Showing papers by "Wageningen University and Research Centre published in 2000"
TL;DR: A review of the research designed to lead to an increased understanding of the chemistry of the Maillard reaction, based on recent developments, and its influence on food properties like color, flavour and nutritional value is given in this paper.
Abstract: This paper reviews some of the research designed to lead to an increased understanding of the chemistry of the Maillard reaction, based on recent developments, and its influence on food properties like colour, flavour and nutritional value A critical analysis is given on how quality attributes associated with Maillard reaction can be predicted and controlled by kinetic modelling Multiresponse modelling (taking more than one reactant and product into consideration in the modelling process) is a powerful tool to model complicated consecutive and parallel reactions, like the Maillard reaction Such a multiresponse approach provides a major guidance in understanding the reaction mechanism An illustrative example is given
1,147 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, rural development is analyzed as a multi-level, multi-actor and multi-faceted process rooted in historical traditions that represents at all levels a fundamental rupture with the modernization project.
Abstract: Both in practice and policy a new model of rural development is emerging. This paper reflects the discussions in the impact research programme and suggests that at the level of associated theory also a fundamental shift is taking place. The modernization paradigm that once dominated policy, practice and theory is being replaced by a new rural development paradigm. Rural development is analyzed as a multi-level, multi-actor and multi-facetted process rooted in historical traditions that represents at all levels a fundamental rupture with the modernization project. The range of new quality products, services and forms of cost reduction that together comprise rural development are understood as a response by farm families to both the eroding economic base of their enterprises and to the new needs and expectations European society has of the rural areas. Rural development therefore is largely an autonomous, self-driven process and in its further unfolding agriculture will continue to play a key role, although it is a role that may well change. This article provides an introduction to the nine papers of this ‘special issue’ and the many reconfiguration processes embodied in rural development that they address.in rural development
918 citations
TL;DR: Brominated flame retardants, especially the brominated phenols and tetrabromobisphenol A, are very potent competitors for T(4) binding to human transthyretin in vitro and may have effects on thyroid hormone homeostasis in vivo comparable to the thyroid-disrupting effects of PCBs.
887 citations
TL;DR: Miscanthus is a tall perennial rhizomatous grass with C4 photosynthesis which originated in East Asia and has been successfully grown in Europe over the past 10 years as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Miscanthus is a tall perennial rhizomatous grass with C4 photosynthesis which originated in East Asia. This article provides an overview of the most important results and experience gained with miscanthus in Europe over the past 10 years. Field trials have been established throughout Europe from the Mediterranean to southern Scandinavia. Most reported trials have used a vigorous sterile clone Miscanthus x giganteus, which has been propagated vegetatively either by rhizome cutting or in vitro culture. Yields in autumn have been reported in excess of 30 t ha−1 (12 t acre−1) for irrigated trials in southern Europe. Without irrigation autumn yields of 10–25 t ha−1 (dry matter) can be expected. The quality of miscanthus biomass for combustion is in some respect comparable to woody biomass and normally improves by delaying harvesting until the spring, although harvestable yields are thus reduced by 30–50% compared with autumn yields. Different technical options for establishment, harvesting and handling of miscanthus have been developed and these significantly effect production costs. Miscanthus production is characterized by low fertilizer and pesticide requirements making it a relatively benign crop environmentally. The main limitations to miscanthus production from M. x giganteus are the high establishment costs, poor over-wintering at some sites and insufficient water supply in southern regions of Europe. New agronomic techniques and new genotypes with improved characteristics are being developed and screened over the wide range of ecological conditions in Europe. Against this background of European experience the prospects for growing miscanthus in North America are discussed.
874 citations
TL;DR: It is hypothesized that low HRV is a marker of less favorable health in patients with heart disease and in elderly subjects and with a higher incidence of coronary heart disease in the general population.
Abstract: Background—Low heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with a higher risk of death in patients with heart disease and in elderly subjects and with a higher incidence of coronary heart disease (C...
810 citations
TL;DR: Both structural and pigmentation mutants deteriorated faster than the wild types during natural aging at room temperature, with structural mutants being the most strongly affected.
