Some properties of several functions involving polygamma functions and originating from the sectional curvature of the beta manifold (Q2211222)

The sectional curvature \(K(x,y)\) of the Fisher metric \(ds^2=\psi'(x) dx^2+\psi'(y) dy^2-\psi'(x+y) (dx+dy)^2\) on the first quadrant \(M\) of the \(x, y\)-plane is \[ K(x,y)=\frac{\psi''(x)\psi''(y)\psi''(x+y)A}{4\{(\psi'(x)+\psi'(y))\psi'(x+y)-\psi'(x)\psi'(y)\}^2}, \] where \(A:=\psi'(x)/\psi''(x)+\psi'(y)/\psi''(y)-\psi'(x+y)/\psi''(x+y)\), with \(\psi(x)\) being the logarithmic derivative of \(\Gamma(x)\). It is shown that \(K(x,y)\) is analytic on \(M\). Various limits of \(K(x,y)\) are obtained such as \((x,y)\to(0,0)\), \((x,y)\to(\infty,\infty)\), \((x,y)\to (0,\infty)\) and \((x,y)\to(\infty,0)\). The author states an open conjecture concerning the boundedness of \(K(x,y)\), namely that \(-1/2<K(x,y)<0\). The complete monotonicity on \((0,\infty)\) of two functions involving derivatives of \(\psi(x)\) is demonstrated. Finally, a sharp double inequality is obtained for the function \[ (\psi'(x)+x\psi''(x))/((x\psi'(x)-1)^2) \] for \(x\in (0,\infty)\).