bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polariton bandstructure of disordered metallic photonic crystal slabs
Authors: Nau D. , Schönhardt A. , Chigrin D. N. , Kroha H. , Christ A. , Giessen H. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe analyze the influence of disorder on the polaritonic bandstructure of metallic photonic crystal slabs. Different disorder types with varying next‐neighbor correlations and disorder amounts are implemented. Angle‐resolved transmission measurements allow to determine the relation of bandstructure and disorder. We found that uncorrelated disorder retains the bandstructure and only reduces the splitting between the gaps. Correlated disorder, however, leads to the complete destruction of the bandstructure for moderate disorder amounts due to the excitation of different modes. We present a model that shows a good agreement with the measurements. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Feature Article: Influence of the lattice discreteness on magnetic ordering in nanostructures and nanoarrays
Authors: Vedmedenko E. Y. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe cover picture shows an artist's view of magnetic, single domain, in‐plane magnetized islands (courtesy of M. Bode) superimposed with the schematic representation of corresponding magnetostatic multipolar moments. The islands possess shape‐dependent distributions of uncompensated “magnetic” charges and, hence, different multipolar moments (see Section 4 of the Feature Article [1]). The moments are imaged as equipotential surfaces of charge distributions corresponding to conventional spherical harmonics. Positive charged surfaces are red, the negative ones green. The disc‐shaped nanodots with a height equal to a diameter possess only dipolar terms, the elongated elliptic islands have a strong octopolar contribution, while the islands of even more elongated or complicated shape possess superposition of different multipoles.Elena Vedmedenko is a research scientist of the Institute for Applied Physics at the University of Hamburg. Among other scientific topics her research activity concerns theoretical aspects of nanomagnetism. In 2005 Elena Vedmedenko was awarded the Hertha‐Sponer Prize of the German Physical Society for achievements in this area.The issue also contains a special section on “Metamaterials – Optical Elements for the 21st Century” with papers presented at the DPG Summer School held in Bad Honnef, Germany, in September 2006.
Combing and self-assembly phenomena in dry films of Taxol-stabilized microtubules
Authors: Morin FabriceOlivier , Rose Franck , Martin Pascal , Tarhan Mehmet C , Kawakatsu Hideki , Fujita Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Microtubules are filamentous proteins that act as a substrate for the translocation of motor proteins. As such, they may be envisioned as a scaffold for the self-assembly of functional materials and devices. Physisorption, self-assembly and combing are here investigated as a potential prelude to microtubule-templated self-assembly. Dense films of self-assembled microtubules were successfully produced, as well as patterns of both dendritic and non-dendritic bundles of microtubules. They are presented in the present paper and the mechanism of their formation is discussed.
Initial susceptibility and viscosity properties of low concentration ε-Fe3N based magnetic fluid
Authors: Huang Wei , Wu Jianmin , Guo Wei , Li Rong , Cui Liya 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
In this paper, the initial susceptibility of ε-Fe3N magnetic fluid at volume concentrations in the range Φ = 0.0 ∼ 0.0446 are measured. Compared with the experimental initial susceptibility, the Langevin, Weiss and Onsager susceptibility were calculated using the data obtained from the low concentration ε-Fe3N magnetic fluid samples. The viscosity of the ε-Fe3N magnetic fluid at the same concentrations is measured. The result shows that, the initial susceptibility of the low concentration ε-Fe3N magnetic fluid is proportional to the concentration. A linear relationship between relative viscosity and the volume fraction is observed when the concentration Φ < 0.02.
Photochemically reduced polyoxometalate assisted generation of silver and gold nanoparticles in composite films: a single step route
Authors: Shanmugam Sangaraju , Viswanathan Balasubramanian , Varadarajan Thirukkallam K 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
A simple method to embed noble metal (Ag, Au) nanoparticles in organic–inorganic nanocomposite films by single step method is described. This is accomplished by the assistance of Keggin ions present in the composite film. The photochemically reduced composite film has served both as a reducing agent and host for the metal nanoparticles in a single process. The embedded metal nanoparticles in composites film have been characterized by UV–Visible, TEM, EDAX, XPS techniques. Particles of less than 20 nm were readily embedded using the described approach, and monodisperse nanoparticles were obtained under optimized conditions. The fluorescence experiments showed that embedded Ag and Au nanoparticles are responsible for fluorescence emissions. The described method is facile and simple, and provides a simple potential route to fabricate self-standing noble metal embedded composite films.
