bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-principles investigation of structural, electronic, optical and dynamical properties in CsAu
Authors: Erdinc Bahattin , Soyalp Fethi , Akkus Harun
Published: May 2011

The structural, electronic, optical and dynamical properties of CsAu compound in the CsCl(B2) phase were investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The calculated lattice constant, static bulk modulus and first-order pressure derivative of the bulk modulus are reported and compared with previous experimental and theoretical calculations. The calculated electronic band structure for this compound is in good agreement with available theoretical and experimental studies. The present band calculation indicates that CsAu compound has an indirect gap at R→X points. Furthermore, the linear photon-energy-dependent dielectric functions have been calculated. For the first time, the electronic structure results are used, within the implementation of a linear-response technique, for calculations of phonon properties.
Effects of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin via claudin-4 on normal human pancreatic duct epithelial cells and cancer cells
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Kojima Takashi , Ito Tatsuya , Kyuno Daisuke , Kimura Yasutoshi , Imamura Masafumi , Hirata Koichi , Sawada Norimasa
Published: May 2011

The tight junction protein claudin-4 is frequently overexpressed in pancreatic cancer, and is also a receptor for Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE). The cytotoxic effects of CPE are thought to be useful as a novel therapeutic tool for pancreatic cancer. However, the responses to CPE via claudin-4 remain unknown in normal human pancreatic duct epithelial (HPDE) cells. We introduced the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene into HPDE cells in primary culture as a model of normal HPDE cells in vitro. hTERT-HPDE cells treated with or without 10% FBS and pancreatic cancer cell lines PANC-1, BXPC3, HPAF-II and HPAC were treated with CPE. In Western blotting, the expression of claudin-4 protein in hTERT-HPDE cells treated with 10% FBS was as high as it was in all of the pancreatic cancer cell lines. In hTERT-HPDE cells with or without 10% FBS, cytotoxicity was not observed at any concentration of CPE, whereas in all pancreatic cancer cell lines, CPE had a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. In hTERT-HPDE cells with 10% FBS, claudin-4 was localized in the apical-most regions, where there are tight junction areas, in which in all pancreatic cancer cell lines claudin-4 was found not only in the apical-most regions but also at basolateral membranes. In hTERT-HPDE cells with 10% FBS after treatment with CPE, downregulation of barrier function and claudin-4 expression at the membranes was observed. In HPAC cells, the sensitivity to CPE was significantly decreased by knockdown of claudin-4 expression using siRNA compared to the control. These findings suggest that, in normal HPDE cells, the lack of toxicity of CPE was probably due to the localization of claudin-4, which is different from that of pancreatic cancer cells. hTERT-HPDE cells in this culture system may be a useful model of normal HPDE cells not only for physiological regulation of claudin-4 expression but also for developing safer and more effective therapeutic methods targeting claudin-4 in pancreatic cancer.
The importance of autonomic symptoms in trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Simms H. Neil , Honey Christopher R.
Published: May 2011

Object

Autonomic symptoms can occur in association with the facial pain of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The distinction between first division (V1) TN and trigeminal autonomic cephalgias, particularly short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), can be difficult. The goal in this study was to investigate the frequency of autonomic symptoms with TN and to determine their effect on surgical outcome.

Methods

The authors sent questionnaires and reviewed the records of 92 patients who underwent surgical procedures for TN to obtain visual analog scale scores for pain before and after surgery and to determine the location of the pain and the presence of autonomic symptoms.

Results

Sixty-seven percent of patients had at least 1 autonomic symptom, and 14% had 4 or more autonomic symptoms associated with their pain. With V1 pain, the most common autonomic symptoms were conjunctival injection, ptosis, and excessive tearing. With pain involving the second division (V2), facial swelling was the most common autonomic symptom. Excessive salivation occurred most often when the pain involved the third division (V3). In patients who underwent microvascular decompression (MVD), visual analog scores for pain showed significantly greater improvement postoperatively in those who had no preoperative autonomic symptoms than in those who reported autonomic symptoms. There was also a significantly greater number of patients who were pain free postoperatively in the group without autonomic symptoms. There were 3 patients with V1 facial pain associated with conjunctival injection and tearing who, in retrospect, fulfilled all the current diagnostic criteria for SUNCT. These patients underwent MVD, during which a vessel was found to compress the trigeminal nerve. Postoperatively, the 3 patients experienced complete and long-lasting pain relief.

