bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterotopia and Structuralism
Authors: Saldanha Arun
Published: May 2008

The concept of heterotopia was introduced and immediately abandoned by Michel Foucault in 1966–67, but it quickly diffused across human geography, urban theory, and cultural studies during the 1990s. Notwithstanding the deserved impact of Foucault's overall work on these fields, there are some conceptual problems with the heterotopia concept. While the desire for a single term to probe spatial difference is understandable, the author takes issue with the kind of space envisioned in heterotopology. From a close reading of Foucault's notes, and with the help of Deleuze, Derrida, and Althusser, it is suggested that the spatiality of Foucault's heterotopology repeats certain flaws of the structuralism in vogue in 1960s France. In order for heterotopias to be ‘absolutely different’ from ‘all the rest’ of space, Foucault needs to posit a totality to society and to perform a ‘slice of time‘. The author ends by briefly examining how the structuralist tendency of heterotopology has pervaded some recent Anglophone adoptions of Foucault. As both geography and postcolonial theory have shown, slicing time often conceals particularist suppositions and is therefore inadequate to account for the multiplicity and unevenness of geographical change.
Stepping-stones to One-step Growth: Frank Macfarlane Burnet's Role in Elucidating the Viral Nature of the Bacteriophages
Authors: Sankaran Neeraja
Published: May 2008

The demonstration of the one-step growth pattern of the bacteriophages is generally regarded as the key evidence that bacteriophages were viruses rather than enzymes of bacterial origin, a matter of considerable debate among scientists since the bacteriophage was first described in 1917. While the credit for this demonstration is usually accorded to a 1939 paper on phage growth by Emory Ellis and Max Delbr�ck, closer scrutiny of phage research conducted in the intervening two decades reveals that these papers did not present a new idea, but rather extended and refined a line of investigation about the phages that had its conceptual antecedents in the earlier work. Of particular note is the work of the Australian, Frank Macfarlane Burnet, during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Burnet's work also furnished other important reasons besides one-step growth—derived from experiments on lysogeny—for favouring the virus theoryand discarding the enzyme theory of phage. This paper examines Burnet's contributions towards understanding of the nature of phage and makes the case that it was a tacit acceptance of the evidence and arguments that he presented that allowed Ellis and Delbr�ck to make assumptions about the bacteriophage, presented as fact in their papers.
cAMP/PKA pathway activation in human mesenchymal stem cells
in vitro
results in robust bone formation
in vivo
Authors: Siddappa Ramakrishnaiah , Martens Anton , Doorn Joyce , Leusink Anouk , Olivo Cristina , Licht Ruud , van Rijn Linda , Gaspar Claudia , Fodde Riccardo , Janssen Frank , van Blitterswijk Clemens , de Boer Jan
Published: May 2008

Tissue engineering of large bone defects is approached through implantation of autologous osteogenic cells, generally referred to as multipotent stromal cells or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Animal-derived MSCs successfully bridge large bone defects, but models for ectopic bone formation as well as recent clinical trials demonstrate that bone formation by human MSCs (hMSCs) is inadequate. The expansion phase presents an attractive window to direct hMSCs by pharmacological manipulation, even though no profound effect on bone formation
in vivo
has been described so far using this approach. We report that activation of protein kinase A elicits an immediate response through induction of genes such as
ID2
and
FosB
, followed by sustained secretion of bone-related cytokines such as BMP-2, IGF-1, and IL-11. As a consequence, PKA activation results in robust
in vivo
bone formation by hMSCs derived from orthopedic patients.
Structure of TRPV1 channel revealed by electron cryomicroscopy
Authors: Moiseenkova-Bell Vera Y. , Stanciu Lia A. , Serysheva Irina I. , Tobe Ben J. , Wensel Theodore G.
Published: May 2008

The transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels participate in many signaling pathways. TRPV1 functions as a molecular integrator of noxious stimuli, including heat, low pH, and chemical ligands. Here, we report the 3D structure of full-length rat TRPV1 channel expressed in the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and purified by immunoaffinity chromatography. We demonstrate that the recombinant purified TRPV1 channel retains its structural and functional integrity and is suitable for structural analysis. The 19-Å structure of TRPV1 determined by using single-particle electron cryomicroscopy exhibits fourfold symmetry and comprises two distinct regions: a large open basket-like domain, likely corresponding to the cytoplasmic N- and C-terminal portions, and a more compact domain, corresponding to the transmembrane portion. The assignment of transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions was supported by fitting crystal structures of the structurally homologous Kv1.2 channel and isolated TRPV1 ankyrin repeats into the TRPV1 structure.
High-resolution distance mapping in rhodopsin reveals the pattern of helix movement due to activation
Authors: Altenbach Christian , Kusnetzow Ana Karin , Ernst Oliver P. , Hofmann Klaus Peter , Hubbell Wayne L.
Published: May 2008

