bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rigidity and stability of Einstein metrics for quadratic
curvature functionals
Authors: Gursky Matthew J. , Viaclovsky Jeff A. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

We investigate rigidity and stability properties
of critical points of quadratic curvature functionals
on the space of Riemannian metrics. We show it is possible to “gauge” the
Euler–Lagrange equations, in a self-adjoint fashion,
to become elliptic. Fredholm theory may then be used to describe
local properties of the moduli space of critical metrics. We show a number
of compact examples are infinitesimally rigid, and
consequently, are isolated critical points in the space of
unit-volume Riemannian metrics.
We then give examples of critical metrics which are strict local
minimizers (up to diffeomorphism and scaling).
A corollary is a local “reverse Bishop's inequality”
for such metrics. In particular,
any metric g in a C
2,α-neighborhood of
the round metric (Sn
,gS
) satisfying
Ric(g) ≤ Ric(gS
) has volume
Vol(g) ≥ Vol(gS
), with equality holding if and
only if g is isometric to gS
.
Mori dream spaces of Calabi–Yau type and
log canonicity of Cox rings
Authors: Kawamata Yujiro , Okawa Shinnosuke 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

We prove that a Mori dream space over a field of characteristic zero is of Calabi–Yau type
if and only if its Cox ring has at worst log canonical singularities.
By slightly modifying the arguments we also reprove the characterization of
varieties of Fano type by log terminality of their Cox rings.
Simple and efficient synthesis of substituted pyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]thiazines
Authors: Vartale Sambhaji P. , Sirsat Shivraj B. , Halikar Nilesh K. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Simple and efficient synthesis of a novel fused bicyclic heterocyclic compound 3 by the reaction of ethyl 2-cyano-3,3-bis(methylthio)acrylate and thiourea in the presence of potassium carbonate in dimethylformamide under reflux conditions is reported. The optimized molar ratio of the substrates is 2:1. The parent compound was used for further derivatization by using a synthetic strategy that is based on suitability of the substituted pyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]thiazine system to react as a bis-electrophilic species with various nucleophiles. Products 4a–e and 5a–e were obtained in good yields (65–76%).
Optimization of l-Asparaginase Production by Isolated Aspergillus niger C4 from Sesame (black) Oil Cake under SSF using Box–Behnken Design in Column Bioreactor
Authors: Uppuluri Kiran Babu , V. R. Dasari Ravi Kumar , Sajja Vinod , Jacob Annie Shanan , Sri Rami Reddy D. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
l-Asparaginase production was investigated in the isolated Aspergillus niger C4 on sesame (black) oil cake using solid state fermentation in a column bioreactor. The main objective of the present study is optimizing the environmental conditions for l-Asparaginase production in a column bioreactor. In order to determine the effect of process variables on the yield of l-Asparaginase, by the way of response surface methodology, an experimental plan (Box–Behnken design) involving a design matrix of 15 trails was sketched. The design results were fitted with response surfaces. Empirical quadratic equations were fitted to the experimental data (BBD) relevant to the yields of l-Asparaginase, with three chosen variables (aeration, bed thickness and temperature). The statistical analysis revealed a maximum l-Asparaginase yield of 310 U/gds at the points where aeration, bed thickness and temperature were 0.44 vvm, 17.35 cm and 29.31°C, respectively.
On the disintegration of (proto-)languages
Authors: de Oliveira Paulo Murilo Castro , Sousa Adriano O. , Wichmann Søren 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDo languages split into dialects and subsequently into new languages at regular rates? Does such a regular splitting rate also apply to speech communities ancestral to the world's current language families? Do linguistic phylogenies exhibit intermediate levels (“genera”) which are somehow objectively identifiable? These questions are rarely raised, much less answered. In this article we present a simple method that provides insights into all the questions, drawing upon data from a world-wide sample of languages. It will be shown that splitting rates are approximately regular even if the languages studied are proto-languages spoken at very different points in prehistory and different places in the world. Ancestors of the world's linguistic families tend to have similar life-times. An intermediate transitional level corresponding to the point where genera appear can be objectively inferred from differences among descendant languages even without previously having established the structure of the phylogenetic tree.
Birth month and longevity: birth month of victims of sudden (SCD, ≤1 h) and rapid (RCD, ≤24 h) cardiac deaths
Authors: Stoupel Eliyahu , Tamoshiunas Abdonas , Radishauskas Richardas , Abramson Evgeny , Bernotiene Gailute , Bacevichiene Migle 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background: After a publication of a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA in 2001, we published three studies related to birth month and morbidity of patients that can affect longevity. The aim of this study is to check two groups of cardiac deaths, consisting of more than 50% of cardiovascular mortality in the industrial world, to examine this paradigm.

