1,075 research outputs found
Spin and exchange coupling for Ti embedded in a surface dipolar network
We have studied the spin and exchange coupling of Ti atoms on a
CuN/Cu(100) surface using density functional theory. We find that
individual Ti have a spin of 1.0 (i.e., 2 Bohr Magneton) on the CuN/Cu(100)
surface instead of spin-1/2 as found by Scanning Tunneling Microscope. We
suggest an explanation for this difference, a two-stage Kondo effect, which can
be verified by experiments. By calculating the exchange coupling for Ti dimers
on the CuN/Cu(100) surface, we find that the exchange coupling across a
`void' of 3.6\AA\ is antiferromagnetic, whereas indirect (superexchange)
coupling through a N atom is ferromagnetic. We confirm the existence of
superexchange interactions by varying the Ti-N angle in a model trimer
calculation. For a square lattice of Ti on CuN/Cu(100), we find a novel
spin striped phase
Stress tensor for a scalar field in a spatially varying background potential: Divergences, "renormalization," anomalies, and Casimir forces
Motivated by a desire to understand quantum fluctuation energy densities and
stress within a spatially varying dielectric medium, we examine the vacuum
expectation value for the stress tensor of a scalar field with arbitrary
conformal parameter, in the background of a given potential that depends on
only one spatial coordinate. We regulate the expressions by incorporating a
temporal-spatial cutoff in the (imaginary) time and transverse-spatial
directions. The divergences are captured by the zeroth- and second-order WKB
approximations. Then the stress tensor is "renormalized" by omitting the terms
that depend on the cutoff. The ambiguities that inevitably arise in this
procedure are both duly noted and restricted by imposing certain physical
conditions; one result is that the renormalized stress tensor exhibits the
expected trace anomaly. The renormalized stress tensor exhibits no pressure
anomaly, in that the principle of virtual work is satisfied for motions in a
transverse direction. We then consider a potential that defines a wall, a
one-dimensional potential that vanishes for and rises like ,
, for . The full finite stress tensor is computed numerically
for the two cases where explicit solutions to the differential equation are
available, and 2. The energy density exhibits an inverse linear
divergence as the boundary is approached from the inside for a linear
potential, and a logarithmic divergence for a quadratic potential. Finally, the
interaction between two such walls is computed, and it is shown that the
attractive Casimir pressure between the two walls also satisfies the principle
of virtual work (i.e., the pressure equals the negative derivative of the
energy with respect to the distance between the walls).Comment: 20 pages, 6 figure
Reconstruction of the second layer of Ag on Pt(111)
The reconstruction of an Ag monolayer on Ag/Pt(111) is analyzed
theoretically, employing a vertically extended Frenkel-Kontorova model whose
parameters are derived from density functional theory. Energy minimization is
carried out using simulated quantum annealing techniques. Our results are
compatible with the STM experiments, where a striped pattern is initially found
which transforms into a triangular reconstruction upon annealing. In our model
we recognize the first structure as a metastable state, while the second one is
the true energy minimum
Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Presence of Electric and Magnetic Charges
Starting with the definition of quaternion gauge theory, we have undertaken
the study of SU(2)_{e}\times SU(2)_{m}\times U(1)_{e}\times U(1)_{m} in terms
of the simultaneous existence of electric and magnetic charges along with their
Yang - Mills counterparts. As such, we have developed the gauge theory in terms
of four coupling constants associated with four - gauge symmetry
SU(2)_{e}\times SU(2)_{m}\times U(1)_{e}\times U(1)_{m}. Accordingly, we have
made an attempt to obtain the abelian and non - Abelian gauge structures for
the particles carrying simultaneously the electric and magnetic charges (namely
dyons). Starting from the Lagrangian density of two SU(2)\times U(1) gauge
theories responsible for the existence of electric and magnetic charges, we
have discussed the consistent theory of spontaneous symmetry breaking and Higgs
mechanism in order to generate the masses. From the symmetry breaking, we have
generated the two electromagnetic fields, the two massive vector W^{\pm} and
Z^{0} bosons fields and the Higgs scalar fields
Cannabis and schizophrenia
BACKGROUND
Schizophrenia is a mental illness causing disordered beliefs, ideas and sensations. Many people with schizophrenia smoke cannabis, and it is unclear why a large proportion do so and if the effects are harmful or beneficial. It is also unclear what the best method is to allow people with schizophrenia to alter their cannabis intake.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of specific psychological treatments for cannabis reduction in people with schizophrenia.To assess the effects of antipsychotics for cannabis reduction in people with schizophrenia.To assess the effects of cannabinoids (cannabis related chemical compounds derived from cannabis or manufactured) for symptom reduction in people with schizophrenia.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register, 12 August 2013, which is based on regular searches of BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PUBMED and PsycINFO.We searched all references of articles selected for inclusion for further relevant trials. We contacted the first author of included studies for unpublished trials or data.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials involving cannabinoids and schizophrenia/schizophrenia-like illnesses, which assessed:1) treatments to reduce cannabis use in people with schizophrenia;2) the effects of cannabinoids on people with schizophrenia.