小豆抗性淀粉含量及蒸煮后硬度分析

本文利用国内140个红小豆种质资源,探究其抗性淀粉含量与蒸煮后硬度的地域分布特征,分析蒸煮后硬度与营养指标的相关性,同时筛选抗性淀粉含量高与蒸煮后硬度低的种质资源,结果表明：140份红小豆抗性淀粉的平均含量为14.25 %,蒸煮后硬度的平均值为150.72 g。吉林地区红小豆抗性淀粉含量最高,为15.71 %;内蒙古地区红小豆蒸煮后硬度最低,为96.42 g。抗性淀粉与总淀粉之间呈极显著负相关;蒸煮后硬度与抗性淀粉之间呈显著正相关,但与总淀粉及蛋白质之间无显著相关。筛选出12份抗性淀粉含量>17.83 %的优异红小豆种质资源,可用于糖尿病人专用品种的选育及产品开发;9份蒸煮后硬度<76.48 g的优异红小豆种质资源可用于豆饭、豆粥产品的开发。     

Genome-Wide Association Studies of Soybean Seed Hardness in the Chinese Mini Core Collection

Soybean seed hardness is an important quality character in soybean food processing. Both vegetable soybean and natto require soft seeds to achieve a desirable sensory experience and for effective processing. In this study, we used a texture analyzer to measure the seed hardness of Chinese mini core collection via two indexes over 4 years and found significant correlations among the seed hardness, seed oil content, and germplasm eco-region. Based on 1514 SNPs, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted using a mixed linear model (MLM). Seventeen SNPs were identified to be associated with seed hardness in at least two environments. Among them, one locus, designated Q-15-0087770, was associated with two indexes, and 13 putative genes were confirmed based on their annotations in SoyBase. This research provides new insights into advanced marker-assisted selections for breeding soybeans for seed hardness and oil content.     

不同硬实程度乌拉尔甘草种子的活力差异

根据乌拉尔甘草种子吸胀时间的长短将种子硬实程度分为H0、H1、H2、H3、H4和Hmax6个等级,测定其活力指标;同时于盐胁迫和水分胁迫下测定硬实和非硬实种子的发芽率、发芽指数、胚根长度及幼苗的抗氧化酶活性。结果表明:随着硬实程度的增大,种子的发芽率、发芽指数、胚根长度、脱氢酶活性和ATP含量均呈上升趋势,丙二醛(MDA)含量则表现出下降趋势;在逆境条件下,硬实种子比非硬实种子的适应能力强。硬实种子的活力高于非硬实种子,硬实程度与种子活力呈正相关。     

Chromosomal loci associated with endosperm hardness in a malting barley cross

A breeding objective for the malting barley industry is to produce lines with softer, plumper grain containing moderate protein content (9–12%) as they are more likely to imbibe water readily and contain more starch per grain, which in turn produces higher levels of malt extract. In a malting barley mapping population, ‘Arapiles’ × ‘Franklin’, the most significant and robust quantitative trait locus (QTL) for endosperm hardness was observed on the short arm of chromosome 1H, across three environments over two growing seasons. This accounted for 22.6% (Horsham 2000), 26.8% (Esperance 2001), and 12.0% (Tarranyurk 2001) of the genetic variance and significantly increased endosperm hardness by 2.06–3.03 SKCS hardness units. Interestingly, Arapiles and Franklin do not vary in Ha locus alleles. Therefore, this region, near the centromere on chromosome 1H, may be of great importance when aiming to manipulate endosperm hardness and malting quality. Interestingly, this region, close to the centromere on chromosome 1H, in our study, aligns with the region of the genome that includes the HvCslF9 and the HvGlb1 genes. Potentially, one or both of these genes could be considered to be candidate genes that influence endosperm hardness in the barley grain. Additional QTLs for endosperm hardness were detected on chromosomes 2H, 3H, 6H and 7H, confirming that the hardness trait in barley is complex and multigenic, similar to many malting quality traits of interest.     