Conclusions

The presence of autonomic symptoms in TN correlated with a worse prognosis for pain relief after MVD. First division TN with autonomic symptoms can present identically to SUNCT but can respond to MVD if there is a compressive vessel. Neurosurgeons should be aware of SUNCT, especially in patients with V1 TN and autonomic symptoms, to ensure that all potential medical therapies have been tried prior to surgical treatment.
Systematic Review of Breast Cancer Biology in Developing Countries (Part 1): Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America
Authors: Bhikoo Riyaz , Srinivasa Sanket , Yu Tzu-Chieh , Moss David , Hill Andrew G
Published: May 2011

There has been no systematic appraisal of ethnicity-based variations in breast cancer (BC) biology amongst women from developing countries. A qualitative systematic review was conducted of breast cancer size, stage, grade, histological type, extra-mammary involvement, hormone receptor status as well as patient demographics. This review includes patients from Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. BC in these regions present at an earlier age with large aggressive tumours. Distant metastases are frequently present at the time of diagnosis. African women have a higher frequency of triple negative tumours. Over half of Middle Eastern women have lymph node involvement at the time of diagnosis. Despite experiencing a lower incidence compared to the Ashkenazi Jewish population, Palestinian women have poorer five-year survival outcomes. The majority of women from Mexico and South America have stage two or three disease whilst over sixty percent of women from Eastern Europe have either stage one or stage two disease. The biological characteristics of BC in the Caribbean cannot be fully assessed due to a paucity of data from the region. BC amongst the developing world is characterised by an early peak age of onset with aggressive biological characteristics. Strategies that improve breast cancer awareness, address amenable risk factors and improve early detection are essential.
Systematic Review of Breast Cancer Biology in Developing Countries (Part 2): Asian Subcontinent and South East Asia
Authors: Bhikoo Riyaz , Srinivasa Sanket , Yu Tzu-Chieh , Moss David , Hill Andrew G
Published: May 2011

There has been no systematic appraisal of ethnicity-based variations in breast cancer (BC) biology amongst women from developing countries. A qualitative systematic review was conducted of breast cancer size, stage, grade, histological type, extra-mammary involvement, hormone receptor status as well as patient demographics. This review includes patients from Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. BC in these regions present at an earlier age with large aggressive tumours. Distant metastases are frequently present at the time of diagnosis. African women have a higher frequency of triple negative tumours. Over half of Middle Eastern women have lymph node involvement at the time of diagnosis. Despite experiencing a lower incidence compared to the Ashkenazi Jewish population, Palestinian women have poorer five-year survival outcomes. The majority of women from Mexico and South America have stage two or three disease whilst over sixty percent of women from Eastern Europe have either stage one or stage two disease. The biological characteristics of BC in the Caribbean cannot be fully assessed due to a paucity of data from the region. BC amongst the developing world is characterised by an early peak age of onset with aggressive biological characteristics. Strategies that improve breast cancer awareness, address amenable risk factors and improve early detection are essential.
Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Two Nicotine Replacement Treatment Delivery Models for a Tobacco Quitline
Authors: Saul Jessie E. , Lien Rebecca , Schillo Barbara , Kavanaugh Annette , Wendling Ann , Luxenberg Michael , Greenseid Lija , An Lawrence C.
Published: May 2011

Many tobacco cessation quitlines provide nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the U.S. but consensus is lacking regarding the best shipping protocol or NRT amounts. We evaluated the impact of the Minnesota QUITPLAN® Helpline’s shift from distributing NRT using a single eight-week shipment to a two-shipment protocol. For this observational study, the eight week single-shipment cohort (n = 247) received eight weeks of NRT (patches or gum) at once, while the split-shipment cohort (n = 160) received five weeks of NRT (n = 94), followed by an additional three weeks of NRT if callers continued with counseling (n = 66). Patient satisfaction, retention, quit rates, and cost associated with the three groups were compared. A higher proportion of those receiving eight weeks of NRT, whether in one or two shipments, reported that the helpline was “very helpful” (77.2% of the single-shipment group; 81.1% of the two-shipment group) than those receiving five weeks of NRT (57.8% of the one-shipment group) (p = 0.004). Callers in the eight week two-shipment group completed significantly more calls (3.0) than callers in the five week one-shipment group (2.4) or eight week single-shipment group (1.7) (p < 0.001). Using both responder and intent-to-treat calculations, there were no significant differences in 30-day point prevalence abstinence at seven months among the three protocol groups even when controlling for demographic and tobacco use characteristics, and treatment group protocol. The mean cost per caller was greater for the single-shipment phase than the split-shipment phase ($350 vs. $326) due to the savings associated with not sending a second shipment to some participants. Assuming no difference in abstinence rates resulting from the protocol change, cost-per-quit was lowest for the five week one-shipment group ($1,155), and lower for the combined split-shipment cohort ($1,242) than for the single-shipment cohort ($1,350). Results of this evaluation indicate that while satisfaction rates increase among those receiving more counseling and NRT, quit rates do not, even when controlling for demographic and tobacco use characteristics.
Screening of Oomycete Fungi for Their Potential Role in Reducing the Biting Midge (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Larval Populations in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Stephen Kirsty , Kurtböke D. Ipek
Published: May 2011

Biting midges are globally distributed pests causing significant economic losses and transmitting arbovirus diseases to both animals and humans. Current biological and chemical control strategies for biting midge target destruction of adult forms, but strategies directed at immature stages of the insect have yet to be explored in Australia. In the present study, coastal waters of Hervey Bay region in Queensland, Australia were screened to detect the habitats of biting midge at immature stages. These results were then correlated to local environmental conditions and naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungal flora, in particular the Oomycete fungi, to determine their reducing effect on insect immature stages in the search for biological control agents in the region. The dominant species of biting midge found within this study was Culicoides subimmaculatus occuring between mean high water neaps and mean high water spring tide levels. Within this intertidal zone, the presence of C. subimmaculatus larvae was found to be influenced by both sediment size and distance from shore. Halophytophthora isolates colonized both dead and alive pupae. However, the association was found to be surface colonization rather than invasion causing the death of the host. Lack of aggressive oomycete fungal antagonists towards midge larvae might correlate with increased incidences of biting midge infestations in the region.
The Positive Environmental Contribution of Jarosite by Retaining Lead in Acid Mine Drainage Areas
Authors: Figueiredo Maria-Ondina , Pereira da Silva Teresa
Published: May 2011

