Maximal quadratic modules on *-rings

Abstract: We generalize the notion of and results on maximal proper quadratic modules from commutative unital rings to $\ast$-rings and discuss the relation of this generalization to recent developments in noncommutative real algebraic geometry. The simplest example of a maximal proper quadratic module is the cone of all positive semidefinite complex matrices of a fixed dimension. We show that the support of a maximal proper quadratic module is the symmetric part of a prime $\ast$-ideal, that every maximal proper quadratic module in a Noetherian $\ast$-ring comes from a maximal proper quadratic module in a simple artinian ring with involution and that maximal proper quadratic modules satisfy an intersection theorem. As an application we obtain the following extension of Schm\" udgen's Strict Positivstellensatz for the Weyl algebra: Let $c$ be an element of the Weyl algebra $\mathcal{W}(d)$ which is not negative semidefinite in the Schr\" odinger representation. It is shown that under some conditions there exists an integer $k$ and elements $r_1,...,r_k \in \mathcal{W}(d)$ such that $\sum_{j=1}^k r_j c r_j^\ast$ is a finite sum of hermitian squares. This result is not a proper generalization however because we don't have the bound $k \le d$.


A gap property for the growth of closed 3-manifold groups

Abstract: We provide a lower bound for the uniform exponential growth rate of closed nonflat nonpositively curved 3-manifold groups. A detailed study of the uniform exponential growth rate of closed 3-manifold groups is also presented.


Formally real involutions on central simple algebras

Abstract: An involution $#$ on an associative ring $R$ is \textit{formally real} if a sum of nonzero elements of the form $r^# r$ where $r \in R$ is nonzero. Suppose that $R$ is a central simple algebra (i.e. $R=M_n(D)$ for some integer $n$ and central division algebra $D$) and $#$ is an involution on $R$ of the form $r^# = a^{-1} r^\ast a$, where $\ast$ is some transpose involution on $R$ and $a$ is an invertible matrix such that $a^\ast=\pm a$. In section 1 we characterize formal reality of $#$ in terms of $a$ and $\ast|_D$. In later sections we apply this result to the study of formal reality of involutions on crossed product division algebras. We can characterize involutions on $D=(K/F,\Phi)$ that extend to a formally real involution on the split algebra $D \otimes_F K \cong M_n(K)$. Every such involution is formally real but we show that there exist formally real involutions on $D$ which are not of this form. In particular, there exists a formally real involution $#$ for which the hermitian trace form $x \mapsto \tr(x^#x)$ is not positive semidefinite.


A representation theorem for archimedean quadratic modules on *-rings

Abstract: We present a new approach to noncommutative real algebraic geometry based on the representation theory of $C^\ast$-algebras. An important result in commutative real algebraic geometry is Jacobi's representation theorem for archimedean quadratic modules on commutative rings, \cite[Theorem 5]{jacobi}. We show that this theorem is a consequence of the Gelfand-Naimark representation theorem for commutative $C^\ast$-algebras. A noncommutative version of Gelfand-Naimark theory was studied by I. Fujimoto. We use his results to generalize Jacobi's theorem to associative rings with involution.


Approximately bisimilar symbolic models for incrementally stable switched systems

Abstract: Switched systems constitute an important modeling paradigm faithfully describing many engineering systems in which software interacts with the physical world. Despite considerable progress on stability and stabilization of switched systems, the constant evolution of technology demands that we make similar progress with respect to different, and perhaps more complex, objectives. This paper describes one particular approach to address these different objectives based on the construction of approximately equivalent (bisimilar) symbolic models for switched systems. The main contribution of this paper consists in showing that under standard assumptions ensuring incremental stability of a switched system (i.e. existence of a common Lyapunov function, or multiple Lyapunov functions with dwell time), it is possible to construct a finite symbolic model that is approximately bisimilar to the original switched system with a precision that can be chosen a priori. To support the computational merits of the proposed approach, we use symbolic models to synthesize controllers for two examples of switched systems, including the boost DC-DC converter.


Counting Abelian Squares

Abstract: An abelian square is a string of length 2n where the last n symbols form a permutation of the first n symbols. In this note we count the number of abelian squares and give an asymptotic estimate of this quantity.


On one-sided primitivity of Banach algebras

Abstract: Let $S$ be the semigroup with identity, generated by $x$ and $y$, subject to $y$ being invertible and $yx=xy^2$. We study two Banach algebra completions of the semigroup algebra $\mathbb{C}S$. Both completions are shown to be left-primitive and have separating families of irreducible infinite-dimensional right modules. As an appendix, we offer an alternative proof that $\mathbb{C}S$ is left-primitive but not right-primitive. We show further that, in contrast to the completions, every irreducible right module for $\mathbb{C}S$ is finite dimensional and hence that $\mathbb{C}S$ has a separating family of such modules.


Stein's method and normal approximation of Poisson functionals

Abstract: We combine Stein's method with a version of Malliavin calculus on the Poisson space. As a result, we obtain explicit Berry-Ess\'een bounds in Central Limit Theorems (CLTs) involving multiple Wiener-It\^o integrals with respect to a general Poisson measure. We provide several applications to CLTs related to Ornstein-Uhlenbeck L\'evy processes.


On a variant of the large sieve

Abstract: We introduce a variant of the large sieve and give an example of its use in a sieving problem. Take the interval [N] = {1,...,N} and, for each odd prime p <= N^{1/2}, remove or ``sieve out'' by all n whose reduction mod p lies in some interval I_p of Z/pZ of length (p-1)/2. Let A be the set that remains: then |A| << N^{1/3 + o(1)}, a bound which improves slightly on the bound of |A| << N^{1/2} which results from applying the large sieve in its usual form. This is a very, very weak result in the direction of a question of Helfgott and Venkatesh, who suggested that nothing like equality can occur in applications of the large sieve unless the unsieved set is essentially the set of values of a polynomial (e.g. A is the set of squares). Assuming the ``exponent pairs conjecture'' (which is deep, as it implies a host of classical questions including the Lindel\"of hypothesis, Gauss circle problem and Dirichlet divisor problem) the bound can be improved to |A| << N^{o(1)}. This raises the worry that even reasonably simple sieve problems are connected to issues of which we have little understanding at the present time.


Cohomological dimension, self-linking, and systolic geometry

Abstract: Given a closed manifold M, we prove the upper bound of (n+d)/2 for the length of a product of systoles that can form a curvature-free lower bound for the total volume of M, in the spirit of M. Gromov's systolic inequalities. Here n is the dimension of M, while d is the is the cohomological dimension of its fundamental group. We apply this upper bound to show that, in the case of a 4-manifold, the Lusternik--Schnirelmann category is an upper bound for such length. Furthermore we prove a systolic inequality on a manifold M with b_1(M)=2 in the presence of a nontrivial self-linking class of the typical fiber of its Abel--Jacobi map to the 2-torus.


Finiteness properties of formal local cohomology modules and Cohen-Macaulayness

Abstract: Let $\fa$ be an ideal of a local ring $(R,\fm)$ and $M$ a finitely generated $R$-module. We investigate the structure of the formal local cohomology modules ${\vpl}_nH^i_{\fm}(M/\fa^n M)$, $i\geq 0$. We prove several results concerning finiteness properties of formal local cohomology modules which indicate that these modules behave very similar to local cohomology modules. Among other things, we prove that if $\dim R\leq 2$ or either $\fa$ is principal or $\dim R/\fa\leq 1$, then $\Tor_j^R(R/\fa,{\vpl}_nH^i_{\fm}(M/\fa^n M))$ is Artinian for all $i$ and $j$. Also, we examine the notion $\fgrade(\fa,M)$, the formal grade of $M$ with respect to $\fa$ (i.e. the least integer $i$ such that ${\vpl}_nH^i_{\fm}(M/\fa^n M) \neq 0$). As applications, we establish a criterion for Cohen-Macaulayness of $M$, and also we provide an upper bound for cohomological dimension of $M$ with respect to $\fa$.


Geometric characterization of flat groups of automorphisms

Abstract: If H is a flat group of automorphisms of finite rank n of a totally disconnected, locally compact group G, then each orbit of H in the metric space B(G) of compact, open subgroups of G is quasi-isometric to n-dimensional euclidean space. In this note we prove the following partial converse: Assume that G is a totally disconnected, locally compact group such that B(G) is a proper metric space and let H be a group of automorphisms of G such that some (equivalently every) orbit of H in B(G) is quasi-isometric to n-dimensional euclidean space, then H has a finite index subgroup which is flat of rank n. We can draw this conclusion under weaker assumptions. We also single out a naturally defined flat subgroup of such groups of automorphisms.


Lattice Gauge Field Theory and Prismatic Sets

Abstract: We study prismatics sets analogously to simplical sets except that realization involves prisms, i.e., products of simplices rather than just simplices. Particular examples are the prismatic subdivision of a simplicial set S and the prismatic star of S. Both have the same homotopy type as S and in particular the latter we use to study lattice gauge theory in the sense of Phillips and Stone. Thus for a Lie group G and a set of parallel transport functions defining the transition over faces of the simplices, we define a classifying map from the prismatic star to a prismatic version of the classifying space of G. In turn this defines a G-bundle over the prismatic star.


The structure of strong linear preservers of gw-majorization on $ \mathbf{M}_{{n,m}

Abstract: Let M_{n,m} be the set of all n by m matrices with entries in F, where F is the field of real or complex numbers. A matrix R in M_{n} with the property Re=e, is said to be a g-row stochastic (generalized row stochastic) matrix. Let A,B in M_{n,m}, so B is said to be gw-majorized by A if there exists an n by n g-row stochastic matrix R such that B=RA. In this paper we characterize all linear operators that strongly preserve gw-majorization on M_{n,m} and all linear operators that strongly preserve matrix majorization on M_{n} .


Moment bounds for non-linear functionals of the periodogram

Abstract: In this paper, we prove the validity of the Edgeworth expansion of the Discrete Fourier transforms of some linear time series. This result is applied to approach moments of non linear functionals of the periodogram. As an illustration, we give an expression of the mean square error of the Geweke and Porter-Hudak estimator of the long memory parameter. We prove that this estimator is rate optimal, extending the result of Giraitis, Robinson, Samarov (1997) from Gaussian to linear processes.


On a theorem of Shkredov

Abstract: We show that if A is a finite subset of an abelian group with additive energy at least c|A|^3 then there is a subset L of A with |L|=O(c^{-1}\log |A|) such that |A \cap Span(L)| >> c^{1/3}|A|.


Roth's theorem in Z_4^n

Abstract: We show that if A is a subset of Z_4^n containing no three-term arithmetic progression in which all the elements are distinct then |A|=o(4^n/n).


Chowla's cosine problem

Abstract: Suppose that G is a discrete abelian group and A is a finite symmetric subset of G. We show two main results. i) Either there is a set H of O(log^c|A|) subgroups of G with |A \triangle \bigcup H| = o(|A|), or there is a character X on G such that -wh{1_A}(X) >> log^c|A|. ii) If G is finite and |A|>> |G| then either there is a subgroup H of G such that |A \triangle H| = o(|A|), or there is a character X on G such that -wh{1_A}(X)>> |A|^c.


