Finite differences in finite characteristic (Q2368805)

For a Dedekind domain \(D\) with quotient field \(K\) let \(\text{Int}^{[k]}(D)\) be the ring of all \(K\)-polynomials \(f\) having the property that \(f\) as well as all polynomials \(\Delta_{h_k}(\Delta_{h_{k-1}}(\dots (\Delta_{h_1}(f)))\dots)\), (where \(\Delta_hf(X)=(f(X+h)-f(X))/h\)) map \(D\) into \(D\) for every choice of \(h_1,\dots,h_k\). The set of all leading coefficients of elements of Int\(^{[k]}(D)\) of degree \(n\), to which \(0\) is added forms an ideal \(J_n(\text{Int}^{[k]}(D))\). If \(D\) is a discrete valuation with uniformizing parameter \(t\), and a finite residue field of \(q\) elements, then for \(n=1,2,\dots\) one puts \[ \lambda_k(n)=\sum_{j\geq1}[n/q^j]-\delta_k(n), \] where \(t^{\delta_k(n)}\) is the maximal power od \(t\) dividing \(J_n(\text{Int}^{[k]}(D)\). The author gives a formula for \(\lambda_k(n)\) in the case when ring of positive characteristic, correcting an earlier formula of \textit{D. Barsky} [Bull. Soc. Math. Fr. 101, 397--411 (1973; Zbl 0291.12107)], to which counterexamples were given in the book of [\textit{P. J. Cahen} and \textit{J. L. Chabert}, ``Integer-valued Polynomials'', Math. Surv. Monogr. 48 (1997; Zbl 0884.13010)]. This leads to a formula for \(J_n(\text{Int}^{[k]}(D))\) in the case when \(D\) is a Dedekind domain of positive characteristic and finite residue fields. In the particular case \(D={\mathbb F}_q[T]\) the ideals \(J_n\) are described explicitly.