bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Adipose-Derived Therapeutic Factor Concentrate for Treating Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Procházka Václav , Jurčíková Jana , Laššák Ondrej , Vítková Kateřina , Pavliska Lubomír , Porubová Ludmila , Buszman Piotr P. , Krauze Agata , Fernandez Carlos , Jalůvka František , Špačková Iveta , Lochman Ivo , Jana Dvořáčková , Merfeld-Clauss Stephanie , March Keith L. , Traktuev Dmitry O. , Johnstone Brian H.
Published: February 2016

Transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) is an emerging therapeutic option for addressing intractable diseases such as critical limb ischemia (CLI). Evidence suggests that therapeutic effects of ADSCs are primarily mediated through paracrine mechanisms rather than transdifferentiation. These secreted factors can be captured in conditioned medium (CM) and concentrated to prepare a therapeutic factor concentrate (TFC) composed of a cocktail of beneficial growth factors and cytokines that individually and in combination demonstrate disease-modifying effects. The ability of a TFC to promote reperfusion in a rabbit model of CLI was evaluated. A total of 27 adult female rabbits underwent surgery to induce ischemia in the left hindlimb. An additional five rabbits served as sham controls. One week after surgery, the ischemic limbs received intramuscular injections of either (1) placebo (control medium), (2) a low dose of TFC, or (3) a high dose of TFC. Limb perfusion was serially assessed with a Doppler probe. Blood samples were analyzed for growth factors and cytokines. Tissue was harvested postmortem on day 35 and assessed for capillary density by immunohistochemistry. At 1 month after treatment, tissue perfusion in ischemic limbs treated with a high dose of TFC was almost double ( p < 0.05) that of the placebo group [58.8 ± 23 relative perfusion units (RPU) vs. 30.7 ± 13.6 RPU; mean ± SD]. This effect was correlated with greater capillary density in the affected tissues and with transiently higher serum levels of the angiogenic and prosurvival factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The conclusions from this study are that a single bolus administration of TFC demonstrated robust effects for promoting tissue reperfusion in a rabbit model of CLI and that a possible mechanism of revascularization was promotion of angiogenesis by TFC. Results of this study demonstrate that TFC represents a potent therapeutic cocktail for patients with CLI, many of whom are at risk for amputation of the affected limb.
Cardiac-Derived Extracellular Matrix Enhances Cardiogenic Properties of Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells
Authors: Gaetani Roberto , Yin Christopher , Srikumar Neha , Braden Rebecca , Doevendans Pieter A. , Sluijter Joost P. G. , Christman Karen L.
Published: February 2016

The use of biomaterials has been demonstrated as a viable strategy to promote cell survival and cardiac repair. However, limitations on combinational cell–biomaterial therapies exist, as cellular behavior is influenced by the microenvironment and physical characteristics of the material. Among the different scaffolds employed for cardiac tissue engineering, a myocardial matrix hydrogel has been shown to promote cardiogenesis in murine cardiac progenitor cells (mCPCs) in vitro. In this study, we investigated the influence of the hydrogel on Sca-1-like human fetal and adult CPCs (fCPCs and aCPCs) when encapsulated in three-dimensional (3D) material in vitro. fCPCs encapsulated in the myocardial matrix showed an increase in the gene expression level of cardiac markers GATA-4 and MLC2v and the vascular marker vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) after 4 days in culture, and a significant increase in GATA-4 up to 1 week. Increased gene expression levels of Nkx2.5, MEF2c, VEGFR2, and CD31 were also observed when aCPCs were cultured in the matrix compared to collagen. Cell survival was sustained in both hydrogels up to 1 week in culture with the myocardial matrix capable of enhancing the expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67 after 4 days in culture. When encapsulated CPCs were treated with H2O2, an improved survival of the cells cultured in the myocardial matrix was observed. Finally, we evaluated the use of the myocardial matrix as hydrogel for in vivo cell transplantation and demonstrated that the gelation properties of the hydrogel are not influenced by the cells. In summary, we showed that the myocardial matrix hydrogel promotes human CPC cardiogenic potential, proliferation, and survival and is a favorable hydrogel for 3D in vitro culture. Furthermore, we demonstrated the in vivo applicability of the matrix as a potential vehicle for cell transplantation.
Dysfunction in Motor Coordination in Neonatal White Matter Injury Model without Apparent Neuron Loss
Authors: Misumi Sachiyo , Ueda Yoshitomo , Nishigaki Ruriko , Suzuki Mina , Ishida Akimasa , Jung Cha-Gyun , Hida Hideki
Published: February 2016