Popular difference sets

Abstract: We provide further explanation of the significance of a construction in a recent paper of Wolf [Israel J. Math. 179 (2010), 253-278] in the context of the problem of finding large subspaces in sumsets.


Delocalized Betti numbers and Morse type inequalities

Abstract: In this paper we state and prove Morse type inequalities for Morse functions as well as for closed differential 1-forms. These inequalities involve delocalized Betti numbers. As an immediate consequence, we prove the vanishing of delocalized Betti numbers of manifolds fibering over the circle.


Formality of the homotopy calculus algebra of Hochschild (co)chains

Abstract: The Kontsevich-Soibelman solution of the cyclic version of Deligne's conjecture and the formality of the operad of little discs on a cylinder provide us with a natural homotopy calculus structure on the pair (C^*(A), C_*(A)) ``Hochschild cochains + Hochschild chains'' of an associative algebra A. We show that for an arbitrary smooth algebraic variety X with the structure sheaf O_X the sheaf (C^*(O_X), C_*(O_X)) of homotopy calculi is formal. This result was announced in paper [29] by the second and the third author.


The supremum of autoconvolutions, with applications to additive number theory

Abstract: We adapt a number-theoretic technique of Yu to prove a purely analytic theorem: if f(x) is in L^1 and L^2, is nonnegative, and is supported on an interval of length I, then the supremum of the convolution f*f is at least 0.631 \| f \|_1^2 / I. This improves the previous bound of 0.591389 \| f \|_1^2 / I. Consequently, we improve the known bounds on several related number-theoretic problems. For a subset A of {1,2, ..., n}, let g be the maximum multiplicity of any element of the multiset {a+b: a,b in A}. Our main corollary is the inequality gn>0.631|A|^2, which holds uniformly for all g, n, and A.


Morse inequalities for manifolds with boundary

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to provide a proof for a version of Morse inequality for manifolds with boundary. Our main results are certainly known to the experts on Morse theory, nevertheless it seems necessary to write down a complete proof for it. Our proof is analytic and is based on J. Roe's account of Witten's approach to Morse Theory.


Quantum Functor $Mor$

Abstract: Let $Top_c$ be the category of compact spaces and continuous maps and $Top_f\subset Top_c$ be the full subcategory of finite spaces. Consider the covariant functor $Mor:Top_f^{op}\times Top_c\to Top_c$ that associates any pair $(X,Y)$ with the space of all morphisms from $X$ to $Y$. In this paper, we describe a non commutative version of $Mor$. More pricelessly, we define a functor $\mathfrak{M}\mathfrak{o}\mathfrak{r}$, that takes any pair $(B,C)$ of a finitely generated unital C*-algebra $B$ and a finite dimensional C*-algebra $C$ to the quantum family of all morphism from $B$ to $C$.


BMOA estimates and radial growth of $B_{\phi}$ functions

Abstract: BMO estimates and the radial growth of Bloch functions have been studied by B. Korenblum [3]. The present paper contains some natural generalizations of these results.


On some generalizations of Newton non degeneracy for hypersurface singularities

Abstract: We introduce two generalizations of Newton-non-degenerate (Nnd) singularities of hypersurfaces. Roughly speaking, an isolated hypersurface singularity is called topologically Newton-non-degenerate (tNnd) if the local embedded topological singularity type can be restored from a collection of Newton diagrams (for some coordinate choices). A singularity that is not tNnd is called essentially Newton-degenerate. For plane curves we give an explicit characterization of tNnd singularities; for hypersurfaces we provide several examples. Next, we treat the question: whether Nnd or tNnd is a property of singularity types or of particular representatives. Namely, is the non-degeneracy preserved in an equi-singular family? This fact is proved for curves. For hypersurfaces we give an example of a Nnd hypersurface whose equi-singular deformation consists of essentially Newton-degenerate hypersurfaces. Finally, we define the directionally Newton-non-degenerate germs, a subclass of tNnd germs. For such singularities the classical formulas for the Milnor number and the zeta function of the Nnd hypersurface are generalized.


The Sigma Invariants of Thompson's Group F

Abstract: Thompson's group F is the group of all increasing dyadic piecewise linear homeomorphisms of the closed unit interval. We compute Sigma^m(F) and Sigma^m(F;Z), the homotopical and homological Bieri-Neumann-Strebel-Renz invariants of F, and we show that Sigma^m(F) = Sigma^m(F;Z). As an application, we show that, for every m, F has subgroups of type F_{m-1} which are not of type F_{m}.


A note on strong Jordan separation

Abstract: We provide a strengthening of Jordan separation, to the setting of maps from a compact topological space X into a sphere, where the source space X is not necessarily a codimension one sphere, and the map is not necessarily injective.


Sigma Invariants of Direct Products of Groups

Abstract: The Product Conjecture for the homological Bieri-Neumann-Strebel-Renz invariants is proved over a field. Under certain hypotheses the Product Conjecture is shown to also hold over Z, even though D. Schuetz has recently shown that the Conjecture is false in general over Z. Our version over Z is applied in a joint paper with D. Kochloukova to derive new information about subgroups of Thompson's group F, namely that F has subgroups F_m which are not of type F_{m+1}.


Geometries enumeratives complexe, reelle et tropicale

Abstract: This text is an introduction to algebraic enumerative geometry and to applications of tropical geometry to classical geometry, based on a course given during the X-UPS mathematical days, 2008 May 14th and 15th. The aim of this text is to be understandable by a first year master student.


Homotopy classification of maps into homogeneous spaces

Abstract: We give an alternative to Postnikov's homotopy classification of maps from 3-dimensional CW-complexes to homogeneous spaces G/H of Lie groups. It describes homotopy classes in terms of lifts to the group G and is suitable for extending the notion of homotopy to Sobolev maps. This is required for applications to variational problems of mathematical physics.


Link invariants from finite racks

Abstract: We define ambient isotopy invariants of oriented knots and links using the counting invariants of framed links defined by finite racks. These invariants reduce to the usual quandle counting invariant when the rack in question is a quandle. We are able to further enhance these counting invariants with 2-cocycles from the coloring rack's second rack cohomology satisfying a new degeneracy condition which reduces to the usual case for quandles.


Sums of squares and moment problems in equivariant situations

Abstract: We begin a systematic study of positivity and moment problems in an equivariant setting. Given a reductive group $G$ over $\R$ acting on an affine $\R$-variety $V$, we consider the induced dual action on the coordinate ring $\R[V]$ and on the linear dual space of $\R[V]$. In this setting, given an invariant closed semialgebraic subset $K$ of $V(\R)$, we study the problem of representation of invariant nonnegative polynomials on $K$ by invariant sums of squares, and the closely related problem of representation of invariant linear functionals on $\R[V]$ by invariant measures supported on $K$. To this end, we analyse the relation between quadratic modules of $\R[V]$ and associated quadratic modules of the (finitely generated) subring $\R[V]^G$ of invariant polynomials. We apply our results to investigate the finite solvability of an equivariant version of the multidimensional $K$-moment problem. Most of our results are specific to the case where the group $G(\R)$ is compact.


An anticipating It\^o formula for L\'evy processes

Abstract: In this paper, we use the Malliavin calculus techniques to obtain an anticipative version of the change of variable formula for L\'evy processes. Here the coefficients are in the domain of the anihilation (gradient) operator in the "future sense", which includes the family of all adapted and square-integrable processes. This domain was introduced on the Wiener space by Al\`os and Nualart.


Representations of Lie Superalgebras in Prime Characteristic I

Abstract: We initiate the representation theory of restricted Lie superalgebras over an algebraically closed field of characteristic p>2. A superalgebra generalization of the celebrated Kac-Weisfeiler Conjecture is formulated, which exhibits a mixture of p-power and 2-power divisibilities of dimensions of modules. We establish the Conjecture for basic classical Lie superalgebras.


A note on the invariant subspace problem relative to a type ${\rm II}_1$ factor

Abstract: Let $\M$ be a type ${\rm II}_1$ factor with a faithful normal tracial state $\tau$ and let $\M^\omega$ be the ultrapower algebra of $\M$. In this paper, we prove that for every operator $T\in \M^\omega$, there is a family of projections $\{P_t\}_{0\leq t\leq 1}$ in $\M^\omega$ such that $TP_t=P_tTP_t$, $P_s\leq P_t$ if $s\leq t$, and $\tau_\omega(P_t)=t$. Let $\mathfrak{M}=\{Z \in \M: \text{there is a family of projections} \{P_t\}_{0\leq t\leq 1} \text{in} \M \text{such that} ZP_t=P_tZP_t, P_s\leq P_t \text{if} s\leq t, \text{and} \tau(P_t)=t\}$. As an application we show that for every operator $T\in \M$ and $\epsilon>0$, there is an operator $S\in \mathfrak{M}$ such that $\|S\|\leq \|T\|$ and $\|S-T\|_2<\epsilon$. We also show that $\prod_n^\omega M_n(\cc)$ is not $\ast$-isomorphic to the ultrapower algebra of the hyperfinite type ${\rm II}_1$ factor.


Birth and death in discrete Morse theory

Abstract: Suppose $M$ is a finite simplicial complex and that for $0=t_0,t_1,...,t_r=1$ we have a discrete Morse function $F_{t_i}:M\to \zr$. In this paper, we study the births and deaths of critical cells for the functions $F_{t_i}$ and present an algorithm for pairing the cells that occur in adjacent slices. We first study the case where the triangulation of $M$ is the same for each $t_i$, and then generalize to the case where the triangulations may differ. This has potential applications in data imaging, where one has function values at a sample of points in some region in space at several different times or at different levels in an object.


Classifying subcategories of modules over a commutative noetherian ring

Abstract: Let R be a quotient ring of a commutative coherent regular ring by a finitely generated ideal. Hovey gave a bijection between the set of coherent subcategories of the category of finitely presented R-modules and the set of thick subcategories of the derived category of perfect R-complexes. Using this isomorphism, he proved that every coherent subcategory of finitely presented R-modules is a Serre subcategory. In this paper, it is proved that this holds whenever R is a commutative noetherian ring. This paper also yields a module version of the bijection between the set of localizing subcategories of the derived category of R-modules and the set of subsets of Spec R which was given by Neeman.


On tabulating virtual strings

Abstract: A virtual string can be defined as a closed curve on a surface modulo certain equivalence relations. Turaev defined several invariants of virtual strings which we use to produce a table of virtual strings up to 4 crossings. We discuss progress in extending the tabulation to 5 crossings. We also provide a counter-example to a statement of Kadokami.


