On improved estimators of the generalized variance

Treated in this paper is the problem of estimating with squared error loss the generalized variance | Σ | from a Wishart random matrix S: p × p W_p(n, Σ) and an independent normal random matrix X: p × k N(ξ, Σ I_k) with ξ(p × k) unknown. Denote the columns of X by X₍₁₎ ,…, X_(k) and set ψ⁽⁰⁾(S, X) = {(n − p + 2)!/(n + 2)!} | S |, ψ⁽ⁱ⁾(X, X) = min[ψ⁽ⁱ⁻¹⁾(S, X), {(n − p + i + 2)!/(n + i + 2)!} | S + X₍₁₎ X′₍₁₎ + + X_(i) X′_(i) |] and Ψ⁽ⁱ⁾(S, X) = min[ψ⁽⁰⁾(S, X), {(n − p + i + 2)!/(n + i + 2)!}| S + X₍₁₎ X′₍₁₎ + + X_(i) X′_(i) |], i = 1,…,k. Our result is that the minimax, best affine equivariant estimator ψ⁽⁰⁾(S, X) is dominated by each of Ψ⁽ⁱ⁾(S, X), i = 1,…,k and for every i, ψ⁽ⁱ⁾(S, X) is better than ψ⁽ⁱ⁻¹⁾(S, X). In particular, ψ^(k)(S, X) = min[{(n − p + 2)!/(n + 2)!} | S |, {(n − p + 2)!/(n + 2)!} | S + X₍₁₎X′₍₁₎|,…,| {(n − p + k + 2)!/(n + k + 2)!} | S + X₍₁₎X′₍₁₎ + + X_(k)X′_(k)|] dominates all other ψ's. It is obtained by considering a multivariate extension of Stein's result (Ann. Inst. Statist. Math. 16, 155–160 (1964)) on the estimation of the normal variance.     

On subspace arrangements of type

Let denote the subspace arrangement formed by all linear subspaces in given by equations of the form

₁x_i1=₂x_i2==_kx_ik,

where 1i₁<<i_kn and (₁,…,_k){+1,−1}^k.Some important topological properties of such a subspace arrangement depend on the topology of its intersection lattice. In a previous work on a larger class of subspace arrangements by Björner and Sagan (J. Algebraic Combin. 5 (1996) 291–314) the topology of the intersection lattice turned out to be a particularly interesting and difficult case.We prove in this paper that Pure(Π_n,k^±) is shellable, hence that Π_n,k^± is shellable for k>n/2. Moreover, we prove that unless i≡n−2 (mod k−2) or i≡n−3 (mod k−2), and that is free abelian for i≡n−2 (mod k−2). In the special case of Π_2k,k^± we determine homology completely. Our tools are generalized lexicographic shellability, as introduced in Kozlov (Ann. Combin. 1 (1997) 67–90), and a spectral sequence method for the computation of poset homology first used in Hanlon (Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 325 (1991) 1–37).We state implications of our results on the cohomology of the complements of the considered arrangements.     

On the evaluation of the Eigenvalues of a banded toeplitz block matrix

Let A = (a_ij) be an n × n Toeplitz matrix with bandwidth k + 1, K = r + s, that is, a_ij = a_j−i, i, J = 1,… ,n, a_i = 0 if i > s and if i < -r. We compute p(λ)= det(A - λI), as well as p(λ)/p′(λ), where p′(λ) is the first derivative of p(λ), by using O(k log k log n) arithmetic operations. Moreover, if a_i are m × m matrices, so that A is a banded Toeplitz block matrix, then we compute p(λ), as well as p(λ)/p′(λ), by using O(m³k(log² k + log n) + m²k log k log n) arithmetic operations. The algorithms can be extended to the computation of det(A − λB) and of its first derivative, where both A and B are banded Toeplitz matrices. The algorithms may be used as a basis for iterative solution of the eigenvalue problem for the matrix A and of the generalized eigenvalue problem for A and B.     

