Quotient algebras of Stanley-Reisner rings and local cohomology (Q1175751)

If a finite simplicial complex \(\Delta\) and a field \(k\) are given then construct the \(k\)-algebra \(k[\Delta]\) generated by the vertices of \(\Delta\) and subject to the relations determined by the requirement that a monomial should be zero if the set of generators appearing in it does not form a simplex of \(\Delta\); this ring \(k[\Delta]\) is called the ``Stanley-Reiser ring of \(\Delta\) over \(k\)'' and it can be considered as a module over the corresponding polynomial ring. The simplicial complex \(\Delta\) is called ``Cohen-Macaulay'' (resp. ``Buchsbaum'') if the module \(k[\Delta]\) is Cohen-Macaulay (resp. Buchsbaum) (see the author [Nagoya Math. J. 107, 91-113 (1987; Zbl 0601.13011)] and \textit{R. Stanley} [Combinatorics and commutative algebra (1983; Zbl 0537.13009)]. The author's main result -- his ``foggy rank selection theorem'' -- says that these properties are preserved by the transition to so-called quasi- hereditary subcomplexes. It is applied to obtain general versions of the rank selection theorems of \textit{J. Munkres} [Mich. Math. J. 31, 113-128 (1984; Zbl 0585.57014)] and \textit{R. Stanley} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 249, 139-157 (1979; Zbl 0411.05012)].