bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Participatory Budgeting in Europe: Potentials and Challenges
Authors: SINTOMER YVES , HERZBERG CARSTEN , RÖCKE ANJA 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe ‘transfer’ of participatory budgeting from Brazil to Europe has been a highly differentiated process. In Porto Alegre, this innovative methodology enabled democratization and social justice to be articulated. In Europe, participatory budgeting relies on multiple procedures, and it is therefore necessary to give a clear methodological definition of it so that cases can be coherently compared and ideal‐types constructed to understand the variety of concrete experiments. The six ideal‐types we propose (Porto Alegre adapted for Europe; representation of organized interests; community funds at the local and city level; the public/private negotiating table; consultation on public finances; proximity participation) show striking differences that are highly influenced by existing participatory traditions. It is, above all, with the models Porto Alegre adapted for Europe and community funds that an ‘empowered participatory governance’ can develop and that a fourth power, beyond the three classical ones, is developing — that of the citizenry when it directly (or through delegates) assumes a decision‐making power. However, other models have their strengths, too, for example with regard to the reform of public administration which is a critical aspect in the search for ‘another possible world’.RésuméLe ‘transfert’ du budget participatif du Brésil à l'Europe s'est révélé un processus très différencié. A Porto Alegre, cette méthodologie novatrice a permis d'intégrer démocratisation et justice sociale. En Europe, comme le budget participatif s'appuie sur de nombreuses procédures, il faut lui donner une définition méthodologique claire afin de pouvoir comparer correctement les cas et élaborer des idéaltypes pour comprendre la variété des expériences concrètes. Cet article propose six idéaltypes : Porto Alegre adaptéà l'Europe, Représentation des intérêts organisés, Fonds communautaires au niveau local et municipal, Table de négociations public‐privé, Consultation sur les finances publiques, Participation de proximité. Tous présentent des divergences frappantes, fortement influencées par les traditions participatives en place. C'est surtout avec les modèles Porto Alegre adaptéà l'Europe et Fonds communautaires que peut se déployer une ‘gouvernance participative dotée de pouvoirs’ et que se développe un quatrième pouvoir, au‐delà des trois autres classiques : celui de l'ensemble des citoyens exerçant directement (ou via des délégués) un pouvoir décisionnel. Toutefois, d'autres modèles ont leurs atouts également, par exemple vis‐à‐vis de la réforme de l'administration publique donc d'un aspect crucial dans la quête d'un ‘autre monde possible’.
‘A Literal Necessity to be Re‐Placed’: A Rejoinder to the Gentrification Debate
Authors: SLATER TOM 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis rejoinder begins and ends with some remarks on the gentrification strategies taking place in post‐Katrina New Orleans, and responds to and builds on the commentaries by outlining, first, how the eviction of critical perspectives from gentrification research has continued, second, how displacement must be understood as multifaceted and contextual, and third, how urban researchers have become seduced by the rewards of claiming ‘policy relevance’. It concludes by offering some thoughts on the state of resistance to gentrification, and how much more research is needed not just on working‐class experiences of gentrification, but on how people fight for their right to place in the gentrifying city.Resumé Cette réponse débute et finit par quelques remarques sur les stratégies de la ‘gentrification’ qui opèrent à la Nouvelle‐Orléans depuis Katrina. Entre‐temps, elle réagit et ajoute aux commentaires en exposant, d'abord, comment se poursuit l'éviction des perspectives critiques de la recherche sur la ‘gentrification’, ensuite, comment il faut appréhender le déplacement comme présentant plusieurs facettes et dépendant du contexte et, pour finir, comment les chercheurs urbains ont cédé aux mérites de revendiquer une ‘pertinence politique’. En conclusion, elle propose plusieurs réflexions sur l'état de résistance à la ‘gentrification’ et sur le volume de recherches supplémentaires nécessaire, non seulement sur les expériences de la classe ouvrière, mais aussi sur la manière dont les gens luttent pour leur droit à une place dans une ville en cours de la ‘gentrification’.
