On toric \(h\)-vectors of centrally symmetric polytopes (Q2505183)

The generalized \(h\)-vector \(h_P(x)\) of a convex polytope \(P\) was introduced by Stanley to extend the usual \(h\)-vector of simplicial polytopes to general polytopes. In the case of rational polytopes, there is a connexion with algebraic geometry, whence it is also called the toric \(h\)-vector. The most general results about the toric \(h\)-vector are due to \textit{K. Karu} [Invent.\ Math. 152, 419--447 (2004; Zbl 1077.14071)], who established that its terms satisfy a hard Lefschetz theorem. Using the same methods, the author extends to every centrally symmetric \(n\)-polytope \(P\) a result first proved by \textit{R. P. Stanley} [Graphs Comb.\ 3, 55--66 (1987; Zbl 0611.52002)] when \(P\) is rational, namely, that the polynomial \(h_P(x) - (1 + x)^n\) is non-negative with even coefficients, and is palindromic and unimodal.