bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial development of a survey tool to detect issues of chemical coping in chronic pain patients
Authors: Kirsh Kenneth L. , Jass Carolyn , Bennett Daniel S. , Hagen James E. , Passik Steven D.
Published: September 2007

Objective: Completely compliant drug-taking behavior is associated with opioid therapy that is usually highly beneficial to the pain patient, whereas frequent and severe aberrant behavior is generally associated with therapy that is potentially harmful to the patient and borders on addiction. There is a large group of patients in the middle between these two extremes: those who display aberrant behaviors periodically, who may additionally have a mixed response to opioid therapy, the overall results of which are less than satisfying (often in the domain of functionality) to the clinician. We have used the term chemical coping to describe this vast middle ground and seek to begin a line of research starting with the development of a clinically useful tool to identify this subset of patients.

Methods: A background review is provided to highlight the need for better understanding of chemical coping. In addition, the first steps in creating a chemical coping tool are discussed, including the results of focus group interviews to determine the clarity, understandability of the items, and to assure that they are not objectionable or offensive. A total of 15 patients and 15 professionals completed this phase of the project.

Results: Both the professionals and patients reported that the items were generally clear and understandable. In addition, although the items cover potentially sensitive topics and some were designed with a provocative edge, the respondents had few requested changes. The researchers are moving forward with the next phase of research.

Significance of results: The middle ground between compliant medication use and addiction, which we call chemical coping, is poorly understood and woefully underresearched. Despite this gap in our knowledge base, it is an often observed phenomenon. Creating a tool to identify these characteristics can lead to better treatment outcomes and earlier interventions to help improve compliance with medication regimens.
Prognosticating futures and the human experience of hope
Authors: Thorne Sally , Oglov Valerie , Armstrong Elizabeth-Anne , Hislop T. Gregory
Published: September 2007

Objectives: Communication between health care providers and patients with cancer and other chronic diseases typically references probabilities that certain future events will or will not occur. Beyond the context of diagnostic encounters and the transmission of “bad news,” such “prognostic” communications take place in various forms throughout the illness trajectory. It is well known that such information transmitted badly can have devastating psychosocial consequences for patients and their families and, conversely, that difficult information exchanged with sensitivity can lend tremendous support. This study aimed to extend our understanding of how such communications are received and interpreted by patients, so that we might optimally apply what we know about general principles of effective communication within the particularly challenging context of predicting futures.

Methods: We conducted a combined secondary analysis of two prior qualitative studies into patient perceptions of helpful and unhelpful health care communication with 200 cancer patients and 30 persons with chronic illness. These data sets offered a rich resource for comparing perceptions across a range of contextual variables, and secondary analysis focused on future-oriented interactions, including both prognostication and prediction.

Results: The accounts of patients with cancer and chronic illness reveal various ways in which health care communications involving future projections interact with their human experience of hope, powerfully shaping their capacity to make sense of and live with serious illness. They include a synthesis of what patients recommend health care professionals know and understand about this challenging dynamic.

Significance of results: The findings of this study offer a distinct angle of vision onto the various communications that involve future predictions, illuminating a patient perspective with the potential to inform health care communication approaches that are both informative and therapeutic. As such, the study supports a dynamic understanding of the tenuous balance between hope and honesty in the clinical encounter.
Primary concerns of advanced cancer patients identified through the structured life review process: A qualitative study using a text mining technique
Authors: Ando Michiyo , Morita Tatsuya , O'Connor Stephen J.
Published: September 2007

Objective: This study aims to clarify characteristics of the contents of life review in reminiscence therapies in cancer patients by age, gender, and stage of disease.

Methods: Sixteen patients who were terminally ill and were receiving anticancer treatments participated in life review therapy. Patients reviewed there lives according to their developmental stage, and they mainly reviewed impressive achievements. A clinical psychologist interviewed each patient four times and the total number of sessions was 64. The contents of each life review were transcribed, and a correspondence analysis and a significance test were conducted on these data to choose characteristic words or phrases.

Results: The main concern of 40-year-olds was “about children.” For 50-year-olds, it was “how to confront death” and for 60-year-olds, “death-related anxiety” and “new discoveries”. For 70-year-olds, “resignation about death” and “evaluative reminiscence of their lives” were most important, and for 80-year-olds the main concern was “relationships with others.” When analyzing the data according to disease stage and gender, “transcendence to children”, “reflection on their past behavior”, and “gratitude for my family” were characteristic words for males receiving treatment, “work,” “worries about children,” “side effects,” “homecare,” and “reflection on their past behavior” were characteristic words for females receiving treatment. “Physical condition”, “desire for death” and “how to confront death” were common phrase for males in the terminal stages of the disease process, while “resignation to life” was characteristic reaction for females.