Efficacy of oleuropein against UVB irradiation: preliminary evaluation
Authors: Perugini P. , Vettor M. , Rona C. , Troisi L. , Villanova L. , Genta I. , Conti B. , Pavanetto F. 
Published: March 2008

SynopsisOleuropein, a phenolic compound derived from olive leaves and oil, is known to possess several biological properties, many of which may be attributed to its antioxidant and free radical‐scavenging activities. Nevertheless, up to now, the cosmetic activity of this molecule has not been extensively investigated. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cosmetic properties of oleuropein against UVB‐induced erythema. To this end, an emulsion and an emulgel containing oleuropein were prepared, applied and evaluated on healthy volunteers who had undergone UVB irradiation to investigate its protective and/or lenitive activity. Protective effect was assayed by application of topical preparations before irradiation and lenitive effect was evaluated after erythema induction. Vitamin E was used as the reference compound. Our study was carried out by using noninvasive techniques to assess specific skin parameters: barrier function, skin colour and microcirculation. Results clearly showed that oleuropein formulations highlighted lenitive efficacy by reducing erythema, transepidermal water loss and blood flow of about 22%, 35% and 30% respectively. The study allowed us to point out the lenitive property of oleuropein, opening the way to further trials to deepen our specific knowledge about this natural molecule, which could be used in association with other active ingredients in cosmetics to repair UV damages.
A new decorin‐like tetrapeptide for optimal organization of collagen fibres
Authors: Puig A. , Antón J. M. Garcia , Mangues M. 
Published: March 2008

SynopsisDecorin interacts with collagen via its protein core and influences collagen fibrillogenesis, thus regulating excessive bundle‐like aggregation of collagen. As skin ages, there is lack of functional decorin, which results in disrupted collagen fibres and in a reduction in the tensile strength of the skin. Therefore, a substitute for decorin would make up for the non‐functional decorin that is present as we age. Two tetrapeptide sequences have been identified as the specific binding sites of decorin to collagen fibrils. These sequences were engineered to generate new tetrapeptides with improved affinity that would present a decorin‐like activity. A focused library of several candidates was synthesized containing only tetrapeptides that mimicked the binding sequences of decorin. The candidates were screened with an in vitro collagen fibrillogenesis assay and the tetrapeptide with International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) name Tripeptide‐10 Citrulline achieved the best results. Like decorin, this synthetic tetrapeptide proved, through in vitro tests, to regulate collagen fibrillogenesis and to influence the diameter of collagen fibres, making them thinner and more uniform. Tripeptide‐10 Citrulline is a new cosmetic active to target specifically collagen fibre organization. Skin collagen quality is addressed rather than skin collagen quantity. Tripeptide‐10 Citrulline ensures uniformity in fibril diameter and increases skin suppleness because of a better cohesion of collagen fibres.
Green procedure for the preparation of scented alcohols from carbonyl compounds
Authors: Villa Carla , Trucchi Beatrice , Gambaro Raffaella , Baldassari Sara 
Published: March 2008

SynopsisSeveral alcohols – interesting as cosmetic fragrances whose main preparative route on an industrial scale or in the research laboratory is the reduction of the corresponding carbonyl compound – were obtained by a solvent‐free methodology in a green chemistry context. The process involves the simple mixing of the carbonyl compound with sodium borohydride dispersed in wet alumina in the solid state; the conversions of the carbonyl compounds were obtained in good yields within short reaction times, without energy consumption. The following carbinols were studied: octan‐3‐ol, 2‐cineolylols (endo–exo mixture), α‐ionol, 4‐methylbenzyl alcohol, 1‐phenylethanol, trans‐cinnamyl alcohol, p‐anisyl alcohol, 4‐phenyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol.
Effects of aloesin on melanogenesis in pigmented skin equivalents
Authors: Wang Z. , Li X. , Yang Z. , He X. , Tu J. , Zhang T. 