Site-directed spin labeling has qualitatively shown that a key event during activation of rhodopsin is a rigid-body movement of transmembrane helix 6 (TM6) at the cytoplasmic surface of the molecule. To place this result on a quantitative footing, and to identify movements of other helices upon photoactivation, double electron–electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy was used to determine distances and distance changes between pairs of nitroxide side chains introduced in helices at the cytoplasmic surface of rhodopsin. Sixteen pairs were selected from a set of nine individual sites, each located on the solvent exposed surface of the protein where structural perturbation due to the presence of the label is minimized. Importantly, the EPR spectra of the labeled proteins change little or not at all upon photoactivation, suggesting that rigid-body motions of helices rather than rearrangement of the nitroxide side chains are responsible for observed distance changes. For inactive rhodopsin, it was possible to find a globally minimized arrangement of nitroxide locations that simultaneously satisfied the crystal structure of rhodopsin (Protein Data Bank entry
1GZM
), the experimentally measured distance data, and the known rotamers of the nitroxide side chain. A similar analysis of the data for activated rhodopsin yielded a new geometry consistent with a 5-Å outward movement of TM6 and smaller movements involving TM1, TM7, and the C-terminal sequence following helix H8. The positions of nitroxides in other helices at the cytoplasmic surface remained largely unchanged.
Luteolin reduces IL-6 production in microglia by inhibiting JNK phosphorylation and activation of AP-1
Authors: Jang Saebyeol , Kelley Keith W. , Johnson Rodney W.
Published: May 2008

Luteolin, a flavonoid found in high concentrations in celery and green pepper, has been shown to reduce production of proinflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated macrophages, fibroblasts, and intestinal epithelial cells. Because excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines by activated brain microglia can cause behavioral pathology and neurodegeneration, we sought to determine whether luteolin also regulates microglial cell production of a prototypic inflammatory cytokine, IL-6. Pretreatment of primary murine microlgia and BV-2 microglial cells with luteolin inhibited LPS-stimulated IL-6 production at both the mRNA and protein levels. To determine how luteolin inhibited IL-6 production in microglia, EMSAs were performed to establish the effects of luteolin on LPS-induced binding of transcription factors to the NF-κB and activator protein-1 (AP-1) sites on the IL-6 promoter. Whereas luteolin had no effect on the LPS-induced increase in NF-κB DNA binding activity, it markedly reduced AP-1 transcription factor binding activity. Consistent with this finding, luteolin did not inhibit LPS-induced degradation of IκB-α but inhibited JNK phosphorylation. To determine whether luteolin might have similar effectsin vivo, mice were provided drinking water supplemented with luteolin for 21 days and then they were injected i.p. with LPS. Luteolin consumption reduced LPS-induced IL-6 in plasma 4 h after injection. Furthermore, luteolin decreased the induction of IL-6 mRNA by LPS in hippocampus but not in the cortex or cerebellum. Taken together, these data suggest luteolin inhibits LPS-induced IL-6 production in the brain by inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway and activation of AP-1 in microglia. Thus, luteolin may be useful for mitigating neuroinflammation.
Integrated reticuloendotheliosis virus genomic sequences in fowlpox virus.
Authors: Wang JianNing Wang JianNing , Meers J.
Published: May 2008

Fowlpox is a common viral disease in domestic poultry, with a worldwide distribution. The negative impacts of the disease are reduction in egg production and retarded growth in younger birds. Vaccination with live vaccines has long been used for the control of the disease in the poultry industry and economic losses have been minimized. However, in recent years, this disease re-emerged as a new threat to poultry production, particularly in vaccinated flocks. Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) sequences were detected in the genomes of the fowlpox virus (FPV) field isolates causing the disease outbreaks and subsequently in archival virus isolates. It is interesting that this integration event occurred over 50 years ago. It has been found that most fowlpox field viruses contain REV provirus, while vaccine strains (except FPV S strain, an obsolete Australian vaccine strain) contain only remnants of REV long terminal repeats (LTRs). The integrated REV provirus appears to be infectious, as antibody responses to REV have been detected in infected birds. The presence of REV provirus in FPV field isolates has resulted in enhanced pathogenicity of the virus. In addition, clinical signs associated with REV, including runting disease syndrome and immunosuppression, have been demonstrated in young birds. The retention of the REV provirus may have resulted in modification of host gene (FPV genome) activities such as gene activation or inactivation, giving rise to alteration of the viral phenotype. This may have contributed to antigenic variation, leading to inadequate protection in vaccinated flocks.
Biochemical factors that contribute to pork tenderness.
Authors: Kemp C. M. , Sensky P. L. , Bardsley R. G. , Buttery P. J. , Parr T.
Published: May 2008