Jarosite, KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6, is a secondary iron sulphate often found in acid mine drainage (AMD) environments, particularly in mining wastes from polymetallic sulphide ore deposits. Despite the negative environmental connotation usually ascribed to secondary sulphate minerals due to the release of hazardous elements to aquifers and soils, jarosite acts as an efficient remover and immobilizer of such metals, particularly lead. The mineral chemistry of jarosite is reviewed and the results of a Fe K-edge XANES (X-Ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure) study of K-, Na- and Pb-jarosite are described and discussed within the context of the abandoned old mines of São Domingos and Aljustrel located in southern Portugal, in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB).
Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Obesity
Authors: Fernández-Sánchez Alba , Madrigal-Santillán Eduardo , Bautista Mirandeli , Esquivel-Soto Jaime , Morales-González Ángel , Esquivel-Chirino Cesar , Durante-Montiel Irene , Sánchez-Rivera Graciela , Valadez-Vega Carmen , Morales-González José A.
Published: May 2011

Obesity is a chronic disease of multifactorial origin and can be defined as an increase in the accumulation of body fat. Adipose tissue is not only a triglyceride storage organ, but studies have shown the role of white adipose tissue as a producer of certain bioactive substances called adipokines. Among adipokines, we find some inflammatory functions, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6); other adipokines entail the functions of regulating food intake, therefore exerting a direct effect on weight control. This is the case of leptin, which acts on the limbic system by stimulating dopamine uptake, creating a feeling of fullness. However, these adipokines induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), generating a process known as oxidative stress (OS). Because adipose tissue is the organ that secretes adipokines and these in turn generate ROS, adipose tissue is considered an independent factor for the generation of systemic OS. There are several mechanisms by which obesity produces OS. The first of these is the mitochondrial and peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids, which can produce ROS in oxidation reactions, while another mechanism is over-consumption of oxygen, which generates free radicals in the mitochondrial respiratory chain that is found coupled with oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Lipid-rich diets are also capable of generating ROS because they can alter oxygen metabolism. Upon the increase of adipose tissue, the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), was found to be significantly diminished. Finally, high ROS production and the decrease in antioxidant capacity leads to various abnormalities, among which we find endothelial dysfunction, which is characterized by a reduction in the bioavailability of vasodilators, particularly nitric oxide (NO), and an increase in endothelium-derived contractile factors, favoring atherosclerotic disease.
Impaired Mitochondrial Respiratory Functions and Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Raza Haider , Prabu Subbuswamy K. , John Annie , Avadhani Narayan G.
Published: May 2011

We have previously shown a tissue-specific increase in oxidative stress in the early stages of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In this study, we investigated oxidative stress-related long-term complications and mitochondrial dysfunctions in the different tissues of STZ-induced diabetic rats (>15 mM blood glucose for 8 weeks). These animals showed a persistent increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) production. Oxidative protein carbonylation was also increased with the maximum effect observed in the pancreas of diabetic rats. The activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes ubiquinol: cytochrome c oxidoreductase (Complex III) and cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) were significantly decreased while that of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I) and succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex II) were moderately increased in diabetic rats, which was confirmed by the increased expression of the 70 kDa Complex II sub-unit. Mitochondrial matrix aconitase, a ROS sensitive enzyme, was markedly inhibited in the diabetic rat tissues. Increased expression of oxidative stress marker proteins Hsp-70 and HO-1 was also observed along with increased expression of nitric oxide synthase. These results suggest that mitochondrial respiratory complexes may play a critical role in ROS/RNS homeostasis and oxidative stress related changes in type 1 diabetes and may have implications in the etiology of diabetes and its complications.
First Principles Study on the Electronic Properties of Zn64Sb64−xTex Solid Solution (x = 0, 2, 3, 4)
Authors: Zhao Jian-Hua , Han Er-Jing , Liu Tian-Mo , Zeng Wen
Published: May 2011

The electronic properties of Te doped-ZnSb systems are investigated by first-principles calculations. We focus on the Zn64Sb64−xTex systems (x = 0, 2, 3, 4), which respond to the 0, 1.56at%, 2.34at% and 3.12at% of Te doping concentration. We confirm that the amount of Te doping will change the conductivity type of ZnSb. In the cases of x = 2 and 3, we find that the Te element in ZnSb introduces some bands originating from Te s and p orbits and a donor energy level in the bottom of the conduction band, which induce the n-type conductivity of ZnSb. From these findings for the electronic structure and the conductivity mechanism, we predict that Te doping amounts such as 1.56at% and 2.34at% can be considered as suitable candidates for use as donor dopant.
Effect of Ammonium- and Phosphonium-Based Ionic Liquids on the Separation of Lactic Acid by Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes (SILMs)
Authors: Matsumoto Michiaki , Panigrahi Abhishek , Murakami Yuuki , Kondo Kazuo
Published: May 2011

