The ζ(2) limit in the random assignment problem

The random assignment (or bipartite matching) problem asks about A_n=min_π ∑c(i, π(i)), where (c(i, j)) is a n×n matrix with i.i.d. entries, say with exponential(1) distribution, and the minimum is over permutations π. Mézard and Parisi (1987) used the replica method from statistical physics to argue nonrigorously that EA_n→ζ(2)=π²/6. Aldous (1992) identified the limit in terms of a matching problem on a limit infinite tree. Here we construct the optimal matching on the infinite tree. This yields a rigorous proof of the ζ(2) limit and of the conjectured limit distribution of edge‐costs and their rank‐orders in the optimal matching. It also yields the asymptotic essential uniqueness property: every almost‐optimal matching coincides with the optimal matching except on a small proportion of edges. ©2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 18: 381–418, 2001     

Packing Steiner trees: polyhedral investigations

LetG=(V, E) be a graph andT⊆V be a node set. We call an edge setS a Steiner tree forT ifS connects all pairs of nodes inT. In this paper we address the following problem, which we call the weighted Steiner tree packing problem. Given a graphG=(V, E) with edge weightsw _e , edge capacitiesc _e ,e∈E, and node setT ₁,…,T _N , find edge setsS ₁,…,S _N such that eachS _k is a Steiner tree forT _k , at mostc _e of these edge sets use edgee for eache∈E, and the sum of the weights of the edge sets is minimal. Our motivation for studying this problem arises from a routing problem in VLSI-design, where given sets of points have to be connected by wires. We consider the Steiner tree packing problem from a polyhedral point of view and define an associated polyhedron, called the Steiner tree packing polyhedron. The goal of this paper is to (partially) describe this polyhedron by means of inequalities. It turns out that, under mild assumptions, each inequality that defines a facet for the (single) Steiner tree polyhedron can be lifted to a facet-defining inequality for the Steiner tree packing polyhedron. The main emphasis of this paper lies on the presentation of so-called joint inequalities that are valid and facet-defining for this polyhedron. Inequalities of this kind involve at least two Steiner trees. The classes of inequalities we have found form the basis of a branch & cut algorithm. This algorithm is described in our companion paper (in this issue).     

Grothendieck Spaces of Compact Operators

In this paper we study the Grothendieck spaces among the operator spaces L_e(E'_c, F). Conditions under which L_e(E'_c, F) contains complemented copy of c₀ are given. We apply these results to spaces of the type C_b(X; F) endowed with strict topologies.     

On tree census and the giant component in sparse random graphs

For each of the two models of a sparse random graph on n vertices, G(n, # of edges = cn/2) and G(n, Prob (edge) = c/n) define t_n(k) as the total number of tree components of size k (1 ≤ k ≤ n). the random sequence {[t_n(k) - nh(k)]n^?1/2} is shown to be Gaussian in the limit n →∞, with h(k) = k^k?2c^k?1e^?kc/k! and covariance function being dependent upon the model. This general result implies, in particular, that, for c> 1, the size of the giant component is asymptotically Gaussian, with mean nθ(c) and variance n(1 ? T)^?2(1 ? 2Tθ)θ(1 ? θ) for the first model and n(1 ? T)^?2θ(1 ? θ) for the second model. Here Te^?T = ce^?c, T<1, and θ = 1 ? T/c. A close technique allows us to prove that, for c < 1, the independence number of G(n, p = c/n) is asymptotically Gaussian with mean nc^?1(β + β²/2) and variance n[c^?1(β + β²/2) ?c^?2(c + 1)β²], where βe^β = c. It is also proven that almost surely the giant component consists of a giant two-connected core of size about n(1 ? T)β and a “mantle” of trees, and possibly few small unicyclic graphs, each sprouting from its own vertex of the core.     

The Baer-invariant of a semidirect product

In 1972 K.I. Tahara [7,2, Theorem 2.2.5], using cohomological methods, showed that if a finite group is the semidirect product of a normal subgroup N and a subgroup T, then M(T) is a direct factor of M(G), where M(G) is the Schur-multiplicator of G and in the finite case, is the second cohomology group of G. In 1977 W. Haebich [1, Theorem 1.7] gave another proof using a different method for an arbitrary group G.In this paper we generalize the above theorem. We will show that scN_cM(T) is a direct factor of _cM(G), where _c[3, p. 102] is the variety of nilpotent groups of class at most c ≥ 1 and _cM(G) is the Baer-invariant of the group G with respect to the variety _c [3, p. 107].     