Published: March 2008

SynopsisReconstituted 3‐dimensional human skin equivalents in vitro are gaining popularity for studies of skin metabolism and depigmenting agents because they exhibit morphological and growth characteristics similar to human skin. The effects of aloesin on melanogenesis, however, have never been examined with the pigmented skin equivalent. The purpose of the study was to construct the skin equivalent and observe the effects of aloesin on melanogenesis in the model. We constructed an in vitro pigmented skin equivalent and examined the general structure and condition of the pigmented skin equivalent with H&E staining and Fontana Masson staining. Then, we examined the effects of aloesin on tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin in the model. Such a pigmented skin model demonstrated morphology similar to that seen in normal skin and can be used to assess the regulation of pigmentation by melanogenic compounds. The results suggested that aloesin had direct inhibitory effects on melanogenesis and showed dose‐dependent reductions in tyrosinase activity (P < 0.05) and melanin content (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our study indicated that skin equivalents provided a convenient and cost‐effective alternative to animal testing for evaluating the regulation of pigmentation. Aloesin showed promise as a pigmentation‐altering agent for cosmetic or therapeutic applications.
Temporal and functional dynamics of the transcriptome during nerve growth factor‐induced differentiation
Authors: Dijkmans Thomas F. , van Hooijdonk Lenneke W. A. , Schouten Theo G. , Kamphorst Jessica T. , Vellinga Anette C. A. , Meerman John H. N. , Fitzsimons Carlos P. , de Kloet E. Ron , Vreugdenhil Erno 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12) is an extensively used model to study neuronal differentiation. The initial signaling cascades triggered by nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation have been subject to thorough investigation and are well characterized. However, knowledge of temporal transcriptomal regulation during NGF‐induced differentiation of PC12 cells remains far from complete. We performed a microarray study that characterized temporal and functional changes of the transcriptome during 4 subsequent days of differentiation of Neuroscreen‐1 PC12 cells. By analyzing the transcription profiles of 1595 NGF‐regulated genes, we show a large diversity of transcriptional regulation in time. Also, we quantitatively identified 26 out of 243 predefined biological process and 30 out of 255 predefined molecular function classes that are specifically regulated by NGF. Combining the temporal and functional transcriptomal data revealed that NGF selectively exerts a temporally coordinated regulation of genes implicated in protein biosynthesis, intracellular signaling, cell structure, chromatin packaging and remodeling, intracellular protein traffic, mRNA transcription, and cell cycle. We will discuss how NGF‐induced changes may modulate the transcriptional response to NGF itself during differentiation.
A novel calcium‐binding protein is associated with tau proteins in tauopathy
Authors: Vega Irving E. , Traverso Edwin E. , Ferrer‐Acosta Yancy , Matos Eduardo , Colon Migdalisel , Gonzalez John , Dickson Dennis , Hutton Michael , Lewis Jada , Yen Shu H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTauopathies are a group of neurological disorders characterized by the presence of intraneuronal hyperphosphorylated and filamentous tau. Mutations in the tau gene have been found in kindred with tauopathy. The expression of the human tau mutant in transgenic mice induced neurodegeneration, indicating that tau plays a central pathological role. However, the molecular mechanism leading to tau‐mediated neurodegeneration is poorly understood. To gain insights into the role that tau plays in neurodegeneration, human tau proteins were immunoprecipitated from brain lysates of the tauopathy mouse model JNPL3, which develops neurodegeneration in age‐dependent manner. In the present work, a novel EF‐hand domain‐containing protein was found associated with tau proteins in brain lysate of 12‐month‐old JNPL3 mice. The association between tau proteins and the novel identified protein appears to be induced by the neurodegeneration process as these two proteins were not found associated in young JNPL3 mice. Consistently, the novel protein co‐purified with the pathological sarkosyl insoluble tau in terminally ill JNPL3 mice. Calcium‐binding assays demonstrated that this protein binds calcium effectively. Finally, the association between tau and the novel calcium‐binding protein is conserved in human and enriched in Alzheimer’s disease brain. Taken together, the identification of a novel calcium‐binding protein associated with tau protein in terminally ill tauopathy mouse model and its confirmation in human brain lysate suggests that this association may play an important physiological and/or pathological role.
