Cohomology of bundles on homological Hopf manifold

Abstract: We discuss the properties of complex manifolds having rational homology of $S^1 \times S^{2n-1}$ including those constructed by Hopf, Kodaira and Brieskorn-van de Ven. We extend certain previously known vanishing properties of cohomology of bundles on such manifolds.As an application we consider degeneration of Hodge-deRham spectral sequence in this non Kahler setting.


Self-Similar Markov Processes on Cantor Set

Abstract: We define analogues of Brownian motion on the triadic Cantor set by introducing a few natural requirements on the Markov semigroup. We give a detailed description of these symmetric self-similar processes and study their properties such as mixing and moment asymptotics.


The fractional Galois ideal for arbitrary order of vanishing

Abstract: We propose a candidate, which we call the fractional Galois ideal after Snaith's fractional ideal, for replacing the classical Stickelberger ideal associated to an abelian extension of number fields. The Stickelberger ideal can be seen as gathering information about those $L$-functions of the extension which are non-zero at the special point $s = 0$, and was conjectured by Brumer to give annihilators of class-groups viewed as Galois modules. An earlier version of the fractional Galois ideal extended the Stickelberger ideal to include $L$-functions with a simple zero at $s = 0$, and was shown by the present author to provide class-group annihilators not existing in the Stickelberger ideal. The version presented in this article deals with $L$-functions of arbitrary order of vanishing at $s = 0$, and we give evidence using results of Popescu and Rubin that it is closely related to the Fitting ideal of the class-group, a canonical ideal of annihilators. Finally, we prove an equality involving Stark elements and class-groups originally due to B\"uy\"ukboduk, but under a slightly different assumption, the advantage being that we need none of the Kolyvagin system machinery used in the original proof.


Generating varieties for affine Grassmannians

Abstract: We study the topological group structure (coming from loop multiplication) on an affine Grassmannian. In particular, we study finite-dimensional subvarieties that generate the homology ring. We show that there is a canonical family of generating Schubert varieties, namely those defined by the negative of the coroot associated to the highest root. These not only generate the homology, but generate the affine Grassmannian itself in a precise sense.


Schrodinger Operators with Purely Discrete Spectrum

Abstract: We prove $-\Delta +V$ has purely discrete spectrum if $V\geq 0$ and, for all $M$, $|\{x\mid V(x)<M\}|<\infty$ and various extensions.


Bulk Universality and Clock Spacing of Zeros for Ergodic Jacobi Matrices with A.C. Spectrum

Abstract: By combining some ideas of Lubinsky with some soft analysis, we prove that universality and clock behavior of zeros for OPRL in the a.c. spectral region is implied by convergence of $\frac{1}{n} K_n(x,x)$ for the diagonal CD kernel and boundedness of the analog associated to second kind polynomials. We then show that these hypotheses are always valid for ergodic Jacobi matrices with a.c. spectrum and prove that the limit of $\frac{1}{n} K_n(x,x)$ is $\rho_\infty(x)/w(x)$ where $\rho_\infty$ is the density of zeros and $w$ is the a.c. weight of the spectral measure.


A Singular Value Thresholding Algorithm for Matrix Completion

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel algorithm to approximate the matrix with minimum nuclear norm among all matrices obeying a set of convex constraints. This problem may be understood as the convex relaxation of a rank minimization problem, and arises in many important applications as in the task of recovering a large matrix from a small subset of its entries (the famous Netflix problem). Off-the-shelf algorithms such as interior point methods are not directly amenable to large problems of this kind with over a million unknown entries. This paper develops a simple first-order and easy-to-implement algorithm that is extremely efficient at addressing problems in which the optimal solution has low rank. The algorithm is iterative and produces a sequence of matrices (X^k, Y^k) and at each step, mainly performs a soft-thresholding operation on the singular values of the matrix Y^k. There are two remarkable features making this attractive for low-rank matrix completion problems. The first is that the soft-thresholding operation is applied to a sparse matrix; the second is that the rank of the iterates X^k is empirically nondecreasing. Both these facts allow the algorithm to make use of very minimal storage space and keep the computational cost of each iteration low. We provide numerical examples in which 1,000 by 1,000 matrices are recovered in less than a minute on a modest desktop computer. We also demonstrate that our approach is amenable to very large scale problems by recovering matrices of rank about 10 with nearly a billion unknowns from just about 0.4% of their sampled entries. Our methods are connected with linearized Bregman iterations for l1 minimization, and we develop a framework in which one can understand these algorithms in terms of well-known Lagrange multiplier algorithms.


State estimation for dynamical system described by linear equation with uncertainty

Abstract: In this paper we investigate a problem of state estimation for the dynamical system described by the linear operator equation with unknown parameters in Hilbert space. We present explicit expressions for linear minimax estimation and error provided that any pair of uncertain parameters belongs to the quadratic bounding set. As an application of the main result we present the solution of minimax estimation problem for the linear descriptor differential equation with constant matrices.


A comment to: On 3-colorable planar graphs without short cycles

Abstract: Let G be a graph. It was proved that if G is a planar graph without {4, 6, 7}-cycles and without two 5-cycles sharing exactly one edge, then G 3-colorable. We observed that the proof of this result is not correct.


Abstract Geometric Algebra. Orthogonal and Symplectic Geometries

Abstract: Our main interest in this paper is chiefly concerned with the conditions characterizing \textit{orthogonal and symplectic abstract differential geometries}. A detailed account about the sheaf-theoretic version of the \textit{symplectic Gram-Schmidt theorem} and of the \textit{Witt's theorem} is also given.


Set-membership state estimation framework for uncertain linear differential-algebraic equations

Abstract: We investigate a state estimation problem for the dynamical system described by uncertain linear operator equation in Hilbert space. The uncertainty is supposed to admit a set-membership description. We present explicit expressions for linear minimax estimation and error provided that any pair of uncertain parameters belongs to the quadratic bounding set. We introduce a new notion of minimax directional observability and index of non-causality for linear noncausal DAEs. Application of these notions to the state estimation problem for linear uncertain noncausal DAEs allows to derive new minimax recursive estimator for both continuous and discrete time. We illustrate the benefits of non-causality of the plant applying our approach to scalar nonlinear set-membership state estimation problem. Numerical example is presented.


Closed Weingarten hypersurfaces in warped product manifolds

Abstract: Given a compact Riemannian manifold $M$, we consider a warped product $\bar M = I \times_h M$ where $I$ is an open interval in $\Rr$. We suppose that the mean curvature of the fibers do not change sign. Given a positive differentiable function $\psi$ in $\bar M$, we find a closed hypersurface $\Sigma$ which is solution of an equation of the form $F(B)=\psi$, where $B$ is the second fundamental form of $\Sigma$ and $F$ is a function satisfying certain structural properties. As examples, we may exhibit examples of hypersurfaces with prescribed higher order mean curvature.


Existence of isometric immersions into nilpotent Lie groups

Abstract: We establish necessary and sufficient conditions for existence of isometric immersions of a simply connected Riemannian manifold into a two-step nilpotent Lie group. This comprises the case of immersions into $H$-type groups.


The Avrunin-Scott theorem for quantum complete intersections

Abstract: We prove the Avrunin-Scott theorem for quantum complete intersections; the rank variety of a module is isomorphic to its support variety.


Existence and nonexistence of traveling waves for a nonlocal monostable equation

Abstract: We consider the nonlocal analogue of the Fisher-KPP equation. We do not assume that the Borel-measure is absolutely continuous with respect to the Lebesgue measure. We gives a sufficient condition for existence of traveling waves, and a necessary condition for existence of periodic traveling waves.


Clifford Algebras and Graphs

Abstract: I show how to associate a Clifford algebra to a graph. I describe the structure of these Clifford graph algebras and provide many examples and pictures. I describe which graphs correspond to isomorphic Clifford algebras and also discuss other related sets of graphs. This construction can be used to build models of representations of simply-laced compact Lie groups.


Falling Factorials, Generating Functions, and Conjoint Ranking Tables

Abstract: We investigate the coefficients generated by expressing the falling factorial $(xy)_k$ as a linear combination of falling factorial products $(x)_l (y)_m$ for $l,m =1,...,k$. Algebraic and combinatoric properties of these coefficients are discussed, including recurrence relations, closed-form formulae, relations with Stirling numbers, and a combinatorial characterization in terms of conjoint ranking tables.


The variance of arithmetic measures associated to closed geodesics on the modular surface

Abstract: We determine the variance for the fluctuations of the arithmetic measures obtained by collecting all closed geodesics on the modular surface with the same discriminant and ordering them by the latter. This arithmetic variance differs by subtle factors from the variance that one gets when considering individual closed geodesics when ordered by their length. The arithmetic variance is the same one that appears in the fluctuations of measures associated with quantum states on the modular surface.


On the middle convolution of local systems. With an Appendix by M. Dettweiler and S. Reiter

Abstract: We study the middle convolution of local systems and realize special linear groups as Galois groups over the rationals. In the Appendix to this paper, written jointly with Stefan Reiter, we prove the existence of a new motivic local system with $G_2$-monodromy.


Rigid local systems and potential automorphy: The $G_2$-case

Abstract: We use a certain rigid local system in order to prove the potential automorphy of certain Galois representations with values in $G_2,$ found by N. Katz and the author.


The rate of convergence of the Walk on Spheres Algorithm

Abstract: In this paper we examine the rate of convergence of one of the standard algorithms for emulating exit probabilities of Brownian motion, the Walk on Spheres (WoS) algorithm. We obtain the complete characterization of the rate of convergence of WoS in terms of the local geomnetry of a domain.


Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces in Lorentz-Minkowski space

Abstract: We review part of the classical theory of curves and surfaces in $3$-dimensional Lorentz-Minkowski space. We focus in spacelike surfaces with constant mean curvature pointing the differences and similarities with the Euclidean space.


Backward Ricci Flow on Locally Homogeneous Three-manifolds

Abstract: In this paper, we study the backward Ricci flow on locally homogeneous 3-manifolds. We describe the long time behavior and show that, typically and after a proper re-scaling, there is convergence to a sub-Riemannian geometry. A similar behavior was observed by the authors in the case of the cross curvature flow.


Translation Covers Among Triangular Billiard Surfaces

Abstract: We identify all translation covers among triangular billiard surfaces. Our main tools are the holonomy field of Kenyon and Smillie and a geometric property of translation surfaces, which we call the fingerprint of a point, that is preserved under balanced translation covers.


Selmer varieties for curves with CM Jacobians

Abstract: We study the Selmer variety associated to a canonical quotient of the $\Q_p$-pro-unipotent fundamental group of a smooth projective curve of genus at least two defined over $\Q$ whose Jacobian decomposes into a product of abelian varieties with complex multiplication. Elementary multi-variable Iwasawa theory is used to prove dimension bounds, which, in turn, lead to a new proof of Diophantine finiteness over $\Q$ for such curves.


