Free $n$-distributions: holonomy, sub-Riemannian structures, Fefferman constructions and dual distributions

Abstract: This paper analyses the parabolic geometries generated by a free $n$-distribution in the tangent space of a manifold. It shows that certain holonomy reductions of the associated normal Tractor connections, imply preferred connections with special properties, along with Riemannian or sub-Riemannian structures on the manifold. It constructs examples of these holonomy reductions in the simplest cases. The main results, however, lie in the free 3-distributions. In these cases, there are normal Fefferman constructions over CR and Lagrangian contact structures corresponding to holonomy reductions to SO(4,2) and SO(3,3), respectively. There is also a fascinating construction of a `dual' distribution when the holonomy reduces to $G_2'$.


An optimization problem with volume constrain in Orlicz spaces

Abstract: We consider the optimization problem of minimizing $\int_{\Omega}G(|\nabla u|) dx$ in the class of functions $W^{1,G}(\Omega)$, with a constrain on the volume of $\{u>0\}$. The conditions on the function $G$ allow for a different behavior at 0 and at $\infty$. We consider a penalization problem, and we prove that for small values of the penalization parameter, the constrained volume is attained. In this way we prove that every solution $u$ is locally Lipschitz continuous and that the free boundary, $\partial\{u>0\}\cap \Omega$, is smooth.


Pure motives, mixed motives and extensions of motives associated to singular surfaces

Abstract: We first recall the construction of the Chow motive modelling intersection cohomology of a proper surface and study its fundamental properties. Using Voevodsky's category of effective geometrical motives, we then study the motive of the exceptional divisor in a non-singular blow-up. If all geometric irreducible components of the divisor are of genus zero, then Voevodsky's formalism allows us to construct certain one-extensions of Chow motives, as canonical sub-quotients of the motive with compact support of the smooth part of the surface. Specializing to Hilbert--Blumenthal surfaces, we recover a motivic interpretation of a recent construction of A. Caspar.


Cheeger constants of surfaces and isoperimetric inequalities

Abstract: We show that the Cheeger constant of compact surfaces is bounded by a function of the area. We apply this to isoperimetric profiles of bounded genus non-compact surfaces, to show that if their isoperimetric profile grows faster than $\sqrt t$, then it grows at least as fast as a linear function. This generalizes a result of Gromov for simply connected surfaces. We study the isoperimetric problem in dimension 3. We show that if the filling volume function in dimension 2 is Euclidean, while in dimension 3 is sub-Euclidean and there is a $g$ such that minimizers in dimension 3 have genus at most $g$, then the filling function in dimension 3 is `almost' linear.


Quadratic optimal functional quantization of stochastic processes and numerical applications

Abstract: In this paper, we present an overview of the recent developments of functional quantization of stochastic processes, with an emphasis on the quadratic case. Functional quantization is a way to approximate a process, viewed as a Hilbert-valued random variable, using a nearest neighbour projection on a finite codebook. A special emphasis is made on the computational aspects and the numerical applications, in particular the pricing of some path-dependent European options.


Synchronization in networks of networks: the onset of coherent collective behavior in systems of interacting populations of heterogeneous oscillators

Abstract: The onset of synchronization in networks of networks is investigated. Specifically, we consider networks of interacting phase oscillators in which the set of oscillators is composed of several distinct populations. The oscillators in a given population are heterogeneous in that their natural frequencies are drawn from a given distribution, and each population has its own such distribution. The coupling among the oscillators is global, however, we permit the coupling strengths between the members of different populations to be separately specified. We determine the critical condition for the onset of coherent collective behavior, and develop the illustrative case in which the oscillator frequencies are drawn from a set of (possibly different) Cauchy-Lorentz distributions. One motivation is drawn from neurobiology, in which the collective dynamics of several interacting populations of oscillators (such as excitatory and inhibitory neurons and glia) are of interest.


The Popescu-Gabriel theorem for triangulated categories

Abstract: The Popescu-Gabriel theorem states that each Grothendieck abelian category is a localization of a module category. In this paper, we prove an analogue where Grothendieck abelian categories are replaced by triangulated categories which are well generated (in the sense of Neeman) and algebraic (in the sense of Keller). The role of module categories is played by derived categories of small differential graded categories. An analogous result for topological triangulated categories has recently been obtained by A. Heider.


A note on the stability for Kawahara-KdV type equations

Abstract: In this paper we establish the nonlinear stability of solitary traveling-wave solutions for the Kawahara-KdV equation $$u_t+uu_x+u_{xxx}-\gamma_1 u_{xxxxx}=0,$$ and the modified Kawahara-KdV equation $$u_t+3u^2u_x+u_{xxx}-\gamma_2 u_{xxxxx}=0,$$ where $\gamma_i\in\mathbb{R}$ is a positive number when $i=1,2$. The main approach used to determine the stability of solitary traveling-waves will be the theory developed by Albert


On a Teichmueller functor between the categories of complex tori and the Effros-Shen algebras

Abstract: A covariant functor from the category of the complex tori to the category of the Effros-Shen algebras is constructed. The functor maps isomorphic complex tori to the stably isomorphic Effros-Shen algebras. Our construction is based on the Teichmueller theory of the Riemann surfaces.


An Algorithm to Construct A Basis for the Module of Logarithmic Vector Fields

Abstract: We consider logarithmic vector fields parametrized by finite collections of weighted hyperplanes. For a finite collection of weighted hyperplanes in a two-dimensional vector space, it is known that the set of such vector fields is a free module of rank two whose basis elements are homogeneous. We give an algorithm to construct a homogeneous basis for the module.


Invariant weighted algebras $L_p^w(G)$

Abstract: The paper deals with weighted spaces $L_p^w(G)$ on a locally compact group G. If w is a positive measurable function on G then we define the space $L_p^w(G)$, $p\ge1$, as $L_p^w(G)=\{f:fw\in L_p(G)\}$. We consider weights such that these weighted spaces are algebras with respect to usual convolution. It is shown that for p>1 such weights exists on any sigma-compact group. We prove also a criterion known earlier in special cases: $L_1^w(G)$ is an algebra if and only if w is submultiplicative. It is proved that invariant algebras $L_p^w(G)$, $p>1$, have approximate units of standard form, but this may not be true for a non-invariant algebra.


A Morse type uniqueness theorem for non-parametric minimizing hypersurfaces

Abstract: A classical result about minimal geodesics on R^2 with Z^2 periodic metric that goes back to H.M. Morse asserts that a minimal geodesic that is asymptotic to a periodic minimal geodesic cannot intersect any periodic minimal geodesic of the same period. This paper treats a similar theorem for nonparametric minimizing hypersurfaces without selfintersections -- as were studied by J. Moser, V. Bangert, P.H. Rabinowitz, E. Stredulinsky and others.


Lagrangian Mechanics and Variational Integrators on Two-Spheres

Abstract: Euler-Lagrange equations and variational integrators are developed for Lagrangian mechanical systems evolving on a product of two-spheres. The geometric structure of a product of two-spheres is carefully considered in order to obtain global equations of motion. Both continuous equations of motion and variational integrators completely avoid the singularities and complexities introduced by local parameterizations or explicit constraints. We derive global expressions for the Euler-Lagrange equations on two-spheres which are more compact than existing equations written in terms of angles. Since the variational integrators are derived from Hamilton's principle, they preserve the geometric features of the dynamics such as symplecticity, momentum maps, or total energy, as well as the structure of the configuration manifold. Computational properties of the variational integrators are illustrated for several mechanical systems.


The Boltzmann-Hamel Equations for Optimal Control

Abstract: We extend the Boltzmann-Hamel equations to the optimal control setting, producing a set of equations for both kinematic and dynamic nonholonomic optimal control problems. In particular, we will show the dynamic optimal control problem can be written as a minimal set of 4n-2m first order differential equations of motion.


Explicit Heegner Points: Kolyvagin's Conjecture and Non-trivial Elements in the Shafarevich-Tate Group

Abstract: Kolyvagin used Heegner points to associate a system of cohomology classes to an elliptic curve over $\Q$ and conjectured that the system contains a non-trivial class. His conjecture has profound implications on the structure of Selmer groups. We provide new computational and theoretical evidence for Kolyvagin's conjecture. More precisely, we explicitly compute Heegner points over ring class fields and use these points to verify the conjecture for specific elliptic curves of rank two. We explain how Kolyvagin's conjecture implies that if the analytic rank of an elliptic curve is at least two then the $\Z_p$-corank of the corresponding Selmer group is at least two as well. We also use explicitly computed Heegner points to produce non-trivial classes in the Shafarevich-Tate group.


The Existence of Type II Singularities for the Ricci Flow on $S^{n+1}$

Abstract: In this paper we prove the existence of Type II singularities for the Ricci flow on $S^{n+1}$ for all $n\geq 2$.


Manifolds with Pointwise Ricci Pinched Curvature

Abstract: In this paper, we proved a compactness result about Riemannian manifolds with an arbitrary pointwisely pinched Ricci curvature tensor.


A Simple Proof for the Generalized Frankel Conjecture

Abstract: In this short paper, we will give a simple and transcendental proof for Mok's theorem of the generalized Frankel conjecture. This work is based on the maximum principle in \cite{BS2} proposed by Brendle and Schoen.


Cluster-tilted algebras and slices

Abstract: We give a criterion allowing to verify whether or not two tilted algebras have the same relation-extension (thus correspond to the same cluster-tilted algebra). This criterion is in terms of a combinatorial configuration in the Auslander-Reiten quiver of the cluster-tilted algebra, which we call local slice.


Modified A-hypergeometric Systems

Abstract: We will introduce a modified system of A-hypergeometric system (GKZ system) by applying a change of variables for Groebner deformations and study its Groebner basis and the indicial polynomials along the "exceptional hypersurface".


The linear and non linear Rayleigh-Taylor instability for the quasi isobaric profile

Abstract: We study the stability of the system of the Euler equation in the neighborhood of a stationary profile associated with the quasi isobaric model in a gravity field. This stationary profile is not bounded below, hence the operator is not coercive. We use this linear result to deduce a nonlinear result


Smooth K-Theory

Abstract: We construct an analytic multiplicative model of smooth K-theory. We further introduce the notion of a smooth K-orientation of a proper submersion and define the associated push-forward which satisfies functoriality, compatibility with pull-back diagrams, and projection and bordism formulas. We construct a multiplicative lift of the Chern character from smooth K-theory to smooth rational cohomology and verify that the cohomological version of the Atiyah-Singer index theorem for families lifts to smooth cohomology.