Androgens regulate neprilysin expression: role in reducing β‐amyloid levels
Authors: Yao Mingzhong , Nguyen Thuy‐Vi V. , Rosario Emily R. , Ramsden Martin , Pike Christian J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAge‐related testosterone depletion in men is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Prior studies suggest that androgens affect Alzheimer’s disease risk by regulating accumulation of β‐amyloid protein (Aβ) by an undefined mechanism. In this study, we investigated the role of the Aβ‐catabolizing enzyme neprilysin (NEP) in this process. First, we observed that androgens positively regulate neural expression of NEP in adult male rats. Next, we investigated androgen regulatory effects on both NEP expression and Aβ levels using cultured hippocampal neurons and neuronally differentiated rat pheochromocytoma cell 12 with or without androgen receptor (AR). Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induced a time‐dependent increase in NEP expression. DHT also significantly decreased levels of Aβ in AR‐expressing cells transfected with amyloid precursor protein, but did not affect levels of either full‐length or non‐amyloidogenic, soluble amyloid precursor protein. Importantly, the DHT induced decrease of Aβ was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of NEP. The DHT‐mediated increase in NEP expression and decrease in Aβ levels were (i) not observed in rat pheochromocytoma cell 12 lacking AR and (ii) blocked in AR‐expressing cells by the antagonists, cyproterone acetate and flutamide. Together, these findings suggest that androgen regulation of Aβ involves an AR‐dependent mechanism requiring up‐regulation of the Aβ catabolizing enzyme NEP.
High temporal resolution of amino acid levels in rat nucleus accumbens during operant ethanol self‐administration: involvement of elevated glycine in anticipation
Authors: Li Zhimin , Zharikova Aleutina , Bastian Jaime , Esperon Leonardo , Hebert Nicole , Mathes Clare , Rowland Neil E. , Peris Joanna 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCapillary electrophoresis coupled with laser‐induced fluorescence detection (CE‐LIF) provides 15‐s temporal resolution of amino acid levels in microdialysate, which, for the first time, allows almost real time measurement of changes during episodes of behavior. We trained Sprague‐Dawley rats to self‐administer either 10% ethanol‐containing gelatin or non‐alcoholic gelatin in a typical operant chamber. After rats reached stable daily levels of responding, microdialysis probes were inserted into nucleus accumbens and samples were collected before, during and after operant sessions with on‐line analysis via CE‐LIF. During the first 15 min of the operant session, there was a significant increase in taurine that correlated with the amount of ethanol consumed (R2 = 0.81) but no change in rats responding for plain gel. There were large, consistent increases in glycine in both the ethanol and plain gel groups which correlated with the amount of gel consumed. A smaller increase was observed in rats with free non‐operant access to plain gel compared to the increase seen with the same amount of gel consumed under operant conditions. When rats were given a time out after each delivery of gel in the operant protocol, the greatest increase of glycine was obtained with the longest time out period. Thus, increases in glycine in nucleus accumbens appear to be related to anticipation of reinforcement.
Amyloid beta peptide and NMDA induce ROS from NADPH oxidase and AA release from cytosolic phospholipase A2 in cortical neurons
Authors: Shelat Phullara B. , Chalimoniuk Malgorzata , Wang Jing‐Hung , Strosznajder Joanna B. , Lee James C. , Sun Albert Y. , Simonyi Agnes , Sun Grace Y. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIncrease in oxidative stress has been postulated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of a number of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. There is evidence for involvement of amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) in mediating the oxidative damage to neurons. Despite yet unknown mechanism, Aβ appears to exert action on the ionotropic glutamate receptors, especially the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subtypes. In this study, we showed that NMDA and oligomeric Aβ1–42 could induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from cortical neurons through activation of NADPH oxidase. ROS derived from NADPH oxidase led to activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2, phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α), and arachidonic acid (AA) release. In addition, Aβ1–42‐induced AA release was inhibited by d(−)‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid and memantine, two different NMDA receptor antagonists, suggesting action of Aβ through the NMDA receptor. Besides serving as a precursor for eicosanoids, AA is also regarded as a retrograde messenger and plays a role in modulating synaptic plasticity. Other phospholipase A2 products such as lysophospholipids can perturb membrane phospholipids. These results suggest an oxidative‐degradative mechanism for oligomeric Aβ1–42 to induce ROS production and stimulate AA release through the NMDA receptors. This novel mechanism may contribute to the oxidative stress hypothesis and synaptic failure that underline the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Changes in corneal sensitivity and tear physiology after phacoemulsification
