On the stability of the L-p-norm of the Riemannian curvature tensor

We consider the Riemannian functional defined on the space of Riemannian metrics with unit volume on a closed smooth manifold M where R(g) and dv (g) denote the corresponding Riemannian curvature tensor and volume form and p a (0, a). First we prove that the Riemannian metrics with non-zero constant sectional curvature are strictly stable for for certain values of p. Then we conclude that they are strict local minimizers for for those values of p. Finally generalizing this result we prove that product of space forms of same type and dimension are strict local minimizer for for certain values of p.

SOME UNSTABLE CRITICAL METRICS FOR THE L-n/2-NORM OF THE CURVATURE TENSOR

We consider the Riemannian functional defined on the space of Riemannian metrics with unit volume on a closed smooth manifold M given by R-n/2(g) := integral(M) vertical bar R(g)vertical bar(n//2) dv(g) where R(g), dv(g) denote the Riemannian curvature and volume form corresponding to g. We show that there are locally symmetric spaces which are unstable critical points for this functional.

Validation of polyvinylidene fluoride nasal sensor to assess nasal obstruction in comparison with subjective technique

Objective: The aim of this study is to validate the applicability of the PolyVinyliDene Fluoride (PVDF) nasal sensor to assess the nasal airflow, in healthy subjects and patients with nasal obstruction and to correlate the results with the score of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Methods: PVDF nasal sensor and VAS measurements were carried out in 50 subjects (25-healthy subjects and 25 patients). The VAS score of nasal obstruction and peak-to-peak amplitude (Vp-p) of nasal cycle measured by PVDF nasal sensors were analyzed for right nostril (RN) and left nostril (LN) in both the groups. Spearman's rho correlation was calculated. The relationship between PVDF nasal sensor measurements and severity of nasal obstruction (VAS score) were assessed by ANOVA. Results: In healthy group, the measurement of nasal airflow by PVDF nasal sensor for RN and LN were found to be 51.14 +/- 5.87% and 48.85 +/- 5.87%, respectively. In patient group, PVDF nasal sensor indicated lesser nasal airflow in the blocked nostrils (RN: 23.33 +/- 10.54% and LN: 32.24 +/- 11.54%). Moderate correlation was observed in healthy group (r = 0.710, p < 0.001 for RN and r = 0.651, p < 0.001 for LN), and moderate to strong correlation in patient group (r = 0.751, p < 0.01 for RN and r = 0.885, p < 0.0001 for LN). Conclusion: PVDF nasal sensor method is a newly developed technique for measuring the nasal airflow. Moderate to strong correlation was observed between PVDF nasal sensor data and VAS scores for nasal obstruction. In our present study, PVDF nasal sensor technique successfully differentiated between healthy subjects and patients with nasal obstruction. Additionally, it can also assess severity of nasal obstruction in comparison with VAS. Thus, we propose that the PVDF nasal sensor technique could be used as a new diagnostic method to evaluate nasal obstruction in routine clinical practice. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mixed norm estimates for the Riesz transforms on the Heisenberg group

In this paper we prove weighted mixed norm estimates for Riesz transforms on the Heisenberg group and Riesz transforms associated to the special Hermite operator. From these results vector-valued inequalities for sequences of Riesz transforms associated to generalised Grushin operators and Laguerre operators are deduced.

MIXED NORM ESTIMATES FOR THE RIESZ TRANSFORMS ON SU (2)

In this paper we prove mixed norm estimates for Riesz transforms on the group SU(2). From these results vector valued inequalities for sequences of Riesz transforms associated to Jacobi differential operators of different types are deduced.

Social Interactions and Subjective Well-Being: Evidence from Latin America

In this paper, we seek to examine the effect of comparisons and social capital on subjective well-being. Furthermore, we test if, through social influence and exposure, social capital is either an enhancer or appeaser of the comparison effect. Using the Latinobarómetro Survey (2007) we find that in contrast to most previous studies, the comparison effect on well-being is positive; that is, the better others perform, the happier the individual is. We also find that social capital is among the strongest correlates of individuals’ subjective well-being in Latin American countries. Furthermore, our findings suggest that social contacts may enhance the comparison effect on individual’s happiness, which is more intense for those who perform worse in their reference group.

Impact of depressive symptoms on subjective well-being: the importance of patient-reported outcomes in schizophrenia

Objective: The subjective experience of psychotic patients toward treatment is a key factor in medication adherence, quality of life, and clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the subjective well-being in patients with schizophrenia and to examine its relationship with the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted with clinically stable outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The Subjective Well-Being under Neuroleptic Scale - short version (SWN-K) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) were used to gather information on well-being and the presence and severity of depressive symptoms, respectively. Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess the associations between the SWN-K total score, its five subscales, and the CDSS total score. Discriminative validity was evaluated against that criterion by analysing the area under the curve (AUC). Results: Ninety-seven patients were included in the study. Mean age was 35 years (standard deviation = 10) and 72% were male. Both the total SWN-K scale and its five subscales correlated inversely and significantly with the CDSS total score (P < 0.0001). The highest correlation was observed for the total SWN-K (Spearman's rank order correlation [ rho] = -0.59), being the other correlations: mental functioning (-0.47), social integration (-0.46), emotional regulation (-0.51), physical functioning (-0.48), and self-control (-0.41). A total of 33 patients (34%) were classified as depressed. Total SWN-K showed the highest AUC when discriminating between depressive severity levels (0.84), followed by emotional regulation (0.80), social integration (0.78), physical functioning and self-control (0.77), and mental functioning (0.73). Total SWN-K and its five subscales showed a significant linear trend against CDSS severity levels (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The presence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms was relatively high, and correlated inversely with patients' subjective well-being. Routine assessment of patient-reported measures in patients with schizophrenia might reduce potential discrepancy between patient and physician assessment, increase therapeutic alliance, and improve outcome.

A contribution to the knowledge of the skin albuminose cells of Torpedo ocellata Raf [Riv.Istochim.norm.pat. 8 411-416, 1962]

Glandular cells, other than the mucous cells, have been described in the skin of various groups of fish (Teleosts, Ganoids, Selachii) and they have been called 'albuminose' by various authors. The authors propose to study the albuminose cells in the skin of Torpedo ocellata Raf. from a histochemical point of view. The albuminose cells have a complex morphological structure and a correspondingly complicated histochemical make-up. One must treat them as an example of cell with secretions of a particular type, which must and will be better incorporated when more is known of characteristics existent in other species.

Religious Coping, Social Support and Subjective Severity as Predictors of Posttraumatic Growth in People Affected by the Earthquake in Chile on 27/2/2010

The aim of this research is to study the impact of religious coping, social support and subjective severity on Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) in people who lost their homes after the earthquake in Chile in 2010 and who now live in transitional shelters. One hundred sixteen adult men and women were evaluated using a subjective severity scale, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) scale of social support and the Brief RCOPE scale of religious coping. The multiple linear regression analysis shows that social support and positive religious coping have an impact on PTG. On using a bootstrap estimate, it was found that positive religious coping fully mediates the relationship between subjective severity and PTG.