bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensory Properties of Bulgarian Yogurts, Supplemented with Lactobacilli as Probiotic Adjuncts
Authors: Tropcheva Rositsa , Georgieva Ralitsa , Paskov Vladislav , Karsheva Maria , Danova Svetla 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDairy products supplemented with probiotic cultures are a widely accepted approach in the development of functional foods. Moreover, this is the easier way to administrate and to deliver a probiotic culture to the consumers. With this aim, four potential probiotic strains, belonging to the species Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were preselected as probiotic adjuncts to Bulgarian yogurt. The sensory properties of fermented products, enriched with these cultures, were evaluated using descriptive analyses. The tests were conducted to establish the differences between probiotic and standard yogurts and to estimate the technological relevance of preselected strains. At the end of the storage period, a high ratio of survival and strain‐specific effects on sensory quality of the obtained fermented milks were detected with greater influence on the flavor/taste. The L. plantarum was estimated as the most appropriate adjunct, with a positive effect on sensory properties of typical Bulgarian yogurt.Practical ApplicationsFunctional foods, incorporating probiotic bacteria with scientifically proven health claims, have a great potential for improving the healthy balance and the quality of life. Currently they provide the largest segment of the functional food market. Thus, the search for new probiotics is in continuous great interest today. With this aim we pre‐selected four Lactobacilli in vitro characterized as candidate probiotics. The technological relevance of these lactic acid bacteria cultures as probiotic adjuncts to Bulgarian yogurts is very important for their further industrial implementation. The key parameters, Lactobacillus viability in fermented milks and the impact of the probiotic adjuncts on the sensory quality, were monitored. Obtained results suggest perspectives for an application of the strain L. plantarum RL as adjunct culture in dairy products like yogurt. The other studied strains, L. salivarius LS and L. brevis KR could be used as probiotics in other types of fermented dairy products and functional foods.
Differential localization of LTA synthesis proteins and their interaction with the cell division machinery in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Reichmann Nathalie T. , Piçarra Cassona Carolina , Monteiro João M. , Bottomley Amy L. , Corrigan Rebecca M. , Foster Simon J. , Pinho Mariana G. , Gründling Angelika 
Published: February 2014

SummaryLipoteichoic acid (LTA) is an important cell wall component of Gram‐positive bacteria. In Staphylococcus aureus it consists of a polyglycerolphosphate‐chain that is retained within the membrane via a glycolipid. Using an immunofluorescence approach, we show here that the LTA polymer is not surface exposed in S. aureus, as it can only be detected after digestion of the peptidoglycan layer. S. aureus mutants lacking LTA are enlarged and show aberrant positioning of septa, suggesting a link between LTA synthesis and the cell division process. Using a bacterial two‐hybrid approach, we show that the three key LTA synthesis proteins, YpfP and LtaA, involved in glycolipid production, and LtaS, required for LTA backbone synthesis, interact with one another. All three proteins also interacted with numerous cell division and peptidoglycan synthesis proteins, suggesting the formation of a multi‐enzyme complex and providing further evidence for the co‐ordination of these processes. When assessed by fluorescence microscopy, YpfP and LtaA fluorescent protein fusions localized to the membrane while the LtaS enzyme accumulated at the cell division site. These data support a model whereby LTA backbone synthesis proceeds in S. aureus at the division site in co‐ordination with cell division, while glycolipid synthesis takes place throughout the membrane.
A pragmatist approach to the hope discourse in health care research
Authors: Herrestad Henning , Biong Stian , McCormack Brendan , Borg Marit , Karlsson Bengt 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHope is a central concept in nursing and other fields of health care. However, there is no consensus about the concept of hope. We argue that seeking consensus is futile given the multifaceted and multidimensional nature of the concept, but instead we encourage in‐depth studies of the assumptions behind talk about hope in specific contexts. Our approach to the ‘science of hope’ is inspired by philosophical pragmatism. We argue that hope is a concept that opens different rooms for action in different contexts and that accordingly, all hope interventions are contextually sensitive. Careful attention to how the relative positions and power of nurses and patients influence what can be inferred from their different ways of talking about hope may make hopeful conversations more meaningful in health care relationships.
Histone chaperone ASF1 is involved in gene transcription activation in response to heat stress in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: WENG MINJIE , YANG YUE , FENG HAIYANG , PAN ZONGDE , SHEN WEN‐HUI , ZHU YAN , DONG AIWU 
Published: February 2014