Significance of results: There appear to be considerable differences in the focus of life review interviews by age, disease age, disease stage, and gender. Clinicians should consider these differences when using life-review therapy in order to tailor it to the individual.
Chemotherapy and cognitive deficits: Mechanisms, findings, and potential interventions
Authors: Nelson Christian J. , Nandy Nina , Roth Andrew J.
Published: September 2007

“Chemobrain” is the phenomenon of cognitive decline some patients may experience after chemotherapy. Current research indicates the cognitive domains that may be most impacted by chemotherapeutic agents are visual and verbal memory, attention, and psychomotor functioning. These cognitive deficits can have an effect on a patient's ability to make informed treatment decisions, pursue occupational or academic pursuits, and his or her overall quality of life. The potential mechanisms that cause this disruption remain largely unknown, although contributing factors could be vascular injury and oxidative damage, inflammation, direct injury to neurons, autoimmune responses, chemotherapy-induced anemia, and the presence of the apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε 4) gene. Interventions to help alleviate the symptoms of chemobrain could include nonpharmacologic treatment such as antioxidants and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In addition, patients may benefit from pharmacologic treatment such as recombinant human erythropoietin and psychostimulant drugs such as methylphenidate. It is important to note that the proposed therapeutics treat the symptoms of chemobrain based on the hypothesized mechanisms. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms that cause chemobrain, as well as a comprehension of what specific cognitive domains are impacted, is crucial in developing more specific treatments to improve patients' cognitive functioning and overall quality of life.
Bereavement summer camp for children and teens: A reflection of nine years
Authors: Schachter Sherry R.
Published: September 2007

The need to facilitate healthy bereavement, resulting from both deaths from life-threatening illnesses as well as violent, sudden deaths, is great. For the past 9 summers, Bereavement Services at Calvary Hospital, Bronx, New York, has sponsored a week-long day camp for bereaved children and adolescents. Each year the program expands by adding new activities to meet the needs of grieving children in therapeutic ways congruent with current research and timely clinical interventions. This article reflects on our experience, which has evolved and become stronger over the past 9 years. It is believed that this program is replicable and can be initiated and developed by other hospitals and organizations interested in developing similar programs.
Models of active glacial isostasy roofing warm subduction: Case of the South Patagonian Ice Field
Authors: Klemann Volker , Ivins Erik R. , Martinec Zdeněk , Wolf Detlef
Published: September 2007

Modern geodetic techniques such as precise Global Positioning System (GPS) and high‐resolution space gravity mapping (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, GRACE) make it possible to measure the present‐day rate of viscoelastic gravitational Earth response to present and past glacier mass changes. The Andes of Patagonia contain glacial environments of dramatic mass change. These mass load changes occur near a tectonically active boundary between the Antarctic and South American plates. The mechanical strength of the continental side of this boundary is influenced by Neogene ridge subduction and by the subduction of a youthful oceanic slab. A ridge of young volcanos parallels the Pacific coastline. Release of volatiles (such as water) at depth along this ridge creates a unique rheological environment. To assess the influence of this rheological ridge structure on the observational land uplift rate, we apply a two‐dimensional viscoelastic Earth model. A numerical study is presented which examines the sensitivity of the glacial loading‐unloading response to the complex structure at depth related to the subducting slab, the viscous wedge between slab and continental lithosphere, and the increase of elastic thickness from oceanic to continental lithosphere. A key feature revealed by our numerical experiments is a continuum flow wherein the slab subdues the material transport toward oceanic mantle and crust. The restricted flow is sensitive to the details of slab mechanical strength and penetration into the upper mantle. The reduced viscosity within the mantle wedge, however, enhances the load‐induced material transport everywhere within the asthenosphere.
Lead‐210 observations within CARBOSOL: A diagnostic tool for assessing the spatiotemporal variability of related chemical aerosol species?
Authors: Hammer S. , Wagenbach D. , Preunkert S. , Pio C. , Schlosser C. , Meinhardt F.
Published: September 2007

We report on observations of atmospheric 210Pb, coregistered with inorganic and organic aerosol species, during 2002–2004 at six European sites. This network reaches from the Azores to the Hungarian plain to represent marine, coastal, mountain and continental conditions. The motivation for observing this natural secondary aerosol tracer was to give insight to what extent it might assist in understanding the more complex aerosol chemistry changes. Synopsis of the 210Pb variability revealed a continental increase, up to a factor of three, from west to east. During the three winter months, we find a variation on nearly the same order in the 210Pb concentration between low‐ and high‐altitude sites. Seasonal 210Pb cycles exhibit summer/winter ratios of around 2–3 at high‐altitude sites, but remain damped at low‐altitude stations. However, all sites show distinct 210Pb changes of around ±50% independent of season on the synoptic timescale. Comparison of concentration variations of organic carbon (OC) and anthropogenic sulphate with the 210Pb variations show largest differences associated with the seasonal cycle at the low‐altitude sites. In contrast, significant covariations of all three components are seen on the synoptic timescale for these sites. At high altitudes, clear covariations of OC and anthropogenic sulphate with 210Pb are seen on both seasonal and synoptic timescales. At two mountain sites with comparable elevation, all three aerosol compounds show strong intersite correlations along with systematic enhancements at the downwind site. Attributing these offsets to a common continental pileup, simple 1‐box model calculations yielded OC‐ and anthropogenic sulphate‐related emission flux densities, which are broadly in agreement with the expected values.
A three‐dimensional dynamic vorticity vector associated with tropical oceanic convection
Authors: Gao Shouting
Published: September 2007

