other estimators on simulated data and on a real data example of tumor tissue classification using gene expression data.


Counting growth types of automorphisms of free groups

Abstract: Given an automorphism of a free group $F_n$, we consider the following invariants: $e$ is the number of exponential strata (an upper bound for the number of different exponential growth rates of conjugacy classes); $d$ is the maximal degree of polynomial growth of conjugacy classes; $R$ is the rank of the fixed subgroup. We determine precisely which triples $(e,d,R)$ may be realized by an automorphism of $F_n$. In particular, the inequality $e\le (3n-2)/4}$ (due to Levitt-Lustig) always holds. In an appendix, we show that any conjugacy class grows like a polynomial times an exponential under iteration of the automorphism.


Cohomology rings and formality properties of nilpotent groups

Abstract: We introduce partial formality and relate resonance with partial formality properties. For instance, we show that for finitely generated nilpotent groups that are k-formal, the resonance varieties are trivial up to degree k. We also show that the cohomology ring of a nilpotent k-formal group is generated in degree 1, up to degree k+1; this criterion is necessary and sufficient for 2-step nilpotent groups to be k-formal. We compute resonance varieties for Heisenberg-type groups and deduce the degree of partial formality for this class of groups.


Region of Variability for Spirallike Functions with Respect to a Boundary Point

Abstract: In this paper we determine the region of variability for spirallike funcions with respect to a boundary point. In the final section we graphically illustrate the region of variability for several sets of parameters.


On algebras generated by inner derivations

Abstract: We look for an effective description of the algebra D_{Lie}(X,B) of operators on a bimodule X over an algebra B, generated by inner derivations. It is shown that in some important examples D_{Lie}(X,B) consists of all elementary operators x\to \sum_i a_ixb_i satisfying the conditions $\sum_i a_ib_i = \sum_i b_ia_i = 0. The Banach algebraic versions of these results are also obtained and applied to the description of closed Lie ideals in some Banach algebras, and to the proof of a density theorem for Lie algebras of operators on Hilbert space.


Hilbert Coefficients and Depth of the Associated Graded Ring of an Ideal

Abstract: In this expository paper we survey results that relate Hilbert coefficients of an m-primary ideal I in a Cohen-Macaulay local ring (R, m) with depth of the associated graded ring G(I). Several results in this area follow from two theorems of S. Huckaba and T. Marley. These were proved using homological techniques. We provide simple proofs using superficial sequences.


Transseries for beginners

Abstract: From the simplest point of view, transseries are a new kind of expansion for real-valued functions. But transseries constitute much more than that--they have a very rich (algebraic, combinatorial, analytic) structure. The set of transseries is a large ordered field, extending the real number field, and endowed with additional operations such as exponential, logarithm, derivative, integral, composition. Over the course of the last 20 years or so, transseries have emerged in several areas of mathematics: asymptotic analysis, model theory, computer algebra, surreal numbers. This paper is an exposition for the non-specialist mathematician. All a mathematician needs to know in order to apply transseries.


Some applications of Ricci flow to 3-manifolds

Abstract: We decribe and announce some results (joint with G. Besson, L. Bessieres, M. Boileau and J.Porti) about the geometry and topology of 3-manifolds. Most of the article is primarily intended as an introduction for nonexperts to geometrization of 3-manifolds, Ricci flow with surgery, and the simplicial volume approach to collapsing theorems. In the last section, Ricci flow with surgery on open 3-manifolds and obstructions to positive scalar curvature are discussed.


A theorem on the cores of partitions

Abstract: If s and t are relatively prime positive integers we show that the s-core of a t-core partition is again a t-core partition


Pointwise Green function bounds and long-time stability of large-amplitude noncharacteristic boundary layers

Abstract: Using pointwise semigroup techniques of Zumbrun--Howard and Mascia--Zumbrun, we obtain sharp global pointwise Green function bounds for noncharacteristic boundary layers of arbitrary amplitude. These estimates allow us to analyze linearized and nonlinearized stability of noncharacteristic boundary layers of one-dimensional systems of conservation laws, showing that both are equivalent to a numerically checkable Evans function condition. Our results extend to the large-amplitude case results obtained for small amplitudes by Matsumura, Nishihara and others using energy estimates.


Quantum Teichmuller theory and representations of the pure braid group

Abstract: We adapt some of the methods of quantum Teichm\"uller theory to construct a family of representations of the pure braid group of the sphere.


The dual geometry of Boolean semirings

Abstract: It is well known that the variety of Boolean semirings, which is generated by the three element semiring S, is dual to the category of partially Stone spaces. We place this duality in the context of natural dualities. We begin by introducing a topological structure \uS and obtain an optimal natural duality between the quasi-variety ISP(S) and the category IS_cP+(\uS). Then we construct an optimal and very small structure \uS_os that yields a strong duality. The geometry of some of the partially Stone spaces that take part in these dualities is presented, and we call them "hairy cubes", as they are n-dimensional cubes with unique incomparable covers for each element of the cube. We also obtain a polynomial representation for the elements of the hairy cube.


Bijections between pattern-avoiding fillings of Young diagrams

Abstract: The pattern-avoiding fillings of Young diagrams we study arose from Postnikov's work on positive Grassman cells. They are called Le-diagrams, and are in bijection with decorated permutations. Other closely-related diagrams are interpreted as acyclic orientations of some bipartite graphs. The definition of the diagrams is the same but the avoided patterns are different. We give here bijections proving that the number of pattern-avoiding filling of a Young diagram is the same, for these two different sets of patterns. The result was obtained by Postnikov via a reccurence relation. This relation was extended by Spiridonov to obtain more general results about other patterns and other polyominoes than Young diagrams, and we show that our bijections also extend to more general polyominoes.