Equivariant Birch-Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture for the base change of elliptic curves: An example

Abstract: Let E be an elliptic curved defined over $\Q$ and let $K/\Q$ be a finite Galois extension with Galois group G. The equivariant Birch-Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture for $h^1(E\times_{\Q} K)(1)$ viewed as a motive over $\Q$ with coefficients in $\Q[G]$ relates the twisted L-values associated with E with the arithmetic invariants of the same. In this paper we prescribe an approach to verify this conjecture for a given data. Using this approach, we verify the conjecture for an elliptic curve of conductor 11 and an S_3-extension of $\Q$.


Note sur la d\'etermination alg\'ebrique du groupe fondamental pro-r\'esoluble d'une courbe affine

Abstract: Let X be a smooth projective algebraic curve of genus g minus $r\geq 1$ points defined over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic $p\geq 0$. The structure of the largest prime to p quotient of the \'etale fundamental group is well known by transcendental methods : it is isomorphic to the largest prime to p quotient of a free pro-finite group on 2g+r-1 generators. We show that, with purely algebraic means, we can prove the corresponding result for the largest pro-solvable quotient of these groups.


Abstract: Discussion of ``2004 IMS Medallion Lecture: Local Rademacher complexities and oracle inequalities in risk minimization'' by V. Koltchinskii [arXiv:0708.0083]


Solutions to the nonlinear Schroedinger equation carrying momentum along a curve. Part II: proof of the existence result

Abstract: We prove existence of a special class of solutions to the (elliptic) Nonlinear Schroedinger Equation $- \epsilon^2 \Delta \psi + V(x) \psi = |\psi|^{p-1} \psi$ on a manifold or in the Euclidean space. Here V represents the potential, p is an exponent greater than 1 and $\epsilon$ a small parameter corresponding to the Planck constant. As $\epsilon$ tends to zero (namely in the semiclassical limit) we prove existence of complex-valued solutions which concentrate along closed curves, and whose phase in highly oscillatory. Physically, these solutions carry quantum-mechanical momentum along the limit curves. In the first part of this work we identified the limit set and constructed approximate solutions, while here we give the complete proof of our main existence result.


Geometric construction of metaplectic covers of $\GL_{n}$ in characteristic zero

Abstract: This paper presents a new construction of the m-fold metaplectic cover of $\GL_{n}$ over an algebraic number field k, where k contains a primitive m-th root of unity. A 2-cocycle on $\GL_{n}(\A)$ representing this extension is given and the splitting of the cocycle on $\GL_{n}(k)$ is found explicitly. The cocycle is smooth at almost all places of k. As a consequence, a formula for the Kubota symbol on $\SL_{n}$ is obtained. The construction of the paper requires neither class field theory nor algebraic K-theory, but relies instead on naive techniques from the geometry of numbers introduced by W. Habicht and T. Kubota. The power reciprocity law for a number field is obtained as a corollary.


Principal values for Riesz transforms and rectifiability

Abstract: Let $E\subset R^d$ with $H^n(E)<\infty$, where H^n stands for the $n$-dimensional Hausdorff measure. In this paper we prove that E is n-rectifiable if and only if the limit $$\lim_{\ve\to0}\int_{y\in E:|x-y|>\ve} \frac{x-y}{|x-y|^{n+1}} dH^n(y)$$ exists H^n-almost everywhere in E. To prove this result we obtain precise estimates from above and from below for the $L^2$ norm of the n-dimensional Riesz transforms on Lipschitz graphs.


Shintani Cocycles on $\GL_{n}$

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to define an n-1-cocycle $\sigma$ on $\GL_{n}(\Q)$ with values in a certain space $\hD$ of distributions on $\A_f^{n}\setminus\{0\}$. Here $\A_f$ denotes the ring of finite ad\`{e}les of $\Q$, and the distributions take values in the Laurent series $\C((z_{1},...,z_{n}))$. This cocycle can be used to evaluate special values of Artin L-functions on number fields at negative integers. The construction generalizes that of Solomon in the case n=2.


Solutions to the nonlinear Schroedinger equation carrying momentum along a curve. Part I: study of the limit set and approximate solutions

Abstract: We prove existence of a special class of solutions to the (elliptic) Nonlinear Schroeodinger Equation $- \epsilon^2 \Delta \psi + V(x) \psi = |\psi|^{p-1} \psi$, on a manifold or in the Euclidean space. Here V represents the potential, p an exponent greater than 1 and $\epsilon$ a small parameter corresponding to the Planck constant. As $\epsilon$ tends to zero (namely in the semiclassical limit) we prove existence of complex-valued solutions which concentrate along closed curves, and whose phase is highly oscillatory. Physically, these solutions carry quantum-mechanical momentum along the limit curves. In this first part we provide the characterization of the limit set, with natural stationarity and non-degeneracy conditions. We then construct an approximate solution up to order $\epsilon^2$, showing that these conditions appear naturally in a Taylor expansion of the equation in powers of $\epsilon$. Based on these, an existence result will be proved in the second part.


Lowest Weights in Cohomology of Variations of Hodge Structure

Abstract: Let X be a smooth complex projective variety, let $j:U\into X$ an immersion of a Zariski open subset, and let V be a variation of Hodge structure of weight n over U. Then IH^k(X, j_*V) is known to carry a pure Hodge structure of weight k+n, while H^k(U,V) carries a mixed Hodge structure of weight $\ge k+n$. In this note it is shown that the image of the natural map $IH^k(X,j_*V) \to H^k(U,V)$ is the lowest weight part of this mixed Hodge structure. The proof uses Saito's theory of mixed Hodge modules.


Abstract: Rejoinder: 2004 IMS Medallion Lecture: Local Rademacher complexities and oracle inequalities in risk minimization [arXiv:0708.0083]


Harmonic morphisms from solvable Lie groups

Abstract: In this paper we introduce two new methods for constructing harmonic morphisms from solvable Lie groups. The first method yields global solutions from any simply connected nilpotent Lie group and from any Riemannian symmetric space of non-compact type and rank $r\ge 3$. The second method provides us with global solutions from any Damek-Ricci space and many non-compact Riemannian symmetric spaces. We then give a continuous family of 3-dimensional solvable Lie groups not admitting any complex valued harmonic morphisms, not even locally.


Self-similar branching Markov chains

Abstract: The main purpose of this work is to study self-similar branching Markov chains. First we will construct such a process. Then we will establish certain Limit Theorems using the theory of self-similar Markov processes.


Nonparametric quasi-maximum likelihood estimation for Gaussian locally stationary processes

Abstract: This paper deals with nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation for Gaussian locally stationary processes. Our nonparametric MLE is constructed by minimizing a frequency domain likelihood over a class of functions. The asymptotic behavior of the resulting estimator is studied. The results depend on the richness of the class of functions. Both sieve estimation and global estimation are considered. Our results apply, in particular, to estimation under shape constraints. As an example, autoregressive model fitting with a monotonic variance function is discussed in detail, including algorithmic considerations. A key technical tool is the time-varying empirical spectral process indexed by functions. For this process, a Bernstein-type exponential inequality and a central limit theorem are derived. These results for empirical spectral processes are of independent interest.


Nonisomorphic Verdier octahedra on the same base

Abstract: We show by an example that in a Verdier triangulated category, there may exist two mutually nonisomorphic Verdier octahedra containing the same commutative triangle.


Robust estimates in generalized partially linear models

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce a family of robust estimates for the parametric and nonparametric components under a generalized partially linear model, where the data are modeled by $y_i|(\mathbf{x}_i,t_i)\sim F(\cdot,\mu_i)$ with $\mu_i=H(\eta(t_i)+\mathbf{x}_i^{$\mathrm{T}$}\beta)$, for some known distribution function F and link function H. It is shown that the estimates of $\beta$ are root-n consistent and asymptotically normal. Through a Monte Carlo study, the performance of these estimators is compared with that of the classical ones.


On the limiting distributions of multivariate depth-based rank sum statistics and related tests

Abstract: A depth-based rank sum statistic for multivariate data introduced by Liu and Singh [J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 88 (1993) 252--260] as an extension of the Wilcoxon rank sum statistic for univariate data has been used in multivariate rank tests in quality control and in experimental studies. Those applications, however, are based on a conjectured limiting distribution, provided by Liu and Singh [J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 88 (1993) 252--260]. The present paper proves the conjecture under general regularity conditions and, therefore, validates various applications of the rank sum statistic in the literature. The paper also shows that the corresponding rank sum tests can be more powerful than Hotelling's T^2 test and some commonly used multivariate rank tests in detecting location-scale changes in multivariate distributions.


Topological Free Entropy Dimension in Unital C^* algebras (II) : Orthogonal Sum of Unital C^*-algebras

Abstract: In the paper, we obtain a formula for topological free entropy dimension in the orthogonal sum (or direct sum) of unital C^* algebras. As a corollary, we compute the topological free entropy dimension of any family of self-adjoint generators of a finite dimensional C^* algebra.


Data-driven goodness-of-fit tests

Abstract: We propose and study a general method for construction of consistent statistical tests on the basis of possibly indirect, corrupted, or partially available observations. The class of tests devised in the paper contains Neyman's smooth tests, data-driven score tests, and some types of multi-sample tests as basic examples. Our tests are data-driven and are additionally incorporated with model selection rules. The method allows to use a wide class of model selection rules that are based on the penalization idea. In particular, many of the optimal penalties, derived in statistical literature, can be used in our tests. We establish the behavior of model selection rules and data-driven tests under both the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis, derive an explicit detectability rule for alternative hypotheses, and prove a master consistency theorem for the tests from the class. The paper shows that the tests are applicable to a wide range of problems, including hypothesis testing in statistical inverse problems, multi-sample problems, and nonparametric hypothesis testing.