A Selberg Integral Type Formula for an sl_2 One-Dimensional Space of Conformal Blocks

Abstract: For distinct complex numbers $z_1,...,z_{2N}$, we give a polynomial $P(y_1,...,y_{2N})$ in the variables $y_1,...,y_{2N}$, which is homogeneous of degree $N$, linear with respect to each variable, $sl_2$-invariant with respect to a natural $sl_2$-action, and is of order $N-1$ at $(y_1,...,y_{2N})=(z_1,...,z_{2N})$. We give also a Selberg integral type formula for the associated one-dimensional space of conformal blocks.


Lifting to cluster-tilting objects in higher cluster categories

Abstract: In this note, we consider the $d$-cluster-tilted algebras, the endomorphism algebras of $d$-cluster-tilting objects in $d$-cluster categories. We show that a tilting module over such an algebra lifts to a $d$-cluster-tilting object in this $d$-cluster category.


Squares in (2^2-1)...(n^2-1) and p-adic valuation

Abstract: In this paper, we determine all the squares in the sequence $\{\prod_{k=2}^n(k^2-1)\}_{n=2}^\infty $. From this, one deduces that there are infinitely many squares in this sequence. We also give a formula for the $p$-adic valuation of the terms in this sequence.


Finite time blow-up for radially symmetric solutions to a critical quasilinear Smoluchowski-Poisson system

Abstract: Finite time blow-up is shown to occur for radially symmetric solutions to a critical quasilinear Smoluchowski-Poisson system provided that the mass of the initial condition exceeds an explicit threshold. In the supercritical case, blow-up is shown to take place for any positive mass. The proof relies on a novel identity of virial type.


Finite time blow-up for a one-dimensional quasilinear parabolic-parabolic chemotaxis system

Abstract: Finite time blow-up is shown to occur for solutions to a one-dimensional quasilinear parabolic-parabolic chemotaxis system as soon as the mean value of the initial condition exceeds some threshold value. The proof combines a novel identity of virial type with the boundedness from below of the Liapunov functional associated to the system, the latter being peculiar to the one-dimensional setting.


Mean Curvature Flow and Bernstein-Calabi Results for Spacelike Graphs

Abstract: This is a survey of our work on spacelike graphic submanifolds in pseudo-Riemannian products, namely on Heinz-Chern and Bernstein-Calabi results and on the mean curvature flow, with applications to the homotopy of maps between Riemannian manifolds.


On correspondence between solutions of a family of cubic Thue equations and isomorphism classes of the simplest cubic fields

Abstract: Let $m\geq -1$ be an integer. We give a correspondence between integer solutions to the parametric family of cubic Thue equations \[ X^3-mX^2Y-(m+3)XY^2-Y^3=\lambda \] where $\lambda>0$ is a divisor of $m^2+3m+9$ and isomorphism classes of the simplest cubic fields. By the correspondence and R. Okazaki's result, we determine the exactly 66 non-trivial solutions to the Thue equations for positive divisors $\lambda$ of $m^2+3m+9$. As a consequence, we obtain another proof of Okazaki's theorem which asserts that the simplest cubic fields are non-isomorphic to each other except for $m=-1,0,1,2,3,5,12,54,66,1259,2389$.


Labeled Partitions with Colored Permutations

Abstract: In this paper, we extend the notion of labeled partitions with ordinary permutations to colored permutations in the sense that the colors are endowed with a cyclic structure. We use labeled partitions with colored permutations to derive the generating function of the $\mathrm{fmaj}_k$ indices of colored permutations. The second result is a combinatorial treatment of a relation on the q-derangement numbers with respect to colored permutations which leads to the formula of Chow for signed permutations and the formula of Faliharimalala and Zeng [10] on colored permutations. The third result is an involution on permutations that implies the generating function formula for the signed q-counting of the major indices due to Gessel and Simon. This involution can be extended to signed permutations. In this way, we obtain a combinatorial interpretation of a formula of Adin, Gessel and Roichman.


Angle-deformations in Coxeter groups

Abstract: The isomorphism problem for Coxeter groups has been reduced to its 'reflection preserving version' by B. Howlett and the second author. Thus, in order to solve it, it suffices to determine for a given Coxeter system (W,R) all Coxeter generating sets S of W which are contained in R^W, the set of reflections of (W,R). In this paper, we provide a further reduction: it suffices to determine all Coxeter generating sets S in R^W which are sharp-angled with respect to R.


Existence of traveling wave solutions for a nonlocal bistable equation: an abstract approach

Abstract: We consider traveling fronts to the nonlocal bistable equation. We do not assume that the Borel-measure is absolutely continuous with respect to the Lebesgue measure. We show that there is a traveling wave solution with monotone profile. In order to prove this result, we would develop a recursive method for abstract monotone dynamical systems and apply it to the equation.


Realizations of Countable Groups as Fundamental Groups of Compacta

Abstract: It is an open question (Pawlikowski) whether every finitely generated group can be realized as a fundamental group of a compact metric space. In this paper we prove that any countable group can be realized as the fundamental group of a compact subspace of four dimensional Euclidean space. According to theorems of Shelah (see also Pawlikowski) such space can not be locally path connected if the group is not finitely generated. This constructions complements realization of groups in the context of compact Hausdorff spaces, that was studied by Keesling and Rudyak, and Przezdziecki .


Moduli of bordered Riemann Surfaces - Complex structure and K\"ahler geometry

Abstract: This paper has been withdrawn by the authors.


On the sum of superoptimal singular values

Abstract: We discuss the following extremal problem and its relevance to the sum of the so-called superoptimal singular values of a matrix function: Given an $m\times n$ matrix function $\Phi$ on the unit circle $\mathbb{T}$, when is there a matrix function $\Psi_{*}$ in the set $A_{k}^{n,m}$ such that \int_{\mathbb{T}}{\rm trace}(\Phi(\zeta)\Psi_{*}(\zeta))dm(\zeta)=\sup_{\Psi\in A_{k}^{n,m}}|\int_{\mathbb{T}}{\rm trace}(\Phi(\zeta)\Psi(\zeta))dm(\zeta)|? The set $A_{k}^{n,m}$ is defined by A_{k}^{n,m}={\Psi\in H_{0}^{1}: \|\Psi\|_{L^{1}}\leq 1, {\rm rank}\Psi(\zeta)\leq k{a.e.}\zeta\in T}. We introduce Hankel-type operators on spaces of matrix functions and prove that this problem has a solution if and only if the corresponding Hankel-type operator has a maximizing vector. We also characterize the smallest number $k$ for which \int_{\mathbb{T}}{\rm trace}(\Phi(\zeta)\Psi(\zeta))dm(\zeta) equals the sum of all the superoptimal singular values of an admissible matrix function $\Phi$ for some $\Psi\in A_{k}^{n,m}$. Moreover, we provide a representation of any such function $\Psi$ when $\Phi$ is an admissible very badly approximable unitary-valued $n\times n$ matrix function.


Results on the diffusion equation with rough coefficients

Abstract: We study the behaviour of the solutions of the stationary diffusion equation as a function of a possibly rough ($L^{\infty}$-) diffusivity. This includes the boundary behaviour of the solution maps, associating to each diffusivity the solution corresponding to some fixed source function, when the diffusivity approaches infinite values in parts of the medium. In $n$-dimensions, $n \geq 1$, by assuming a weak notion of convergence on the set of diffusivities, we prove the strong sequential continuity of the solution maps. In 1-dimension, we prove a stronger result, i.e., the unique extendability of the map of solution operators, associating to each diffusivity the corresponding solution operator, to a sequentially continuous map in the operator norm on a set containing `diffusivities' assuming infinite values in parts of the medium. In this case, we also give explicit estimates on the convergence behaviour of the map.


Distinguishing Bing-Whitehead Cantor Sets

Abstract: Bing-Whitehead Cantor sets were introduced by DeGryse and Osborne in dimension three and greater to produce examples of Cantor sets that were non standard (wild), but still had simply connected complement. In contrast to an earlier example of Kirkor, the construction techniques could be generalized to dimensions bigger than three. These Cantor sets in $S^{3}$ are constructed by using Bing or Whitehead links as stages in defining sequences. Ancel and Starbird, and separately Wright characterized the number of Bing links needed in such constructions so as to produce Cantor sets. However it was unknown whether varying the number of Bing and Whitehead links in the construction would produce non equivalent Cantor sets. Using a generalization of geometric index, and a careful analysis of three dimensional intersection patterns, we prove that Bing-Whitehead Cantor sets are equivalently embedded in $S^3$ if and only if their defining sequences differ by some finite number of Whitehead constructions. As a consequence, there are uncountably many non equivalent such Cantor sets in $S^{3}$ constructed with genus one tori and with simply connected complement.


Automorphism groups of cyclic codes

Abstract: In this article we study the automorphism groups of binary cyclic codes. In particular, we provide explicit constructions for codes whose automorphism groups can be described as (a) direct products of two symmetric groups or (b) iterated wreath products of several symmetric groups. Interestingly, some of the codes we consider also arise in the context of regular lattice graphs and permutation decoding.


Global Well-posedness of Korteweg-de Vries equation in $H^{-3/4}(\R)$

Abstract: We prove that the Korteweg-de Vries initial-value problem is globally well-posed in $H^{-3/4}(\R)$ and the modified Korteweg-de Vries initial-value problem is globally well-posed in $H^{1/4}(\R)$. The new ingredient is that we use directly the contraction principle to prove local well-posedness for KdV equation at $s=-3/4$ by constructing some special resolution spaces in order to avoid some 'logarithmic divergence' from the high-high interactions. Our local solution has almost the same properties as those for $H^s (s>-3/4)$ solution which enable us to apply the I-method to extend it to a global solution.


Weighted $\theta$-Incomplete Pluripotential Theory

Abstract: Weighted pluripotential theory is a rapidly developing area; and Callaghan \cite{Callaghan} recently introduced $\theta$-incomplete polynomials in \cd for $d>1$. In this paper we combine these two theories by defining weighted $\theta$-incomplete pluripotential theory. We define weighted $\theta$-incomplete extremal functions and obtain a Siciak-Zahariuta type equality in terms of $\theta$-incomplete polynomials. Finally we prove that the extremal functions can be recovered using orthonormal polynomials and we demonstrate a result on strong asymptotics of Bergman functions in the spirit of \cite{BermanCn}.


Global Existence for the Vlasov-Poisson System in Bounded Domains

Abstract: In this paper we prove global existence for solutions of the Vlasov-Poisson system in convex bounded domains with specular boundary conditions and with a prescribed outward electrical field at the boundary.