On varieties of almost minimal degree I: Secant loci of rational normal scrolls

Abstract: To complete the classification theory and the structure theory of varieties of almost minimal degree, that is of non-degenerate irreducible projective varieties whose degree exceeds the codimension by precisely 2, a natural approach is to investigate simple projections of varieties of minimal degree. Let $\tilde X \subset {\mathbb P}^{r+1}_K$ be a variety of minimal degree and of codimension at least 2, and consider $X_p = \pi_p (\tilde X) \subset {\mathbb P}^r_K$ where $p \in {\mathbb P}^{r+1}_K \backslash \tilde X$. By \cite{B-Sche}, it turns out that the cohomological and local properties of $X_p$ are governed by the secant locus $\Sigma_p (\tilde X)$ of $\tilde X$ with respect to $p$. Along these lines, the present paper is devoted to give a geometric description of the secant stratification of $\tilde X$, that is of the decomposition of ${\mathbb P}^{r+1}_K$ via the types of secant loci. We show that there are exactly six possibilities for the secant locus $\Sigma_p (\tilde X)$, and we precisely describe each stratum of the secant stratification of $\tilde X$, each of which turns out to be a quasi-projective variety. As an application, we obtain the classification of all non-normal Del Pezzo varieties by providing a complete list of pairs $(\tilde X, p)$ where $\tilde X \subset {\mathbb P}^{r+1}_K$ is a variety of minimal degree, $p$ is a closed point in $\mathbb P^{r+1}_K \setminus \tilde X$ and $X_p \subset {\mathbb P}^r _K$ is a Del Pezzo variety.


Group Invariant Entanglements in Generalized Tensor Products

Abstract: The group invariance of entanglement is obtained within a very general and simple setup of the latter, given by a recently introduced considerably extended concept of tensor products. This general approach to entanglement - unlike the usual one given in the particular setup of tensor products of vector spaces - turns out not to need any specific algebraic structure. The resulting advantage is that, entanglement being in fact defined by a negation, its presence in a general setup increases the chances of its manifestations, thus also its availability as a resource.


The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra made effective: an elementary real-algebraic proof via Sturm chains

Abstract: Sturm's theorem (1829/35) provides an elegant algorithm to count and locate the real roots of any real polynomial. In his residue calculus (1831/37) Cauchy extended Sturm's method to count and locate the complex roots of any complex polynomial. For holomorphic functions Cauchy's index is based on contour integration, but in the special case of polynomials it can effectively be calculated via Sturm chains using euclidean division as in the real case. In this way we provide an algebraic proof of Cauchy's theorem for polynomials over any real closed field. As our main tool, we formalize Gauss' geometric notion of winding number (1799) in the real-algebraic setting, from which we derive a real-algebraic proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. The proof is elementary inasmuch as it uses only the intermediate value theorem and arithmetic of real polynomials. It can thus be formulated in the first-order language of real closed fields. Moreover, the proof is constructive and immediately translates to an algebraic root-finding algorithm.


Yang-Baxter deformations and rack cohomology

Abstract: Every rack $Q$ provides a set-theoretic solution $c_Q$ of the Yang-Baxter equation. This article examines the deformation theory of $c_Q$ within the space of Yang-Baxter operators over a ring $\A$, a problem initiated by Freyd and Yetter in 1989. As our main result we classify deformations in the modular case, which had previously been left in suspense, and establish that every deformation of $c_Q$ is gauge-equivalent to a quasi-diagonal one. Stated informally, in a quasi-diagonal deformation only behaviourally equivalent elements interact. In the extreme case, where all elements of $Q$ are behaviourally distinct, Yang-Baxter cohomology thus collapses to its diagonal part, which we identify with rack cohomology. The latter has been intensively studied in recent years and, in the modular case, is known to produce non-trivial and topologically interesting Yang-Baxter deformations.


Similarity versus Coincidence Rotations of Lattices

Abstract: The groups of similarity and coincidence rotations of an arbitrary lattice L in d-dimensional Euclidean space are considered. It is shown that the group of similarity rotations contains the coincidence rotations as a normal subgroup. Furthermore, the structure of the corresponding factor group is examined. If the dimension d is a prime number, this factor group is an elementary Abelian d-group. Moreover, if L is a rational lattice, the factor group is trivial (d odd) or an elementary Abelian 2-group (d even).


Global and touchdown behaviour of the generalized MEMS device equation

Abstract: We prove the local and global existence of solutions of the generalized micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) equation $u_t =\Delta u+\lambda f(x)/g(u)$, $u<1$, in $\Omega\times (0,\infty)$, $u(x,t)=0$ on $\partial\Omega\times (0,\infty)$, $u(x,0)=u_0$ in $\Omega$, where $\Omega\subset\Bbb{R}^n$ is a bounded domain, $\lambda >0$ is a constant, $0\le f\in C^{\alpha}(\overline{\Omega})$, $f\not\equiv 0$, for some constant $0<\alpha<1$, $0<g\in C^2((-\infty,1))$ such that $g'(s)\le 0$ for any $s<1$ and $u_0\in L^1(\Omega)$ with $u_0\le a<1$ for some constant $a$. We prove that there exists a constant $\lambda^{\ast}=\lambda^{\ast}(\Omega, f,g)>0$ such that the associated stationary problem has a solution for any $0\le\lambda<\lambda^*$ and has no solution for any $\lambda>\lambda^*$. We obtain comparison theorems for the generalized MEMS equation. Under a mild assumption on the initial value we prove the convergence of global solutions to the solution of the corresponding stationary elliptic equation as $t\to\infty$ for any $0\le\lambda<\lambda^*$. We also obtain various conditions for the existence of a touchdown time $T>0$ for the solution $u$. That is a time $T>0$ such that $\lim_{t\nearrow T}\sup_{\Omega}u(\cdot,t)=1$.


Complete Linear Series on a Hyperelliptic Curve

Abstract: In this paper we study complete linear series on a hyperelliptic curve $C$ of arithmetic genus $g$. Let $A$ be the unique line bundle on $C$ such that $|A|$ is a $g^1_2$, and let $\mathcal{L}$ be a line bundle on $C$ of degree $d$. Then $\mathcal{L}$ can be factorized as $\mathcal{L} = A^m \otimes B$ where $m$ is the largest integer satisfying $H^0 (C,\mathcal{L} \otimes A^{-m}) \neq 0$. Let $b = {deg}(B)$. We say that \textit{the factorization type of} $\mathcal{L}$ is $(m,b)$. Our main results in this paper assert that $(m,b)$ gives a precise answer for many natural questions about $\mathcal{L}$.


Foliations and Global Inversion

Abstract: We consider topological conditions under which a locally invertible map admits a global inverse. Our main theorem states that a local diffeomorphism $f: M \to\mathbb{R}^n$ is bijective if and only if $H_{n-1}(M)=0$ and the pre-image of every affine hyperplane is non-empty and acyclic. The proof is based on some geometric constructions involving foliations and tools from intersection theory. This topological result generalizes in finite dimensions the classical analytic theorem of Hadamard-Plastock, including its recent improvement by Nollet-Xavier. The main theorem also relates to a conjecture of the aforementioned authors, involving the well known Jacobian Conjecture in algebraic geometry.


Defining the Mean of a Real-Valued Function on an Arbitrary Metric Space

Abstract: We show how a metric space induces a linear functional (a "mean") on real-valued functions with domains in that metric space. This immediately induces a "relative" measure on a collection of subsets of the underlying set.


Existence and asymptotics of solutions of the Debye-Nernst-Planck system in R^2

Abstract: In this paper we investigate a system describing electrically charged particles in the whole space R^2. Our main goal is to describe large time behavior of solutions which start their evolution from initial data of small size. This is achieved using radially symmetric self-similar solutions.


Rational points on cubic hypersurfaces that split off a form

Abstract: Let X be a projective cubic hypersurface of dimension 11 or more, which is defined over the rationals. In this paper it is shown that X contains rational points provided that the cubic form defining X can be written as the sum of two forms that share no common variables. ----- This paper features an appendix "Groupe de Brauer non ramifi\'e des hypersurfaces cubiques singuli\`eres (d'apr\`es P. Salberger)", by J.-L. Colliot-Th\'l\`ene.


Cohomology of SL(2,C) character varieties of surface groups and the action of the Torelli group

Abstract: We determine the action of the Torelli group on the equivariant cohomology of the space of flat SL(2,C) connections on a closed Riemann surface. We show that the trivial part of the action contains the equivariant cohomology of the even component of the space of flat PSL(2,C) connections. The non-trivial part consists of the even alternating products of degree two Prym representations, so that the kernel of the action is precisely the Prym-Torelli group. We compute the Betti numbers of the ordinary cohomology of the moduli space of flat SL(2,C) connections. Using results of Cappell-Lee-Miller we show that the Prym-Torelli group, which acts trivially on equivariant cohomology, acts non-trivially on ordinary cohomology.


Uniformly Hyperbolic Finite-Valued SL(2,R)-Cocycles

Abstract: We consider finite families of SL(2,R) matrices whose products display uniform exponential growth. These form open subsets of (SL(2,R))^N, and we study their components, boundary, and complement. We also consider the more general situation where the allowed products of matrices satisfy a Markovian rule.


Theorem of completeness for a Dirac-type operator with generalized $\lambda$-depending boundary conditions

Abstract: A completeness theorem is proved involving a system of integro-differential equations with some $\lambda$-depending boundary conditions. Also some sufficient conditions for the root functions to form a Riesz basis are established.


A period map for generalized deformations

Abstract: For every compact Kaehler manifold we give a canonical extension of Griffith's period map to generalized deformations, intended as solutions of Maurer-Cartan equation in the algebra of polyvector fields. Our construction involves the notion of Cartan homotopy and a canonical L-infinity structure on mapping cones of morphisms of differential graded Lie algebras.


Ergodic averages with deterministic weights

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to study ergodic averages with deterministic weights. More precisely we study the convergence of the ergodic averages of the type $\frac{1}{N} \sum_{k=0}^{N-1} \theta (k) f \circ T^{u_k}$ where $\theta = (\theta (k) ; k\in \NN)$ is a bounded sequence and $u = (u_k ; k\in \NN)$ a strictly increasing sequence of integers such that for some $\delta<1$ $$ S_N (\theta, u) := \sup_{\alpha \in \pRR} | \sum_{k=0}^{N-1} \theta (k) \exp (2i\pi \alpha u_k) | = O (N^{\delta}) \leqno{({\cal H}_1)} $$ i.e., there exists a constant $C$ such that $S_N (\theta, u) \leq C N^{\delta} $. We define $\delta (\theta, u)$ to be the infimum of the $\delta $ satisfying $\H_1$ for $\theta $ and $u$.


H^1 and BMO for certain nondoubling metric measure spaces

Abstract: Suppose that (M,d,m) is an unbounded metric measure space, which possesses two geometric properties, called "isoperimetric property" and "approximate midpoint property", and that the measure m is locally doubling. The isoperimetric property implies that the volume of balls grows at least exponentially with the radius. Hence the measure m is not globally doubling. In this paper we define an atomic Hardy space H1(m), where atoms are supported only on "small balls", and a corresponding space BMO(m) of functions of bounded mean oscillation, where the control is only on the oscillation over small balls. We prove that BMO(m) is the dual of H1(m) and that an inequality of John-Nirenberg type on small balls holds for functions in BMO(m). Furthermore, we show that the Lp(m) spaces are intermediate spaces between H1(m) and BMO(m), and we develop a theory of singular integral operators acting on function spaces on M. Finally, we show that our theory is strong enough to give H1(m)-L1(m) and L1(m)-BMO(m) estimates for various interesting operators on Riemannian manifolds and symmetric spaces which are unbounded on L1(m) and on L\infty(m).