AbstractANTI‐SILENCING FUNCTION 1 (ASF1) is an evolutionarily conserved histone chaperone involved in diverse chromatin‐based processes in eukaryotes. Yet, its role in transcription and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive, particularly in plants. Here, we show that the A rabidopsis thaliana ASF1 homologous genes, AtASF1A and AtASF1B, are involved in gene transcription activation in response to heat stress. The A tasf1ab mutant displays defective basal as well as acquired thermotolerance phenotypes. Heat‐induced expression of several key genes, including the HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN (HSP) genes Hsp101, Hsp70, Hsa32, Hsp17.6A and Hsp17.6B‐CI, and the HEAT SHOCK FACTOR (HSF) gene HsfA2 but not HsfB1 is drastically impaired in Atasf1ab as compared with that in wild type. We found that AtASF1A/B proteins are recruited onto chromatin, and their enrichment is correlated with nucleosome removal and RNA polymerase II accumulation at the promoter and coding regions of HsfA2 and Hsa32 but not HsfB1. Moreover, AtASF1A/B facilitate H3K56 acetylation (H3K56ac), which is associated with HsfA2 and Hsa32 activation. Taken together, our study unravels an important function of AtASF1A/B in plant heat stress response and suggests that AtASF1A/B participate in transcription activation of some but not all HSF and HSP genes via nucleosome removal and H3K56ac stimulation.
Banana fruit NAC transcription factor MaNAC1 is a direct target of MaICE1 and involved in cold stress through interacting with MaCBF1
Authors: SHAN WEI , KUANG JIAN‐FEI , LU WANG‐JIN , CHEN JIAN‐YE 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOur previous studies have indicated that the banana ripening‐induced MaNAC1, a NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) transcription factor (TF) gene, is regulated by ethylene during fruit ripening, and propylene, a functional ethylene analogue, induces cold tolerance of banana fruits. However, the involvement of MaNAC1 in propylene‐induced cold tolerance of banana fruits is not understood. In the present work, the possible involvement of MaNAC1 in cold tolerance of banana fruits was investigated. MaNAC1 was noticeably induced by cold stress or following propylene treatment during cold storage. Transient protoplast assays showed that MaNAC1 promoter was activated by cold stress and ethylene treatment. Yeast one‐hybrid (Y1H), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and transient expression assays demonstrated MaNAC1 as a novel direct target of MaICE1, and that the ability of MaICE1 binding to MaNAC1 promoter might be enhanced by MaICE1 phosphorylation and cold stress. Moreover, yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analyses revealed physical interaction between MaNAC1 and MaCBF1, a downstream component of inducer of C‐repeat binding factor (CBF) expression 1 (ICE1) in cold signalling. Taken together, these results suggest that the cold‐responsive MaNAC1 may be involved in cold tolerance of banana fruits through its interaction with ICE1–CBF cold signalling pathway, providing new insights into the regulatory activity of NAC TF.
MAIN‐LIKE1 is a crucial factor for correct cell division and differentiation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ühlken Christine , Horvath Beatrix , Stadler Ruth , Sauer Norbert , Weingartner Magdalena 
Published: February 2014

SummaryPlant development requires accurate coordination of gene expression, both in actively dividing meristematic cells and differentiated cells. Cell fate establishment and maintenance, among others, are mediated by chromatin organization complexes that determine the stable transcriptional states of specific cell types. Here, we focus on MAIN‐LIKE1 (MAIL1), one of three homologs of MAINTENANCE OF MERISTEMS (MAIN), which form a plant‐specific gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that MAIL1 encodes a ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein. A mail1 loss‐of‐function mutant developed short primary roots, in which the meristematic cells accumulated DNA double‐strand breaks and underwent massive cell death. In addition, mail1 mutant showed also cell differentiation defects in root and shoot tissues, and developed disorganized callus‐like structures. The genetic interaction between main and mail1 mutants suggests that they act in the same pathway, and that both are essential for maintaining correct cell division acitivity in meristematic cells, while MAIL1 has an additional function in differentiating cells.
Evolution and diversity of the 2–oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase superfamily in plants
Authors: Kawai Yosuke , Ono Eiichiro , Mizutani Masaharu 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe 2–oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase (2OGD) superfamily is the second largest enzyme family in the plant genome, and its members are involved in various oxygenation/hydroxylation reactions. Despite their biochemical significance in metabolism, a systematic analysis of plant 2OGDs remains to be accomplished. We present a phylogenetic classification of 479 2OGDs in six plant models, ranging from green algae to angiosperms. These were classified into three classes –DOXA,DOXBandDOXC– based on amino acid sequence similarity. TheDOXAclass includes plant homologs ofEscherichia coli AlkB, which is a prototype of 2OGDinvolved in the oxidative demethylation of alkylated nucleic acids and histones. TheDOXBclass is conserved across all plant taxa and is involved in proline 4–hydroxylation in cell wall protein synthesis. TheDOXCclass is involved in specialized metabolism of various phytochemicals, including phytohormones and flavonoids. The vast majority of 2OGDs from land plants were classified into theDOXCclass, but only seven fromChlamydomonas, suggesting that this class has diversified during land plant evolution. Phylogenetic analysis assignedDOXC‐class 2OGDs to 57 phylogenetic clades. 2OGDgenes involved in gibberellin biosynthesis were conserved among vascular plants, and those involved in flavonoid and ethylene biosynthesis were shared among seed plants. Several angiosperm‐specific clades were found to be involved in various lineage‐specific specialized metabolisms, but 31 of the 57DOXC‐class clades were only found in a single species. Therefore, the evolution and diversification ofDOXC‐class 2OGDs is partly responsible for the diversity and complexity of specialized metabolites in land plants.
Remediation Strategy, Capping Construction and Ongoing Monitoring for the Mill Tailings Pond, Ningyo-Toge Uranium Mine, Japan
Authors: Saito Hiroshi , Taki Tomihiro 
Published: February 2014

