bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein and amino acid requirements of the growing-furring blue fox (
Alopex lagopus
).
Authors: Dahlman T. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract

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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract

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

Abstract
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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract
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

Abstract

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.
Functionality of probiotics in milk and juice.
Authors: Saarela M. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

The symptoms of many gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and diseases can potentially be alleviated and prevented by consuming probiotic foods. Probiotics are currently defined as 'live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host' and they are typically represented by the bacterial genera
Lactobacillus
and
Bifidobacterium
. Good viability is a prerequisite for optimal probiotic functionality and therefore probiotic foods should contain high enough levels of the specific probiotic strain(s) throughout storage and during consumption. This review focuses on two specific food carriers for probiotics, namely milk and juice (vegetable or fruit). Probiotic strains typically grow poorly in milk owing to their low proteolytic activity, inability to utilize lactose, or because of special needs for certain growth factors missing in milk. Probiotics, especially bifidobacteria, usually survive better in non-fermented milk than in fermented milk. This is mainly due to the higher pH values of non-fermented products compared with fermented ones. Several
in vitro
studies have shown that milk or milk components can protect lactobacilli and bifidobacteria against low pH and also against bile. The protective effect of milk has also been shown
in vivo
, when the survival of differently formulated probiotics through the human GI tract was studied. Many probiotic strains are able to grow and maintain their viability in vegetable juices, but their growth and viability in fruit juices is hampered by the presence of organic acids and low pH. Depending on the strain and its susceptibility to organic acids, low pH and possible antimicrobial compounds present in fruit juices, a satisfactory stability in fruit juices can, however, still be achieved. All food applications have some kind of limitation regarding the viability and stability of probiotics. Therefore, special attention has to be paid to the selection of the suitable probiotic strain for a specific food application or to enhance the survival of a specific strain selected for the product.
Boosting beneficial phytochemicals in vegetable crop plants.
Authors: Schijlen E. G. W. M. , Beekwilder J. , Hall R. D. , Meer I. M. van der 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Plants contain an astonishing diversity of biochemical pathways, which eventually result in the production and accumulation of innumerable phytochemical compounds. From an historical point of view, people have primarily selected plants on the basis of traits that are linked to the presence of beneficial phytochemicals. During the past decade, biotechnology has improved the possibilities of changing the biochemical composition of several crop plants and consequently has opened up new opportunities for targeted crop improvement or even for the development of new crops or converting existing crops for other uses. In this review, we will give an overview of strategies and progress made in modifications of some of the important compounds of importance to the food industry in particular. The focus is placed on the flavonoid, vitamin, essential amino acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of vegetable crops and hence topics such as food quality improvement, food fortification, nutritional value and functional foods are broadly illustrated.