Biodegradable polymers have attracted much attention from an environmental point of view. Optically pure lactic acid that can be prepared by fermentation is one of the important raw materials for biodegradable polymer. The separation and purification of lactic acid from the fermentation broth are the major portions of the production costs. We proposed the application of supported ionic liquid membranes to recovering lactic acid. In this paper, the effect of ionic liquids, such as Aliquat 336, CYPHOS IL-101, CYPHOS IL-102, CYPHOS IL-104, CYPHOS IL-109 and CYPHOS IL-111 on the lactic acid permeation have been studied. Aliquat 336, CYPHOS IL-101 and CYPHOS IL-102 were found to be the best membrane solvents as far as membrane stability and permeation of lactic acid are concerned. CYPHOS IL-109 and CYPHOS IL-111 were found to be unsuitable, as they leak out from the pores of the supported liquid membrane (SLM), thereby allowing free transport of lactic acid as well as hydrochloric acid. CYPHOS IL-102 was found to be the most adequate (Permeation rate = 60.41%) among these ionic liquids as far as the separation of lactic acid is concerned. The permeation mechanisms, by which ionic liquid-water complexes act as the carrier of lactate and hydrochloric acid, were proposed. The experimental permeation results have been obtained as opposed to the expected values from the solution-diffusion mechanism.
Apigenin Isolated from the Medicinal Plant Elsholtzia rugulosa Prevents β-Amyloid 25–35-Induces Toxicity in Rat Cerebral Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhao Le , Hou Lin , Sun Huijun , Yan Xin , Sun Xifeng , Li Jianguang , Bian Yong , Chu Yu , Liu Qingshan
Published: May 2011

Endothelial cells of cerebral capillaries forming the blood-brain barrier play an important role in the pathogenesis and therapy of Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid-β peptides are key pathological elements in the development of this disease. Apigenin (4’,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a plant flavonoid and pharmacologically active agent that can be isolated from several plant species. In the present study, effects of apigenin obtained from the medicinal plant Elsholtzia rugulosa (Labiatae) on primary cultured rat cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) mediated by amyloid-β peptide 25–35 (Aβ25–35) were examined. Aβ25–35 showed toxic effects on CMECs, involving reduction of cell viability, release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), increase of nuclear condensation, over-production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and breakage of the barrier integrity and function. Based on this model, we demonstrated that apigenin from the medicinal plant Elsholtzia rugulosa protected cultured rat CMECs by increasing cell viability, reducing LDH release, relieving nuclear condensation, alleviating intracellular ROS generation, increasing SOD activity, and strengthening the barrier integrity through the preservation of transendothelial electrical resistance, permeability property and characteristic enzymatic activity after being exposed to Aβ25–35. In conclusion, apigenin isolated from Elsholtzia rugulosa has the ability to protect rat CMECs against Aβ25–35-induced toxicity.
Rotational Diffusion of Macromolecules and Nanoparticles Modeled as Non-Overlapping Bead Arrays in an Effective Medium
Authors: Wu Hengfu , Twahir Umar , Davis Alishia , Duodo Ebenezer , Kashani Bahareh , Lee Young , Pena Cindy , Whitley Noni , Allison Stuart A.
Published: May 2011

In this work, the retarding influence of a gel on the rotational motion of a macromolecule is investigated within the framework of the Effective Medium (EM) model. This is an extension of an earlier study that considered the effect of a gel on the translational motion of a macromolecule [Allison, S. et al. J. Phys. Chem. B 2008, 112, 5858-5866]. The macromolecule is modeled as an array of non-overlapping spherical beads with no restriction placed on their size or configuration. Specific applications include the rotational motion of right circular cylinders and wormlike chains modeled as strings of identical touching beads. The procedure is then used to examine the electric birefringence decay of a 622 base pair DNA fragment in an agarose gel. At low gel concentration (M ≤ 0.010 gm/mL), good agreement between theory and experiment is achieved if the persistence length of DNA is taken to be 65 nm and the gel fiber radius of agarose is taken to be 2.5 nm. At higher gel concentrations, the EM model substantially underestimates the rotational relaxation time of DNA and this can be attributed to the onset of direct interactions that become significant when the effective particle size becomes comparable to the mean gel fiber spacing.
Present Characteristics of Northwestern Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: Scarpati Olga E. , Botana Maria I. , Capriolo Alberto D. , Pohl Schnake Veronica , Puga Yamile , Salaverry Edgardo
Published: May 2011