Meat quality is a generic term used to describe properties and perceptions of meat and is generally comprised of colour, flavour, texture, tenderness and juiciness. One of the most common causes of unacceptability in meat quality is toughness, with consumers willing to pay a premium for meat that is guaranteed to be tender. Toughness is attributed to a range of factors such as the amount of intramuscular connective tissue, intramuscular fat and the length of the sarcomere. However, it does appear that the extent of proteolysis of key proteins within muscle fibres is the main determinant of ultimate tenderness. Research into tenderness in pork has been relatively limited in comparison with beef and lamb as historically it has been considered as reasonably tender. However, variation in pork tenderness is a concern and genetic selection for rapid lean growth adversely affects juiciness, flavour, tenderness and general acceptability of pork meat products. The objective of this review is to examine the current understanding of the molecular factors that are involved in the development of tender pork with a specific focus on the role of the various endogenous proteolytic enzymes.
Balancing science versus societal issues in poultry nutrition.
Authors: Leeson S.
Published: May 2008

Scientific rational exists for the formulation of poultry diets. However, this practice is now being impacted, and sometimes overshadowed, by societal issues that for the most part are consumer-driven emotional decisions lacking sound scientific rationale. Nevertheless, the adage that 'perception is reality' certainly applies to current poultry feeding practices and so nutritionists have had to modify feed formulations to accommodate not only science-based needs but also these societal concerns. The impact of societal issues is influencing decision-making from farm production through to retail distribution of poultry products. In fact, some of these social issues have been driven by retailers who see marketing opportunities that are now impacting the entire production chain. Perhaps the single largest factor to impact poultry production and poultry nutrition over the last 10 years has been the mandatory or voluntary removal of antibiotics from feeds. Consumers are becoming more concerned about the nutrient content of foods and how this impacts their health. Over the last few years there have been various strategies aimed at manipulating poultry products, and especially eggs, with a view to improving human health. For the animal and food industries, functional foods represent an opportunity for increased revenue while concomitantly providing the consumer with meaningful contributions of various nutrients that positively impact human health. Environmental issues are also impacting poultry feed formulation, as is the limited supply of energy-rich ingredients as a consequence of government policies to reduce dependence on imported oil by fermenting traditional ingredients such as corn.
Development of tuberculosis vaccines for cattle.
Authors: Buddle B. M. , Collins D. M.
Published: May 2008

Bovine tuberculosis causes enormous economic losses worldwide and constitutes a serious public health risk in many developing countries. Vaccination of cattle against this disease has the potential to become an important control strategy in developing countries that do not find a test and slaughter programme acceptable or cannot afford it. Vaccination may also have some limited use in developed countries that have a wildlife reservoir of
Mycobacterium bovis
infection. Considerable recent progress has been made in the development and evaluation of tuberculosis vaccines for cattle. Neonatal vaccination with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been more effective than vaccination of 6-month-old calves, but BCG is less protective than newly attenuated
M. bovis
strains when animals are presensitized to environmental mycobacteria. Prime-boost strategies involving combinations of BCG plus a protein or DNA vaccine, to improve on BCG vaccination alone, have produced encouraging results but further improvement is required. Differential diagnostic tests have been developed using mycobacterial antigens that are only present in virulent
M. bovis
, in order to differentiate between BCG-vaccinated and
M. bovis
-infected cattle. Future prospects for further improvement of vaccines against bovine tuberculosis in cattle are promising and vaccination could become important for the control of this disease when other control strategies are not economically or socially practicable.
Nutricines: the function in functional foods.
Authors: Adams C. A.
Published: May 2008

Food must primarily supply nutrients for growth of an individual, but modern nutrition research has moved on to concepts of functional foods, molecular nutrition and nutrition-based health. The impetus is to identify functional foods to reduce the risk of non-infectious and infectious diseases. Many molecules in food which are not classical nutrients have important bioactivities at a cellular level and these are designated as nutricines. Nutricines are the functional components of functional foods. Nutricines act at several different sites and levels in the body. They manage the gastrointestinal tract and help the digestion and absorption of nutrients. They protect against pathogenic micro-organisms through supporting the immune system and against non-infectious diseases by control of oxidative stress. Nutricines also influence gene expression. The dietary dose response for nutricines is different from nutrients because nutricines will not readily display acute deficiency symptoms. A nutricine deficiency will have an adverse effect on health but this is more likely to be a chronic than an acute effect. Nutricines as the function in functional foods are not drugs or pharmaceutical products and an important aspect of nutricine research is that the target population is healthy people and the objective is to promote health maintenance and disease avoidance. As nutrition research increasingly focuses on nutrition-based health and functional foods, the role of nutricines will become more extensive and important.
Organic acids, prebiotics and protein level as dietary tools to control the weaning transition and reduce post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets.
Authors: Halas D. , Heo J. M. , Hansen C. F. , Kim J. C. , Hampson D. J. , Mullan B. P. , Pluske J. R.
Published: May 2008

