A unified framework for generalized multicategories

Notions of generalized multicategory have been defined in numerous contexts throughout the literature, and include such diverse examples as symmetric multicategories, globular operads, Lawvere theories, and topological spaces. In each case, generalized multicategories are defined as the "lax algebras" or "Kleisli monoids" relative to a "monad" on a bicategory. However, the meanings of these words differ from author to author, as do the specific bicategories considered. We propose a unified framework: by working with monads on double categories and related structures (rather than bicategories), one can define generalized multicategories in a way that unifies all previous examples, while at the same time simplifying and clarifying much of the theory.Comment: 76 pages; final version, to appear in TA

Reduced spectral synthesis and compact operator synthesis

We introduce and study the notion of reduced spectral synthesis, which unifies the concepts of spectral synthesis and uniqueness in locally compact groups. We exhibit a number of examples and prove that every non-discrete locally compact group with an open abelian subgroup has a subset that fails reduced spectral synthesis. We introduce compact operator synthesis as an operator algebraic counterpart of this notion and link it with other exceptional sets in operator algebra theory, studied previously. We show that a closed subset $E$ of a second countable locally compact group $G$ satisfies reduced local spectral synthesis if and only if the subset $E^* = \{(s,t) : ts^{-1}\in E\}$ of $G\times G$ satisfies compact operator synthesis. We apply our results to questions about the equivalence of linear operator equations with normal commuting coefficients on Schatten $p$-classes.Comment: 43 page

Sets of multiplicity and closable multipliers on group algebras

We undertake a detailed study of the sets of multiplicity in a second countable locally compact group $G$ and their operator versions. We establish a symbolic calculus for normal completely bounded maps from the space $\mathcal{B}(L^2(G))$ of bounded linear operators on $L^2(G)$ into the von Neumann algebra $VN(G)$ of $G$ and use it to show that a closed subset $E\subseteq G$ is a set of multiplicity if and only if the set $E^* = \{(s,t)\in G\times G : ts^{-1}\in E\}$ is a set of operator multiplicity. Analogous results are established for $M_1$-sets and $M_0$-sets. We show that the property of being a set of multiplicity is preserved under various operations, including taking direct products, and establish an Inverse Image Theorem for such sets. We characterise the sets of finite width that are also sets of operator multiplicity, and show that every compact operator supported on a set of finite width can be approximated by sums of rank one operators supported on the same set. We show that, if $G$ satisfies a mild approximation condition, pointwise multiplication by a given measurable function $\psi : G\to \mathbb{C}$ defines a closable multiplier on the reduced C*-algebra $C_r^*(G)$ of $G$ if and only if Schur multiplication by the function $N(\psi) : G\times G\to \mathbb{C}$, given by $N(\psi)(s,t) = \psi(ts^{-1})$, is a closable operator when viewed as a densely defined linear map on the space of compact operators on $L^2(G)$. Similar results are obtained for multipliers on $VN(G)$.Comment: 51 page

Closable Multipliers

Let (X,m) and (Y,n) be standard measure spaces. A function f in $L^\infty(X\times Y,m\times n)$ is called a (measurable) Schur multiplier if the map $S_f$, defined on the space of Hilbert-Schmidt operators from $L_2(X,m)$ to $L_2(Y,n)$ by multiplying their integral kernels by f, is bounded in the operator norm. The paper studies measurable functions f for which $S_f$ is closable in the norm topology or in the weak* topology. We obtain a characterisation of w*-closable multipliers and relate the question about norm closability to the theory of operator synthesis. We also study multipliers of two special types: if f is of Toeplitz type, that is, if f(x,y)=h(x-y), x,y in G, where G is a locally compact abelian group, then the closability of f is related to the local inclusion of h in the Fourier algebra A(G) of G. If f is a divided difference, that is, a function of the form (h(x)-h(y))/(x-y), then its closability is related to the "operator smoothness" of the function h. A number of examples of non-closable, norm closable and w*-closable multipliers are presented.Comment: 35 page