Asymptotic Expansion of the One-Loop Approximation of the Chern-Simons Integral in an Abstract Wiener Space Setting

Abstract: In an abstract Wiener space setting, we constract a rigorous mathematical model of the one-loop approximation of the perturbative Chern-Simons integral, and derive its explicit asymptotic expansion for stochastic Wilson lines.


Quantum subgroups of a simple quantum group at roots of 1

Abstract: Let G be a connected, simply connected, simple complex algebraic group and let e be a primitive l-th root of 1, with l odd and 3 does not divide l if G is of type G_{2}. We determine all Hopf algebra quotients of the quantized coordinate algebra of G at e.


Herman's Theory Revisited

Abstract: We prove that a $C^{2+\alpha}$-smooth orientation-preserving circle diffeomorphism with rotation number in Diophantine class $D_\delta$, $0<\delta<\alpha\le1$, is $C^{1+\alpha-\delta}$-smoothly conjugate to a rigid rotation. We also derive the most precise version of Denjoy's inequality for such diffeomorphisms.


Finite Sections of Weighted Carleman's Inequality

Abstract: We study finite sections of weighted Carleman's inequality following the approach of De Bruijn. Similar to the unweighted case, we obtain an asymptotic expression for the optimal constant.


Herman's Theory Revisited (Extension)

Abstract: We prove that a $C^{3+\beta}$-smooth orientation-preserving circle diffeomorphism with rotation number in Diophantine class $D_\delta$, $0<\beta<\delta<1$, is $C^{2+\beta-\delta}$-smoothly conjugate to a rigid rotation.


Minimax Robust Function Reconstruction in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces

Abstract: In this paper, we present a unified approach to function approximation in reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHS) that establishes a previously unrecognized optimality property for several well-known function approximation techniques, such as minimum-norm interpolation, smoothing splines, and pseudo-inverses. We consider the problem of approximating a function belonging to an arbitrary real-valued RKHS on R^d based on approximate observations of the function. The observations are approximate in the sense that the actual observations (i.e., the true function values) are known only to belong to a convex set of admissible observations. We seek a minimax optimal approximation for the function that minimizes the supremum of the RKHS norm on the error between the true function and the chosen approximation subject only to the conditions that the true function belongs to a uniformly bounded uncertainty set of functions that satisfy the constraints on the observations and that the approximation is a member of the RKHS. We refer to such a solution as a minimax robust reconstruction. We characterize the solution to the minimax robust reconstruction problem and show that it is equivalent to solving a straightforward convex optimization problem. We demonstrate that a minimax robust reconstruction will generally be more stable than an approximation based on interpolation through a nominal set of observations and that, subject to some mild regularity conditions on the convex set of admissible observations, the minimax robust reconstruction is unconditionally stable. We motivate our results by characterizing the minimax robust reconstruction for several specific convex observational models and discuss relationships with other approaches to function approximation.


Gallai Multigraphs

Abstract: A complete edge-colored graph or multigraph is called Gallai if it lacks rainbow triangles. We give a construction of all finite Gallai multigraphs.


Orthogonal Systems in Finite Graphs

Abstract: Given a finite graph G there is a corresponding group given by the presentation with generators the vertices of G and a relation [x,y]=1 for generators x and y precisely when (x,y) is an edge of G. Such groups are known as partially commutative groups (or right-angled Artin groups). In this paper we construct orthogonality theory for graphs with the study of partially commutative groups in mind. The theory developed here provides tools for the study of the structure of the centraliser lattice of partially commutative groups and for their automorphism groups.


Perverse coherent sheaves and the geometry of special pieces in the unipotent variety

Abstract: Let X be a scheme of finite type over a Noetherian base scheme S admitting a dualizing complex, and let U be an open subset whose complement has codimension at least 2. We extend the Deligne-Bezrukavnikov theory of perverse coherent sheaves by showing that a coherent middle extension (or intersection cohomology) functor from perverse sheaves on U to perverse sheaves on X may be defined for a much broader class of perversities than has previously been known. We also introduce a derived category version of the coherent middle extension functor. Under suitable hypotheses, we introduce a construction (called "S2-extension") in terms of perverse coherent sheaves of algebras on X that takes a finite morphism to U and extends it in a canonical way to a finite morphism to X. In particular, this construction gives a canonical "S2-ification" of appropriate X. The construction also has applications to the "Macaulayfication" problem, and it is particularly well-behaved when X is Gorenstein. Our main goal, however, is to address a conjecture of Lusztig on the geometry of special pieces (certain subvarieties of the unipotent variety of a reductive algebraic group). The conjecture asserts in part that each special piece is the quotient of some variety (previously unknown in the exceptional groups and in positive characteristic) by the action of a certain finite group. We use S2-extension to give a uniform construction of the desired variety.


Calculation of local Fourier transforms for formal connections

Abstract: We calculate the local Fourier transforms for formal connections. In particular, we verify an analogous conjecture suggested in Laumon's paper: "Transformation de Fourier, constantes d'equations fonctionnelles et conjecture de Weil, 2.6.3".


Study of the linear ablation growth rate for the quasi isobaric model of Euler equations with thermal conductivity

Abstract: In this paper, we study a linear system related to the 2d system of Euler equations with thermal conduction in the quasi-isobaric approximation of Kull-Anisimov [14]. This model is used for the study of the ablation front instability, which appears in the problem of inertial confinement fusion. This physical system contains a mixing region, in which the density of the gaz varies quickly, and one denotes by L0 an associated characteristic length. The system of equations is linearized around a stationary solution, and each perturbed quantity is written using the normal modes method. The resulting linear system is not self-adjoint, of order 5, with coefficients depending on x and on physical parameters $\alpha, \beta$. We calculate Evans function associated with this linear system, using rigorous constructions of decreasing at $\pm \infty$ solutions of systems of ODE. We prove that for $\alpha$ small, there is no bounded solution of the linearized system.


On the One-Dimensional Optimal Switching Problem

Abstract: We explicitly solve the optimal switching problem for one-dimensional diffusions by directly employing the dynamic programming principle and the excessive characterization of the value function. The shape of the value function and the smooth fit principle then can be proved using the properties of concave functions.


Markov type of Alexandrov spaces of nonnegative curvature

Abstract: We prove that Alexandrov spaces $X$ of nonnegative curvature have Markov type 2 in the sense of Ball. As a corollary, any Lipschitz continuous map from a subset of $X$ into a 2-uniformly convex Banach space is extended as a Lipschitz continuous map on the entire space $X$.


Width and finite extinction time of Ricci flow

Abstract: This is an expository article with complete proofs intended for a general non-specialist audience. The results are two-fold. First, we discuss a geometric invariant, that we call the width, of a manifold and show how it can be realized as the sum of areas of minimal 2-spheres. For instance, when $M$ is a homotopy 3-sphere, the width is loosely speaking the area of the smallest 2-sphere needed to ``pull over'' $M$. Second, we use this to conclude that Hamilton's Ricci flow becomes extinct in finite time on any homotopy 3-sphere. We have chosen to write this since the results and ideas given here are quite useful and seem to be of interest to a wide audience.


Canonical volume forms on compact K\"{a}hler manifolds

Abstract: We construct a canonical singular hermitian metric with semipositive curvature current on the canonical line bundle of a compact K\"{a}hler manifold with pseudoeffective canonical bundle.


Holomorphy conditions of Fuji-Suzuki coupled Painlev\'e VI system

Abstract: In this note, we give some holomorphy conditions of Fuji-Suzuki coupled Painlev\'e VI system. We also give two translation operators acting on the constant parameter $\eta$. We note a confluence process from the Fuji-Suzuki system to the Noumi-Yamada system of type $A_5^{(1)}$.


Higher derivatives and the inverse derivative of a tensor-valued function of a tensor

Abstract: The n-th derivative of a tensor valued function of a tensor is defined by a finite number of coefficients each with closed form expression.


Generalized Gevrey ultradistributions

Abstract: We first introduce new algebras of generalized functions containing Gevrey ultradistributions and then develop a Gevrey microlocal analysis suitable for these algebras. Finally, we give an application through an extension of the well-known H\"{o}rmander's theorem on the wave front of the product of two distributions.


Hodge-theoretic Atiyah-Meyer formulae and the stratified multiplicative property

Abstract: In this note we survey Hodge-theoretic formulae of Atiyah-Meyer type for genera and characteristic classes of complex algebraic varieties, and derive some new and interesting applications. We also present various extensions to the singular setting of the Chern-Hirzebruch-Serre signature formula.


Incompressible, quasi-rigid deformations of 2-dimensional domains

Abstract: his paper proposes a sensible definition of a deformation metric between 2-dimensional surfaces obtained from each other by an area preserving (incompressible) mapping, and an algorithm for obtaining this metric, as well as the optimal deformation.


Serial coalgebras and their valued Gabriel quivers

Abstract: We study serial coalgebras by means of their valued Gabriel quivers. In particular, Hom-computable and representation-directed coalgebras are characterized. The Auslander-Reiten quiver of a serial coalgebra is described. Finally, a version of Eisenbud-Griffith theorem is proved, namely, every subcoalgebra of a prime, hereditary and strictly quasi-finite coalgebra is serial.


Minors in expanding graphs

Abstract: Extending several previous results we obtained nearly tight estimates on the maximum size of a clique-minor in various classes of expanding graphs. These results can be used to show that graphs without short cycles and other H-free graphs contain large clique-minors, resolving some open questions in this area.


Additive approximation for edge-deletion problems

Abstract: A graph property is monotone if it is closed under removal of vertices and edges. In this paper we consider the following edge-deletion problem; given a monotone property P and a graph G, compute the smallest number of edge deletions that are needed in order to turn G into a graph satisfying P. We denote this quantity by E_P(G). Our first result states that for any monotone graph property P, any \epsilon >0 and n-vertex input graph G one can approximate E_P(G) up to an additive error of \epsilon n^2 Our second main result shows that such approximation is essentially best possible and for most properties, it is NP-hard to approximate E_P(G) up to an additive error of n^{2-\delta}, for any fixed positive \delta. The proof requires several new combinatorial ideas and involves tools from Extremal Graph Theory together with spectral techniques. Interestingly, prior to this work it was not even known that computing E_P(G) precisely for dense monotone properties is NP-hard. We thus answer (in a strong form) a question of Yannakakis raised in 1981.


Model theoretic connected components of groups

Abstract: We give a general exposition of model theoretic connected components of groups. We show that if a group G has NIP, then there exists the smallest invariant (over some small set) subgroup of G with bounded index (Theorem 5.3). This result extends theorem of Shelah. We consider also in this context the multiplicative and the additive groups of some rings (including infite fields).