Ningyo-toge Uranium Mine is subject to the environmental remediation. The main purposes are to take measures to ensure the radiation protection from the exposure pathways to humans in future, and to prevent the occurrence of mining pollution.
The Yotsugi Mill Tailings Pond in the Ningyo-toge Uranium Mine has deposited mining waste and impounded water as a buffer reservoir before it is transferred to the Water Treatment Facility. It is located at the upstream of the water-source river and as the impact on its environment in case of earthquake is estimated significant, the highest priority has been put to it among mine-related facilities in the Mine.
So far, basic concept has been examined and a great number of data has been acquired, and using the data, some remediation activities have already done, including capping construction for the upstream part of the Mill Tailings Pond. The capping is to reduce rainwater penetration to lower the burden of water treatment, and to reduce radon exhalation and dose rates. Only natural materials are used to alleviate the future maintenance.
Data, including settlement amount and underground temperature is now being acquired and accumulated to verify the effectiveness of the capping, and used for the future remediation of the Downstream with revision of its specifications if necessary.
Quantity and Management of Spent Fuel From Prototype and Research Reactors in Germany
Authors: Dörr Sabine , Bollingerfehr Wilhelm , Filbert Wolfgang , Tholen Marion 
Published: February 2014

Within the scope of an R&D project (project identification number FKZ 02 S 8679) sponsored by BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research), the current state of storage and management of fuel elements from prototype and research reactors was established, and an approach for their future storage/management was developed.
The spent fuels from prototype and research reactors in Germany that require disposal were specified and were described in regard to their repository-relevant characteristics. As there are currently no casks licensed for disposal in Germany, descriptions of casks that were considered to be suitable were provided. Based on the information provided on the spent fuel from prototype and research reactors and the potential casks, a technical disposal concept was developed. In this context, concepts to integrate the spent fuel from prototype and research reactors into existing disposal concepts for spent fuel from German nuclear power plants and for waste from reprocessing were developed for salt and clay formations.
Radiological Characterization Methods Specifically Applied to the Preparation of the Dismantling of PHENIX Fast Reactor
Authors: Venara J. , Ben Mosbah M. , Mahé C. , Masson M. , Paul J. L. 
Published: February 2014

Knowledge of the radiological state of processes and equipment of a nuclear facility is essential to supervise a wide variety of sensitive tasks: building of intervention scenarios in order to optimize maintenance or dismantling operations, optimization of waste categorization, monitoring the effectiveness of decontamination processes, monitoring of nuclear facility decommissioning, etc.
In order to meet the diversity of the issues involved, the CEA has developed in situ radiological characterization methods and techniques to acquire reliable radiological data. The data gathered is necessary to build robust radiological models which can be used as input data for dismantling studies. Over the last 30 years, the main nuclear measurement techniques, such as gamma imaging and gamma spectrometry, have been widely deployed by the CEA on many facilities under dismantling and more recently, on the Phénix nuclear power plant. Phénix was a small-scale prototype of a sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor, located at the Marcoule nuclear site. These techniques have been implemented on this reactor in order to meet the increased need for radiological knowledge to prepare for future dismantling operations following its final shutdown in 2009.
This paper will focus on the description of three radiological characterization methods which take advantage of advanced nuclear measurement techniques. For each method, an example of a specific application on the Phénix reactor will be presented. Firstly, the so-called “gamma scanning” method will be explained. The objective of this method is to determine the activity profile of equipment based on collimated gamma spectrometry measurements with compact probes like CdZnTe. This method was applied to a neutron shielding of the reactor core to estimate the 60Co activity profile. Then the measured activities helped to validate the theoretical activities resulting from neutron activation calculations. Secondly, this paper will focus on the interest of combining different measurement techniques such as gamma imaging, gamma spectrometry and collimated/uncollimated dose rate mapping to characterize complex equipment or processes. In this case, a specific methodology was developed to define the radiological state of a shielded cell used for the processing of irradiated nuclear fuels. Finally, an isotopic characterization technique using a high purity germanium detector will be discussed. This technique was applied to a non-irradiated fertile fuel sub-assembly in order to determine the level of uranium enrichment. The processing was carried out by three types of analysis: two automated, with the MGA-U and IGA software, and one manual.
Direct Disposal of Spent Fuel: Developing Solutions Tailored to Japan
Authors: Kawamura Hideki , McKinley Ian G. 
Published: February 2014