Methods: Patients suffering rapid cardiac death (RCD) (≤24 h) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) (≤1 h) in Lithuanian Medical Science University hospital, a tertiary 3000-bed facility, in 2000–2010 were studied. In total, 1239 RCDs and 324 SCDs were included in this study. Monthly, quarterly, trimester and half-year comparisons of the patients’ birth month population were studied.

Results: A difference in birth month distribution of the study patients was observed. For RCDs (≤24 h), the highest numbers were found for January (11.0%) and May (10.3%), whereas for the SCDs (≤1 h), April (13.3%) and January (10.5%) dominated. The least numbers were in November (SCD, 5.6%; RCD, 6.2%) and December (5.2–6.1%). Those born in the first and second quarter and first trimester were significantly more than those born in the fourth quarter (I/IV, p=0.0023; I/III, p=0.0074; II/IV, p=0.047) or trimester [I/II, p=0.09 (trend); I/III p=0.014; II/III, p=0.079 (trend)]. In another study at the same location (number of newborns n=286,963), significant correlation between monthly newborn number and month of the year was not found. Possible environmental effects related to the different monthly birth distributions of the studied group are discussed.

Conclusions: Victims of SCD and RCD are unequally distributed according to month of birth. The highest numbers were found for January and March to May. The numbers are higher for the first and second quarter and first trimester in comparison with the months at the end of the year. The lowest numbers of study patients were born in November, December and October. This is in accord with the birth months of American centenarians (100–112 years old) found by colleagues from the University of Chicago. Possible mechanisms for predisposition to SCD and RCD need further elucidation. Our findings support the paradigm linking birth month and longevity.
Conjugacy classes of small sizes in the linear and unitary
groups
Authors: Burkett Shawn T. , Nguyen Hung Ngoc 
Published: May 2013

Abstract.
Using the classical results of G. E. Wall on
the parametrization and sizes of (conjugacy) classes of finite
classical groups, we present some gap results for the class sizes of
the general linear groups and general unitary groups as well as
their variations. In particular, we identify the classes in
of size up to and classes in of
size up to . We then apply these gap results to obtain
some bounds and limits concerning the zeta-type function encoding
the conjugacy class sizes of these groups.
Tamoxifen therapy for the management of pubertal gynecomastia: a systematic review
Authors: Lapid Oren , van Wingerden Jan J. , Perlemuter Leon 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Objective: A systematic review to assess the efficacy of tamoxifen in the management of idiopathic pubertal gynecomastia.

Data sources: Searches were conducted using the databases of Medline (search engine PubMed) and Web of Science®.

Study selection: Studies reporting the use of Tamoxifen for the treatment of gynecomastia in adolescents.

Outcome measure: Resolution of gynecomastia.

Results: A total of 164 publications were found; 59 were selected for retrieval and six were included in the review. There were no randomized controlled studies; the studies found have methodological flaws but show promising results. No clinical side-effects were reported or observed.