Growth inhibitory actions of prothrombin on normal hepatocytes: Influence of matrix
Authors: Carr Brian I. , Kar Siddhartha , Wang Meifang , Wang Ziqiu 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMost hepatomas have a defect in prothrombin carboxylation, and can secrete under‐carboxylated prothrombin or des‐γ‐carboxy‐prothrombin (DCP), the function of which is unknown. We considered that the prothrombin‐DCP axis might also be involved in growth control. Hepatocytes and hepatoma cells were treated with prothrombin and DNA synthesis and cytoskeletal changes were studied. Prothrombin inhibited DNA synthesis in hepatocytes on fibronectin, but not collagen matrix. Hepatoma cell lines were not inhibited. We found that hepatoma cell matrix conferred resistance to hepatocytes. Prothrombin decreased fibronectin but not collagen amounts, but only in the presence of hepatocytes and not hepatoma cells, indicating that it has a differential action on matrix proteins. It also caused changes in cell shape and actin depolymerization. In vivo, there was a decrease in plasma prothrombin activity after a partial hepatectomy (PH), concomitant with the peak of DNA synthesis in the hepatocytes at 24 h after PH. Injection of warfarin at the time of PH, further inhibited PT activity and enhanced this 24 h peak of DNA synthesis. Furthermore, repeated injection of prothrombin lowered the peak DNA synthesis after PH. The data support the hypothesis that prothrombin can act as a hepatocyte growth inhibitor, likely at the level of fibronectin loss and result in cytoskeletal changes. Hepatomas resist this action, possibly due to their different matrix proteins. This represents a novel mechanism for growth regulation and provides a possible biological significance for the tumor marker DCP.
Isolation and characterization of EG‐like cells from Chinese swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Huang Ben , Xie Ti‐San , Shi De‐Shun , Li Tong , Wang Xiao‐Li , Mo Yi , Wang Zhi‐Qiang , Li Meng‐Mei 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThere have been few studies done on the isolation and characterization of Chinese swamp buffalo embryonic germ cells (EG cells). Here, we first report on EG‐like cells isolated from Chinese swamp buffalo fetuses. The results showed the cells grew in large, multilayered colonies, which were densely packed with an obvious border resembling mouse embryonic stem cells (ES cells) and EG cells. The buffalo EG‐like cells expressed AP, SSEA‐1, SSEA‐3, SSEA‐4 and OCT‐4. By RT—PCR, we found that undifferentiated swamp buffalo EG‐like cells expressed the OCT‐4, NANOG, SOX2, FOXD3, GP130, STAT3, and HEB gene mRNA, but not Fgf4. When these cells were cultured for more than 2 weeks without passage, they could differentiate into several types of cells including fibroblast‐like, neuron‐like, smooth muscle‐like, and epithelial‐like cells. Some cells formed simple embryoid bodies (EBs) and cystic EBs by suspension culture. By RT—PCR, we found cystic EBs expressed FOXD3, GP130, STAT3 and HEB gene mRNA, but not OCT‐4, NANOG, and SOX2 gene mRNA, which could be detected in undifferentiated buffalo EG‐like cells. At the same time, the expression of KERATIN‐14 (Endoderm), GATA4, ACTA2 (Mesoderm) and TUBB3 (Ectoderm) gene mRNA were also detected in cystic EBs. The results suggested that these cells were capable of forming three germ layers in in vitro differentiation. The expression of OCT‐4, NANOG and SOX2 might be essential for Chinese swamp buffalo EG‐like cells in a pluripotent state. During the isolation and culture of Chinese swamp buffalo EG‐like cells, we found the fetuses that were at 30–80 days post‐coitus were more efficient than others; and the mechanical method was better than trypsin digestion. The maximal passage of the mechanical method was eight, but the trypsin digestion was just three passages. So it seemed like that the buffalo EG‐like cells were sensitive to trypsin. In summary, we were the first to isolate and characterize Chinese swamp buffalo EG‐like cells that had morphology and characterization similar to those of established EG/EG‐like cells in mouse and human.