On the Existence of Exponentially Decreasing Solutions of the Nonlinear Landau Damping Problem

Abstract: In this paper we prove the existence of a large class of periodic solutions of the Vlasov-Poisson in one space dimension that decay exponentially as t goes to infinity. The exponential decay is well known for the linearized version of the Landau damping problem and it has been proved in [4] for a class of solutions of the Vlasov-Poisson system that behaves asymptotically as free streaming solutions and are sufficiently flat in the space of velocities. The results in this paper enlarge the class of possible asymptotic limits, replacing the fatness condition in [4] by a stability condition for the linearized problem.


Induced Modules for Affine Lie Algebras

Abstract: We study induced modules of nonzero central charge with arbitrary multiplicities over affine Lie algebras. For a given pseudo parabolic subalgebra ${\mathcal P}$ of an affine Lie algebra ${\mathfrak G}$, our main result establishes the equivalence between a certain category of ${\mathcal P}$-induced ${\mathfrak G}$-modules and the category of weight ${\mathcal P}$-modules with injective action of the central element of ${\mathfrak G}$. In particular, the induction functor preserves irreducible modules. If ${\mathcal P}$ is a parabolic subalgebra with a finite-dimensional Levi factor then it defines a unique pseudo parabolic subalgebra ${\mathcal P}^{ps}$, ${\mathcal P}\subset {\mathcal P}^{ps}$. The structure of ${\mathcal P}$-induced modules in this case is fully determined by the structure of ${\mathcal P}^{ps}$-induced modules. These results generalize similar reductions in particular cases previously considered by V. Futorny, S. K\"onig, V. Mazorchuk [Forum Math. 13 (2001), 641-661], B. Cox [Pacific J. Math. 165 (1994), 269-294] and I. Dimitrov, V. Futorny, I. Penkov [Comm. Math. Phys. 250 (2004), 47-63].


Toric degenerations of Gelfand-Cetlin systems and potential functions

Abstract: We define a toric degeneration of an integrable system on a projective manifold, and prove the existence of a toric degeneration of the Gelfand-Cetlin system on the flag manifold of type A. As an application, we calculate the potential function for a Lagrangian torus fiber of the Gelfand-Cetlin system.


Koszul duality for stratified algebras I. Quasi-hereditary algebras

Abstract: We give a complete picture of the interaction between Koszul and Ringel dualities for quasi-hereditary algebras admitting linear tilting (co)resolutions of standard and costandard modules. We show that such algebras are Koszul, that the class of these algebras is closed with respect to both dualities and that on this class these two dualities commute. All arguments reduce to short computations in the bounded derived category of graded modules.


Hypocoercivity for kinetic equations with linear relaxation terms

Abstract: This note is devoted to a simple method for proving hypocoercivity of the solutions of a kinetic equation involving a linear time relaxation operator, i.e. the construction of an adapted Lyapunov functional satisfying a Gronwall-type inequality. The method clearly distinguishes the coercivity at microscopic level, which directly arises from the properties of the relaxation operator, and a spectral gap inequality at the macroscopic level for the spatial density, which is connected to the diffusion limit. It improves on previously known results. Our approach is illustrated by the linear BGK model and a relaxation operator which corresponds at macroscopic level to the linearized fast diffusion.


Evaluating Azumaya algebras on cubic surfaces

Abstract: Let X be a cubic surface over a local number field k. Given an Azumaya algebra on X, we describe the local evaluation map X(k) -> Q/Z in two cases, showing a sharp dependence on the geometry of the reduction of X. We show that a suitably generic cubic surface over a number field, whose reduction at some prime is a cone, has no Brauer-Manin obstruction. This extends results of Colliot-Th\'el\`ene, Kanevsky and Sansuc.


Excited Brownian Motions

Abstract: We study a natural continuous time version of excited random walks, introduced by Norris, Rogers and Williams about twenty years ago. We obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for recurrence and for positive speed. This is analogous to results for excited (or cookie) random walks.


The classical umbral calculus: Sheffer sequences

Abstract: Following the approach of Rota and Taylor \cite{SIAM}, we present an innovative theory of Sheffer sequences in which the main properties are encoded by using umbrae. This syntax allows us noteworthy computational simplifications and conceptual clarifications in many results involving Sheffer sequences. To give an indication of the effectiveness of the theory, we describe applications to the well-known connection constants problem, to Lagrange inversion formula and to solving some recurrence relations.


Abstract: In this paper we compute Hochschild homology of certain Soergel bimodules. Moreover, we describe explicitly the graded bimodule maps between Soergel bimodules. This computations are motivated by the categorifications of the colored HOMFLY-PT polynomial for links via Hochschild homology of Soergel bimodules.


Notes de lecture de l'article "Partial sums of the M\"obius function" de Kannan Soundararajan

Abstract: Kannan Soundararajan recently obtained a new estimate, conditional to the Riemann hypothesis, for the summatory function of the Mobius function. In this expository article we describe his method, with detailed computations.


On the convergence of the hp-BEM with quasi-uniform meshes for the electric field integral equation on polyhedral surfaces

Abstract: In this paper the hp-version of the boundary element method is applied to the electric field integral equation on a piecewise plane (open or closed) Lipschitz surface. The underlying meshes are supposed to be quasi-uniform. We use H(div)-conforming discretisations with quadrilateral elements of Raviart-Thomas type and establish quasi-optimal convergence of hp-approximations. Main ingredient of our analysis is a new H^{-1/2}(div)-conforming p-interpolation operator that assumes only H^r \cap H^{-1/2}(div)-regularity (r > 0) and for which we show quasi-stability with respect to polynomial degrees.


Artin characters, Hurwitz trees and the lifting problem

Abstract: We study finite groups of automorphisms of the $p$-adic open disk. In particular, we generalize results of Green, Matignon and Henrio from cyclic groups of order $p$ to arbitrary finite groups. As an application, we produce a counterexample to a question of Chinburg, Guralnick and Harbater, concerning the local lifting problem for generalized quaternion groups.


On regularization methods of EM-Kaczmarz type

Abstract: We consider regularization methods of Kaczmarz type in connection with the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for solving ill-posed equations. For noisy data, our methods are stabilized extensions of the well established ordered-subsets expectation-maximization iteration (OS-EM). We show monotonicity properties of the methods and present a numerical experiment which indicates that the extended OS-EM methods we propose are much faster than the standard EM algorithm.


A Quantum Canonical Embedding

Abstract: This paper presents an English version of a chapter of the L.L. Vaksman book `Quantum Bounded Symmetric Domains', see arXiv:0803.3769 [math.QA]. This chapter deals with a quantum analog of a canonical embedding of a bounded symmetric domain.


Cocycle and orbit superrigidity for lattices in SL(n,R) acting on homogeneous spaces

Abstract: We prove cocycle and orbit equivalence superrigidity for lattices in SL(n,R) acting linearly on R^n, as well as acting projectively on certain flag manifolds, including the real projective space. The proof combines operator algebraic techniques with the property (T) in the sense of Zimmer for the action of SL(n,Z) on R^n, n \geq 4. We also show that the restriction of the associated orbit equivalence relation to a subset of finite Lebesgue measure, provides a II_1 equivalence relation with property (T) and yet fundamental group equal to R_+.


Singular McKay correspondence for normal surfaces

Abstract: We define the singular orbifold elliptic genus and $E$-function for all normal surfaces without strictly log-canonical singularities, and prove the analogue of the McKay correspondence in this setting. Our invariants generalize the stringy invariants defined by Willem Veys for this class of singularities. We show that the ability to define these invariants is closely linked to rigidity phenomena associated to the elliptic genus.


Cluster expansion formulas and perfect matchings

Abstract: We study cluster algebras with principal coefficient systems that are associated to unpunctured surfaces. We give a direct formula for the Laurent polynomial expansion of cluster variables in these cluster algebras in terms of perfect matchings of a certain graph $G_{T,\gamma}$ that is constructed from the surface by recursive glueing of elementary pieces that we call tiles. We also give a second formula for these Laurent polynomial expansions in terms of subgraphs of the graph $G_{T,\gamma}$.


Magnetically-induced buckling of a whirling conducting rod with applications to electrodynamic space tethers

Abstract: We study the effect of a magnetic field on the behaviour of a slender conducting elastic structure, motivated by stability problems of electrodynamic space tethers. Both statical (buckling) and dynamical (whirling) instability are considered and we also compute post-buckling configurations. The equations used are the geometrically exact Kirchhoff equations. Magnetic buckling of a welded rod is found to be described by a surprisingly degenerate bifurcation, which is unfolded when both transverse anisotropy of the rod and angular velocity are considered. By solving the linearised equations about the (quasi-) stationary solutions we find various secondary instabilities. Our results are relevant for current designs of electrodynamic space tethers and potentially for future applications in nano- and molecular wires.


Scaling Limits for Width Two Partially Ordered Sets: The Incomparability Window

Abstract: We study the structure of a uniformly randomly chosen partial order of width 2 on n elements. We show that under the appropriate scaling, the number of incomparable elements converges to the height of a one dimensional Brownian excursion at a uniformly chosen random time in the interval [0,1], which follows the Rayleigh distribution.


Interlacing and non-orthogonality of spectral polynomials for the Lam\'e operator

Abstract: Polynomial solutions to the generalized Lam\'e equation, the Stieltjes polynomials, and the associated Van Vleck polynomials have been studied since the 1830's in various contexts including the solution of Laplace equations on an ellipsoid. Recently there has been renewed interest in the distribution of the zeros of Van Vleck polynomials as the degree of the corresponding Stieltjes polynomials increases. In this paper we show that the zeros of Van Vleck polynomials corresponding to Stieltjes polynomials of successive degrees interlace. We also show that the spectral polynomials formed from the Van Vleck zeros are not orthogonal with respect to any weight. This furnishes a counterexample, coming from a second order differential equation, to the converse of the well known theorem that the zeros of orthogonal polynomials interlace.


(Non)Automaticity of number theoretic functions

Abstract: Denote by $\lambda(n)$ Liouville's function concerning the parity of the number of prime divisors of $n$. Using a theorem of Allouche, Mend\`es France, and Peyri\`ere and many classical results from the theory of the distribution of prime numbers, we prove that $\lambda(n)$ is not $k$--automatic for any $k> 2$. This yields that $\sum_{n=1}^\infty \lambda(n) X^n\in\mathbb{F}_p[[X]]$ is transcendental over $\mathbb{F}_p(X)$ for any prime $p>2$. Similar results are proven (or reproven) for many common number--theoretic functions, including $\phi$, $\mu$, $\Omega$, $\omega$, $\rho$, and others.


The vanishing viscosity limit for a dyadic model

Abstract: A dyadic shell model for the Navier-Stokes equations is studied in the context of turbulence. The model is an infinite nonlinearly coupled system of ODEs. It is proved that the unique fixed point is a global attractor, which converges to the global attractor of the inviscid system as viscosity goes to zero. This implies that the average dissipation rate for the viscous system converges to the anomalous dissipation rate for the inviscid system (which is positive) as viscosity goes to zero. This phenomenon is called the dissipation anomaly predicted by Kolmogorov's theory for the actual Navier-Stokes equations.


