Identification of buckwheat phenolic compounds by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC–ESI-TOF-MS)

This study describes the characterization of phenolic compounds in buckwheat. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) has been applied to separate and characterize thirty phenolic compounds in buckwheat flour. As far as we know, 2-hydroxy-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosil-benzoic acid, 1-O-caffeoyl-6-O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-β-glycopyranoside and epicatechin-3-(3″-O-methyl) gallate were tentatively identified in buckwheat for the first time. The sensitivity, mass accuracy and true isotopic pattern of the TOF-MS, legitimated the identification of phenolic compounds present in buckwheat extract.     

Characterisation of a ω-gliadin gene in Triticum tauschii

A ω-gliadin gene at the Gli-D^t1 locus of Triticum tauschii accession AUS18913 was isolated using PCR primers, designed from published sequences of ω-gliadin genes of bread wheat cv Cheyenne, and deduced sequences of the N-terminal amino acids of ω-gliadin proteins. Further, the derived protein was isolated from A-PAGE and was sequenced. The protein sequence contained a signal peptide of 19 amino acids followed by a short N-terminal sequence of 11 amino acids, a central repetitive domain that covers approximately 90% of the sequence and a short C-terminal domain of 12 amino acids. The sequence comparison with other ω-gliadins showed a high level of similarities between them. Further analysis of the ω-gliadins using A-PAGE revealed that there are three ω-gliadin proteins in AUS18913 accession. Comparison of N-terminal sequences of these proteins revealed that two of these proteins have very high homologies with ω-gliadins of Cheyenne while the third one was significantly different.     

Toxicity of several δ-endotoxins of Bacillus thuringiensis against the cotton pest Earias insulana (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The toxicity of nine Bacillus thuringiensis Cry proteins against neonate Earias insulana larvae was tested using a mixture of crystals and spores. The mean lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of Cry1Ac was 1.99 μg/ml. Cry1Fa, Cry1Ca, Cry1Ja and Cry2Aa were more active than Cry1Ac, with LC₅₀ values of 0.22, 0.24, 0.29, 0.43 μg/ml, respectively. Cry1Da and Cry1Aa were considerably less active than Cry1Ac. The remaining proteins, Cry1Ba and Cry1Ab, displayed no activity. Relative potencies were also calculated. Cry1Ja and Cry1Fa were significantly more active (7.72 and 5.71 times, respectively) than Cry1Ac, while Cry1Ca was significantly (1.95 times) more active than Cry2Aa.     

QTL mapping of agronomic and economic traits for four F2populations of upland cotton

Background:Upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum)accounts for more than 90%of the annual world cotton output because of its high yield potential.However,yield and fiber quality traits often show negative correlations.We constructed four F₂populations of upland cotton,using two normal lines(4133B and SGK9708)with high yield potential but moderate fiber quality and two introgression lines(Suyuan04–3 and J02–247)with superior fiber quality,and used them to investigate the genetic basis underlying complex traits such as yield and fiber quality in upland cotton.We also phenotyped eight agronomic and economic traits and mapped quantitative trait loci(QTLs).Results:Extensive phenotype variations and transgressive segregation were found across the segregation populations.We constructed four genetic maps of 585.97 centiMorgan(cM),752.45 cM,752.45 cM,and 1163.66 cM,one for each of the four F₂populations.Fifty QTLs were identified across the four populations(7 for plant height,27 for fiber quality and 16 for yield).The same QTLs were identified in different populations,including qBW4 and qBW2,which were linked to a common simple sequence repeat(SSR)marker,NAU1255.A QTL cluster containing eight QTLs for six different traits was characterized on linkage group 9 of the 4133B×Suyuan04–3 population.Conclusions:These findings will provide insights into the genetic basis of simultaneous improvement of yield and fiber quality in upland cotton breeding.     

Distribution of the Classification Traits in the F2 Progeny of Two Crosses of indica/japonica in Rice (Oryza sativa)

Comparison of seed setting rate, plant height and Cheng′s morphological traits were made between the F2 progeny of indica japonica hybrids, 02428/Pei′ai 64 and Taichung 65/Teqing. There existed resemblance normal distribution in plant height, and the distribution had no relationship with the seed setting rate and plant height in F1 progeny, suggesting that there were no gametic selection for the plant height in the F2 progeny of indica japonica hybrids. An average seed setting rate of the F2 was equal to the F1 populations in the recombination of 02428/Pei′ai 64 in which there was an excellent cross compatibility, but the remarkable increase in the seed setting rate from the F1 to F2 in Taichung 65/Teqing, indicating that gametic selection only took place in the indica japonica crosses with low cross compatibility while null or little in the hybrids with high compatibility. There were many intermediate types among the leaf pubescence, color of hull at heading, and length of the first and second panicle internode, and these Cheng′s morphological traits was distributed normally; there were also a little intermediate types in hull hairness and phenol reaction with bi peak distribution; while length to width ratio of grain was inclined to the japonica types obviously showing a skewed distribution in the F2 population. Although Cheng′s morphological traits in F2 populations had inconsistent distribution types, Cheng′s morphological traits index showed normal distribution, which suggested that intermediate types, i.e. indicalinous or japonicalinous, were primary in F2 population.     

