On an approximation property of Pisot numbers

Let 1<q<2 be a real number, m≥1 be a rational integer and l_m(q)={|P(q)|,P∈Z[X],P(q)≠0,H(P)≤m}, where Z[X] denotes the set of polynomials P with rational integer coefficients and H(P) is the height of P. The value of l_m(q) was determined for many particular Pisot numbers ([3] and [7]). In this paper we determine the infimum and the supremum of the numbers l_m(q) for any fixed m. We also determine the greatest limit point for the case m=1. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

CM fields with a reciprocal unit-primitive element

Let K be a noncyclotomic CM field. We show that the field $K\cap \mathbb{R}$ has a reciprocal unit-primitive element when K does. Also, we prove some related conditions that make the converse of this assertion true.     

Counting derangements, involutions and unimodal elements in the wreath product Cr ? Sn

We count derangements, involutions and unimodal elements in the wreath product C _r ≀ S _n by the numbers of excedances, fixed points and 2-cycles. Properties of the generating functions, including combinatorial formulas, recurrence relations and real-rootedness are studied. The results obtained specialize to those on the symmetric group S _n and on the hyperoctahedral group B _n when r = 1, 2, respectively.     

On integer and fractional parts of powers of Salem numbers

Let N be a positive rational integer and let P be the set of powers of a Salem number of degree d. We prove that for any α∈P the fractional parts of the numbers , when n runs through the set of positive rational integers, are dense in the unit interval if and only if N≦ 2d − 4. We also show that for any α∈P the integer parts of the numbers αⁿ are divisible by N for infinitely many n if and only if N≦ 2d − 3. Received: 27 April 2005