Abstract: The testa of higher plant seeds protects the embryo against adverse environmental conditions. Its role is assumed mainly by controlling germination through dormancy imposition and by limiting the detrimental activity of physical and biological agents during seed storage. To analyze the function of the testa in the model plant Arabidopsis, we compared mutants affected in testa pigmentation and/or structure for dormancy, germination, and storability. The seeds of most mutants exhibited reduced dormancy. Moreover, unlike wild-type testas, mutant testas were permeable to tetrazolium salts. These altered dormancy and tetrazolium uptake properties were related to defects in the pigmentation of the endothelium and its neighboring crushed parenchymatic layers, as determined by vanillin staining and microscopic observations. Structural aberrations such as missing layers or a modified epidermal layer in specific mutants also affected dormancy levels and permeability to tetrazolium. Both structural and pigmentation mutants deteriorated faster than the wild types during natural aging at room temperature, with structural mutants being the most strongly affected.
786 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe laboratory procedures for the determinations of bioavailable (e.g., plants) quantities of nutritional and polluting inorganic elements in 0.01 M CaCl2 extracts of air-dry soil samples.
Abstract: This publication gives details of laboratory procedures for the determinations of bioavailable (e.g., plants) quantities of nutritional and polluting inorganic elements in 0.01 M CaCl2 extracts of air‐dry soil samples. Air‐day soil samples are extracted for two hours with a 0.01 M CaCl2 solution of 20°C in a 1:10 extraction ratio (W/V). After measuring the pH in the settling suspension, the concentrations of nutritional and polluting elements are measured in the clear centrifugate or filtrate. The procedure is simple, easy to perform, and cheap (labor, chemicals) in daily use in routine soil laboratories. The method receives internationally more and more attention as an alternative for the many extraction procedures for a single nutrient or pollutant that are still in use nowadays. The soil is extracted with a solution what has more or less the same ionic strength as the average salt concentration in many soil solutions. Various nutrients and metals can be measured in a single extract that allows...
720 citations
Western Washington University1, Queen Mary University of London2, University of Reading3, Wageningen University and Research Centre4, Macquarie University5, Colorado State University6, Landcare Research7, University of Georgia8, University of Zimbabwe9, University of Paris10, Utrecht University11, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic12, University of California, Berkeley13, Michigan State University14, University of Giessen15
TL;DR: For example, the authors of the paper as discussed by the authors presented the results of a study at the Netherlands Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (ZG Heteren) and the University of Utrecht (UTHeteren).
Abstract: Assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington 98225-9160 10: Professor at the Laboratoire d'Ecologie de Sols Tropicaux, ORSTOM/Universite Paris VI, 32 Avenue Henri Varagnat, 93143 Bondy, France 11: Senior scientist at the Centre for Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, 6666 ZG Heteren, Netherlands Utrecht, Netherlands 12: Professor at the Department of Environmental Studies, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands 13: Professor at the Institute of Soil Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Na sadkach 7, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic 14: Professor at the Department of Environmental Science, Policy,and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3110 15: Professor at the Center for Microbial Ecology, Michigan State University, 540 Plant and Soil Science Building, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1325 16: Professor at the Department of Animal Ecology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32 (IFZ), D-35392 Giessen, Germany 2: Professor at the Queen Mary and Westfield College, School of Biological Sciences, University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom 3: Research professor and the director of the Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, Department of Agriculture, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Reading RG6 6AT, United Kingdom 4: Professor of Soil Biology and Biological Soil Quality and director of the Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 EC Wageningen, Netherlands 5: Professor at the Centre for Biodiversity and Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia 6: Chair, SCOPE Committee on Soil and Sediment Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning, and professor and director, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 7: Scientist at Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand 8: Research professor in the Institute of Ecology at the University of Georgia, 102 Ecology Annex, Athens, Georgia 30602-2360 9: Professor at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
674 citations
TL;DR: This article reviewed the various debates ecological modernisation ideas have been engaged in, focusing on more contemporary discussions, which only to some extent reflect similar topics, and respectively entered into discussions with constructivists and postmodernists on the material foundation of social theory, review and refine the controversies with eco-centrists on radical versus reformist environmental reforms and contribute to neo-Marxist understanding of social inequality.