Convergence rates for Bayesian density estimation of infinite-dimensional exponential families

Abstract: We study the rate of convergence of posterior distributions in density estimation problems for log-densities in periodic Sobolev classes characterized by a smoothness parameter p. The posterior expected density provides a nonparametric estimation procedure attaining the optimal minimax rate of convergence under Hellinger loss if the posterior distribution achieves the optimal rate over certain uniformity classes. A prior on the density class of interest is induced by a prior on the coefficients of the trigonometric series expansion of the log-density. We show that when p is known, the posterior distribution of a Gaussian prior achieves the optimal rate provided the prior variances die off sufficiently rapidly. For a mixture of normal distributions, the mixing weights on the dimension of the exponential family are assumed to be bounded below by an exponentially decreasing sequence. To avoid the use of infinite bases, we develop priors that cut off the series at a sample-size-dependent truncation point. When the degree of smoothness is unknown, a finite mixture of normal priors indexed by the smoothness parameter, which is also assigned a prior, produces the best rate. A rate-adaptive estimator is derived.


Asymptotically minimax Bayes predictive densities

Abstract: Given a random sample from a distribution with density function that depends on an unknown parameter $\theta$, we are interested in accurately estimating the true parametric density function at a future observation from the same distribution. The asymptotic risk of Bayes predictive density estimates with Kullback--Leibler loss function $D(f_{\theta}||{\hat{f}})=\int{f_{\theta} \log{(f_{\theta}/ hat{f})}}$ is used to examine various ways of choosing prior distributions; the principal type of choice studied is minimax. We seek asymptotically least favorable predictive densities for which the corresponding asymptotic risk is minimax. A result resembling Stein's paradox for estimating normal means by the maximum likelihood holds for the uniform prior in the multivariate location family case: when the dimensionality of the model is at least three, the Jeffreys prior is minimax, though inadmissible. The Jeffreys prior is both admissible and minimax for one- and two-dimensional location problems.


Semiparametric estimation of fractional cointegrating subspaces

Abstract: We consider a common-components model for multivariate fractional cointegration, in which the $s\geq1$ components have different memory parameters. The cointegrating rank may exceed 1. We decompose the true cointegrating vectors into orthogonal fractional cointegrating subspaces such that vectors from distinct subspaces yield cointegrating errors with distinct memory parameters. We estimate each cointegrating subspace separately, using appropriate sets of eigenvectors of an averaged periodogram matrix of tapered, differenced observations, based on the first $m$ Fourier frequencies, with $m$ fixed. The angle between the true and estimated cointegrating subspaces is $o_p(1)$. We use the cointegrating residuals corresponding to an estimated cointegrating vector to obtain a consistent and asymptotically normal estimate of the memory parameter for the given cointegrating subspace, using a univariate Gaussian semiparametric estimator with a bandwidth that tends to $\infty$ more slowly than $n$. We use these estimates to test for fractional cointegration and to consistently identify the cointegrating subspaces.


A frequency domain empirical likelihood for short- and long-range dependence

Abstract: This paper introduces a version of empirical likelihood based on the periodogram and spectral estimating equations. This formulation handles dependent data through a data transformation (i.e., a Fourier transform) and is developed in terms of the spectral distribution rather than a time domain probability distribution. The asymptotic properties of frequency domain empirical likelihood are studied for linear time processes exhibiting both short- and long-range dependence. The method results in likelihood ratios which can be used to build nonparametric, asymptotically correct confidence regions for a class of normalized (or ratio) spectral parameters, including autocorrelations. Maximum empirical likelihood estimators are possible, as well as tests of spectral moment conditions. The methodology can be applied to several inference problems such as Whittle estimation and goodness-of-fit testing.


Regular spanning subgraphs of bipartite graphs of high minimum degree

Abstract: Let G be a simple balanced bipartite graph on $2n$ vertices, $\delta = \delta(G)/n$, and $\rho={\delta + \sqrt{2 \delta -1} \over 2}$. If $\delta > 1/2$ then it has a $\lfloor \rho n \rfloor$-regular spanning subgraph. The statement is nearly tight.


Algebraic K-theory and abstract homotopy theory

Abstract: We decompose the K-theory space of a Waldhausen category in terms of its Dwyer-Kan simplicial localization. This leads to a criterion for functors to induce equivalences of K-theory spectra that generalizes and explains many of the criteria appearing in the literature. We show that under mild hypotheses, a weakly exact functor that induces an equivalence of homotopy categories induces an equivalence of K-theory spectra.


Triangulated categories of matrix factorizations for regular systems of weights with $\epsilon=-1$

Abstract: We construct a full strongly exceptional collection in the triangulated category of graded matrix factorizations of a polynomial associated to a non-degenerate regular system of weights whose smallest exponents are equal to -1. In the associated Grothendieck group, the strongly exceptional collection defines a root basis of a generalized root system of sign (l,0,2) and a Coxeter element of finite order, whose primitive eigenvector is a regular element in the expanded symmetric domain of type IV with respect to the Weyl group.


Permutations of Strongly Self-Absorbing C*-algebras

Abstract: Let G be a finite group acting on {1,...,n}. For any C*-algebra A, this defines an action of \alpha of G on A^{\otimes n}. We show that if A tensorially absorbs a UHF algebra of infinite type, the Jiang-Su algebra, or is approximately divisible, then A \times_{\alpha} G has the corresponding property as well.


Symmetric groups and conjugacy classes

Abstract: Let S_n be the symmetric group on n-letters. Fix n>5. Given any nontrivial $\alpha,\beta\in S_n$, we prove that the product $\alpha^{S_n}\beta^{S_n}$ of the conjugacy classes $\alpha^{S_n}$ and $\beta^{S_n}$ is never a conjugacy class. Furthermore, if n is not even and $n$ is not a multiple of three, then $\alpha^{S_n}\beta^{S_n}$ is the union of at least three distinct conjugacy classes. We also describe the elements $\alpha,\beta\in S_n$ in the case when $\alpha^{S_n}\beta^{S_n}$ is the union of exactly two distinct conjugacy classes.


Simplicity of C*-algebras associated to row-finite locally convex higher-rank graphs

Abstract: In previous work, the authors showed that the C*-algebra C*(\Lambda) of a row-finite higher-rank graph \Lambda with no sources is simple if and only if \Lambda is both cofinal and aperiodic. In this paper, we generalise this result to row-finite higher-rank graphs which are locally convex (but may contain sources). Our main tool is Farthing's "removing sources" construction which embeds a row-finite locally convex higher-rank graph in a row-finite higher-rank graph with no sources in such a way that the associated C*-algebras are Morita equivalent.


Severe right Ore sets and universal localisation

Abstract: We introduce the notion of a severe right Ore set in the main as a tool to study universal localisations of rings but also to provide a short proof of P. M. Cohn's classification of homomorphisms from a ring to a division ring. We prove that the category of finitely presented modules over a universal localisation is equivalent to a localisation at a severe right Ore set of the category of finitely presented modules over the original ring. This allows us to describe the structure of finitely presented modules over the universal localisation as modules over the original ring.


Classifying the Unclassifiables

Abstract: In 1955 George Mackey suggested that there is a fundamental dichotomy in the unitary representation theory of locally compact second countable groups. He felt that there cannnot be a reasonable classification theory for the unitary representations of a group G for which the dual is a non-smooth Borel space. Mackey's precise conjecture regarding when this is the case was subsequently verified by Glimm. This approach to "classifiability" can be applied in many other branches of mathematics. Included in this article is a sketch of some of the exciting new developments that have been made in this direction. Evidence is given that there should be extensions of Mackey's ideas to such "finitistic" problems as the classification of the finite p-groups. In a different direction, Mackey's thoughts about quantization are also briefly discussed.


On algebraically integrable outer billiards

Abstract: We prove that if the outer billiard map around a plane oval is algebraically integrable in a certain non-degenerate sense then the oval is an ellipse.


Universal localisations of hereditary rings

Abstract: We describe all possible universal localisations of a hereditary ring in terms of suitable full subcategories of the category of finitely presented modules. For these universal localisations we then identify the category of finitely presented bound modules over the universal localisation as being equivalent to a certain full subcategory of the category of finitely presented bound modules over the original ring. We also describe the abelian monoid of finitely generated projective modules over the universal localisation.


Sharp k-order Sobolev inequalities in the hyperbolic space ${\Bbb H}^n$

Abstract: In this paper, we obtain the sharp $k$-th order Sobolev inequalities in the hyperbolic space ${\H}^n$ for all $k=1,2,3,\cdots$. This gives an answer to an open question raised by Aubin in [5, p.$\;$176-177] for $W^{k,2}({\H}^n)$ with $k>1$. In addition, we prove that the associated Sobolev constants are optimal.


A simply connected surface of general type with p_g=0 and K^2=3

Abstract: Motivated by a recent result of Y. Lee and the second author[7], we construct a simply connected minimal complex surface of general type with p_g=0 and K^2=3 using a rational blow-down surgery and Q-Gorenstein smoothing theory. In a similar fashion, we also construct a new simply connected symplectic 4-manifold with b_2^+=1 and K^2=4.


Expert Elicitation for Reliable System Design

Abstract: This paper reviews the role of expert judgement to support reliability assessments within the systems engineering design process. Generic design processes are described to give the context and a discussion is given about the nature of the reliability assessments required in the different systems engineering phases. It is argued that, as far as meeting reliability requirements is concerned, the whole design process is more akin to a statistical control process than to a straightforward statistical problem of assessing an unknown distribution. This leads to features of the expert judgement problem in the design context which are substantially different from those seen, for example, in risk assessment. In particular, the role of experts in problem structuring and in developing failure mitigation options is much more prominent, and there is a need to take into account the reliability potential for future mitigation measures downstream in the system life cycle. An overview is given of the stakeholders typically involved in large scale systems engineering design projects, and this is used to argue the need for methods that expose potential judgemental biases in order to generate analyses that can be said to provide rational consensus about uncertainties. Finally, a number of key points are developed with the aim of moving toward a framework that provides a holistic method for tracking reliability assessment through the design process.


Stochastic Programming with Probability

Abstract: In this work we study optimization problems subject to a failure constraint. This constraint is expressed in terms of a condition that causes failure, representing a physical or technical breakdown. We formulate the problem in terms of a probability constraint, where the level of "confidence" is a modelling parameter and has the interpretation that the probability of failure should not exceed that level. Application of the stochastic Arrow-Hurwicz algorithm poses two difficulties: one is structural and arises from the lack of convexity of the probability constraint, and the other is the estimation of the gradient of the probability constraint. We develop two gradient estimators with decreasing bias via a convolution method and a finite difference technique, respectively, and we provide a full analysis of convergence of the algorithms. Convergence results are used to tune the parameters of the numerical algorithms in order to achieve best convergence rates, and numerical results are included via an example of application in finance.