We made a white matter injury (WMI) model with mild hindlimb dysfunction by right common carotid artery occlusion followed by 6% oxygen for 60 min at postnatal day 3 (P3), in which actively proliferating oligodendrocyte (OL) progenitors are mainly damaged. To know whether this model is appropriate for cell therapy using OL progenitors, the pathological response to mild hypoxia–ischemia (H-I) in neurons and OL lineage cells and myelination failure were investigated along with gene expression analysis. In WMI model rats, coordinated motor function, as assessed by the accelerating rotarod test, was impaired. The dysfunction was accompanied by myelination failure in layers I–IV of the sensorimotor cortex. Although several oligo2-positive OLs stained positive for active caspase 3 in the cortex and white matter at 24 h after H-I, few NeuN-positive neurons were apoptotic. Argyrophil-III staining for damaged neurons revealed no increase in the number of degenerating cells in the model. Moreover, the total number of NeuN-positive neurons in the cortex was comparable to that of controls 7 days later. Retrograde labeling of the corticospinal tract with Fluoro-Gold revealed no significant loss of layer V neurons. In addition, no decrease in the numbers of cortical projecting neurons and layers V–VI neurons in both motor and sensory areas was observed. Interestingly, the numbers of inhibitory GABAergic cells immunoreactive for parvalbumin, calretinin, or somatostatin were preserved in the P26 cortex. Gene expression analysis at P5 revealed 98 upregulated and 65 downregulated genes that may relate to cell survival, myelin loss, and differentiation of OLs. These data suggest that impaired motor coordination was not induced by neuron loss but, rather, myelination failure in layers I–IV. As OL lineage cells are mainly damaged, this WMI model might be useful for cell-based therapy by replacing OL progenitors.
The Use of Autologous Schwann Cells to Supplement Sciatic Nerve Repair with a Large Gap: First in Human Experience
Authors: Levi Allan D. , Burks S. Shelby , Anderson Kim D. , Dididze Marine , Khan Aisha , Dietrich W. Dalton
Published: February 2016

Insufficient donor nerve graft material in peripheral nerve surgery remains an obstacle for successful long-distance regeneration. Schwann cells (SCs) can be isolated from adult mammalian peripheral nerve biopsies and can be grown in culture and retain their capacity to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration within tubular repair strategies in multiple animal models. Human Schwann cells (hSCs) can be isolated, expanded in number, and retain their ability to promote regeneration and myelinate axons, but have never been tested in a clinical case of peripheral nerve injury. A sural nerve biopsy and peripheral nerve tissue from the traumatized sciatic nerve stumps was obtained after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval as well as patient consent. The SCs were isolated after enzymatic digestion of the nerve and expanded with the use of heregulin β1 (0.1 μg/ml) and forskolin (15 mM). After two passages the Schwann cell isolates were combined with sural nerve grafts to repair a large sciatic nerve defect (7.5 cm) after a traumatic nerve injury. The sural nerve and the traumatized sciatic nerve ends both served as an excellent source of purified (90% and 97%, respectively) hSCs. Using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) we were able to determine continuity of the nerve graft repair and the absence of tumor formation. The patient had evidence of proximal sensory recovery and definitive motor recovery distal to the repair in the distribution of the tibial and common peroneal nerve. The patient did experience an improvement in her pain scores over time. The goals of this approach were to determine the safety and clinical feasibility of implementing a new cellular repair strategy. In summary, this approach represents a novel strategy in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury and represents the first reported use of autologous cultured SCs after human peripheral nerve injury.
Sustained IGF-1 Secretion by Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Improves Infarcted Heart Function
Authors: Bagno Luiza L. , Carvalho Deivid , Mesquita Fernanda , Louzada Ruy A. , Andrade Bruno , Kasai-Brunswick Taís H. , Lago Vivian M. , Suhet Grazielle , Cipitelli Debora , Werneck-De-Castro João Pedro , Campos-De-Carvalho Antonio C.
Published: February 2016

The mechanism by which stem cell-based therapy improves heart function is still unknown, but paracrine mechanisms seem to be involved. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) secrete several factors, including insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which may contribute to myocardial regeneration. Our aim was to investigate whether the overexpression of IGF-1 in ADSCs (IGF-1-ADSCs) improves treatment of chronically infarcted rat hearts. ADSCs were transduced with a lentiviral vector to induce IGF-1 overexpression. IGF-1-ADSCs transcribe100- to 200-fold more IGF-1 mRNA levels compared to nontransduced ADSCs. IGF-1 transduction did not alter ADSC immunophenotypic characteristics even under hypoxic conditions. However, IGF-1-ADSCs proliferate at higher rates and release greater amounts of growth factors such as IGF-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Importantly, IGF-1 secreted by IGF-1-ADSCs is functional given that Akt-1 phosphorylation was remarkably induced in neonatal cardiomyocytes cocultured with IGF-1-ADSCs, and this increase was prevented with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor treatment. Next, we tested IGF-1-ADSCs in a rat myocardial infarction (MI) model. MI was performed by coronary ligation, and 4 weeks after MI, animals received intramyocardial injections of either ADSCs ( n = 7), IGF-1-ADSCs ( n = 7), or vehicle ( n = 7) into the infarcted border zone. Left ventricular function was evaluated by echocardiography before and after 6 weeks of treatment, and left ventricular hemodynamics were assessed 7 weeks after cell injection. Notably, IGF-1-ADSCs improved left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac contractility index, but did not reduce scar size when compared to the ADSC-treated group. In summary, transplantation of ADSCs transduced with IGF-1 is a superior therapeutic approach to treat MI compared to nontransduced ADSCs, suggesting that gene and cell therapy may bring additional benefits to the treatment of MI.
RESCUE-HF Trial: Retrograde Delivery of Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Lining Subepithelial Cells in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Tuma Jorge , Carrasco Antonio , Castillo Jorge , Cruz Carlos , Carrillo Alvaro , Ercilla Jose , Yarleque Carlos , Cunza Jaime , Bartlett Courtney E. , Winters Amalia A. , Silva Francisco J. , Patel Amit N.
Published: February 2016

