Twisted incidence algebras and Kazhdan-Lusztig-Stanley functions (Q1969014)

The proposition that ``real combinatorial formulas'' must have algebra(s) to explain them is not really farfetched and this paper is an excellent example in support. Given a locally finite poset \(P\), it defines among others, an incidence algebra \(I\) with coefficients in a commutative ring \(R\), whose properties reflect those of the poset with more or less accuracy depending on both \(P\) and \(R\). Other algebras are also reflective of properties of \(P\) in differing ways. Here another algebra is cleverly defined on the elements of the incidence algebra with coefficients real polynomials in a distinct way to produce a non-associative algebra over the reals which may be extended to an algebra with identity containing the original ``twisted incidence algebra'' as an ideal. It is shown that elements having right inverses generate formulas which in suitable cases (\(P\)-kernels) become ``explanations'' of well-known functions in the combinatorial/algebraic theory of locally-finite posets, viz., the Kazhdan-Lusztig-Stanley functions and a variety of specializations thereof (i.e. including the parabolic and inverse parabolic Kazhdan-Lusztig polynomials for the generalized (toric) \(h\)-vector of an Eulerian poset and the Lusztig-Vogan polynomials).