\(g\)-elements, finite buildings and higher Cohen-Macaulay connectivity. (Q855828)

\textit{M. K. Chari} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 349, 3925--3943 (1997; Zbl 0889.52013)] proved that if \(\Delta\) is a \((d-1)\)-dimensional simplicial complex with a convex ear decomposition, then \(h_0\leq\dots\leq h_{\lfloor d/2\rfloor}\). \textit{K. Nyman} and \textit{E. Swartz} [Discrete Comput. Geom. 32, 533--548 (2004; Zbl 1071.52014)] raised the problem of whether or not the corresponding \(g\)-vector is an \(M\)-vector. This is proved to be true by showing that the set of pairs \((\omega, \Theta)\), where \(\Theta\) is a l.s.o.p. for \(k[\Delta]\), the face ring of \(\Delta\), and \(\omega\) is a \(g\)-element for \(k[\Delta]/\Theta\), is nonempty whenever the characteristic of \(k\) is zero. Finite buildings have a convex ear decomposition. These decompositions point to inequalities on the flag \(h\)-vector of such spaces similar in spirit to those examined by \textit{K. Nyman} and the author [loc. cit.] for order complexes of geometric lattices. This also leads to connections between higher Cohen-Macaulay connectivity and conditions which insure that \(h_0<\cdots <h_i\) for a predetermined \(i\).