The most effective way to control post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets remains the use of prophylactic and for therapeutic levels of antibiotics. However, increasing concerns about the transfer of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to humans via the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in animals have led to the ban in the European Union of all AGPs in pig diets from 1 January 2006. Consequently, it is important to develop ways of controlling the weaning transition in piglets without the use of antibiotic feed additives. The scope of this review is an examination of the adaptation of the gastrointestinal tract to weaning and the mechanisms of PWD. Furthermore, the addition of organic acids, prebiotics and probiotics as feed additives as well as dietary carbohydrate and protein modulation to minimize PWD will be discussed. Based on the available literature, organic acids can increase post-weaning performance significantly even though it is not possible at times to recognize the most effective dosage, acid or combination of acids. In some cases, prebiotics can increase the numbers of possible beneficial bacteria such as
Lactobacillus
spp. and
Bifidobacterium
spp. in the gastrointestinal tract; however, there is little evidence of this then improving performance and health. The data defining the benefits of probiotics are equivocal; however, at least some probiotics seem to be able to improve performance of nursery pigs. Lowering dietary protein content for a short period post-weaning will probably reduce PWD and improve intestinal health of the piglets but performance is compromised if essential amino acid levels and/or ratios are reduced below requirement.
Impact of goat milk and milk products on human nutrition.
Authors: Park Y. W.
Published: May 2008

Even though dairy cows produce the highest proportion of the world milk supply (mostly in developed countries), more people drink the milk of goats than drink milk of any other species worldwide. Given the limited availability of cow milk, goat milk and its products are important daily food sources of protein, phosphate and calcium for the people of developing countries. In addition, dairy goat farming is a vital sector of agriculture in developed countries, especially those in the Mediterranean region, such as France, Italy, Spain and Greece. This indicates that goat and sheep dairying is not necessarily synonymous with poverty or an underdeveloped business sector. Goat milk differs from cow or human milk in its higher digestibility, distinct alkalinity, higher buffering capacity and certain therapeutic values in human medicine. Goat milk has smaller fat globules and more friable proteins (with significantly lower α
s1
- and higher α
s2
-casein) when acidified, giving better digestibility than cow milk. Goat milk has more short- and medium-chain fatty acids (medium chain triglycerides (MCT)), which have a unique metabolic ability to provide energy for growing children, and are used for treatment of malabsorption patients. Goat milk and its manufactured products including cheeses, yoghurt and powdered products are valued parts of the dairy industry in developed countries, providing connoisseur consumers with diversified and unique tastes, and by supporting people with medical afflictions, such as allergies and gastrointestinal disorders, who need alternative dairy products. Goat milk serves human nutrition in three important ways: (a) home consumption, (b) specialty gourmet interests and (c) medical-therapeutic applications.
Understanding flowering time.
Authors: Massiah A. J.
Published: May 2008

The timing of the onset of flowering can be critical for the competence and survival of a plant species in particular environments. Regulation of flowering time in plants involves complex interactions between several endogenous and environmental factors. During post-embryonic growth, plants undergo two significant developmental transitions that impact on flowering time. The first occurs during vegetative growth when plants switch from a juvenile to an adult (or mature) phase of growth, referred to as vegetative phase change or vegetative maturation. The onset of maturity brings about reproductive competence and the second transition involves a switch within the shoot apical meristem (SAM) from a programme of vegetative to floral development. This floral transition is regulated by the complex interaction of components that either repress or promote flowering involved in largely four main floral input pathways: the photoperiodic, autonomous, gibberellin (GA) and vernalization pathways. The juvenile-to-adult transition within the vegetative phase and the vegetative to reproductive transition are independently regulated and yet coordinated processes. The precise timing of the onset of flowering in any given environmental condition is influenced by the time taken to proceed through both developmental transitions. Over recent years, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the regulation of flowering time. This review summarizes the current knowledge gained from classical physiological and contemporary molecular and genetic studies carried out on model flowering plants.
Role of expansins in fruit development.
Authors: Choi DongSu Choi DongSu , Lee Yi Lee Yi
Published: May 2008

Expansins are cell-wall-loosening proteins and their presence and various roles have been discovered in many plants. In fruit development, expansin gene expression has an effect on pollen germination, pollen tube elongation, fruit cell division and expansion, ripening and abscission. Generally, expansin gene expression is elevated during the early stages as volume increases, after which expression decreases. Ripening-related expansin genes increase again during the fruit softening stage. Most expansin genes related with ripening are controlled by the plant hormone ethylene. We can use the ripening-related expansin genes for the control of fruit firmness or changes in texture.
Fisheries and poverty reduction.
Authors: Thorpe A. , Andrew N. L. , Allison E. H.
Published: May 2008