Structure of derivations on various algebras of measurable operators for type I von Neumann algebras

Abstract: Given a von Neumann algebra $M$ denote by $S(M)$ and $LS(M)$ respectively the algebras of all measurable and locally measurable operators affiliated with $M.$ For a faithful normal semi-finite trace $\tau$ on $M$ let $S(M, \tau)$ (resp. $S_0(M, \tau)$) be the algebra of all $\tau$-measurable (resp. $\tau$-compact) operators from $S(M).$ We give a complete description of all derivations on the above algebras of operators in the case of type I von Neumann algebra $M.$ In particular, we prove that if $M$ is of type I$_\infty$ then every derivation on $LS(M)$ (resp. $S(M)$ and $S(M,\tau)$) is inner, and each derivation on $S_0(M, \tau)$ is spatial and implemented by an element from $S(M, \tau).$


Multi-Harnack smoothings of real plane branches

Abstract: We introduce a new method for the construction of smoothings of a real plane branch $(C, 0)$ by using Viro Patchworking method. Since real plane branches are Newton degenerated in general, we cannot apply Viro Patchworking method directly. Instead we apply the Patchworking method for certain Newton non degenerate curve singularities with several branches. These singularities appear as a result of iterating deformations of the strict transforms of the branch at certain infinitely near points of the toric embedded resolution of singularities of $(C,0)$. We characterize the $M$-smoothings obtained by this method by the local data. In particular, we analyze the class of multi-Harnack smoothings, those smoothings arising in a sequence $M$-smoothings of the strict transforms of (C,0) which are in maximal position with respect to the coordinate lines. We prove that there is a unique the topological type of multi-Harnack smoothings, which is determined by the complex equisingularity type of the branch. This result is a local version of a recent Theorem of Mikhalkin.


Approximate Roots, Toric Resolutions and Deformations of a Plane Branch

Abstract: We analyze the expansions in terms of the approximate roots of a Weierstrass polynomial $f$ defining a plane branch $(C,0)$, in the light of the toric embedded resolution of the branch. This leads to the definition of a class of (non equisingular) deformations of a plane branch $(C,0)$ supported on certain monomials in the approximate roots of $f$. As a consequence we find out a Kouchnirenko type formula for the Milnor number $(C,0)$. Our results provide a geometrical approach to Abhyankar's straight line conditions and its consequences. As an application we give an equisingularity criterion for a family of plane curves to be equisingular to a plane branch and we express it algorithmically.


Moduli space of CR-projective complex foliated tori

Abstract: We study the moduli space of CR-projective complex foliated tori. We describe it in terms of isotropic subspaces of Grassmannian and we show that it is a normal complex analytic space.


Modular compactifications of M_{1,n}

Abstract: We introduce a sequence of isolated curve singularities, the elliptic m-fold points, and an associated sequence of stability conditions, generalizing the usual definition of Deligne-Mumford stability. For every pair of integers 0<m<n, we prove that the moduli problem of n-pointed m-stable curves of arithmetic genus one is representable by a proper irreducible Deligne-Mumford stack. We also consider weighted variants of these stability conditions, and construct the corresponding moduli stacks. In forthcoming work, we will prove that these stacks have projective coarse moduli and use the resulting spaces to give a complete description of the log minimal model program for M_{1,n}.


Cubature formula and interpolation on the cubic domain

Abstract: Several cubature formulas on the cubic domains are derived using the discrete Fourier analysis associated with lattice tiling, as developed in \cite{LSX}. The main results consist of a new derivation of the Gaussian type cubature for the product Chebyshev weight functions and associated interpolation polynomials on $[-1,1]^2$, as well as new results on $[-1,1]^3$. In particular, compact formulas for the fundamental interpolation polynomials are derived, based on $n^3/4 +\CO(n^2)$ nodes of a cubature formula on $[-1,1]^3$.


Relative Chern character, boundaries and index formulae

Abstract: For three classes of elliptic pseudodifferential operators on a compact manifold with boundary which have `geometric K-theory', namely the `transmission algebra' introduced by Boutet de Monvel, the `zero algebra' introduced by Mazzeo and the `scattering algebra' from [MR95k:58168] we give explicit formulae for the Chern character of the index bundle in terms of the symbols (including normal operators at the boundary) of a Fredholm family of fibre operators. This involves appropriate descriptions, in each case, of the cohomology with compact supports in the interior of the total space of a vector bundle over a manifold with boundary in which the Chern character, mapping from the corresponding realization of K-theory, naturally takes values.


A converse to the Whitehead Theorem

Abstract: We show that finite-dimensional Lie algebras over a field of characteristic zero such that their high-degree cohomology in any finite-dimensional non-trivial irreducible module vanishes, are, essentially, direct sums of semisimple and nilpotent algebras.


Damped wave equations with dynamic boundary conditions

Abstract: We discuss several classes of linear second order initial-boundary value problems, where damping terms appear in the main wave equation as well as in the dynamic boundary condition. We investigate their well-posedness and describe some qualitative properties of their solutions, including boundedness, stability, or almost periodicity. In particular, we are able to characterize the analyticity of certain $C_0$-semigroups associated to such problems. Applications to several problems on domains and networks are shown.


The second homology group of current Lie algebras

Abstract: This is an old paper put here for archeological purposes. We derive a general formula expressing the second homology of a Lie algebra of the form L\otimes A with coefficients in the trivial module through homology of $L$, cyclic homology of $A$, and other invariants of $L$ and $A$. This is achieved by using the Hopf formula expressing the second homology of a Lie algebra in terms of its presentation. We also derive a similar formula for the associated Lie algebra of the tensor product of two associative algebras.


Non-variational computation of the eigenstates of Dirac operators with radially symmetric potentials

Abstract: We discuss a novel strategy for computing the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the relativistic Dirac operator with a radially symmetric potential. The virtues of this strategy lie on the fact that it avoids completely the phenomenon of spectral pollution and it always provides two-side estimates for the eigenvalues with explicit error bounds on both eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. We also discuss convergence rates of the method as well as illustrate our results with various numerical experiments.


A variant of Tao's method with application to restricted sumsets

Abstract: In this paper, we develop Terence Tao's harmonic analysis method and apply it to restricted sumsets. The well known Cauchy-Davenport theorem asserts that if $A$ and $B$ are nonempty subsets of $Z/pZ$ with $p$ a prime, then $|A+B|\ge min{p,|A|+|B|-1}$, where $A+B={a+b: a\in A, b\in B}$. In 2005, Terence Tao gave a harmonic analysis proof of the Cauchy-Davenport theorem, by applying a new form of the uncertainty principle on Fourier transform. We modify Tao's method so that it can be used to prove the following extension of the Erdos-Heilbronn conjecture: If $A,B,S$ are nonempty subsets of $Z/pZ$ with $p$ a prime, then $|{a+b: a\in A, b\in B, a-b not\in S}|\ge min {p,|A|+|B|-2|S|-1}$.


Motivic double shuffle

Abstract: The goal of this article is to give an elementary proof of the double shuffle relations directly for the Goncharov and Manin motivic multiple zeta values. The shuffle relation is straightforward, but for the stuffle we use a modification of a method first introduced by P. Cartier for the purpose of proving stuffle for the real multiple zeta values via integrals and blow-up sequences.


Contraction in $L^1$ and large time behavior for a system arising in chemical reactions and molecular motors

Abstract: We prove a contraction in $L^1$ property for the solutions of a nonlinear reaction--diffusion system whose special cases include intercellular transport as well as reversible chemical reactions. Assuming the existence of stationary solutions we show that the solutions stabilize as $t$ tends to infinity. Moreover, in the special case of linear reaction terms, we prove the existence and the uniqueness (up to a multiplicative constant) of the stationary solution.


Numerical approximation of a reaction-diffusion system with fast reversible reaction

Abstract: We consider the finite volume approximation of a reaction-diffusion system with fast reversible reaction. We deduce from a priori estimates that the approximate solution converges to the weak solution of the reaction-diffusion problem and satisfies estimates which do not depend on the chemical kinetics factor. It follows that the solution converges to the solution of a nonlinear diffusion problem, as the size of the volume elements and the time steps converge to zero while the kinetic rate tends to infinity.


Classifications of Cohen-Macaulay modules - The base ring associated to a transversal polymatroid

Abstract: In this thesis, we focus on the study of the base rings associated to some transversal polymatroids. A transversal polymatroid is a special kind of discrete polymatroid. Discrete polymatroids were introduced by Herzog and Hibi \cite{HH} in 2002.


Maps, sheaves, and K3 surfaces

Abstract: The conjectural equivalence of curve counting on Calabi-Yau 3-folds via stable maps and stable pairs is discussed. By considering Calabi-Yau 3-folds with K3 fibrations, the correspondence naturally connects curve and sheaf counting on K3 surfaces. New results and conjectures (with D. Maulik) about descendent integration on K3 surfaces are announced. The recent proof of the Yau-Zaslow conjecture is surveyed. The paper accompanies my lecture at the Clay research conference in Cambridge, MA in May 2008.


The f-invariant and index theory

Abstract: In this paper we prove a tertiary index theorem which relates a spectral geometric and a homotopy theoretic invariant of an almost complex manifold with framed boundary. It is derived from the index theoretic and homotopy theoretic versions of a complex elliptic genus and interestingly related with the structure of the stable homotopy groups of spheres.


Maximal operators on variable Lebesgue spaces with weights related to oscillations of Carleson curves

Abstract: We prove sufficient conditions for the boundedness of the maximal operator on variable Lebesgue spaces with weights $\varphi_{t,\gamma}(\tau)=|(\tau-t)^\gamma|$, where $\gamma$ is a complex number, over arbitrary Carleson curves. If the curve has different spirality indices at the point $t$ and $\gamma$ is not real, then $\varphi_{t,\gamma}$ is an oscillating weight lying beyond the class of radial oscillating weights considered recently by V. Kokilashvili, N. Samko, and S. Samko.


Complexifications of Morse functions and the directed Donaldson-Fukaya category

Abstract: Let N be a closed four dimensional manifold which admits a self-indexing Morse function f with only 3 critical values 0,2,4, and a unique maximum and minimum. Let g be a Riemannian metric on N such that (f,g) is Morse-Smale. We construct from (N,f,g) a certain six dimensional exact symplectic manifold M, together with some exact Lagrangian spheres V_4, V_2^j, V_0 in M, j=1,...,k. These spheres correspond to the critical points x_4, x_2^j, x_0 of f, where the subscript indicates the Morse index. (In a companion paper we explain how (M, V_4,{V_2^j},V_0) is a model for the regular fiber and vanishing spheres of the complexification of f, viewed as a Lefschetz fibration on the disk cotangent bundle D(T^*N).) Our main result is a computation of the Lagrangian Floer homology groups HF(V_4,V_2^j), HF(V_2^j,V_0), HF(V_4,V_0) and the triangle product mu_2: HF(V_4,V_2^j) \otimes HF(V_2^j,V_0) --> HF(V_4,V_0). The outcome is that the directed Donaldson-Fukaya category of (M,V_4,{V_2^j},V_0) is isomorphic to the flow category of (N,f,g).