The relationship between cloud hydrometeors and the dynamic vorticity vector (DVV) is investigated using hourly data from a three‐dimensional (3D), 5‐day cloud‐resolving model (CRM) simulation during the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Kwajalein Experiment (KWAJEX). Horizontal components of the 3D DVV (which represent the interaction between vertical vorticity and horizontal winds) show higher linear correlation coefficients with cloud hydrometeors than does the vertical component. This is different from the two‐dimensional (2D) results from Gao et al. (2005), which show that both zonal and vertical components of 2D DVV have good linear correlations with convection. The difference is caused by the fact that dominant items in horizontal components of the 3D DVV are excluded from that of the 2D DVV. This suggests that three‐dimensional representation of tropical deep convection is crucial to accurately simulate convection and associated dynamics.
Thermoporomechanics of creeping landslides: The 1963 Vaiont slide, northern Italy
Authors: Veveakis Emmanuil , Vardoulakis Ioannis , Di Toro Giulio
Published: September 2007

The catastrophic Vaiont landslide (Southern Alps, Italy) of 9 October 1963 moved 2.7 × 108 m3 of rock that collapsed in an artificial lake, causing a giant wave that killed 1917 people. The landslide was preceded by 2–3 years of creep that ended with the final collapse of the rock mass slipping at about 30 m s−1. Assuming that creep was localized in a clay‐rich water‐saturated layer, in this study we propose shear heating as the primary mechanism for the long‐term phase of accelerating creep. We study only the creeping phase of the slide, and we model this phase using a rigid block moving over a thin zone of high shear strain rates. Introducing a thermal softening and velocity strengthening law for the basal material, we reformulate the governing equations of a water‐saturated porous material, obtaining an estimate for the collapse time of the slide. Our model is calibrated upon real velocity measurements from the Vaiont landslide and provides an estimation of the critical time of failure up to 169 days before the collapse. We also show that the slide became critical ∼21 days before the collapse, when shear heating started localizing in the clay‐rich layer, inducing a tendency for slip localization and thermal runaway instability in a plane. The total loss of strength in the slipping zone during the last minutes prior to the slide is explained by the onset of thermal pressurization, triggered by the temperature rise within the clay‐rich layer.
The study of Earth's magnetism (1269–1950): A foundation by Peregrinus and subsequent development of geomagnetism and paleomagnetism
Authors: Courtillot Vincent , Le Mouël Jean‐Louis
Published: September 2007

This paper summarizes the histories of geomagnetism and paleomagnetism (1269–1950). The role of Peregrinus is emphasized. In the sixteenth century a debate on local versus global departures of the field from that of an axial dipole pitted Gilbert against Le Nautonier. Regular measurements were undertaken in the seventeenth century. At the turn of the nineteenth century, de Lamanon, de Rossel, and von Humboldt discovered the decrease of intensity as one approaches the equator. Around 1850, three figures of rock magnetism were Fournet (remanent and induced magnetizations), Delesse (remagnetization in a direction opposite to the original), and Melloni (direction of lava magnetization acquired at time of cooling). Around 1900, Brunhes discovered magnetic reversals. In the 1920s, Chevallier produced the first magnetostratigraphy and hypothesized that poles had undergone enormous displacements. Matuyama showed that the Earth's field had reversed before the Pleistocene. Our review ends in the 1940s, when exponential development of geomagnetism and paleomagnetism starts.
Neural network emulations for complex multidimensional geophysical mappings: Applications of neural network techniques to atmospheric and oceanic satellite retrievals and numerical modeling
Authors: Krasnopolsky Vladimir M.
Published: September 2007

A group of geophysical applications, which from the mathematical point of view, can be formulated as complex, multidimensional, nonlinear mappings and which in terms of the neural network (NN) technique, utilize a particular type of NN, the multilayer perceptron (MLP), is reviewed in this paper. This type of NN application covers the majority of NN applications developed in geosciences like satellite remote sensing, meteorology, oceanography, numerical weather prediction, and climate studies. The major properties of the mappings and MLP NNs are formulated and discussed. Three particular groups of NN applications are presented in this paper as illustrations: atmospheric and oceanic satellite remote sensing applications, NN emulations of model physics for developing atmospheric and oceanic hybrid numerical models, and NN emulations of the dependencies between model variables for application in data assimilation systems.
Suspended sediment, dissolved organic carbon, and dissolved nitrogen export during the dam removal process
Authors: Riggsbee J. Adam , Julian Jason P. , Doyle Martin W. , Wetzel Robert G.
Published: September 2007