Localizing the Elliott conjecture at strongly self-absorbing C*-algebras

Abstract: We formally introduce the concept of localizing the Elliott conjecture at a given strongly self-absorbing C*-algebra $D$; we also explain how the known classification theorems for nuclear C*-algebras fit into this concept. As a new result in this direction, we employ recent results of Lin to show that (under a mild K-theoretic condition) the class of separable, unital, simple C*-algebras with locally finite decomposition rank and UCT, and for which projections separate traces, satisfies the Elliott conjecture localized at the Jiang-Su algebra Z. Our main result is formulated in a more general way; this allows us to outline a strategy to possibly remove the trace space condition as well as the K-theory restriction entirely. When regarding both our result and the recent classification theorem of Elliott, Gong and Li as generalizations of the real rank zero case, the two approaches are perpendicular in a certain sense. The strategy to attack the general case aims at combining these two approaches. Our classification theorem covers simple ASH algebras for which projections separate traces (and the K-groups of which have finitely generated torsion part); it does, however, not at all depend on an inductive limit structure. Also, in the monotracial case it does not rely on the existence or absence of projections in any way. In fact, it is the first such result which, in a natural way, covers all known unital, separable, simple, nuclear and stably finite C*-algebras of real rank zero (the K-groups of which have finitely generated torsion part) as well as the (projectionless) Jiang-Su algebra itself.


Uniqueness of ground states of some coupled nonlinear Schrodinger systems and their application

Abstract: We establish the uniqueness of ground states of some coupled nonlinear Schrodinger systems in the whole space. We firstly use Schwartz symmetrization to obtain the existence of ground states for a more general case. To prove the uniqueness of ground states, we use the radial symmetry of the ground states to transform the systems into an ordinary differential system, and then we use the integral forms of the system. More interestingly, as an application of our uniqueness results, we derive a sharp vector-valued Gagliardo-Nirenberg inequality.


Abstract: Comment: Expert Elicitation for Reliable System Design [arXiv:0708.0279]


Uniqueness of positive bound states to Schrodinger systems with critical exponents

Abstract: We prove the uniqueness for the positive solutions of the following elliptic systems: \begin{eqnarray*} \left\{\begin{array}{ll} - \lap (u(x)) = u(x)^{\alpha}v(x)^{\beta} - \lap (v(x)) = u(x)^{\beta} v(x)^{\alpha} \end{array} \right. \end{eqnarray*} Here $x\in R^n$, $n\geq 3$, and $1\leq \alpha, \beta\leq \frac{n+2}{n-2}$ with $\alpha+\beta=\frac{n+2}{n-2}$. In the special case when $n=3$ and $\alpha =2, \beta=3$, the systems come from the stationary Schrodinger system with critical exponents for Bose-Einstein condensate. As a key step, we prove the radial symmetry of the positive solutions to the elliptic system above with critical exponents.


Abstract: Rejoinder: Expert Elicitation for Reliable System Design [arXiv:0708.0279]


Reliability

Abstract: This special volume of Statistical Sciences presents some innovative, if not provocative, ideas in the area of reliability, or perhaps more appropriately named, integrated system assessment. In this age of exponential growth in science, engineering and technology, the capability to evaluate the performance, reliability and safety of complex systems presents new challenges. Today's methodology must respond to the ever-increasing demands for such evaluations to provide key information for decision and policy makers at all levels of government and industry--problems ranging from international security to space exploration. We, the co-editors of this volume and the authors, believe that scientific progress in reliability assessment requires the development of processes, methods and tools that combine diverse information types (e.g., experiments, computer simulations, expert knowledge) from diverse sources (e.g., scientists, engineers, business developers, technology integrators, decision makers) to assess quantitative performance metrics that can aid decision making under uncertainty. These are highly interdisciplinary problems. The principal role of statistical sciences is to bring statistical rigor, thinking and methodology to these problems.


Asymptotic behavior of flat surfaces in hyperbolic 3-space

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the asymptotic behavior of regular ends of flat surfaces in the hyperbolic 3-space H^3. Galvez, Martinez and Milan showed that when the singular set does not accumulate at an end, the end is asymptotic to a rotationally symmetric flat surface. As a refinement of their result, we show that the asymptotic order (called "pitch" p) of the end determines the limiting shape, even when the singular set does accumulate at the end. If the singular set is bounded away from the end, we have -1<p<=0. If the singular set accumulates at the end, the pitch p is a positive rational number not equal to 1. Choosing appropriate positive integers n and m so that p=n/m, suitable slices of the end by horospheres are asymptotic to d-coverings (d-times wrapped coverings) of epicycloids or d-coverings of hypocycloids with 2n_0 cusps and whose normal directions have winding number m_0, where n=n_0d, m=m_0d (n_0, m_0 are integers or half-integers) and d is the greatest common divisor of m-n and m+n. Furthermore, it is known that the caustics of flat surfaces are also flat. So, as an application, we give a useful explicit formula for the pitch of ends of caustics of complete flat fronts.


Monitoring Networked Applications With Incremental Quantile Estimation

Abstract: Networked applications have software components that reside on different computers. Email, for example, has database, processing, and user interface components that can be distributed across a network and shared by users in different locations or work groups. End-to-end performance and reliability metrics describe the software quality experienced by these groups of users, taking into account all the software components in the pipeline. Each user produces only some of the data needed to understand the quality of the application for the group, so group performance metrics are obtained by combining summary statistics that each end computer periodically (and automatically) sends to a central server. The group quality metrics usually focus on medians and tail quantiles rather than on averages. Distributed quantile estimation is challenging, though, especially when passing large amounts of data around the network solely to compute quality metrics is undesirable. This paper describes an Incremental Quantile (IQ) estimation method that is designed for performance monitoring at arbitrary levels of network aggregation and time resolution when only a limited amount of data can be transferred. Applications to both real and simulated data are provided.


Curvature of almost quaternion-Hermitian manifolds

Abstract: We study the decomposition of the Riemannian curvature R tensor of an almost quaternion-Hermitian manifold under the action of its structure group Sp(n)Sp(1). Using the minimal connection, we show that most components are determined by the intrinsic torsion \xi and its covariant derivative \widetilde\nabla\xi and determine relations between the decompositions of \xi\otimes\xi, \widetilde\nabla\xi and R. We pay particular attention to the behaviour of the Ricci curvature and the q-Ricci curvature.


Large inductive dimension of the Smirnov remainder

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the large inductive dimension of the remainder of the Smirnov compactification of the n-dimensional Euclidean space with the usual metric, and give an application of it.


Abstract: Comment: Monitoring Networked Applications With Incremental Quantile Estimation [arXiv:0708.0302]


Global asymptotic stability for a class of nonlinear chemical equations

Abstract: We consider a class of nonlinear differential equations that arises in the study of chemical reaction systems that are known to be locally asymptotically stable and prove that they are in fact globally asymptotically stable. More specifically, we will consider chemical reaction systems that are weakly reversible, have a deficiency of zero, and are equipped with mass action kinetics. We show that if for each $c \in \R_{> 0}^m$ the intersection of the stoichiometric compatibility class $c + S$ with the subsets on the boundary that could potentially contain equilibria, $L_W$, are at most discrete, then global asymptotic stability follows. Previous global stability results for the systems considered in this paper required $(c + S) \cap L_W = \emptyset$ for each $c \in \R^m_{> 0}$, and so this paper can be viewed as an extension of those works.


Harmonic Analysis over adelic spaces

Abstract: Extending ideas of A.N. Parshin and D.V. Osipov, Harmonic Analysis is developed for filtered infinite dimensional modules over a ring. We establish Pontryagin duality, the Fourier inversion formula, Plancherel formula and Poisson summation formula for all dimensions.


Notes on the geometry of space of polynomials

Abstract: We show that the symmetric injective tensor product space $\hat{\otimes}_{n,s,\epsilon}E$ is not complex strictly convex if E is a complex Banach space of $\dim E \ge 2$ and if $n\ge 2$ holds. It is also reproved that $\ell_\infty$ is finitely represented in $\hat{\otimes}_{n,s,\epsilon}E$ if E is infinite dimensional and if $n\ge 2$ holds, which was proved in the other way by Dineen.


Abstract: Our comments are in two parts. First, we make some observations regarding the methodology in Chambers et al. [arXiv:0708.0302]. Second, we briefly describe another interesting network monitoring problem that arises in the context of assessing quality of service, such as loss rates and delay distributions, in packet-switched networks.


Abstract: Rejoinder: Monitoring Networked Applications With Incremental Quantile Estimation [arXiv:0708.0302]


Dynamic Modeling and Statistical Analysis of Event Times

Abstract: This review article provides an overview of recent work in the modeling and analysis of recurrent events arising in engineering, reliability, public health, biomedicine and other areas. Recurrent event modeling possesses unique facets making it different and more difficult to handle than single event settings. For instance, the impact of an increasing number of event occurrences needs to be taken into account, the effects of covariates should be considered, potential association among the interevent times within a unit cannot be ignored, and the effects of performed interventions after each event occurrence need to be factored in. A recent general class of models for recurrent events which simultaneously accommodates these aspects is described. Statistical inference methods for this class of models are presented and illustrated through applications to real data sets. Some existing open research problems are described.


Threshold Regression for Survival Analysis: Modeling Event Times by a Stochastic Process Reaching a Boundary

Abstract: Many researchers have investigated first hitting times as models for survival data. First hitting times arise naturally in many types of stochastic processes, ranging from Wiener processes to Markov chains. In a survival context, the state of the underlying process represents the strength of an item or the health of an individual. The item fails or the individual experiences a clinical endpoint when the process reaches an adverse threshold state for the first time. The time scale can be calendar time or some other operational measure of degradation or disease progression. In many applications, the process is latent (i.e., unobservable). Threshold regression refers to first-hitting-time models with regression structures that accommodate covariate data. The parameters of the process, threshold state and time scale may depend on the covariates. This paper reviews aspects of this topic and discusses fruitful avenues for future research.