Behavioural clusters and predictors of performance during recovery from stroke

We examined the patterns and variability of recovery post-stroke in multiple behavioral domains. A large cohort of first time stroke patients with heterogeneous lesions was studied prospectively and longitudinally at 1-2 weeks, 3 months and one year post-injury with structural MRI to measure lesion anatomy and in-depth neuropsychological assessment. Impairment was described at all timepoints by a few clusters of correlated deficits. The time course and magnitude of recovery was similar across domains, with change scores largely proportional to the initial deficit and most recovery occurring within the first three months. Damage to specific white matter tracts produced poorer recovery over several domains: attention and superior longitudinal fasciculus II/III, language and posterior arcuate fasciculus, motor and corticospinal tract. Finally, after accounting for the severity of the initial deficit, language and visual memory recovery/outcome was worse with lower education, while the occurrence of multiple deficits negatively impacted attention recovery

Reduced synthesis in harmonic analysis and compact synthesis in operator theory

The notion of reduced synthesis in the context of harmonic analysis on general locally compact groups is introduced; in the classical situation of commutative groups, this notion means that a function f in the Fourier algebra is annihilated by any pseudofunction supported on f −1(0). A relationship between reduced synthesis and compact synthesis (i.e., the possibility of approximating compact operators by pseudointegral ones without increasing the support) is determined, which makes it possible to obtain new results both in operator theory and in harmonic analysis. Applications to the theory of linear operator equations are also given

Tensor products of subspace lattices and rank one density

We show that, if $M$ is a subspace lattice with the property that the rank one subspace of its operator algebra is weak* dense, $L$ is a commutative subspace lattice and $P$ is the lattice of all projections on a separable infinite dimensional Hilbert space, then the lattice $L\otimes M\otimes P$ is reflexive. If $M$ is moreover an atomic Boolean subspace lattice while $L$ is any subspace lattice, we provide a concrete lattice theoretic description of $L\otimes M$ in terms of projection valued functions defined on the set of atoms of $M$. As a consequence, we show that the Lattice Tensor Product Formula holds for \Alg M and any other reflexive operator algebra and give several further corollaries of these results.Comment: 15 page

Path integrals on a flux cone

This paper considers the Schroedinger propagator on a cone with the conical singularity carrying magnetic flux (``flux cone''). Starting from the operator formalism and then combining techniques of path integration in polar coordinates and in spaces with constraints, the propagator and its path integral representation are derived. "Quantum correction" in the Lagrangian appears naturally and no a priori assumption is made about connectivity of the configuration space.Comment: LaTeX file, 9 page

Why 'scaffolding' is the wrong metaphor : the cognitive usefulness of mathematical representations.

The metaphor of scaffolding has become current in discussions of the cognitive help we get from artefacts, environmental affordances and each other. Consideration of mathematical tools and representations indicates that in these cases at least (and plausibly for others), scaffolding is the wrong picture, because scaffolding in good order is immobile, temporary and crude. Mathematical representations can be manipulated, are not temporary structures to aid development, and are refined. Reflection on examples from elementary algebra indicates that Menary is on the right track with his ‘enculturation’ view of mathematical cognition. Moreover, these examples allow us to elaborate his remarks on the uniqueness of mathematical representations and their role in the emergence of new thoughts.Peer reviewe

Entry in the ADHD drugs market: Welfare impact of generics and me-toos

Recent decades have seen a growth in treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) including many branded and generic drugs. In the early 2000's, new drug entry dramatically altered market shares. We estimate a demand system for ADHD drugs and assess the welfare impact of new drugs. We find that entry induced large welfare gains by reducing prices of substitute drugs, and by providing alternative delivery mechanisms for existing molecules. Our results suggest that the success of follow-on patented drugs may come from unanticipated innovations like delivery mechanisms, a factor ignored by proposals to retard new follow-on drug approvals