Changes experienced in temperature, precipitation, demography and land coverage are the main themes studied in northwestern Patagonia, Argentina, which includes part of Neuquén, Río Negro and Chubut provinces. The precipitation shows important interannual variability and decreases during the warm semester. The mean minimum temperature in January in Neuquén city increased with statistical significance. Forests and steppe are the more important ecosystems of the area and the native forests of Nothofagus sp. are located mainly in protected areas like National or Provincial Parks. Twenty-eight percent of the Andean—patagonic forests are in the Río Negro province, while Neuquén province has 9% and Chubut province has 26%. The censuses of 1991 and 2001 showed that Los Lagos, Lacar, Picún Leufú and Cushamen are the counties with increasing population.
Lactic Acidosis and Symptomatic Hyperlactataemia in a Randomized Trial of First-Line Therapy in HIV-Infected Adults in South Africa
Authors: Dlamini Judith , Ledwaba Lotty , Mokwena Nthabiseng , Mokhathi Thabo , Orsega Susan , Tsoku Mary , Kowo Hedwig , Proschan Michael , Khabo Paul , Maja Patrick , Hadigan Colleen
Published: May 2011

Background

Lactic acidosis (LA) is a potentially life-threatening complication of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Few randomized prospective studies have compared LA between different ARV regimens.

Methods

Characterization of cases of LA (serum lactate >5 mmol/l and arterial pH<7.35 or bicarbonate <20 mmol/l) and symptomatic hyperlactataemia (SH; serum lactate >2.2 mmol/l and symptoms) was made in a randomized open-label 2x2 factorial study of stavudine/lamivudine (d4T/3TC)-based versus didanosine/zidovudine-based therapy and lopinavir/ritonavir-based versus efavirenz (EFV)-based therapy in 1,771 HIV-infected adults initiating therapy between 2004 and 2008.

Results

The LA incident rate was 3.5/1,000 person-years (95% CI 1.8-5.9), and for combined LA/SH was 11.0/1,000 person-years (95% CI 7.9-14.9). There were two deaths (15% mortality) among 13 LA cases; all 11 survivors experienced symptom resolution and started new ARV regimens. LA cases were more likely to be female (OR 7.19, 95% CI 1.84–40.75; P=0.001) and had a higher body mass index (BMI; P<0.0001) compared with non-cases. There was no increase in LA according to ARV regimen, age or CD4+ T-cell count at randomization. When combined, LA/SH cases ( n=41) were more often female (OR 4.76, 95% CI 2.36–10.08; P<0.0001), had increased BMI ( P<0.0001), were more likely to be assigned d4T/3TC (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.50–7.28; P=0.001) and were more likely to be assigned EFV (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.08–4.61; P=0.026).

Conclusions

Female sex and increased BMI were associated with severe LA in this large randomized trial of first-line ARV in South Africa. While female sex, increased BMI and d4T are previously described risk factors for the development of clinically significant lactate elevations, the independent risk associated with EFV is a novel observation warranting further investigation.
Fragilité des malades en fin de vie : place de l'accompagnement dans la démarche palliative
Authors: de Broucker Didier
Published: May 2011

Résumé Si l’accompagnement constitue un des piliers fondateurs et fédérateurs de la pratique des soins palliatifs, la place du soignant en tant qu’accompagnant mérite réflexion. Nous nous proposons d’articuler notre développement autour de trois grandes interrogations: en quoi une personne en fin de vie est-elle une personne fragile ? Comment les soins palliatifs s’inscrivent-ils dans la démarche d’accompagnement? Quel sens donne-t-on au mot accompagnement? Nous soutenons alors qu’accompagner la personne gravement malade, si cela doit interpeller l’ensemble des acteurs et observateurs de la fin de vie, cela doit aussi intégrer des déclinaisons différentes selon le rôle et les missions de chacun dans une complémentarité à respecter.
Souvenirs d'enfance
Authors: Moreaux Pascal
Published: May 2011

Résumé Le deuil d’autrefois était un véritable événement social et public dans les quartiers des villes ou dans les villages de notre France profonde. Parents, voisins et connaissances se mobilisaient autour de la famille endeuillée pour participer à la préparation de la cérémonie et la soutenir dans l’épreuve de la mort d’un proche. L’Église qui était très présente avant, pendant et après l’enterrement apportait un réconfort apprécié de tous et des paroles d’espérance qui favorisaient grandement l’acceptation des séparations douloureuses.
Du déjà-là de la mort à l'effacement de la finitude. Une approche psycho-dynamique en cancérologie
Authors: Alric Jérôme , Furon Pascale , Thaveau Lydwine
Published: May 2011

Résumé Cet article postule un renversement des paradigmes de la vie et de la mort et invite à penser la mort non plus comme à venir mais, en tant qu’elle renvoie aux expériences de perte, comme un déjà traversé . Dans l’approche psycho-dynamique en psychologie, la mort psychique, posée comme l’expérience fondatrice de la vie psychique, est la seule mort à pouvoir être mentalisée. Dans ce cadre, les rencontres soignantes participent à défasciner la mort , à la rendre plus familière donc moins effrayante et permettent au patient d’affronter plus sereinement l’avenir... Avec la mort.
Une virée en cancer avec l'histoire de madame O : le témoin et l'acteur comme les deux parts d'un même sujet
Authors: Lombard Marjorie , Caron Rosa
Published: May 2011

