Smooth Approximation of Lipschitz functions on Riemannian manifolds

We show that for every Lipschitz function $f$ defined on a separable Riemannian manifold $M$ (possibly of infinite dimension), for every continuous $\epsilon:M\to (0,+\infty)$, and for every positive number $r>0$, there exists a $C^\infty$ smooth Lipschitz function $g:M\to\mathbb{R}$ such that $|f(p)-g(p)|\leq\epsilon(p)$ for every $p\in M$ and $\textrm{Lip}(g)\leq\textrm{Lip}(f)+r$. Consequently, every separable Riemannian manifold is uniformly bumpable. We also present some applications of this result, such as a general version for separable Riemannian manifolds of Deville-Godefroy-Zizler's smooth variational principle.Comment: 10 page

The Morse-Sard theorem revisited

Let $n, m, k$ be positive integers with $k=n-m+1$. We establish an abstract Morse-Sard-type theorem which allows us to deduce, on the one hand, a previous result of De Pascale's for Sobolev $W^{k,p}_{\textrm{loc}}(\mathbb{R}^n, \mathbb{R}^m)$ functions with $p>n$ and, on the other hand, also the following new result: if $f\in C^{k-1}(\mathbb{R}^n, \mathbb{R}^m)$ satisfies $$\limsup_{h\to 0}\frac{|D^{k-1}f(x+h)-D^{k-1}f(x)|}{|h|}<\infty$$ for every $x\in\mathbb{R}^n$ (that is, $D^{k-1}f$ is a Stepanov function), then the set of critical values of $f$ is Lebesgue-null in $\mathbb{R}^m$. In the case that $m=1$ we also show that this limiting condition holding for every $x\in\mathbb{R}^n\setminus\mathcal{N}$, where $\mathcal{N}$ is a set of zero $(n-2+\alpha)$-dimensional Hausdorff measure for some $0<\alpha<1$, is sufficient to guarantee the same conclusion.Comment: We corrected some misprints and made some changes in the introductio

Can we make a Finsler metric complete by a trivial projective change?

A trivial projective change of a Finsler metric $F$ is the Finsler metric $F + df$. I explain when it is possible to make a given Finsler metric both forward and backward complete by a trivial projective change. The problem actually came from lorentz geometry and mathematical relativity: it was observed that it is possible to understand the light-line geodesics of a (normalized, standard) stationary 4-dimensional space-time as geodesics of a certain Finsler Randers metric on a 3-dimensional manifold. The trivial projective change of the Finsler metric corresponds to the choice of another 3-dimensional slice, and the existence of a trivial projective change that is forward and backward complete is equivalent to the global hyperbolicity of the space-time.Comment: 11 pages, one figure, submitted to the proceedings of VI International Meeting on Lorentzian Geometry (Granada

Combined homogeneous and heterogeneous hydrogenation to yield catalyst-free solutions of parahydrogen-hyperpolarized [1-13C]succinate

We show that catalyst-free aqueous solutions of hyperpolarized [1-13C]succinate can be produced using parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) and a combination of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation reactions. We generate hyperpolarized [1-13C]fumarate via PHIP using para-enriched hydrogen gas with a homogeneous ruthenium catalyst, and subsequently remove the toxic catalyst and reaction side products via a purification procedure. Following this, we perform a second hydrogenation reaction using normal hydrogen gas to convert the fumarate into succinate using a solid Pd/Al2O3 catalyst. This inexpensive polarization protocol has a turnover time of a few minutes, and represents a major advance for in vivo applications of [1-13C]succinate as a hyperpolarized contrast agent

Delocalisation patterns in University-Industry interaction: Evidence from the 6th R&D Framework Programme

Increasing university-industry interaction (UII) and university contribution to the local economy are compatibleconventional wisdom would say. However, similar to other university activities, interaction with industry may be limited due to a lack of absorptive capacity in local firms. The data of those participating in the European Union's (EU's) Sixth R&D Framework Programme (FP6) were used to obtain values for the number and, notably, the budgets of UII projects at the regional level for the EU27. Two types of interactions were considered: inside and outside the region. Our analysis indicates that universities from regions whose firms have low absorptive capacity participate more often in FP6 projects with firms outside the region. Our results highlight the value of policies that facilitate firm R&D to enhance collaboration with regional universities.Azagra Caro, JM.; Pontikakis, D.; Varga, A. (2013). Delocalisation patterns in University-Industry interaction: Evidence from the 6th R&D Framework Programme. European Planning Studies. 21(10):1676-1701. doi:10.1080/09654313.2012.722949S16761701211