Authors: Khanal Santosh , Tomlinson Alan , Esakowitz Leonard , Bhatt Priya , Jones David , Nabili Shahriar , Mukerji Subhanjan 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPurpose:  To identify any changes in corneal sensitivity and tear physiology after phacoemulsification and to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of ophthalmic lubricants.Methods:  The design of the study was longitudinal, parallel, randomised and double masked. Eighteen patients (average age 70.83 ± 10.66 years, 7 males and 11 females) undergoing phacoemulsification were recruited and divided into three groups of six. In addition to the prednisolone acetate 1% and chloramphenicol 0.5% routinely given to patients postoperatively, the first two groups were given a tear lubricant (Refresh® Soothe and Protect™, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) and saline (Chauvin Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Essex, UK), respectively, and the third was a control group and did not receive any additional eye drops. Tear production, evaporation, lipid layer interferometry and osmolarity along with corneal sensitivity were measured before and 3 days, 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months after the surgery.Results:  Statistically significant detrimental changes were seen in all parameters of corneal sensitivity and tear physiology immediately after phacoemulsification. Tear physiology recovered within 1 month. Corneal sensitivity did not return to normal levels in 3 months, but a trend towards full recovery was seen. Saline and the tear lubricant were not found to have an effect on the improvement of tear physiology and corneal sensitivity post‐surgically.Conclusions:  Deterioration in corneal sensitivity and tear physiology is seen immediately after phacoemulsification. Corneal sensitivity does not return to preoperative levels until 3 months postoperatively whereas the tear functions recover within 1 month.
The effects of monocular refractive blur on gait parameters when negotiating a raised surface
Authors: Vale Anna , Scally Andy , Buckley John G , Elliott David B 
Published: March 2008

AbstractFalls in the elderly are a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Elderly people with visual impairment have been found to be at increased risk of falling, with poor visual acuity in one eye causing greater risk than poor binocular visual acuity. The present study investigated whether monocular refractive blur, at a level typically used for monovision correction, would significantly reduce stereoacuity and consequently affect gait parameters when negotiating a raised surface. Fourteen healthy subjects (25.8 ± 5.6 years) walked up to and on to a raised surface, under four visual conditions; binocular, +2DS blur over their non‐dominant eye, +2DS blur over their dominant eye and with their dominant eye occluded. Analysis focussed on foot positioning and toe clearance parameters. Monocular blur had no effect on binocular acuity, but caused a small decline in binocular contrast sensitivity and a large decline in stereoacuity (p < 0.01). Vertical toe clearance increased under monocular blur or occlusion (p < 0.01) with a significantly greater increase under blur of the dominant eye compared with blur of the non‐dominant eye (p < 0.01). Increase in toe clearance was facilitated by increasing maximum toe elevation (p < 0.01). Findings indicate that monocular blur at a level typically used for monovision correction significantly reduced stereoacuity and consequently the ability to accurately perceive the height and position of a raised surface placed within the travel path. These findings may help explain why elderly individuals with poor visual acuity in one eye have been found to have an increased risk of falling.
Use of multiple preferred retinal loci in Stargardt’s disease during natural tasks: a case study*
Authors: Sullivan Brian , Jovancevic‐Misic Jelena , Hayhoe Mary , Sterns Gwen 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIndividuals with central visual field loss often use a preferred retinal locus (PRL) to compensate for their deficit. We present a case study examining the eye movements of a subject with Stargardt’s disease causing bilateral central scotomas, while performing a set of natural tasks including: making a sandwich; building a model; reaching and grasping; and catching a ball. In general, the subject preferred to use PRLs in the lower left visual field. However, there was considerable variation in the location and extent of the PRLs used. Our results demonstrate that a well‐defined PRL is not necessary to adequately perform this set of tasks and that many sites in the peripheral retina may be viable for PRLs, contingent on task and stimulus constraints.