Total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) loads were calculated for all stages of the dam removal process (dewatering, breaching, and removal) at various points upstream, within, and downstream of Lowell Mill Impoundment on the Little River, North Carolina. The impoundment dewatering exported loads of TSS, DOC, and TDN which were all 1–2 orders of magnitude less than loads associated with historic floods. Conversely, floods exiting the former impoundment following dam removal produced TSS, DOC, and TDN loads comparable to, but slightly greater (1.2–1.75 times) than historic floods. Exported loads were greatest following the complete removal of the dam, most likely because of increased channel gradient. We assert that the disturbances (i.e., concentrations and loads) associated with dam removal should be compared to those generated by floods within the same system rather than comparing the impacts of dam removal with base flow conditions. During the dewatering, impounded floodplain wetlands were found to contribute the following percentages to total impoundment loads: 44% of stored water, 12.6 % of TSS, 49% of DOC, and 33% of TDN. Moreover, the dewatering flood wave was sampled at various points along a 19.2‐km reach below the dam to characterize the routing of TSS, DOC, and TDN. TSS released by the impoundment was retained within 10 km of the dam, while TDN and DOC loads increased slightly. Finally, we used our results with those from other removals to provide insight into regional and morphologic controls on exports of impounded materials following dam removal.
Magnetostratigraphy of an early‐middle Miocene loess‐soil sequence in the western Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Hao Qingzhen , Guo Zhengtang
Published: September 2007

Stratigraphy and magnetic susceptibility of the Quaternary eolian deposits at different sites in China can be closely correlated, confirming their spatial coherence and temporal continuity. The extent to which these conclusions are true for the Miocene loess‐soil sequences remains to be addressed. Here, a 231.9‐m eolian section, QA‐III, is geomagnetically dated, yielding an age span of 21.4–11.4 Ma, with the portion older than 19.6 Ma being partially water‐reworked. The magnetozones, litholigic structure and magnetic susceptibility of the sequence are highly correlative with the QA‐I and QA‐II sections, 30 km west of QA‐III. These sequences demonstrate that the Miocene loess deposits are also spatially correlative in stratigraphy, present a near‐continuous sequence of paleoenvironment changes, and that magnetic susceptibility is a useful tool for stratigraphic correlation. The basal age of QA‐III confirms again the onset of Asian inland deserts and monsoon‐dominate climates by the early Miocene.
Langmuir turbulence and deeply penetrating jets in an unstratified mixed layer
Authors: Polton Jeff A. , Belcher Stephen E.
Published: September 2007

The influence of surface waves and an applied wind stress is studied in an ensemble of large eddy simulations to investigate the nature of deeply penetrating jets into an unstratified mixed layer. The influence of a steady monochromatic surface wave propagating parallel to the wind direction is parameterized using the wave‐filtered Craik‐Leibovich equations. Tracer trajectories and instantaneous downwelling velocities reveal classic counterrotating Langmuir rolls. The associated downwelling jets penetrate to depths in excess of the wave's Stokes depth scale, δs. Qualitative evidence suggests the depth of the jets is controlled by the Ekman depth scale. Analysis of turbulent kinetic energy (tke) budgets reveals a dynamical distinction between Langmuir turbulence and shear‐driven turbulence. In the former, tke production is dominated by Stokes shear and a vertical flux term transports tke to a depth where it is dissipated. In the latter, tke production is from the mean shear and is locally balanced by dissipation. We define the turbulent Langmuir number Lat = (v*/Us)0.5 (v* is the ocean's friction velocity and Us is the surface Stokes drift velocity) and a turbulent anisotropy coefficient Rt = /( + ). The transition between shear‐driven and Langmuir turbulence is investigated by varying external wave parameters δs and Lat and by diagnosing Rt and the Eulerian mean and Stokes shears. When either Lat or δs are sufficiently small the Stokes shear dominates the mean shear and the flow is preconditioned to Langmuir turbulence and the associated deeply penetrating jets.
Potentiation of NF‐κB‐dependent transcription and inflammatory mediator release by histamine in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Holden N S , Gong W , King E M , Kaur M , Giembycz M A , Newton R
Published: September 2007

Background and purpose:

In asthma, histamine contributes to bronchoconstriction, vasodilatation and oedema, and is associated with the late phase response. The current study investigates possible inflammatory effects of histamine acting on nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB)‐dependent transcription and cytokine release.

Experimental approach:

Using BEAS‐2B bronchial epithelial cells, NF‐κB‐dependent transcription and both release and mRNA expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 were examined by reporter assay, ELISA and quantitative RT‐PCR. Histamine receptors were detected using qualitative RT‐PCR and function examined using selective agonists and antagonists.

Key results:

Addition of histamine to TNFα‐stimulated BEAS‐2B cells maximally potentiated NF‐κB‐dependent transcription 1.8 fold, whereas IL‐6 and IL‐8 protein release were enhanced 7.3‐ and 2.7‐fold respectively. These responses were, in part, NF‐κB‐dependent and were associated with 2.6‐ and 1.7‐fold enhancements of IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA expression. The H1receptor antagonist, mepyramine, caused a rightward shift in the concentration‐response curves of TNFα‐induced NF‐κB‐dependent transcription (pA2=9.91) and release of IL‐6 (pA2=8.78) and IL‐8 (pA2=8.99). Antagonists of histamine H2, H3and H4receptors were without effect. Similarly, H3and H4receptor agonists did not affect TNFα‐induced NF‐κB‐dependent transcription, or IL‐6 and IL‐8 release at concentrations below 10 μM. The anti‐inflammatory glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, inhibited the histamine enhanced NF‐κB‐dependent transcription and IL‐6 and IL‐8 release.