There is a somewhat pervasive belief in much of the fisheries literature (especially that relating to small-scale fisheries in the developing world) that fishers are among the 'poorest of the poor'. The purpose of this review therefore is to review historic and contemporary research into fisher poverty. Our review commences by acknowledging the paucity of studies on the levels of (income) poverty within the sector and highlights the fact that, somewhat paradoxically, a growing number of studies are suggesting that average incomes for fishing households outstrip those recorded by non-fishing households in the same areas. Nevertheless, these findings must be qualified as poverty cannot be captured exclusively in income terms - and social manifestations of poverty (low literacy levels, reduced access to health care, education, water and sanitation facilities) may be more acute within the fisheries sector. Equally, while fisher households may be more vulnerable (given their lifestyles/location) to exogenous shocks (such as tsunamis), the sector is not a homogenous one and factors such as technological change may also induce the impoverishment of certain sub-groups of fishers over time. As a consequence, fisher households have derived a variety of coping mechanisms, mechanisms which (we argue) militate against considering 'fishing' as an activity in isolation from other facets of the household livelihood strategy. One response, as we note, to this has been the application of livelihoods analysis as a technique for assessing (and redressing) fisher poverty. Championed initially by the Sustainable Livelihoods Fisheries Programme (SFLP) operating in West Africa from 1999 to 2006, the technique has subsequently been deployed in a number of other regions/fisheries. Our review then moves on to assess how interventions within the fisheries sector can contribute to fisher poverty reduction. At the macroeconomic level, while the emphasis historically has been on the sector's contribution to domestic nutritional requirements and the goal of food security, more recent research has examined the prioritization of the sector within national development plans and poverty reduction strategies. At the microeconomic level, we provide two contrasting examples to show that, while poverty-reducing policy interventions are to be welcomed at the local level, the heterogeneity of the local environment militates against the prescription of a 'one size fits all' approach to poverty reduction. This theme is picked up in the concluding comments of the review, where directions for further research are also highlighted.
Nitrate from agriculture: a hazard to health and the environment?
Authors: Addiscott T. M.
Published: May 2008

The inconvenient truth that the world cannot now feed itself without synthetic nitrogen fertilizer counterpoints the widespread concern about nitrate losses from agriculture. This review discusses the ways in which soil nitrate and the gaseous nitrous oxide produced from it are lost from arable and grassland farming systems to natural waters and the atmosphere. It then examines the alleged hazards they pose to health and the environment. Nitrate is not a threat to humans at the concentrations normally encountered, and methaemoglobinaemia in infants, for which it is often blamed, is probably associated with nitric oxide released in response to a gastroenteritic infection. Nitrate, in fact, plays a key role in defending our bodies against disease, but it is potentially toxic to ruminant animals because its conversion in the rumen to nitrite can cause methaemoglobinaemia. Phosphate, rather than nitrate, is usually the ion that limits the growth of blue-green algae in freshwater, but nitrate is the limiting ion for blooms and other undesirable organisms in coastal and estuarine waters but not the open ocean. The nitrous oxide released from soil nitrate is a greenhouse gas and is also responsible for damage to the stratospheric ozone layer, albeit not directly. The damage is done by nitric oxide, which is a free radical and highly reactive. Nitrous oxide acts as an inert carrier for nitric oxide through the troposphere in which the nitric oxide would otherwise react with other free radicals. The nitrous oxide decomposes in the stratosphere to release the nitric oxide.
Protein and amino acid requirements of the growing-furring blue fox (
Alopex lagopus
).
Authors: Dahlman T.
Published: May 2008

The established official protein recommendations for the blue fox are based on the amount of digestible protein without consideration of the amino acid content of the feed. Recent research with blue foxes has thrown light on the amino acid requirements of this species, thus allowing for more precise definition of nutritional requirements. According to current knowledge, the established protein recommendations are unnecessarily high and could well be lowered without compromising the welfare and performance of the animal. This would be beneficial for the environment in terms of reduced nitrogen emissions. Furthermore, this would contribute to considerable savings in feed costs. Summarizing the present data, a protein level of 20-22% of metabolizable energy (ME) in diets rich in sulphur-containing amino acids seems adequate for the growing-furring blue fox. Even lower levels (15-16% protein of ME) may ensure normal growth, especially during the later phases of the growing period, as well as normal hair priming. Methionine is the first limiting amino acid in conventional diets that are primarily based on slaughter by-products. Special attention in practical feed formulation should thus be paid to the provision of adequate methionine in the diets for the growing-furring blue fox.
Combining fish and rice production.
Authors: Vromant N.
Published: May 2008