Predictability of band-limited, high-frequency, and mixed processes in the presence of ideal low-pass filters

Abstract: Pathwise predictability of continuous time processes is studied in deterministic setting. We discuss uniform prediction in some weak sense with respect to certain classes of inputs. More precisely, we study possibility of approximation of convolution integrals over future time by integrals over past time. We found that all band-limited processes are predictable in this sense, as well as high-frequency processes with zero energy at low frequencies. It follows that a process of mixed type still can be predicted if an ideal low-pass filter exists for this process.


An application of Kapteyn series to a problem from queueing theory

Abstract: We obtain exact solutions of a problem arising from queueing theory using properties of Kapteyn series.


Advances in Data Combination, Analysis and Collection for System Reliability Assessment

Abstract: The systems that statisticians are asked to assess, such as nuclear weapons, infrastructure networks, supercomputer codes and munitions, have become increasingly complex. It is often costly to conduct full system tests. As such, we present a review of methodology that has been proposed for addressing system reliability with limited full system testing. The first approaches presented in this paper are concerned with the combination of multiple sources of information to assess the reliability of a single component. The second general set of methodology addresses the combination of multiple levels of data to determine system reliability. We then present developments for complex systems beyond traditional series/parallel representations through the use of Bayesian networks and flowgraph models. We also include methodological contributions to resource allocation considerations for system relability assessment. We illustrate each method with applications primarily encountered at Los Alamos National Laboratory.


Geometric proof of Thom conjecture

Abstract: This paper has been withdrawn by the author due a crucial sign error in Theorem B. We present a geometric proof of Thom conjecture, which uses Khovanov homology. Our approach doesn't use any analytic methods and is quite different from proof given by Kronheimer and Mrowka in 1994.


On the Statistical Modeling and Analysis of Repairable Systems

Abstract: We review basic modeling approaches for failure and maintenance data from repairable systems. In particular we consider imperfect repair models, defined in terms of virtual age processes, and the trend-renewal process which extends the nonhomogeneous Poisson process and the renewal process. In the case where several systems of the same kind are observed, we show how observed covariates and unobserved heterogeneity can be included in the models. We also consider various approaches to trend testing. Modern reliability data bases usually contain information on the type of failure, the type of maintenance and so forth in addition to the failure times themselves. Basing our work on recent literature we present a framework where the observed events are modeled as marked point processes, with marks labeling the types of events. Throughout the paper the emphasis is more on modeling than on statistical inference.


Cohomology and deformations of the infinite dimensional filiform Lie algebra m_2

Abstract: Denote $\fm_2$ the infinite dimensional $\N$-graded Lie algebra defined by the basis $e_i$ for $i\geq 1$ and by relations $[e_1,e_i]=e_{i+1}$ for all $i\geq 2$, $[e_2,e_j]=e_{j+2}$ for all $j\geq 3$. We compute in this article the bracket structure on $H^1(\fm_2,\fm_2)$, $H^2(\fm_2,\fm_2)$ and in relation to this, we establish that there are only finitely many true deformations of $\fm_2$ in each weight by constructing them explicitely. It turns out that in weight 0 one gets as non-trivial deformation only one formal non-converging deformation.


A Review of Accelerated Test Models

Abstract: Engineers in the manufacturing industries have used accelerated test (AT) experiments for many decades. The purpose of AT experiments is to acquire reliability information quickly. Test units of a material, component, subsystem or entire systems are subjected to higher-than-usual levels of one or more accelerating variables such as temperature or stress. Then the AT results are used to predict life of the units at use conditions. The extrapolation is typically justified (correctly or incorrectly) on the basis of physically motivated models or a combination of empirical model fitting with a sufficient amount of previous experience in testing similar units. The need to extrapolate in both time and the accelerating variables generally necessitates the use of fully parametric models. Statisticians have made important contributions in the development of appropriate stochastic models for AT data [typically a distribution for the response and regression relationships between the parameters of this distribution and the accelerating variable(s)], statistical methods for AT planning (choice of accelerating variable levels and allocation of available test units to those levels) and methods of estimation of suitable reliability metrics. This paper provides a review of many of the AT models that have been used successfully in this area.


Equilibrium states for potentials with $\sup\phi - \inf\phi < \htop(f)$

Abstract: In the context of smooth interval maps, we study an inducing scheme approach to prove existence and uniqueness of equilibrium states for potentials $\phi$ with he `bounded range' condition $\sup \phi - \inf \phi < \htop$, first used by Hofbauer and Keller. We compare our results to Hofbauer and Keller's use of Perron-Frobenius operators. We demonstrate that this `bounded range' condition on the potential is important even if the potential is H\"older continuous. We also prove analyticity of the pressure in this context.


A Conversation With Harry Martz

Abstract: Harry F. Martz was born June 16, 1942 and grew up in Cumberland, Maryland. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics (with a minor in physics) from Frostburg State University in 1964, and earned a Ph.D. in statistics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1968. He started his statistics career at Texas Tech University's Department of Industrial Engineering and Statistics right after graduation. In 1978, he joined the technical staff at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in Los Alamos, New Mexico after first working as Full Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Utah State University in the fall of 1977. He has had a prolific 23-year career with the statistics group at LANL; over the course of his career, Martz has published over 80 research papers in books and refereed journals, one book (with co-author Ray Waller), and has four patents associated with his work at LANL. He is a fellow of the American Statistical Association and has received numerous awards, including the Technometrics Frank Wilcoxon Prize for Best Applications Paper (1996), Los Alamos National Laboratory Achievement Award (1998), R&D 100 Award by R&D Magazine (2003), Council for Chemical Research Collaboration Success Award (2004), and Los Alamos National Laboratory's Distinguished Licensing Award (2004). Since retiring as a Technical Staff member at LANL in 2001, he has worked as a LANL Laboratory Associate.


Return time statistics for invariant measures for interval maps with positive Lyapunov exponent

Abstract: We prove that multimodal maps with an absolutely continuous invariant measure have exponential return time statistics around a.e. point. We also show a `polynomial Gibbs property' for these systems, and that the convergence to the entropy in the Ornstein-Weiss formula has normal fluctuations. These results are also proved for equilibrium states of some Hoelder potentials.


Propagation of Fluctuations in Biochemical Systems, II: Nonlinear Chains

Abstract: We consider biochemical reaction chains and investigate how random external fluctuations, as characterized by variance and coefficient of variation, propagate down the chains. We perform such a study under the assumption that the number of molecules is high enough so that the behavior of the concentrations of the system is well approximated by differential equations. We conclude that the variances and coefficients of variation of the fluxes will decrease as one moves down the chain and, through an example, show that there is no corresponding result for the variances of the chemical species. We also prove that the fluctuations of the fluxes as characterized by their time averages decrease down reaction chains. The results presented give insight into how biochemical reaction systems are buffered against external perturbations solely by their underlying graphical structure and point out the benefits of studying the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of systems.


On Sumsets and Spectral Gaps

Abstract: It is well known that if S is a subset of the integers mod p, and if the second-largest Fourier coefficient is ``small'' relative to the largest coefficient, then the sumset S+S is much larger than S. We show in the present paper that if instead of having such a large ``spectral gap'' between the largest and second-largest Fourier coefficients, we had it between the kth largest and the (k+1)st largest, the same thing holds true, namely that |S+S| is appreciably larger than |S|. Well, we only do this for k < (log p)/(log 4). We also obtain analogous results for repeated sumsets S+S+...+S, and it turns out that the more terms one includes, the larger the index k that can be used.


Tree-structured regression and the differentiation of integrals

Abstract: This paper provides answers to questions regarding the almost sure limiting behavior of rooted, binary tree-structured rules for regression. Examples show that questions raised by Gordon and Olshen in 1984 have negative answers. For these examples of regression functions and sequences of their associated binary tree-structured approximations, for all regression functions except those in a set of the first category, almost sure consistency fails dramatically on events of full probability. One consequence is that almost sure consistency of binary tree-structured rules such as CART requires conditions beyond requiring that (1) the regression function be in ${\mathcal {L}}^1$, (2) partitions of a Euclidean feature space be into polytopes with sides parallel to coordinate axes, (3) the mesh of the partitions becomes arbitrarily fine almost surely and (4) the empirical learning sample content of each polytope be ``large enough.'' The material in this paper includes the solution to a problem raised by Dudley in discussions. The main results have a corollary regarding the lack of almost sure consistency of certain Bayes-risk consistent rules for classification.


On the maximum bias functions of MM-estimates and constrained M-estimates of regression

Abstract: We derive the maximum bias functions of the MM-estimates and the constrained M-estimates or CM-estimates of regression and compare them to the maximum bias functions of the S-estimates and the $\tau$-estimates of regression. In these comparisons, the CM-estimates tend to exhibit the most favorable bias-robustness properties. Also, under the Gaussian model, it is shown how one can construct a CM-estimate which has a smaller maximum bias function than a given S-estimate, that is, the resulting CM-estimate dominates the S-estimate in terms of maxbias and, at the same time, is considerably more efficient.


A presentation for the mapping class group of the closed non-orientable surface of genus 4

Abstract: Finite presentations for the mapping class group M(F) are known for arbitrary orientable compact surface F. If F is non-orientable, then such presentations are known only when F has genus at most 3 and few boundary components. In this paper we obtain finite presentation for the mapping class group of the closed non-orientable surface of genus 4 from its action on the so called ordered complex of curves.


Eigencone, saturation and Horn problems for symplectic and odd orthogonal groups

Abstract: We consider the eigenvalue problem and the associated intersection theory of homogenous spaces for the symplectic and odd orthogonal groups. We solve the Horn and saturation problems for these classical groups.


Algebraic Degeneracy of Non-Archimedean Analytic Maps

Abstract: We prove non-Archimedean analogs of results of Noguchi and Winkelmann showing algebraic degeneracy of rigid analytic maps to projective varieties omitting an effective divisor with sufficiently many irreducible components relative to the rank of the group they generate in the Neron-Severi group of the variety.