On semiparametric regression with O'Sullivan penalised splines

Abstract: This is an expos\'e on the use of O'Sullivan penalised splines in contemporary semiparametric regression, including mixed model and Bayesian formulations. O'Sullivan penalised splines are similar to P-splines, but have an advantage of being a direct generalisation of smoothing splines. Exact expressions for the O'Sullivan penalty matrix are obtained. Comparisons between the two reveals that O'Sullivan penalised splines more closely mimic the natural boundary behaviour of smoothing splines. Implementation in modern computing environments such as Matlab, R and BUGS is discussed.


Dimension Data, Local and Global Conjugacy in Reductive Groups

Abstract: Let G be a connected reductive group (over $\mathbb{C}$) and H a connected semisimple subgroup. The dimension data of H (realative to its given embedding in G) is the collection of the numbers $\{{\rm dim} V^{H}\}$, where V runs over all the finite dimensional representations of G. By a Theorem of Larsen-Pink ([L-P90]), the dimension data determines H up to isomorphism, and if G = GL (n) even up to conjugacy. Professor Langlands raised the question as to whether the strong (conjugacy) result holds for arbitrary G. In this paper We provided the following (negative) answer: If H is simple of type A_{4 n}, $B_{2 n} (n \geq 2)$, $C_{2 n} (n \geq 2)$, E_{6}, E_{8}, F_{4} and G_{2}, then there exist (for suitable $N$) pairs of embeddings i and i' of H into $G = SO (2 N)$ such that there image i (H) and i' (H) have the same dimension data but are not conjugate. In fact we have shown that i (H) and i' (H) are \emph{locally conjugate}, i.e., that i (h) and i' (h) are conjugate in G for all semisimple $h \in H$. If one assumes functoriality, this result will furnish the failure of multiplicity one for automorphic forms on such G over global fields. Such things are known in the disconnected cases, especially when H is finite, as in the works of Blasius [Blasius94] for $SL (n) (n \geq 3)$ and Gan-Gurevich-Jiang2002 ([Gan]) for G_{2}.


Tsirelson like operator spaces

Abstract: We construct nontrivial examples of weak-$C_p$ ($1\leq p \leq \infty$) operator spaces with the local operator space structure very close to $C_p = [R, C]_{\frac{1}{p}}$. These examples are non-homogeneous Hilbertian operator spaces, and their constructions are similar to that of 2-convexified Tsirelson's space by W. B. Johnson.


A Maurey type result for operator spaces

Abstract: The little Grothendieck theorem for Banach spaces says that every bounded linear operator between $C(K)$ and $\ell_2$ is 2-summing. However, it is shown in \cite{J05} that the operator space analogue fails. Not every cb-map $v : \K \to OH$ is completely 2-summing. In this paper, we show an operator space analogue of Maurey's theorem : Every cb-map $v : \K \to OH$ is $(q,cb)$-summing for any $q>2$ and hence admits a factorization $\|v(x)\| \leq c(q) \|v\|_{cb} \|axb\|_q$ with $a,b$ in the unit ball of the Schatten class $S_{2q}$.


Non-degeneracy of Wiener functionals arising from rough differential equations

Abstract: Malliavin Calculus is about Sobolev-type regularity of functionals on Wiener space, the main example being the Ito map obtained by solving stochastic differential equations. Rough path analysis is about strong regularity of solution to (possibly stochastic) differential equations. We combine arguments of both theories and discuss existence of a density for solutions to stochastic differential equations driven by a general class of non-degenerate Gaussian processes, including processes with sample path regularity worse than Brownian motion.


Balanced Cayley graphs and balanced planar graphs

Abstract: A balanced graph is a bipartite graph with no induced circuit of length 2 mod 4. These graphs arise in linear programming. We focus on graph-algebraic properties of balanced graphs to prove a complete classification of balanced Cayley graphs on abelian groups. Moreover, in Section 5 of this paper, we prove that there is no cubic balanced planar graph. Finally, some remarkable conjectures for balanced regular graphs are also presented.


Nodal curves with general moduli on K3 surfaces

Abstract: We investigate the modular properties of nodal curves on a low genus K3 surface. We prove that a general genus g curve C is the normalization of a d-nodal curve X sitting on a primitively polarized K3 surface S of degree 2p-2, for p any integer between 3 and 11 and g = p - d between 2 and p. The proof is based on a local deformation-theoretic analysis of the map from the stack of pairs (S,X) to the moduli space of curves of genus g that associates to X the isomorphism class [C] of its normalization.


Algorithmic Problems in Amalgams of Finite Groups: Conjugacy and Intersection Properties

Abstract: Geometric methods proposed by Stallings for treating finitely generated subgroups of free groups were successfully used to solve a wide collection of decision problems for free groups and their subgroups. In the present paper we employ the generalized Stallings' methods, developed by the author, to solve various algorithmic problems concerning finitely generated subgroups of amalgams of finite groups.


The random Tukey depth

Abstract: The computation of the Tukey depth, also called halfspace depth, is very demanding, even in low dimensional spaces, because it requires the consideration of all possible one-dimensional projections. In this paper we propose a random depth which approximates the Tukey depth. It only takes into account a finite number of one-dimensional projections which are chosen at random. Thus, this random depth requires a very small computation time even in high dimensional spaces. Moreover, it is easily extended to cover the functional framework. We present some simulations indicating how many projections should be considered depending on the sample size and on the dimension of the sample space. We also compare this depth with some others proposed in the literature. It is noteworthy that the random depth, based on a very low number of projections, obtains results very similar to those obtained with other depths.


Ore extensions satisfying a polynomial identity

Abstract: Necessary and sufficient conditions for an Ore extension $S=R[x;\si,\de]$ to be a {\rm PI} ring are given in the case $\si$ is an injective endomorphism of a semiprime ring $R$ satisfying the {\rm ACC} on annihilators. Also, for an arbitrary endomorphism $\tau$ of $R$, a characterization of Ore extensions $R[x;\tau]$ which are {\rm PI} rings is given, provided the coefficient ring $R$ is noetherian.


Bernstein Type Results for Lagrangian Graphs with Partially Harmonic Gauss Map

Abstract: We establish Bernstein Theorems for Lagrangian graphs which are Hamiltonian minimal or have conformal Maslov form. Some known results of minimal (Lagrangian) submanifolds are generalized.


Infimum of the exponential volume growth and the bottom of the essential spectrum of the Laplacian

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to point out that `supremum' in two inequalities of Brooks should be replaced with `infimum'. The results of this paper are already known by Professor Higuci. Hence, I want to delete this paper from this preprint server.


Energy-Momentum tensor on foliations

Abstract: In this paper, we give a new lower bound for the eigenvalues of the Dirac operator on a compact spin manifold. This estimate is motivated by the fact that in its limiting case a skew-symmetric tensor (see Equation \eqref{eq:16}) appears that can be identified geometrically with the O'Neill tensor of a Riemannian flow, carrying a transversal parallel spinor. The Heisenberg group which is a fibration over the torus is an example of this case. Sasakian manifolds are also considered as particular examples of Riemannian flows. Finally, we characterize the 3-dimensional case by a solution of the Dirac equation


Category of Noncommutative CW Complexes

Abstract: We expose the notion of noncommutative CW (NCCW) complexes, define noncommutative (NC) mapping cylinder and NC mapping cone, and prove the noncommutative Approximation Theorem. The long exact homotopy sequences associated with arbitrary morphisms are also deduced.


On the non-existence of L-space surgery structure

Abstract: We exhibit homology spheres which never yield lens spaces by any integral Dehn surgery by using Ozsvath Szabo's contact invariant.


On the divisibility of characteristic classes of non-oriented surface bundles

Abstract: In this note we introduce a construction which assigns to an arbitrary manifold bundle its fiberwise orientation covering. This is used to show that the zeta classes of unoriented surface bundles are not divisible in the stable range.


Eigenvalues of the transversal Dirac operator on Kahler foliations

Abstract: In this paper, we prove Kirchberg inequalities for any kahler spin foliations. Their limiting cases are then characterized as being transversal minimal Einstein foliations. The key point is to introduce the transversal kahlerian twistor operators.


Eigenvalues of the basic Dirac operator on quaternion-Kahler foliations

Abstract: In this paper, we give an optimal lower bound for the eigenvalues of the basic Dirac operator on a quaternion-Kahler foliation. The limiting case is characterized by the existence of quaternion-Kahler Killing spinors. We end this paper by giving some examples.


Unit distances and diameters in Euclidean spaces

Abstract: We show that the maximum number of unit distances or of diameters in a set of n points in d-dimensional Euclidean space is attained only by specific types of Lenz constructions, for all d >= 4 and n sufficiently large, depending on d. As a corollary we determine the exact maximum number of unit distances for all even d >= 6, and the exact maximum number of diameters for all d >= 4, for all $n$ sufficiently large, depending on d.


Exponentially Stable Nonlinear Systems have Polynomial Lyapunov Functions on Bounded Regions

Abstract: This paper presents a proof that existence of a polynomial Lyapunov function is necessary and sufficient for exponential stability of sufficiently smooth nonlinear ordinary differential equations on bounded sets. The main result states that if there exists an n-times continuously differentiable Lyapunov function which proves exponential stability on a bounded subset of R^n, then there exists a polynomial Lyapunov function which proves exponential stability on the same region. Such a continuous Lyapunov function will exist if, for example, the right-hand side of the differential equation is polynomial or at least n-times continuously differentiable. The proof is based on a generalization of the Weierstrass approximation theorem to differentiable functions in several variables. Specifically, we show how to use polynomials to approximate a differentiable function in the Sobolev norm W^{1,\infty} to any desired accuracy. We combine this approximation result with the second-order Taylor series expansion to find that polynomial Lyapunov functions can approximate continuous Lyapunov functions arbitrarily well on bounded sets. Our investigation is motivated by the use of polynomial optimization algorithms to construct polynomial Lyapunov functions.


Convex and star-shaped sets associated with stable distributions

Abstract: It is known that each symmetric stable distribution in $R^d$ is related to a norm on $R^d$ that makes $R^d$ embeddable in $L_p([0,1])$. In case of a multivariate Cauchy distribution the unit ball in this norm corresponds is the polar set to a convex set in $R^d$ called a zonoid. This work interprets general stable laws using convex or star-shaped sets and exploits recent advances in convex geometry in order to come up with new probabilistic results for multivariate stable distributions. In particular, it provides expressions for moments of the Euclidean norm of a stable vector, mixed moments and various integrals of the density function. It is shown how to use geometric inequalities in order to bound important parameters of stable laws. It is shown that each symmetric stable laws appears as the limit for the sum of sub-Gaussian laws and an estimate for the probability distance to a sub-Gaussian law is given. Operations with convex sets induce the well-known and new operations with stable vectors. Furthermore, covariation, regression and orthogonality concepts for stable laws acquire geometric interpretations. A similar collection of results is presented for one-sided stable laws.


