Some remarks on Hermitian manifolds satisfying Kähler-like conditions

We study Hermitian metrics whose Bismut connection ∇ B satisfies the first Bianchi identity in relation to the SKT condition and the parallelism of the torsion of the Bimut connection. We obtain a characterization of complex surfaces admitting Hermitian metrics whose Bismut connection satisfy the first Bianchi identity and the condition RB(x, y, z, w) = RB(Jx, Jy, z, w) , for every tangent vectors x, y, z, w, in terms of Vaisman metrics. These conditions, also called Bismut Kähler-like, have been recently studied in Angella et al. (Commun Anal Geom, to appear, 2018), Yau et al. (2019) and Zhao and Zheng (2019). Using the characterization of SKT almost abelian Lie groups in Arroyo and Lafuente (Proc Lond Math Soc (3) 119:266–289, 2019), we construct new examples of Hermitian manifolds satisfying the Bismut Kähler-like condition. Moreover, we prove some results in relation to the pluriclosed flow on complex surfaces and on almost abelian Lie groups. In particular, we show that, if the initial metric has constant scalar curvature, then the pluriclosed flow preserves the Vaisman condition on complex surfaces

Complex symplectic lie algebras with large abelian subalgebras

We present two constructions of complex symplectic structures on Lie algebras with large Abelian ideals. In particular, we completely classify complex symplectic structures on almost Abelian Lie algebras. By considering compact quotients of their corresponding connected, simply connected Lie groups we obtain many examples of complex symplectic manifolds which do not carry (hyper)kähler metrics. We also produce examples of compact complex symplectic manifolds endowed with a fibration whose fibers are Lagrangian tori

Widespread abiotic methane in chromitites

Recurring discoveries of abiotic methane in gas seeps and springs in ophiolites and peridotite massifs worldwide raised the question of where, in which rocks, methane was generated. Answers will impact the theories on life origin related to serpentinization of ultramafic rocks, and the origin of methane on rocky planets. Here we document, through molecular and isotopic analyses of gas liberated by rock crushing, that among the several mafic and ultramafic rocks composing classic ophiolites in Greece, i.e., serpentinite, peridotite, chromitite, gabbro, rodingite and basalt, only chromitites, characterized by high concentrations of chromium and ruthenium, host considerable amounts of 13C-enriched methane, hydrogen and heavier hydrocarbons with inverse isotopic trend, which is typical of abiotic gas origin. Raman analyses are consistent with methane being occluded in widespread microfractures and porous serpentine- or chlorite-filled veins. Chromium and ruthenium may be key metal catalysts for methane production via Sabatier reaction. Chromitites may represent source rocks of abiotic methane on Earth and, potentially, on Mars

Variational Problems in Conformal Geometry

We study the Euler–Lagrange equation for several natural functionals defined on a conformal class of almost Hermitian metrics, whose expression involves the Lee form θ of the metric. We show that the Gauduchon metrics are the unique extremal metrics of the functional corresponding to the norm of the codifferential of the Lee form. We prove that on compact complex surfaces, in every conformal class there exists a unique metric, up to multiplication by a constant, which is extremal for the functional given by the L2-norm of d Jθ, where J denotes the complex structure. These extremal metrics are not the Gauduchon metrics in general, hence we extend their definition to any dimension and show that they give unique representatives, up to constant multiples, of any conformal class of almost Hermitian metrics

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes between Canaloplasty and Schlemm’s Canal Scaffold at 24 Months’ Follow-Up

The results of canaloplasty (CP) and Hydrus Microstent (HM) implantation were retrospectively compared at 24 months' follow-up in a cohort of subjects referred to our Institution for uncontrolled IOP in primary or secondary (e.g., pseudoexfoliative and pigmentary) open-angle glaucoma. The outcome was labelled as "complete" success, "qualified" success, or "failure" if, two years after surgery, the eyes operated on needed "no" hypotensive medications, "some" hypotensive medications, or further glaucoma surgery to attain the target IOP, respectively. Both CP and HM implant allowed significant IOP reductions, with comparable rate of clinical success and safety profile. A slightly (albeit not significant) better trend for a "complete" clinical success was observed in the CP group

Results for the response function determination of the Compact Neutron Spectrometer

The Compact Neutron Spectrometer (CNS) is a Joint European Torus (JET) Enhancement Project, designed for fusion diagnostics in different plasma scenarios. The CNS is based on a liquid scintillator (BC501A) which allows good discrimination between neutron and gamma radiation. Neutron spectrometry with a BC501A spectrometer requires the use of a reliable, fully characterized detector. The determination of the response matrix was carried out at the Ion Accelerator Facility (PIAF) of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). This facility provides several monoenergetic beams (2.5, 8, 10, 12 and 14 MeV) and a 'white field'(Emax ~17 MeV), which allows for a full characterization of the spectrometer in the region of interest (from ~1.5 MeV to ~17 MeV. The energy of the incoming neutrons was determined by the time of flight method (TOF), with time resolution in the order of 1 ns. To check the response matrix, the measured pulse height spectra were unfolded with the code MAXED and the resulting energy distributions were compared with those obtained from TOF. The CNS project required modification of the PTB BC501A spectrometer design, to replace an analog data acquisition system (NIM modules) with a digital system developed by the 'Ente per le Nuove tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente' (ENEA). Results for the new digital system were evaluated using new software developed specifically for this project.Comment: Proceedings of FNDA 201

Reliability of Multisensor Armband in Estimating Energy Expenditure According to Degree of Obesity

Resting energy expenditure (REE) represents the amount of calories required by the body to maintain vital bodyfunctions. One of the most commonly used methods for estimating REE is indirect calorimetry. Recent studies ondifferent populations have validated a highly innovative instrument, the SenseWear® Armband (SWA), which evaluatestotal energy expenditure and, when used in resting conditions, could also evaluate REE. The purpose of this study wasto determine the agreement of the SWA in assessing REE in obese subjects and, see how this agreement varies withdifferent obesity degree.89 obese subjects (59 women and 30 men), with an age range from 35-65 years and body mass index (BMI)34.5 4.5 kg/m2 were studied. REE was measured by IC Sensor Medics Vmax (SM-29N) and by SWA. Fat mass(FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) was determined by anthropometry and bio-impedance measurements. No statisticaldifference was found between REE measured by SWA (1693±276) and REE measured by SM-29N (1627±293). Thetwo methods showed similar assessments (r=0.8, p 35 kg/m2), the agreement decreases (r =0.6 p 35