Cell therapy is an evolving option for patients with end-stage heart failure. First-generation cell therapy trials have had marginal success. Our goal was to evaluate retrograde delivery of allogeneic umbilical cord subepithelial cells (UCSECs) in patients with heart failure. A prospective open-label dose escalation study of the safety and feasibility of UCSECs infused retrogradely into the coronary sinus was performed. Patients received a single dose of either 100 million (M), 200M, or 400M cells. The patients were followed for 2 years. Twenty-four patients were successfully enrolled in the study. The patients had UCSEC infusion without procedure-related complications. The ejection fraction in patients receiving UCSECs demonstrated improvement compared to baseline; from 25.4% (±5.5) at screening to 34.9% (±4.1) at 12 months. End-systolic diameter decreased significantly from 59.9 (±5.3) mm to 52.6 (±2.7) mm ( p < 0.05). Retrograde UCSEC delivery was safe and feasible in all three dosage groups. Patients receiving 200M and 400M UCSECs showed signs of early improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and remodeling. This study provides the basis for a larger clinical trial in heart failure (HF) patients using the middle or high dose of UCSECs.
Recent Progress in Therapeutic Strategies for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yamashita Toru , Abe Koji
Published: February 2016

Possible strategies for treating stroke include neuroprotection in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia and stem cell therapy in the chronic phase of cerebral ischemia. Previously, we have studied the temporal and spatial expression patterns of c-fos, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and annexin V after 90 min of transient middle cerebral occlusion in rats and concluded that there is a time window for neuroprotection from 12 to 48 h after ischemia. In addition, we have estimated the neuroprotective effect of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) by injecting Sendai viral vector containing the GDNF gene into the postischemic brain. This Sendai virus-mediated gene transfer of GDNF showed a significant neuroprotective effect in the ischemic brain. Additionally, we have administered GDNF and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) protein into the postischemic rat brain and estimated the infarct size and antiapoptotic and antiautophagic effects. GDNF and HGF significantly reduced infarct size, the number of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-positive cells, and the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin in situ nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, indicating that GDNF and HGF were greatly associated with not only the antiapoptotic effect but also the antiautophagic effects. Finally, we have previously transplanted undifferentiated iPSCs into the ipsilateral striatum and cortex at 24 h after cerebral ischemia. Histological analysis was performed at 14 and 28 days after cell transplantation, and we found that iPSCs could supply a great number of doublecortin-positive neuroblasts but also formed tridermal teratoma in the ischemic brain. Our results suggest that iPSCs have a potential to provide neural cells after ischemic brain injury if tumorigenesis is properly controlled. In the future, we will combine these strategies to develop more effective therapies for the treatment of strokes.
Effects of Aging on Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells and Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells after Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Liang Anna C. , Mandeville Emiri T. , Maki Takakuni , Shindo Akihiro , Som Angel T. , Egawa Naohiro , Itoh Kanako , Chuang Tsu Tshen , Mcneish John D. , Holder Julie C. , Lok Josephine , Lo Eng H. , Arai Ken
Published: February 2016

Aging and vascular comorbidities such as hypertension comprise critical cofactors that influence how the brain responds to stroke. Ischemic stress induces neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis in younger brains. However, it remains unclear whether these compensatory mechanisms can be maintained even under pathologically hypertensive and aged states. To clarify the age-related remodeling capacity after stroke under hypertensive conditions, we assessed infarct volume, behavioral outcomes, and surrogate markers of neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis in acute and subacute phases after transient focal cerebral ischemia in 3- and 12-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that 3- and 12-month-old SHRs exhibited similar infarction volumes at both 3 and 14 days after focal cerebral ischemia. However, recovery of behavioral deficits (neurological score assessment and adhesive removal test) was significantly less in 12-month-old SHRs compared to 3-month-old SHRs. Concomitantly, numbers of nestin+ neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) near the infarct border area or subventricular zone in 12-month-old SHRs were lower than 3-month-old SHRs at day 3. Similarly, numbers of PDGFR-α+ oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in the corpus callosum were lower in 12-month-old SHRs at day 3. Lower levels of NSPC and OPC numbers were accompanied by lower expression levels of phosphorylated CREB. By day 14 postischemia, NSPC and OPC numbers in 12-month-old SHRs recovered to similar levels as in 3-month-old SHRs, but the numbers of proliferating NSPCs (Ki-67+nestin+ cells) and proliferating OPCs (Ki-67+PDGFR-α+ cells) remained lower in the older brains even at day 14. Taken together, these findings suggest that aging may also decrease poststroke compensatory responses for neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis even under hypertensive conditions.
Cell Transplantation and Neuroengineering Approach for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment: A Summary of Current Laboratory Findings and Review of Literature
Authors: Lin Xin-Yi , Lai Bi-Qin , Zeng Xiang , Che Ming-Tian , Ling Eng-Ang , Wu Wutian , Zeng Yuan-Shan
Published: February 2016