The combination of rice and fish production into one system is considered to be an efficient means of agricultural land use for small-scale farmers. In some of these so-called rice-fish systems rice and fish are grown in the same field, at the same time; in other systems they are grown in the same field, but in rotation. Rice-fish farmers pay most attention to the maximization of the rice yield. This is a logical choice because the rice field is not the most ideal environment for fish production as the rice crop shades the field floodwater, thus hampering aquatic primary production. Still, practically all-major freshwater species being farmed, worldwide, have been successfully raised in rice field ecosystems. Farmers usually opt to stock several fish species in a polyculture in an attempt to make optimal use of all ecological niches in the rice field. Fish yields are usually low but can be substantially increased when additional feed or manure is added to the system. One of the advantages of rice-fish culture is that it gives farmers new and sustainable opportunities to apply integrated pest management (IPM). Indeed, the presence of fish in the rice fields shifts the economic threshold for pesticide applications to a level which is unlikely to be reached by pest populations. Fish are also known to control weeds in rice fields. The rice yields in rice-fish systems are sometimes higher, and sometimes lower, when compared with those from rice monoculture systems. The mechanisms for this are not always well understood. The increase in household income might be substantial, but the high input costs associated with the system often deter farmers from adopting it. Nevertheless, rice-fish farming can provide a sustainable alternative to rice monoculture, both from an economic as well as an ecological point of view.
Agroforestry uses of inland salt-affected landscapes.
Authors: Minhas P. S. , Dagar J. C.
Published: May 2008

Salinity-affected landscapes, which now occupy nearly 1 billion ha (about 7% of the world's land area), are of geological or anthropological origin. The latter are principally of recent occurrence and are mainly related to large-scale clearing of natural deep-rooted vegetation and development of irrigated agriculture. Salt-affected soils, classified as alkali/sodic and saline, constrain plant growth owing to the osmotic effects of salt, poor physical conditions leading to poor aeration, nutrition imbalances and toxicities. In addition to the reclamative efforts for agricultural activities, concerted research efforts have shown that by appropriate plantation and other management techniques, these sites can be put to alternative uses, where salt-tolerant trees, forage grasses and other high-value crops can be equally renumerative depending on the degree of salinity and climate. Such uses have additional environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, seepage control and biological reclamation. Therefore, the opportunities for rehabilitating salt-affected lands through agroforestry interventions and the plausible benefits of such interventions have been highlighted in this review.
Omega-3 fatty acids and the development of cognitive abilities: a review of DHA supplementation studies.
Authors: Cheatham C. L.
Published: May 2008

Omega-3 fatty acids are integral to the development of the brain. The mechanisms of action and results from research with animal models suggest a role for the omega-3 s, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in the development of cognitive abilities. This review explores the actions of DHA in the brain and the animal models that have been developed to explore DHA's effect on learning. This is followed by a review of the human studies of DHA supplementation. DHA's effect on cognition is not wholly evident in the current literature, even though the hypothesis is well-founded. It is proposed that the effects may be more evident with higher levels of supplementation, with more specific cognitive outcomes, or with early supplementation, but later testing.
Physiological effects of
trans
fatty acids in humans.
Authors: Sebedio J. L.
Published: May 2008

Trans
fatty acids include not only mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids with methylene-interrupted double bonds but also isomers with conjugated double bonds such as conjugated isomers of linoleic acid (CLA).
Trans
monounsaturated fatty acids are formed during hydrogenation of oils to produce margarine and shortening but are also present in ruminant meat and milk as a result of biohydrogenation in the rumen. The linoleic and α-linolenic acid
trans
isomers may also be present in non-hydrogenated fats as the result of exposure of these polyunsaturated fatty acids to heat treatment, such as steam deodorization or deep fat frying. In food, conjugated fatty acids or CLA are found in products from ruminants such as meat and dairy products.
Trans
monounsaturated isomers are the major
trans
isomers consumed by humans. Data on
trans
fatty acids were obtained not only from nutritional interventions but also from epidemiological studies. For example, a meta-analysis of controlled trials published between 1970 and 1998 showed that replacing carbohydrates isoenergetically (1% of total energy) by 18:1
trans
(eight studies) would increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while the effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) would be similar. The calculated impact on the ratio of total cholesterol/HDL would be of +0.022 nmol/l (
P
=0.015). A recent meta-analysis of the four larger epidemiological studies showed that increasing the total energy intake with 2%
trans
fatty acids would result in a 23% increase in cardiovascular disease risk. Effects of conjugated fatty acids in humans are still not clear as data obtained for intervention studies dealing with body composition, plasma lipid parameters and immune function are still controversial compared with what was found in some animal species. A recent meta-analysis using 18 human intervention trials reported a modest loss in body fat at a daily dose of 3.2 g/day. These data do not seem to be convincing enough to favour supplementation with CLA, especially when considering that adverse effects were also observed in some cases.
The impact of shrimp farming on mangrove ecosystems.
Authors: Ashton E. C.
Published: May 2008