General solutions to equation $axb^*-bx^*a^*=c$ in rings with involution

Abstract: In [Q. Xu et al., The solutions to some operator equations, Linear Algebra Appl.(2008), doi:10.1016/j.laa.2008.05.034], Xu et al. provided the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution to the equation $AXB^*-BX^*A^*=C$ in the general setting of the adjointable operators between Hilbert $C^*$-modules. Based on the generalized inverses, they also obtained the general expression of the solution in the solvable case. In this paper, we generalize their work in the more general setting of ring $R$ with involution * and reobtain results for rectangular matrices and operators between Hilbert $C^*$-modules by embedding the "rectangles" into rings of square matrices or rings of operators acting on the same space.


Trivial extensions defined by Prufer conditions

Abstract: This paper deals with well-known extensions of the Prufer domain concept to arbitrary commutative rings. We investigate the transfer of these notions in trivial ring extensions (also called idealizations) of commutative rings by modules and then generate original families of rings with zerodivisors subject to various Prufer conditions. The new examples give further evidence for the validity of Bazzoni-Glaz conjecture on the weak dimension of Gaussian rings. Moreover, trivial ring extensions allow us to widen the scope of validity of Kaplansky-Tsang conjecture on the content ideal of Gaussian polynomials.


Typical elements in free groups are in different doubly-twisted conjugacy classes

Abstract: We give an easily checkable algebraic condition which implies that two elements of a finitely generated free group are members of distinct doubly-twisted conjugacy classes with respect to a pair of homomorphisms. We further show that this criterion is satisfied with probability 1 when the homomorphisms and elements are chosen at random.


The moduli of curves of genus 6 and K3 surfaces

Abstract: We prove that the coarse moduli space of curves of genus 6 is birational to an arithmetic quotient of a bounded symmetric domain of type IV by giving a period map to the moduli space of some lattice-polarized K3 surfaces.


Ellipses Inscribed in Parallelograms

Abstract: We prove that there exists a unique ellipse of minimal eccentricity, E_{I}, inscribed in a parallelogram, D. We also prove that the smallest nonnegative angle between equal conjugate diameters of E_{I} equals the smallest nonnegative angle between the diagonals of D. We also prove that if E_{M} is the unique ellipse inscribed in a rectangle, R, which is tangent at the midpoints of the sides of R, then E_{M} is the unique ellipse of minimal eccentricity, maximal area, and maximal arc length inscribed in R. Let D be any convex quadrilateral. In previous papers, the author proved that there is a unique ellipse of minimal eccentricity, E_{I}, inscribed in D, and a unique ellipse, E_{O}, of minimal eccentricity circumscribed about D. We defined D to be bielliptic if E_{I} and E_{O} have the same eccentricity. In this paper we show that a parallelogram, D, is bielliptic if and only if the square of the length of one of the diagonals of D equals twice the square of the length of one of the sides of D.


C*-algebras associated to shift spaces

Abstract: These are some notes I wrote for the summer school "Symbolic dynamics and homeomorphisms of the Cantor set" at the University of Copenhagen, 23 - 27 June 2008. The notes contain the definition of the C*-algebra associated to a shift space and some basic facts about these. The notes furthermore contain a proof of the fact that the C*-algebra associated to a shift space is a one-sided conjugacy invariant, and a proof of the fact that the Morita equivalence class of the C*-algebra associated to a shift space is a two-sided conjugacy and a flow invariant. The notes also contain a section (without proofs) about the K-theory of C*-algebras associated to shift spaces. The notes are written for people without a background in operator algebra and contains a short appendix about C*-algebras, Morita equivalence and K-theory of C*-algebras.


Perelman's reduced volume and a gap theorem for the Ricci flow

Abstract: In this paper, we show that any ancient solution to the Ricci flow with the reduced volume whose asymptotic limit is sufficiently close to that of the Gaussian soliton is isometric to the Euclidean space for all time. This is a generalization of Anderson's result for Ricci-flat manifolds. As a corollary, a gap theorem for gradient shrinking Ricci solitons is also obtained.


Exceptional (Z/2Z) x (Z/2Z)-symmetric spaces

Abstract: The notion of (Z/2Z) x (Z/2Z)-symmetric spaces is a generalization of classical symmetric spaces, where the group Z/2Z is replaced by (Z/2Z) x (Z/2Z). In this article, a classification is given of the (Z/2Z) x (Z/2Z)-symmetric spaces G/K where G is an exceptional compact Lie group or Spin(8), complementing recent results of Bahturin and Goze. Our results are equivalent to a classification of (Z/2Z) x (Z/2Z)-gradings on the exceptional simple Lie algebras e6, e7, e8, f4, g2 and so(8).


Notes on periodic elements of Garside groups

Abstract: Let $G$ be a Garside group with Garside element $\Delta$. An element $g$ in $G$ is said to be \emph{periodic} if some power of $g$ lies in the cyclic group generated by $\Delta$. This paper shows the following. (i) The periodicity of an element does not depend on the choice of a particular Garside structure if and only if the center of $G$ is cyclic. (ii) If $g^k=\Delta^{ka}$ for some nonzero integer $k$, then $g$ is conjugate to $\Delta^a$. (iii) Every finite subgroup of the quotient group $G/<\Delta^m>$ is cyclic, where $\Delta^m$ is the minimal positive central power of $\Delta$.


On a local characterization of pseudoconvex domains

Abstract: Pseudoconvexity of a domain in $\Bbb C^n$ is described in terms of the existence of a locally defined plurisubharmonic/holomorphic function near any boundary point that is unbounded at the point.


Smooth Structures and Normalized Ricci Flows on Non-Simply Connected Four-Manifolds

Abstract: A solution to the normalized Ricci flow is called non-singular if it exists for all time with uniformly bounded sectional curvature. By using the techniques developed by the present authors, we study the existence or non-existence of non-singular solutions of the normalized Ricci flow on 4-manifolds with non-trivial fundamental group and the relation with the smooth structures. For example, we prove that, for any finite cyclic group ${\mathbb Z}_{d}$, where $d>1$, there exists a compact topological 4-manifold $X$ with fundamental group ${\mathbb Z}_{d}$, which admits at least one smooth structure for which non-singular solutions of the normalized Ricci flow exist, but also admits infinitely many distinct smooth structures for which {\it no} non-singular solution of the normalized Ricci flow exists. Related non-existence results on non-singular solutions are also proved. Among others, we show that there are no non-singular $\ZZ_d-$equivariant solutions to the normalized Ricci flow on appropriate connected sums of $\bcp ^2$s and $\cpb $s ($d>1$).


A generalization of the Widder potential transform and applications

Abstract: In the present paper the authors consider the $\mathcal{P}_{\nu,2}$-transform as a generalization of the Widder potential transform and the Glasser transform. The $\mathcal{P}_{\nu,2}$-transform is obtained as an iteration of the the $\mathcal{L}_{2}$-transform with itself. Many identities involving these transforms are given. By making use of these identities, a number of new Parseval-Goldstein type identities are obtained for these and many other well-known integral transforms. The identities proven in this paper are shown to give rise to useful corollaries for evaluating infinite integrals of special functions. Some examples are also given as illustration of the results presented here.


Double shuffle relation for associators

Abstract: It is proved that Drinfel'd's pentagon equation implies the generalized double shuffle relation. As a corollary, an embedding from the Grothendieck-Teichm\"uller group $GRT_1$ into Racinet's double shuffle group $DMR_0$ is obtained, which settles the project of Deligne-Terasoma. It is also proved that the gamma factorization formula follows from the generalized double shuffle relation.


Non-standard approximations of the Ito-map

Abstract: The Wong-Zakai theorem asserts that ODEs driven by "reasonable" (e.g. piecewise linear) approximations of Brownian motion converge to the corresponding Stratonovich stochastic differential equation. With the aid of rough path analysis, we study "non-reasonable" approximations and go beyond a well-known criterion of [Ikeda--Watanabe, North Holland 1989] in the sense that our result applies to perturbations on all levels, exhibiting additional drift terms involving any iterated Lie brackets of the driving vector fields. In particular, this applies to the approximations by McShane ('72) and Sussmann ('91). Our approach is not restricted to Brownian driving signals. At last, these ideas can be used to prove optimality of certain rough path estimates.


Threefolds of order one in the six-quadric

Abstract: Consider the smooth quadric Q_6 in P^7. The middle homology group H_6(Q_6,Z) is two-dimensional with a basis given by two classes of linear subspaces. We classify all threefolds of bidegree (1,p) inside Q_6.


Quantized dual graded graphs

Abstract: We study quantized dual graded graphs, which are graphs equipped with linear operators satisfying the relation DU - qUD = rI. We construct examples based upon: the Fibonacci poset, permutations, standard Young tableau, and plane binary trees.


On implicit ODEs with hexagonal web of solutions

Abstract: Solutions of an implicit ODE form a web. Already for cubic ODEs the 3-web of solutions has a nontrivial local invariant, namely the curvature form. Thus any local classification of implicit ODEs necessarily has functional moduli if no restriction on the class of ODEs is imposed. Here the most symmetric case of hexagonal 3-web of solutions is discussed, i.e. the curvature is supposed to vanish identically. A finite list of normal forms is established under some natural regularity assumptions. Geometrical meaning of these assumptions is that the surface, defined by ODE in the space of 1-jets, is smooth as well as the criminant, which is the critical set of this surface projection to the plane.


Livsic theorem for matrix cocycles

Abstract: We prove the Liv\v{s}ic Theorem for arbitrary $GL(m,\mathbb R)$ cocycles. We consider a hyperbolic dynamical system $f : X \to X$ and a H\"older continuous function $A: X \to GL(m,\mathbb R)$. We show that if $A$ has trivial periodic data, i.e. $A(f^{n-1} p) ... A(fp) A(p) = Id$ for each periodic point $p=f^n p$, then there exists a H\"older continuous function $C: X \to GL(m,\mathbb R)$ satisfying $A (x) = C(f x) C(x) ^{-1}$ for all $x \in X$. The main new ingredients in the proof are results of independent interest on relations between the periodic data, Lyapunov exponents, and uniform estimates on growth of products along orbits for an arbitrary H\"older function $A$.


The Kuratowski covering conjecture for graphs of order < 10 for the nonorientable surfaces of genus 3 and 4

Abstract: Kuratowski proved that a finite graph embeds in the plane if it does not contain a subdivision of either K_5 or K_{3,3}, called Kuratowski subgraphs. A conjectured generalization of this result to all nonorientable surfaces says that a finite minimal forbidden subgraph for the nonorientable surface of genus g can be written as the union of g+1 Kuratowski subgraphs such that the union of each pair of these fails to embed in the projective plane, the union of each triple of these fails to embed in the Klein bottle if g >= 2, and the union of each triple of these fails to embed in the torus if g >= 3. We show that this conjecture is true for all minimal forbidden subgraphs of order < 10 for the nonorientable surfaces of genus 3 and 4.