Second maximal subgroups of the finite alternating and symmetric groups

Abstract: A subgroup of a finite group G is said to be second maximal if it is maximal in every maximal subgroup of G that contains it. A question which has received considerable attention asks: can every positive integer occur as the number of the maximal subgroups that contain a given second maximal subgroup in some finite group G? Various reduction arguments are available except when G is almost simple. Following the classification of the finite simple groups, finite almost simple groups fall into three categories: alternating and symmetric groups, almost simple groups of Lie type, sporadic groups and automorphism groups of sporadic groups. This thesis investigates the finite alternating and symmetric groups, and finds that in such groups, except three well known examples, no second maximal subgroup can be contained in more than 3 maximal subgroups.


Foundations of a Multi-way Spectral Clustering Framework for Hybrid Linear Modeling

Abstract: The problem of Hybrid Linear Modeling (HLM) is to model and segment data using a mixture of affine subspaces. Different strategies have been proposed to solve this problem, however, rigorous analysis justifying their performance is missing. This paper suggests the Theoretical Spectral Curvature Clustering (TSCC) algorithm for solving the HLM problem, and provides careful analysis to justify it. The TSCC algorithm is practically a combination of Govindu's multi-way spectral clustering framework (CVPR 2005) and Ng et al.'s spectral clustering algorithm (NIPS 2001). The main result of this paper states that if the given data is sampled from a mixture of distributions concentrated around affine subspaces, then with high sampling probability the TSCC algorithm segments well the different underlying clusters. The goodness of clustering depends on the within-cluster errors, the between-clusters interaction, and a tuning parameter applied by TSCC. The proof also provides new insights for the analysis of Ng et al. (NIPS 2001).


A survey on Cox rings

Abstract: We survey the construction of the Cox ring of an algebraic variety X and study the birational geometry of X when its Cox ring is finitely generated.


Decomposition of Almost Poisson Structure of Non-Self-Adjoint Dynamical Systems

Abstract: Non-self-adjoint dynamical systems, e.g., nonholonomic systems, can admit an almost Poisson structure, which is formulated by a kind of Poisson bracket satisfying the usual properties except for the Jacobi identity. A general theory of the almost Poisson structure is investigated based on a decomposition of the bracket into a sum of a Poisson one and an almost Poisson one. The corresponding relation between Poisson structure and symplectic structure is proved, making use of Jacobiizer and symplecticizer. Based on analysis of pseudo-symplectic structure of constraint submanifold of Chaplygin nonholonomic systems, an almost Poisson bracket for the systems is constructed and decomposed into a sum of a canonical Poisson one and an almost Poisson one. Similarly, an almost Poisson structure, which can be decomposed into a sum of canonical one and an almost Lie-Poisson one, is also constructed on an affine space with torsion whose autoparallels are utilized to described the free motion of some non-self-adjoint systems. The decomposition of the almost Poisson bracket directly leads to a decomposition of a dynamical vector field into a sum of usual Hamiltionian vector field and an almost Hamiltonian one, which is useful to simplifying the integration of vector fields.


Abstract integrals in algebra: coalgebras, Hopf algebras and compact groups

Abstract: We generalize the results on existence and uniqueness of integrals from compact groups and Hopf algebras in a pure (co)algebraic setting, and find a series of new results on (quasi)-co-Frobenius and semiperfect coalgebras. For a coalgebra $C$, we introduce the generalized space of integrals $\int_M=\Hom^C(C,M)$ associated to a right $C$-comodule $M$ and study connections between "uniqueness of integrals" $\dim(\int_M)\leq \dim(M)$ and "existence of integrals" $\dim(\int_M)\geq \dim(M)$ for all $M$ and representation theoretic properties of $C$: (quasi)-co-Frobenius, semiperfect. We show that a coalgebra is co-Frobenius if and only if existence and uniqueness of integrals holds for any finite dimensional $M$. We give the interpretation for $\int_M$ for the coalgebra of representative functions of a compact group - they will be "quantum"-invariant vector integrals. As applications, new proofs of well known characterizations of co-Frobenius coalgebras and Hopf algebras are obtained, as well as the uniqueness of integrals in Hopf algebras. We also give the consequences for the representation theory of infinite dimensional algebras. We give an extensive class of examples which show that the results of the paper are the best possible. These examples are then used to give all the previously unknown connections between the various important classes of coalgebras appearing in literature.


Circular thin position for knots in the 3-sphere

Abstract: A regular circle-valued Morse function on the knot complement C(K) = S^3\K is a function f from C(K) to S^1 which separates critical points and which behaves nicely in a neighborhood of the knot. Such a function induces a handle decomposition on the knot exterior E(K) = S^3\N (K), with the property that every regular level surface contains a Seifert surface for the knot. We rearrange the handles in such a way that the regular surfaces are as simple as possible. To make this precise the concept of circular width for E(K) is introduced. When E(K) is endowed with a handle decomposition which realizes the circular width we will say that the knot K is in circular thin position. We use this to show that many knots have more than one non-isotopic incompressible Seifert surface. We also analyze the behavior of the circular width under some knot operations.


Isometry groups of proper CAT(0)-spaces

Abstract: Let G be a closed subgroup of the isometry group of a proper CAT(0)-space X. We show that if G is non-elementary and contains a rank-one element then its second bounded cohomology group with coefficients in the regular representation is non-trivial. As a consequence, up to passing to an open subgroup of finite index, either G is a compact extension of a totally disconnected group or G is a compact extension of a simple Lie group of rank one.


A supercharacter theory for the Sylow p-subgroups of the finite symplectic and orthogonal groups

Abstract: We define the superclasses for a classical finite unipotent group $U$ of type $B_{n}(q)$, $C_{n}(q)$, or $D_{n}(q)$, and show that, together with the supercharacters defined in a previous paper, they form a supercharacter theory. In particular, we prove that the supercharacters take a constant value on each superclass, and evaluate this value. As a consequence, we obtain a factorization of any superclass as a product of elementary superclasses. In addition, we also define the space of superclass functions, and prove that it is spanned by the supercharacters. As as consequence, we (re)obtain the decomposition of the regular character as an orthogonal linear combination of supercharacters. Finally, we define the supercharacter table of $U$, and prove various orthogonality relations for supercharacters (similar to the well-known orthogonality relations for irreducible characters).


Compact C*-quantum groupoids

Abstract: We propose a definition of compact quantum groupoids in the setting of C*-algebras, associate to such a quantum groupoid a regular C*-pseudo-multiplicative unitary, and use this unitary to construct a dual Hopf C*-bimodule and to pass to a measurable quantum groupoid in the sense of Enock and Lesieur. Moreover, we discuss examples related to compact and to \'etale groupoids and study principal compact C*-quantum groupoids.


Analytic continuation and embeddings in weighted backward shift invariant subspaces

Abstract: By a famous result, functions in backward shift invariant subspaces in Hardy spaces are characterized by the fact that they admit a pseudocontinuation a.e. on $\T$. More can be said if the spectrum of the associated inner function has holes on $\T$. Then the functions of the invariant subspaces even extend analytically through these holes. We will discuss the situation in weighted backward shift invariant subspaces. The results on analytic continuation will be applied to consider some embeddings of weighted invariant subspaces into their unweighted companions. Such weighted versions of invariant subspaces appear naturally in the context of Toeplitz operators. A connection between the spectrum of the inner function and the approximate point spectrum of the backward shift in the weighted situation is established in the spirit of results by Aleman, Richter and Ross.


Rank-one isometries of proper CAT(0)-spaces

Abstract: Let G be a non-elementary group of isometries of a proper CAT(0)-space with limit set L. We survey properties of the action of G on L under the assumption that G contains a rank-one element. Among others, we show that there is a dense orbit for the action of G on the complement of the diagonal in LxL and that pairs of fixed points of rank-one elements are dense in the complement of the diagonal of LxL.


Symplectic geometry of semisimple orbits

Abstract: We prove that any coadjoint orbit with real eigenvalues of a complex semisimple Lie group, equipped with the real part of the canonical holomorphic symplectic form, is symplectomorphic to the cotangent bundle of a (partial) flag manifold. Moreover, we generalize this result to hyperbolic orbits in a real semisimple Lie algebra.


Stability estimates for resolvents, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of elliptic operators on variable domains

Abstract: We consider general second order uniformly elliptic operators subject to homogeneous boundary conditions on open sets $\phi (\Omega)$ parametrized by Lipschitz homeomorphisms $\phi $ defined on a fixed reference domain $\Omega$. Given two open sets $\phi (\Omega)$, $\tilde \phi (\Omega)$ we estimate the variation of resolvents, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions via the Sobolev norm $\|\tilde \phi -\phi \|_{W^{1,p}(\Omega)}$ for finite values of $p$, under natural summability conditions on eigenfunctions and their gradients. We prove that such conditions are satisfied for a wide class of operators and open sets, including open sets with Lipschitz continuous boundaries. We apply these estimates to control the variation of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions via the measure of the symmetric difference of the open sets. We also discuss an application to the stability of solutions to the Poisson problem.


Comparaison des param\`etres de Langlands et des exposants \`a l'int\'erieur d'un paquet d'Arthur

Abstract: In this paper, one proves an idea expressed by Clozel: inside an Arthur's packet, one has the representations in the Langlands' packet inside the Arthur's packet and more tempered representations than these representations


Alexey Vasilyevich Pogorelov, the mathematician of an incredible power

Abstract: Life and the mathematical legacy of the great mathematician A.V. Pogorelov.


Leaf-wise intersections and Rabinowitz Floer homology

Abstract: In this article we explain how critical points of a particular perturbation of the Rabinowitz action functional give rise to leaf-wise intersection points in hypersurfaces of restricted contact type. This is used to derive existence and multiplicity results for leaf-wise intersection points in hypersurfaces of restricted contact type in general exact symplectic manifolds. The notion of leaf-wise intersection points was introduced by Moser.


Contributions to the Geometric and Ergodic Theory of Conservative Flows

Abstract: We prove the following dichotomy for vector fields in a C1-residual subset of volume-preserving flows: for Lebesgue almost every point all Lyapunov exponents equal to zero or its orbit has a dominated splitting. As a consequence if we have a vector field in this residual that cannot be C1-approximated by a vector field having elliptic periodic orbits, then, there exists a full measure set such that every orbit of this set admits a dominated splitting for the linear Poincare flow. Moreover, we prove that a volume-preserving and C1-stably ergodic flow can be C1-approximated by another volume-preserving flow which is non-uniformly hyperbolic.


Virtual Crossing Number and the Arrow Polynomial

Abstract: We introduce a new polynomial invariant of virtual knots and links and use this invariant to compute a lower bound on the virtual crossing number and the minimal surface genus.