On the Geometry of the Moduli Space of Real Binary Octics

Abstract: The moduli space of smooth real binary octics has five connected components. They parametrize the real binary octics whose defining equations have 0, 1, ..., 4 complex-conjugate pairs of roots respectively. We show that the GIT-stable completion of each of these five components admits the structure of an arithmetic real hyperbolic orbifold. The corresponding monodromy groups are, up to commensurability, discrete hyperbolic reflection groups, and their Vinberg diagrams are computed. We conclude with a simple proof that the moduli space of GIT-stable real binary octics itself cannot be a real hyperbolic orbifold.


On Emerton's $p$-adic Banach spaces

Abstract: The purpose of the current paper is to introduce some new methods for studying the $p$-adic Banach spaces introduced by Emerton \cite{emerton}. We first relate these spaces to more familiar sheaf cohomology groups. As an application, we obtain a more general version of Emerton's spectral sequence. We also calculate the spaces in some easy cases. As a consequence, we obtain a number of vanishing theorems.


The Rank of the Cartier operator on cyclic covers of the projective line

Abstract: We give a lower bound on the rank of the Cartier operator of Jacobian varieties of hyperelliptic and superelliptic curves in terms of their genus.


Snapshot-based Balanced Truncation for Linear Time-periodic Systems

Abstract: We introduce an algorithm based on a method of snapshots for computing approximate balanced truncations for discrete-time, stable, linear time-periodic systems. By construction, this algorithm is applicable to very high-dimensional systems, even with very high-dimensional outputs (or, alternatively, very high-dimensional inputs). An example is shown to validate the method.


Avoiding small subgraphs in Achlioptas processes

Abstract: For a fixed integer r, consider the following random process. At each round, one is presented with r random edges from the edge set of the complete graph on n vertices, and is asked to choose one of them. The selected edges are collected into a graph, which thus grows at the rate of one edge per round. This is a natural generalization of what is known in the literature as an Achlioptas process (the original version has r=2), which has been studied by many researchers, mainly in the context of delaying or accelerating the appearance of the giant component. In this paper, we investigate the small subgraph problem for Achlioptas processes. That is, given a fixed graph H, we study whether there is an online algorithm that substantially delays or accelerates a typical appearance of H, compared to its threshold of appearance in the random graph G(n, M). It is easy to see that one cannot accelerate the appearance of any fixed graph by more than the constant factor r, so we concentrate on the task of avoiding H. We determine thresholds for the avoidance of all cycles C_t, cliques K_t, and complete bipartite graphs K_{t,t}, in every Achlioptas process with parameter r >= 2.


Finite dimensional Hecke algebras

Abstract: These are notes prepared for ICRA workshop at Torun, Poland, August 2007. In the first part, we explain results on canonical basic sets by Geck and Jacon and propose a categorification framework which is suitable for our example of Hecke algebras. In the second part, we review basics of Kashiwara crystal and explain the Fock space theory of cyclotomic Hecke algebras and its applications. In the third part, we explain Rouquier's theory of quasihereditary covers of cyclotomic Hecke algebras. We add detailed explanation of the proofs here. The third part is based on my intensive course given at Nagoya university in January 2007.


An Ozsvath-Szabo Floer homology invariant of knots in a contact manifold

Abstract: Using the knot Floer homology filtration, we define invariants associated to a knot in a three-manifold possessing non-vanishing Floer co(homology) classes. In the case of the Ozsvath-Szabo contact invariant we obtain an invariant of knots in a contact three-manifold. This invariant provides an upper bound for the Thurston-Bennequin plus rotation number of any Legendrian realization of the knot. We use it to demonstrate the first systematic construction of prime knots in contact manifolds other than the three-sphere with negative maximal Thurston-Bennequin invariant. Perhaps more interesting, our invariant provides a criterion for an open book to induce a tight contact structure. A corollary is that if a manifold possesses contact structures with distinct non-vanishing Ozsvath-Szabo invariants, then any fibered knot can realize the classical Eliashberg-Bennequin bound in at most one of these contact structures.


Stieltjes like functions and inverse problems for systems with Schr\"odinger operator

Abstract: A class of scalar Stieltjes like functions is realized as linear-fractional transformations of transfer functions of conservative systems based on a Schr\"odinger operator T_h in $L_2[a,+\infty)$ with a non-selfadjoint boundary condition. In particular it is shown that any Stieltjes function of this class can be realized in the unique way so that the main operator $\bA$ of a system is an accretive (*)-extension of a Schr\"odinger operator T_h. We derive formulas that restore the system uniquely and allow to find the exact value of a non-real parameter h in the definition of T_h as well as a real parameter $\mu$ that appears in the construction of the elements of the realizing system. An elaborate investigation of these formulas shows the dynamics of the restored parameters h and $\mu$ in terms of the changing free term $\gamma$ from the integral representation of the realizable function. It turns our that the parametric equations for the restored parameter h represent different circles whose centers and radii are determined by the realizable function. Similarly, the behavior of the restored parameter $\mu$ are described by hyperbolas.


Asymptotics for sliced average variance estimation

Abstract: In this paper, we systematically study the consistency of sliced average variance estimation (SAVE). The findings reveal that when the response is continuous, the asymptotic behavior of SAVE is rather different from that of sliced inverse regression (SIR). SIR can achieve $\sqrt{n}$ consistency even when each slice contains only two data points. However, SAVE cannot be $\sqrt{n}$ consistent and it even turns out to be not consistent when each slice contains a fixed number of data points that do not depend on n, where n is the sample size. These results theoretically confirm the notion that SAVE is more sensitive to the number of slices than SIR. Taking this into account, a bias correction is recommended in order to allow SAVE to be $\sqrt{n}$ consistent. In contrast, when the response is discrete and takes finite values, $\sqrt{n}$ consistency can be achieved. Therefore, an approximation through discretization, which is commonly used in practice, is studied. A simulation study is carried out for the purposes of illustration.


On the total curvatures of a tame function

Abstract: Given a definable function f, enough differentiable, we study the continuity of the total curvature function t --> K(t), total curvature of the level {f=t}, and the total absolute curvature function t-->|K| (t), total absolute curvature of the level {f=t}. We show they admits at most finitely many discontinuities.


Methodology and convergence rates for functional linear regression

Abstract: In functional linear regression, the slope ``parameter'' is a function. Therefore, in a nonparametric context, it is determined by an infinite number of unknowns. Its estimation involves solving an ill-posed problem and has points of contact with a range of methodologies, including statistical smoothing and deconvolution. The standard approach to estimating the slope function is based explicitly on functional principal components analysis and, consequently, on spectral decomposition in terms of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. We discuss this approach in detail and show that in certain circumstances, optimal convergence rates are achieved by the PCA technique. An alternative approach based on quadratic regularisation is suggested and shown to have advantages from some points of view.


Quantile regression with varying coefficients

Abstract: Quantile regression provides a framework for modeling statistical quantities of interest other than the conditional mean. The regression methodology is well developed for linear models, but less so for nonparametric models. We consider conditional quantiles with varying coefficients and propose a methodology for their estimation and assessment using polynomial splines. The proposed estimators are easy to compute via standard quantile regression algorithms and a stepwise knot selection algorithm. The proposed Rao-score-type test that assesses the model against a linear model is also easy to implement. We provide asymptotic results on the convergence of the estimators and the null distribution of the test statistic. Empirical results are also provided, including an application of the methodology to forced expiratory volume (FEV) data.


Asymptotic data analysis on manifolds

Abstract: Given an m-dimensional compact submanifold $\mathbf{M}$ of Euclidean space $\mathbf{R}^s$, the concept of mean location of a distribution, related to mean or expected vector, is generalized to more general $\mathbf{R}^s$-valued functionals including median location, which is derived from the spatial median. The asymptotic statistical inference for general functionals of distributions on such submanifolds is elaborated. Convergence properties are studied in relation to the behavior of the underlying distributions with respect to the cutlocus. An application is given in the context of independent, but not identically distributed, samples, in particular, to a multisample setup.


Optimal Subgroups and Applications to Nilpotent Elements

Abstract: Let G be a reductive group acting on an affine variety X, let x in X be a point whose G-orbit is not closed, and let S be a G-stable closed subvariety of X which meets the closure of the G-orbit of x but does not contain x. In this paper, we study G.R. Kempf's optimal class Omega_G(x,S) of cocharacters of G attached to the point x; in particular, we consider how this optimality transfers to subgroups of G. Suppose K is a G-completely reducible subgroup of G which fixes x, and let H = C_G(K)^0. Our main result says that the H-orbit of x is also not closed, and the optimal class Omega_H(x,S) for H simply consists of the cocharacters in Omega_G(x,S) which evaluate in H. We apply this result in the case that G acts on its Lie algebra via the adjoint representation to obtain some new information about cocharacters associated with nilpotent elements in good characteristic.


Projective modules over discrete Hodge algebras

Abstract: Let A be a Noetherian commutative ring. Assume that projective modules of rank r over polynomial extensions of A are extended from A. Then projective modules of rank r over discrete Hodge A-algebras are also extended from A. This result extends a result of T. Vorst.


Outlier robust corner-preserving methods for reconstructing noisy images

Abstract: The ability to remove a large amount of noise and the ability to preserve most structure are desirable properties of an image smoother. Unfortunately, they usually seem to be at odds with each other; one can only improve one property at the cost of the other. By combining M-smoothing and least-squares-trimming, the TM-smoother is introduced as a means to unify corner-preserving properties and outlier robustness. To identify edge- and corner-preserving properties, a new theory based on differential geometry is developed. Further, robustness concepts are transferred to image processing. In two examples, the TM-smoother outperforms other corner-preserving smoothers. A software package containing both the TM- and the M-smoother can be downloaded from the Internet.


Asymptotic local efficiency of Cram\'{e}r--von Mises tests for multivariate independence

Abstract: Deheuvels [J. Multivariate Anal. 11 (1981) 102--113] and Genest and R\'{e}millard [Test 13 (2004) 335--369] have shown that powerful rank tests of multivariate independence can be based on combinations of asymptotically independent Cram\'{e}r--von Mises statistics derived from a M\"{o}bius decomposition of the empirical copula process. A result on the large-sample behavior of this process under contiguous sequences of alternatives is used here to give a representation of the limiting distribution of such test statistics and to compute their relative local asymptotic efficiency. Local power curves and asymptotic relative efficiencies are compared under familiar classes of copula alternatives.


