Unrestricted Hartree-Fock approximation of the extended emery model

We use an unrestricted self-consistent Hartree-Fock approach to calculate the nature of doping states in the three-band Hubbard model. It turns out that for physically relevant parameter values one hole is localized within a small spin-polarized region where five Cu spins are aligned in the same direction. The spin polarization and binding energy between these spinpolaronic states are investigated as a function of different parameters including a Holstein-type electron-phonon coupling on the Cu sites. At higher doping concentration we observe the occurrence of afmon states where the holes are localized in a ring-shaped area. Inside this ring the antiferromagnetic order parameter has inverse sign with respect to the residual antifer-romagnetically ordered plane.     

Complementary cancer treatments: hope or hazard?

Complementary therapies are frequently used by cancer patients, yet the area is a minefield of hazards and hopes. A distinction between cure and care seems helpful. There are no effective complementary cures and most options that are promoted carry a distinct and, in certain cases, fatal risk. Complementary cancer care is more acceptable and there are options that can be shown to ease suffering. Vis a vis the popularity of complementary cancer treatments, the lack of scientific evidence for most therapies seems unacceptable. The call for more rigorous research is loud and clear.     

Die großtechnische Oxosynthese mit immobilisiertem Katalysator

Industrial Oxo Synthesis with Immobilised Catalyst. The use of water-soluble catalysts represents a significant advance in homogeneous catalysis; “immobilisation” of the catalyst in a second immiscible liquid phase has the effect of “heterogenisation” and allows the advantages of heterogeneous processing (long lifetimes, straightforward technology) to the combined with those of the homogeneous mode (gentle reaction conditions, high activity and selectivity). In particular, the decisive advantage of homogeneous catalysts, viz. the wide range of variation of their steric and electronic properties which can be adapted to the specific reaction at hand, can be exploited for tailoring highly effective catalysts. Moreover, the mode of action of these homogeneous catalysts remains understandable as a model and under the reaction conditions chosen – in complete contrast to the case of many heterogeneous catalytic systems. The first successful industrial application of water-soluble catalysts was in the oxo process of Ruhrchemie/Rhǒne Poulenc. The following article reports on ten years' experience with this process and the HRh(CO)[P(msulphophenyl-Na)₃]₃ catalyst.     

Complementary therapies for depression: an overview

Depression is one of the most common reasons for using complementary and alternative therapies. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the evidence available on the treatment of depression with complementary therapies. Systematic literature searches were performed using several databases, reference list searching, and inquiry to colleagues. Data extraction followed a predefined protocol. The amount of rigorous scientific data to support the efficacy of complementary therapies in the treatment of depression is extremely limited. The areas with the most evidence for beneficial effects are exercise, herbal therapy (Hypericum perforatum), and, to a lesser extent, acupuncture and relaxation therapies. There is a need for further research involving randomized controlled trials into the efficacy of complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of depression.