A family of determinants associated with a square matrix

Abstract: We associate with a matrix over an arbitrary field an infinite family of matrices whose sizes vary from one to infinity; their entries are traces of powers of the original matrix. We explicitly evaluate the determinants of matrices in our family. The work is motivated by applications to graph spectra.


The KdV/KP-I limit of the Nonlinear Schrodinger equation

Abstract: We justify rigorously the convergence of the amplitude of solutions of Nonlinear-Schr\"odinger type Equations with non zero limit at infinity to an asymptotic regime governed by the Korteweg-de Vries equation in dimension 1 and the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili I equation in dimensions 2 and more. We get two types of results. In the one-dimensional case, we prove directly by energy bounds that there is no vortex formation for the global solution of the NLS equation in the energy space and deduce from this the convergence towards the unique solution in the energy space of the KdV equation. In arbitrary dimensions, we use an hydrodynamic reformulation of NLS and recast the problem as a singular limit for an hyperbolic system. We thus prove that smooth $H^s$ solutions exist on a time interval independent of the small parameter. We then pass to the limit by a compactness argument and obtain the KdV/KP-I equation.


Asymptotic Vassiliev Invariants for Vector Fields

Abstract: We analyse the asymptotical growth of Vassiliev invariants on non-periodic flow lines of ergodic vector fields on domains of $\R^3$. More precisely, we show that the asymptotics of Vassiliev invariants is completely determined by the helicity of the vector field. As an application, we determine the asymptotic Alexander and Jones polynomials and give a formula for the asymptotic Kontsevich integral.


The space of volume forms

Abstract: S. Donaldson introduced a metric on the space of volume forms, with fixed total volume on any compact Riemmanian manifold. With this metric, the space of volume forms formally has non-positive curvature. The geodesic equation is a fully nonlinear degenerate elliptic equation. We solve the geodesic equation and its perturbed equation and prove that the space of volume forms is an infinite dimensional non-positively curved metric space in the sense of Alexandrov.


Corrigendum to "Approximation by C^{p}-smooth, Lipschitz functions on Banach spaces" [J. Math. Anal. Appl., 315 (2006), 599-605]

Abstract: In this erratum, we recover the results from an earlier paper of the author's which contained a gap. Specifically, we prove that if X is a Banach space with an unconditional basis and admits a C^{p}-smooth, Lipschitz bump function, and Y is a convex subset of X, then any uniformly continuous function f: Y->R can be uniformly approximated by Lipschitz, C^{p}-smooth functions K:X->R. Also, if Z is any Banach space and f:X->Z is L-Lipschitz, then the approximates K:X->Z can be chosen CL-Lipschitz and C^{p}-smooth, for some constant C depending only on X.


A note on sigular time of mean curvature flow

Abstract: We show that mean curvature flow of a compact submanifold in a complete Riemannian manifold cannot form singularity at time infinity if the ambient Riemannian manifold has bounded geometry and satisfies certain curvature and volume growth conditions .


Infinitesimal adjunction and polar curves

Abstract: The polar curves of foliations $\mathcal F$ having a curve $C$ of separatrices generalize the classical polar curves associated to hamiltonian foliations of $C$. As in the classical theory, the equisingularity type ${\wp}({\mathcal F})$ of a generic polar curve depends on the analytical type of ${\mathcal F}$, and hence of $C$. In this paper we find the equisingularity types $\epsilon (C)$ of $C$, that we call kind singularities, such that ${\wp}({\mathcal F})$ is completely determined by $\epsilon (C)$ for Zariski-general foliations $\mathcal F$. Our proofs are mainly based on the adjunction properties of the polar curves. The foliation-like framework is necessary, otherwise we do not get the right concept of general foliation in Zariski sense and, as we show by examples, the hamiltonian case can be out of the set of general foliations.


Quaternionic contact manifolds with a closed fundamental 4-form

Abstract: We show that the fundamental 4-form on a quaternionic contact manifold of dimension at least eleven is closed if and only if the torsion endomorphism of the Biquard connection vanishes. This condition characterizes quaternionic contact structures which are locally qc homothetic to 3-Sasakian structures.


Cycle factorizations and one-faced graph embeddings

Abstract: Consider factorizations into transpositions of an n-cycle in the symmetric group S_n. To every such factorization we assign a monomial in variables w_{ij} that retains the transpositions used, but forgets their order. Summing over all possible factorizations of n-cycles we obtain a polynomial that happens to admit a closed expression. From this expression we deduce a formula for the number of 1-faced embeddings of a given graph.


On continuous choice of retractions onto nonconvex subsets

Abstract: For a Banach space $B$ and for a class $\A$ of its bounded closed retracts, endowed with the Hausdorff metric, we prove that retractions on elements $A \in \A$ can be chosen to depend continuously on $A$, whenever nonconvexity of each $A \in \A$ is less than $\f{1}{2}$. The key geometric argument is that the set of all uniform retractions onto an $\a-$paraconvex set (in the spirit of E. Michael) is $\frac{\a}{1-\a}-$paraconvex subset in the space of continuous mappings of $B$ into itself. For a Hilbert space $H$ the estimate $\frac{\a}{1-\a}$ can be improved to $\frac{\a (1+\a^{2})}{1-\a^{2}}$ and the constant $\f{1}{2}$ can be reduced to the root of the equation $\a+ \a^{2}+a^{3}=1$.


On the homotopy classification of maps

Abstract: We establish certain conditions which imply that a map $f:X\to Y$ of topological spaces is null homotopic when the induced integral cohomology homomorphism is trivial; one of them is: $H^*(X)$ and $\pi_*(Y)$ have no torsion and $H^*(Y)$ is polynomial.


Structurally damped plate and wave equations with random point force in arbitrary space dimensions

Abstract: In this paper we consider structurally damped plate and wave equations with point and distributed random forces. In order to treat space dimensions more than one, we work in the setting of $L^q$--spaces with (possibly small) $q\in(1,2)$. We establish existence, uniqueness and regularity of mild and weak solutions to the stochastic equations employing recent theory for stochastic evolution equations in UMD Banach spaces.


Approximation by Lipschitz, C^{p} smooth functions on weakly compactly generated Banach spaces

Abstract: The following result was announced in the earlier version(s) of this paper: On weakly compactly generated Banach spaces which admit a Lipschitz, C^{p} smooth bump function, one can uniformly approximate uniformly continuous, bounded, real-valued functions by Lipschitz, C^{p} smooth functions. Unfortunately, there is a gap in the proof which renders the proof in its present form incorrect


General Resolvents for Monotone Operators: Characterization and Extension

Abstract: Monotone operators, especially in the form of subdifferential operators, are of basic importance in optimization. It is well known since Minty, Rockafellar, and Bertsekas-Eckstein that in Hilbert space, monotone operators can be understood and analyzed from the alternative viewpoint of firmly nonexpansive mappings, which were found to be precisely the resolvents of monotone operators. For example, the proximal mappings in the sense of Moreau are precisely the resolvents of subdifferential operators. More general notions of "resolvent", "proximal mapping" and "firmly nonexpansive" have been studied. One important class, popularized chiefly by Alber and by Kohsaka and Takahashi, is based on the normalized duality mapping. Furthermore, Censor and Lent pioneered the use of the gradient of a well behaved convex functions in a Bregman-distance based framework. It is known that resolvents are firmly nonexpansive, but the converse has been an open problem for the latter framework. In this note, we build on the very recent characterization of maximal monotonicity due to Martinez-Legaz to provide a framework for studying resolvents in which firmly nonexpansive mappings are always resolvents. This framework includes classical resolvents, resolvents based on the normalized duality mapping, resolvents based on Bregman distances, and even resolvents based on (nonsymmetric) rotators. As a by-product of recent work on the proximal average, we obtain a constructive Kirszbraun-Valentine extension result for generalized firmly nonexpansive mappings. Several examples illustrate our results.


The Radial Masa in a Free Group Factor is Maximal Injective

Abstract: The radial (or Laplacian) masa in a free group factor is the abelian von Neumann algebra generated by the sum of the generators (of the free group) and their inverses. The main result of this paper is that the radial masa is a maximal injective von Neumann subalgebra of a free group factor. We also investigate tensor products of maximal injective algebras. Given two inclusions $B_i\subset M_i$ of type $\mathrm{I}$ von Neumann algebras in finite von Neumann algebras such that each $B_i$ is maximal injective in $M_i$, we show that the tensor product $B_1\ \bar{\otimes}\ B_2$ is maximal injective in $M_1\ \bar{\otimes}\ M_2$ provided at least one of the inclusions satisfies the asymptotic orthogonality property we establish for the radial masa. In particular it follows that finite tensor products of generator and radial masas will be maximal injective in the corresponding tensor product of free group factors.


Metric properties of higher-dimensional Thompson's groups

Abstract: Higher-dimensional Thompson's groups nV are finitely presented groups described by Brin which generalize dyadic self-maps of the unit interval to dyadic self-maps of n-dimensional unit cubes. We describe some of the metric properties of higher-dimensional Thompson's groups. We give descriptions of elements based upon tree-pair diagrams and give upper and lower bounds for word length in terms of the size of the diagrams. Though these upper and lower bounds are somewhat separated, we show that there are elements realizing the lower bounds and that the fraction of elements which are close to the upper bound converges to 1, showing that the bounds are optimal and that the upper bound is generically achieved.


Report on "Geometry and representation theory of tensors for computer science, statistics and other areas."

Abstract: This is a technical report on the proceedings of the workshop held July 21 to July 25, 2008 at the American Institute of Mathematics, Palo Alto, California, organized by Joseph Landsberg, Lek-Heng Lim, Jason Morton, and Jerzy Weyman. We include a list of open problems coming from applications in 4 different areas: signal processing, the Mulmuley-Sohoni approach to P vs. NP, matchgates and holographic algorithms, and entanglement and quantum information theory. We emphasize the interactions between geometry and representation theory and these applied areas.


Multistage Hypothesis Tests for the Mean of a Normal Distribution

Abstract: In this paper, we have developed new multistage tests which guarantee prescribed level of power and are more efficient than previous tests in terms of average sampling number and the number of sampling operations. Without truncation, the maximum sampling numbers of our testing plans are absolutely bounded. Based on geometrical arguments, we have derived extremely tight bounds for the operating characteristic function. To reduce the computational complexity for the relevant integrals, we propose adaptive scanning algorithms which are not only useful for present hypothesis testing problem but also for other problem areas.


Matroid polytopes and their volumes

Abstract: We express the matroid polytope $P_M$ of a matroid $M$ as a signed Minkowski sum of simplices, and obtain a formula for the volume of $P_M$. This gives a combinatorial expression for the degree of an arbitrary torus orbit closure in the Grassmannian $Gr_{k,n}$. We then derive analogous results for the independent set polytope and the associated flag matroid polytope of $M$. Our proofs are based on a natural extension of Postnikov's theory of generalized permutohedra.