Uniform Star-factors of Graphs with Girth Three

Abstract: A {\it star-factor} of a graph $G$ is a spanning subgraph of $G$ such that each component of which is a star. Recently, Hartnell and Rall studied a family $\mathscr{U}$ of graphs satisfying the property that every star-factor of a member graph has the same number of edges. They determined the family $\mathscr{U}$ when the girth is at least five. In this paper, we investigate the family of graphs with girth three and determine all members of this family.


Star-uniform Graphs

Abstract: A {\it star-factor} of a graph $G$ is a spanning subgraph of $G$ such that each of its component is a star. Clearly, every graph without isolated vertices has a star factor. A graph $G$ is called {\it star-uniform} if all star-factors of $G$ have the same number of components. To characterize star-uniform graphs was an open problem posed by Hartnell and Rall, which is motivated by the minimum cost spanning tree and the optimal assignment problems. We use the concepts of factor-criticality and domination number to characterize all star-uniform graphs with the minimum degree at least two. Our proof is heavily relied on Gallai-Edmonds Matching Structure Theorem.


Uniformly Weighted Star-Factors of Graphs

Abstract: A {\it star-factor} of a graph $G$ is a spanning subgraph of $G$ such that each component of which is a star. An {\it edge-weighting} of $G$ is a function $w: E(G)\longrightarrow \mathbb{N}^+$, where $\mathbb{N}^+$ is the set of positive integers. Let $\Omega$ be the family of all graphs $G$ such that every star-factor of $G$ has the same weights under a fixed edge-weighting $w$. In this paper, we present a simple structural characterization of the graphs in $\Omega$ that have girth at least five.


Publication history of von Staudt's Geometrie der Lage

Abstract: From a census of forty copies, we can distinguish three different editions of von Staudt's Geometrie der Lage: the first of 1847 and two undated ones from the 1870's.


Positive Forms and Stability of Linear Time-Delay Systems

Abstract: We consider the problem of constructing Lyapunov functions for linear differential equations with delays. For such systems it is known that exponential stability implies the existence of a positive Lyapunov function which is quadratic on the space of continuous functions. We give an explicit parametrization of a sequence of finite-dimensional subsets of the cone of positive Lyapunov functions using positive semidefinite matrices. This allows stability analysis of linear time-delay systems to be formulated as a semidefinite program.


The number of imaginary quadratic fields with a given class number

Abstract: We investigate the number ${\Cal F}(h)$ of imaginary quadratic fields with class number $h$. We establish an asymptotic formula for the average value of ${\Cal F}(h)$. We also establish a modest non-trivial upper bound for ${\Cal F}(h)$ and give an application to a question of Rosen and Silverman on the odd part of the class number. Finally, we speculate on the asymptotic nature of ${\Cal F}(h)$.


Hamiltonian Stationary Shrinkers and Expanders for Lagrangian Mean Curvature Flows

Abstract: We construct examples of shrinkers and expanders for Lagrangian mean curvature flows. These examples are Hamiltonian stationary and asymptotic to the union of two Hamiltonian stationary cones found by Schoen and Wolfson. The Schoen-Wolfson cones $C_{p,q}$ are obstructions to the existence problems of special Lagrangians or Lagrangian minimal surfaces in the variational approach. It is known that these cone singularities cannot be resolved by any smooth oriented Lagrangian submanifolds. The shrinkers and expanders that we found can be glued together to yield solutions of the Brakke motion-a weak formulation of the mean curvature flow. For any coprime pair $(p,q)$ other than $(2,1)$, we construct such a solution that resolves any single Schoen-Wolfson cone $C_{p,q}$. This thus provides an evidence to Schoen-Wolfson's conjecture that the $(2,1)$ cone is the only area-minimizing cone. Higher dimensional generalizations are also obtained.


Singular points of real quartic curves via computer algebra

Abstract: There are thirteen types of singular points for irreducible real quartic curves and seventeen types of singular points for reducible real quartic curves. This classification is originally due to D.A. Gudkov. There are nine types of singular points for irreducible complex quartic curves and ten types of singular points for reducible complex quartic curves. We derive the complete classification with proof by using the computer algebra system Maple. We clarify that the classification is based on computing just enough of the Puiseux expansion to separate the branches. Thus, the proof consists of a sequence of large symbolic computations that can be done nicely using Maple.


A construction of numerical Campedelli Surfaces with \Z/6 torsion group

Abstract: We produce a family of numerical Campedelli surfaces with \Z/6 torsion by constructing the (Gorenstein codimension 5) canonical ring of the \'{e}tale six to one cover using serial unprojection. In Section 2 we develop the necessary algebraic machinery. Section 3 contains the numerical Campedelli surface construction, while Section 4 contains remarks and open questions.


A new graphical tool of outliers detection in regression models based on recursive estimation

Abstract: We present in this paper a new tool for outliers detection in the context of multiple regression models. This graphical tool is based on recursive estimation of the parameters. Simulations were carried out to illustrate the performance of this graphical procedure. As a conclusion, this tool is applied to real data containing outliers according to the classical available tools.


The refined transfer, bundle structures and algebraic K-theory

Abstract: We give new homotopy theoretic criteria for deciding when a fibration with homotopy finite fibers admits a reduction to a fiber bundle with compact topological manifold fibers. The criteria lead to a new and unexpected result about homeomorphism groups of manifolds. A tool used in the proof is a surjective splitting of the assembly map for Waldhausen's functor A(X). We also give concrete examples of fibrations having a reduction to a fiber bundle with compact topological manifold fibers but which fail to admit a compact fiber smoothing. The examples are detected by algebraic K-theory invariants. We consider a refinement of the Becker-Gottlieb transfer. We show that a version of the axioms described by Becker and Schultz uniquely determines the refined transfer for the class of fibrations admitting a reduction to a fiber bundle with compact topological manifold fibers. In an appendix, we sketch a theory of characteristic classes for fibrations. The classes are primary obstructions to finding a compact fiber smoothing.


Orthogonal functions generalizing Jack polynomials

Abstract: The rational Cherednik algebra $\HH$ is a certain algebra of differential-reflection operators attached to a complex reflection group $W$. Each irreducible representation $S^\lambda$ of $W$ corresponds to a standard module $M(\lambda)$ for $\HH$. This paper deals with the infinite family $G(r,1,n)$ of complex reflection groups; our goal is to study the standard modules using a commutative subalgebra $\ttt$ of $\HH$ discovered by Dunkl and Opdam. In this case, the irreducible $W$-modules are indexed by certain sequences $\lambda$ of partitions. We first show that $\ttt$ acts in an upper triangular fashion on each standard module $M(\lambda)$, with eigenvalues determined by the combinatorics of the set of standard tableaux on $\lambda$. As a consequence, we construct a basis for $M(\lambda)$ consisting of orthogonal functions on $\CC^n$ with values in the representation $S^\lambda$. For $G(1,1,n)$ with $\lambda=(n)$ these functions are the non-symmetric Jack polynomials. We use intertwining operators to deduce a norm formula for our orthogonal functions and give an explicit combinatorial description of the lattice of submodules of $M(\lambda)$ in the case in which the orthogonal functions are all well-defined.


LAMN property for hidden processes: the case of integrated diffusions

Abstract: In this paper we prove the Local Asymptotic Mixed Normality (LAMN) property for the statistical model given by the observation of local means of a diffusion process $X$. Our data are given by $ \int_0^1 X_{\frac{s+i}{n}} \dd \mu (s)$ for $i=0,...,n-1$ and the unknown parameter appears in the diffusion coefficient of the process $X$ only. Although the data are nor Markovian neither Gaussian we can write down, with help of Malliavin calculus, an explicit expression for the log-likelihood of the model, and then study the asymptotic expansion. We actually find that the asymptotic information of this model is the same one as for a usual discrete sampling of $X$.


Yang-Mills Connections On Orientable and Nonorientable Surfaces

Abstract: In math.SG/0605587, we studied Yang-Mills functional on the space of connections on a principal G_R-bundle over a closed, connected, nonorientable surface, where G_R is any compact connected Lie group. In this sequel, we generalize the discussion in "The Yang-Mills equations over Riemann surfaces" by Atiyah and Bott, and math.SG/0605587. We obtain explicit descriptions (as representation varieties) of Morse strata of Yang-Mills functional on orientable and nonorientable surfaces for non-unitary classical groups SO(n) and Sp(n). It turns out to be quite different from the unitary case. we use Laumon and Rapoport's method in "The Langlands lemma and the Betti numbers of stacks of G-bundles on a curve" to invert the Atiyah-Bott recursion relation, and write down explicit formulas of rational equivariant Poincar\'{e} series of the semistable stratum of the space of holomorphic structures on a principal $SO(n,\bC)$-bundle or a principal $Sp(n,\bC)$-bundle.


On the affineness of Deligne-Lusztig varieties

Abstract: We prove that the Deligne-Lusztig variety associated to minimal length elements in any $\d$-conjugacy class of the Weyl group is affine, which was conjectured by Orlik and Rapoport in \cite{OR}.


Maximum Likelihood Estimator for Hidden Markov Models in continuous time

Abstract: The paper studies large sample asymptotic properties of the Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) for the parameter of a continuous time Markov chain, observed in white noise. Using the method of weak convergence of likelihoods due to I.Ibragimov and R.Khasminskii, consistency, asymptotic normality and convergence of moments are established for MLE under certain strong ergodicity conditions of the chain.


On Fox quotients of arbitrary group algebras

Abstract: For a group $G$, N-series $\cal G$ of $G$ and commutative ring $R$ let $I^n_{R,\cal G}(G)$, $n\ge 0$, denote the filtration of the group algebra $R(G)$ induced by $\cal G$, and $I_R(G)$ its augmentation ideal. For subgroups $H$ of $G$, left ideals $J$ of $R(H)$ and right $H$-submodules $M$ of $I_Z(G)$ the quotients $I_R(G)J/MJ$ are studied by homological methods, notably for $M= I_Z(G)I_Z(H)$, $I_Z(H)I_Z(G) + I_Z([H,G])Z(G)$ and $Z(G)I_Z(N) +I^n_{Z,\cal G}(G)$ with $N \lhd G$ where the group $I_R(G)J/MJ$ is completely determined for $n=2$. The groups $I^{n-1}_{Z,\cal G}(G)I_Z(H)/I^n_{Z,\cal G}(G)I_Z(H)$ are studied and explicitly computed for $n\le 3$ in terms of enveloping rings of certain graded Lie rings and of torsion products of abelian groups.


