351 research outputs found

    Semiclassical collision theory. Multidimensional integral method

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    Numerical results on the integral expression for the semiclassical S matrix are compared with exact quantum results for a multidimensional problem. The collision of a rigid rotor with an atom is treated. The integral method proves to be easy to apply. Within its range of maximum validity (no sign changes in the pre‐exponential factor of the semiclassical wavefunction) the agreement was typically within 20%. When sign changes occurred, the agreement was about a factor of 2 or better. Conditions affecting sign changes are described

    Semiclassical collision theory. Multidimensional Bessel uniform approximation

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    A multidimensional Bessel uniform approximation for the semiclassical S matrix is derived for the case of four real stationary phase points. A formula is also developed for the particular case when four stationary phase points may be considered to be well separated in pairs. The latter equation is then used in the treatment of two real and two complex stationary phase points

    Semiclassical collision theory. Application of multidimensional uniform approximations to the atom-rigid-rotor system

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    The multidimensional Bessel and Airy uniform approximations developed earlier in this series for the semiclassical S matrix are applied to the atom rigid−rotor system. The need is shown for (a) using a geoemetrical criterion for determining whether a stationary phase point (s.p.pt) is a maximum, minimum, or saddle point; (b) choosing a proper quadrilateral configuration of the s.p.pts. with the phases as nearly equal as possible; and (c) choosing a unit cell to favor near−separation of variables. (a) and (b) apply both to the Airy and to the Bessel uniform approximations, and (c) to the Bessel. The use of a contour plot both to understand and to facilitate the search in new cases is noted. The case of real and complex−valued stationary phase points is also considered, and the Bessel uniform−in−pairs approximation is applied. Comparison is made with exact quantum results. As in the one−dimensional case, the Bessel is an improvement over the Airy for ’’k = 0’’ transitions, while for other transitions they give similar results. Comparison in accuracy with the results of the integral method is also given. As a whole, the agreement can be considered to be reasonable. The improvement of the present over various more approximate results is shown

    Genetic Determinants of Financial Risk Taking

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    Individuals vary in their willingness to take financial risks. Here we show that variants of two genes that regulate dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission and have been previously linked to emotional behavior, anxiety and addiction (5-HTTLPR and DRD4) are significant determinants of risk taking in investment decisions. We find that the 5-HTTLPR s/s allele carriers take 28% less risk than those carrying the s/l or l/l alleles of the gene. DRD4 7-repeat allele carriers take 25% more risk than individuals without the 7-repeat allele. These findings contribute to the emerging literature on the genetic determinants of economic behavior

    The Nuclear Transcription Factor PKNOX2 Is a Candidate Gene for Substance Dependence in European-Origin Women

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    Substance dependence or addiction is a complex environmental and genetic disorder that results in serious health and socio-economic consequences. Multiple substance dependence categories together, rather than any one individual addiction outcome, may explain the genetic variability of such disorder. In our study, we defined a composite substance dependence phenotype derived from six individual diagnoses: addiction to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates or other drugs as a whole. Using data from several genomewide case-control studies, we identified a strong (Odds ratio  = 1.77) and significant (p-value = 7E-8) association signal with a novel gene, PBX/knotted 1 homeobox 2 (PKNOX2), on chromosome 11 with the composite phenotype in European-origin women. The association signal is not as significant when individual outcomes for addiction are considered, or in males or African-origin population. Our findings underscore the importance of considering multiple addiction types and the importance of considering population and gender stratification when analyzing data with heterogeneous population

    Opioid receptors in GtoPdb v.2023.1

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    Opioid and opioid-like receptors are activated by a variety of endogenous peptides including [Met]enkephalin (met), [Leu]enkephalin (leu), β-endorphin (β-end), α-neodynorphin, dynorphin A (dynA), dynorphin B (dynB), big dynorphin (Big dyn), nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ); endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 are also potential endogenous peptides. The Greek letter nomenclature for the opioid receptors, μ, δ and κ, is well established, and NC-IUPHAR considers this nomenclature appropriate, along with the symbols spelled out (mu, delta, and kappa), and the acronyms, MOP, DOP, and KOP [124, 101, 92]. However the acronyms MOR, DOR and KOR are still widely used in the literature. The human N/OFQ receptor, NOP, is considered 'opioid-related' rather than opioid because, while it exhibits a high degree of structural homology with the conventional opioid receptors [304], it displays a distinct pharmacology. Currently there are numerous clinically used drugs, such as morphine and many other opioid analgesics, as well as antagonists such as naloxone. The majority of clinically used opiates are relatively selective μ agonists or partial agonists, though there are some μ/κ compounds, such as butorphanol, in clinical use. κ opioid agonists, such as the alkaloid nalfurafine and the peripherally acting peptide difelikefalin, are in clinical use for itch
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