Bivariate relative city price convergence in the United States: 1918–1997
Authors: Sonora Robert J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAs in international tests of purchasing power parity, panel unit root tests have been successful in rejecting a unit root process in U.S. city relative prices over the period 1918–1997. However, there is an empirical question of what the rejection of a ‘panel unit root’, particularly with respect to real exchange rates, means. This paper employs a variety of univariate unit root and cointegration tests which have recently come to the fore. These tests improve the power and reduce size distortion found in standard unit root and cointegration tests such as the Dickey–Fuller and Phillips–Perron tests. I find considerable evidence for rejecting a unit root process in the majority of U.S. city relative prices over the entire sample period and two subperiods. Less successful are stationarity tests conducted on regions of the U.S.
Complexity, Constraint and New Labour's Putative Neo-liberalism: A Reply to Colin Hay
Authors: CLIFT BEN , TOMLINSON JIM 
Published: March 2007

Colin Hay's combative response is a welcome engagement with our ideas. Let us first set out where the battle lines are drawn. The most important points in Hay's shot across our bows relate to accommodating the notion of complexity; defining Keynesianism; invoking Labour's past; the relationship between fiscal and monetary policy; and the evidential basis for our argument.The first point involves admitting complexity when characterizing a political economy. In essence, we agree with Hay about the need to admit complexity into the explanation and characterization of New Labour's political economy, but he does not recognize in our account that this has been successfully achieved, nor do we see it in how he characterizes the relationship between New Labour and neo-liberalism. This is in part a disagreement about how to operationalize the insight about the need to admit greater complexity into the analysis of the political economy of New Labour's macroeconomic policy making. For example, our account of complexity accepts that, under a particular set of monetary policy conditions, which are not in any straightforward sense Keynesian, it is nevertheless legitimate and useful to consider the ‘Keynesianness’ of the fiscal policy regime. Hay, by contrast, sees this as a dubious manœuvre, no doubt fuelled by the unspecified ‘normative bias’ he detects in our work and refers to enigmatically but repeatedly.Similarly, we recognize that Hay has identified the need to admit complexity into analysis. However, in our reading of his work there remains a sense that, in the final analysis, New Labour's is a neo-liberal political economy.
The Contradictory Effects of Consensus Democracy on the Size of Government: Evidence from the Swiss Cantons
Authors: VATTER ADRIAN , FREITAG MARKUS 
Published: March 2007

In this research note we have set ourselves the following three principal objectives. First, we show that the well-known concept of consensus democracy, which covers various forms of the division of power, involves analytical problems. Confusion may arise when relating consensus democracy to government action, because the institutions subsumed under the broad concept of consensus democracy, such as executive power-sharing, the multiparty system and federalism, are likely to have different and contradictory effects on the size of government. In this vein, we provide considerable evidence that different aspects of consensus democracy have contradictory effects on government size. In doing so, we endorse the view that it is only variance in the type of democracy (majoritarian versus consensus democracy) that causes systematic differences in government action. Secondly, in scrutinizing the contradictory effects of various aspects of consensus democracy on government size, we distinguish and operationalize the three different analytical views of Crepaz, Lijphart and Tsebelis on how political institutions may be distinguished with regard to their veto nature. Thirdly, we try to close a gap in understanding comparative politics, by quantifying and comparing the veto potential of direct democracy. International comparative investigations of the effects of direct democracy on public policy are hardly possible. The Swiss cantons present themselves as a suitable alternative source of evidence, given that they vary considerably with respect to their plebiscitary elements.To understand why consensus democracies have a contradictory effect on government size, it is crucial to bear in mind that there are two separate dimensions of the majoritarian–consensual contrast.