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause severe traumatic injury to the central nervous system (CNS). Current therapeutic effects achieved for SCI in clinical medicine show that there is still a long way to go to reach the desired goal of full or significant functional recovery. In basic medical research, however, cell transplantation, gene therapy, application of cytokines, and biomaterial scaffolds have been widely used and investigated as treatments for SCI. All of these strategies when used separately would help rebuild, to some extent, the neural circuits in the lesion area of the spinal cord. In light of this, it is generally accepted that a combined treatment may be a more effective strategy. This review focuses primarily on our recent series of work on transplantation of Schwann cells and adult stem cells, and transplantation of stem cell-derived neural network scaffolds with functional synapses. Arising from this, an artificial neural network (an exogenous neuronal relay) has been designed and fabricated by us—a biomaterial scaffold implanted with Schwann cells modified by the neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) gene and adult stem cells modified with the TrkC (receptor of NT-3) gene. More importantly, experimental evidence suggests that the novel artificial network can integrate with the host tissue and serve as an exogenous neuronal relay for signal transfer and functional improvement of SCI.
3D solid supported inter-polyelectrolyte complexes obtained by the alternate deposition of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate)
Authors: Guzmán Eduardo , Maestro Armando , Llamas Sara , Álvarez-Rodríguez Jesús , Ortega Francisco , Maroto-Valiente Ángel , Rubio Ramón G
Published: February 2016

This work addresses the formation and the internal morphology of polyelectrolyte layers obtained by the layer-by-layer method. A multimodal characterization showed the absence of stratification of the films formed by the alternate deposition of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate). Indeed the final organization might be regarded as three-dimensional solid-supported inter-polyelectrolyte films. The growth mechanism of the multilayers, followed using a quartz crystal microbalance, evidences two different growth trends, which show a dependency on the ionic strength due to its influence onto the polymer conformation. The hydration state does not modify the multilayer growth, but it contributes to the total adsorbed mass of the film. The water associated with the polyelectrolyte films leads to their swelling and plastification. The use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has allowed for deeper insights on the internal structure and composition of the polyelectrolyte multilayers.
Genome‐Wide Association Mapping of Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Wheat using Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing
Authors: Arruda Marcio P. , Brown Patrick , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Krill Allison M. , Thurber Carrie , Merrill Keith R. , Foresman Bradley J. , Kolb Frederic L.
Published: February 2016

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most important wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases worldwide, and host resistance displays complex genetic control. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was performed on 273 winter wheat breeding lines from the midwestern and eastern regions of the United States to identify chromosomal regions associated with FHB resistance. Genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) was used to identify 19,992 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering all 21 wheat chromosomes. Marker–trait associations were performed with different statistical models, the most appropriate being a compressed mixed linear model (cMLM) controlling for relatedness and population structure. Ten significant SNP–trait associations were detected on chromosomes 4A, 6A, 7A, 1D, 4D, and 7D, and multiple SNPs were associated with Fhb1 on chromosome 3B. Although combination of favorable alleles of these SNPs resulted in lower levels of severity (SEV), incidence (INC), and deoxynivalenol concentration (DON), lines carrying multiple beneficial alleles were in very low frequency for most traits. These SNPs can now be used for creating new breeding lines with different combinations of favorable alleles. This is one of the first GWAS using genomic resources from the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC).
Transcriptome and Small RNAome Dynamics during a Resistant and Susceptible Interaction between Cucumber and Downy Mildew
Authors: Burkhardt Alyssa , Day Brad
Published: February 2016

Cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.) downy mildew, caused by the obligate oomycete pathogenPseudoperonospora cubensis(Berk. and Curt.) Rostov., is the primary factor limiting cucumber production. Although sources of resistance have been identified, such as plant introduction line PI 197088, the genes and processes involved in mediating resistance are still unknown. In the current study, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptome and small RNAome analysis of a resistant (PI 197088) and susceptible (‘Vlaspik’) cucumber during a time course ofP. cubensisinfection using Illumina sequencing. We identified significantly differentially expressed (DE) genes within and between resistant and susceptible cucumber leaves over a time course of infection. Weighted gene correlation network analyses (WGCNA) created coexpression modules containing genes with unique expression patterns between Vlaspik and PI 197088. Recurring data trends indicated that resistance to cucumber downy mildew is associated with earlier response to the pathogen, hormone signaling, and regulation of nutrient supply. Candidate resistance genes were identified from multiple transcriptome analyses and literature support. Additionally, parallel sequencing of small RNAs (sRNAs) from cucumber andP. cubensisduring the infection time course was used to identify and quantify novel and existing microRNA (miRNA) in both species. Predicted miRNA targets of cucumber transcripts suggest a complex interconnectedness of gene expression regulation in this plant–pathogen system. This work bioinformatically uncovered gene expression patterns involved in the mediation of or response toP. cubensisresistance. Herein, we provide the foundation for future work to validate candidate resistance genes and miRNA‐based regulation proposed in this study.
Exploiting the Repetitive Fraction of the Wheat Genome for High‐Throughput Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphism Discovery and Genotyping
Authors: Cubizolles Nelly , Rey Elodie , Choulet Frédéric , Rimbert Hélène , Laugier Christel , Balfourier François , Bordes Jacques , Poncet Charles , Jack Peter , James Chris , Gielen Jan , Argillier Odile , Jaubertie Jean‐Pierre , Auzanneau Jérôme , Rohde Antje , Ouwerkerk Pieter B.F. , Korzun Viktor , Kollers Sonja , Guerreiro Laurent , Hourcade Delphine , Robert Olivier , Devaux Pierre , Mastrangelo Anna‐Maria , Feuillet Catherine , Sourdille Pierre , Paux Etienne
Published: February 2016