Some notable properties of the standard oncology phase I design

Abstract: We identify three properties of the standard oncology phase I trial design or 3 + 3 design. We show that the standard design implicitly uses isotonic regression to estimate a maximum tolerated dose. We next illustrate the relationship between the standard design and a Bayesian design proposed by Ji et al. (2007). A slight modification to this Bayesian design, under a particular model specification, would assign treatments in a manner identical to the standard design. We finally present calculations revealing the behavior of the standard design in a worst case scenario and compare its behavior with other 3 + 3-like designs.


Graph Powers and Graph Homomorphisms

Abstract: In this paper we investigate some basic properties of fractional powers. In this regard, we show that for any rational number $1\leq {2r+1\over 2s+1}< og(G)$, $G^{{2r+1\over 2s+1}}\longrightarrow H$ if and only if $G\longrightarrow H^{-{2s+1\over 2r+1}}.$ Also, for two rational numbers ${2r+1\over 2s+1} < {2p+1\over 2q+1}$ and a non-bipartite graph $G$, we show that $G^{2r+1\over 2s+1} < G^{2p+1\over 2q+1}$. In the sequel, we introduce an equivalent definition for circular chromatic number of graphs in terms of fractional powers. We also present a sufficient condition for equality of chromatic number and circular chromatic number.


About the asymptotic formula for spectral function of the Laplace-Beltrami operator on sphere

Abstract: In this work we established asymptotical behavior for Riesz means of the spectral function of the Laplace operator on unit sphere.


Global regularity of wave maps V. Large data local wellposedness and perturbation theory in the energy class

Abstract: Using the harmonic map heat flow and the function spaces of Tataru and the author, we establish a large data local well-posedness result in the energy class for wave maps from two-dimensional Minkowski space $\R^{1+2}$ to hyperbolic spaces $\H^m$. This is one of the five claims required in an earlier paper in this series to prove global regularity for such wave maps.


A note on localizations of mapping spaces

Abstract: We show that if A is a simply connected, finite, pointed CW-complex then the mapping spaces Map(A, -) are preserved by the localization functors only if A has the rational homotopy type of a wedge of spheres of a fixed dimension.


Characterization of SL(2,q) by its non-commuting graph

Abstract: Let $G$ be a non-abelian group and $Z(G)$ be its center. The non-commuting graph $\mathcal{A}_G$ of $G$ is the graph whose vertex set is $G\backslash Z(G)$ and two vertices are joined by an edge if they do not commute. Let $\mathrm{SL}(2,q)$ be the special linear group of degree 2 over the finite field of order $q$. In this paper we prove that if $G$ is a group such that $\mathcal{A}_G\cong \mathcal{A}_{\mathrm{SL}(2,q)}$ for some prime power $q\geq 2$, then $G\cong \mathrm{SL}(2,q)$.


Discrete Asymptotic Behaviors for Skew-Evolution Semiflows on Banach Spaces

Abstract: The paper emphasizes asymptotic behaviors, as stability, instability, dichotomy and trichotomy for skew-evolution semiflows, defined by means of evolution semiflows and evolution cocycles and which can be considered generalizations for evolution operators and skew-product semiflows. The definition are given in continuous time, but the unified treatment for the characterization of the studied properties in the nonuniform case is given in discrete time. The property of trichotomy, introduced in finite dimension by S. Elaydi and O. Hajek in 1988 as a natural generalization for the dichotomy of linear time-varying differential systems, was studied by us in continuous time and from uniform point of view and in discrete time and from nonuniform point of view but for a particular case of one-parameter semiflows.


The Chow ring of relative Fulton-MacPherson space

Abstract: Suppose that X is a nonsingular variety and D is a nonsingular proper subvariety. Configuration spaces of distinct and non-distinct n points in X away from D were constructed by the author and B. Kim in arXiv:0806.3819, by using the method of wonderful compactification. In this paper, we give an explicit presentation of Chow motives and Chow rings of these configuration spaces.


An Overview of Mixture Models

Abstract: This paper has been withdrawn. With the advancement of statistical theory and computing power, data sets are providing a greater amount of insight into the problems of today. Statisticians have an ever increasing number of tools to attack these problems, some of which can be implemented in the area of mixture modeling. There is a great deal of literature on mixture models and this work attempts to provide a general overview of the subject, including the discussion of relevant issues and algorithms. The reader can hope to gain a broad understanding of concepts in mixture modeling and find the references cited within as a valuable resource for the next stage of their research.


Lantern relations and rational blowdowns

Abstract: We discuss a connection between the lantern relation in mapping class groups and the rational blowing down process for 4-manifolds. More precisely, if we change a positive relator in Dehn twist generators of the mapping class group by using a lantern relation, the corresponding Lefschetz fibration changes into its rational blowdown along a copy of the configuration C_2. We exhibit examples of such rational blowdowns of Lefschetz fibrations whose blowup is homeomorphic but not diffeomorphic to the original fibration.


Hard Lefschetz actions in Riemannian geometry with special holonomy

Abstract: It is known that the hard Lefschetz action, together with K\"ahler identities for K\"ahler (resp. hyperk\"ahler) manifolds, determines a $\mathfrak{su}(1,1)_{sup}$ (resp. $\mathfrak{sp}(1,1)_{sup}$) Lie superalgebra action on differential forms. In this paper, we explain the geometric origin of this action, and we also generalize it to manifolds with other holonomy groups. For semi-flat Calabi-Yau (resp. hyperk\"ahler) manifolds, these symmetries can be enlarged to a $\mathfrak{so}(2,2)_{sup}$ (resp. $\mathfrak{su}(2,2)_{sup}$) action.


Coverings, composites and cables of virtual strings

Abstract: A virtual string can be defined as an equivalence class of planar diagrams under certain kinds of diagrammatic moves. Virtual strings are related to virtual knots in that a simple operation on a virtual knot diagram produces a diagram for a virtual string. In this paper we consider three operations on a virtual string or virtual strings which produce another virtual string, namely covering, composition and cabling. In particular we study virtual strings unchanged by the covering operation. We also show how the based matrix of a composite virtual string is related to the based matrices of its components, correcting a result by Turaev. Finally we investigate what happens under cabling to some invariants defined by Turaev.


Non-commutative Castelnuovo-Mumford Regularity and AS-regular Algebras

Abstract: Let $A$ be a connected graded $k$-algebra with a balanced dualizing complex. We prove that $A$ is a Koszul AS-regular algebra if and only if that the Castelnuovo-Mumford regularity and the Ext-regularity coincide for all finitely generated $A$-modules. This can be viewed as a non-commutative version of \cite[Theorem 1.3]{ro}. By using Castelnuovo-Mumford regularity, we prove that any Koszul standard AS-Gorenstein algebra is AS-regular. As a preparation to prove the main result, we also prove the following statements are equivalent: (1) $A$ is AS-Gorenstein; (2) $A$ has finite left injective dimension; (3) the dualizing complex has finite left projective dimension. This generalizes \cite[Corollary 5.9]{mori}.


Vacca-type series for values of the generalized-Euler-constant function and its derivative

Abstract: We generalize well-known Catalan-type integrals for Euler's constant to values of the generalized-Euler-constant function and its derivatives. Using generating functions appeared in these integral representations we give new Vacca and Ramanujan-type series for values of the generalized-Euler-constant function and Addison-type series for values of the generalized-Euler-constant function and its derivative. As a consequence, we get base $B$ rational series for $\log\frac{4}{\pi},$ $\frac{G}{\pi}$ (where $G$ is Catalan's constant), $\frac{\zeta'(2)}{\pi^2}$ and also for logarithms of Somos's and Glaisher-Kinkelin's constants.


A modified lookdown construction for the Xi-Fleming-Viot process with mutation and populations with recurrent bottlenecks

Abstract: Let $\Lambda$ be a finite measure on the unit interval. A $\Lambda$-Fleming-Viot process is a probability measure valued Markov process which is dual to a coalescent with multiple collisions ($\Lambda$-coalescent) in analogy to the duality known for the classical Fleming Viot process and Kingman's coalescent, where $\Lambda$ is the Dirac measure in 0. We explicitly construct a dual process of the coalescent with simultaneous multiple collisions ($\Xi$-coalescent) with mutation, the $\Xi$-Fleming-Viot process with mutation, and provide a representation based on the empirical measure of an exchangeable particle system along the lines of Donnelly and Kurtz (1999). We establish pathwise convergence of the approximating systems to the limiting $\Xi$-Fleming-Viot process with mutation. An alternative construction of the semigroup based on the Hille-Yosida theorem is provided and various types of duality of the processes are discussed. In the last part of the paper a population is considered which undergoes recurrent bottlenecks. In this scenario, non-trivial $\Xi$-Fleming-Viot processes naturally arise as limiting models.


Estimates for differential operators of vector analysis involving $L^1$-norm

Abstract: New Hardy and Sobolev type inequalities involving $L^1$-norms of scalar and vector-valued functions in $\Bbb{R}^n$ are obtained. The work is related to some problems stated in the recent paper by Bourgain and Brezis


Gromov Compactness in Hoelder Spaces and Minimal Connections on Jet Bundles

Abstract: The goal of this work is to establish a proof of the Gromov convergence in Hoelder spaces for curves with a totally real boundary condition following the original geometric idea of Gromov. We use a local reflection principle in neighbourhoods of the totally real submanifold as developed by Ivashkovich and Shevchishin and existence results for special connections on spaces of jet bundles to obtain higher regularity and Gromov-Schwarz estimates along the boundary.


Refined Analytic Torsion on Manifolds with Boundary

Abstract: The refined analytic torsion, defined by M. Braverman and T. Kappeler on closed manifolds, can be viewed as a refinement of the Ray-Singer torsion, since it is a canonical choice of an element with Ray-Singer norm one, in case of unitary representations. The complex phase of the refinement is given by the rho-invariant of the odd-signature operator. Unfortunately there seems to be no canonical way to extend the construction of Braverman and Kappeler to compact manifolds with boundary. In particular a gluing formula seems to be out of reach. We propose a different refinement of analytic torsion, similar to Braverman and Kappeler, which does apply to compact manifolds with and without boundary. In a subsequent publication we establish a gluing formula for our construction, which in fact can also be viewed as a gluing law for the original definition of refined analytic torsion by Braverman and Kappeler.


Counting squarefree discriminants of trinomials under abc

Abstract: For an odd positive integer $n\ge 5$, assuming the truth of the $abc$ conjecture, we show that for a positive proportion of pairs $(a,b)$ of integers the trinomials of the form $t^n+at+b (a,b\in \mathbb Z)$ are irreducible and their discriminants are squarefree.


The Hausdorff dimension of the double points on the Brownian frontier

Abstract: The frontier of a planar Brownian motion is the boundary of the unbounded component of the complement of its range. In this paper we find the Hausdorff dimension of the set of double points on the frontier.