Conclusion: Tamoxifen may be effective for the treatment of pubertal gynecomastia, and it seems safe to use. Randomized controlled studies are necessary to confirm this indication.
Trends in twin pregnancies and mode of delivery during the last 30 years: inconsistency between guidelines and clinical practice
Authors: Antsaklis Aris , Malamas Fotodotis M. , Sindos Michael 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the characteristics of twin pregnancies and their mode of delivery over a 30-year period, in order to define the current trends in clinical practice regarding twin deliveries and the factors that influence these practices.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study of twin deliveries at ≥24 weeks of gestation between January 1st, 1981 and December 31, 2010. Data concerning number of twin deliveries, mode of delivery, maternal age, use of ART techniques, parity, gestational age at delivery, birth weight and Apgar scores were collected from labor ward records.

Results: Over the years there has been a statistically significant increase in the number of twin deliveries, twins after IVF, cesarean section rate, maternal age, nulliparity and a statistically significant reduction in term deliveries, mean birth weight and assisted vaginal deliveries. Maternal age, gestational age, parity and conception after IVF are factors related to the risk of performing a cesarean section.

Conclusions: Despite the lack of adequate scientific evidence concerning the optimal route of delivery in twin pregnancies it seems that over time cesarean section has become the standard of care in most of twin pregnancies. Changes in the demographic characteristics contribute among other factors to this practice.
First trimester maternal serum placental protein 13 levels in singleton vs. twin pregnancies with and without severe pre-eclampsia
Authors: Svirsky Ran , Meiri Hamutal , Herzog Ayelet , Kivity Vered , Cuckle Howard , Maymon Ron 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Aims: To determine first trimester maternal serum placental protein 13 (PP13) in singletons vs. twins with and without severe preeclampsia (PE).

Methods: Serum samples were prospectively collected at 8–14 weeks of gestation. PP13 was determined by solid-phase immunoassay. Patients were recruited in community clinics throughout the country, and from the twin antenatal assessment clinic in Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel. Demographics, medical, and pregnancy history were obtained at enrollment. Pregnancy outcome was collected after delivery. PP13 was compared by the Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results: In singletons, PP13 declined with maternal weight and was lower in in vitro fertilization. Levels were converted into multiples of the median (MoMs) accordingly. In twins, the median was 1.74 MoM (n=76) vs. 1.00 in singletons (n=676, P<0.0001). Among twins with severe PE (n=10), the median was 1.53 MoM vs. 1.74 in unaffected twins (P=0.10), and 2.26 (n=6) for mild PE (P=0.30). Among singletons with severe PE, the median was 0.44 MoM (n=26, P<0.0001), and for mild PE 0.62 (n=17, P<0.001).