Transposable elements (TEs) account for more than 80% of the wheat genome. Although they represent a major obstacle for genomic studies, TEs are also a source of polymorphism and consequently of molecular markers such as insertion site‐based polymorphism (ISBP) markers. Insertion site‐based polymorphisms have been found to be a great source of genome‐specific single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genome. Here, we report on the development of a high‐throughput SNP discovery approach based on sequence capture of ISBP markers. By applying this approach to the reference sequence of chromosome 3B from hexaploid wheat, we designed 39,077 SNPs that are evenly distributed along the chromosome. We demonstrate that these SNPs can be efficiently scored with the KASPar (Kompetitive allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction) genotyping technology. Finally, through genetic diversity and genome‐wide association studies, we also demonstrate that ISBP‐derived SNPs can be used in marker‐assisted breeding programs.
Dissection of Genetic Factors underlying Wheat Kernel Shape and Size in an Elite × Nonadapted Cross using a High Density SNP Linkage Map
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Mantovani E. E. , Seetan R. , Soltani A. , Echeverry‐Solarte M. , Jain S. , Simsek S. , Doehlert D. , Alamri M. S. , Elias E. M. , Kianian S. F. , Mergoum M.
Published: February 2016

Wheat kernel shape and size has been under selection since early domestication. Kernel morphology is a major consideration in wheat breeding, as it impacts grain yield and quality. A population of 160 recombinant inbred lines (RIL), developed using an elite (ND 705) and a nonadapted genotype (PI 414566), was extensively phenotyped in replicated field trials and genotyped using Infinium iSelect 90K assay to gain insight into the genetic architecture of kernel shape and size. A high density genetic map consisting of 10,172 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, with an average marker density of 0.39 cM/marker, identified a total of 29 genomic regions associated with six grain shape and size traits; ∼80% of these regions were associated with multiple traits. The analyses showed that kernel length (KL) and width (KW) are genetically independent, while a large number (∼59%) of the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for kernel shape traits were in common with genomic regions associated with kernel size traits. The most significant QTL was identified on chromosome 4B, and could be an ortholog of major rice grain size and shape gene GS3 or qGL3. Major and stable loci also were identified on the homeologous regions of Group 5 chromosomes, and in the regions of TaGW2 (6A) and TaGASR7 (7A) genes. Both parental genotypes contributed equivalent positive QTL alleles, suggesting that the nonadapted germplasm has a great potential for enhancing the gene pool for grain shape and size. This study provides new knowledge on the genetic dissection of kernel morphology, with a much higher resolution, which may aid further improvement in wheat yield and quality using genomic tools.
Biofuel Combustion Fly Ash Influence on the Properties of Concrete
Authors: Daugėla Aurelijus , Nagrockienė Džigita , Zarauskas Laurynas
Published: February 2016

Cement as the binding agent in the production of concrete can be replaced with active mineral admixtures. Biofuel combustion fly ash is one of such admixtures. Materials used for the study: Portland cement CEM I 42.5 R, sand of 0/4 fraction, gravel of 4/16 fraction, biofuel fly ash, superplasticizer, water. Six compositions of concrete were designed by replacing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% 20%, and 25% of cement with biofuel fly ash. The article analyses the effect of biofuel fly ash content on the properties of concrete. The tests revealed that the increase of biofuel fly ash content up to 20% increases concrete density and compressive strength after 7 and 28 days of curing and decreases water absorption, with corrected water content by using plasticizing admixture. It was found that concrete where 20% of cement is replaced by biofuel ash has higher frost resistance.
GUIDANCE OF THE SPATIAL PLANNING LEGAL INFORMATION INTEGRATION INTO THE BUILDING INFORMATION MODEL / TERITORIJŲ PLANAVIMO TEISINĖS INFORMACIJOS INTEGRACIJOS Į STATINIO SKAITMENINĮ MODELĮ GAIRĖS
Authors: Peckienė Aurelija
Published: February 2016