Orbit equivalence for Cantor minimal Z^d-systems

Abstract: We show that every minimal action of any finitely generated abelian group on the Cantor set is (topologically) orbit equivalent to an AF relation. As a consequence, this extends the classification up to orbit equivalence of minimal dynamical systems on the Cantor set to include AF relations and Z^d-actions.


On injectivity of quasiregular mappings

Abstract: We give sufficient conditions for a planar quasiregular mapping to be injective in terms of the range of the differential matrix.


Hyperbolic structures on closed spacelike manifolds

Abstract: In this paper, we study the intrinsic mean curvature flow on certain closed spacelike manifolds, and prove the existence of hyperbolic structures on them.


Cofiniteness and coassociated primes of local cohomology modules

Abstract: Let $R$ be a noetherian ring, $\fa$ an ideal of $R$ such that $\dim R/\fa=1$ and $M$ a finite $R$--module. We will study cofiniteness and some other properties of the local cohomology modules $\lc^{i}_{\fa}(M)$. For an arbitrary ideal $\fa$ and an $R$--module $M$ (not necessarily finite), we will characterize $\fa$--cofinite artinian local cohomology modules. Certain sets of coassociated primes of top local cohomology modules over local rings are characterized.


Design of Cooperative Processes in a Customer-Supplier Relationship: An Approach Based on Simulation and Decision Theory

Abstract: Performance improvement in supply chains, taking into account customer demand in the tactical planning process is essential. It is more and more difficult for the customers to ensure a certain level of demand over a medium term horizon as their own customers ask them for personalisation and fast adaptation. It is thus necessary to develop methods and decision support systems to reconcile the order and book processes. In this context, this paper intends firstly to relate decision under uncertainty and the industrial point of view based on the notion of risk management. This serves as a basis for the definition of an approach based on simulation and decision theory that is dedicated to the design of cooperative processes in a customer-supplier relationship. This approach includes the evaluation, in terms of risk, of different cooperative processes using a simulation-dedicated tool. The evaluation process is based on an exploitation of decision theory concepts and methods. The implementation of the approach is illustrated on an academic example typical of the aeronautics supply chain.


Marginal likelihood for parallel series

Abstract: Suppose that $k$ series, all having the same autocorrelation function, are observed in parallel at $n$ points in time or space. From a single series of moderate length, the autocorrelation parameter $\beta$ can be estimated with limited accuracy, so we aim to increase the information by formulating a suitable model for the joint distribution of all series. Three Gaussian models of increasing complexity are considered, two of which assume that the series are independent. This paper studies the rate at which the information for $\beta$ accumulates as $k$ increases, possibly even beyond $n$. The profile log likelihood for the model with $k(k+1)/2$ covariance parameters behaves anomalously in two respects. On the one hand, it is a log likelihood, so the derivatives satisfy the Bartlett identities. On the other hand, the Fisher information for $\beta$ increases to a maximum at $k=n/2$, decreasing to zero for $k\ge n$. In any parametric statistical model, one expects the Fisher information to increase with additional data; decreasing Fisher information is an anomaly demanding an explanation.


Involutions of Iwahori-Hecke algebras and representations of fixed subalgebras

Abstract: We establish branching rules between some Iwahori-Hecke algebra of type B and their subalgebras which are defined as fixed subalgebras by involutions including Goldman involution. The Iwahori-Hecke algebra of type D is one of such fixed subalgebras. We also obtain branching rules between those fixed subalgebras and their intersection subalgebra. We determine basic sets of irreducible representations of those fixed subalgebras and their intersection subalgebra by making use of generalized Clifford theory.


The central limit theorem under random truncation

Abstract: Under left truncation, data $(X_i,Y_i)$ are observed only when $Y_i\le X_i$. Usually, the distribution function $F$ of the $X_i$ is the target of interest. In this paper, we study linear functionals $\int\varphi \mathrm{d}F_n$ of the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of $F$, the Lynden-Bell estimator $F_n$. A useful representation of $\int \varphi \mathrm{d}F_n$ is derived which yields asymptotic normality under optimal moment conditions on the score function $\varphi$. No continuity assumption on $F$ is required. As a by-product, we obtain the distributional convergence of the Lynden-Bell empirical process on the whole real line.


Asymptotic normality and consistency of a two-stage generalized least squares estimator in the growth curve model

Abstract: Let $\mathbf{Y}=\mathbf{X}\bolds{\Theta}\mathbf{Z}'+\bolds{\mathcal {E}}$ be the growth curve model with $\bolds{\mathcal{E}}$ distributed with mean $\mathbf{0}$ and covariance $\mathbf{I}_n\otimes\bolds{\Sigma}$, where $\bolds{\Theta}$, $\bolds{\Sigma}$ are unknown matrices of parameters and $\mathbf{X}$, $\mathbf{Z}$ are known matrices. For the estimable parametric transformation of the form $\bolds {\gamma}=\mathbf{C}\bolds{\Theta}\mathbf{D}'$ with given $\mathbf{C}$ and $\mathbf{D}$, the two-stage generalized least-squares estimator $\hat{\bolds \gamma}(\mathbf{Y})$ defined in (7) converges in probability to $\bolds\gamma$ as the sample size $n$ tends to infinity and, further, $\sqrt{n}[\hat{\bolds{\gamma}}(\mathbf{Y})-\bolds {\gamma}]$ converges in distribution to the multivariate normal distribution $\ma thcal{N}(\mathbf{0},(\mathbf{C}\mathbf{R}^{-1}\mathbf{C}')\otimes(\mat hbf{D}(\mathbf{Z}'\bolds{\Sigma}^{-1}\mathbf{Z})^{-1}\mathbf{D}'))$ under the condition that $\lim_{n\to\infty}\mathbf{X}'\mathbf{X}/n=\mathbf{R}$ for some positive definite matrix $\mathbf{R}$. Moreover, the unbiased and invariant quadratic estimator $\hat{\bolds{\Sigma}}(\mathbf{Y})$ defined in (6) is also proved to be consistent with the second-order parameter matrix $\bolds{\Sigma}$.


Ball throwing on spheres

Abstract: Ball throwing on Euclidean spaces has been considered for a while. A suitable renormalization leads to a fractional Brownian motion as limit object. In this paper we investigate ball throwing on spheres. A different behavior is exhibited: we still get a Gaussian limit but which is no longer a fractional Brownian motion. However the limit is locally self-similar when the self-similarity index $H$ is less than 1/2.


On cubic Berwald spaces

Abstract: We show that, for Finsler spaces with cubic metric, Landsberg spaces are Berwaldian. Also, for decomposable metrics, we determine specific conditions for a space with cubic metric to be of Berwald type, thus refining the result in [6].


Testing for changes in polynomial regression

Abstract: We consider a nonlinear polynomial regression model in which we wish to test the null hypothesis of structural stability in the regression parameters against the alternative of a break at an unknown time. We derive the extreme value distribution of a maximum-type test statistic which is asymptotically equivalent to the maximally selected likelihood ratio. The resulting test is easy to apply and has good size and power, even in small samples.


On the parity of generalized partition functions III

Abstract: Improving on some results of J.-L. Nicolas \cite {Ndeb}, the elements of the set ${\cal A}={\cal A}(1+z+z^3+z^4+z^5)$, for which the partition function $p({\cal A},n)$ (i.e. the number of partitions of $n$ with parts in ${\cal A}$) is even for all $n\geq 6$ are determined. An asymptotic estimate to the counting function of this set is also given.


Upper bound for the Lempert function of smooth domains

Abstract: An upper estimate for the Lempert function of any $C^{1+\epsilon}$-smooth bounded domain in $\Bbb C^n$ is found in terms of the boundary distance.


Fibonacci Modules and Multiple Fibonacci Sequences

Abstract: Double Fibonacci sequences are introduced and they are related to operations with Fibonacci modules. Generalizations and examples are also discussed.


Solving differential equations

Abstract: The theme of this paper is to `solve' an absolutely irreducible differential module explicitly in terms of modules of lower dimension and finite extensions of the differential field $K$. Representations of semi-simple Lie algebras and differential Galois theory are the main tools. The results extend the classical work of G. Fano.


Notes on Calabi-Yau ordinary differential equations

Abstract: We investigate the structures of Calabi-Yau differential equations and the relations to the arithmetic of the pencils of Calabi-Yau varieties behind the equations. This provides explanations of some observations and computations in a recent paper by Samol and van Straten.


Fibred torti-rational knots

Abstract: A torti-rational knot, denoted by K(2a,b|r), is a knot obtained from the 2-bridge link B(2a,b) by applying Dehn twists an arbitrary number of times, r, along one component of B(2a,b). We determine the genus of K(2a,b|r) and solve a question of when K(2a,b|r) is fibred. In most cases, the Alexander polynomials determine the genus and fibredness of these knots. We develop both algebraic and geometric techniques to describe the genus and fibredness by means of continued fraction expansions of b/2a. Then, we explicitly construct minimal genus Seifert surfaces. As an application, we solve the same question for the satellite knots of tunnel number one.


Asymptotically CAT(0) Groups

Abstract: We study the general theory of asymptotically CAT(0) groups, explaining why such a group has finitely many conjugacy classes of finite subgroups, is $F_\infty$ and has solvable word problem. We provide techniques to combine asymptotically CAT(0) groups via direct products, amalgams and HNN extensions. The universal cover of the Lie group $PSL(2,\mathbb{R})$ is shown to be an asymptotically CAT(0) metric space. Therefore, co-compact lattices in $\widetilde{PSL(2,\mathbb{R})}$ provide the first examples of asymptotically CAT(0) groups which are neither CAT(0) nor hyperbolic. Another source of examples is shown to be the class of relatively hyperbolic groups.


Totally Null Surfaces in Neutral Kaehler 4-Manifolds

Abstract: We study the totally null surfaces of the neutral Kaehler metric on certain 4-manifolds. The tangent spaces of totally null surfaces are either self-dual ($\alpha$-planes) or anti-self-dual ($\beta$-planes) and so we consider $\alpha$-surfaces and $\beta$-surfaces. The metric of the examples we study, which include the spaces of oriented geodesics of 3-manifolds of constant curvature, are anti-self-dual, and so it is well-known that the $\alpha$-planes are integrable and $\alpha$-surfaces exist. These are holomorphic Lagrangian surfaces, which for the geodesic spaces correspond to totally umbilic foliations of the underlying 3-manifold. The $\beta$-surfaces are less known and our interest is mainly in their description. In particular, we classify the $\beta$-surfaces of the neutral Kaehler metric on $TN$, the tangent bundle to a Riemannian 2-manifold $N$. These include the spaces of oriented geodesics in Euclidean and Lorentz 3-space, for which we show that the $\beta$-surfaces are affine tangent bundles to curves of constant geodesic curvature on $S^2$ and $H^2$, respectively. In addition, we construct the $\beta$-surfaces of the space of oriented geodesics of hyperbolic 3-space.