Conclusion: PP13 is higher in twins than singletons, corresponding to the larger placental mass. Among singletons with severe PE, levels were significantly reduced, however, among twins, only a non-significant tendency for a reduction was recorded, and warrants further investigation in a larger series.
Rhythm and convergence between speakers of American and Indian English
Authors: Krivokapić Jelena 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe study examines rhythmic convergence between speakers of American and Indian English. Previous research has shown that American English shows tendencies towards stress-timing, and Indian English has been claimed to be syllable-timed (Crystal 1994). Starting from the view that languages differ in their rhythmic tendencies, rather than that they have categorically different rhythmic properties, we examine in an acoustic study the rhythmic tendencies of the two languages, and whether these tendencies can change in the course of an interaction. The focus is on temporal properties (specifically, the duration of stressed syllables and of feet). The results show evidence of mixed rhythmic properties for both languages, with Indian English being more syllable-timed than American English. American speakers show a trend towards changes in foot duration that can be interpreted as accommodation in speech rate or as convergence towards a more syllable-timed foot duration pattern. One Indian English speaker converges in both examined properties towards a more stress-timing pattern. The results are discussed within a dynamical model of rhythmic structure (Saltzman, Nam, Krivokapić, and Goldstein 2008). It is suggested that rhythmic convergence can arise via a tuning between speakers of the prosodic interoscillator coupling function that is proposed in that model.
Facing the Challenges of Today and the Future: Ensuring Successful Outcomes for Students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
Authors: Bullock Lyndal M. , Gable Robert A. , Carrero Kelly , Lewis Calli , Collins Emerald , Zolkowski Staci , Lusk Mandy 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
American schools are witnessing the increasing cultural heterogeneity of our nation’s population. Educators are faced with the challenge of ensuring positive educational outcomes for all students, despite the lack of empirical understanding of how to effectively educate culturally and linguistically diverse learners. The purpose of this paper is to provide educators with examples of evidence-based practices specific to diverse learners. In addition, recommendations of resources for accessing the most current research and practices are provided
Language Study: A Necessary Part of the Internationalized Curriculum
Authors: Spitzer Lois , Cordero-Ramon Arnaldo 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In an urgent effort to internationalize curricula, institutions of higher education are rethinking the role of language study. Many administrators, faculty, and staff are realizing that language study is more than merely a means of communication. More importantly, it is the key to understanding how people from diverse cultural backgrounds, especially those who are engaged in our academic institutions, interpret their cultural experiences. Three important questions will be discussed in this paper: (1) If we accept the idea that curriculum reforms should mirror the changing world, then what curricular changes are needed to promote internationalization?, (2) What role does language study play in this reformed curriculum?, and (3) If we accept a new definition of knowledge as having a language and cultural component, then how can we better prepare our students to gain multilingual and multicultural competence?
Our Common Commons: Policies for Sustaining Volunteer Energy
Authors: Brudney Jeffrey L. , Meijs Lucas C.P.M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBrudney and Meijs (2009) conceive of volunteer energy as a social resource that constitutes the basis for (organizationally based) volunteering. They show that volunteer energy can be compared to a human-made, renewable resource that can be grown and recycled – but likewise one that is subject to misuse and misappropriation that can imperil the vitality of the resource. They explain that to a certain extent, volunteer energy is a common pool resource with free access for all volunteer-involving organizations, especially given the trend that people are less committed to one organization. As a consequence, volunteer-involving organizations must be collectively interested in making more volunteer energy available, now and in the future. As with other resources, sustaining the volunteer resource is becoming an issue. Thus, the need arises to develop an approach to the collective challenge of governing the volunteer energy commons. To this challenge we apply the design principles of Elinor Ostrom (1990) for robust governance of the common pool resource.
The Language Game of Divine Love according to Franz Rosenzweig and Karl Barth
Authors: Dober Hans Martin 
Published: May 2013

Summary
Language games can be opening and narrowing. On the base of this double sense my paper compares the language game of divine love according to Franz Rosenzweig and Karl Barth. They were contemporaries not only regarding their early publications. Both discovered revelation in the face of liberal theology which regarded it as a problematic, mythological concept. However, this similarity is contradicted by difference, based in the Christological dogma which can have a tendency to narrow the common basis of the two authors’ theological language game. There is also an anachronism, brought about by Rosenzweig’s anticipation of the concept of analogy which Barth came to years later. The emphasis of my paper lies on the question how the opening function of theological language games can be promoted. In Rosenzweig’s “speaking thinking” there can be found a trace to an answer.
The thermal degradation behavior of meta- and para- hetero-amide fibers by TGA-FTIR
Authors: Sun Ning , Liang Yinxing , Xu Zhaohua , Li Heng , Shaohua Jiang , Yibiao Li 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The thermal degradation behaviors of poly-p-phenylene-benzimidazole-terephthalamide (PBIA), poly-m-phenylene isophthalamide (PMIA) and poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide (PPTA) fibers are investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR). The results demonstrate that PBIA fiber exhibits better thermal- and thermo-oxidative stability than that of the other two polymers. PBIA shows the highest onset degradation temperature, both in nitrogen and air. TGA-FTIR provides information on compositions of pyrolyzates and their relationship with the structures of polyamides. Analysis of the compositions and distributions of all pyrolyzates, at different temperatures, indicates that a hydrolytic mechanism plays a leading role at lower temperature, and a homolytic mechanism is dominant at higher temperature.
Considerations for the design of polymeric biodegradable products
Authors: Vieira André C. , Guedes Rui M. , Tita Volnei 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Several biodegradable polymers are used in many products with short life cycles. The performance of a product is mostly conditioned by the materials selection and dimensioning. Strength, maximum strain and toughness will decrease along its degradation, and it should be enough for the predicted use. Biodegradable plastics can present short-term performances similar to conventional plastics. However, the mechanical behavior of biodegradable materials, along the degradation time, is still an unexplored subject. The maximum strength failure criteria, as a function of degradation time, have traditionally been modeled according to first order kinetics. In this work, hyperelastic constitutive models are discussed. An example of these is shown for a blend composed of poly(L-lactide) acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). A numerical approach using ABAQUS is presented, which can be extended to other 3D geometries. Thus, the material properties of the model proposed are automatically updated in correspondence to the degradation time, by means of a user material subroutine. The parameterization was achieved by fitting the theoretical curves with the experimental data of tensile tests made on a PLLA-PCL blend (90:10) for different degradation times. The results obtained by numerical simulations are compared to experimental data, showing a good correlation between both results.
Bildakte? How to do things with pictures
Authors: Schmitz Ulrich 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Obviously, there are characteristic differences between words and pictures. In a pragmatic perspective, however, verbal and pictorial communication do function in much the same (or, to say the least, related) way. This is why Austin's and Searle's speech act theories can be applied to pictures as well. Taking a car advertising campaign as an example, this essay discusses identification, merging, direct and indirect use of pictorial speech acts
Hypercarnivory, durophagy or generalised carnivory in the Mio-Pliocene hyaenids of South Africa?
Authors: Hartstone-Rose Adam , Stynder Deano D. 
Published: May 2013