Lithuania is currently intensively starting to develop BIM technology. BIM is the process by which information regarding construction is generated and managed. There is considerable information affecting each building (its planning, design, construction, etc.) which are planned in static environment or, in other words, territory. Therefore, information about the building generation and management should begin with the information about the area in which the building are planned, generation and management. Legal information (characteristics) was found and named in the article. This information affects the building planning (information about the territory) and it must be taken into account when developing a digital model of the building and creating the initial classification of territorial planning model. Šiuo metu Lietuvoje yra pradedamos intensyviai vystyti BIM technologijos. BIM yra procesas, kurio metu generuojama ir valdoma informacija apie statinį. Tačiau nemažai informacijos, turinčios įtakos kiekvienam statiniui (jį planuojant, projektuojant, statant ir kt.), yra planuojamo statinio aplinkoje arba, kitaip tariant, teritorijoje. Todėl informacijos apie statinį generavimas ir valdymas turėtų prasidėti nuo informacijos apie teritoriją, kurioje planuojamas statinys, generavimo ir valdymo. Straipsnyje buvo nustatyta ir įvardinta teisinė informacija (charakteristikos), kuri turi įtakos planuojant statinį (informacija apie teritoriją) ir į kurią turi būti atsižvelgta kuriant statinio skaitmeninį modelį, bei nustatytos teritorijų planavimo informacijos integracijos į statinio skaitmeninį modelį gairės.
LITHUANIAN QUARRY AGGREGATES CONCRETE EFFECTS OF ALKALINE CORROSION TESTS / LIETUVOS KARJERŲ UŽPILDŲ POVEIKIO BETONO ŠARMINEI KOROZIJAI TYRIMAI
Authors: Rutkauskas Aurimas , Girskas Giedrius
Published: February 2016

Aggregate alkaline corrosion of cement in concrete is going to respond in sodium and potassium hydroxide (lye) with active SiO2 found in some aggregates. During this reaction, the concrete has resulted in significant internal stresses which cause deformation of the concrete, cracking and disintegration. The reaction is slow and concrete signs of decomposition appear only after a few months or years. The study used two different aggregates quarries. Studies show that Lithuania gravel contaminated with reactive particles having amorphous silicon dioxide reacting with cement in sodium and potassium hydroxide and the resulting alkaline concrete corrosion. It was found that, according to AAR 2 large aggregates include Group II – potentially reactive because of their expansion after 14 days, higher than 0.1%.
Užpildų šarminė korozija betone vyksta reaguojant cemente esantiems natrio ir kalio hidroksidams (šarmams) su aktyviu SiO2, esančiu kai kuriuose užpilduose. Vykstant šiai reakcijai betone susidaro didelių vidinių įtempių, kurie sukelia betono deformacijas, pleišėjimą ir suirimą. Reakcija vyksta lėtai, betono irimo požymių atsiranda tik po kelių mėnesių ar metų. Tyrimams buvo naudojami dviejų skirtingų karjerų užpildai. Atlikus tyrimus nustatyta, kad Lietuvos žvyro karjerai užteršti reaktyviomis dalelėmis, turinčiomis amorfinio silicio dioksido, reaguojančio su cemente esančiais natrio ir kalio šarmais, ir sukeliančiomis betono šarminę koroziją. Nustatyta, kad pagal AAR 2 stambieji užpildai priskiriami II grupei – galimai reaktyviems užpildams, nes jų plėtra po 14 parų viršija 0,1 %.
Noter la construction d’un objet : comparaison des notations en situation de mémorisation et de communication. Étude chez les enfants âgés de 6 à 11 ans
Authors: Gaux Christine
Published: February 2016

L’évolution de la capacité des enfants à mobiliser un système de notation, pour représenter la construction d’un objet, un cerf réalisé en pièces de Lego, a été étudiée dans deux situations courantes : communication et mémorisation d’une information. Quatre groupes de 36 enfants chacun, âgés de 6 à 11 ans devaient trouver un moyen d’aider les élèves d’une autre école à réaliser cet assemblage ou de se rappeler de cet assemblage. La spontanéité des notations et leur fonctionnalité augmentent avec l’âge. Quel que soit l’âge, la notation est majoritairement un dessin, plus adapté à la nature figurative de l’objet, et rarement un texte. Le contexte de production influence la spontanéité des notations chez les enfants de 11 ans, mais n’a que peu d’influence sur leur qualité.
Trisomie 21 et stigmatisation Expériences de parents
Authors: Vassy Carine , Jaravine Doyna
Published: February 2016

Pour analyser la stigmatisation dont la trisomie 21 fait l’objet, nous avons interrogé des parents d’enfants porteurs de cette anomalie génétique. Nous avons mené des entretiens avec 14 parents en région parisienne dans une perspective sociologique interactionniste. Certaines de leurs interactions avec des professionnels du soin et de l’école, peuvent être interprétées en termes de stigmatisation.
Entre honte et culpabilité, stigmates de la femme enceinte après une Interruption Médicale de Grossesse
Authors: Shulz Jessica , Beauquier-Maccotta Bérengère , Soubieux Marie-José , Mériot Marie-Emmanuelle , de Wailly Diane , Missonnier Sylvain
Published: February 2016

À partir d’un matériel issu d’une recherche clinique se référant à la psychanalyse en milieu hospitalier, les auteurs se proposent d’explorer les traces laissées par la perte d’un enfant à la suite d’une Interruption Médicale de Grossesse, lors de la grossesse suivante. L’étude de la honte et de la culpabilité dans ce contexte permet de donner des repères sémiologiques et psychopathologiques pertinents dans le cadre d’une prévention primaire et secondaire des troubles de la parentalité et des dysharmonies relationnelles précoces.
Une approche de la gouvernance et de la régulation territoriales et interterritoriales des politiques et projets communautaires à travers l’analyse comparée des contrats de territoire dans deux Communautés Urbaines
Authors: Dupuis Jérôme
Published: February 2016