Determinants of Social Capital: New Evidence on Religion, Diversity and Structural Change
Authors: ALEXANDER MARCUS 
Published: March 2007

Americans not only bowl less today than they did fifty years ago, but also some bowl more than others. This is one of the major and simple messages of Robert Putnam's influential study of social capital in America. Using a variety of data sources, Putnam documents a significant variation in the states' levels of social capital, while arguing for specific general causes of the decline of social capital across the United States. Here, we evaluate the power of Putnam's theory in explaining state-level variation of stocks of social capital. We find that the strongest determinants of social capital levels are basic social and economic differences between states, such as education, church membership, farming and unemployment. Controlling for these determinants, we also find no evidence for a much-debated link between diversity and social capital.Since the publication of Putnam's book, a growing quantitative literature on social capital has contributed to a much more nuanced and theoretically precise understanding of the link between social capital and the quality of American democracy. Pamela Paxton, as well as Dora Costa and Matthew Kahn, have re-examined Putnam's finding of the aggregate decline in social capital in the United States since the 1960s. Putnam's claim that higher levels of social capital improve the functioning of democracy on the state level has been examined systematically by, among others, Stephen Knack and Tom W. Rice. On a methodological level, Eric M. Uslaner has argued for a need to disaggregate different concepts of trust, and focus on generalized social trust and its effect on making democracy more effective.
F15063, a potential antipsychotic with D2/D3antagonist, 5‐HT1Aagonist and D4partial agonist properties: (I)in vitroreceptor affinity and efficacy profile
Authors: Newman‐Tancredi A , Assié M‐B , Martel J‐C , Cosi C , Slot L Bruins , Palmier C , Rauly‐Lestienne I , Colpaert F , Vacher B , Cussac D 
Published: March 2007

Background and purpose:Combining 5‐HT1Areceptor activation with dopamine D2/D3receptor blockade should improve negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. We describe thein vitroprofile of F15063 (N‐[(2,2‐dimethyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐benzofuran‐7‐yloxy)ethyl]‐3‐(cyclopent‐1‐enyl)‐benzylamine).Experimental approach:F15063 was characterised in tests of binding affinity and in cellular models of signal transduction at monoamine receptors.Key results:Affinities (receptor and pKivalues) of F15063 were: rD29.38; hD2L9.44; hD2S9.25; hD38.95; hD48.81; h5‐HT1A8.37. F15063 had little affinity (40‐fold lower than D2) at other targets. F15063 antagonised dopamine‐activated G‐protein activation at hD2, rD2and hD3receptors with potency (pKbvalues 9.19, 8.29 and 8.74 in [35S]GTPγS binding experiments) similar to haloperidol. F15063 did not exhibit any hD2receptor agonism, even in tests of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and G‐protein activation in cells with high receptor expression. In contrast, like (±)8‐OH‐DPAT, F15063 efficaciously activated h5‐HT1A(Emax70%, pEC507.57) and r5‐HT1Areceptors (52%, 7.95) in tests of [35S]GTPγS binding, cAMP accumulation (90%, 7.12) and ERK1/2 phosphorylation (93%, 7.13). F15063 acted as a partial agonist for [35S]GTPγS binding at hD4(29%, 8.15) and h5‐HT1Dreceptors (35%, 7.68). In [35S]GTPγS autoradiography, F15063 activated G‐proteins in hippocampus, cortex and septum (regions enriched in 5‐HT1Areceptors), but antagonised quinelorane‐induced activation of D2/D3receptors in striatum.Conclusions and implications:F15063 antagonised dopamine D2/D3receptors, a property underlying its antipsychotic‐like activity, whereas activation of 5‐HT1Aand D4receptors mediated its actions in models of negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia (see companion papers).British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 237–252. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707158
F15063, a compound with D2/D3antagonist, 5‐HT1Aagonist and D4partial agonist properties: (II) Activity in models of positive symptoms of schizophrenia
Authors: Depoortère R , Bardin L , Auclair A L , Kleven M S , Prinssen E , Colpaert F , Vacher B , Newman‐Tancredi A 
Published: March 2007