Convergence rates of posterior distributions for noniid observations

Abstract: We consider the asymptotic behavior of posterior distributions and Bayes estimators based on observations which are required to be neither independent nor identically distributed. We give general results on the rate of convergence of the posterior measure relative to distances derived from a testing criterion. We then specialize our results to independent, nonidentically distributed observations, Markov processes, stationary Gaussian time series and the white noise model. We apply our general results to several examples of infinite-dimensional statistical models including nonparametric regression with normal errors, binary regression, Poisson regression, an interval censoring model, Whittle estimation of the spectral density of a time series and a nonlinear autoregressive model.


Inference for mixtures of symmetric distributions

Abstract: This article discusses the problem of estimation of parameters in finite mixtures when the mixture components are assumed to be symmetric and to come from the same location family. We refer to these mixtures as semi-parametric because no additional assumptions other than symmetry are made regarding the parametric form of the component distributions. Because the class of symmetric distributions is so broad, identifiability of parameters is a major issue in these mixtures. We develop a notion of identifiability of finite mixture models, which we call k-identifiability, where k denotes the number of components in the mixture. We give sufficient conditions for k-identifiability of location mixtures of symmetric components when k=2 or 3. We propose a novel distance-based method for estimating the (location and mixing) parameters from a k-identifiable model and establish the strong consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator. In the specific case of L_2-distance, we show that our estimator generalizes the Hodges--Lehmann estimator. We discuss the numerical implementation of these procedures, along with an empirical estimate of the component distribution, in the two-component case. In comparisons with maximum likelihood estimation assuming normal components, our method produces somewhat higher standard error estimates in the case where the components are truly normal, but dramatically outperforms the normal method when the components are heavy-tailed.


Zeta functions that hear the shape of a Riemann surface

Abstract: To a compact hyperbolic Riemann surface, we associate a finitely summable spectral triple whose underlying topological space is the limit set of a corresponding Schottky group, and whose ``Riemannian'' aspect (Hilbert space and Dirac operator) encode the boundary action through its Patterson-Sullivan measure. We prove that the ergodic rigidity theorem for this boundary action implies that the zeta functions of the spectral triple suffice to characterize the (anti-)conformal isomorphism class of the corresponding Riemann surface. Thus, you can hear the shape of a Riemann surface, by listening to a suitable spectral triple.


Nonparametric estimation in a nonlinear cointegration type model

Abstract: We derive an asymptotic theory of nonparametric estimation for a time series regression model $Z_t=f(X_t)+W_t$, where \ensuremath\{X_t\} and \ensuremath\{Z_t\} are observed nonstationary processes and $\{W_t\}$ is an unobserved stationary process. In econometrics, this can be interpreted as a nonlinear cointegration type relationship, but we believe that our results are of wider interest. The class of nonstationary processes allowed for $\{X_t\}$ is a subclass of the class of null recurrent Markov chains. This subclass contains random walk, unit root processes and nonlinear processes. We derive the asymptotics of a nonparametric estimate of f(x) under the assumption that $\{W_t\}$ is a Markov chain satisfying some mixing conditions. The finite-sample properties of $\hat{f}(x)$ are studied by means of simulation experiments.


Nonparametric estimation when data on derivatives are available

Abstract: We consider settings where data are available on a nonparametric function and various partial derivatives. Such circumstances arise in practice, for example in the joint estimation of cost and input functions in economics. We show that when derivative data are available, local averages can be replaced in certain dimensions by nonlocal averages, thus reducing the nonparametric dimension of the problem. We derive optimal rates of convergence and conditions under which dimension reduction is achieved. Kernel estimators and their properties are analyzed, although other estimators, such as local polynomial, spline and nonparametric least squares, may also be used. Simulations and an application to the estimation of electricity distribution costs are included.


On representing claims for coherent risk measures

Abstract: We consider the problem of representing claims for coherent risk measures. For this purpose we introduce the concept of (weak and strong) time-consistency with respect to a portfolio of assets, generalizing the one defined by Delbaen. In a similar way we extend the notion of m-stability, by introducing weak and strong versions. We then prove that the two concepts of m-stability and time-consistency are still equivalent, thus giving necessary and sufficient conditions for a coherent risk measure to be represented by a market with proportional transaction costs. We go on to deduce that, under a separability assumption, any coherent risk measure is strongly time-consistent with respect to a suitably chosen countable portfolio, and show the converse: that any market with proportional transaction costs is equivalent to a market priced by a coherent risk measure, essentially establishing the equivalence of the two concepts.


Invariants of genus 2 mutants

Abstract: Pairs of genus 2 mutant knots can have different Homfly polynomials, for example some 3-string satellites of Conway mutant pairs. We give examples which have different Kauffman 3-variable polynomials, answering a question raised by Dunfield et al in their study of genus 2 mutants. While pairs of genus 2 mutant knots have the same Jones polynomial, given from the Homfly polynomial by setting v=s^2, we give examples whose Homfly polynomials differ when v=s^3. We also give examples which differ in a Vassiliev invariant of degree 7, in contrast to satellites of Conway mutant knots.


Perturbed preconditioned inverse iteration for operator eigenvalue problems with applications to adaptive wavelet discretization

Abstract: In this paper we discuss an abstract iteration scheme for the calculation of the smallest eigenvalue of an elliptic operator eigenvalue problem. A short and geometric proof based on the preconditioned inverse iteration (PINVIT) for matrices [Knyazev and Neymeyr, (2009)] is extended to the case of operators. We show that convergence is retained up to any tolerance if one only uses approximate applications of operators which leads to the perturbed preconditioned inverse iteration (PPINVIT). We then analyze the Besov regularity of the eigenfunctions of the Poisson eigenvalue problem on a polygonal domain, showing the advantage of an adaptive solver to uniform refinement when using a stable wavelet base. A numerical example for PPINVIT, applied to the model problem on the L-shaped domain, is shown to reproduce the predicted behaviour.


Hazard models with varying coefficients for multivariate failure time data

Abstract: Statistical estimation and inference for marginal hazard models with varying coefficients for multivariate failure time data are important subjects in survival analysis. A local pseudo-partial likelihood procedure is proposed for estimating the unknown coefficient functions. A weighted average estimator is also proposed in an attempt to improve the efficiency of the estimator. The consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators are established and standard error formulas for the estimated coefficients are derived and empirically tested. To reduce the computational burden of the maximum local pseudo-partial likelihood estimator, a simple and useful one-step estimator is proposed. Statistical properties of the one-step estimator are established and simulation studies are conducted to compare the performance of the one-step estimator to that of the maximum local pseudo-partial likelihood estimator. The results show that the one-step estimator can save computational cost without compromising performance both asymptotically and empirically and that an optimal weighted average estimator is more efficient than the maximum local pseudo-partial likelihood estimator. A data set from the Busselton Population Health Surveys is analyzed to illustrate our proposed methodology.


Euler equations are not exactly controllable by a finite-dimensional external force

Abstract: We show that the Euler system is not exactly controllable by a finite-dimensional external force. The proof is based on the comparison of the Kolmogorov epsilon-entropy for Holder spaces and for the class of functions that can be obtained by solving the 2D Euler equations with various right-hand sides.


The supremum of conformally covariant eigenvalues in a conformal class

Abstract: Let (M,g) be a compact Riemannian manifold of dimension >2. We show that there is a metric h conformal to g and of volume 1 such that the first positive eigenvalue the conformal Laplacian with repect to h is arbitrarily large. A similar statement is proven for the first positive eigenvalue of the Dirac operator on a spin manifold of dimension >1.


Discrete sums of classical symbols on Z^d and zeta functions associated with Laplacians on tori

Abstract: We prove the uniqueness of a translation invariant extension to non integer order classical symbols of the ordinary discrete sum on $L^1$-symbols, which we then describe using an Hadamard finite part procedure for sums over integer points of infinite unions of nested convex polytopes in $\R^d$. This canonical regularised sum is the building block to construct meromorphic extensions of the ordinary sum on holomorphic symbols. Explicit formulae for the complex residues at their poles are given in terms of noncommutative residues of classical symbols, thus extending results of Guillemin, Sternberg and Weitsman. These formulae are then applied to zeta functions associated with quadratic forms and with Laplacians on tori.


G-linear sets and torsion points in definably compact groups

Abstract: Let G be a definably compact group in an o-minimal expansion of a real closed field. We prove that if dim(G X) < dim G for some definable X subset of G then X contains a torsion point of G. Along the way we develop a general theory for so-called G-linear sets, and investigate definable sets which contain abstract subgroups of G.


Stable marked point processes

Abstract: In many contexts such as queuing theory, spatial statistics, geostatistics and meteorology, data are observed at irregular spatial positions. One model of this situation involves considering the observation points as generated by a Poisson process. Under this assumption, we study the limit behavior of the partial sums of the marked point process $\{(t_i,X(t_i))\}$, where X(t) is a stationary random field and the points t_i are generated from an independent Poisson random measure $\mathbb{N}$ on $\mathbb{R}^d$. We define the sample mean and sample variance statistics and determine their joint asymptotic behavior in a heavy-tailed setting, thus extending some finite variance results of Karr [Adv. in Appl. Probab. 18 (1986) 406--422]. New results on subsampling in the context of a marked point process are also presented, with the application of forming a confidence interval for the unknown mean under an unknown degree of heavy tails.


Lower bounds for Hilbert-Kunz multiplicities in local rings of fixed dimension

Abstract: Let $(R,\m)$ be a formally unmixed local ring of positive prime characteristic and dimension $d$. We examine the implications of having small Hilbert-Kunz multiplicity (i.e., close to 1). In particular, we show that if $R$ is not regular, there exists a lower bound, strictly greater than one, depending only on $d$, for its Hilbert-Kunz multiplicity.


An invariant for flat virtual knots

Abstract: The paper has been withdrawn by the author, due to a critical error stemming from the defined template.


