Noncommutative Figa-Talamanca-Herz algebras for Schur multipliers

We introduce a noncommutative analogue of the Fig\'a-Talamanca-Herz algebra $A_p(G)$ on the natural predual of the operator space $\frak{M}_{p,cb}$ of completely bounded Schur multipliers on Schatten space $S_p$. We determine the isometric Schur multipliers and prove that the space $\frak{M}_{p}$ of bounded Schur multipliers on Schatten space $S_p$ is the closure in the weak operator topology of the span of isometric multipliers.Comment: 24 pages; corrected typo

Shift invariant preduals of ℓ₁(ℤ)

The Banach space ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ) admits many non-isomorphic preduals, for example, C(K) for any compact countable space K, along with many more exotic Banach spaces. In this paper, we impose an extra condition: the predual must make the bilateral shift on ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ) weak<sup>*</sup>-continuous. This is equivalent to making the natural convolution multiplication on ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ) separately weak*-continuous and so turning ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ) into a dual Banach algebra. We call such preduals <i>shift-invariant</i>. It is known that the only shift-invariant predual arising from the standard duality between C<sub>0</sub>(K) (for countable locally compact K) and ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ) is c<sub>0</sub>(ℤ). We provide an explicit construction of an uncountable family of distinct preduals which do make the bilateral shift weak<sup>*</sup>-continuous. Using Szlenk index arguments, we show that merely as Banach spaces, these are all isomorphic to c<sub>0</sub>. We then build some theory to study such preduals, showing that they arise from certain semigroup compactifications of ℤ. This allows us to produce a large number of other examples, including non-isometric preduals, and preduals which are not Banach space isomorphic to c<sub>0</sub>

Notions of Infinity in Quantum Physics

In this article we will review some notions of infiniteness that appear in Hilbert space operators and operator algebras. These include proper infiniteness, Murray von Neumann's classification into type I and type III factors and the class of F{/o} lner C*-algebras that capture some aspects of amenability. We will also mention how these notions reappear in the description of certain mathematical aspects of quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and the theory of superselection sectors. We also show that the algebra of the canonical anti-commutation relations (CAR-algebra) is in the class of F{/o} lner C*-algebras.Comment: 11 page

PCR diagnostics and monitoring of adenoviral infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients

After stem cell transplantation, human patients are prone to life-threatening opportunistic infections with a plethora of microorganisms. We report a retrospective study on 116 patients (98 children, 18 adults) who were transplanted in a pediatric bone marrow transplantation unit. Blood, urine and stool samples were collected and monitored for adenovirus (AdV) DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) on a regular basis. AdV DNA was detected in 52 (44.8%) patients, with mortality reaching 19% in this subgroup. Variables associated with adenovirus infection were transplantations from matched unrelated donors and older age of the recipient. An increased seasonal occurrence of adenoviral infections was observed in autumn and winter. Analysis of immune reconstitution showed a higher incidence of AdV infections during periods of low T-lymphocyte count. This study also showed a strong interaction between co-infections of AdV and BK polyomavirus in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantations

Variety of Methodological Approach in Economics

It has been argued by some that the distinction between orthodox economics and heterodox economics does not fit the growing variety in economic theory, unified by a common methodological approach. On the other hand, it remains a central characteristic of heterodox economics that it does not share this methodological approach, but rather represents a range of alternative methodological approaches. The paper explores the evidence, and arguments, for variety in economics at different levels, and a range of issues which arise. This requires in turn a discussion of the meaning of variety in economics at the different levels of reality, methodology, method and theory. It is concluded that there is scope for more, rather than less, variety in economic methodologies, as well as within methodologies. Further, if variety is not to take the form of “anything goes”, then critical discussion by economists of different approaches to economics, and of variety itself, is required

Economic Analysis of Knowledge: The History of Thought and the Central Themes

Following the development of knowledge economies, there has been a rapid expansion of economic analysis of knowledge, both in the context of technological knowledge in particular and the decision theory in general. This paper surveys this literature by identifying the main themes and contributions and outlines the future prospects of the discipline. The wide scope of knowledge related questions in terms of applicability and alternative approaches has led to the fragmentation of research. Nevertheless, one can identify a continuing tradition which analyses various aspects of the generation, dissemination and use of knowledge in the economy

Liquidity Preference Theory Revisited - To Ditch or to Build on it?

This paper revisits Keynes's liquidity preference theory as it evolved from the Treatise on Money to The General Theory and after, with a view of assessing the theory's ongoing relevance and applicability to issues of both monetary theory and policy. Contrary to the neoclassical special case interpretation, Keynes considered his liquidity preference theory of interest as a replacement for flawed saving or loanable funds theories of interest emphasizing the real forces of productivity and thrift. His point was that it is money, not saving, which is the necessary prerequisite for economic activity in monetary production economies. Accordingly, turning neoclassical wisdom on its head, it is the terms of finance as determined within the financial system that rule the roost to which the real economy must adapt itself. The key practical matter is how deliberate monetary control can be applied to attain acceptable real performance. In this regard, it is argued that Keynes's analysis offers insights into practical issues, such as policy credibility and expectations management, that reach well beyond both heterodox endogenous money approaches and modern Wicksellian orthodoxy, which remains trapped in the illusion of money neutrality