Depuis de nombreuses années, les collectivités locales, face à l’imbrication de leurs missions et financements, ont développé voire institutionnalisé des formes nouvelles d’action publique propres à mettre la logique de projet au cœur de leurs relations multi-échelles. Après avoir qualifié les contours et portées des contrats territoriaux comme registres et leviers de gouvernance et de régulation territoriales et interterritoriales, notre réflexion s’attache à présenter deux expériences respectivement menées par Nantes Métropole et Lille Métropole pour en analyser les processus combinant négociation explicite et arrangement implicite entre les EPCI et les communes relevant de leur périmètre. Leur coexistence faite de complexité et d’opportunité d’action publique territoriale fait naitre une forme de diplomatie territoriale ou l’on passe des alliances sur le mode conventionnel, ce qui impose aux territoires d’avoir progressivement une gestion interterritoriale. Ces deux terrains d’analyse semblent mettre en exergue des situations, certes différentes, où il ne s’agit plus uniquement d’afficher ce que l’on fait pour la collectivité mais aussi pour un ou des territoires ; les décideurs publics se situant dans un espace à la fois plus large et plus étroit développant des registres d’inter territorialités constitutifs d’une nouvelle forme d’action collective ; nous invitant enfin à en décrypter les facettes plus contrastées au regard des ambitions de mise en cohérence et d’emboitements raisonnés des interventions publiques.
Chapitre 1. La bioéthique à l’épreuve de la diversité socioculturelle, la portée du sens donné à un concept inachevé
Authors: Marin Ana , Bouffard Chantal
Published: February 2016

À une époque où la sensibilisation de l’éthique à la diversité socioculturelle est une nécessité, la question du sens que revêt le terme de bioéthique semble primordiale. Sans être exhaustive, cette contribution propose de revenir sur les grandes définitions de la bioéthique, en considérant leurs transformations au fil du temps et de la rencontre avec l’anthropologie. En partant de ses définitions élargie et restreinte, certaines différences ou imprécisions définitionnelles y sont examinées à la lumière des concepts utilisés par les bioéthicien(ne)s et les anthropologues pour concevoir la bioéthique. Si cet exercice permet de rappeler la pertinence des outils conceptuels proposés par l’anthropologie pour faciliter l’intégration de la diversité culturelle à la bioéthique, en bout de ligne, il remet en question une démarche anthropologique qui n’a pas su intégrer cette notion au sein même de la définition de la bioéthique.
Le duel Alis-Shaw, ou le Scramble for Africa par journaux interposés
Authors: Palmer Michael
Published: February 2016

À Paris et à Londres, dans les années 1890, on fait état de projets rivaux destinés à « unir » les « possessions » francophones ou anglophones en Afrique. Des rhétoriques impérialistes opposées les accompagnent. Dans Le Bulletin du Comité de l’Afrique française , le journaliste Harry Alis défend le discours d’Eugène Étienne du « parti » colonial. Dans le Times , la rédactrice des « pages coloniales », Flora Shaw, promeut la cause de Cecil Rhodes, l’entrepreneur, homme politique et impérialiste britannique et sud-africain. La « crise » de Fachoda peut apparaître comme une victoire britannique, à bien des égards. Cet article retrace les parcours d’Alis et de Shaw, en se référant à la correspondance envoyée à Alis et aux archives du Times , ainsi qu’à d’autres sources 1 .
Mémoires en Super 8 mm : historique d’un support ou support historique. Témoignage et lecture critique d’un atelier de formation au Mozambique
Authors: Wanono Nadine
Published: February 2016

Cette analyse met en évidence les enjeux politiques révélés par la formation aux techniques du S.8mm qui s’est déroulée au Mozambique entre 1978-1979. Cet atelier de formation aux techniques cinématographiques, qui ambitionnait d’encourager l’écriture de l’histoire de cette jeune république, révèle sous couvert de conflits artistiques, culturels et idéologiques, la volonté d’unification, de légitimité et de crédibilité de la politique du parti nouvellement créé. Cet article fournit des éléments d’information et enrichit la vision mal connue de la période d’installation de cette république.
Comparison of Clinical Features and Long-term Surgical Outcomes in Infantile Constant and Intermittent Exotropia
Authors: Na Kun-Hoo , Kim Seung-Hyun
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the long-term surgical outcomes and the clinical features between infantile-onset constant and intermittent exotropia.

Methods:

The medical records of 67 patients diagnosed as having infantile exotropia before 12 months of age who underwent surgery were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into intermittent exotropia and constant exotropia groups based on presentation before surgery. All patients underwent bilateral lateral rectus recession. Preoperative and postoperative clinical features were investigated.

Results:

There were 37 children in the intermittent exotropia group and 30 children in the constant exotropia group. The cumulative probabilities of success 3 years after bilateral lateral rectus recession were 91.9% in the intermittent exotropia group and 70% in the constant exotropia group. Constant deviation was more closely associated with both dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) and inferior oblique muscle overaction (IOOA) (
P
= .009 and
P
= .009, respectively) and related to poor stereopsis outcome (
P
= .002) and distance suppression (
P
= .029).