5种新疆苹果资源的果实品质性状比较与评价

选择5种果皮和果肉颜色不同的新疆苹果地方特色资源克孜阿尔玛、卡拉阿尔玛、阿克阿尔玛、伊犁野苹果、柠檬海棠,以栽培品种富士为对照,通过果实外观品质、内在品质、营养品质和香气品质4个方面的指标进行品质精细化评价,并考察了红肉苹果果肉花青苷合成途径相关基因的表达情况,以明确新疆苹果地方资源不同果实品质指标的差异,为新疆苹果地方资源的合理利用提供资料。结果表明:(1)5种特色资源均为中、小果型苹果,其中红肉品种克孜阿尔玛的外观品质优于栽培品种富士,而柠檬海棠外观品质指标均处于最低水平。(2)阿克阿尔玛的糖、酸含量均显著低于富士,柠檬海棠的酸含量高于富士及其他品种。(3)伊犁野苹果的果肉硬度显著高于富士,而红肉资源品种的果肉硬度均低于富士,肉质松软、不耐储运,但其总酚、类黄酮含量最为丰富,抗氧化能力最强,均显著高于栽培品种富士。(4)香气品质中,红皮资源卡拉阿尔玛的挥发性物质种类及含量最为丰富,其含量高于最低的栽培品种富士近2倍,红肉资源的挥发性物质含量最低;红肉资源的挥发性物质以醇类为主,而红皮资源卡拉阿尔玛、伊犁野苹果和柠檬海棠以醛类物质为主。(5)主成分分析显示,各个新疆苹果地方资源营养、...     

山东保存小麦种质资源面粉白度分析

对2068份小麦种质资源进行了面粉白度测定和高白度小麦种质子粒硬度测定。结果表明,山东小麦地方品种、山东小麦育成品种和省外引进小麦品种面粉白度值的分布范围分别为63.9～82.9、63.1～83.8和67.2～84.2。筛选出面粉白度值大于80的小麦种质342份(包括白度值大于83的种质26份),其中地方品种22份,山东育成品种(系)228份,省外引进种质92份。从高白度小麦种质资源中,筛选出子粒硬度指数≥50符合高白度强筋、中强筋或中筋的种质资源18份,对培育中筋以上高白度小麦新品种,以满足人们口味和健康保障具有重要意义。     

Computational characterization of sodium selenite using density functional theory

In this theoretical study we used density functional theory to calculate the molecular and crystalline structures of sodium selenite. Our structural results were compared with experimental data. From the molecular structure we determined the ionization potential, electronic affinity, and global reactivity parameters like electronegativity, hardness, softness and global electrophilic index. A significant difference in the IP and EA values was observed, and this difference was dependent on the calculation method used (employing either vertical or adiabatic energies). Thus, values obtained for the electrophilic index (2.186 eV from vertical energies and 2.188 eV from adiabatic energies) were not significantly different. Selectivity was calculated using the Fukui functions. Since the Mulliken charge study predicted a negative value, it is recommended that AIM should be used in selectivity characterization. It was evident from the selectivity index that sodium atoms are the most sensitive sites to nucleophilic attack. The results obtained in this work provide data that will aid the characterization of compounds used in crop biofortification.     

Grain characterization and milling behaviour of near-isogenic lines differing by hardness

Wheat grain hardness is a major factor affecting the milling behaviour and end-product quality although its exact structural and biochemical basis is still not understood. This study describes the development of new near-isogenic lines selected on hardness. Hard and soft sister lines were characterised by near infrared reflectance (NIR) and particle size index (PSI) hardness index, grain protein content, thousand kernel weight and vitreousness. The milling behaviour of these wheat lines was evaluated on an instrumented micromill which also measures the grinding energy and flour particle size distribution was investigated by laser diffraction. Endosperm mechanical properties were measured using compression tests. Results pointed out the respective effect of hardness and vitreousness on those characteristics. Hardness was shown to influence both the mode of fracture and the mechanical properties of the whole grain and endosperm. Thus, this parameter also acts on milling behaviour. On the other hand, vitreousness was found to mainly play a role on the energy required to break the grain. This study allows us to distinguish between consequences of hardness and vitreousness. Hardness is suggested to influence the adhesion forces between starch granules and protein matrix whereas vitreousness would rather be related to the endosperm microstructure.     

Comparative analysis of genetic structure and variability in wild and cultivated pomegranates as revealed by morphological variables and molecular markers

In this study, the genetic variability and relationships among wild and cultivated pomegranate genotypes from the north of Iran were investigated by morphological characters and RAPD molecular markers. Principal component analysis showed that the first three components explained 61.64 % of the total morphological variation for studied genotypes. Fruit neck diameter, anthocyanin index, TSS, aril juice, fruit flavor index, petiole length, fruit peel thickness and seed hardness were predominant in the first component and contributed most of the total variation. Fruit characteristics such as titratable acidity were negatively correlated (r = ?0.56) with TSS (r = ?0.56) and pH (r = ?0.86) and also, seed hardness showed negative correlation with aril length and aril diameter. Clustering from morphological data allocated individuals into two main clusters with high variation. Two hundred and twenty-nine fragments were scored of which 174 of them were polymorphic with 76.9 % polymorphism. Genetic similarity ranged from 0.15 to 0.78 with an average of 0.42, indicating high genetic variation among studied genotypes. High molecular and morphological variability indicated that this germplasm includes rich and valuable plant materials for pomegranate breeding.     