Analysis of algorithms for an online version of the convoy movement problem

In the convoy movement problem (CMP), a set of convoys must be routed from specified origins to destinations in a transportation network, represented by an undirected graph. Two convoys may not cross each other on the same edge while travelling in opposing directions, a restriction referred to as blocking. However, convoys are permitted to follow each other on the same edge, with a specified headway separating them, but no overtaking is permitted. Further, the convoys to be routed are distinguished based on their length. Particle convoys have zero length and are permitted to traverse an edge simultaneously, whereas convoys with non-zero length have to follow each other, observing a headway. The objective is to minimize the total time taken by convoys to travel from their origins to their destinations, given the travel constraints on the edges. We consider an online version of the CMP where convoy demands arise dynamically over time. For the special case of particle convoys, we present an algorithm that has a competitive ratio of 3 in the worst case and (5/2) on average. For the particle convoy problem, we also present an alternate, randomized algorithm that provides a competitive ratio of (√13?1). We then extend the results to the case of convoys with length, which leads to an algorithm with an O(T+CL) competitive ratio, where T={Max _e t(e)}/{Min _e t(e)}, C is the maximum congestion (the number of distinct convoy origin–destination pairs that use any edge e) and L={Max _c L(c)}/{Min _c L(c)}; here L(c)>0 represents the time-headway to be observed by any convoy that follows c and t(e) represents the travel time for a convoy c on edge e.     

The adaptable choosability number grows with the choosability number

The adaptable choosability number of a multigraph G, denoted ch_a(G), is the smallest integer k such that every edge labeling of G and assignment of lists of size k to the vertices of G permits a list coloring of G in which no edge e=uv has both u and v colored with the label of e. We show that ch_a grows with ch, i.e. there is a function f tending to infinity such that ch_a(G)≥f(ch(G)).     

A phase transition for avoiding a giant component

Let c be a constant and (e₁,f₁),(e₂,f₂),…,(e_cn,f_cn) be a sequence of ordered pairs of edges from the complete graph K_n chosen uniformly and independently at random. We prove that there exists a constant c₂ such that if c > c₂, then whp every graph which contains at least one edge from each ordered pair (e_i,f_i) has a component of size Ω(n), and, if c < c₂, then whp there is a graph containing at least one edge from each pair that has no component with more than O(n^1?? vertices, where ? is a constant that depends on c₂ ? c. The constant c₂ is roughly 0.97677. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006     

Note on the heights of random recursive trees and random m-ary search trees

A process of growing a random recursive tree T_n is studied. The sequence {T_n} is shown to be a sequence of “snapshots” of a Crump–Mode branching process. This connection and a theorem by Kingman are used to show quickly that the height of T_n is asymptotic, with probability one, to c log n. In particular, c = e = 2.718 … for the uniform recursive tree, and c = (2γ)^?1, where γe^1+γ = 1, for the ordered recursive tree. An analogous reduction provides a short proof of Devroye's limit law for the height of a random m-ary search tree. We show finally a close connection between another Devroye's result, on the height of a random union-find tree, and our theorem on the height of the uniform recursive tree. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Lower bounds on signed edge total domination numbers in graphs

The open neighborhood N _G (e) of an edge e in a graph G is the set consisting of all edges having a common end-vertex with e. Let f be a function on E(G), the edge set of G, into the set {−1, 1}. If for each e ∈ E(G), then f is called a signed edge total dominating function of G. The minimum of the values , taken over all signed edge total dominating function f of G, is called the signed edge total domination number of G and is denoted by γ _st ′(G). Obviously, γ _st ′(G) is defined only for graphs G which have no connected components isomorphic to K ₂. In this paper we present some lower bounds for γ _st ′(G). In particular, we prove that γ _st ′(T) ⩾ 2 − m/3 for every tree T of size m ⩾ 2. We also classify all trees T with γ _st ′(T). Research supported by a Faculty Research Grant, University of West Georgia.     

On vertex-coloring edge-weighting of graphs

A k-edge-weighting w of a graph G is an assignment of an integer weight, w(e) ∈ {1,…,k}, to each edge e. An edge-weighting naturally induces a vertex coloring c by defining c(u) = Σ _e∋u w(e) for every u ∈ V (G). A k-edge-weighting of a graph G is vertex-coloring if the induced coloring c is proper, i.e., c(u) ≠ c(v) for any edge uv ∈ E(G). When k ≡ 2 (mod 4) and k ⩾ 6, we prove that if G is k-colorable and 2-connected, δ(G) ⩾ k − 1, then G admits a vertex-coloring k-edge-weighting. We also obtain several sufficient conditions for graphs to be vertex-coloring k-edge-weighting.      