Isoperimetric functions for subdirect products and Bestvina-Brady groups

Abstract: In this thesis we investigate the Dehn functions of two different classes of groups: subdirect products, in particular subdirect products of limit groups; and Bestvina-Brady groups. Let D = \Gamma_1 \times ... \times \Gamma_n be a direct product of n \geq 3 finitely presented groups and let H be a subgroup of D. Suppose that each \Gamma_i contains a finite index subgroup \Gamma_i' \leq \Gamma_i such that the commutator subgroup [D', D'] of D' = \Gamma_1' \times ... \times \Gamma_n' is contained in H. Suppose furthermore that, for each i, the subgroup \Gamma_i H has finite index in D. We prove that H is finitely presented and satisfies an isoperimetric inequality given in terms of area-radius pairs for the \Gamma_i and the dimension of (D'/H) \otimes \Q. In the case that each \Gamma_i admits a polynomial-polynomial area-radius pair, it will follow that H satisfies a polynomial isoperimetric inequality. As a corollary we obtain that if K is a subgroup of a direct product of n limit groups and if K is of type FP_m(\Q), where m = \max {2, n-1}, then K is finitely presented and satisfies a polynomial isoperimetric inequality. In particular, we obtain that all finitely presented subgroups of a direct product of at most 3 limit groups satisfy a polynomial isoperimetric inequality. We also prove that if B is a finitely presented Bestvina-Brady group, then B admits a quartic isoperimetric function.


A measure-theoretic approach to the theory of dense hypergraphs

Abstract: In this paper we develop a measure-theoretic method to treat problems in hypergraph theory. Our central theorem is a correspondence principle between three objects: An increasing hypergraph sequence, a measurable set in an ultraproduct space and a measurable set in a finite dimensional Lebesgue space. Using this correspondence principle we build up the theory of dense hypergraphs from scratch. Along these lines we give new proofs for the Hypergraph Removal Lemma, the Hypergraph Regularity Lemma, the Counting Lemma and the Testability of Hereditary Hypergraph Properties. We prove various new results including a strengthening of the Regularity Lemma and an Inverse Counting Lemma. We also prove the equivalence of various notions for convergence of hypergraphs and we construct limit objects for such sequences. We prove that the limit objects are unique up to a certain family of measure preserving transformations. As our main tool we study the integral and measure theory on the ultraproduct of finite measure spaces which is interesting on its own right.


Model theoretic forcing in analysis

Abstract: We present a framework for model theoretic forcing in a non-first-order context, and present some applications of this framework to Banach space theory.


Discrete approximation of the free Fock space

Abstract: We prove that the free Fock space ${\F}(\R^+;\C)$, which is very commonly used in Free Probability Theory, is the continuous free product of copies of the space $\C^2$. We describe an explicit embedding and approximation of this continuous free product structure by means of a discrete-time approximation: the free toy Fock space, a countable free product of copies of $\C^2$. We show that the basic creation, annihilation and gauge operators of the free Fock space are also limits of elementary operators on the free toy Fock space. When applying these constructions and results to the probabilistic interpretations of these spaces, we recover some discrete approximations of the semi-circular Brownian motion and of the free Poisson process. All these results are also extended to the higher multiplicity case, that is, ${\F}(\R^+;\C^N)$ is the continuous free product of copies of the space $\C^{N+1}$.


Data volume and power of multiple tests with small sample size per null

Abstract: In multiple hypothesis testing, the volume of data, defined as the number of replications per null times the total number of nulls, usually defines the amount of resource required. On the other hand, power is an important measure of performance for multiple testing. Due to practical constraints, the number of replications per null may not be large enough in terms of the difference between false and true nulls. For the case where the population fraction of false nulls is constant, we show that, as the difference between false and true nulls becomes increasingly subtle while the number of replications per null cannot increase fast enough, (1) in order to have enough chance that the data to be collected will yield some trustworthy findings, as measured by a conditional version of the positive false discovery rate (pFDR), the volume of data has to grow at a rate much faster than in the case where the number of replications per null can be large enough, and (2) in order to control the pFDR asymptotically, power has to decay to 0 in a rate highly sensitive to rejection criterion and there is no asymptotically most powerful procedures among those that control the pFDR asymptotically at the same level.


Strong Convergence towards self-similarity for one-dimensional dissipative Maxwell models

Abstract: We prove the propagation of regularity, uniformly in time, for the scaled solutions of one-dimensional dissipative Maxwell models. This result together with the weak convergence towards the stationary state proven by Pareschi and Toscani in 2006 implies the strong convergence in Sobolev norms and in the L^1 norm towards it depending on the regularity of the initial data. In the case of the one-dimensional inelastic Boltzmann equation, the result does not depend of the degree of inelasticity. This generalizes a recent result of Carlen, Carrillo and Carvalho (arXiv:0805.1051v1), in which, for weak inelasticity, propagation of regularity for the scaled inelastic Boltzmann equation was found by means of a precise control of the growth of the Fisher information.


On finite Thurston type orderings of braid groups

Abstract: We prove that for any finite Thurston-type ordering $<_{T}$ on the braid group\ $B_{n}$, the restriction to the positive braid monoid $(B_{n}^{+},<_{T})$ is a\ well-ordered set of order type $\omega^{\omega^{n-2}}$. The proof uses a combi\ natorial description of the ordering $<_{T}$. Our combinatorial description is \ based on a new normal form for positive braids which we call the $\C$-normal fo\ rm. It can be seen as a generalization of Burckel's normal form and Dehornoy's \ $\Phi$-normal form (alternating normal form).


SU(r,L) is separably unirational

Abstract: We show that the moduli space of SU_X(r,L) of rank r bundles of fixed determinant L on a smooth projective curve X is separably unirational.


Projections in several complex variables

Abstract: This work consists two parts. In the first part, we completely study the heat equation method of Menikoff-Sjostrand and apply it to the Kohn Laplacian defined on a compact orientable connected CR manifold. We then get the full asymptotic expansion of the Szego projection for (0,q) forms when the Levi formis nondegenerate. This generalizes a result of Boutet de Monvel and Sjostrand for (0,0) forms. Our main tool is Fourier integral operators with complex valued phase functions of Melin and Sjostrand. In the second part, we obtain the full asymptotic expansion of the Bergman projection for (0,q) forms when the Levi form is non-degenerate. This also generalizes a result of Boutet de Monvel and Sjostrand for (0,0) forms. We introduce a new operator analogous to the Kohn Laplacian defined on the boundary of a domain and we apply the heat equation method of Menikoff and Sjostrand to this operator. We obtain a description of a new Szego projection up to smoothing operators. Finally, by using the Poisson operator, we get our main result.


On perturbations of Hilbert spaces and probability algebras with a generic automorphism

Abstract: We prove that $IHS_A$, the theory of infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces equipped with a generic automorphism, is $\aleph_0$-stable up to perturbation of the automorphism, and admits prime models up to perturbation over any set. Similarly, $APr_A$, the theory of atomless probability algebras equipped with a generic automorphism is $\aleph_0$-stable up to perturbation. However, not allowing perturbation it is not even superstable.


Stability and stable groups in continuous logic

Abstract: We develop several aspects of local and global stability in continuous first order logic. In particular, we study type-definable groups and genericity.


Hyperoctahedral species

Abstract: We introduce a new definition for the species of type B, or H-species, analog to the classical species (of type A), but on which we consider the action of the groups Bn of signed permutations. We are interested in algebraic structure on these H-species and give examples of Hopf monoids. The natural way to get a graded vector space from a species, given in this paper in terms of functors, will allow us to deepen our understanding of these species. In particular, the image of the classical species of set compositions under a given functor is isomorphic to the combinatorial Hopf algebra DQSym.


Realizations of AF-algebras as graph algebras, Exel-Laca algebras, and ultragraph algebras

Abstract: We give various necessary and sufficient conditions for an AF-algebra to be isomorphic to a graph C*-algebra, an Exel-Laca algebra, and an ultragraph C*-algebra. We also explore consequences of these results. In particular, we show that all stable AF-algebras are both graph C*-algebras and Exel-Laca algebras, and that all simple AF-algebras are either graph C*-algebras or Exel-Laca algebras. In addition, we obtain a characterization of AF-algebras that are isomorphic to the C*-algebra of a row-finite graph with no sinks.


On the oscillation properties of eigenfunctions of Sturm--Liouville problem with singular coefficients

Abstract: In the paper we consider singular spectral Sturm--Liouville problem $-(py')'+(q-\lambda r)y=0$, $(U-1)y^{\vee}+i(U+1)y^{\wedge}=0$, where function $p\in L_{\infty}[0,1]$ is uniformly positive, generalized functions $q,r\in W_2^{-1}[0,1]$ are real-valued and unitary matrix $U\in\mathbb C^{2\times 2}$ is diagonal. The main goal is to prove that well-known (for smooth case) facts about number and distribution of zeros of eigenfunctions hold in general case.


On the implementation of exponential methods for semilinear parabolic equations

Abstract: The time integration of semilinear parabolic problems by exponential methods of different kinds is considered. A new algorithm for the implementation of these methods is proposed. The algorithm evaluates the operators required by the exponential methods by means of a quadrature formula that converges like $O(e^{-cK/\ln K})$, with $K$ the number of quadrature nodes. The algorithm allows also the evaluation of the associated scalar mappings and in this case the quadrature converges like $O(e^{-cK})$. The technique is based on the numerical inversion of sectorial Laplace transforms. Several numerical illustrations are provided to test the algorithm.


Elementary combinatorics of the HOMFLYPT polynomial

Abstract: We explore Jaeger's state model for the HOMFLYPT polynomial. We reformulate this model in the language of Gauss diagrams and use it to obtain Gauss diagram formulas for a two-parameter family of Vassiliev invariants coming from the HOMFLYPT polynomial. These formulas are new already for invariants of degree 3.


Nonexpansive iterations in uniformly convex $W$-hyperbolic spaces

Abstract: We propose the class of uniformly convex $W$-hyperbolic spaces with monotone modulus of uniform convexity ($UCW$-hyperbolic spaces for short) as an appropriate setting for the study of nonexpansive iterations. $UCW$-hyperbolic spaces are a natural generalization both of uniformly convex normed spaces and CAT(0)-spaces. Furthermore, we apply proof mining techniques to get effective rates of asymptotic regularity for Ishikawa iterations of nonexpansive self-mappings of closed convex subsets in $UCW$-hyperbolic spaces. These effective results are new even for uniformly convex Banach spaces.


