Splitting of Gysin extensions

Let X --> B be an orientable sphere bundle. Its Gysin sequence exhibits H^*(X) as an extension of H^*(B)-modules. We prove that the class of this extension is the image of a canonical class that we define in the Hochschild 3-cohomology of H^*(B), corresponding to a component of its A_infty-structure, and generalizing the Massey triple product. We identify two cases where this class vanishes, so that the Gysin extension is split. The first, with rational coefficients, is that where B is a formal space; the second, with integer coefficients, is where B is a torus.Comment: Published by Algebraic and Geometric Topology at http://www.maths.warwick.ac.uk/agt/AGTVol1/agt-1-37.abs.htm

Hermitian K-theory of the integers

The 2-primary torsion of the higher algebraic K-theory of the integers has been computed by Rognes and Weibel. In this paper we prove analogous results for the Hermitian K-theory of the integers with 2 inverted (denoted by Z'). We also prove in this case the analog of the Lichtenbaum conjecture for the hermitian K-theory of Z' : the homotopy fixed point set of a suitable Z/2 action on the classifying space of the algebraic K-theory of Z' is the hermitian K-theory of Z' after 2-adic completion.Comment: 36 pages ; see also http://www.math.jussieu.fr/~karoubi/ and http://www.math.nus.edu.sg/~matberic

Homological realization of prescribed abelian groups via KK-theory

Using algebraic and topological K-theory together with complex C^*-algebras, we prove that every abelian group may be realized as the centre of a strongly torsion generated group whose integral homology is zero in dimension one and isomorphic to two arbitrarily prescribed abelian groups in dimensions two and three.Comment: 10 page

The homotopy fixed point theorem and the Quillen-Lichtenbaum conjecture in hermitian K-theory

Let X be a noetherian scheme of finite Krull dimension, having 2 invertible in its ring of regular functions, an ample family of line bundles, and a global bound on the virtual mod-2 cohomological dimensions of its residue fields. We prove that the comparison map from the hermitian K-theory of X to the homotopy fixed points of K-theory under the natural Z/2-action is a 2-adic equivalence in general, and an integral equivalence when X has no formally real residue field. We also show that the comparison map between the higher Grothendieck-Witt (hermitian K-) theory of X and its \'etale version is an isomorphism on homotopy groups in the same range as for the Quillen-Lichtenbaum conjecture in K-theory. Applications compute higher Grothendieck-Witt groups of complex algebraic varieties and rings of 2-integers in number fields, and hence values of Dedekind zeta-functions.Comment: 17 pages, to appear in Adv. Mat

Homological realization of prescribed abelian groups via K-theory

Using algebraic and topological K-theory together with complex C*-algebras, we prove that every abelian group may be realized as the centre of a strongly torsion generated group whose integral homology is zero in dimension one and isomorphic to two arbitrarily prescribed abelian groups in dimensions two and thre

Phasing-out tobacco: proposal to deny access to tobacco for those born from 2000

As a contribution to worldwide efforts towards a tobacco-free society, this paper considers the possibility of a long-term phasing-in of a total ban, by proposing that individuals born in or after the year 2000 have their supply of tobacco restricted. In conjunction, a survey that we have conducted in Singapore indicates strong public support (even among current smokers) for the proposal