Molecular characterization and diversity of the Pina and Pinb genes in cultivated and wild diploid wheat

Grain hardness is one of the most important characteristics of wheat quality. Soft endosperm is associated with the presence of two proteins in the wild form, puroindoline a and b. The puroindoline genes and their derived proteins are present in the putative wheat diploid ancestors which are thought to be the donors of the A, B and D genomes in common and durum wheat. In this study, we investigated the variability of grain hardness in einkorn, along with the nucleotide diversity of Pina and Pinb genes in a collection of einkorn wheat and T. urartu, in addition to studying the neutrality and linkage disequilibrium of these genes. Various alleles were detected for Pina and Pinb genes including three novel alleles for the Pinb locus: Pinb-A ^m 1i, Pinb-A ^m 1j and Pinb-A ^m 1k. Some differences were found in grain hardness between the different genotypes. The neutrality test showed a different pattern of variation between the two Pin genes. The genetic analysis of a diploid wheat collection has demonstrated that these species are a potential source of novel puroindoline variants. Our data suggest that, although further studies must be carried out, these variants could be used to expand the range of grain texture in durum and common wheat, which would permit the development of new materials adapted to novel uses in the baking and pasta industry.     

The detection of QTLs in barley associated with endosperm hardness, grain density, grain size and malting quality using rapid phenotyping tools

Using a barley mapping population, ‘Vlamingh’ × ‘Buloke’ (V × B), whole grain analyses were undertaken for physical seed traits and malting quality. Grain density and size were predicted by digital image analysis (DIA), while malt extract and protein content were predicted using near infrared (NIR) analysis. Validation of DIA and NIR algorithms confirmed that data for QTL analysis was highly correlated (R ² > 0.82), with high RPD values (the ratio of the standard error of prediction to the standard deviation, 2.31–9.06). Endosperm hardness was measured on this mapping population using the single kernel characterisation system. Grain density and endosperm hardness were significantly inter-correlated in all three environments (r > 0.22, P < 0.001); however, other grain components were found to interact with the traits. QTL for these traits were also found on different genomic regions, for example, grain density QTLs were found on chromosomes 2H and 6H, whereas endosperm hardness QTLs were found on 1H, 5H, and 7H. In this study, the majority of the genomic regions associated with grain texture were also coincident with QTLs for grain size, yield, flowering date and/or plant development genes. This study highlights the complexity of genomic regions associated with the variation of endosperm hardness and grain density, and their relationships with grain size traits, agronomic-related traits, and plant development loci.     

Influence of Formulation Factors on Tablet Formulations with Liquid Permeation Enhancer Using Factorial Design

For a drug with low bioavailability, a matrix tablet with liquid permeation enhancer (Labrasol®) was formulated. Factorial design was used to evaluate the effect of three formulation factors: drug percentage, polymer type (Methocel® K100M or Eudragit® L 100-55), and tablet binder percentage (Plasdone® S-630) on tablet characteristics. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and characterized. Compressibility index values ranged between 15.90% and 29.87% and tablet hardness values from 7.8 to 29.78 Kp. Eudragit®-containing formulations had better compressibility index values with higher tablet hardness. Time for 75% of drug release (T ₇₅) was calculated, and formulations containing Eudragit® L 100-55 had faster release rates than tablet formulations with Methocel® K100M. Formulations with Methocel® K100M fit well in the Higuchi model as indicated by their R ² values (>0.98). Among all the formulation factors studied, polymer type displayed the highest and statistically significant effect on compressibility index, tablet hardness, and dissolution rate. Statistical design helped in better understanding the effect of formulation factors on tablet characteristics important for designing formulations with desired characteristics.     

Mineralization and wear of mandibular first molars in red deer (Cervus elaphus) of known age

The degree of dental wear was measured in 41 mandibular first molars from red deer of known age (range 2–18 years). The calculated wear indices were positively correlated with age ( r = 0.780, P < 0.001). In the same sample, significant ( P < 0.001) differences in hardness (determined by microhardness testing) were observed between enamel and coronal dentine as well as between outer and inner enamel and dentine, respectively. In animals belonging to the same age group (three-year-olds, n = 11), a negative correlation ( r = -0.830, P = 0.0016) was found between wear index and maximum mean enamel hardness. In a sample of five specimens from this age group, a negative correlation ( r = -0.918, P = 0.028) between maximum calcium concentration of enamel (measured by electron microprobing) and wear index was also recorded. We concluded that the intensity of enamel mineralization had a decisive effect on the degree of dental wear. Measuring of enamel hardness and subsequent modification of wear scores or indices is therefore recommended for future studies on the relationship between age and the degree of dental attrition in deer.     