The extremal function for 3-linked graphs

A graph is k-linked if for every set of 2k distinct vertices {s₁,…,s_k,t₁,…,t_k} there exist disjoint paths P₁,…,P_k such that the endpoints of P_i are s_i and t_i. We prove every 6-connected graph on n vertices with 5n−14 edges is 3-linked. This is optimal, in that there exist 6-connected graphs on n vertices with 5n−15 edges that are not 3-linked for arbitrarily large values of n.     

Second-order linearity of the general signed-rank statistic

Let X₁,…, X_n be i.i.d. random variables symmetric about zero. Let R_i(t) be the rank of |X_i − tn^−1/2| among |X₁ − tn^−1/2|,…, |X_n − tn^−1/2| and T_n(t) = Σ_{i = 1}ⁿφ((n + 1)⁻¹R_i(t))sign(X_i − tn^−1/2). We show that there exists a sequence of random variables V_n such that sup_{0 ≤ t ≤ 1} |T_n(t) − T_n(0) − tV_n| → 0 in probability, as n → ∞. V_n is asymptotically normal.     

A sufficient condition for pairing problem of generators in symmetrizable Kac–Moody algebras

In a symmetrizable Kac–Moody algebra g(A), let α=∑_i=1ⁿk_iα_i be an imaginary root satisfying k_i>0 and α,α_i<0 for i=1,2,…,n. In this paper, it is proved that for any x_αg_α{0}, satisfying [x_α,f_n]≠0 and [x_α,f_i]=0 for i=1,2,…,n−1, there exists a vector y such that the subalgebra generated by x_α and y contains g′(A), the derived subalgebra of g(A).     

An Asymptotic Property of Schachermayer's Space under Renorming

Let X be a Banach space with closed unit ball B. Given k , X is said to be k-β, respectively, (k + 1)-nearly uniformly convex ((k + 1)-NUC), if for every ε > 0 there exists δ, 0 < δ < 1, so that for every x B and every ε-separated sequence (x_n) B there are indices (n_i)^k_{i = 1}, respectively, (n_i)^{k + 1}_{i = 1}, such that (1/(k + 1))||x + ∑^k_{i = 1} x_ni|| ≤ 1 − δ, respectively, (1/(k + 1))||∑^{k + 1}_{i = 1} x_ni|| ≤ 1 − δ. It is shown that a Banach space constructed by Schachermayer is 2-β, but is not isomorphic to any 2-NUC Banach space. Modifying this example, we also show that there is a 2-NUC Banach space which cannot be equivalently renormed to be 1-β.     

Two New Classes of Difference Families

A Z-cyclic triplewhist tournament for 4n+1 players, or briefly a TWh(4n+1), is equivalent to a n-set {(a_i, b_i, c_i, d_i) | i=1, …, n} of quadruples partitioning Z_4n+1−{0} with the property that ⁿ_i=1 {±(a_i−c_i), ±(b_i−d_i)}=ⁿ_i=1 {±(a_i−b_i), ±(c_i−d_i)}=ⁿ_i=1 {±(a_i−d_i), ±(b_i−c_i)}=Z_4n+1−{0}. The existence problem for Z-cyclic TWh(p)'s with p a prime has been solved for p1 (mod 16). I. Anderson et al. (1995, Discrete Math.138, 31–41) treated the case of p≡5 (mod 8) while Y. S. Liaw (1996, J. Combin. Des.4, 219–233) and G. McNay (1996, Utilitas Math.49, 191–201) treated the case of p≡9 (mod 16). In this paper, besides giving easier proofs of these authors' results, we solve the problem also for primes p≡1 (mod 16). The final result is the existence of a Z-cyclic TWh(v) for any v whose prime factors are all≡1 (mod 4) and distinct from 5, 13, and 17.     

Some New Results on Stochastic Comparisons of Spacings from Heterogeneous Exponential Distributions

Some new results are obtained on stochastic orderings between random vectors of spacings from heterogeneous exponential distributions and homogeneous ones. LetD₁, …, D_nbe the normalized spacings associated with independent exponential random variablesX₁, …,X_n, whereX_ihas hazard rateλ_i,i=1, 2, …, n. LetD*₁, …, D*_nbe the normalized spacings of a random sampleY₁, …, Y_nof sizenfrom an exponential distribution with hazard rateλ=∑ⁿ_i=1 λ_i/n. It is shown that for anyn2, the random vector (D₁, …, D_n) is greater than the random vector (D*₁, …, D*_n) in the sense of multivariate likelihood ratio ordering. It also follows from the results proved in this paper that for anyjbetween 2 andn, the survival function ofX_j:n−X_1:nis Schur convex.     