Farmed shrimp production and value continue to increase with Asia producing the global majority of shrimp and the USA, Japan and Europe being the main importers. Shrimp farming systems are very diverse in their management, size and impacts. There are many causes for mangrove loss but the conversion of mangroves to shrimp farms has caused considerable attention. The major issues of shrimp farming include the loss of important ecological and socio-economic functions of mangrove ecosystems, changes in hydrology, salinization, introduction of non-native species and diseases, pollution from effluents, chemicals and medicines, use of wild fish for feed, capture of wild shrimp seed and loss of livelihoods and social conflicts. Global awareness about the need to reduce the impacts of shrimp farming and the importance of sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems has led to a number of guidelines being published. Policy to position shrimp farms behind mangroves can be effective but also requires good institutional capacity and coordination, effective enforcement, incentives, land tenure and participation of all stakeholders for success. Better management practices have been identified which reduce impacts, increase efficiency and profits. Community-based management using partnerships, stewardships or multilateral cooperation schemes, together with integrated, mixed or mangrove-friendly aquaculture practices and mangrove rehabilitation should also be promoted. Introduction of certification schemes may further ensure environmental sustainability, social equity and food safety of aquaculture products that can benefit both the local communities and the consumer. Further inclusion of local communities and raising awareness with the consumer is required.
Functional genomics for food microbiology: molecular mechanisms of weak organic acid preservative adaptation in yeast.
Authors: Brul S. , Kallemeijn W. , Smits G.
Published: May 2008

The recent era of genomics has offered tremendous possibilities to biology. This concise review describes the possibilities of applying (functional) genomics studies to the field of microbial food stability. In doing so, the studies on weak-organic-acid stress response in yeast are discussed by way of an example. We outline briefly what weak organic acids are and what the classical view is with respect to their antimicrobial effect. Next, the players in resistance development are described. We then come to the identification of the missing links and discuss how the current genomics-driven data acquisition can aid in gathering pieces of the puzzle. Recently established genome-wide data analysis tools are discussed and we illustrate how one can go from an inventory-oriented approach to a functional analysis of the obtained lists of present, induced and repressed genes. Finally, we present a 'genomics updated' version of the current concept of the mode of action of weak-acid preservatives and the inferred cellular responses. Evidently, any relevant continuous (preservation) stress imposed on microbial cells may be analysed with a similar approach, making the discussion and conclusions more broadly applicable.
Effect of pre-harvest and post-harvest conditions and treatments on plum fruit quality.
Authors: Manganaris G. A. , Vicente A. R. , Crisosto C. H.
Published: May 2008

Plums belong to the
Rosaceae
family and include the European species (
Prunus domestica
L.), which is consumed fresh or dried, and the Japanese species (
Prunus salicina
Lindell), mainly freshly consumed. Plums are considered climacteric, although some plum cultivars do not show the typical increase in ethylene production and respiration until late ripening. They respond to exogenous ethylene, which is a key ripening regulator, while treatments with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), an ethylene action inhibitor, are effective in delaying fruit ripening. Plum fruit is characterized by high softening rate and, so far, the sequence of events leading to cell wall degradation, as well as changes in the proteins responsible for these modifications, has not been thoroughly investigated. Post-harvest diseases (brown rot, grey mould and
Rhizopous
rot) are also a main concern in plum post-harvest handling and storage. Prompt cooling and low-temperature storage (0°C) are recommended to delay ripening and maintain plum fruit quality. However, when the fruit is held for long periods at low temperature, chilling injury (CI) symptoms, usually manifested as translucency, bleeding, flesh browning and/or failure to ripen, might develop. Although softening can be delayed by controlled and modified atmospheres, this technology is not widely used commercially, since the benefits are not as pronounced as in other fruit species. Other post-harvest strategies tested to date with apparent usefulness at a laboratory scale include heat treatment, ozone, polyamine and calcium treatments, as well as fumigation with environmentally friendly compounds; such strategies might be useful under particular circumstances to complement other post-harvest treatments. Pre-harvest treatments, such as application of synthetic auxins and calcium, regulation of canopy light conditions and orchard soil management, have been reported to affect plum fruit quality and its post-harvest behaviour. Overall, the present review discusses the influence of field and post-harvest practices on plum fruit quality and market life.
Trends in forestry modelling.
Authors: Mendoza G. A. , Vanclay J. K.
Published: May 2008

