Torus actions, maximality, and non-negative curvature

Let ℳ 0 n {\mathcal{M}_{0}^{n}} be the class of closed, simply connected, non-negatively curved Riemannian n-manifolds admitting an isometric, effective, isotropy-maximal torus action. We prove that if M ∈ ℳ 0 n {M\in\mathcal{M}_{0}^{n}} , then M is equivariantly diffeomorphic to the free, linear quotient by a torus of a product of spheres of dimensions greater than or equal to 3. As a special case, we then prove the Maximal Symmetry Rank Conjecture for all M ∈ ℳ 0 n {M\in\mathcal{M}_{0}^{n}} . Finally, we show the Maximal Symmetry Rank Conjecture for simply connected, non-negatively curved manifolds holds for dimensions less than or equal to 9 without additional assumptions on the torus action.

Coxeter groups and meridional rank of links

We prove the meridional rank conjecture for twisted links and arborescent links associated to bipartite trees with even weights. These links are substantial generalizations of pretzels and two-bridge links, respectively. Lower bounds on meridional rank are obtained via Coxeter quotients of the groups of link complements. Matching upper bounds on bridge number are found using the Wirtinger numbers of link diagrams, a combinatorial tool developed by the authors.