Carnivorans, the members of the order Carnivora, exhibit wide dietary diversity – from overwhelmingly herbivorous species (like the giant and red pandas) to species that specialise in the consumption of flesh (like the hypercarnivorous felids). Throughout the evolution of this order, many craniodental forms have emerged and gone extinct – notably the sabretooth felids that existed until the late Pleistocene. However, one carnivoran lineage, remarkable for its extreme masticatory adaptations, persists – the bone-cracking hyaenids. Three of the four extant members of this family (Crocuta crocuta, Hyaena hyaena and Parahyaena brunnea) are among the most durophagous mammals to have ever lived. The fourth extant hyaenid – the aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) – also exhibits impressive, although wholly different, masticatory adaptations as one of the most derived mammalian insectivores. How and when did the level of durophagy evident in extant bone-cracking hyenas evolve, and how do Mio-Pliocene hyenas compare to the extant members of the order in terms of their own dietary specialisations? An examination of the premolars of the Mio-Pliocene hyaenids from Langebaanweg, South Africa suggests that modern levels of durophagy appeared relatively recently. Results from an analysis of dental radii-of-curvature and premolar intercuspid notches suggest that these hyenas were neither bone crackers nor flesh specialists, but were dietary generalists.
Microbial and senzory quality of raw milk cheeses from the milk vending machines
Authors: Medveďová Alžbeta , Studeničová Adriana , Valík Ľubomír , Ladislav Ondruš 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Changes in microbial quality of lump cheeses manufactured from raw cows’ milk from milk vending machines were studied throughout 7 days of fermentation at 15 °C. The density of lactic acid bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and coliforms were determined, continuously. Also the pH value dynamic was analyzed at the same time intervals. All together, 8 cheeses were prepared from two different vending machines in summer and in winter. Based on the results, growth dynamic of all microorganisms as well as the pH value decrease was slower in cheeses made in winter. No significant differences were observed in the maximal counts of microorganisms related to the season. However, the counts of S. aureus exceeded the EU limit 104 CFU g-1 in 7 out of 8 cheeses, probably due to slow pH value descent. Also the Slovak Food Codex limit for E. coli maximal density of less than 104 CFU g-1 was significantly exceeded. According to sensory evaluation, cheeses prepared in winter were less tasty and their typical odour was less distinctive. Results suggest that raw milk from milk vending machines is not suitable for direct consumption without proper thermal treatment.