A statistical theory for the measurement and estimation of Rayleigh fading channel

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a statistical theory on measurement and estimation of Rayleigh fading channels in wireless communications and provide complete solutions to the fundamental problems: What is the optimum estimator for the statistical parameters associated with the Rayleigh fading channel, and how many measurements are sufficient to estimate these parameters with the prescribed margin of error and confidence level? Our proposed statistical theory suggests that two testing signals of different strength be used. The maximum likelihood (ML) estimator is obtained for estimation of the statistical parameters of the Rayleigh fading channel that is both sufficient and complete statistic. Moreover, the ML estimator is the minimum variance (MV) estimator that in fact achieves the Cramer-Rao lower bound.


The relative second Fox and third dimension subgroup of arbitrary groups

Abstract: Let $I_R(G)$ denote the augmentation ideal of the group algebra $R(G)$ of a group $G$ with coefficients in a commutative ring $R$. We give a complete description of the third relative dimension subgroup $G\cap(1+I_R(K)I_R(G)+I^3_R(G))$ and the second relative Fox subgroup $G\cap(1+I_R(K)I_R(H)+I^2_R(G)I_R(H))$ for any subgroups $K$ and $H$ of $G$.


On the second cohomology of semidirect products

Abstract: Let $G$ be a group which is the semidirect product of a normal subgroup $N$ and a subgroup $T$, and let $M$ be a $G$-module with not necessarily trivial $G$-action. Then we embed the simultaneous restriction map $res=(res^G_N,res^G_T)^t : H^2(G,M) \to H^2(N,M)^T \times H^2(T,M)$ into a natural five term exact sequence consisting of one and two-dimensional cohomology groups of the factors $N$ and $T$. The elements of $H^2(G,M)$ are represented in terms of group extensions of $G$ by $M$ constructed from extensions of $N$ and $T$.


The distribution of smooth numbers in arithmetic progressions

Abstract: For a wide range of $x$ and $y$ we show that ${\Cal S}(x,y)$, the set of integers below $x$ composed only of prime factors below $y$, is equidistributed in the reduced residue classes $\pmod q$ for all $q<y^{4\sqrt{e}-\epsilon}$. This improves earlier work of Granville; any improvement of this range of $q$ would have interesting consequences for Vinogradov's conjecture on the least quadratic non-residue. For larger ranges of $q$ we prove the existence of a large subgroup of the group of reduced residues such that ${\Cal S}(x,y)$ is equidistributed within cosets of that subgroup.


Categorical aspects of toric topology

Abstract: We argue for the addition of category theory to the toolkit of toric topology, by surveying recent examples and applications. Our case is made in terms of toric spaces X_K, such as moment-angle complexes Z_K, quasitoric manifolds M, and Davis-Januszkiewicz spaces DJ(K). We first exhibit X_K as the homotopy colimit of a diagram of spaces over the small category cat(K), whose objects are the faces of a finite simplicial complex K and morphisms their inclusions. Then we study the corresponding cat(K)-diagrams in various algebraic Quillen model categories, and interpret their homotopy colimits as algebraic models for X_K. Such models encode many standard algebraic invariants, and their existence is assured by the Quillen structure. We provide several illustrative calculations, often over the rationals, including proofs that quasitoric manifolds (and various generalisations) are rationally formal; that the rational Pontrjagin ring of the loop space \Omega DJ(K) is isomorphic to the quadratic dual of the Stanley-Reisner algebra Q[K] for flag complexes K; and that DJ(K) is coformal precisely when K is flag. We conclude by describing algebraic models for the loop space \Omega DJ(K) for any complex K, which mimic our previous description as a homotopy colimit of topological monoids.


Learning from dependent observations

Abstract: In most papers establishing consistency for learning algorithms it is assumed that the observations used for training are realizations of an i.i.d. process. In this paper we go far beyond this classical framework by showing that support vector machines (SVMs) essentially only require that the data-generating process satisfies a certain law of large numbers. We then consider the learnability of SVMs for $\a$-mixing (not necessarily stationary) processes for both classification and regression, where for the latter we explicitly allow unbounded noise.


The Teichm\"uller distance between finite index subgroups of $PSL_2(\mathbb{Z})$

Abstract: For a given $\epsilon >0$, we show that there exist two finite index subgroups of $PSL_2(\mathbb{Z})$ which are $(1+\epsilon)$-quasisymmetrically conjugated and the conjugation homeomorphism is not conformal. This implies that for any $\epsilon>0$ there are two finite regular covers of the Modular once punctured torus $T_0$ (or just the Modular torus) and a $(1+\epsilon)$-quasiconformal between them that is not homotopic to a conformal map. As an application of the above results, we show that the orbit of the basepoint in the Teichm\"uller space $T(\S)$ of the punctured solenoid $\S$ under the action of the corresponding Modular group (which is the mapping class group of $\S$ \cite{NS}, \cite{Odd}) has the closure in $T(\S)$ strictly larger than the orbit and that the closure is necessarily uncountable.


On the maximum size of an anti-chain of linearly separable sets and convex pseudo-discs

Abstract: We show that the maximum cardinality of an anti-chain composed of intersections of a given set of n points in the plane with half-planes is close to quadratic in n. We approach this problem by establishing the equivalence with the problem of the maximum monotone path in an arrangement of n lines. For a related problem on antichains in families of convex pseudo-discs we can establish the precise asymptotic bound: it is quadratic in n. The sets in such a family are characterized as intersections of a given set of n points with convex sets, such that the difference between the convex hulls of any two sets is nonempty and connected.


Differential Equations Driven by Gaussian Signals I

Abstract: We consider multi-dimensional Gaussian processes and give a new condition on the covariance, simple and sharp, for the existence of stochastic area(s). Gaussian rough paths are constructed with a variety of weak and strong approximation results. Together with a new RKHS embedding, we obtain a powerful - yet conceptually simple - framework in which to analysize differential equations driven by Gaussian signals in the rough paths sense.


How many random edges make a dense hypergraph non-2-colorable?

Abstract: We study a model of random uniform hypergraphs, where a random instance is obtained by adding random edges to a large hypergraph of a given density. We obtain a tight bound on the number of random edges required to ensure non-2-colorability. We prove that for any k-uniform hypergraph with Omega(n^{k-epsilon}) edges, adding omega(n^{k epsilon/2}) random edges makes the hypergraph almost surely non-2-colorable. This is essentially tight, since there is a 2-colorable hypergraph with Omega(n^{k-\epsilon}) edges which almost surely remains 2-colorable even after adding o(n^{k \epsilon / 2}) random edges.


Occupation time fluctuations of Poisson and equilibrium branching systems in critical and large dimensions

Abstract: Limit theorems are presented for the rescaled occupation time fluctuation process of a critical finite variance branching particle system in $\mathbb{R}^{d}$ with symmetric $\alpha$-stable motion starting off from either a standard Poisson random field or the equilibrium distribution for critical $d=2\alpha$ and large $d>2\alpha$ dimensions. The limit processes are generalised Wiener processes. The obtained convergence is in space-time, finite-dimensional distributions sense. With the addtional assumption on the branching law we obtain functional convergence.


Consistency of support vector machines for forecasting the evolution of an unknown ergodic dynamical system from observations with unknown noise

Abstract: We consider the problem of forecasting the next (observable) state of an unknown ergodic dynamical system from a noisy observation of the present state. Our main result shows, for example, that support vector machines (SVMs) using Gaussian RBF kernels can learn the best forecaster from a sequence of noisy observations if (a) the unknown observational noise process is bounded and has a summable $\alpha$-mixing rate and (b) the unknown ergodic dynamical system is defined by a Lipschitz continuous function on some compact subset of $\mathbb{R}^d$ and has a summable decay of correlations for Lipschitz continuous functions. In order to prove this result we first establish a general consistency result for SVMs and all stochastic processes that satisfy a mixing notion that is substantially weaker than $\alpha$-mixing.


Label-setting methods for Multimode Stochastic Shortest Path problems on graphs

Abstract: Stochastic shortest path (SSP) problems arise in a variety of discrete stochastic control contexts. An optimal solutions to such a problem is typically computed using the value function, which can be found by solving the corresponding dynamic programming equations. In the deterministic case, these equations can be often solved by the highly efficient label-setting methods (such as Dijkstra's and Dial's algorithms). In this paper we define and study a class of Multimode Stochastic Shortest Path problems and develop sufficient conditions for the applicability of label-setting methods. We illustrate our approach on a number of discrete stochastic control examples. We also discuss the relationship of SSPs with discretizations of static Hamilton-Jacobi equations and provide an alternative derivation for several fast (non-iterative) numerical methods for these PDEs.


Integral pinched 3-manifolds are space forms

Abstract: In this paper we prove that, under an explicit integral pinching assumption between the $L^2$-norm of the Ricci curvature and the $L^2$-norm of the scalar curvature, a closed 3-manifold with positive scalar curvature admits an Einstein metric with positive curvature. In particular this implies that the manifold is diffeomorphic to a quotient of ${\Bbb S}^3$.


Asymptotic enumeration of sparse nonnegative integer matrices with specified row and column sums

Abstract: Let \svec = (s_1,...,s_m) and \tvec = (t_1,...,t_n) be vectors of nonnegative integer-valued functions of m,n with equal sum S = sum_{i=1}^m s_i = sum_{j=1}^n t_j. Let M(\svec,\tvec) be the number of m*n matrices with nonnegative integer entries such that the i-th row has row sum s_i and the j-th column has column sum t_j for all i,j. Such matrices occur in many different settings, an important example being the contingency tables (also called frequency tables) important in statistics. Define s=max_i s_i and t=max_j t_j. Previous work has established the asymptotic value of M(\svec,\tvec) as m,n\to\infty with s and t bounded (various authors independently, 1971-1974), and when \svec,\tvec are constant vectors with m/n,n/m,s/n >= c/log n for sufficiently large (Canfield and McKay, 2007). In this paper we extend the sparse range to the case st=o(S^(2/3)). The proof in part follows a previous asymptotic enumeration of 0-1 matrices under the same conditions (Greenhill, McKay and Wang, 2006). We also generalise the enumeration to matrices over any subset of the nonnegative integers that includes 0 and 1.


Large deviations for symmetrised empirical measures

Abstract: In this paper we prove a Large Deviation Principle for the sequence of symmetrised empirical measures $\frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^{n} \delta_{(X^n_i,X^n_{\sigma_n(i)})}$ where $\sigma_n$ is a random permutation and $((X_i^n)_{1 \leq i \leq n})_{n \geq 1}$ is a triangular array of random variables with suitable properties. As an application we show how this result allows to improve the Large Deviation Principles for symmetrised initial-terminal conditions bridge processes recently established by Adams, Dorlas and K\"{o}nig.