Evaluation of Chilo partellus and Busseola fusca susceptibility to δ-endotoxins in Bt maize

Susceptibility of Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) and Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) populations to Cry proteins from the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), the δ-endotoxins Cry1Ab and Cry1Ba in Bt-maize, were evaluated under biosafety greenhouse conditions. Larval feeding on Bt-maize was adjusted to deliver sub-lethal doses of δ-endotoxins from the two events; survivors were reared on artificial diet to obtain successive generations. Eight generations of three C. partellus populations and five generations of a B. fusca population were screened for susceptibility on each event. Mean proportion of surviving larvae from Bt-maize plants, and the corresponding pupal weights of survivors for each population, were lower for individuals exposed to δ-endotoxins. Both Bt Cry proteins expressed in maize leaves controlled C. partellus and showed stability in control, with no indication of a change in susceptibility among generations. Neither toxin, however, provided complete control of B. fusca, but no changes in susceptibility were observed after five generations of selection. Implications for development of future transgenic Bt maize events, and research for East Africa are discussed.     

Enhanced mechanical performance of CNT/Polymer composite yarns by γ-irradiation

Multiwall carbon nanotube (CNT) spun yarns were subjected to γ-irradiation in an oxygen rich environment, followed by the application of epoxy to form CNT/epoxy composite yarns with a high CNT fraction. The method for fabrication of the CNT/polymer composite yarns was presented, and the effect of γ-irradiation on the mechanical performance of the pure CNT spun yarns and their epoxy composite yarns were studied. The γ-irradiated CNT yarns were also characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results of this study have demonstrated that the γ-irradiation is an effective micro-engineering tool to improve mechanical properties of the CNT spun yarn and its epoxy composite yarn.     

The Effect of Consumption of Selenium Enriched Rye/Wheat Sourdough Bread on the Body’s Selenium Status

The potential of selenium-enriched rye/wheat sourdough bread as a route for supplementing dietary selenium intakes is reported. In addition to their normal diets, 24 female volunteers (24 to 25 years old) were fed either selenium-enriched bread or non-enriched bread each day (68.02 and 0.84 μg selenium day⁻¹ respectively) for 4 weeks. The chemical form of the selenium in the bread had been characterised using HPLC-ICP-MS, which showed that 42% of the extractable selenium was present as selenomethionine. Plasma selenium levels and plasma platelet glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) activity were measured in the volunteers’ blood over a 6-week period. A statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) was observed in the mean percentage change data, calculated from the plasma selenium level measurements for the enriched and control group, over the duration of the study. A comparable difference was not observed for the platelet GPx1 activity (p = 0.756), over the same period. Two weeks after cessation of the feeding stage, i.e., at t = 6 weeks, the mean percentage change value for the selenium plasma levels in the enriched group was still significantly elevated, suggesting that the absorbed selenium had been incorporated into the body’s selenium reserves, and was then being slowly released back into the volunteers’ blood.     

Tagging of Brown Planthopper Resistance Genes in F2s of IR50 × Ptb33 of Rice by Using Bulked Segregant Analysis

Brown planthopper(Nilaparvata lugens St?l) is one of the most damaging pests causing hopper burn in rice,and thereby reducing the productivity and also the quality of the product.The effective management strategy to control this pest is the identification and transfer of desirable genes to local rice cultivars.The most important approach for developing resistant cultivars is the identification of markers,which can help in marker-assisted selection of more durable resistant genotype.The susceptible parent IR50 and the resistant parent Ptb33,and their F2 populations were used in bulked segregant analysis for identification of resistant genes with random amplified polymorphic DNA marker(RAPD) primers.The primers OPC7 and OPAG14 showed both dominant and susceptible specific banding pattern so called co-dominant markers.Moreover,OPC7697 and OPAG14680 showed resistant specific bands and thus being in coupling phase,whereas OPC7846 and OPAG14650 showed susceptible specific genotypic bands in bulked segregant analysis.Therefore,the coupling phase markers,OPC7697 and OPAG14680,are considered to be more useful in marker-assisted selection of rice genotypes in crop improvement.     