Résumé Notre pratique auprès des personnes atteintes de cancers ayant précédemment été traversées par la mort d’un proche décédé de cette même pathologie nous confronte à la question du deuil qui en appelle à des problématiques existentielles touchant à la collusion de deux histoires. Ces personnes malades passent alors du statut de témoin impuissant dans l’histoire familiale à celui d’acteur dramatique dans leur propre traversée du cancer. En ce temps de passage, cette épreuve trouverait à s’inscrire dans la parole du sujet œuvrant à faire « acte de témoignage » au nom du mort. Leur parole ainsi sacrifiée attesterait d’un lien en survivance. En esquisse d’une réflexion clinique, nous suivrons les « traces » dessinées par une malade qui nous livre le récit de sa vie (d’où resurgissent des deuils ensevelis), alors qu’elle s’achemine vers la mort. La position subjective que dévoile ainsi son discours nous ouvre la voie des deuils éminemment douloureux réactivés sous le coup de la survenue du cancer agissant alors comme détonateur.
Se préparer à sa mort
Authors: Biotti-Mache Françoise
Published: May 2011

Résumé Pour la majorité des êtres humains, se préparer à la mort, c’est d’abord tenter de l’apprivoiser pour en faire une pensée familière, moins effrayante, et pour essayer d’exorciser les peurs de toutes natures qu’elle emporte avec elle. Les vivants vont s’efforcer de devenir de futurs mourants le moins angoissés possible et, pour cela, se préparer à leur mort et la préparer, plus au moins longtemps, «ante mortem». Préparer sa mort peut se concevoir de deux façons principalement, matériellement ou spirituellement, et entraîner des conséquences pour soi et pour les autres. Ces préparatifs, qui ne doivent pas être confondus avec les rites funéraires, ni avec le culte des morts, tous intervenant «post mortem», intéressent d’abord la sépulture et le devenir de la dépouille puis, le testament et tous les actes de disposition «à cause de mort». Mais apprivoiser la mort, c’est également, et pour certains surtout, l’affaire de toute une vie de réflexion, de foi, de prière. Religions et philosophies ont forgé des arsenaux de croyances et de convictions, depuis des millénaires, pour aider l’être humain à désamorcer le caractère irréversible de la mort, pour anéantir l’anéantissement lui-même. Ainsi, aujourd’hui comme hier, les préoccupations des êtres humains ont concouru à préparer une «bonne mort», pour soi-même, son corps, son âme et à préserver son patrimoine pour sa famille.
Kandyan Elitism as an Eastern Brand of Elitism and Formulating Kandyan Elite Domestic Architecture
Authors: Wijetunge Nishan Rasanga
Published: May 2011

This paper attempts to discern the condition of elitism with relation to a unique Eastern situation – the indigenously- governed Kandyan regions of Ceylon – that only saw light of the relentless forces of Western-led globalization as late as 1815. Kandyan elitism, over the years, has been either misinterpreted or addressed facilely by scholars, while being indifferent to the separation between Kandyan elites and sub-elites. The objective here is to make explicit the factors underlying this division, which could be manifested through Kandyan elite and sub-elite domestic architectures. Identifying ambivalences evident in the two types is intrinsic to this exercise. DOI: 10.4038/besl.v9i1-2.3062 Built - Environment - Sri Lanka - Vol. 09 - 10, Issue 01 - 02 : 2011 pp.21-36
Promoting the facilities management profession in the project development phase of high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva Nayanthara
Published: May 2011

Purpose – The Facilities Management (FM) profession is now established in most developed countries and in few developing countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong. However, with rapid mushrooming of high rise buildings, which are known to be complex, the role of a facilities manager may require to be extended even up to the project briefing stage. This paper aims to highlight the importance of consulting a facilities manager during the project development phase of high rise buildings in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach – The methods of data collection used in this study were site observations and interviews. The data from site observations were collected from 67 high rise residential and commercial buildings. While doing the site observations or some on occasions after the site observations, the facilities managers or building managers and maintenance managers of these buildings were interviewed to gather further detailed information. Findings – This paper highlights 15 critical maintainability problems, which originated during the development phase. It was found 26 significant factors which would have been emphasized during the development phase by a facilities manager to reduce the occurrence of such problems during the phase of occupancy. Research limitations/implications – There were few qualified facilities managers involved during the data collection process due to lack of qualified facilities managers in Sri Lanka. Originality/value – The paper provides useful information to the facilities managers and clients/users on maintainability problems related to high rise buildings. It also emphasize the importance of the involvement of facilities managers at the development phase of high rise buildings in order to minimize their maintainability problems faced during the phase of occupancy. DOI: 10.4038/besl.v9i1-2.3063 Built - Environment - Sri Lanka - Vol. 09 - 10, Issue 01 - 02 : 2011 pp.37-44
Windows are less glaring when there is a preferred view
Authors: Tuaycharoen Nuanwan
Published: May 2011

