Q: The Cradle of Liberty Council isn 't the first one to buck the national group 's stance .

Philadelphia 's council is not the first to defy the national policy .

Please tell me if the sentences above mean the same.
A: yes
Q: The Sars illness , wars in Iraq and Afghanistan , and economic uncertainty in Europe and the US have depressed air travel .

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome , wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and economic uncertainty in Europe and America have depressed air travel .

Please tell me if the sentences above mean the same.
A: yes
Q: Shares in Berkeley-based Xoma lost 77 cents , or 14 percent , to close at $ 4.72 each in trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market .

The share price of Berkeley-based Xoma lost 73 cents a share , or 13 percent , to $ 4.76 in afternoon trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market .

Please tell me if the sentences above mean the same.
A:
yes