Isomorphisms between big mapping class groups

We show that any isomorphism between mapping class groups of orientable infinite-type surfaces is induced by a homeomorphism between the surfaces. Our argument additionally applies to automorphisms between finite-index subgroups of these `big' mapping class groups and shows that each finite-index subgroup has finite outer automorphism group. As a key ingredient, we prove that all simplicial automorphisms between curve complexes of infinite-type orientable surfaces are induced by homeomorphisms.Comment: v3: 11 pages; updated and added references; final version to appear in IMR

Unbounded asymmetry of stretch factors

A result of Handel-Mosher guarantees that the ratio of logarithms of stretch factors of any fully irreducible automorphism of the free group $F_N$ and its inverse is bounded by a constant $C_N$. In this short note we show that this constant $C_N$ cannot be chosen independent of $N$.Comment: 2 page