Unstable surface waves in running water

Abstract: We consider the stability of periodic gravity free-surface water waves traveling downstream at a constant speed over a shear flow of finite depth. In case the free surface is flat, a sharp criterion of linear instability is established for a general class of shear flows with inflection points and the maximal unstable wave number is found. Comparison to the rigid-wall setting testifies that free surface has a destabilizing effect. For a class of unstable shear flows, the bifurcation of nontrivial periodic traveling waves of small-amplitude is demonstrated at any wave number. We show the linear instability of small nontrivial waves bifurcated at an unstable wave number of the background shear flow. The proof uses a new formulation of the linearized water-wave problem and a perturbation argument. An example of the background shear flow of unstable small-amplitude periodic traveling waves is constructed for an arbitrary vorticity strength and for an arbitrary depth, illustrating that vorticity has a subtle influence on the stability of water waves.


The Laplacian on hyperbolic 3-manifolds with Dehn surgery type singularities

Abstract: We study the spectrum of the Laplacian on hyperbolic 3-manifolds with Dehn surgery type singularities and its dependence on the generalized Dehn surgery coefficients.


The Frobenius Structure of Local Cohomology

Abstract: Given a local ring of positive prime characteristic there is a natural Frobenius action on its local cohomology modules with support at its maximal ideal. In this paper we study the local rings for which the local cohomology modules have only finitely many submodules invariant under the Frobenius action. In particular we prove that F-pure Gorenstein local rings as well as the face ring of a finite simplicial complex localized or completed at its homogeneous maximal ideal have this property. We also introduce the notion of an anti-nilpotent Frobenius action on an Artinian module over a local ring and use it to study those rings for which the lattice of submodules of the local cohomology that are invariant under Frobenius satisfies the Ascending Chain Condition.


Edge Flows in the Complete Random-Lengths Network

Abstract: Consider the complete n-vertex graph whose edge-lengths are independent exponentially distributed random variables. Simultaneously for each pair of vertices, put a constant flow between them along the shortest path. Each edge gets some random total flow. In the $n \to \infty$ limit we find explicitly the empirical distribution of these edge-flows, suitably normalized.


Multiplication operators on L(L_p) and $\ell_p$-strictly singular operators

Abstract: A classification of weakly compact multiplication operators on L(L_p), $1<p<\infty$, is given. This answers a question raised by Saksman and Tylli in 1992. The classification involves the concept of $\ell_p$-strictly singular operators, and we also investigate the structure of general $\ell_p$-strictly singular operators on L_p. The main result is that if an operator T on L_p, 1<p<2, is $\ell_p$-strictly singular and T_{|X} is an isomorphism for some subspace X of L_p, then X embeds into L_r for all r<2, but X need not be isomorphic to a Hilbert space. It is also shown that if T is convolution by a biased coin on L_p of the Cantor group, $1\le p <2$, and $T_{|X}$ is an isomorphism for some reflexive subspace X of L_p, then X is isomorphic to a Hilbert space. The case p=1 answers a question asked by Rosenthal in 1976.


Probabilistic implications of symmetries of q-Hermite and Al-Salam-Chihara polynomials

Abstract: We prove the existence of stationary random fields with linear regressions for $q>1$ and thus close an open question posed by W. Bryc et al.. We prove this result by describing a discrete 1 dimensional conditional distribution and then checking Chapman-Kolmogorov equation. Support of this distribution consist of zeros of certain Al-Salam-Chihara polynomials. To find them we refer to and expose known result concerning addition of $q-$ exponential function. This leads to generalization of a well known formula $(x+y)^{n}% =\sum_{i=0}^{n}\binom{n}{k}i^{k}H_{n-k}(x) H_{k}(-iy) ,$ where $H_{k}(x) $ denotes $k-$th Hermite polynomial.


Recursion formulae of higher Weil-Petersson volumes

Abstract: In this paper we study effective recursion formulae for computing intersection numbers of mixed $\psi$ and $\kappa$ classes on moduli spaces of curves. By using the celebrated Witten-Kontsevich theorem, we generalize Mulase-Safnuk form of Mirzakhani's recursion and prove a recursion formula of higher Weil-Petersson volumes. We also present recursion formulae to compute intersection pairings in the tautological rings of moduli spaces of curves.


Extended powers and Steenrod operations in algebraic geometry

Abstract: Steenrod operations have been defined by Voedvodsky in motivic cohomology in order to show the Milnor and Bloch-Kato conjectures. These operations have also been constructed by Brosnan for Chow rings. The purpose of this paper is to provide a setting for the construction of the Steenrod operations in algebraic geometry, for generalized cohomology theories whose formal group law has order two. We adapt the methods used by Bisson-Joyal in studying Steenrod and Dyer-Lashof operations in unoriented cobordism and mod 2 cohomology.


Second Order Cumulants of products

Abstract: We derive a formula which expresses a second order cumulant whose entries are products as a sum of cumulants where the entries are single factors. This extends to the second order case the formula of Krawczyk and Speicher. We apply our result to the problem of calculating the second order cumulants of a semi-circular and Haar unitary operator.


The Coherence Theorem for Ann-Categories

Abstract: This paper presents the proof of the coherence theorem for Ann-categories whose set of axioms and original basic properties were given in [9]. Let $$\A=(\A,{\Ah},c,(0,g,d),a,(1,l,r),{\Lh},{\Rh})$$ be an Ann-category. The coherence theorem states that in the category $ \A$, any morphism built from the above isomorphisms and the identification by composition and the two operations $\tx$, $\ts$ only depends on its source and its target. The first coherence theorems were built for monoidal and symmetric monoidal categories by Mac Lane [7]. After that, as shown in the References, there are many results relating to the coherence problem for certain classes of categories. For Ann-categories, applying Hoang Xuan Sinh's ideas used for Gr-categories in [2], the proof of the coherence theorem is constructed by faithfully ``embedding'' each arbitrary Ann-category into a quite strict Ann-category. Here, a {\it quite strict} Ann-categogy is an Ann-category whose all constraints are strict, except for the commutativity and left distributivity ones. This paper is the work continuing from [9]. If there is no explanation, the terminologies and notations in this paper mean as in [9].


New Dirichlet Mean Identities

Abstract: An important line of research is the investigation of the laws of random variables known as Dirichlet means as discussed in Cifarelli and Regazzini(1990). However there is not much information on inter-relationships between different Dirichlet means. Here we introduce two distributional operations, which consist of multiplying a mean functional by an independent beta random variable and an operation involving an exponential change of measure. These operations identify relationships between different means and their densities. This allows one to use the often considerable analytic work to obtain results for one Dirichlet mean to obtain results for an entire family of otherwise seemingly unrelated Dirichlet means. Additionally, it allows one to obtain explicit densities for the related class of random variables that have generalized gamma convolution distributions, and the finite-dimensional distribution of their associated L\'evy processes. This has implications in, for instance, the explicit description of Bayesian nonparametric prior and posterior models, and more generally in a variety of applications in probability and statistics involving Levy processes.


Lamperti-type laws

Abstract: This paper explores various distributional aspects of random variables defined as the ratio of two independent positive random variables where one variable has an $\alpha$-stable law, for $0<\alpha<1$, and the other variable has the law defined by polynomially tilting the density of an $\alpha$-stable random variable by a factor $\theta>-\alpha$. When $\theta=0$, these variables equate with the ratio investigated by Lamperti [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 88 (1958) 380--387] which, remarkably, was shown to have a simple density. This variable arises in a variety of areas and gains importance from a close connection to the stable laws. This rationale, and connection to the $\operatorname {PD}(\alpha,\theta)$ distribution, motivates the investigations of its generalizations which we refer to as Lamperti-type laws. We identify and exploit links to random variables that commonly appear in a variety of applications. Namely Linnik, generalized Pareto and $z$-distributions. In each case we obtain new results that are of potential interest. As some highlights, we then use these results to (i) obtain integral representations and other identities for a class of generalized Mittag--Leffler functions, (ii) identify explicitly the L\'{e}vy density of the semigroup of stable continuous state branching processes (CSBP) and hence corresponding limiting distributions derived in Slack and in Zolotarev [Z. Wahrsch. Verw. Gebiete 9 (1968) 139--145, Teor. Veroyatn. Primen. 2 (1957) 256--266], which are related to the recent work by Berestycki, Berestycki and Schweinsberg, and Bertoin and LeGall [Ann. Inst. H. Poincar\'{e} Probab. Statist. 44 (2008) 214--238, Illinois J. Math. 50 (2006) 147--181] on beta coalescents. (iii) We obtain explicit results for the occupation time of generalized Bessel bridges and some interesting stochastic equations for $\operatorname {PD}(\alpha,\theta)$-bridges. In particular we obtain the best known results for the density of the time spent positive of a Bessel bridge of dimension $2-2\alpha$.


Gibbs Partitions (EPPF's) Derived From a Stable Subordinator are Fox H and Meijer G Transforms

Abstract: This paper derives explicit results for the infinite Gibbs partitions generated by the jumps of an $\alpha-$stable subordinator, derived in Pitman \cite{Pit02, Pit06}. We first show that for general $\alpha$ the conditional EPPF can be represented as ratios of Fox-$H$ functions, and in the case of rational $\alpha,$ Meijer-G functions. Furthermore the results show that the resulting unconditional EPPF's, can be expressed in terms of H and G transforms indexed by a function h. Hence when h is itself a H or G function the EPPF is also an H or G function. An implication, in the case of rational $\alpha,$ is that one can compute explicitly thousands of EPPF's derived from possibly exotic special functions. This would also apply to all $\alpha$ except that computations for general Fox functions are not yet available. However, moving away from special functions, we demonstrate how results from probability theory may be used to obtain calculations. We show that a forward recursion can be applied that only requires calculation of the simplest components. Additionally we identify general classes of EPPF's where explicit calculations can be carried out using distribution theory.


Lifting central invariants of quantized Hamiltonian actions

Abstract: Let G be a connected reductive group over an algebraically closed field K of characteristic 0, X an affine symplectic variety equipped with a Hamiltonian action of G. Further, let * be a G-invariant Fedosov star-product on X such that the Hamiltonian action is quantized. We establish an isomorphism between the center of the associative algebra K[X][[h]]^G and the algebra of formal power series with coefficients in the Poisson center of K[X]^G.