On Fox and augmentation quotients of semidirect products

Abstract: Let $G$ be a group which is the semidirect product of a normal subgroup $N$ and some subgroup $T$. Let $I^n(G)$, $n\ge 1$, denote the powers of the augmentation ideal $I(G)$ of the group ring $\Z(G)$. Using homological methods the groups $Q_n(G,H) = I^{n-1}(G)I(H)/I^{n}(G)I(H)$, $H=G,N,T$, are functorially expressed in terms of enveloping algebras of certain Lie rings associated with $N$ and $T$, in the following cases: for $n\le 4$ and arbitrary $G,N,T$ (except from one direct summand of $Q_4(G,N)$), and for all $n\ge 2$ if certain filtration quotients of $N$ and $T$ are torsionfree.


Polarization types of isogenous Prym-Tyurin varieties

Abstract: Let p:C-->Y be a covering of smooth, projective curves which is a composition of \pi:C-->C' of degree 2 and g:C'-->Y of degree n. Let f:X-->Y be the covering of degree 2^n, where the curve X parametrizes the liftings in C^{(n)} of the fibers of g:C'-->Y. Let P(X,\delta) be the associated Prym-Tyurin variety, known to be isogenous to the Prym variety P(C,C'). Most of the results in the paper focus on calculating the polarization type of the restriction of the canonical polarization of JX on P(X,\delta). We obtain the polarization type when n=3. When Y=P^1 we conjecture that P(X,\delta) is isomorphic to the dual of the Prym variety P(C,C'). This was known when n=2, we prove it when n=3, and for arbitrary n if \pi:C-->C' is \'{e}tale. Similar results are obtained for some other types of coverings.


Willmore Legendrian surfaces in pseudoconformal 5-sphere

Abstract: Let $ X: M \hook S^5$ be a compact Legendrian surface in pseudoconformal(CR) 5-sphere. We introduce a pseudoconformally invariant Willmore type second order functional $ \W(X)$, and study its critical points called Willmore Legendrian surfaces. The fifth order structure equations show that Willmore dual can be defined for a class of Willmore Legendrian surfaces. Moreover when this dual is constant, Willmore Legendrian surface admits a Weierstra\ss type representation in terms of immersed meromorphic curve in $ \C^2$ satisfying an appropriate real period condition via pseudoconformal stereographic projection. We show that every compact Riemann surface admits a generally one to one, conformal, Willmore Legendrian immersion in $ S^5$ with constant Willmore dual. As a corollary, every compact Riemann surface can be conformally immersed in $ \C^2$ as an exact, algebraic Lagrangian surface.


Radial Dunkl Processes : Existence and uniqueness, Hitting time, Beta Processes and Random Matrices

Abstract: We begin with the study of some properties of the radial Dunkl process associated to a reduced root system $R$. It is shown that this diffusion is the unique strong solution for all $t \geq 0$ of a SDE with singular drift. Then, we study $T_0$, the first hitting time of the positive Weyl chamber : we prove, via stochastic calculus, a result already obtained by Chybiryakov on the finiteness of $T_0$. The second and new part deals with the law of $T_0$ for which we compute the tail distribution, as well as some insight via stochastic calculus on how root systems are connected with eigenvalues of standard matrix-valued processes. This gives rise to the so-called $\beta$-processes. The ultraspherical $\beta$-Jacobi case still involves a reduced root system while the general case is closely connected to a non reduced one. This process lives in a convex bounded domain known as principal Weyl alcove and the strong uniqueness result remains valid. The last part deals with the first hitting time of the alcove's boundary and the semi group density which enables us to answer some open questions.


Quadratic maps between groups

Abstract: The notion of quadratic maps between arbitrary groups appeared at several places in the literature on quadratic algebra. Here a unified extensive treatment of their properties is given; the relation with a relative version of Passi's polynomial maps and groups of degree 2 is established and used to study the structure of the latter.


Regulators of canonical extensions are torsion: the smooth divisor case

Abstract: In this paper, we prove a generalization of Reznikov's theorem which says that the Chern-Simons classes and in particular the Deligne Chern classes (in degrees $>1$) are torsion, of a flat bundle on a smooth complex projective variety. We consider the case of a smooth quasi--projective variety with an irreducible smooth divisor at infinity. We define the Chern-Simons classes of Deligne's canonical extension of a flat vector bundle with unipotent monodromy at infinity, which lift the Deligne Chern classes and prove that these classes are torsion.


Self Improving Sobolev-Poincare Inequalities, Truncation and Symmetrization

Abstract: In a previous paper we developed a new method to obtain symmetrization inequalities of Sobolev type for functions in $W_{0}^{1,1}(\Omega)$. In this paper we extend our method to Sobolev functions that do not vanish at the boundary.


A remark on fractional integrals on modulation spaces

Abstract: In this paper, we give the necessary and sufficient conditions for the boundedness of fractional integral operators on the modulation spaces.


On the $L^2$-boundedness of pseudo-differential operators and their commutators with symbols in $\alpha$-modulation spaces

Abstract: In this paper, we consider the $L^2$-boundedness of pseudo-differential operators with symbols in $\alpha$-modulation spaces.


Singular Hecke algebras, Markov traces, and HOMFLY-type invariants

Abstract: We define the singular Hecke algebra ${\mathcal H} (SB_n)$ as the quotient of the singular braid monoid algebra ${\mathbb C} (q) [SB_n]$ by the Hecke relations $\sigma_k^2 = (q-1) \sigma_k +q$, $1 \le k\le n-1$, and define the Markov traces on the sequence $\{{\mathcal H}(SB_n)\}_{n=1}^{+\infty}$ in the same way as for the Markov traces on the tower of (non-singular) Hecke algebras of the symmetric groups. We prove that the Markov traces are in one-to-one correspondance with the invariants that satisfies some skein relation, and compute an explicit classification of the Markov traces. Thanks to this classification, we define some universal HOMFLY-type invariant which has the property that it distinguishes all the pairs of singular links that can be distinguished by an invariant which satisfies the required skein relation.


A computation of Poisson kernels for some standard weighted biharmonic operators in the unit disc

Abstract: We compute Poisson kernels for integer weight parameter standard weighted biharmonic operators in the unit disc with Dirichlet boundary conditions. The computations performed extend the supply of explicit examples of such kernels and suggest similar formulas for these Poisson kernels to hold true in more generality. Computations have been carried out using the open source computer algebra package Maxima.


Random Normal Matrices and Polynomial Curves

Abstract: We show that in the large matrix limit, the eigenvalues of the normal matrix model for matrices with spectrum inside a compact domain with a special class of potentials homogeneously fill the interior of a polynomial curve uniquely defined by the area of its interior domain and its exterior harmonic moments which are all given as parameters of the potential. Then we consider the orthogonal polynomials corresponding to this matrix model and show that, under certain assumptions, the density of the zeros of the highest relevant orthogonal polynomial in the large matrix limit is (up to some constant factor) given by the discontinuity of the Schwarz function of this polynomial curve.


Complete isometries between subspaces of noncommutative Lp-spaces

Abstract: We prove some noncommutative analogues of a theorem by Plotkin and Rudin about isometries between subspaces of Lp-spaces. Let 0<p<\infty, p not an even integer. The main result of this paper states that in the category of unital subspaces of noncommutative probability Lp-spaces, under some boundedness condition, the unital completely isometric maps come from *-isomorphisms of the underlying von Neumann algebras. Some applications are given, including to non commutative H^p spaces.


An algebraic proof of the commutativity of the intersection with divisors

Abstract: We present a purely algebraic proof of the commutativity of the operation defined by intersection with divisors on the Chow group of a local Noetherian domain.


Another generalization of Mason's ABC-theorem

Abstract: We show a generalization of Mason's ABC-theorem, with the only conditions that the greatest common divisor has been divided out and no proper subsum of the (possibly multivariate) polynomial sum f_1 + f_2 + ... + f_n = 0 vanishes. As a result, we show that the generalized Fermat-Catalan equation for polynomials: g_1^{d_1} + g_1^{d_2} + ... + g_n^{d_n} = 0 has no non-constant solutions if the greatest common divisor of the terms equals one, no proper subsum vanishes and the hyperbolic sum 1/d_1 + 1/d_2 + ... + 1/d_n is at most 1/(n-2). Furthermore, we show that the generalized Fermat-equation for polynomials g_1^d + g_1^d + ... + g_n^d = 0 has no 'interesting' solutions if d >= n(n-2).


Modular Abelian Variety of Odd Modular Degree

Abstract: We will study modular Abelian varieties with odd congruence numbers, by studying the cuspidal subgroup of $J_0(N)$. We show the conductor of such Abelian varieties must be of a special type, for example if $N$ is odd then $N=p^\alpha$ or $N=pq$ for some prime $p$ and $q$. We then focus our attention to modular elliptic curves, and using result of Agashe, Ribet, and Stein, we try to classify all elliptic curves of odd modular degree. Our studies prove many cases of the Stein and Watkins's conjecture on elliptic curves with odd modular degree.


Rubinstein distance on configurations spaces

Abstract: By a method inspired of the Stein's method, we derive an upper-bound of the Rubinstein distance between two absolutely continuous probability measures on configurations space. As an application, we show that the best way to approximate a Modulated Poisson Process (see below for the definition) by a Poisson process is to equate their intensity.


Subrings which are closed with respect to taking the inverse

Abstract: Let S be a subring of the ring R. We investigate the question of whether S intersected by U(R) is equal to U(S) holds for the units. In many situations our answer is positive. There is a special emphasis on the case when R is a full matrix ring and S is a structural subring of R defined by a reflexive and transitive relation.


Blocking: New examples and properties of products

Abstract: We say that a pair of points x and y is secure if there exist a finite set of blocking points such that any geodesic between x and y passes through one of the blocking points. The main point of this paper is to exhibit new examples of blocking phenomena both in the manifold and the billiard table setting. As an approach to this, we study if the product of secure configurations (or manifolds) is also secure. We introduce the concept of midpoint security that imposes that the geodesic reaches a blocking point exactly at its midpoint. We prove that products of midpoint secure configurations are midpoint secure. On the other hand, we give an example of a compact C^1 surface that contains secure configurations that are not midpoint secure. This surface provides the first example of an insecure product of secure configurations, as well as billiard table examples.


M-estimation of Boolean models for particle flow experiments

Abstract: Probability models are proposed for passage time data collected in experiments with a device designed to measure particle flow during aerial application of fertilizer. Maximum likelihood estimation of flow intensity is reviewed for the simple linear Boolean model, which arises with the assumption that each particle requires the same known passage time. M-estimation is developed for a generalization of the model in which passage times behave as a random sample from a distribution with a known mean. The generalized model improves fit in these experiments. An estimator of total particle flow is constructed by conditioning on lengths of multi-particle clumps.