Conclusions and implications:

Potentiation of NF‐κB‐dependent transcription and inflammatory cytokine release by histamine predominantly involves receptors of the H1receptor subtype. These data support an anti‐inflammatory role for H1receptor antagonists by preventing the transcription and release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 891–902; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707457; published online 24 September 2007
Cannabinoid control of neuroinflammation related to multiple sclerosis
Authors: Baker D , Jackson S J , Pryce G
Published: September 2007

The cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) has been known by many names but the question remains ‘Can we call it medicine?’ There has been renewed interest in the value of cannabis for the control of neuroinflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis, where it has been shown to have some effect on spasticity and pain both experimentally and in clinical trials in humans. However, in addition to symptom control potential, the question remains whether cannabinoids can modify the neuroinflammatory element which drives relapsing neurological attacks and the accumulation of progressive disability. In experimental studies it has been recently shown that synthetic cannabinoids can affect the immune response both indirectly via CB1 receptor‐mediated signalling nerve centres controlling the systemic release of immunosuppressive molecules and directly by CB2 receptor‐mediated inhibition of lymphocyte and macrophage/microglial cell function. However, these immunosuppressive possibilities that would limit the frequency of relapsing attacks will probably not be realized clinically, following use of medical cannabis, due to dose constraints. However, cannabinoids may still affect the glial response within the damaged central nervous system, which facilitate the slow, neurodegenerative processes that account for progressive neurodegeneration, and therefore may have utility in addition to value of cannabis‐related drugs for symptom control.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 649–654; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707458; published online 24 September 2007
Improvement of vascular function by acute and chronic treatment with the PDE‐5 inhibitor sildenafil in experimental diabetes mellitus
Authors: Schäfer A , Fraccarollo D , Pförtsch S , Flierl U , Vogt C , Pfrang J , Kobsar A , Renné T , Eigenthaler M , Ertl G , Bauersachs J
Published: September 2007

Background and purpose:

Diabetes‐associated vascular dysfunction contributes to increased cardiovascular risk. We investigated whether the phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor sildenafil would improve vascular function in diabetic rats.

Experimental approach:

Male Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (50 mg kg‐1, i.v.) to induce insulin‐deficient diabetes. Direct effects of sildenafil as well as modification of endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent vasorelaxation were investigated in vitro. The effects of acute and chronic (2 week) treatment in vivo of sildenafil on vascular function were also characterized in isolated aortic segments in organ bath chambers 4 weeks after diabetes induction.

Key results:

Sildenafil induced a concentration‐dependent vasorelaxation, which was attenuated by the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine. Acetylcholine‐induced endothelium‐dependent as well as endothelium‐independent relaxation induced by the NO donor, DEA‐NONOate, was significantly reduced in aortae from diabetic rats. Incubation with sildenafil in vitro normalized both endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent relaxation in aortae from diabetic rats. Acute as well as chronic in vivo treatment with sildenafil resulted in enhanced endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent vasorelaxation. Superoxide formation was increased in diabetes, associated with enhanced membrane expression of the NAD(P)H oxidase subunit gp91phox and Rac, which were both reduced by chronic treatment with sildenafil.

Conclusions and implications:

We demonstrate that sildenafil treatment rapidly and chronically improves vascular relaxation in diabetic rats. Treatment with sildenafil might provide a similarly beneficial effect in diabetic patients.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 886–893; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707459; published online 24 September 2007
Cannabinoid self‐administration in rats: sex differences and the influence of ovarian function
Authors: Fattore L , Spano M S , Altea S , Angius F , Fadda P , Fratta W
Published: September 2007

Background and purpose:

We recently demonstrated the existence of strain differences in self‐administration of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212‐2 (WIN) by Long Evans (LE) and Lister Hooded (LH) but not Sprague‐Dawley (SD) male rats. This follow‐up study is aimed at verifying whether sex and ovarian hormones might also be critical factors in the initiation, retention and extinction of WIN self‐administration.

Experimental approach:

LE, LH and SD male and female rats, the latter either intact or bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX), were trained to self‐administer WIN (12.5 μg kg−1 per infusion) under a FR1 reinforcement schedule, using lever‐pressing.

Key results:

Data showed that contrary to the findings in SD rats, LE and LH rats developed robust cannabinoid intake, with rates of responding for WIN being constantly higher in intact females than in males (+45 and +42% for LE and LH strains, respectively). In comparison with intact females, OVX females of both strains acquired self‐administration at lower rates, displaying slower acquisition, lower drug intake (−42 and −52% for LE and LH, respectively) and longer extinction.