Selection in Monotone Matrices and Computingkth Nearest Neighbors

Anm×nmatrix =(a_{i, j}), 1≤i≤mand 1≤j≤n, is called atotally monotonematrix if for alli₁, i₂, j₁, j₂, satisfying 1≤i₁<i₂≤m, 1≤j₁<j₂≤n.[formula]We present an[formula]time algorithm to select thekth smallest item from anm×ntotally monotone matrix for anyk≤mn. This is the first subquadratic algorithm for selecting an item from a totally monotone matrix. Our method also yields an algorithm of the same time complexity for ageneralized row-selection problemin monotone matrices. Given a setS={p₁,…, p_n} ofnpoints in convex position and a vectork={k₁,…, k_n}, we also present anO(n^4/3log^c n) algorithm to compute thek_ith nearest neighbor ofp_ifor everyi≤n; herecis an appropriate constant. This algorithm is considerably faster than the one based on a row-selection algorithm for monotone matrices. If the points ofSare arbitrary, then thek_ith nearest neighbor ofp_i, for alli≤n, can be computed in timeO(n^7/5 log^c n), which also improves upon the previously best-known result.     

On the L convergence of Lagrange interpolating entire functions of exponential type

Let f: be a continuous, 2π-periodic function and for each n ε let t_n(f; ·) denote the trigonometric polynomial of degree n interpolating f in the points 2kπ/(2n + 1) (k = 0, ±1, …, ±n). It was shown by J. Marcinkiewicz that lim_{n → ∞} ∝₀^2π¦f(θ) − t_n(f θ)¦^p dθ = 0 for every p > 0. We consider Lagrange interpolation of non-periodic functions by entire functions of exponential type τ > 0 in the points kπ/τ (k = 0, ± 1, ± 2, …) and obtain a result analogous to that of Marcinkiewicz.     

Schur functions and the invariant polynomials characterizing U(n) tensor operators

We give a direct formulation of the invariant polynomials _μG_q⁽ⁿ⁾(, Δ_i,;, x_{i,i + 1},) characterizing U(n) tensor operators p, q, …, q, 0, …, 0 in terms of the symmetric functions S_λ known as Schur functions. To this end, we show after the change of variables Δ_i = γ_i − δ_i and x_{i, i + 1} = δ_i − δ_{i + 1} that_μG_q⁽ⁿ⁾(,Δ_i;, x_{i, i + 1},) becomes an integral linear combination of products of Schur functions S_α(, γ_i,) · S_β(, δ_i,) in the variables {γ₁,…, γ_n} and {δ₁,…, δ_n}, respectively. That is, we give a direct proof that _μG_q⁽ⁿ⁾(,Δ_i,;, x_{i, i + 1},) is a bisymmetric polynomial with integer coefficients in the variables {γ₁,…, γ_n} and {δ₁,…, δ_n}. By making further use of basic properties of Schur functions such as the Littlewood-Richardson rule, we prove several remarkable new symmetries for the yet more general bisymmetric polynomials _μ^mG_q⁽ⁿ⁾(γ₁,…, γ_n; δ₁,…, δ_m). These new symmetries enable us to give an explicit formula for both _μ^mG₁⁽ⁿ⁾(γ; δ) and ₁G₂⁽ⁿ⁾(γ; δ). In addition, we describe both algebraic and numerical integration methods for deriving general polynomial formulas for _μ^mG_q⁽ⁿ⁾(γ; δ).     

Extremal problems concerning Kneser graphs

Let and be two intersecting families of k-subsets of an n-element set. It is proven that | | ≤ (_k−1ⁿ⁻¹) + (_k−1ⁿ⁻¹) holds for , and equality holds only if there exist two points a, b such that {a, b} ∩ F ≠ for all F . For an example showing that in this case max | | = (1−o(1))(_kⁿ) is given. This disproves an old conjecture of Erdös [7]. In the second part we deal with several generalizations of Kneser's conjecture.     

