On the inverse Kostka matrix (Q1406747)

The Kostka matrix \(K_m=(K_{\lambda,\mu})\) is the transition matrix expressing the Schur functions \(s_{\lambda}\), \(\lambda\vdash m\), as linear combinations of monomial symmetric functions \(m_{\mu}\) of the same degree. \textit{Ö. Egecioglu} and \textit{J. B. Remmel} [Linear Multilinear Algebra 26, 59-84 (1990; Zbl 0735.05013)] gave a combinatorial interpretation and recurrent formula for the inverse Kostka matrix \(K_m^{-1}\). The purpose of the paper under review is to present another combinatorial characterization and another recurrent formula for \(K_m^{-1}\). The paper contains also explicit formulas for the entries of \(K_m^{-1}\) for special \(\lambda\) and \(\mu\). The author applies the results to the topology of the classifying space \(BU(n)\) of the complex unitary group \(U(n)\).