The game chromatic number of random graphs

Abstract: Given a graph G and an integer k, two players take turns coloring the vertices of G one by one using k colors so that neighboring vertices get different colors. The first player wins iff at the end of the game all the vertices of G are colored. The game chromatic number \chi_g(G) is the minimum k for which the first player has a winning strategy. In this paper we analyze the asymptotic behavior of this parameter for a random graph G_{n,p}. We show that with high probability the game chromatic number of G_{n,p} is at least twice its chromatic number but, up to a multiplicative constant, has the same order of magnitude. We also study the game chromatic number of random bipartite graphs.


Treelets--An adaptive multi-scale basis for sparse unordered data

Abstract: In many modern applications, including analysis of gene expression and text documents, the data are noisy, high-dimensional, and unordered--with no particular meaning to the given order of the variables. Yet, successful learning is often possible due to sparsity: the fact that the data are typically redundant with underlying structures that can be represented by only a few features. In this paper we present treelets--a novel construction of multi-scale bases that extends wavelets to nonsmooth signals. The method is fully adaptive, as it returns a hierarchical tree and an orthonormal basis which both reflect the internal structure of the data. Treelets are especially well-suited as a dimensionality reduction and feature selection tool prior to regression and classification, in situations where sample sizes are small and the data are sparse with unknown groupings of correlated or collinear variables. The method is also simple to implement and analyze theoretically. Here we describe a variety of situations where treelets perform better than principal component analysis, as well as some common variable selection and cluster averaging schemes. We illustrate treelets on a blocked covariance model and on several data sets (hyperspectral image data, DNA microarray data, and internet advertisements) with highly complex dependencies between variables.


$z$-Classes of Isometries of The Hyperbolic Space

Abstract: Let $G$ be a group. Two elements $x, y$ are said to be {\it $z$-equivalent} if their centralizers are conjugate in $G$. The class equation of $G$ is the partition of $G$ into conjugacy classes. Further decomposition of conjugacy classes into $z$-classes provides an important information about the internal structure of the group. Let $I(\H^n)$ denote the group of isometries of the hyperbolic $n$-space. We show that the number of $z$-classes in $I(\H^n)$ is finite. We actually compute their number, cf. theorem 1.3. We interpret the finiteness of $z$-classes as accounting for the finiteness of "dynamical types" in $I(\H^n)$. Along the way we also parametrize conjugacy classes. We mainly use the linear model for the hyperbolic space for this purpose. This description of parametrizing conjugacy classes appears to be new.


L.V.Kantorovich and Linear Programming

Abstract: I want to write about what I know and remember about the activities of Leonid Vital'evich Kantorovich, an outstanding scientist of the 20th century; about his dramatic struggle for recognition of his mathematical economic theories; about the initial stage of the history of linear programming; about beautuful Kantorovich metric, about the creation of a new area of mathematical activity related to economic applications, which is called sometimes operation research, sometimes mathematical economics, sometimes linear and convex programming, or economic cybernetics, etc.; about its place in the modern mathematical landscape; and, finally, about several personal impressions of this distinguished scientist. The notes in no way pretend to exhaust these topics.


Generalized handlebody sets and non-Haken 3-manifolds

Abstract: In the curve complex for a surface, a handlebody set is the set of loops that bound properly embedded disks in a given handlebody bounded by the surface. A boundary set is the set of non-separating loops in the curve complex that bound two-sided, properly embedded surfaces. For a Heegaard splitting, the distance between the boundary sets of the handlebodies is zero if and only if the ambient manifold contains a non-separating, two sided incompressible surface. We show that the boundary set is 2-dense in the curve complex, i.e. every vertex is within two edges of a point in the boundary set.


Two generalizations of Cheeger-Gromoll splitting theorem via Bakry-\'{E}mery Ricci curvature

Abstract: In this paper, we prove two generalized versions of the Cheeger-Gromoll splitting theorem via the non-negativity of the Bakry-\'Emery Ricci curavture on complete Riemannian manifolds.


A general Schwarz Lemma for almost-Hermitian manifolds

Abstract: We prove a version of Yau's Schwarz Lemma for general almost-complex manifolds equipped with Hermitian metrics. This requires an extension to this setting of the Laplacian comparison theorem. As an application we show that the product of two almost-complex manifolds does not admit any complete Hermitian metric with bisectional curvature bounded between two negative constants that satisfies some additional mild assumptions.


Adaptive FDR control under independence and dependence

Abstract: In the context of multiple hypotheses testing, the proportion $\pi_0$ of true null hypotheses in the pool of hypotheses to test often plays a crucial role, although it is generally unknown a priori. A testing procedure using an implicit or explicit estimate of this quantity in order to improve its efficency is called adaptive. In this paper, we focus on the issue of False Discovery Rate (FDR) control and we present new adaptive multiple testing procedures with control of the FDR. First, in the context of assuming independent $p$-values, we present two new procedures and give a unified review of other existing adaptive procedures that have provably controlled FDR. We report extensive simulation results comparing these procedures and testing their robustness when the independence assumption is violated. The new proposed procedures appear competitive with existing ones. The overall best, though, is reported to be Storey's estimator, but for a parameter setting that does not appear to have been considered before. Second, we propose adaptive versions of step-up procedures that have provably controlled FDR under positive dependences and unspecified dependences of the $p$-values, respectively. While simulations only show an improvement over non-adaptive procedures in limited situations, these are to our knowledge among the first theoretically founded adaptive multiple testing procedures that control the FDR when the $p$-values are not independent.


Filtering the Wright-Fisher diffusion

Abstract: We consider a Wright-Fisher diffusion (x(t)) whose current state cannot be observed directly. Instead, at times t1 < t2 < . . ., the observations y(ti) are such that, given the process (x(t)), the random variables (y(ti)) are independent and the conditional distribution of y(ti) only depends on x(ti). When this conditional distribution has a specific form, we prove that the model ((x(ti), y(ti)), i 1) is a computable filter in the sense that all distributions involved in filtering, prediction and smoothing are exactly computable. These distributions are expressed as finite mixtures of parametric distributions. Thus, the number of statistics to compute at each iteration is finite, but this number may vary along iterations.


Transformations of infinitely divisible distributions via improper stochastic integrals

Abstract: Let $X^{(\mu)}(ds)$ be an $\mathbb{R}^d$-valued homogeneous independently scattered random measure over $\mathbb{R}$ having $\mu$ as the distribution of $X^{(\mu)}((t,t+1])$. Let $f(s)$ be a nonrandom measurable function on an open interval $(a,b)$ where $-\infty\leqslant a<b\leqslant\infty$. The improper stochastic integral $\int_{a+}^{b-} f(s)X^{(\mu)}(ds)$ is studied. Its distribution $\Phi_f(\mu)$ defines a mapping from $\mu$ to an infinitely divisible distribution on $\mathbb{R}^d$. Three modifications (compensated, essential, and symmetrized) and absolute definability are considered. After their domains are characterized, necessary and sufficient conditions for the domains to be very large (or very small) in various senses are given. The concept of the dual in the class of purely non-Gaussian infinitely divisible distributions on $\mathbb{R}^d$ is introduced and employed in studying some examples. The $\tau$-measure $\tau$ of function $f$ is introduced and whether $\tau$ determines $\Phi_f$ is discussed. Related transformations of L\'evy measures are also studied.


A local ring such that the map between Grothendieck groups with rational coefficient induced by completion is not injective

Abstract: In this paper, we construct a local ring $A$ such that the kernel of the map $G_0(A)\subq \to G_0(\hat{A})\subq$ is not zero, where $\hat{A}$ is the comletion of $A$ with respect to the maximal ideal, and $G_0()\subq$ is the Grothendieck group of finitely generated modules with rational coefficient. In our example, $A$ is a two-dimensional local ring which is essentially of finite type over ${\Bbb C}$, but it is not normal.


Linear automorphism groups of relatively free groups

Abstract: Let G be a free group in a variety of groups, but G is not absolutely free. We prove that the group of automorphisms Aut(G) is linear iff G is a virtually nilpotent group.


Detecting spatial patterns with the cumulant function. Part I: The theory

Abstract: In climate studies, detecting spatial patterns that largely deviate from the sample mean still remains a statistical challenge. Although a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), or equivalently a Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOF) decomposition, is often applied on this purpose, it can only provide meaningful results if the underlying multivariate distribution is Gaussian. Indeed, PCA is based on optimizing second order moments quantities and the covariance matrix can only capture the full dependence structure for multivariate Gaussian vectors. Whenever the application at hand can not satisfy this normality hypothesis (e.g. precipitation data), alternatives and/or improvements to PCA have to be developed and studied. To go beyond this second order statistics constraint that limits the applicability of the PCA, we take advantage of the cumulant function that can produce higher order moments information. This cumulant function, well-known in the statistical literature, allows us to propose a new, simple and fast procedure to identify spatial patterns for non-Gaussian data. Our algorithm consists in maximizing the cumulant function. To illustrate our approach, its implementation for which explicit computations are obtained is performed on three family of of multivariate random vectors. In addition, we show that our algorithm corresponds to selecting the directions along which projected data display the largest spread over the marginal probability density tails.


Compact Manifolds Covered by a Torus

Abstract: Let $X$ be a connected compact complex manifold admitting a finite surjective map $A \to X$ from a complex torus $A.$ We prove that up to finite \'etale cover, $X$ is a product of projective spaces and a torus.


Triangles with two given integral sides

Abstract: We study some Diophantine problems related to triangles with two given integral sides. We solve two problems posed by Zolt\'an Bertalan and we also provide some generalization.


Arithmetic progressions of squares, cubes and $n$-th powers

Abstract: In this paper we continue the investigations about unlike powers in arithmetic progression. We provide sharp upper bounds for the length of primitive non-constant arithmetic progressions consisting of squares/cubes and $n$-th powers.


Note on a paper "An Extension of a Theorem of Euler" by Hirata-Kohno et al

Abstract: In this paper we extend a result of Hirata-Kohno, Laishram, Shorey and Tijdeman on the Diophantine equation $n(n+d)...(n+(k-1)d)=by^2,$ where $n,d,k\geq 2$ and $y$ are positive integers such that $\gcd(n,d)=1.$


Approximately Einstein ACH metrics, volume renormalization, and an invariant for contact manifolds

Abstract: To any smooth compact manifold $M$ endowed with a contact structure $H$ and partially integrable almost CR structure $J$, we prove the existence and uniqueness, modulo high-order error terms and diffeomorphism action, of an approximately Einstein ACH (asymptotically complex hyperbolic) metric $g$ on $M\times (-1,0)$. We consider the asymptotic expansion, in powers of a special defining function, of the volume of $M\times (-1,0)$ with respect to $g$ and prove that the log term coefficient is independent of $J$ (and any choice of contact form $\theta$), i.e., is an invariant of the contact structure $H$. The approximately Einstein ACH metric $g$ is a generalisation of, and exhibits similar asymptotic boundary behaviour to, Fefferman's approximately Einstein complete K\"ahler metric $g_+$ on strictly pseudoconvex domains. The present work demonstrates that the CR-invariant log term coefficient in the asymptotic volume expansion of $g_+$ is in fact a contact invariant. We discuss some implications this may have for CR $Q$-curvature. The formal power series method of finding $g$ is obstructed at finite order. We show that part of this obstruction is given as a one-form on $H^*$. This is a new result peculiar to the partially integrable setting.