Abstract: Ecological Modernisation Theory has been faced with various challenges from different theoretical perspectives throughout the years. This contribution reviews the various debates ecological modernisation ideas have been engaged in. The article starts with a historical perspective on some of the earlier debates that paralleled Ecological Modernisation from its birth in the early 1980s to its maturation. These initial debates with earlier neo‐Marxists and deindustrialisation/counterproductivity theorists were formative for Ecological Modernisation Theory, but are no longer all of similar relevance today. Subsequently we concentrate on more contemporary discussions, which only to some extent reflect similar topics. We will respectively enter into discussions with constructivists and postmodernists on the material foundation of social theory, review and refine the controversies with eco‐centrists on radical versus reformist environmental reforms and contribute to neo‐Marxist understanding of social inequaliti...
605 citations
TL;DR: The transition to flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana is delayed in fwa mutant plants and mechanisms for establishment and maintenance of the epigenetic mark on FWA are discussed.
590 citations
TL;DR: This paper conducted a meta-analysis of studies on overeducation and undereducation in the labor market and found that of the four different definitions of OO distinguished in the literature, only the one based on variation in years of education within occupational groups appears to yield significantly lower than average rates of oO.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the applications of elasticity analysis, and its extension, loop analysis, in life history studies and conservation, and highlight the different kinds of results of the two analyses in studies of life histories are emphasized.
Abstract: Elasticity is a perturbation measure in matrix projection models that quantifies the proportional change in population growth rate as a function of a proportional change in a demographic transition (growth, survival, reproduction, etc.). Elasticities thus indicate the relative “importance” of life cycle transitions for population growth and maintenance. In this paper, we discuss the applications of elasticity analysis, and its extension, loop analysis, in life history studies and conservation. Elasticity can be interpreted as the relative contribution of a demographic parameter to population growth rate. Loop analysis reveals the underlying pathway structure of the life cycle graph. The different kinds of results of the two analyses in studies of life histories are emphasized. Because elasticities quantify the relative importance of life cycle transitions to population growth rate, it is generally inferred that management should focus on the transitions with the largest elasticities. Such predictions based on elasticities seem robust, but we do identify three situations where problems may arise. The mathematical properties and biological constraints that underlie these pitfalls are explained. Examples illustrate the additional information that needs to be taken into account for a sensible use of elasticities in population management. We conclude by indicating topics that are in need of research.
TL;DR: The induction mechanism as well as the ecological consequences in a multitrophic and evolutionary context, and empirical evidence has been obtained that shows that the plant's response can increase plant fitness, in terms of seed production, due to a reduced consumption rate of parasitized herbivores.
Abstract: Herbivorous and carnivorous arthropods use plant volatiles when foraging for food. In response to herbivory, plants emit a blend that may be quantitatively and qualitatively different from the blend emitted when intact. This induced volatile blend alters the interactions of the plant with its environment. We review recent developments regarding the induction mechanism as well as the ecological consequences in a multitrophic and evolutionary context. It has been well established that carnivores (predators and parasitoids) are attracted by the volatiles induced by their herbivorous victims. This concerns an active plant response. In the case of attraction of predators, this is likely to result in a fitness benefit to the plant, because through consumption a predator removes the herbivores from the plant. However, the benefit to the plant is less clear when parasitoids are attracted, because parasitisation does usually not result in an instantaneous or in a complete termination of consumption by the herbivore. Recently, empirical evidence has been obtained that shows that the plant's response can increase plant fitness, in terms of seed production, due to a reduced consumption rate of parasitized herbivores. However, apart from a benefit from attracting carnivores, the induced volatiles can have a serious cost because there is an increasing number of studies that show that herbivores can be attracted. However, this does not necessarily result in settlement of the herbivores on the emitting plant. The presence of cues from herbivores and/or carnivores that indicate that the plant is a competitor- and/or enemy-dense space, may lead to an avoidance response. Thus, the benefit of emission of induced volatiles is likely to depend on the prevailing faunal composition. Whether plants can adjust their response and influence the emission of the induced volatiles, taking the prevalent environmental conditions into account, is an interesting question that needs to be addressed. The induced volatiles may also affect interactions of the emitting plant with its neighbours, e.g., through altered competitive ability or by the neighbour exploiting the emitted information. Major questions to be addressed in this research field comprise mechanistic aspects, such as the identification of the minimally effective blend of volatiles that explains the attraction of carnivores to herbivore-infested plants, and evolutionary aspects such as the fitness consequences of induced volatiles. The elucidation of mechanistic aspects is important for addressing ecological and evolutionary questions. For instance, an important tool to address ecological and evolutionary aspects would be to have plant pairs that differ in only a single trait. Such plants are likely to become available in the near future as a result of mechanistic studies on signal-transduction pathways and an increased interest in molecular genetics.