With the past Government policy of 100% reprocessing in Japan now open to discussion, options for direct disposal of spent fuel (SF) are now being considered in Japan. The need to move rapidly ahead in developing spent fuel management concepts is closely related to the ongoing debate on the future of nuclear power in Japan and the desire to understand the true costs of the entire life cycle of different options. Different scenarios for future nuclear power — and associated decisions on extent of reprocessing — will give rise to quite different inventories of SF with different disposal challenges.
Although much work has been carried out spent fuel disposal within other national programmes, the potential for mining the international knowledge base is limited by the boundary conditions for disposal in Japan. Indeed, with a volunteer approach to siting, no major salt deposits and few undisturbed sediments, high tectonic activity, relatively corrosive groundwater and no deserts, it is evident that a tailored solution is needed. Nevertheless, valuable lessons can be learned from projects carried out worldwide, if focus is placed on basic principles rather than implementation details.
Stakeholder Opinions on the Use of the Added Value Approach in Siting Radioactive Waste Management Facilities
Authors: Kojo Matti , Richardson Phil 
Published: February 2014

In some countries nuclear waste facility siting programs include social and economic benefits, compensation, local empowerment and motivation measures and other incentives for the potential host community. This can generally be referred to as an ‘added value approach’. Demonstration of the safety of a repository is seen as a precondition of an added value approach.
Recently much focus has been placed on studying and developing public participation approaches but less on the use of such incentive and community benefit packages, although they are becoming a more common element in many site selection strategies for nuclear waste management facilities.
The primary objective of this paper is to report on an ongoing study of stakeholders’ opinions of the use of an added value approach in siting a radioactive waste facility in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia. The paper argues that an added value approach should adapt to the interests and needs of stakeholders during different stages of a siting process.
The main question posed in the study is as follows: What are the measures which should be included in ‘added value approach’ according to the stakeholders?
The research data consists of stakeholders’ responses to a survey focusing on the use of added value (community benefits) and incentives in siting nuclear waste management facilities. The survey involved use of a questionnaire developed as part of the EU-funded IPPA* project in three countries: the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia. (* Implementing Public Participation Approaches in Radioactive Waste Disposal, FP7 Contract Number: 269849).
The target audiences for the questionnaires were the stakeholders represented in the national stakeholder groups established to discuss site selection for a nuclear waste repository in their country.
A total of 105 questionnaires were sent to the stakeholders between November 2011 and January 2012. 44 questionnaires were returned, resulting in a total response rate of 41% (10/29 in the Czech Republic, 11/14 in Poland and in 23/64 in Slovenia).
The US DOE EM International Program
Authors: Elmetti Rosa R. , Han Ana M. , Roach Jay A. 
Published: February 2014

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) conducts international collaboration activities in support of U.S. policies and objectives regarding the accelerated risk reduction and remediation of environmental legacy of the nations’ nuclear weapons program and government sponsored nuclear energy research. The EM International Program supported out of the EM Office of the Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary pursues collaborations with foreign government organizations, educational institutions and private industry to assist in identifying technologies and promote international collaborations that leverage resources and link international experience and expertise.
In fiscal year (FY) 2012, the International Program awarded eight international collaborative projects for work scope spanning waste processing, groundwater and soil remediation, deactivation and decommissioning (D&D) and nuclear materials disposition initiatives to seven foreign organizations. Additionally, the International Program’s scope and collaboration opportunities were expanded to include technical as well as non-technical areas. This paper will present an overview of the on-going tasks awarded in FY 2012 and an update of upcoming international activities and opportunities for expansion into the remainder of FY 2013 and beyond.