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We independently inspected citations, selected papers and then re-inspected the studies if there were discrepancies, and extracted data. For dichotomous data we calculated risk ratios (RR) and for continuous data, we calculated mean differences (MD), both with 95% confidence intervals (CI) on an intention-to-treat basis, based on a fixed-effect model. We excluded data if loss to follow-up was greater than 50%. We assessed risk of bias for included studies and used GRADE to rate the quality of the evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified eight randomised trials, involving 530 participants, which met our selection criteria.For the cannabis reduction studies no one treatment showed superiority for reduction in cannabis use. Overall, data were poorly reported for many outcomes of interest. Our main outcomes of interest were medium-term data for cannabis use, global state, mental state, global functioning, adverse events, leaving the study early and satisfaction with treatment. 1. Reduction in cannabis use: adjunct psychological therapies (specifically about cannabis and psychosis) versus treatment as usualResults from one small study showed people receiving adjunct psychological therapies specifically about cannabis and psychosis were no more likely to reduce their intake than those receiving treatment as usual (n = 54, 1 RCT, MD -0.10, 95% CI -2.44 to 2.24, moderate quality evidence). Results for other main outcomes at medium term were also equivocal. No difference in mental state measured on the PANSS positive were observed between groups (n = 62, 1 RCT, MD -0.30 95% CI -2.55 to 1.95, moderate quality evidence). Nor for the outcome of general functioning measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (n = 49, 1 RCT, MD 0.90 95% CI -1.15 to 2.95, moderate quality evidence). No data were reported for the other main outcomes of interest 2. Reduction in cannabis use: adjunct psychological therapy (specifically about cannabis and psychosis) versus adjunct non-specific psychoeducation One study compared specific psychological therapy aimed at cannabis reduction with general psychological therapy. At three-month follow-up, the use of cannabis in the previous four weeks was similar between treatment groups (n = 47, 1 RCT, RR 1.04 95% CI 0.62 to 1.74, moderate quality evidence). Again, at a medium-term follow-up, the average mental state scores from the Brief Pscychiatric Rating Scale-Expanded were similar between groups (n = 47, 1 RCT, MD 3.60 95% CI - 5.61 to 12.81, moderate quality evidence). No data were reported for the other main outcomes of interest: global state, general functioning, adverse events, leaving the study early and satisfaction with treatment. 3. Reduction in cannabis use: antipsychotic versus antipsychotic In a small trial comparing effectiveness of olanzapine versus risperidone for cannabis reduction, there was no difference between groups at medium-term follow-up (n = 16, 1 RCT, RR 1.80 95% CI 0.52 to 6.22, moderate quality evidence). The number of participants leaving the study early at medium term was also similar (n = 28, 1 RCT, RR 0.50 95% CI 0.19 to 1.29, moderate quality evidence). Mental state data were reported, however they were reported within the short term and no difference was observed. No data were reported for global state, general functioning, and satisfaction with treatment.With regards to adverse effects data, no study reported medium-term data. Short-term data were presented but overall, no real differences between treatment groups were observed for adverse effects. 4. Cannabinoid as treatment: cannabidiol versus amisulprideAgain, no data were reported for any of the main outcomes of interest at medium term. There were short-term data reported for mental state using the BPRS and PANSS, no overall differences in mental state were observed between treatment groups.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Results are limited and inconclusive due to the small number and size of randomised controlled trials available and quality of data reporting within these trials. More research is needed to a) explore the effects of adjunct psychological therapy that is specifically about cannabis and psychosis as currently there is no evidence for any novel intervention being better than standard treatment,for those that use cannabis and have schizophrenia b) decide the most effective drug treatment in treating those that use cannabis and have schizophrenia, and c) assess the effectiveness of cannabidiol in treating schizophrenia. Currently evidence is insufficient to show cannabidiol has an antipsychotic effect
Quaternion-Octonion Unitary Symmetries and Analogous Casimir Operators
An attempt has been made to investigate the global SU(2) and SU(3) unitary
flavor symmetries systematically in terms of quaternion and octonion
respectively. It is shown that these symmetries are suitably handled with
quaternions and octonions in order to obtain their generators, commutation
rules and symmetry properties. Accordingly, Casimir operators for SU(2)and
SU(3) flavor symmetries are also constructed for the proper testing of these
symmetries in terms of quaternions and octonions
Quaternion-Octonion SU(3) Flavor Symmetry
Starting with the quaternionic formulation of isospin SU(2) group, we have
derived the relations for different components of isospin with quark states.
Extending this formalism to the case of SU(3) group we have considered the
theory of octonion variables. Accordingly, the octonion splitting of SU(3)
group have been reconsidered and various commutation relations for SU(3) group
and its shift operators are also derived and verified for different iso-spin
multiplets i.e. I, U and V- spins.
Keywords: SU(3), Quaternions, Octonions and Gell Mann matrices
PACS NO: 11.30.Hv: Flavor symmetries; 12.10-Dm: Unified field theories and
models of strong and electroweak interaction
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