TL;DR: The current tools available for the forward genetic analysis of naturally occurring variation in Arabidopsis, and the recent progress in the detection and mapping of loci and the cloning of large-effect genes are described.
Wageningen University and Research Centre1, United States Department of Agriculture2, Northern Illinois University3, University of Sheffield4, University of Edinburgh5, Michigan State University6, Hebrew University of Jerusalem7, Iowa State University8, University of Tsukuba9, Institut national de la recherche agronomique10
TL;DR: The compact physical size of the chicken genome, combined with the large size of its genetic map and the observed degree of conserved synteny, makes the chicken a valuable model organism in the genomics as well as the postgenomics era.
Abstract: A consensus linkage map has been developed in the chicken that combines all of the genotyping data from the three available chicken mapping populations. Genotyping data were contributed by the laboratories that have been using the East Lansing and Compton reference populations and from the Animal Breeding and Genetics Group of the Wageningen University using the Wageningen/Euribrid population. The resulting linkage map of the chicken genome contains 1889 loci. A framework map is presented that contains 480 loci ordered on 50 linkage groups. Framework loci are defined as loci whose order relative to one another is supported by odds greater then 3. The possible positions of the remaining 1409 loci are indicated relative to these framework loci. The total map spans 3800 cM, which is considerably larger than previous estimates for the chicken genome. Furthermore, although the physical size of the chicken genome is threefold smaller then that of mammals, its genetic map is comparable in size to that of most mammals. The map contains 350 markers within expressed sequences, 235 of which represent identified genes or sequences that have significant sequence identity to known genes. This improves the contribution of the chicken linkage map to comparative gene mapping considerably and clearly shows the conservation of large syntenic regions between the human and chicken genomes. The compact physical size of the chicken genome, combined with the large size of its genetic map and the observed degree of conserved synteny, makes the chicken a valuable model organism in the genomics as well as the postgenomics era. The linkage maps, the two-point lod scores, and additional information about the loci are available at web sites in Wageningen (http://www.zod.wau.nl/vf/research/chicken/frame_chicken.html) and East Lansing (http://poultry.mph.msu.edu/).
TL;DR: An overview of the evidence for a beneficial role for glucosinolates in human health is provided, and the current state of knowledge regarding the genetics and biosynthesis of glucos inolates, their chemical analysis, their behaviour during cooking and processing, and their bioavailability to humans are described.
Abstract: The glucosinolates are a large group of sulphur-containing compounds which occur in all the economically important varieties of Brassica vegetable. Their common structure comprises a β-D-thioglucose group, a sulphonated oxime moiety and a variable side-chain derived from methionine, tryptophan or phenylalanine. When the plant tissue is damaged the glucosinolates are hydrolysed by the endogenous enzyme ‘myrosinase’ (thioglucoside glycohydrolase EC 3:2:3:1), to release a range of breakdown products including the bitter, biologically active isothiocyanates. Although these compounds exert antinutritional effects in animals there is also substantial evidence that they are the principal source of anticarcinogenic activity in Brassica vegetables, and this provides a strong motive for the manipulation of glucosinolate levels in vegetables for human consumption. This review provides an overview of the evidence for a beneficial role for glucosinolates in human health, and describes the current state of knowledge regarding the genetics and biosynthesis of glucosinolates, their chemical analysis, their behaviour during cooking and processing, and their bioavailability to humans. As the genetic basis of glucosinolate biosynthesis becomes more apparent, and tools for marker-assisted plant breeding become more available, the selective breeding of horticultural brassicas with different levels and types of glucosinolates, whether by conventional means or genetic manipulation, is becoming a practical possibility. However before this strategy becomes commercially viable, the health benefits of glucosinolates for human beings must be unequivocally established.
© 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
TL;DR: Consumption of foods containing Lactobacillus GG may shorten the course of rotavirus infection and well-designed placebo-controlled studies with validated outcome variables are needed to determine the health effects of probiotic bacteria.
TL;DR: The role of structural equation modeling (SEM) in marketing modeling and managerial decision making is reflected and some benefits provided by SEM and alert marketing modelers to several recent developments are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, it is argued that such an operationalization of development processes is based on inconsistent theoretical assumptions, and can easily lead to unproductive development interventions due to an inability to handle conflicts.
