On improved Sobolev embedding theorems (Q1429371)

It is known that any function \(f\) on \(\mathbb{R}^n\) vanishing at infinity in some mild sense satisfies the Sobolev inequality \(| | f| | _q\leq C| | \nabla f| | _1\), where \(q=n/(n-1)\) and \(C>0\) only depends on \(n\). In their study of the space \(BV(\mathbb{R}^2)\) \textit{A. Cohen} et al. [Am. J. Math. 121, 587-628 (1999; Zbl 0931.41019)] obtained an improved version of this inequality by using wavelet decompositions together with weak-\(l^1\) type estimates and interpolation results. The author of the present article presents a new proof of the improved Sobolev inequality, based on direct semigroup argument without any use of wavelet decomposition. Various extensions of the argument to similar inequalities in a more general framework are also analysed.