Automorphism groups of polycyclic-by-finite groups and arithmetic groups

We show that the outer automorphism group of a polycyclic-by-finite group is an arithmetic group. This result follows from a detailed structural analysis of the automorphism groups of such groups. We use an extended version of the theory of the algebraic hull functor initiated by Mostow. We thus make applicable refined methods from the theory of algebraic and arithmetic groups. We also construct examples of polycyclic-by-finite groups which have an automorphism group which does not contain an arithmetic group of finite index. Finally we discuss applications of our results to the groups of homotopy self-equivalences of K(\Gamma, 1)-spaces and obtain an extension of arithmeticity results of Sullivan in rational homotopy theory

Actions of arithmetic groups on homology spheres and acyclic homology manifolds

We establish lower bounds on the dimensions in which arithmetic groups with torsion can act on acyclic manifolds and homology spheres. The bounds rely on the existence of elementary p-groups in the groups concerned. In some cases, including Sp(2n,Z), the bounds we obtain are sharp: if X is a generalized Z/3-homology sphere of dimension less than 2n-1 or a Z/3-acyclic Z/3-homology manifold of dimension less than 2n, and if n \geq 3, then any action of Sp(2n,Z) by homeomorphisms on X is trivial; if n = 2, then every action of Sp(2n,Z) on X factors through the abelianization of Sp(4,Z), which is Z/2.Comment: Final version, to appear in Math Zeitschrif

Déplacés et réfugiés : la mobilité sous contrainte

Les déplacements de population ont évolué au cours des dernières décennies. Aux migrations économiques sont venus s'ajouter les déplacements liés aux conflits armés. Dans un cas comme dans l'autre, il est souvent question de retours. Examiner ces derniers comme indissociables du complexe formé par la réconciliation, la réhabilitatin et la reconstruciton, apparaît indispensable pour qui souhaite agir dans l'"espace-temps" de la réinstallation des réfugiés de la guerre. Parce que les populations restent traumatisées par les événements ayant suscité leur départ, le retour est un moment crucial que les institutions humanitaires devraient accompagner jusqu'à la réinstallation. Autrement dit, défendre les droits de ceux qui rentrent et agir en tenant compte des causes de départ est nécessaire à la réintégration. (Résumé d'auteur

A commutator description of the solvable radical of a finite group

We are looking for the smallest integer k>1 providing the following characterization of the solvable radical R(G) of any finite group G: R(G) coincides with the collection of all g such that for any k elements a_1,a_2,...,a_k the subgroup generated by the elements g, a_iga_i^{-1}, i=1,...,k, is solvable. We consider a similar problem of finding the smallest integer l>1 with the property that R(G) coincides with the collection of all g such that for any l elements b_1,b_2,...,b_l the subgroup generated by the commutators [g,b_i], i=1,...,l, is solvable. Conjecturally, k=l=3. We prove that both k and l are at most 7. In particular, this means that a finite group G is solvable if and only if in each conjugacy class of G every 8 elements generate a solvable subgroup

The effect of physical characteristics on cow price differentials in Kansas

A survey of cow sales was conducted in the fall of 1986 and spring of 1987 at seven Kansas cattle auctions. Several factors significantly influenced cow prices, including health, estimated dressing percentage, lot size, breed, and time of sale. Changes in dressing percentage explained the major portion of cow price variation

The effect of physical characteristics on the price of stocker and feeder cattle

A survey of feeder cattle sales was conducted at seven Kansas cattle auctions during 1986 and 1987. A wide variety of physical characteristics was found to influence feeder cattle prices. The price impact resulting from changes in fill and condition varied seasonally. Although calves showing any signs of health problems received severe price discounts, the presence of other undesirable characteristics also resulted in discounts, but to lesser degrees

Altered expression of T cell Immunoglobulin-Mucin (TIM) molecules in bronchoalveolar lavage CD4+ T cells in sarcoidosis

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