Conclusions:

Constant deviation was associated with the development of recurrence, DVD/IOOA, and poor stereopsis after surgery. Constancy of exotropia is a reliable factor for predicting poor surgical outcomes in infantile exotropia at long-term follow-up.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2016;53(2):99–104.]
Management Models and Development of Show Caves as Tourist Destinations in Croatia
Authors: Bočić Neven , Lukić Aleksandar , Opačić Vuk Tvrtko
Published: February 2016

Touristic valorisation of caves has long tradition in Croatia. Research has been conducted in order to: identify show caves in Croatia (13), make an overview of their basic geomorphologic characteristics and study their role as tourist destinations. Based on Nature Protection Law and current experiences, four different management models have been identified. Management models have been recognized as an important factor for touristic valorisation of show caves. These elements as well as linkages of show caves with local economy have been examined in more details in case studies. Paper concludes with overview on current tourist development of show caves in Croatia and proposes some future actions in that respect.
Tracing of the Stream Flowing Through the Cave Ferranova Buža, Central Slovenia
Authors: Staut Miha , Auersperger Primož
Published: February 2016

The article discusses the characteristics of the recently discovered ground water stream in the cave Ferranova buža and its possible karstic hydrological system. Its upstream connections have been narrowed to few possible springs by means of logical exclusion and have yet to be confirmed. For the purpose of establishing its linkage to the downstream springs around Vrhnika a water tracing experiment has been performed. Uranine was used as a tracer and sampled in intervals of eight hours at Primc’s spring, Bečkaj’s spring and Kožuh’s spring. The connection was proved in all three observation points, with Kožuh’s spring draining the largest quantity of the tracer. The tracer experiment evidenced that the dye was completely flushed downward in single transition curve almost without any retention.
Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Dating in Karst Environments
Authors: Blackwell Bonnie A. B.
Published: February 2016

Electron spin resonance (ESR) dating has been developed for many materials, including hydroxyapatite in enamel, bone, and some fish scales, aragonite and calcite in travertine, molluscs, and calcrete, and quartz from ash, which have many potential applications in karst settings. Although the complexity of the signals in some materials has hampered routine application, research is solving these problems to make the method even more widely applicable. When tested against other dating tech­niques, age agreement has usually been excellent. Generally, the most reliable applications seem to be tooth enamel, some mol­lusc species, calcite deposits, and quartz minerals. ESR dating uses signals resulting from trapped charges created by radia­tion in crystalline solids. Ages are calculated by comparing the accumulated dose in the dating sample with the internal and external radiation dose rates produced by natural radiation in and around the sample. For fossils and authigenic minerals, no zeroing is necessary to obtain accurate ages. In sediment which contains reworked mineral clasts, ESR can be used to date the age of the mineral grain itself if it was not zeroed during ero­sion. For dating the sedimentation age, however, ESR signals must have been zeroed in order to give the correct age. High pressure, heating, and in some minerals, light exposure and grinding can zero an ESR signal, but some like hydroxyapatite have very high stability at surface temperatures. For materi­als that absorb uranium (U) during their burial history, such as teeth, bones, or mollusc shells, the age calculation considers their U uptake by cross calibrating with U series or U/Pb dat­ing or by assuming different uptake models. Some difficulties in calculating the external dose rate can be overcome by ap­plying the ESR isochron method, in which the sample acts as its own dosimeter. In open-air karst environments, changes in the external dose rate due to altered sediment cover, and hence, changing cosmic dose rates, need to be modelled. For all karst environments, sedimentary water concentration and mineralogical variations with time also need to be considered. Many ESR applications are currently used in karst settings, but several more are also possible.
Time Scales in the Evolution of Solution Porosity in Porous Coastal Carbonate Aquifers by Mixing Corrosion in the Saltwater-Freshwater Transition Zone
Authors: Dreybrodt Wolfgang , Romanov Douchko
Published: February 2016

Dissolution of calcium carbonate in the saltwater-freshwater mixing zone of coastal carbonate aquifers up to now has been treated by coupling geochemical equilibrium codes to a reactive-transport model. The result is a complex nonlinear coupled set of differential transport-advection equations, which need high computational efforts. However, if dissolution rates of calcite are sufficiently fast, such that one can assume the solution to be in equilibrium with respect to calcite a highly simplified modelling approach can be used. To calculate initial changes of porosity in the rock matrix one only needs to solve the advection-transport equation for salinity s in the freshwater lens and its transition zone below the island. Current codes on density driven flow such as SEAWAT can be used. To obtain the dissolution capacity of the mixed saltwater-freshwater solutions the calcium equilibrium concentration ceq(s) is obtained as a function of salinity by PHREEQC-2. Initial porosity changes can then be calculated by a simple analytical expression of the gradient of the spatial distribution s(x, y) of salinity, the distribution of flow fluxes q(x,y) and the second derivative of the calcium equilibrium concentration ceq(s) with respect to salinity s. This modelling approach is employed to porosity evolution in homogeneous and heterogeneous carbonate islands and coastal aquifers. The geometrical patterns of porosity changes and the reasons of their origin will be discussed in detail. The results reveal initial changes of porosity in the order of several 10-6 per year. This places the time scale of cavern evolution to orders from several tens of thousands to a hundred thousand years.