Numerical properties of Chern classes of certain covering manifolds

In this paper, we study numerical properties of Chern classes of certain covering manifolds. One of the main results is the following: Let ψ : X → Pⁿ be a finite covering of the n-dimensional complex projective space branched along a hypersurface with only simple normal crossings and suppose X is nonsingular. Let c_i(X) be the i-th Chern class of X. Then (i) if the canonical divisor K_X is numerically effective, then (−1)^kc_k(X) (k ≥ 2) is numerically positive, and (ii) if X is of general type, then (−1)ⁿcⁱ_l (X) cⁱ_r, (X) > 0, where i_l + … + i_r = n. Furthermore we show that the same properties hold for certain Kummer coverings.     

Stability conditions for systems of linear nonautonomous delay differential equations

Systems of linear nonautonomous delay differential equations are considered which are of the form y′_i(t) = ∑_{k = 1}ⁿ ∝₀^T b_ik(t, s) y_k(t − s) dη_ik(s) − c_i(t) y_i(t), where I = 1,…, n. Sufficient conditions are derived for both the asymptotic stability and the instability of the zero solution. The main result is found by a monotone technique using elementary methods only. Moreover, additional criteria are obtained by using the method of Lyapunov functionals.     

On a generalization of a theorem of Erdős and Fuchs

Let A={a₁,a₂,…}(a₁<a₂<) be an infinite sequence of nonnegative integers, let k≥2 be a fixed integer and denote by r_k(A,n) the number of solutions of a_i1+a_i2++a_ik≤n. Montgomery and Vaughan proved that r₂(A,n)=cn+o(n^1/4) cannot hold for any constant c>0. In this paper, we extend this result to k>2.     

Multiset Permutations and Loopless Generation of Ordered Trees with Specified Degree Sequence

An ordered tree with specified degree sequence and n internal nodes has a_i nodes of degree i, where a₀ = 1 + ∑_i = 1(i − 1)a_i and n = ∑_i = 0a_i. This paper presents the first loopless algorithm for generating all ordered trees with specified degree sequence. It uses a new version of the algorithm for generating multiset permutations. When a_k = N, a₀ = (k − 1)N + 1, and all other a_i's are 0, all N node k-ary trees are generated.     

On Laurent series with multiply positive coefficients

We consider the class of doubly infinite sequences {a _k } _k ^∞ = −∞ whose truncated sequences {a _k } _n ^k = −n are 3-times positive in the sense of Pólya and Fekete for all n = 1, 2, ..., and a ₀ ≠ 0. We obtain a characterization of this class in terms of independent parameters. We also find an estimate of the growth order of the corresponding Laurent series ∑ _{k= −∞} ^∞ akz ^k .     

Theorems of large deviations in the multivariate invariance principle

Let B be a real separable Banach space with norm |ß|_B, X, X₁, X₂, … be a sequence of centered independent identically distributed random variables taking values in B. Let s_n = s_n(t), 0 ≤ t ≤ 1 be the random broken line such that s_n(0) = 0, s_n(k/n) = n^−1/2 Σ_i=1^k X_i for n = 1, 2, … and k = 1, …, n. Denote |s_n|_B = sup_{0 ≤ t ≤ 1} |s_n(t)|_B and assume that w(t), 0 ≤ t ≤ 1 is the Wiener process such that covariances of w(1) and X are equal. We show that under appropriate conditions P(|s_n|_B > r) = P(|w|_B > r)(1 + o(1)) and give estimates of the remainder term. The results are new already in the case of B having finite dimension.     

On Rado numbers for

For all integers m3 and all natural numbers a₁,a₂,…,a_m−1, let n=R(a₁,a₂,…,a_m−1) represent the least integer such that for every 2-coloring of the set {1,2,…,n} there exists a monochromatic solution to

a₁x₁+a₂x₂++a_m−1x_m−1=x_m.