Universal representations of braid and braid-permutation groups

Abstract: Drinfel'd used associators to construct families of universal representations of braid groups. We consider semi-associators (i.e., we drop the pentagonal axiom and impose a normalization in degree one). We show that the process may be reversed, to obtain semi-associators from universal representations of 3-braids. We view braid groups as subgroups of braid-permutation groups. We construct a family of universal representations of braid-permutation groups, without using associators. All representations in the family are faithful, defined over $\bbQ$ by simple explicit formulae. We show that they give universal Vassiliev-type invariants for braid-permutation groups.


A Schwarz lemma for a domain related to mu-synthesis

Abstract: We prove a Schwarz lemma for a domain E in 3-dimensional complex space that arises in connection with a problem in H infinity control theory. We describe a class of automorphisms of E and determine the distinguished boundary of E. We obtain a type of Schwarz-Pick lemma for a two by two mu-synthesis problem.


Quenched Limits for Transient, Ballistic, Sub-Gaussian One-Dimensional Random Walk in Random Environment

Abstract: We consider a nearest-neighbor, one-dimensional random walk $\{X_n\}_{n\geq 0}$ in a random i.i.d. environment, in the regime where the walk is transient with speed v_P > 0 and there exists an $s\in(1,2)$ such that the annealed law of $n^{-1/s} (X_n - n v_P)$ converges to a stable law of parameter s. Under the quenched law (i.e., conditioned on the environment), we show that no limit laws are possible. In particular we show that there exist sequences {t_k} and {t_k'} depending on the environment only, such that a quenched central limit theorem holds along the subsequence t_k, but the quenched limiting distribution along the subsequence t_k' is a centered reverse exponential distribution. This complements the results of a recent paper of Peterson and Zeitouni (arXiv:0704.1778v1 [math.PR]) which handled the case when the parameter $s\in(0,1)$.


A multivariate central limit theorem for randomized orthogonal array sampling designs in computer experiments

Abstract: Let $f:[0,1)^d \to {\mathbb R}$ be an integrable function. An objective of many computer experiments is to estimate $\int_{[0,1)^d} f(x) dx$ by evaluating f at a finite number of points in [0,1)^d. There is a design issue in the choice of these points and a popular choice is via the use of randomized orthogonal arrays. This article proves a multivariate central limit theorem for a class of randomized orthogonal array sampling designs [Owen (1992a)] as well as for a class of OA-based Latin hypercubes [Tang (1993)].


Exit paths and constructible stacks

Abstract: For a Whitney stratification S of a space X (or more generally a topological stratification in the sense of Goresky and MacPherson) we introduce the notion of an S-constructible stack of categories on X. The motivating example is the stack of S-constructible perverse sheaves. We introduce a 2-category $EP_{\leq 2}(X,S)$, called the exit-path 2-category, which is a natural stratified version of the fundamental 2-groupoid. Our main result is that the 2-category of S-constructible stacks on X is equivalent to the 2-category of 2-functors from $EP_{\leq 2}(X,S)$ to the 2-category of small categories.


The automorphism group of the tetrablock

Abstract: The tetrablock is a domain in 3-dimensional complex space that meets 3-dimensional Euclidean space in a regular tetrahedron. It is shown to be inhomogeneous and its automorphism group is determined. A type of Schwarz lemma for the tetrablock is proved. The action of the automorphism group is described in terms of a certain natural foliation of the tetrablock by complex geodesic discs.


Asymptotics for rank partition functions

Abstract: In this paper, we obtain asymptotic formulas for an infinite class of rank generating functions. As an application, we solve a conjecture of Andrews and Lewis on inequalities between certain ranks.


Dyson's Rank, overpartitions, and weak Maass forms

Abstract: In a series of papers the first author and Ono connected the rank, a partition statistic introduced by Dyson, to weak Maass forms, a new class of functions which are related to modular forms. Naturally it is of wide interest to find other explicit examples of Maass forms. Here we construct a new infinite family of such forms, arising from overpartitions. As applications we obtain combinatorial decompositions of Ramanujan-type congruences for overpartitions as well as the modularity of rank differences in certain arithmetic progressions.


Regularity of some class of nonlinear transformations

Abstract: In this paper we consider quadratic stochastic operators designed on finite Abelian groups. It is proved that such operators have the property of regularity.


On Colorings of Graph Powers

Abstract: In this paper, some results concerning the colorings of graph powers are presented. The notion of helical graphs is introduced. We show that such graphs are hom-universal with respect to high odd-girth graphs whose $(2t+1)$st power is bounded by a Kneser graph. Also, we consider the problem of existence of homomorphism to odd cycles. We prove that such homomorphism to a $(2k+1)$-cycle exists if and only if the chromatic number of the $(2k+1)$st power of $S_2(G)$ is less than or equal to 3, where $S_2(G)$ is the 2-subdivision of $G$. We also consider Ne\v{s}et\v{r}il's Pentagon problem. This problem is about the existence of high girth cubic graphs which are not homomorphic to the cycle of size five. Several problems which are closely related to Ne\v{s}et\v{r}il's problem are introduced and their relations are presented.


Convergence of adaptive mixtures of importance sampling schemes

Abstract: In the design of efficient simulation algorithms, one is often beset with a poor choice of proposal distributions. Although the performance of a given simulation kernel can clarify a posteriori how adequate this kernel is for the problem at hand, a permanent on-line modification of kernels causes concerns about the validity of the resulting algorithm. While the issue is most often intractable for MCMC algorithms, the equivalent version for importance sampling algorithms can be validated quite precisely. We derive sufficient convergence conditions for adaptive mixtures of population Monte Carlo algorithms and show that Rao--Blackwellized versions asymptotically achieve an optimum in terms of a Kullback divergence criterion, while more rudimentary versions do not benefit from repeated updating.


A Strict Inequality for a Minimal Degree of a Direct Product

Abstract: The minimal faithful permutation degree of a finite group G is the least non-negative integer n such that G embeds in the symmetric group Sym(n). Work of Johnson and Wright established conditions for when the minimal degree of a direct product equals the sum of the minimal degrees for two finite groups. Wright asked whether this is true for all finite groups. A counter- example of degree 15 was provided by the referee and was added as an addendum in a paper of Wright. Here we provide a counter-example of degree 12.


Step-up simultaneous tests for identifying active effects in orthogonal saturated designs

Abstract: A sequence of null hypotheses regarding the number of negligible effects (zero effects) in orthogonal saturated designs is formulated. Two step-up simultaneous testing procedures are proposed to identify active effects (nonzero effects) under the commonly used assumption of effect sparsity. It is shown that each procedure controls the experimentwise error rate at a given $\alpha$ level in the strong sense.


Hopf Bifurcation in a Model for Biological Control

Abstract: In this paper we study the Lyapunov stability and Hopf bifurcation in a biological system which models the biological control of parasites of orange plantations.


Some calculations on type II_1 unprojection

Abstract: The type II_1 unprojection is, by definition, the generic complete intersection type II unprojection, in the sense of [Papadakis, Type II unprojection, J. Algebraic Geometry, 15 (2006) 399--414] Section 3.1, for the parameter value k = 1, and depends on a parameter n greater or equal than 2. Our main results are the explicit calculation of the linear relations of the type II_1 unprojection for any value of n greater or equal than 2 (Theorem 3.16) and the explicit calculation of the quadratic equation for the case n = 3 (Theorem 4.1). In addition, Section 5 contains applications to algebraic geometry while Section 6 contains the Macaulay 2 code for the type II_1 unprojection for the parameter value n = 3.


Constant T-curvature conformal metrics on 4-manifolds with boundary

Abstract: In this paper we prove that, given a compact four dimensional smooth Riemannian manifold (M,g) with smooth boundary there exists a metric conformal to g with constant T-curvature, zero Q-curvature and zero mean curvature under generic and conformally invariant assumptions. The problem amounts to solving a fourth order nonlinear elliptic boundary value problem (BVP) with boundary conditions given by a third-order pseudodifferential operator, and homogeneous Neumann one. It has a variational structure, but since the corresponding Euler-Lagrange functional is in general unbounded from below, we look for saddle points. In order to do this, we use topological arguments and min-max methods combined with a compactness result for the corresponding BVP.


Overview document for: A weight function theory of basis function interpolants and smoothers

Abstract: This document is a brief overview of two documents which continue to develop the weight function theory of basis function smoothers and interpolants. One document considers the zero order theory and one considers the positive order theory.


$\infty$-jets of difeomorphisms preserving orbits of vector fields

Abstract: Let $F$ be a smooth vector field defined in a neighborhood of the origin in $\mathbb{R}^n$, $F(O)=0$, and let $F_t$ be its local flow. Denote by $E$ the set of germs of diffeomorphisms $h:\mathbb{R}^n \to \mathbb{R}^n$ preserving orbits of $F$ and let $E_{\mathrm{id}}^r$ be the identity component of $E$ with respect to $C^r$-topology. Then every $E_{\mathrm{id}}^{r}$ contains a subset $Sh$ consisting of mappings of the form $F_{f(x)}(x)$, where $f: \mathbb{R}^n \to \mathbb{R}$ is a smooth function. It was proved earlier by the author that if $F$ is a linear vector field, then $Sh=E_{\mathrm{id}}^0$. In this paper we present a class of vector fields for which $Sh$ and $E_{\mathrm{id}}^1$ coincide on the level of $\infty$-jets. We also establish a parameter rigidity of linear vector fields and "reduced" Hamiltonian vector fields of real homogeneous polynomials in two variables.


Prime ideals in the quantum grassmannian

Abstract: We consider quantum Schubert cells in the quantum grassmannian and give a cell decomposition of the prime spectrum via the Schubert cells. As a consequence, we show that all primes are completely prime in the generic case where the deformation parameter q is not a root of unity. There is a torus H that acts naturally on the quantum grassmannian and the cell decomposition of the set of H-primes leads to a parameterisation of the H-spectrum via certain diagrams on partitions associated to the Schubert cells. Interestingly, the same parameterisation occurs for the non-negative cells in recent studies concerning the totally non-negative grassmannian. Finally, we use the cell decomposition to establish that the quantum grassmannian satisfies normal separation and catenarity.