On generalized Abelian deformations

We study sun-products on $\R^n$, i.e. generalized Abelian deformations associated with star-products for general Poisson structures on $\R^n$. We show that their cochains are given by differential operators. As a consequence, the weak triviality of sun-products is established and we show that strong equivalence classes are quite small. When the Poisson structure is linear (i.e., on the dual of a Lie algebra), we show that the differentiability of sun-products implies that covariant star-products on the dual of any Lie algebra are equivalent each other.Comment: LaTeX 16 pages. To be published in Reviews in Mathematical Physic

Is oral feeding compatible with an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome?

peer reviewedThe aim of the study is to explore the possibility of oral feeding in unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/vegetative state (UWS/VS) patients. Method: We reviewed the clinical information of 68 UWS/VS patients (mean age 45 ± 11; range 16-79 years) searching for mention of oral feeding. UWS/VS diagnosis was made after repeated behavioural assessments using the Coma Recovery Scale–Revised. Patients also had complementary neuroimaging evaluations (positron emission tomography, functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography and diffusion tensor imaging). Results: Out of the 68 UWS/VS patients, only two could resume oral feeding (3%). The first patient had oral feeding (only liquid and semi liquid) in addition to gastrostomy feeding and the second one could achieve full oral feeding (liquid and mixed solid food). Clinical assessments concluded that they fulfilled the criteria for a diagnosis of UWS/VS. Results from neuroimaging and neurophysiology were typical for the first patient with regard to the diagnosis of UWS/VS but atypical for the second patient. Conclusion: Oral feeding that implies a full and complex oral phase could probably be considered as a sign of consciousness. However, we actually do not know which components are necessary to consider the swallowing conscious as compared to reflex. We also discussed the importance of swallowing assessment and management in all patients with altered state of consciousness