Pasting characteristics and in vitro digestibility of γ-irradiated RS4 waxy maize starches

The effect of γ-irradiation on the physicochemical properties of cross-linked waxy maize resistant starches was examined. The cross-linked waxy maize starches contained resistant starch (RS) of 56.1 and 63.5%, respectively for 5 and 10% sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP)/sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) cross-linking, and the RS contents slightly decreased as the irradiation dose increased whereas the RS content in unmodified waxy maize starch increased with an increase in irradiation dose. For both native and cross-linked starches, the rapidly digestible starch (RDS) content increased and the slowly digestible starch (SDS) content decreased by the irradiation. The solubility of the native and cross-linked starches increased as the irradiation dose increased. The cross-linked starches did not swell in boiling water without showing pasting viscosity. However, the starches became swellable, forming pastes by irradiation, and the pasting viscosity gradually increased with an increase in irradiation dose. The crystallinity as determined by an X-ray diffraction analysis remained unchanged upon cross-linking and γ-irradiation. However, the gelatinization enthalpy of the cross-linked starches decreased in proportion with irradiation dose. The melting temperatures of cross-linked starches gradually decreased and the temperature range for melting increased with an increase in irradiation dose.     

In Vitro cell attachment and In Vivo tissue infiltration of porous PLLA/β-TCP/SA bone scaffolds

By combining Poly-L-lactide (PLLA) braids and freeze-dried beta tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP)/sodium alginate (SA) sponges, this study proposes to produce bone scaffolds that facilitate cell infiltration. The structure of the bone scaffolds are evaluated by a hydrophilicity test, in vitro degradation test, and porosity measurement, after which MTT aßsay and in vivo animal study are performed to evaluate their cytotoxicity and cell infiltration, respectively. The test results show that a braiding structure has a positive effect on the hydrophilicity and cell attachment of PLLA braids. An environment containing calcium ions affects the cell viability. Osteo conductivity and osteo inductivity are both essential for the implants, and the test results show that the combination of ß-TCP influences the compactness of the bone formation and cell infiltration. This study provides systematic research based on the bone scaffolds which simultaneously accelerate cell attachment and infiltration.     

Effect of the use of dilute alkaline prior to Bacillus subtilis-based biocontrol steeping and germination conditions on red sorghum malt β-glucanase activities and residual β-glucans

Malting is the ideal stage to deal with β-glucans. Their hydrolysis is very important as the diffusion of both hormones and hydrolytic enzymes in the endosperm of germinated grain depend on it. A high malt β-glucanase activity is not a guarantee of an extensive hydrolysis of β-glucans. When Bacillus subtilis is used to control mould growth, red sorghum malt β-glucanase activity (measured using carboxymethylcellulose as the substrate) was improved without significantly affecting the hydrolysis of malt β-glucans. Thus, in order to reduce the residual β-glucans content, soaking in 0.2% NaOH was combined with a biocontrol. Soaking in 0.2% NaOH is recognized as capable of improving grain hydration by opening-up the endosperm cell walls. The combined use of 0.2% NaOH with B. subtilis-based biocontrol treatments during red sorghum malting, leads to malt with increased β-glucanase activity and a significant reduction of residual β-glucans when compared with the 16 h biocontrol steeping without prior steeping in 0.2% NaOH. β-glucanase activity increases with increased germination temperature and time while, conversely, the residual β-glucans content of the malts decreases. Indeed, while the level of β-glucanase was not vastly different between the malts obtained after steeping in distilled water and those obtained after 8 h steeping in 0.2% NaOH followed by 8 h resteeping in distilled water (NaOH + H₂O treatment), their residual β-glucans levels differ significantly. B. subtilis-based treatment leads to malt with improved β-(1-3)- and β-(1-4)-glucanase activities without significantly improved malt β-(1-3),(1-4)-glucanase activity. While malts obtained after 84 h germination weren't significantly different in terms of malt β-(1-3),(1-4)-glucanase activities for all steeping treatments, the use of 0.2% NaOH steeping prior to resteeping led to malts with improved β-glucans content. Combining the steeping in dilute alkaline and biocontrol enables taking advantage of the dilute alkaline effect on residual β-glucans content, due probably to the opening-up of the cell walls and the improvement of water uptake, and that of the biocontrol (improvement of β-glucanase synthesis).     

Inheritance of the Male Sterility in a New Photo/Thermo-Sensitive Genie Male Sterile Line B06S of Rice

The major male sterile genes in a new photo/thermo-sensitive genie male sterile (PTGMS) line B06S of rice were analyzed by the manipulation of mixture distribution theory. The results indicated that a pair of major male sterile nuclear genes with large effects were responsible for controlling the male sterility of B06S.     

Are insensitivities of Venturia inaequalis to myclobutanil and fenbuconazole correlated?