Abstract: In many popular intervention methodologies aimed at stimulating sustainable rural development (in the widest possible sense) the idea of ‘participation’ is a leading principle. This article will demonstrate that the process in which actors are supposed to participate is often thought of as being a process of planning, decision-making and/or social learning. It will be argued that such an operationalization of development processes is based on inconsistent theoretical assumptions, and can easily lead to unproductive development interventions due to an inability to handle conflicts. As an alternative it is proposed to use negotiation theory as a basis for organizing participatory development efforts. The implications of such a shift in thinking about participation are far-reaching: it requires new modes of analysis, and different roles, tasks and skills for facilitators of participatory processes.
TL;DR: The results suggest that GAs are required to overcome the germination constraints imposed both by the seed coat and ABA-related embryo dormancy.
Abstract: The mechanisms imposing a gibberellin (GA) requirement to promote the germination of dormant and non-dormant Arabidopsis seeds were analyzed using the GA-deficient mutant ga1, several seed coat pigmentation and structure mutants, and the abscisic acid (ABA)-deficient mutant aba1. Testa mutants, which exhibit reduced seed dormancy, were not resistant to GA biosynthesis inhibitors such as tetcyclacis and paclobutrazol, contrarily to what was found before for other non-dormant mutants in Arabidopsis. However, testa mutants were more sensitive to exogenous GAs than the wild-types in the presence of the inhibitors or when transferred to a GA-deficient background. The germination capacity of the ga1-1 mutant could be integrally restored, without the help of exogenous GAs, by removing the envelopes or by transferring the mutation to a tt background (tt4 and ttg1). The double mutants still required light and chilling for dormancy breaking, which may indicate that both agents can have an effect independently of GA biosynthesis. The ABA biosynthesis inhibitor norflurazon was partially efficient in releasing the dormancy of wild-type and mutant seeds. These results suggest that GAs are required to overcome the germination constraints imposed both by the seed coat and ABA-related embryo dormancy.
TL;DR: In this article, a contextual model of domestic consumption is proposed, which combines an actor-oriented approach with a system-of-provision perspective of consumer behaviour, and the relevance of the proposed model for research on the ecological modernisation of domestic Consumption is discussed.
Abstract: Ecological modernisation theory has been developed so far mainly with respect to the production sphere. In order to apply the theory to the sphere of consumption, it needs to be enriched with some of the central concepts from the sociology of consumption. What results is a contextual model of (domestic) consumption which combines an actor‐oriented approach with a system‐of‐provision perspective of consumer behaviour. In conclusion, the relevance of the proposed model for research on the ecological modernisation of domestic consumption is discussed.
TL;DR: A range of factors is considered that may influence the significance of genetic diversity for the survival of a population and the possibilities for application of current knowledge on genetic diversity and population survival for the management of natural populations are discussed.
Abstract: In this comprehensive review, a range of factors is considered that may influence the significance of genetic diversity for the survival of a population. Genetic variation is essential for the adaptability of a population in which quantitatively inherited, fitness-related traits are crucial. Therefore, the relationship between genetic diversity and fitness should be studied in order to make predictions on the importance of genetic diversity for a specific population. The level of genetic diversity found in a population highly depends on the mating system, the evolutionary history of a species and the population history (the latter is usually unknown), and on the level of environmental heterogeneity. An accurate estimation of fitness remains complex, despite the availability of a range of direct and indirect fitness parameters. There is no general relationship between genetic diversity and various fitness components. However, if a lower level of heterozygosity represents an increased level of inbreeding, a reduction in fitness can be expected. Molecular markers can be used to study adaptability or fitness, provided that they represent a quantitative trait locus (QTL) or are themselves functional genes involved in these processes. Next to a genetic response of a population to environmental change, phenotypic plasticity in a genotype can affect fitness. The relative importance of plasticity to genetic diversity depends on the species and population under study and on the environmental conditions. The possibilities for application of current knowledge on genetic diversity and population survival for the management of natural populations are discussed.
TL;DR: The secondary structure and the thermostability of bovine serum albumin, before adsorption and after homomolecular displacement from silica and polystyrene particles, are studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry.