Background and purpose:F15063 is a high affinity D2/D3antagonist, D4partial agonist, and high efficacy 5‐HT1Aagonist, with little affinity (40‐fold lower than for D2receptors) at other central targets. Here, the profile of F15063 was evaluated in models of positive symptoms of schizophrenia and motor side‐effects.Experimental approach:Rodent behavioural tests were based on reversal of hyperactivity induced by psychostimulants and on measures of induction of catalepsy and ‘serotonin syndrome’.Key results:F15063 potently (ED50s: 0.23 to 1.10 mg kg−1i.p.) reversed methylphenidate‐induced stereotyped behaviors, blocked d‐amphetamine and ketamine hyperlocomotion, attenuated apomorphine‐induced prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits, and was active in the conditioned avoidance test. In mice, it reversed apomorphine‐induced climbing (ED50= 0.30 mg kg−1i.p.). F15063, owing to its 5‐HT1Aagonism, did not produce (ED50> 40 mg kg−1i.p.) catalepsy in rats and mice, a behavior predictive of occurrence of extra‐pyramidal syndrome (EPS) in man. This absence of cataleptogenic activity was maintained upon sub‐chronic treatment of rats for 5 days at 40 mg kg−1p.o. Furthermore, F15063 did not induce the ‘serotonin syndrome’ in rats (flat body posture and forepaw treading: ED50>32 mg kg−1i.p.).Conclusions and implications:F15063 conformed to the profile of an atypical antipsychotic, with potent actions in models of hyperdopaminergic activity but without inducing catalepsy. These data suggest that F15063 may display potent antipsychotic actions with low EPS liability. This profile is complemented by a favourable profile in rodent models of negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia (companion paper).British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 253–265. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707159
F15063, a compound with D2/D3antagonist, 5‐HT1Aagonist and D4partial agonist properties: (III) Activity in models of cognition and negative symptoms
Authors: Depoortère R , Auclair A L , Bardin L , Slot L Bruins , Kleven M S , Colpaert F , Vacher B , Newman‐Tancredi A 
Published: March 2007

Background and purpose:The D2/D3receptor antagonist, D4receptor partial agonist, and high efficacy 5‐HT1Areceptor agonist F15063 was shown to be highly efficacious and potent in rodent models of activity against positive symptoms of schizophrenia. However F15063 induced neither catalepsy nor the ‘serotonin syndrome’. Here, we evaluated its profile in rat models predictive of efficacy against negative symptoms/cognitive deficits of schizophrenia.Experimental approach:F15063, given i.p., was assessed in models of behavioural deficits induced by interference with the NMDA/glutamatergic (phencyclidine: PCP) or cholinergic (scopolamine) systems.Key results:Through 5‐HT1Aactivation, F15063 partially alleviated (MED: 0.04 mg kg−1) PCP‐induced social interaction deficit between two adult rats, without effect by itself, underlining its potential to combat negative symptoms. At doses above 0.16 mg kg−1, F15063 reduced interaction by itself. F15063 (0.16 mg kg−1) selectively re‐established PCP‐impaired ‘cognitive flexibility’ in a reversal learning task, suggesting potential against adaptability deficits. F15063 (0.04–0.63 mg kg−1) also reversed scopolamine‐induced amnesia in a juvenile‐adult rat social recognition test, indicative of a pro‐cholinergic influence. Activity in this latter test is consistent with its D4partial agonism, as it was blocked by the D4antagonist L745,870. Finally, F15063 up to 40 mg kg−1did not disrupt basal prepulse inhibition of startle reflex in rats, a marker of sensorimotor gating.Conclusions and implications:The balance of D2/D3, D4and 5‐HT1Areceptor interactions of F15063 yields a promising profile of activity in models of cognitive deficits and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 266–277. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707160
Optimisation of anti‐psychotic therapeutics: a balancing act?
Authors: Lawrence A J 
Published: March 2007

Schizophrenia is a complex and debilitating disorder. Although effective therapeutic strategies are available, these are not without problems and are not universally efficacious. In this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, a trio of papers describe the characterisation of a potential, novel anti‐psychotic medication, F15063. This compound combines antagonism of dopamine D2‐like receptors with agonism at 5‐HT1A receptors. Based on in vitro and in vivo profiles, the authors suggest that this compound approaches the ‘optimal balance’ for activity at these receptor systems.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 161–162. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707164