Different types of models have been developed and applied to address various problems and issues in forestry. This paper reviews modelling trends in four areas, namely, forest management planning and decision-making, forest dynamics and growth projection, forest landscape and spatial models and participatory forest management models. The first type includes decision models generally structured as optimization models applied to forest planning. These models evolved from single objective to multiple objectives with spatial dimensions, including visualization. The second type includes forest dynamics models designed to examine the growth response of trees using process-based empirical or conceptual models. Demands for 'close to nature' forest management created new challenges for modellers to provide models with expanded capabilities to deal with tree growth, succession, and competition in stands with many species and wide range of tree sizes. The third type takes advantage of increased computational and graphic capabilities to model landscapes and display them as 'virtual' realities. These models combine spatial models such as geographical information systems (GIS), visualization tools and analytical models to form an integrated decision support system. The fourth type includes participatory models designed to accommodate multiple stakeholders in addressing collaborative forest management. These models are particularly adaptable to community-based forest management. Finally, the uses of models as 'learning' tools and as 'problem structuring' tools are also described.
LEA
genes and drought tolerance.
Authors: Ban QiaoYing Ban QiaoYing , Wang YuCheng Wang YuCheng , Yang ChuanPing Yang ChuanPing , Liu GuiFeng Liu GuiFeng
Published: May 2008

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are involved in protecting plants from damage induced by abiotic stress, particularly dehydration. These proteins are abundant at late embryogenesis stage and synthesized in the seeds of all higher plants during the later stages of development. As important drought-tolerance genes, the function of LEA proteins has been studied extensively. This paper summarizes the classification of LEA proteins, cloning of
LEA
genes, gene expression in response to water deficits and drought-tolerance mechanisms inherent in LEA proteins. In addition, this review demonstrates that LEA proteins are involved in several drought-tolerance pathways, including membrane stabilization, molecular chaperones, scavenging reactive oxygen species, sequestering ions, water replacement and the formation of stable glasses. The multiple roles of
LEA
genes in effective stress tolerance suggest that the genes possess substantial value in breeding drought-tolerant crops.
Post-harvest gene escape and approaches for minimizing it.
Authors: Gruber S. , Colbach N. , Barbottin A. , Pekrun C.
Published: May 2008

Data about gene escape by seeds and volunteers were compiled for the first time in one study for several crops, i.e. wheat (
Triticum aestivum
), sugar beet (
Beta vulgaris
), oilseed rape/canola (
Brassica napus
) and maize (
Zea mays
). These species represent important genetically modified (GM) crops with herbicide tolerance (HT) or insect resistance (Bt), show different levels of autogamy and allogamy and are grown in different climatic zones of the world. Post-harvest measures and strategies were identified for minimizing gene escape from these crops. All species were found to cause problems in terms of gene escape by seed and volunteers though there are important differences between species and climatic zones. Post-harvest tillage was identified as a key factor for reducing the soil seed bank and volunteers. Timing and intensity of tillage has to be specifically adapted to the dormancy characteristics of each species. Furthermore, there is a close interaction between gene escape and the cropping system. Rotations should avoid the same crop or other critical crops in temporal vicinity to the GM crop in order to keep volunteer populations below a critical density. In no-till systems with use of HT varieties, HT volunteers can reduce the efficiency of the whole system if additional herbicides have to be applied. Seed impurities and admixtures during seed production are another major source of gene escape. Since seed lots of certified growers present less adventitious presence of other varieties, these should be preferred to farm-saved seeds. Education of farmers, cleaning of equipment, control measures and separate production and supply chains are additionally important to minimize gene escape.
Forest certification: are we there yet?
Authors: Tikina A. V.
Published: May 2008

The paper reviews the intent and achievements of forest certification and identifies its current issues and limitations. A brief summary of major certification standards (FSC, PEFC, SFI, CSA and ISO 14001) precedes a detailed discussion of the progress of forest certification by each of its objectives, such as improving forest practices and livelihoods of local and indigenous peoples, bringing price premiums and assuring market access, conserving biodiversity and stopping illegal logging. The paper concludes that, although progress has been made in market access and changing forest practices, especially in North America and Europe, forest certification has so far failed to resolve several major issues such as preventing tropical deforestation or improving livelihoods of indigenous peoples. Changes in consumer behaviour and wider adoption of forest certification in less-regulated regions are yet to be seen.
A review of the distribution and recorded natural enemies of Eurasian watermilfoil (
Myriophyllum spicatum
L.) in Eurasia, and the potential for classical biological control in North America.
Authors: Cock M. J. W. , Häfliger P. , Hinz H. L. , Grosskopf G. , Seier M.
Published: May 2008

In the context of possible biological control of Eurasian watermilfoil (
Myriophyllum spicatum
L.), available information is summarized on the distribution of
M. spicatum
and closely related species, and the known insect and pathogen natural enemies recorded from Eurasia. Research gaps identified include (1) lack of adequate understanding of frequency, distribution and ecological differences resulting from hybridization between
M. spicatum
and other
Myriophyllum
spp., (2) that surveys to date have been limited geographically and temporally, and have neglected organisms attacking the roots, and (3) preliminary studies to date on promising biological control agents have not considered potential impact on non-target species indigenous to North America.