Algebraic properties of edge ideals via combinatorial topology

Abstract: We apply some basic notions from combinatorial topology to establish various algebraic properties of edge ideals of graphs and more general Stanley-Reisner rings. In this way we provide new short proofs of some theorems from the literature regarding linearity, Betti numbers, and (sequentially) Cohen-Macaulay properties of edges ideals associated to chordal, complements of chordal, and Ferrers graphs, as well as trees and forests. Our approach unifies (and in many cases strengthens) these results and also provides combinatorial/enumerative interpretations of certain algebraic properties. We apply our setup to obtain new results regarding algebraic properties of edge ideals in the context of local changes to a graph (adding whiskers and ears) as well as bounded vertex degree. These methods also lead to recursive relations among certain generating functions of Betti numbers which we use to establish new formulas for the projective dimension of edge ideals. We use only well-known tools from combinatorial topology along the lines of independence complexes of graphs, (not necessarily pure) vertex decomposability, shellability, etc.


Counting integral points on universal torsors

Abstract: Manin's conjecture for the asymptotic behavior of the number of rational points of bounded height on del Pezzo surfaces can be approached through universal torsors. We prove several auxiliary results for the estimation of the number of integral points in certain regions on universal torsors. As an application, we prove Manin's conjecture for a singular quartic del Pezzo surface.


The Donaldson equation

Abstract: In this short note, we solve a Dirichlet problem for a fully nonlinear elliptic equation. The operator is introduced by S. Donaldson and it is relevant to the geometry of the space of volume forms.


The cohomology of line bundles of splice-quotient singularities

Abstract: We provide several results on splice-quotient singularities: a combinatorial expression of the dimension of the first cohomology of all `natural' line bundles, an equivariant Campillo-Delgado-Gusein-Zade type formula about the dimension of relative sections of line bundles (proving that the equivariant, divisorial multi-variable Hilbert series is topological), a combinatorial description of divisors of analytic function-germs, and an expression for the multiplicity of the singularity from its resolution graph. Additional, we establish a new formula for the Seiberg-Witten invariants of any rational homology sphere singularity link.


Stability and asymptotic behavior of periodic traveling wave solutions of viscous conservation laws in several dimensions

Abstract: Under natural spectral stability assumptions motivated by previous investigations of the associated spectral stability problem, we determine sharp $L^p$ estimates on the linearized solution operator about a multidimensional planar periodic wave of a system of conservation laws with viscosity, yielding linearized $L^1\cap L^p\to L^p$ stability for all $p \ge 2$ and dimensions $d \ge 1$ and nonlinear $L^1\cap H^s\to L^p\cap H^s$ stability and $L^2$-asymptotic behavior for $p\ge 2$ and $d\ge 3$. The behavior can in general be rather complicated, involving both convective (i.e., wave-like) and diffusive effects.


The Best Constant, the Nonexistence of Extremal Functions and Related Results for an Improved Hardy-Sobolev Inequality

Abstract: We present the best constant and the existence of extremal functions for an Improved Hardy-Sobolev inequality. We prove that, under a proper transformation, this inequality is equivalent to the Sobolev inequality in $\mathbb{R}^N$. We also discuss the connection of the related functional spaces and as a result we obtain some Caffarelli - Kohn - Nirenberg inequalities. Our starting point is the existence of a minimizer for the Bliss' inequality and the indirect dependence of the Hardy inequality at the origin.


Obstructions to the existence of monotone Lagrangian embeddings into cotangent bundles of manifolds fibered over the circle

Abstract: We extend constructions and results of Damian to get topological obstructions to the existence of closed monotone Lagrangian embeddings into the cotangent bundle of a space which is the total space of a fibration over the circle.


A Natural Connection on (2,3) Sub-Riemannian Manifolds

Abstract: We build an analogue for the Levi-Civita connection on Riemannian manifolds for sub-Riemannian manfiolds modeled on the Heisenberg group. We demonstrate some geometric properties of this connection to justify our choice and show that this connection is unique in having these properties.


From Knothe's transport to Brenier's map and a continuation method for optimal transport

Abstract: A simple procedure to map two probability measures in $\mathbb{R}^d$ is the so-called \emph{Knothe-Rosenblatt rearrangement}, which consists in rearranging monotonically the marginal distributions of the last coordinate, and then the conditional distributions, iteratively. We show that this mapping is the limit of solutions to a class of Monge-Kantorovich mass transportation problems with quadratic costs, with the weights of the coordinates asymptotically dominating one another. This enables us to design a continuation method for numerically solving the optimal transport problem.


On the Debarre-de Jong and Beheshti-Starr conjectures on hypersurfaces with too many lines

Abstract: We show that the Debarre-de Jong conjecture that the Fano scheme of lines on a smooth hypersurface of degree at most n in n-dimensional projective space must have its expected dimension, and the Beheshti-Starr conjecture that bounds the dimension of the Fano scheme of lines for hypersurfaces of degree at least n in n-dimensional projective space, reduce to determining if the intersection of the top Chern classes of certain vector bundles is nonzero.


Models and van Kampen theorems for directed homotopy theory

Abstract: We study topological spaces with a distinguished set of paths, called directed paths. Since these directed paths are generally not reversible, the directed homotopy classes of directed paths do not assemble into a groupoid, and there is no direct analog of the fundamental group. However, they do assemble into a category, called the fundamental category. We define models of the fundamental category, such as the fundamental bipartite graph, and minimal extremal models which are shown to generalize the fundamental group. In addition, we prove van Kampen theorems for subcategories, retracts, and models of the fundamental category.


Etude de deux classes de groupes nilpotents de pas deux

Abstract: The aim of my PhD work is to study the $L^p$-boundedness of operators on two classes of two-step nilpotent Lie groups, using Plancherel formulas and spherical functions as tools. The first class of groups consists of the groups of Heisenberg type, and the second, of the two-step free nilpotent Lie groups (denoted $N_{v,2}$ for $v$ generators). In the latter case, we develop a radial Fourier calculus. Our study has focused on the maximal functions associated with Kor\'anyi spheres, together with their square functions, and the convolution operator defined with the radial Fourier calculus on the two-step free nilpotent Lie group (radial Fourier multipliers problem). In fact, one chapter of this work is devoted to the proof of $L^p$-inequalities for the maximal spherical function on the two considered classes of groups. Our method is based on interpolation for the same operator family as in the euclidean case, on $L^p$-boundedness for the standard maximal function, and $L^2$-inequalities for square functions. These $L^2$-inequalities are based on Plancherel formula and on the properties of bounded spherical functions for the orthogonal group. On $N_{v,2}$, we construct the bounded spherical functions using representations of the semidirect product of $N_{v,2}$ with the orthogonal group. We also obtain some properties of the Kohn sublaplacian and the radial Plancherel measure. Then we present a first study of the radial Fourier multiplier problem, with the aim of giving our solutions for some technicals difficulties.


Correlators and Descendants of Subcritical Stein Manifolds

Abstract: We determine contact homology algebra of a subcritical Stein-fillable contact manifold whose first Chern class vanishes. We also compute the genus-0 one point correlators and gravitational descendants of compactly supported closed forms of their subcritical Stein fillings. This is a step towards determining the full potential function of the filling as defined in \cite{EliashbergGiventalHofer}. These invariants also give a canonical presentation of the cylindrical contact homology. With respect to this presentation, we determine the degree-2 differential in the Bourgeois--Oancea exact sequence of \cite{Oancea}. As a further application, we proved that if a K\"{a}hler manifold $M^{2n}$ admits a subcritical polarization and $c_1$ vanishes in the subcritical complement, then $M$ is uniruled.


The Spherical Maximal Function on the Free Two-step Nilpotent Lie Group

Abstract: We consider here the free two step nilpotent Lie group, provided with the homogeneous Kor\'anyi norm; we prove the $L^p$-boundedness of the maximal function corresponding to the homogeneous unit sphere, for some $p$.


On converting a side-pairing to a handle decomposition

Abstract: We give a method for obtaining a handle decomposition of an $n$-manifold if the manifold is given by isometric side-pairings of a polyhedron in $\en$, $\sn$ or $\hn$. Every cycle of $k$-faces on the polyhedron corresponds to an $(n-k)$-handle of the manifold. Two applications of the method are given. One helps recognize when a noncompact hyperbolic 3-manifold is a complement of a link in $S^3$ (and automatically produces the link diagram), the other shows that a topological $S^4$ described by the author in \cite{Ivansic3} is diffeomorphic to the standard differentiable $S^4$.


On the discrepancy principle for some Newton type methods for solving nonlinear inverse problems

Abstract: We consider the computation of stable approximations to the exact solution $x^\dag$ of nonlinear ill-posed inverse problems $F(x)=y$ with nonlinear operators $F:X\to Y$ between two Hilbert spaces $X$ and $Y$ by the Newton type methods $$ x_{k+1}^\delta=x_0-g_{\alpha_k} (F'(x_k^\delta)^*F'(x_k^\delta)) F'(x_k^\delta)^* (F(x_k^\delta)-y^\delta-F'(x_k^\delta)(x_k^\delta-x_0)) $$ in the case that only available data is a noise $y^\delta$ of $y$ satisfying $\|y^\delta-y\|\le \delta$ with a given small noise level $\delta>0$. We terminate the iteration by the discrepancy principle in which the stopping index $k_\delta$ is determined as the first integer such that $$ \|F(x_{k_\delta}^\delta)-y^\delta\|\le \tau \delta <\|F(x_k^\delta)-y^\delta\|, \qquad 0\le k<k_\delta $$ with a given number $\tau>1$. Under certain conditions on $\{\alpha_k\}$, $\{g_\alpha\}$ and $F$, we prove that $x_{k_\delta}^\delta$ converges to $x^\dag$ as $\delta\to 0$ and establish various order optimal convergence rate results. It is remarkable that we even can show the order optimality under merely the Lipschitz condition on the Fr\'{e}chet derivative $F'$ of $F$ if $x_0-x^\dag$ is smooth enough.


Planar algebras: a category theoretic point of view

Abstract: We define Jones's planar algebra as a map of multicategories and constuct a planar algebra starting from a 1-cell in a pivotal strict 2-category. We prove finiteness results for the affine representations of finite depth planar algebras. We also show that the radius of convergence of the dimension of an affine representation of the planar algebra associated to a finite depth subfactor is at least as big as the inverse-square of the modulus.


The existence results for solutions of indefinite scalar curvature problem

Abstract: In this paper, we consider the indefinite scalar curvature problem on $R^n$. We propose new conditions on the prescribing scalar curvature function such that the scalar curvature problem on $R^n$ (similarly, on $S^n$) has at least one solution. The key observation in our proof is that we use the bifurcation method to get a large solution and then after establishing the Harnack inequality for solutions near the critical points of the prescribed scalar curvature and taking limit, we find the nontrivial positive solution to the indefinite scalar curvature problem.