This study aims to investigate the effects of view content as related to landscape preference on the sensation of discomfort. The study began with an investigation of the effect of the presence of a view on discomfort glare. The experiment was carried out in a laboratory investigating real views with 32 students as subjects. Following this, the effects of four factors related to landscape preference were investigated: complexity, coherence, mystery, and legibility. This study was done in a laboratory using small projected images representing real scenes with 24 subjects. The last experiment aimed to see the effect of view complexity and mystery. This was carried out in a real school classroom using 32 Thai students as subjects. The result showed that there is an important effect from the presence of a view on discomfort glare. The findings also suggested several significant effects on the sensation of glare discomfort, for example, view mystery, and view complexity. Keywords: Discomfort glare; view; landscape preference; daylighting DOI: 10.4038/besl.v9i1-2.3064 Built - Environment - Sri Lanka - Vol. 09 - 10, Issue 01 - 02 : 2011 pp.45-55
Nonabelian H1 and the Étale Van Kampen Theorem
Authors: Misamore Michael D.
Published: May 2011

Generalized étale homotopy pro-groups associated with pointed, connected, small Grothendieck sites are defined, and their relationship to Galois theory and the theory of pointed torsors for discrete groups is explained.

Applications include new rigorous proofs of some folklore results around , a description of Grothendieck's short exact sequence for Galois descent in terms of pointed torsor trivializations, and a new étale van Kampen theorem that gives a simple statement about a pushout square of pro-groups that works for covering families that do not necessarily consist exclusively of monomorphisms. A corresponding van Kampen result for Grothendieck's profinite groups immediately follows.
A Characterization of the Compound-Exponential Type Distributions
Authors: Hwang Tea-Yuan , Hu Chin-Yuan
Published: May 2011

In this paper, a fixed point equation of the compound-exponential type distributions is derived, and under some regular conditions, both the existence and uniqueness of this fixed point equation are investigated. A question posed by Pitman and Yor can be partially answered by using our approach.
Rational Homogeneous Algebras
Authors: MacDougall J. A. , Sweet L. G.
Published: May 2011

An algebra A is homogeneous if the automorphism group of A acts transitively on the one-dimensional subspaces of A. The existence of homogeneous algebras depends critically on the choice of the scalar field. We examine the case where the scalar field is the rationals. We prove that if A is a rational homogeneous algebra with dimA > 1, then A2 = 0.
Automorphisms of Iterated Wreath Product p-Groups
Authors: Riedl Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2011

We determine the order of the automorphism group Aut(W) for each member W of an important family of finite p-groups that may be constructed as iterated regular wreath products of cyclic groups. We use a method based on representation theory.
On Sha's Secondary Chern–Euler Class
Authors: Nie Zhaohu
Published: May 2011

For a manifold with boundary, the restriction of Chern's transgression form of the Euler curvature form over the boundary is closed. Its cohomology class is called the secondary Chern– Euler class and was used by Sha to formulate a relative Poincaré–Hopf theorem under the condition that the metric on the manifold is locally product near the boundary. We show that the secondary Chern–Euler form is exact away from the outward and inward unit normal vectors of the boundary by explicitly constructing a transgression form. Using Stokes’ theorem, this evaluates the boundary term in Sha's relative Poincaré–Hopf theorem in terms of more classical indices of the tangential projection of a vector field. This evaluation in particular shows that Sha's relative Poincaré–Hopf theorem is equivalent to the more classical law of vector fields.
Relative K-stability of extremal metrics
Authors: Stoppa Jacopo , Székelyhidi Gábor
Published: May 2011

We show that if a polarised manifold admits an extremal metric then it is K-polystable relative to a maximal torus of automorphisms.
Product decompositions of quasirandom groups and a Jordan type theorem
Authors: Nikolov Nikolay , Pyber László
Published: May 2011

We first note that a result of Gowers on product-free sets in groups has an unexpected consequence: If

k

is the minimal degree of a representation of the finite group

G

, then for every subset

B

of

G

with

|B| > |G| / k^{\frac13}

we have

B^3 = G

. We use this to obtain improved versions of recent deep theorems of Helfgott and of Shalev concerning product decompositions of finite simple groups, with much simpler proofs. On the other hand, we prove a version of Jordan's theorem which implies that if

k \geq 2

, then

G

has a proper subgroup of index at most

c_0 k^2

for some constant

c_0

, hence a product-free subset of size at least

|G| / ck

. This answers a question of Gowers.
Essential dimension of moduli of curves and other algebraic stacks
Authors: Brosnan Patrick , Reichstein Zinovy , Vistoli Angelo
Published: May 2011

In this paper we consider questions of the following type. Let
k
be a base field and
K
/
k
be a field extension. Given a geometric object
X
over a field
K
(e.g. a smooth curve of genus
g
) what is the least transcendence degree of a field of definition of
X
over the base field
k
? In other words, how many independent parameters are needed to define
X
? To study these questions we introduce a notion of essential dimension for an algebraic stack. Using the resulting theory, we give a complete answer to the question above when the geometric objects
X
are smooth, stable or hyperelliptic curves. The appendix, written by Najmuddin Fakhruddin, answers this question in the case of abelian varieties.
Generalized golden ratios of ternary alphabets
Authors: Komornik Vilmos , Lai Anna Chiara , Pedicini Marco
Published: May 2011