TL;DR: Co-expression of the Avr4/Cf-4 gene pair in lettuce resulted in necrosis, providing the first proof that a resistance (R) gene can function in a different plant family.
Abstract: The avirulence genes Avr9 and Avr4 from the fungal tomato pathogen Cladosporium fulvum encode extracellular proteins that elicit a hypersensitive response when injected into leaves of tomato plants carrying the matching resistance genes, Cf-9 and Cf-4, respectively We successfully expressed both Avr9 and Avr4 genes in tobacco with the Agrobacterium tumefaciens transient transformation assay (agroinfiltration) In addition, we expressed the matching resistance genes, Cf-9 and Cf-4, through agroinfiltration By combining transient Cf gene expression with either transgenic plants expressing one of the gene partners, Potato virus X (PVX)-mediated Avr gene expression, or elicitor injections, we demonstrated that agroinfiltration is a reliable and versatile tool to study Avr/Cf-mediated recognition Significantly, agroinfiltration can be used to quantify and compare Avr/Cf-induced responses Comparison of different Avr/Cf-interactions within one tobacco leaf showed that Avr9/Cf-9-induced necrosis developed slower than necrosis induced by Avr4/Cf-4 Quantitative analysis demonstrated that this temporal difference was due to a difference in Avr gene activities Transient expression of matching Avr/Cf gene pairs in a number of plant families indicated that the signal transduction pathway required for Avr/Cf-induced responses is conserved within solanaceous species Most non-solanaceous species did not develop specific Avr/Cf-induced responses However, co-expression of the Avr4/Cf-4 gene pair in lettuce resulted in necrosis, providing the first proof that a resistance (R) gene can function in a different plant family
TL;DR: The available evidence is sufficient to justify public health education and promotion aimed at a substantial increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and carries a large public health potential.
Abstract: Objective: We quantified the public health benefit of fruits and vegetables on the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD), using currently available human data. Design: We reviewed over 250 observational studies on cancer and CVD. Relative risks (RRs) for high versus low intake of fruits and vegetables were obtained. The preventable proportion of chronic diseases, i.e. the per cent of cases attributable to low consumption of fruits and vegetables, was estimated using three scenarios: best guess, optimistic (using stronger RRs) and conservative (using weaker RRs and eliminating the contribution of smoking and/or drinking). The preventable proportion was calculated for increasing average intake from the current 250 g day -1 to the recommended 400 g day -1 among the general Dutch population. Results: It is estimated that in the Netherlands cancer incidence could be reduced by 19% (12 000 cases annually, best guess), ranging from 6% (conservative) to 28% (optimistic). Cardiovascular deaths could be reduced by 16% (8000 deaths annually, best guess), ranging from 6% to 22%. Evidence is most abundant for gastrointestinal cancers, followed by hormone-related cancers, but limited for other sites and CVD. Conclusions: Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables carries a large public health potential. Population trials and biological mechanisms should eventually provide scientific proof of their efficacy. The available evidence is sufficient to justify public health education and promotion aimed at a substantial increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
TL;DR: Integrated management of pests and diseases without conventional chemical pesticides is a goal that will be realised for most of the important vegetables in Europe within a decade, and is increasingly used in ornamentals.
TL;DR: The discovery of early Middle Stone Age artefacts in an emerged reef terrace on the Red Sea coast of Eritrea are reported, which are date to the last interglacial using U–Th mass spectrometry techniques on fossil corals, which supports an African origin for modern humans by 125 kyr ago.
Abstract: The geographical origin of modern humans is the subject of ongoing scientific debate. The ‘multiregional evolution’ hypothesis argues that modern humans evolved semi-independently in Europe, Asia and Africa between 100,000 and 40,000 years ago1, whereas the ‘out of Africa’ hypothesis contends that modern humans evolved in Africa between 200 and 100 kyr ago, migrating to Eurasia at some later time2. Direct palaeontological, archaeological and biological evidence is necessary to resolve this debate. Here we report the discovery of early Middle Stone Age artefacts in an emerged reef terrace on the Red Sea coast of Eritrea, which we date to the last interglacial (about 125 kyr ago) using U–Th mass spectrometry techniques on fossil corals. The geological setting of these artefacts shows that early humans occupied coastal areas and exploited near-shore marine food resources in East Africa by this time. Together with similar, tentatively dated discoveries from South Africa3 this is the earliest well-dated evidence for human adaptation to a coastal marine environment, heralding an expansion in the range and complexity of human behaviour from one end of Africa to the other. This new, widespread adaptive strategy may, in part, signal the onset of modern human behaviour, which supports an African origin for modern humans by 125 kyr ago.