Conclusions and implications:

These findings provide the first evidence of significant sex differences in cannabinoid self‐administration, females acquiring stable WIN intake at higher rates and more rapidly than males. Moreover, when compared to intact females, a lower percentage of LE and LH OVX rats acquired and maintained stable drug intake, suggesting that ovarian hormones might represent a critical factor in modulating the reinforcing effect of cannabinoids.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 795–804; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707465; published online 24 September 2007
CB2 cannabinoid receptors as an emerging target for demyelinating diseases: from neuroimmune interactions to cell replacement strategies
Authors: Arévalo‐Martín Á , García‐Ovejero D , Gómez O , Rubio‐Araiz A , Navarro‐Galve B , Guaza C , Molina‐Holgado E , Molina‐Holgado F
Published: September 2007

Amongst the various demyelinating diseases that affect the central nervous system, those induced by an inflammatory response stand out because of their epidemiological relevance. The best known inflammatory‐induced demyelinating disease is multiple sclerosis, but the immune response is a common pathogenic mechanism in many other less common pathologies (e.g., acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and acute necrotizing haemorrhagic encephalomyelitis). In all such cases, modulation of the immune response seems to be a logical therapeutic approach. Cannabinoids are well known immunomodulatory molecules that act through CB1 and CB2 receptors. While activation of CB1 receptors has a psychotropic effect, activation of CB2 receptors alone does not. Therefore, to bypass the ethical problems that could result from the treatment of inflammation with psychotropic molecules, considerable effort is being made to study the potential therapeutic value of activating CB2 receptors. In this review we examine the current knowledge and understanding of the utility of cannabinoids as therapeutic molecules for inflammatory‐mediated demyelinating pathologies. Moreover, we discuss how CB2 receptor activation is related to the modulation of immunopathogenic states.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 216–225; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707466; published online 24 September 2007
Vascular pharmacology of a novel cannabinoid‐like compound, 3‐(5‐dimethylcarbamoyl‐pent‐1‐enyl)‐N‐(2‐hydroxy‐1‐methyl‐ethyl)benzamide (VSN16) in the rat
Authors: Hoi P M , Visintin C , Okuyama M , Gardiner S M , Kaup S S , Bennett T , Baker D , Selwood D L , Hiley C R
Published: September 2007

Background and purpose:

A putative novel cannabinoid receptor mediates vasorelaxation to anandamide and abnormal‐cannabidiol and is blocked by O‐1918 and by high concentrations of rimonabant. This study investigates VSN16, a novel water‐soluble agonist, as a vasorelaxant potentially acting at non‐CB1, non‐CB2cannabinoid receptors in the vasculature.

Experimental approach:

VSN16 and some analogues were synthesized and assayed for vasodilator activity in the rat third generation mesenteric artery using wire myography. Also carried out with VSN16 were haemodynamic studies in conscious rats and binding studies to CB1receptors of rat cerebellum.

Key results:

VSN16 relaxed mesenteric arteries in an endothelium‐dependent manner. The vasorelaxation was antagonized by high concentrations of the classical cannabinoid antagonists, rimonabant and AM 251, as well as by O‐1918, an antagonist at the abnormal‐cannabidiol receptor but not at CB1or CB2receptors. It did not affect [3H]CP55,940 binding to CB1receptors in rat cerebellum. The vasorelaxation was notpertussistoxin‐sensitive but was reduced by inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis, Ca2+‐sensitive K+channels (KCa) and TRPV1receptors. In conscious rats VSN16 transiently increased blood pressure and caused a longer‐lasting increase in mesenteric vascular conductance. Structure‐activity studies on vasorelaxation showed a stringent interaction with the target receptor.

Conclusions and implications:

VSN16 is an agonist at a novel cannabinoid receptor of the vasculature. It acts on the endothelium to release nitric oxide and activate KCaand TRPV1. As it is water‐soluble it might be useful in bringing about peripheral cannabinoid‐like effects without accompanying central or severe cardiovascular responses.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 751–764; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707470; published online 24 September 2007
Comparative potencies of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) analogues as inhibitors of [3H]noradrenaline and [3H]5‐HT transport in mammalian cell lines
Authors: Montgomery T , Buon C , Eibauer S , Guiry P J , Keenan A K , McBean G J
Published: September 2007

Background and purpose:

Illegal ‘ecstasy’ tablets frequently contain 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐like compounds of unknown pharmacological activity. Since monoamine transporters are one of the primary targets of MDMA action in the brain, a number of MDMA analogues have been tested for their ability to inhibit [3H]noradrenaline uptake into rat PC12 cells expressing the noradrenaline transporter (NET) and [3H]5‐HT uptake into HEK293 cells stably transfected with the 5‐HT transporter (SERT).

Experimental approach:

Concentration–response curves for the following compounds at both NET and SERT were determined under saturating substrate conditions: 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyamphetamine (HMA), 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA), 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐hydroxyamphetamine (MDOH), 2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐bromophenylethylamine (2CB), 3,4‐dimethoxymethamphetamine (DMMA), 3,4‐methylenedioxyphenyl‐2‐butanamine (BDB), 3,4‐methylenedioxyphenyl‐N‐methyl‐2‐butanamine (MBDB) and 2,3‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (2,3‐MDMA).