Does heterosexual transmission drive the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa (or elsewhere)?

Abstract: A two-sex Basic Reproduction Number (BRN) is used to investigate the conditions under which the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may spread through heterosexual contacts in Sub-Saharan Africa. (The BRN is the expected number of new infections generated by one infected individual; the disease spreads if the BRN is larger than 1). A simple analytical expression for the BRN is derived on the basis of recent data on survival rates, transmission probabilities, and levels of sexual activity. Baseline results show that in the population at large (characterized by equal numbers of men and women) the BRN is larger than 1 if every year each person has 82 sexual contacts with different partners. the BRN is also larger than 1 for commercial sex workers (CSWs) and their clients (two populations of different sizes) if each CSW has about 256 clients per year and each client visits one CSW every two weeks. A sensitivity analysis explores the effect on the BRN of a doubling (or a halving) of the transmission probabilities. Implications and extensions are discussed.


Infinite Horizon and Ergodic Optimal Quadratic Control for an Affine Equation with Stochastic Coefficients

Abstract: We study quadratic optimal stochastic control problems with control dependent noise state equation perturbed by an affine term and with stochastic coefficients. Both infinite horizon case and ergodic case are treated. To this purpose we introduce a Backward Stochastic Riccati Equation and a dual backward stochastic equation, both considered in the whole time line. Besides some stabilizability conditions we prove existence of a solution for the two previous equations defined as limit of suitable finite horizon approximating problems. This allows to perform the synthesis of the optimal control.


Spectral Analysis of a Family of Second-Order Elliptic Operators with Nonlocal Boundary Condition Indexed by a Probabilty Measure

Abstract: Let $D\subset R^d$ be a bounded domain and let \[ L=\frac12\nabla\cdot a\nabla +b\cdot\nabla \] %\[ %L=\frac12\sum_{i,j=1}^da_{i,j}\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x_i\partial x_j}+\sum_{i=1}^db_i\frac{\partial}{\partial x_i}, %\] be a second order elliptic operator on $D$. Let $\nu$ be a probability measure on $D$. Denote by ${\mathcal L}$ the differential operator whose domain is specified by the following non-local boundary condition: $$ {\mathcal D_{{\mathcal L}}}=\{f\in C^2(\ol{D}): \int_D f d\nu = f|_{\partial D}\}, $$ and which coincides with $L$ on its domain. It is known that $\mathcal L$ possesses an infinite sequence of eigenvalues, and that with the exception of the zero eigenvalue, all eigenvalues have negative real part. Define the spectral gap of $\mathcal {L}$, indexed by $\nu$, by \gamma_1(\nu)\equiv\sup\{\re \lambda:0\neq \lambda is an eigenvalue for {\mathcal L}\}. In this paper we investigate the eigenvalues of $\mathcal L$ in general and the spectral gap $\gamma_1(\nu)$ in particular. The operator $\mathcal L$ is the generator of a diffusion process with random jumps from the boundary, and $\gamma_1(\nu)$ measures the exponential rate of convergence of this process to its invariant measure.


The bitwisted Cartesian model for the free loop fibration

Abstract: Using the notion of truncating twisting function from a simplicial set to a cubical set a special, bitwisted, Cartesian product of these sets is defined. For the universal truncating twisting function, the (co)chain complex of the corresponding bitwisted Cartesian product agrees with the standard Cartier (Hochschild) chain complex of the simplicial (co)chains. The modelling polytopes $F_n$ are constructed. An explicit diagonal on $F_n$ is defined and a multiplicative model for the free loop fibration $\Omega Y\to \Lambda Y\to Y$ is obtained. As an application we establish an algebra isomorphism $H^*(\Lambda Y;\mathbb{Z}) \approx S(U)\otimes \Lambda(s^{_{-1}}U)$ for the polynomial cohomology algebra $H^*(Y;\mathbb{Z})=S(U).$


Differential equations in vertex algebras and simple modules for the Lie algebra of vector fields on a torus

Abstract: We study irreducible representations for the Lie algebra of vector fields on a 2-dimensional torus constructed using the generalized Verma modules. We show that for a certain choice of parameters these representations remain irreducible when restricted to a loop subalgebra in the Lie algebra of vector fields. We prove this result by studying vertex algebras associated with the Lie algebra of vector fields on a torus and solving non-commutative differential equations that we derive using the vertex algebra technique.


Strong confidence intervals for autoregression

Abstract: In this short note I apply the methodology of game-theoretic probability to calculating non-asymptotic confidence intervals for the coefficient of a simple first order scalar autoregressive model. The most distinctive feature of the proposed procedure is that with high probability it produces confidence intervals that always cover the true parameter value when applied sequentially.


Asymptotic enumeration of 2-covers and line graphs

Abstract: In this paper we find asymptotic enumerations for the number of line graphs on $n$-labelled vertices and for different types of related combinatorial objects called 2-covers. We find that the number of 2-covers, $s_n$, and proper 2-covers, $t_n$, on $[n]$ both have asymptotic growth $$ s_n\sim t_n\sim B_{2n}2^{-n}\exp(-\frac12\log(2n/\log n))= B_{2n}2^{-n}\sqrt{\frac{\log n}{2n}}, $$ where $B_{2n}$ is the $2n$th Bell number, while the number of restricted 2-covers, $u_n$, restricted, proper 2-covers on $[n]$, $v_n$, and line graphs $l_n$, all have growth $$ u_n\sim v_n\sim l_n\sim B_{2n}2^{-n}n^{-1/2}\exp(-[\frac12\log(2n/\log n)]^2). $$ In our proofs we use probabilistic arguments for the unrestricted types of 2-covers and and generating function methods for the restricted types of 2-covers and line graphs.


Characterization of geodesic flows on T^2 with and without positive topological entropy

Abstract: In the present work we consider the behavior of the geodesic flow on the unit tangent bundle of the 2-torus $T^2$ for an arbitrary Riemannian metric. A natural non-negative quantity which measures the complexity of the geodesic flow is the topological entropy. In particular, positive topological entropy implies chaotic behavior on an invariant set in the phase space of positive Hausdorff-dimension (horseshoe). We show that in the case of zero topological entropy the flow has properties similar to integrable systems. In particular there exists a non-trivial continuous constant of motion which measures the direction of geodesics lifted onto the universal covering $\Br^2$. Furthermore, those geodesics travel in strips bounded by Euclidean lines. Moreover we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for vanishing topological entropy involving intersection properties of single geodesics on $T^2$.


The Large Sieve Inequality for Integer Polynomial Amplitudes

Abstract: We obtain a close to the best possible version of the large sieve inequality with amplitudes given by the values of a polynomial with integer coefficients of degree $\geq 2$.


Minimal geodesics and topological entropy on T^2

Abstract: Let (T^2, g) be a two-dimensional Riemannian torus. In this paper we prove that the topological entropy of the geodesic flow restricted to the set of initial conditions of minimal geodesics vanishes, independent of the choice of the Riemannian metric.


A geometrical link between the circle and sexagesimal system

Abstract: This paper presents a simple geometrical fact which could relate to the history of mathematics and astronomy. This fact shows a natural link between the circle and the multiples of 6 and it makes it possible to obtain a simple representation of the 12 months of the year, the 24 hours of the day, the 30 days (average number) of the month and the 360 days (approximate number) of the year, which brings us closer to the sexagesimal division of time. Moreover this representation reminds one of the movement of the planets around a centre. Using this fact one will be able also to find geometrically the principal divisor of number 60, to represent numbers in base 60 with a kind of abacus or calculation table and to make a division of the circle into 6 and 12 equal parts. Afterwards one will be able to obtain a division in 360 unequal parts but relatively close to one another, and the goal isn't precisely to obtain an optimal division of the circle in 360 equal parts but to prove that the idea to divide the circle in 360 equal parts can subsequently be suggested by these geometrical facts that have been showed. In this article the author will not answer the following questions: a) What is the origin of the sexagesimal system? b) By which way could one manage to adopt the sexagesimal system starting from the knowledge of the facts exposed in this article and starting from the knowledge of the astronomical data? These questions could be treated, using information of this article, by the readers or later on by the author.


Generic initial ideals and fibre products

Abstract: We study the behavior of generic initial ideals with respect to fibre products. In our main result we determine the generic initial ideal of the fibre product with respect to the reverse lexicographic order. As an application we compute the symmetric algebraic shifted complex of two disjoint simplicial complexes as was conjectured by Kalai. This result is the symmetric analogue of a theorem of Nevo who determined the exterior algebraic shifted complex of two disjoint simplicial complexes as predicted by Kalai.


Normal forms for parabolic Monge-Ampere equations

Abstract: We find normal forms for parabolic Monge-Ampere equations. Of these, the most general one holds for any equation admitting a complete integral. Moreover, we explicitly give the determining equation for such integrals; restricted to the analytic case, this equation is shown to have solutions. The other normal forms exhaust the different classes of parabolic Monge-Ampere equations with symmetry properties, namely, the existence of classical or nonholonomic intermediate integrals. Our approach is based on the equivalence between parabolic Monge-Ampere equations and particular distributions on a contact manifold, and involves a classification of vector fields lying in the contact structure. These are divided into three types and described in terms of the simplest ones (characteristic fields of first order PDE's).


Ideals in the ring of Colombeau generalized numbers

Abstract: In this paper, the structure of the ideals in the ring of Colombeau generalized numbers is investigated. Connections with the theories of exchange rings, Gelfand rings and lattice-ordered rings are given. Characterizations for prime, projective, pure and topologically closed ideals are given, answering in particular the questions about prime ideals in [Aragona-Juriaans]. Also z-ideals in the sense of [Mason] are characterized. The quotient rings modulo maximal ideals are shown to be canonically isomorphic with nonstandard fields of asymptotic numbers. Finally, a detailed study of the ideals allows us to prove that (under some set-theoretic assumption) the Hahn-Banach extension property does not hold for a large class of topological modules over the ring of Colombeau generalized numbers.