The strong Novikov conjecture for low degree cohomology

We show that for each discrete group G, the rational assembly map K_*(BG) \otimes Q \to K_*(C*_{max} G) \otimes \Q is injective on classes dual to the subring generated by cohomology classes of degree at most 2 (identifying rational K-homology and homology via the Chern character). Our result implies homotopy invariance of higher signatures associated to these cohomology classes. This consequence was first established by Connes-Gromov-Moscovici and Mathai. Our approach is based on the construction of flat twisting bundles out of sequences of almost flat bundles as first described in our previous work. In contrast to the argument of Mathai, our approach is independent of (and indeed gives a new proof of) the result of Hilsum-Skandalis on the homotopy invariance of the index of the signature operator twisted with bundles of small curvature.Comment: 11 page

Coarse homotopy groups

In this note on coarse geometry we revisit coarse homotopy. We prove that coarse homotopy indeed is an equivalence relation, and this in the most general context of abstract coarse structures. We introduce (in a geometric way) coarse homotopy groups. The main result is that the coarse homotopy groups of a cone over a compact simplicial complex coincide with the usual homotopy groups of the underlying compact simplicial complex. To prove this we develop geometric triangulation techniques for cones which we expect to be of relevance also in different contexts

Katatones Dilemma unter Kombinationsbehandlung mit Lithium und Risperidon

OBJECTIVE: The case of a schizoaffective patient suffering from a malignant catatonic syndrome following combined lithium-risperidone therapy is explored. METHOD: A case report and relevant deliberations regarding pathophysiology of the catatonic dilemma are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: There are two critical transitions in the development of a malignant catatonic syndrome. Dopaminergic system and psychopharmacological factors are supposed to play a key role. However, other neurotransmitter systems and the individual predisposition must be considered

Deaf Children’s Science Content Learning in Direct Instruction versus Interpreted Instruction

This research study compared learning of 6-9th grade deaf students under two modes of educational delivery – interpreted vs. direct instruction using science lessons. Nineteen deaf students participated in the study in which they were taught six science lessons in American Sign Language. In one condition, the lessons were taught by a hearing teacher in English and were translated in ASL via a professional and certified interpreter. In the second condition, the lessons were taught to the students in ASL by a deaf teacher. All students saw three lessons delivered via an interpreter and three different lessons in direct ASL; the order of delivery of each presentation was counter balanced between the two groups of students. Following the instruction, each group was tested on the science lecture materials with six comprehension questions. Results indicated that deaf students who received direct instruction in ASL from the deaf teacher scored higher on content knowledge

Internal Energy of the Potts model on the Triangular Lattice with Two- and Three-body Interactions

We calculate the internal energy of the Potts model on the triangular lattice with two- and three-body interactions at the transition point satisfying certain conditions for coupling constants. The method is a duality transformation. Therefore we have to make assumptions on uniqueness of the transition point and that the transition is of second order. These assumptions have been verified to hold by numerical simulations for q=2, 3 and 4, and our results for the internal energy are expected to be exact in these cases.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figure

Localisation and colocalisation of KK-theory at sets of primes

Given a set of prime numbers S, we localise equivariant bivariant Kasparov theory at S and compare this localisation with Kasparov theory by an exact sequence. More precisely, we define the localisation at S to be KK^G(A,B) tensored with the ring of S-integers Z[S^-1]. We study the properties of the resulting variants of Kasparov theory.Comment: 16 page