Strong laws for balanced triangular urns

Abstract: Consider an urn model whose replacement matrix is triangular, has all entries nonnegative and the row sums are all equal to one. We obtain the strong laws for the counts of balls corresponding to each color. The scalings for these laws depend on the diagonal elements of a rearranged replacement matrix. We use the strong laws obtained to study further behavior of certain three color urn models.


On the geometry of the f-invariant

Abstract: The f-invariant is a higher version of the e-invariant that takes values in the divided congruences between modular forms; it can be formulated as an elliptic genus of manifolds with corners of codimension two. In this thesis, we develop a geometrical interpretation of the f-invariant in terms of index theory, thereby providing an analytical link between the stable homotopy groups of the spheres and the arithmetic of modular forms. In particular, we are able to establish a formula that allows us to compute the f-invariant from a single face. Furthermore, we apply our results to the situation of cartesian products and principal circle bundles, performing explicit calculations.


Maximally homogeneous para-CR manifolds of semisimple type

Abstract: An almost para-CR structure on a manifold $M$ is given by a distribution $HM \subset TM$ together with a field $K \in \Gamma({\rm End}(HM))$ of involutive endomorphisms of $HM$. If $K$ satisfies an integrability condition, then $(HM,K)$ is called a para-CR structure. The notion of maximally homogeneous para-CR structure of a semisimple type is given. A classification of such maximally homogeneous para-CR structures is given in terms of appropriate gradations of real semisimple Lie algebras.


Smoothings of schemes with non-isolated singularities

Abstract: In this paper we study the deformation and Q-Gorenstein deformation theory of schemes with non-isolated singularities. We obtain obstruction spaces for the existence of deformations and also for local deformations to exist globally. Finally we obtain explicit criteria in order for a pure and reduced scheme of finite type over a field $k$ to have smoothings and Q-Gorenstein smoothings.


Analytic Torsion of a Bounded Generalized Cone

Abstract: Torsion invariants for manifolds which are not simply connected were introduced by K. Reidemeister and generalized to higher dimensions by W. Franz. The Reidemeister torsion, was the first invariant of manifolds which was not a homotopy invariant. The analytic counterpart of the combinatorial Reidemeister torsion was introduced by D. B. Ray and I. M. Singer in form of a weighted product of zeta-regularized determinants of Laplace operators on differential forms. The celebrated Cheeger-Mueller Theorem, established independently by J. Cheeger and W. Mueller, proved equality between the analytic Ray-Singer torsion and the combinatorial Reidemeister torsion for any smooth closed manifold with an orthogonal representation of its fundamental group. Motivated by the vision of a Cheeger-Mueller type result on manifolds with conical singularities, we compute the analytic torsion of a bounded generalized cone by generalizing the computational methods of M. Spreafico and using the symmetry of the de Rham complex, as established by M. Lesch.


Gluing Formula for Refined Analytic Torsion

Abstract: In the previous article "Refined Analytic Torsion on Manifolds with Boundary" we have presented a construction of refined analytic torsion in the spirit of Braverman and Kappeler, which does apply to compact manifolds with and without boundary. We now derive a gluing formula for our construction, which can be viewed as a gluing law for the original definition of refined analytic torsion by Braverman and Kappeler. A gluing formula allows to compute the torsion invariant by cutting the manifold into elementary pieces and performing computations on each component. Certainly, the general fact of existence of such gluing formulas is remarkable from the analytic point of view, since the secondary spectral invariants are uppermost non-local.


Formality of the little N-disks operad

Abstract: We develop the details of Kontsevich's proof of the formality of little N-disks operad over the field of real numbers. Formality holds in the category of operads of chain complexes and also in some sense in the category of commutative differential graded algebras, which is the category encoding "real" homotopy theory. We also prove a relative version of the formality for the inclusion of the little m-disks operad in the little N-disks operad for N>=2m+1.


On the Danilov-Gizatullin Isomorphism Theorem

Abstract: A Danilov-Gizatullin surface is a normal affine surface V, which is a complement to an ample section S in a Hirzebruch surface of index d. By a surprising result due to Danilov and Gizatullin, V depends only on the self-intersection number of S and neither on d nor on S. In this note we provide a new and simple proof of this Isomorphism Theorem.


Sums of squares on reducible real curves

Abstract: We ask whether every polynomial function that is non-negative on a real algebraic curve can be expressed as a sum of squares in the coordinate ring. Scheiderer has classified all irreducible curves for which this is the case. For reducible curves, we show how the answer depends on the configuration of the irreducible components and give complete necessary and sufficient conditions. We also prove partial results in the more general case of finitely generated preorderings and discuss applications to the moment problem for semialgebraic sets.


Fourier Series Of the Derivatives of Hurwitz and Lerch Zeta Functions

Abstract: As a function of second variable, we identify the Fourier series of Hurwitz zeta function and its derivatives on the unit interval. Consequently, we obtain results based on the formula for Fourier coefficients and also on Parseval's theorem. We do likewise in the case of Lerch's zeta function and its derivatives.


Spectral duality for a class of unbounded operators

Abstract: We establish a spectral duality for certain unbounded operators in Hilbert space. The class of operators includes discrete graph Laplacians arising from infinite weighted graphs. The problem in this context is to establish a practical approximation of infinite models with suitable sequences of finite models which in turn allow (relatively) easy computations. Let $X$ be an infinite set and let $\H$ be a Hilbert space of functions on $X$ with inner product $\ip{\cdot}{\cdot}=\ip{\cdot}{\cdot}_{\H}$. We will be assuming that the Dirac masses $\delta_x$, for $x\in X$, are contained in $\H$. And we then define an associated operator $\Delta$ in $\H$ given by $$(\Delta v)(x):=\ip{\delta_x}{v}_{\H}.$$ Similarly, for every finite subset $F\subset X$, we get an operator $\Delta_F$. If $F_1\subset F_2\subset...$ is an ascending sequence of finite subsets such that $\cup_{k\in\bn}F_k=X$, we are interested in the following two problems: (a) obtaining an approximation formula $$\lim_{k\to\infty}\Delta_{F_k}=\Delta;$$ and (b) establish a computational spectral analysis for the truncated operators $\Delta_F$ in (a).


A Multivariate Fast Discrete Walsh Transform with an Application to Function Interpolation

Abstract: For high dimensional problems, such as approximation and integration, one cannot afford to sample on a grid because of the curse of dimensionality. An attractive alternative is to sample on a low discrepancy set, such as an integration lattice or a digital net. This article introduces a multivariate fast discrete Walsh transform for data sampled on a digital net that requires only $O(N \log N)$ operations, where $N$ is the number of data points. This algorithm and its inverse are digital analogs of multivariate fast Fourier transforms. This fast discrete Walsh transform and its inverse may be used to approximate the Walsh coefficients of a function and then construct a spline interpolant of the function. This interpolant may then be used to estimate the function's effective dimension, an important concept in the theory of numerical multivariate integration. Numerical results for various functions are presented.


O carater de Chern-Connes para C$^*$-sistemas dinamicos calculado em algumas algebras de operadores pseudodiferenciais

Abstract: Given a C$^*$-dynamical system $(A, G, \alpha)$ one defines a homomorphism, called the Chern-Connes character, that take an element in $K_0(A) \oplus K_1(A)$, the K-theory groups of the C$^*$-algebra $A$, and maps it into $H_{\mathbb{R}}^*(G)$, the real deRham cohomology ring of $G$. We explictly compute this homomorphism for the examples $(\overline{\Psi_{cl}^0(S^1)}, S^1, \alpha)$ and $(\overline{\Psi_{cl}^0(S^2)}, SO(3), \alpha)$, where $\overline{\Psi_{cl}^0(M)}$ denotes the C$^*$-algebra generated by the classical pseudodifferential operators of zero order in the manifold $M$ and $\alpha$ the action of conjugation by the regular representation (translations).


Series Jackson networks and non-crossing probabilities

Abstract: This paper studies the queue length process in series Jackson networks with external input to the first station. We show that its Markov transition probabilities can be written as a finite sum of non-crossing probabilities, so that questions on time-dependent queueing behavior are translated to questions on non-crossing probabilities. This makes previous work on non-crossing probabilities relevant to queueing systems and allows new queueing results to be established. To illustrate the latter, we prove that the relaxation time (i.e., the reciprocal of the `spectral gap') of a positive recurrent system equals the relaxation time of an M/M/1 queue with the same arrival and service rates as the network's bottleneck station. This resolves a conjecture of Blanc, which he proved for two queues in series.


L^1 Ergodic Theorems for Random Group Averages

Abstract: This is an earlier, but more general, version of "An L^1 Ergodic Theorem for Sparse Random Subsequences". We prove an L^1 ergodic theorem for averages defined by independent random selector variables, in a setting of general measure-preserving group actions. A far more readable version of this paper is in the works.


Partial choice functions for families of finite sets

Abstract: Let m>2 be an integer. We show that ZF + "For every integer n, Every countable family of non-empty sets of cardinality at most n has an infinite partial choice function" is not strong enough to prove that every countable set of m-element sets has a choice function. In the case where m=p is prime, to obtain the independence result we make use of a permutation model in which the set of atoms has the structure of a vector space over the field of p elements. When m is non-prime, a suitable permutation model is built from the models used in the prime cases.


On the union stabilization of two Heegaard splittings

Abstract: Let two Heegaard splittings $V_1 \cup W_1$ and $V_2 \cup W_2$ of a 3-manifold $M$ be given. We consider the union stabilization $M=V \cup W$ which is a common stabilization of $V_1 \cup W_1$ and $V_2 \cup W_2$ having the property that $V=V_1 \cup V_2$. We show that any two Heegaard splittings of a 3-manifold have a union stabilization. We also give some examples with numerical bounds on the minimal genus of union stabilization. On the other hand, we give an example of a candidate for which the minimal genus of union stabilization is strictly larger than the usual stable genus -- the minimal genus of common stabilization.


Conformal harmonic forms, Branson-Gover operators and Dirichlet problem at infinity

Abstract: For odd dimensional Poincar\'e-Einstein manifolds $(X^{n+1},g)$, we study the set of harmonic $k$-forms (for $k<\ndemi$) which are $C^m$ (with $m\in\nn$) on the conformal compactification $\bar{X}$ of $X$. This is infinite dimensional for small $m$ but it becomes finite dimensional if $m$ is large enough, and in one-to-one correspondence with the direct sum of the relative cohomology $H^k(\bar{X},\pl\bar{X})$ and the kernel of the Branson-Gover \cite{BG} differential operators $(L_k,G_k)$ on the conformal infinity $(\pl\bar{X},[h_0])$. In a second time we relate the set of $C^{n-2k+1}(\Lambda^k(\bar{X}))$ forms in the kernel of $d+\delta_g$ to the conformal harmonics on the boundary in the sense of \cite{BG}, providing some sort of long exact sequence adapted to this setting. This study also provides another construction of Branson-Gover differential operators, including a parallel construction of the generalization of $Q$ curvature for forms.