Systems genetics approach reveals candidate genes for parasite resistance from quantitative trait loci studies in agricultural species

A systems genetics approach combining pathway analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and gene expression information has provided strong evidence for common pathways associated with genetic resistance to internal parasites. Gene data, collected from published QTL regions in sheep, cattle, mice, rats and humans, and microarray data from sheep, were converted to human Entrez Gene IDs and compared to the KEGG pathway database. Selection of pathways from QTL data was based on a selection index that ensured that the selected pathways were in all species and the majority of the projects overall and within species. Pathways with either up- and down-regulated genes, primarily up-regulated genes or primarily down-regulated genes, were selected from gene expression data. After comparing the data sets independently, the pathways from each data set were compared and the common set of pathways and genes was identified. Comparisons within data sets identified 21 pathways from QTL data and 66 pathways from gene expression data. Both selected sets were enriched with pathways involved in immune functions, disease and cell responses to signals. The analysis identified 14 pathways that were common between QTL and gene expression data, and four directly associated with IFNγ or MHCII, with 31 common genes, including three MHCII genes. In conclusion, a systems genetics approach combining data from multiple QTL and gene expression projects led to the discovery of common pathways associated with genetic resistance to internal parasites. This systems genetics approach may prove significant for the discovery of candidate genes for many other multifactorial, economically important traits.     

Genes transcribed in the salivary glands of female Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks infected with Theileria parva

We describe the generation of an auto-annotated index of genes that are expressed in the salivary glands of four-day fed female adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks. A total of 9162 EST sequences were derived from an uninfected tick cDNA library and 9844 ESTs were from a cDNA library from ticks infected with Theileria parva, which develop in type III salivary gland acini. There were no major differences between abundantly expressed ESTs from the two cDNA libraries, although there was evidence for an up-regulation in the expression of some glycine-rich proteins in infected salivary glands. Gene ontology terms were also assigned to sequences in the index and those with potential enzyme function were linked to the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes database, allowing reconstruction of metabolic pathways. Several genes code for previously characterized tick proteins such as receptors for myokinin or ecdysteroid and an immunosuppressive protein. cDNAs coding for homologs of heme-lipoproteins which are major components of tick hemolymph were identified by searching the database with published N-terminal peptide sequence data derived from biochemically purified Boophilus microplus proteins. The EST data will be a useful resource for construction of microarrays to probe vector biology, vector-host and vector-pathogen interactions and to underpin gene identification via proteomics approaches.     

Codon use and the rate of divergence of land plant chloroplast genes

Codon fitnesses for chloroplast genes were estimated using the relative synonymous codon use of psbA, which has a different pattern of codon use than other chloroplast genes and is the major translation product of the chloroplast. These estimates were used to calculate the codon adaptation index (CAI) of chloroplast genes from Marchantia polymorpha, Nicotiana tabacum, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The genes with the highest CAI values in M. polymorpha correspond to those that are expressed at the highest levels. The rate of divergence between M. polymorpha and both C. reinhardtii and N. tabacum is inversely related to the CAI value of the M. polymorpha gene. The data suggest that selection is acting on the synonymous codon use of the highly expressed genes of the M. polymorpha chloroplast genome. The data set is inconclusive about N. tabacum genes, but, as there is a weaker correspondence between CAI value and expression level, it suggests that selection is not operating in this lineage.      

Breeding of a new variety of peanut with high-oleic-acid content and high-yield by marker-assisted backcrossing

Molecular Breeding - Grain hardness&nbsp;(HI) is a key trait for wheat milling and end-use quality. Puroindoline genes (PINs) are the major genes responsible for grain hardness, but other QTLs...     

Influence of hydration on nanoindentation induced energy expenditure of dentin

Improved understanding of the effects of hydration and drying in mineralized tissues is highly desirable, particularly for physiologically hydrated biological materials such as dentin. We investigated the influence of hydration on the nanomechanical properties of healthy dentin and hypothesized that drying leads to an increase in indentation induced energy expenditure and hardness. Hydrated and dry dentin were tested with a UMIS set up with a Berkovich indenter at a maximum load of 50 mN. Values representative of the energy expenditure behavior were presented as dissipated energy, U(d), recovered energy, U(e), normalized energy expenditure index, ψ, and hardness, H. Energy expenditure index results, which normalize the energy expenditure for each test and describe the relative energy dissipation-recovery behavior of a material, suggested that, for the relatively severe contact strains about a sharp Berkovich indenter, dissipation dominates the mechanical response of both the hydrated and dry dentin. In support of our initial hypothesis, dry dentin presented a significantly higher energy expenditure index than hydrated dentin (p<0.0001). These results were primarily associated with a lower U(e) that was found upon drying. Hydration also decreased H significantly (p<0.0001). In summary, this study presents the first direct measurements of the energy expenditure behavior of hydrated and dry dentin using instrumented nanoindentation.