Key results:

2,3‐MDMA was significantly less potent than MDMA at SERT, but equipotent with MDMA at NET. 2CB and BDB were both significantly less potent than MDMA at NET, but equipotent with MDMA at SERT. MBDB, DMMA, MDOH and the MDMA metabolites HMA and HMMA, were all significantly less potent than MDMA at both NET and SERT.

Conclusions and implications:

This study provides an important insight into the structural requirements of MDMA analogue affinity at both NET and SERT. It is anticipated that these results will facilitate understanding of the likely pharmacological actions of structural analogues of MDMA.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 1121–1130; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707473; published online 24 September 2007
Small‐world networks and management science research: a review
Authors: Uzzi Brian , Amaral Luis AN , Reed‐Tsochas Felix
Published: September 2007

This paper reviews the literature on small‐world networks in social science and management. This relatively new area of research represents an unusual level of cross‐disciplinary research within social science and between social science and the physical sciences. We review the findings of this emerging area with an eye to describing the underlying theory of small worlds, the technical apparatus, promising facts, and unsettled issues for future research.
The value and costs of modularity: a problem‐solving perspective
Authors: Brusoni Stefano , Marengo Luigi , Prencipe Andrea , Valente Marco
Published: September 2007

This paper discusses the issue of modularity from a problem‐solving perspective. Modularity is in fact a decomposition heuristic, through which a complex problem is decomposed into independent or quasi‐independent sub‐problems. By means of a model of problem decomposition, this paper studies the trade‐offs of modularity: on the one hand finer modules increase the speed of search, but on the other hand they usually determine lock‐in into sub‐optimal solutions. How to balance effectively this trade‐off depends upon the problem environment and in particular on its complexity and volatility: we show that in stationary and complex environments there exists an evolutionary advantage to over‐modularization, while in highly volatile environments, contrary to usual wisdom, modular search is inefficient in the long run. The empirical relevance of our findings is discussed especially with reference to the literature on systems integration.
Science of complex systems for tackling challenges of the 21st century: a brief overview
Authors: Dum Ralph
Published: September 2007

The article provides a brief overview of the emerging ‘Science of Complex Systems’ and of some of the programmes sponsored by the European Commission and the DG for Information Society and Media. I explain what are the drivers for this emerging research area, what are its new concepts and what is its potential impact on science, society and business. The research landscape in Europe is described by focussing on programmes in the European Commission.
Strongly enhanced laser absorption and electron acceleration via resonant excitation of surface plasma waves
Authors: Raynaud M. , Kupersztych J. , Riconda C. , Adam J. C. , Héron A.
Published: September 2007

Two-dimensional (2D) particle-in-cell numerical simulations of the interaction between a high-intensity short-pulse p-polarized laser beam and an overdense plasma are presented. It is shown that, under appropriate physical conditions, a surface plasma wave can be resonantly excited by a short-pulse laser wave, leading to strong relativistic electron acceleration together with a dramatic increase, up to 70%, of light absorption by the plasma. Purely 2D effects contribute to enhancement of electron acceleration. It is also found that the angular distribution of the hot electrons is drastically affected by the surface wave. The subsequent ion dynamics is shown to be significantly modified by the surface plasma wave excitation.
Recursive boson system in the Cuntz algebra O∞
Authors: Kawamura Katsunori
Published: September 2007

Bosons and fermions are often written by elements of other algebras. Abe (private communication) gave a realization of bosons by formal infinite sums of the canonical generators of the Cuntz algebra O∞. We show that such formal infinite sum always makes sense on a certain dense subspace of any permutative representation of O∞. In this meaning, we can regard as if the algebra B of bosons was a unital ∗-subalgebra of O∞ on a given permutative representation. According to this relation, we compute branching laws arising from restrictions of representations of O∞ on B. For example, it is shown that the Fock representation of B is given as the restriction of the standard representation of O∞ on B.
Negative magnetoresistance effects in metallic n-type GaSb
Authors: Ghezzi C. , Magnanini R. , Parisini A.
Published: September 2007

A negative magnetoresistance at low magnetic fields and low temperatures was evidenced in n-type GaSb samples having an electron density just above the critical value for the metal-insulator transition and was interpreted in terms of quantum-interference effects. The inelastic scattering time was derived as a function of the temperature by the analysis of the data with a standard model, which includes weak localization and electron-electron interaction effects. The results of the fitting and the Isawa electron-electron scattering time were found to agree only if a nonnegligible amount of disorder is taken into account in the quantum-interference correction to the conductivity near the metal-insulator transition. These results are discussed in the light of the structural characterization of the investigated samples. The negative magnetoresistance effects were also observed in non-Ohmic measurements, with a behavior consistent with the usual electron temperature model.
Generator coordinate method in time-dependent density-functional theory: Memory made simple
Authors: Orestes E. , Capelle K. , da Silva A. B. F. , Ullrich C. A.
Published: September 2007