Contractible subgraphs in k‐connected graphs

For a graph G we define a graph T(G) whose vertices are the triangles in G and two vertices of T(G) are adjacent if their corresponding triangles in G share an edge. Kawarabayashi showed that if G is a k‐connected graph and T(G) contains no edge, then G admits a k‐contractible clique of size at most 3, generalizing an earlier result of Thomassen. In this paper, we further generalize Kawarabayashi's result by showing that if G is k‐connected and the maximum degree of T(G) is at most 1, then G admits a k‐contractible clique of size at most 3 or there exist independent edges e and f of G such that e and f are contained in triangles sharing an edge and G/e/f is k‐connected. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 55: 121–136, 2007     

The size-Ramsey number of trees

IfG andH are graphs, let us writeG→(H)₂ ifG contains a monochromatic copy ofH in any 2-colouring of the edges ofG. Thesize-Ramsey number r _e(H) of a graphH is the smallest possible number of edges a graphG may have ifG→(H)₂. SupposeT is a tree of order |T|≥2, and lett ₀,t ₁ be the cardinalities of the vertex classes ofT as a bipartite graph, and let Δ(T) be the maximal degree ofT. Moreover, let Δ₀, Δ₁ be the maxima of the degrees of the vertices in the respective vertex classes, and letβ(T)=T ₀Δ₀+t ₁Δ₁. Beck [7] proved thatβ(T)/4≤r _e(T)=O{β(T)(log|T|)¹²}, improving on a previous result of his [6] stating thatr _e(T)≤Δ(T)|T|(log|T|)¹². In [6], Beck conjectures thatr _e(T)=O{Δ(T)|T|}, and in [7] he puts forward the stronger conjecture thatr _e(T)=O{β(T)}. Here, we prove the first of these conjectures, and come quite close to proving the second by showing thatr _e(T)=O{β(T)logΔ(T)}.     

On Singular Curves in the Case of Positive Characteristic

Nuclear convergence spaces are studied. It is shown that an L_e-embedded convergence vector space E is L_eL_M-embedded if it is Schwartz and satisfies a certain countability condition which expresses that the set of filters converging to zero is essentially countable. Further it is shown that if E is L_eL_M-embedded and nuclear, then the identity E → E can be approximated with finite operators in the equable continuous convergence structure on L(E, E). This result is used in the study of the spectrum Hom_cH_e(U) of the convergence algebra H_e(U) of holomorphic functions on a circled convex open set to prove sufficient conditions for the validity of the formula Hom_cH_e(U) ～ U.     

On some operators inc 0

Theorem. Let S be a bounded Suslin set in the plane. Then there is a bounded linear operator T in c_o, whose point spectrum σ _e (T)=S.     

On the Erd s-Ginzburg-Ziv theorem and the Ramsey numbers for stars and matchings

A link between Ramsey numbers for stars and matchings and the Erd s-Ginzburg-Ziv theorem is established. Known results are generalized. Among other results we prove the following two theorems. Theorem 5. Let m be an even integer. If c : e (K_2m−1)→{0, 1,…, m−1} is a mapping of the edges of the complete graph on 2m−1 vertices into {0, 1,…, m−1}, then there exists a star K_1,m in K_2m−1 with edges e₁, e₂,…, e_m such that c(e₁)+c(e₂)++c(e_m)≡0 (mod m). Theorem 8. Let m be an integer. If c : e(K^r_(r+1)m−1)→{0, 1,…, m−1} is a mapping of all the r-subsets of an (r+1)m−1 element set S into {0, 1,…, m−1}, then there are m pairwise disjoint r-subsets Z₁, Z₂,…, Z_m of S such that c(Z₁)+c(Z₂)++c(Z_m)≡0 (mod m).     

Prophet inequalities for cost of observation stopping problems

Comparisons are made between the expected gain of a prophet (an observer with complete foresight) and the maximal expected gain of a gambler (using only non-anticipating stopping times) observing a sequence of independent, uniformly bounded random variables where a non-negative fixed cost is charged for each observation. Sharp universal bounds are obtained under various restrictions on the cost and the length of the sequence. For example, it is shown for X₁, X₂, … independent, [0, 1]-valued random variables that for all c ≥ 0 and all n ≥ 1 that E(max_{1 ≤ j ≤ n}(X_j − jc)) − sup_{t Tn} E(X_t − tc) ≤ 1/e, where T_n is the collection of all stopping times t which are less than or equal to n almost surely.     

Degree Bounded Spanning Trees

In this paper, we give a sufficient condition for a graph to have a degree bounded spanning tree. Let n ≥ 1, k ≥ 3, c ≥ 0 and G be an n-connected graph. Suppose that for every independent set ${S \subseteq V(G)}In this paper, we give a sufficient condition for a graph to have a degree bounded spanning tree. Let n ≥ 1, k ≥ 3, c ≥ 0 and G be an n-connected graph. Suppose that for every independent set S í V(G){S \subseteq V(G)} of cardinality n(k−1) + c + 2, there exists a vertex set X í S{X \subseteq S} of cardinality k such that the degree sum of vertices in X is at least |V(G)| − c −1. Then G has a spanning tree T with maximum degree at most k+éc/nù{k+\lceil c/n\rceil} and ?_{v ? V(T)}max{d_T(v)-k,0} ￡ c{\sum_{v\in V(T)}\max\{d_T(v)-k,0\}\leq c} .