TL;DR: New types of nondigestible oligosaccharides were produced from plant cell wall polysaccharides, and the fermentation of these oligosACcharides and their parental poly Saccharides by relevant individual intestinal species of bacteria was studied to give valuable information on the fermentative capability of the tested intestinal strains.
Abstract: New types of nondigestible oligosaccharides were produced from plant cell wall polysaccharides, and the fermentation of these oligosaccharides and their parental polysaccharides by relevant individual intestinal species of bacteria was studied. Oligosaccharides were produced from soy arabinogalactan, sugar beet arabinan, wheat flour arabinoxylan, polygalacturonan, and rhamnogalacturonan fraction from apple. All of the tested substrates were fermented to some extent by one or more of the individual species of bacteria tested. Bacteroides spp. are able to utilize plant cell wall derived oligosaccharides besides their reported activity toward plant polysaccharides. Bifidobacterium spp. are also able to utilize the rather complex plant cell wall derived oligosaccharides in addition to the bifidogenic fructooligosaccharides. Clostridium spp., Klebsiella spp., and Escherichia coli fermented some of the selected substrates in vitro. These studies do not allow prediction of the fermentation in vivo but give valuable information on the fermentative capability of the tested intestinal strains.
TL;DR: Knowledge of ABC and MFS transporters opens possibilities of developing novel strategies for controlling plant diseases, either by modulation of transporter activity or by transgenic expression of transporter genes in plants.
TL;DR: Three randomly amplified polymorphic DNA markers species specific to the root-knot nematode species Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica respectively, were identified and the SCAR-PCR assay was successfully applied using DNA extracts from infested plant material.
Abstract: Three randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, OPA-12 420 , OPB-06 1200 and OPA-01 700 , species specific to the root-knot nematode species Meloidogyne arenaria , M. incognita and M. javanica respectively, were identified. After sequencing these RAPD-PCR products, longer primers of 18 to 23 nucleotides were designed to complement the terminal DNA sequences of the DNA fragments. This resulted in three pairs of species specific primers that were used to amplify the sequence characterised amplified regions (SCARs). The developed sets of SCAR primers were successfully used in straightforward, fast and reliable PCR assays to identify M. incognita , M. javanica and M. arenaria . The length variant SCAR markers can be amplified from DNA from egg masses, second stage juveniles and females. This species identification technique is therefore independent of the nematode's life cycle stage. Moreover the SCAR-PCR assay was successfully applied using DNA extracts from infested plant material. The method has potential to be optimised for routine practical diagnostic tests facilitating the control of these economically important pest organisms. Identification de Meloigyne incognita, M. javanica et M. arenaria au moyen de l'amplification de regions de sequences caracteristiques (SCAR) par une technique PCR - Trois marqueurs d'ADN polymorphique amplifiee au hasard (RAPD) OPA-12 420 , OPB-O6 1200 et OPA-OI 700 , respectivement specifiques des especes de nematodes Meloidogyne arenaria , M. incognita et M. javanica , ont ete identifies. Apres le sequencage de ces produits RAPD-PCR, les amorces les plus longues de 18 a 23 nucleotides ont ete choisies pour completer les sequences terminales d'ADN des fragments d'ADN. Cela a conduit a trois paires d'amorces specifiques de l'espece, utilisees pour amplifier les regions des sequences caracteristiques (SCAR). Les lots d'amorces SCAR mis au point ont ete utilises avec succes lors d'essais directs, rapides et surs pour identifier M. incognita , M. javanica et M. arenia . Les marqueurs peuvent etre amplifies a partir de l'ADN des masses d'oeufs, des juveniles de deuxieme stade ou des femelles. Cette technique d'identification specifique est donc independante des differents etats de developpement du nematode. De plus la technique SCAR-PCR a ete appliquee avec succes a l'ADN extrait du materiel vegetal infeste. Cette methode presente des potentialites d'amelioration permettant d'envisager des tests pratiques d'identification de routine, facilitant ainsi le controle de ces parasites economiquement importants.