In the UK, two demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides, myclobutanil and fenbuconazole, are recommended for controlling apple scab. Experiments were conducted to determine whether the sensitivity of V. inaequalis to myclobutanil was correlated with that to fenbuconazole. There was a marked reduction in the sensitivity of V. inaequalis to myclobutanil; averaged ED₅₀ values increased from 0.338 mg L⁻¹ in the baseline population to 2.945 mg L⁻¹ for isolates from a commercial orchard. Overall, the average ED₅₀ value for fenbuconazole was only about 20% of that for myclobutanil for the baseline population. There was an overall significant positive correlation in the fungal sensitivities to myclobutanil and fenbuconazole, but such correlation only accounted for 40% of the total observed variability. In addition, the magnitude of this cross-resistance varied among orchards. The finding is discussed in the context of fungicide deposition in relation to disease control.     

Analysis of Chemical Components of Longjing Teas Prepared Using Various Tea Varieties简

Longjing tea is a famous tea in China and it is major green tea products produced in Zhejiang Province.There are 3 kinds of Longjing tea （Xihu Longjing,Qiantang Longjing and Yuezhou Longjing） according to their producing areas.Qiantang LonGing tea in Fuyang City is usually produced using materials picked from tea varieties Longjing-43,Jiukeng and Wuniuzao.Chemical composition is important indicator for identifying quality and authenticity.Longjing tea samples were collected from tea gardens of tea varieties Longjing-43,Jiukeng and Wuniuzao were detected.It showed that chemical composition of tea samples prepared using the three varieties were quite similar.However,level of gallic acid decreased with picking time except for Wuniuzao,and caffeine and total catechins increased with increase in altitude.     

Gametic selection in a doubled haploid population derived from anther culture of indica/japonica hybrid of Oryza Sativa L.

It Is one of the key problems for application ofanther culture in hybrid breeding,geneticanalysis,and molecular mapping whether thedoubled haploid(DH)population derived fromanther culture of rice crosses represents a ran-dom array of the microspore population,i.e.whether gametic selection occurs in androgene-sis.A DH population including 132 lines de-rived from anther culture of a typical indicaand japonica cross,Zhaiyeqing 8/Jingxi 17(ZYQ 8/JX 17),was used to assess gametic     

Characterization of Amaranthus cruentus L. seed proteins by 2-DE and LC/MS–MS: Identification and cloning of a novel late embryogenesis-abundant protein

Amaranth is taking great attention as an important cereal crop that could fulfill food requirements for the growing population, especially in developing countries. However, the protein composition of these seeds is not well known yet. We have used the proteomics tools to characterize amaranth seed proteome. About 400 proteins spots were resolved on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and protein spots were analyzed by LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry). Identified proteins were related to stress and defense responses, metabolic, respiratory, and oxide-reduction processes. One abundant spot was identified as a Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) protein and the gene was cloned and characterized. The AcLEA cDNA contains a 418 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide of 139 amino acids. Bioinformatics analysis showed that AcLEA belongs to LEAs Group 5. Proteomics is a powerful technique that could be used even in non-sequenced organisms such as amaranth. The obtained information reveals that amaranth seed, beyond the classical seed storage proteins, contains proteins related to protection against stress. The identification of these proteins opens the door to the application of new strategies to improve the quality of amaranth production.     

Spinning performance and antibacterial activity of SeaCell® active/cotton blended rotor yarns

Microorganisms can lead to functional, hygienic and aesthetic (e.g. deterioration, staining) problems on textile products. Natural fibers especially cotton are more easily affected by microorganisms. Blending of cotton fibers with antimicrobial fibers can enhance the protective properties of products against microorganisms. Demand of antimicrobial performance from the products changes depending on the application area. Therefore determination of suitable antimicrobial fiber quantity for the desired application is important. In this study the spinning performance of SeaCell Active/cotton blended open end rotor yarns and antibacterial activities of fabrics produced by these blended yarns were investigated. Five different cotton/SeaCell Active blended slivers with SeaCell Active content from 3 % up to 53 % were prepared on drawframe machine and all slivers were spun into yarns on open end rotor spinning machine at a yarn count of 20 tex with α_Tt=3827 twist coefficient. The effects of rotor speed, opening roller speed, rotor, opening roller and navel type on the quality parameters of SeaCell Active/cotton blended yarns were investigated. Tensile properties, hairiness, unevenness and IPI values of the yarns were reported. All types of cotton/SeaCell Active blended yarns were knitted on a circular knitting machine. Antibacterial activity of the fabrics was analyzed quantitatively. Antibacterial tests showed that good antibacterial activity can be achieved after several washings even with 3 % of SeaCell Active fibers in fabrics.