The generator coordinate (GC) method is a variational approach to the quantum many-body problem in which interacting many-body wave functions are constructed as superpositions of (generally nonorthogonal) eigenstates of auxiliary Hamiltonians containing a deformation parameter. This paper presents a time-dependent extension of the GC method as a new approach to improve existing approximations of the exchange-correlation (XC) potential in time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT). The time-dependent GC method is shown to be a conceptually and computationally simple tool to build memory effects into any existing adiabatic XC potential. As an illustration, the method is applied to driven parametric oscillations of two interacting electrons in a harmonic potential (Hooke’s atom). It is demonstrated that a proper choice of time-dependent generator coordinates in conjunction with the adiabatic local-density approximation reproduces the exact linear and nonlinear two-electron dynamics quite accurately, including features associated with double excitations that cannot be captured by TDDFT in the adiabatic approximation.
Nonlinear dispersion of resonance extraordinary wave in a plasma with strong magnetic field
Authors: Krasovitskiy V. B. , Turikov V. A. , Sotnikov V. I.
Published: September 2007

In this paper, the efficiency of electron acceleration by a short, powerful laser pulse propagating across an external magnetic field is investigated. Conditions for the decay of a laser pulse with frequency close to the upper hybrid resonance frequency are analyzed. It is also shown that a laser pulse propagating as an extraordinary wave in cold, magnetized, low-density plasma takes the form of a nonlinear wave with the modulated amplitude (envelope soliton). Finally, simulation results on the interaction of an electromagnetic pulse with a semi-infinite plasma, obtained with the help of an electromagnetic relativistic PIC code, are discussed and a comparison with the obtained theoretical results is presented.
Linear stability analysis of force-free equilibria close to Taylor relaxed states
Authors: Tassi E. , Hastie R. J. , Porcelli F.
Published: September 2007

The linear stability of a class of force-free equilibria in cylindrical geometry is investigated. The class consists of cylindrically symmetric force-free equilibria for which the ratio μ between the parallel current density and the magnetic field is a step function of the radius. It is suggested that plasmas in reversed field pinches could be roughly represented by such equilibria as a consequence of a small departure from an initial force-free state with constant μ, the latter being reached after a relaxation process according to the classical theory proposed by Taylor [Phys. Rev. Lett. 33, 1139 (1974)]. A fully analytical derivation of the tearing stability parameter Δ′ for such class of equilibria is given. It is then shown with one explicit example how the presence of a downward step of relatively small height can destabilize the innermost resonant mode, which would otherwise be stable if μ were constant. A possible implication of this mechanism for the formation of cyclic quasisingle helicity states observed in reversed field pinches is proposed. Considerations on the ideal stability of the class of equilibria under investigation are also given.
Metal-induced Urbach tail at the gold∕pentacene interface of top-contact organic field effect transistors
Authors: Ohtomo Manabu , Shimada Toshihiro , Saiki Koichiro , Hasegawa Tetsuya
Published: September 2007

We investigated the photocurrent-voltage characteristics of pentacene field effect transistors in order to study the gap state distribution and carrier generation mechanism. In top-contact devices, the photocurrent spectrum versus photon energy exhibited the typical Urbach tail, while such a tail was not observed in bottom-contact devices. The formation of this Urbach tail can be explained by assuming that diffused gold nanoparticles at the gold∕pentacene interface cause microfields and stabilize the excitons. This mechanism also provides an explanation for the reduced barrier height and Ohmic contact formation at “dirty” interfaces fabricated by metal deposition.
Averaged number of visits
Authors: Haydn N. , Lunedei E. , Vaienti S.
Published: September 2007

We introduce a new indicator for dynamical systems, namely the averaged number of visits, to estimate the frequency of visits in small regions when a map is iterated up to the inverse of the measure of this region. We compute this quantity analytically and numerically for various systems and we show that it depends on the ergodic properties of the systems and on their topological properties, such as the presence of periodic points.
Effects of adjusting the position of the magnetic layer in magnetic notch filters
Authors: Fal T. J. , Veerakumar V. , Kuanr Bijoy , Khivintsev Y. V. , Celinski Z. , Camley R. E.
Published: September 2007

We study small thin-layer magnetic notch filters which operate in the 5–40 GHz range. Past theoretical work has concentrated on a structure where the magnetic film was right next to one of the conductive films in a waveguide. Here we present a theoretical model, which investigates the properties of a waveguide with two dielectric films and one magnetic film placed between two outer conductive layers. The results show this more general structure produces a deeper attenuation and a narrower peak compared to the earlier structure. The additional attenuation varies from 0 to 30 dB/cm, depending on the thickness and position of the magnetic film. This article also examines the reflection of the guided waves as they enter the notch filter. The results from an effective medium calculation show that a signal experiences the largest return losses near the ferromagnetic resonance frequency of the magnetic film, with typical losses below −4 dB. The return loss can be reduced significantly if the linewidth in the ferromagnetic film is increased. The effective medium results are compared to an experiment that measured return losses in a microstrip device. The experiment had maximum return losses between −4 and −8 dB.