A Proof of George Andrews' and Dave Robbins' q-TSPP Conjecture (modulo a finite amount of routine calculations)

Abstract: In the historic conference Combinatoire Enumerative[LL] wonderfully organized by Gilbert Labelle and Pierre Leroux there were many stimulating lectures, including a very interesting one by Pierre Leroux himself, who talked about his joint work with Xavier Viennot[LV], on solving differential equations combinatorially! During the problem session of that very same colloque, chaired by Pierre Leroux, Richard Stanley raised some intriguing problems about the enumeration of plane partitions, that he later expanded into a fascinating article[Sta1]. Most of these problems concerned the enumeration of symmetry classes of plane partitions, that were discussed in more detail in another article of Stanley[Sta2]. All of the conjectures in the latter article have since been proved (see Dave Bressoud's modern classic[B]), except one, that, so far, resisted the efforts of the greatest minds in enumerative combinatorics. It concerns the proof of an explicit formula for the q-enumeration of totally symmetric plane partitions, conjectured independently by George Andrews and Dave Robbins([Sta2],[Sta1](conj. 7), [B](conj. 13)). In this tribute to Pierre Leroux, we describe how to prove that last stronghold.


Microarrays, Empirical Bayes and the Two-Groups Model

Abstract: The classic frequentist theory of hypothesis testing developed by Neyman, Pearson and Fisher has a claim to being the twentieth century's most influential piece of applied mathematics. Something new is happening in the twenty-first century: high-throughput devices, such as microarrays, routinely require simultaneous hypothesis tests for thousands of individual cases, not at all what the classical theory had in mind. In these situations empirical Bayes information begins to force itself upon frequentists and Bayesians alike. The two-groups model is a simple Bayesian construction that facilitates empirical Bayes analysis. This article concerns the interplay of Bayesian and frequentist ideas in the two-groups setting, with particular attention focused on Benjamini and Hochberg's False Discovery Rate method. Topics include the choice and meaning of the null hypothesis in large-scale testing situations, power considerations, the limitations of permutation methods, significance testing for groups of cases (such as pathways in microarray studies), correlation effects, multiple confidence intervals and Bayesian competitors to the two-groups model.


The dealternating number and the alternation number of a closed 3-braid

Abstract: We give an upper bound for the dealternating number of a closed 3-braid. As applications, we determine the dealternating numbers, the alternation numbers and the Turaev genera of some closed positive 3-braids. We also show that there exist infinitely many positive knots with any dealternating number (or any alternation number) and any braid index.


Comment: Microarrays, Empirical Bayes and the Two-Groups Model

Abstract: Comment on ``Microarrays, Empirical Bayes and the Two-Groups Model'' [arXiv:0808.0572]


Comment: Microarrays, Empirical Bayes and the Two-Group Model

Abstract: Comment on ``Microarrays, Empirical Bayes and the Two-Group Model'' [arXiv:0808.0572]


Abstract: Brad Efron's paper [arXiv:0808.0572] has inspired a return to the ideas behind Bayes, frequency and empirical Bayes. The latter preferably would not be limited to exchangeable models for the data and hyperparameters. Parallels are revealed between microarray analyses and profiling of hospitals, with advances suggesting more decision modeling for gene identification also. Then good multilevel and empirical Bayes models for random effects should be sought when regression toward the mean is anticipated.


Limit laws of entrance times for low complexity Cantor minimal systems

Abstract: This paper is devoted to the study of limit laws of entrance times to cylinder sets for Cantor minimal systems of zero entropy using their representation by means of ordered Bratteli diagrams. We study in detail substitution subshifts and we prove these limit laws are piecewise linear functions. The same kind of results is obtained for classical low complexity systems given by non stationary ordered Bratteli diagrams.


Rejoinder: Microarrays, Empirical Bayes and the Two-Groups Model

Abstract: Rejoinder to ``Microarrays, Empirical Bayes and the Two-Groups Model'' [arXiv:0808.0572]


A note on the Capelli identities for symmetric pairs of Hermitian type

Abstract: We get several identities of differential operators in determinantal form. These identities are non-commutative versions of the formula of Cauchy-Binet or Laplace expansions of determinants, and if we take principal symbols, they are reduced to such classical formulas. These identities are naturally arising from the generators of the rings of invariant differential operators over symmetric spaces, and have strong resemblance to the classical Capelli identities. Thus we call those identities the Capelli identities for symmetric pairs.


Proofs On Arnold Conjectures

Abstract: In this article, we give proofs on the Arnold Lagrangian intersection conjecture on the cotangent bundles, Arnold-Givental Lagrangian intersection conjecture and the Arnold fixed point conjecture.


The 2005 Neyman Lecture: Dynamic Indeterminism in Science

Abstract: Jerzy Neyman's life history and some of his contributions to applied statistics are reviewed. In a 1960 article he wrote: ``Currently in the period of dynamic indeterminism in science, there is hardly a serious piece of research which, if treated realistically, does not involve operations on stochastic processes. The time has arrived for the theory of stochastic processes to become an item of usual equipment of every applied statistician.'' The emphasis in this article is on stochastic processes and on stochastic process data analysis. A number of data sets and corresponding substantive questions are addressed. The data sets concern sardine depletion, blowfly dynamics, weather modification, elk movement and seal journeying. Three of the examples are from Neyman's work and four from the author's joint work with collaborators.


On the Shortest Identity in Finite Simple Groups of Lie Type

Abstract: We prove that the length of the shortest identity in a finite simple group of Lie type of rank $r$ defined over $\mathbb{F}_q$, is bounded (from above and below) by explicit polynomials in $q$ and $r$.


The third homology of the special linear group of a field

Abstract: We prove that for any infinite field homology stability for the third integral homology of the special linear groups $SL(n,F)$ begins at $n=3$. When $n=2$ the cokernel of the map from the third homology of $SL(2,F)$ to the third homology of $SL(3,F)$ is naturally isomorphic to the square of Milnor $K_3$. We discuss applications to the indecomposable $K_3$ of the field and to Milnor-Witt K-theory.


Comment: The 2005 Neyman Lecture: Dynamic Indeterminism in Science

Abstract: Comment on ``The 2005 Neyman Lecture: Dynamic Indeterminism in Science'' [arXiv:0808.0620]


Rejoinder: The 2005 Neyman Lecture: Dynamic Indeterminism in Science

Abstract: Rejoinder to ``The 2005 Neyman Lecture: Dynamic Indeterminism in Science'' [arXiv:0808.0620]


Criteria equivalent to the Riemann Hypothesis

Abstract: We give a brief overview of a few criteria equivalent to the Riemann Hypothesis. Next we concentrate on the Riesz and B{\'a}ez-Duarte criteria. We proof that they are equivalent and we provide some computer data to support them. It is not compressed to six pages version of the talk delivered by M.W. during the XXVII Workshop on Geometrical Methods in Physics, 28 June -- 6 July, 2008, Bia{\l}owie{\.z}a, Poland.


Molecules in Coorbit Spaces and Boundedness of Operators

Abstract: We study the notion of molecules in coorbit spaces. The main result states that if an operator, originally defined on an appropriate space of test functions, maps atoms to molecules, then it can be extended to a bounded operator on coorbit spaces. For time-frequency molecules we recover some boundedness results on modulation spaces, for time-scale molecules we obtain the boundedness on homogenous Besov spaces.


Verbal Autopsy Methods with Multiple Causes of Death

Abstract: Verbal autopsy procedures are widely used for estimating cause-specific mortality in areas without medical death certification. Data on symptoms reported by caregivers along with the cause of death are collected from a medical facility, and the cause-of-death distribution is estimated in the population where only symptom data are available. Current approaches analyze only one cause at a time, involve assumptions judged difficult or impossible to satisfy, and require expensive, time-consuming, or unreliable physician reviews, expert algorithms, or parametric statistical models. By generalizing current approaches to analyze multiple causes, we show how most of the difficult assumptions underlying existing methods can be dropped. These generalizations also make physician review, expert algorithms and parametric statistical assumptions unnecessary. With theoretical results, and empirical analyses in data from China and Tanzania, we illustrate the accuracy of this approach. While no method of analyzing verbal autopsy data, including the more computationally intensive approach offered here, can give accurate estimates in all circumstances, the procedure offered is conceptually simpler, less expensive, more general, as or more replicable, and easier to use in practice than existing approaches. We also show how our focus on estimating aggregate proportions, which are the quantities of primary interest in verbal autopsy studies, may also greatly reduce the assumptions necessary for, and thus improve the performance of, many individual classifiers in this and other areas. As a companion to this paper, we also offer easy-to-use software that implements the methods discussed herein.


On the formal grade of finitely generated modules over local rings

Abstract: Let \fa be an ideal of a local ring (R,\fm) and M a finitely generated R-module. This paper concerns the notion \fgrade(\fa,M), the formal grade of M with respect to \fa (i.e. the least integer i such that {\vpl}_nH^i_{\fm}(M/\fa^n M)\neq 0). We show that \fgrade(\fa,M)\geq \depth M-\cd_{\fa}(M), and as a result, we establish a new characterization of Cohen-Macaulay modules. As an application of this characterization, we show that if M is Cohen-Macaulay and L a pure submodule of M with the same support as M, then \fgrade(\fa,L)=\fgrade(\fa,M). Also, we give a generalization of the Hochster-Eagon result on Cohen-Macaulayness of invariant rings.


High-Breakdown Robust Multivariate Methods

Abstract: When applying a statistical method in practice it often occurs that some observations deviate from the usual assumptions. However, many classical methods are sensitive to outliers. The goal of robust statistics is to develop methods that are robust against the possibility that one or several unannounced outliers may occur anywhere in the data. These methods then allow to detect outlying observations by their residuals from a robust fit. We focus on high-breakdown methods, which can deal with a substantial fraction of outliers in the data. We give an overview of recent high-breakdown robust methods for multivariate settings such as covariance estimation, multiple and multivariate regression, discriminant analysis, principal components and multivariate calibration.


Geometry of minimal energy Yang-Mills connections

Abstract: We study the converse to the statement that instantons are minimizers of the Yang--Mills energy in four dimensions. We show that given an energy minimizing connection, A, the curvature of A takes values in a subbundle of the adjoint bundle which decomposes as a sum of instantons.


Arithmetic differential operators on Z_p

Abstract: We prove that a function f from Z_p to itself is analytic if and only if it can be represented as f(x)=F(x, dx, ..., d^r x) where dx=(x-x^p)/p is the Fermat quotient operator and F is a restricted power series with coefficients in Z_p.


Hilbert's fourteenth problem over finite fields, and a conjecture on the cone of curves

Abstract: We give examples over arbitrary fields of rings of invariants that are not finitely generated. The group involved can be as small as three copies of the additive group, as in Mukai's examples over the complex numbers. The failure of finite generation comes from certain elliptic fibrations or abelian surface fibrations having positive Mordell-Weil rank. Our work suggests a generalization of the Morrison-Kawamata cone conjecture from Calabi-Yau varieties to klt Calabi-Yau pairs. We prove the conjecture in dimension 2 in the case of minimal rational elliptic surfaces.