Expansions in noninteger bases often appear in number theory and probability theory, and they are closely connected to ergodic theory, measure theory and topology. For two-letter alphabets the golden ratio plays a special role: in smaller bases only trivial expansions are unique, whereas in greater bases there exist nontrivial unique expansions. In this paper we determine the corresponding critical bases for all three-letter alphabets and we establish the fractal nature of these bases in function of the alphabets.
Influence of Galactic Cosmic Rays on atmospheric composition and dynamics
Authors: Calisto M. , Usoskin I. , Rozanov E. , Peter T.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. This study investigates the influence of the Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) on the atmospheric composition, temperature and dynamics by means of the 3-D Chemistry Climate Model (CCM) SOCOL v2.0. Ionization rates were parameterized according to CRAC:CRII (Cosmic Ray induced Cascade: Application for Cosmic Ray Induced Ionization), a detailed state-of-the-art model describing the effects of GCRs in the entire altitude range of the CCM from 0–80 km. We find statistically significant effects of GCRs on tropospheric and stratospheric NOx, HOx, ozone, temperature and zonal wind, whereas NOx, HOx and ozone are annually averaged and the temperature and the zonal wind are monthly averaged. In the Southern Hemisphere, the model suggests the GCR-induced NOx increase to exceed 10 % in the tropopause region (peaking with 20 % at the pole), whereas HOx is showing a decrease of about 3 % caused by enhanced conversion into HNO3. As a consequence, ozone is increasing by up to 3 % in the relatively unpolluted southern troposphere, where its production is sensitive to additional NOx from GCRs. Conversely, in the northern polar lower stratosphere, GCRs are found to decrease O3 by up to 3 %, caused by the additional heterogeneous chlorine activation via ClONO2 + HCl following GCR-induced production of ClONO2. There is an apparent GCR-induced acceleration of the zonal wind of up to 5 m s−1 in the Northern Hemisphere below 40 km in February, and a deceleration at higher altitudes with peak values of 3 m s−1 around 70 km altitude. The model also indentifies GCR-induced changes in the surface air, with warming in the eastern part of Europe and in Russia (up to 2.25 K for March values) and cooling in Siberia and Greenland (by almost 2 K). We show that these surface temperature changes develop even when the GCR-induced ionization is taken into account only above 18 km, suggesting that the stratospherically driven strengthening of the polar night jet extends all the way down to the Earth's surface.
Seasonal features of ultrafine particle volatility in the coastal Antarctic troposphere
Authors: Hara K. , Osada K. , Nishita-Hara C. , Yabuki M. , Hayashi M. , Yamanouchi T. , Wada M. , Shiobara M.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. The size distribution and volatility of ultrafine aerosol particles were measured using scanning mobility particle sizer and thermodenuder at Syowa Station during the 46–47 Japanese Antarctic Research Expeditions (2005–2007). The relative abundance of non-volatile particles in a 240 C scan was approximately 20 % during the summer, whereas the abundance of non-volatile particles increased by >90 % during winter–spring. During the summer, most ultrafine particles were NH4+, SO42− and CH3SO3−, while major constituents of ultrafine particles were sea-salts (Na+ and Cl−) in winter–spring. Therefore, the seasonal feature of volatility of ultrafine particles at Syowa might result from seasonal variations of the major aerosol constituents. Although the relative abundance of non-volatile particles was usually higher during winter–spring, the abundance dropped occasionally to <30 %. The lower abundance of non-volatile ultrafine particles during winter–spring corresponded to the lower number concentration of ultrafine particles and transport from the free troposphere over Antarctica.
Comparison of three methods for the estimation of cross-shock electric potential using Cluster data
Authors: Dimmock A. P. , Balikhin M. A. , Hobara Y.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Cluster four point measurements provide a comprehensive dataset for the separation of temporal and spatial variations, which is crucial for the calculation of the cross shock electrostatic potential using electric field measurements. While Cluster is probably the most suited among present and past spacecraft missions to provide such a separation at the terrestrial bow shock, it is far from ideal for a study of the cross shock potential, since only 2 components of the electric field are measured in the spacecraft spin plane. The present paper is devoted to the comparison of 3 different techniques that can be used to estimate the potential with this limitation. The first technique is the estimate taking only into account the projection of the measured components onto the shock normal. The second uses the ideal MHD condition E·B = 0 to estimate the third electric field component. The last method is based on the structure of the electric field in the Normal Incidence Frame (NIF) for which only the potential component along the shock normal and the motional electric field exist. All 3 approaches are used to estimate the potential for a single crossing of the terrestrial bow shock that took place on the 31 March 2001. Surprisingly all three methods lead to the same order of magnitude for the cross shock potential. It is argued that the third method must lead to more reliable results. The effect of the shock normal inaccuracy is investigated for this particular shock crossing. The resulting electrostatic potential appears too high in comparison with the theoretical results for low Mach number shocks. This shows the variability of the potential, interpreted in the frame of the non-stationary shock model.
Estimating future air-quality due to climate change: the Athens case study
Authors: Varotsos K. V. , Giannakopoulos C. , Tombrou M.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. The aim of this study is to investigate the development of an empirical-statistical model in order to examine the potential impact of increasing future temperatures on ozone exceedance days in the Greater Athens Area. It is based on the concept that temperature is a capable predictor for the ozone concentrations and that in a future climate change world, the likelihood of ozone pollution episodes may increase.