Short communication: Roles of outer membrane protein W on survival,cellular morphology,and biofilm formation of Cronobacter sakazakii in response to oxidative stress

Cronobacter species are a group of opportunistic food-borne pathogens that cause rare but severe infections in neonates. Tolerance to environmental stress in Cronobacter is known; however, factors involved in oxidative stress are undefined. In this study, Cronobacter sakazakii survival, cellular morphology, and biofilm formation in response to oxidative stress were evaluated between the wild type (WT) and an outer membrane protein W (OmpW) mutant. The survival rates of ΔOmpW strain after treatment with 1.0 and 1.5 mM hydrogen peroxide were significantly reduced compared with those of WT. Morphological changes, including cell membrane damage and cell fragmentation, in ΔOmpW were more predominant than those in WT. By crystal violet staining, we also observed increased biomass in ΔOmpW biofilms as compared with WT following treatment with 0.5 and 1.0 mM H₂O₂. Biofilms using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy further confirmed the structural changes of biofilms between WT and ΔOmpW in response to oxidative stress. The current findings show that OmpW contributed to survival of planktonic cells under oxidative stress and the deletion of OmpW facilitated the biofilm formation in C. sakazakii to adapt to oxidative stress.     

Interactions between whey soybean protein (WSP) and beta-conglycinin (7S) during the formation of protein particles at elevated temperatures

In this study, the amount, size, calcium sensibility, and composition of heat-induced protein particles in the mixture of beta-conglycinin (7S) and whey soybean protein (WSP) dispersion are compared with those of 7S and WSP dispersion to investigate the interactions between WSP and 7S during heating. The addition of 7S prevents WSP from forming large protein particles which can be precipitated by centrifugation at 10,000g for 10 min. The protein in the heated mixture of 7S and WSP (7S/WSP = 1/1) coagulates at higher calcium concentrations than that in the mixture of heated 7S and heated WSP at a ratio of 1/1. This result strongly indicates that 7S and WSP interact with each other during heating and form complex protein particles which have special surface properties that are different from individual 7S and WSP protein particles. Particle size distribution analysis has also shown that 7S prevents WSP from forming larger protein particles during heating. SDS-PAGE analysis shows that lipoxygenase (LOX), beta-amylase, and lectin of WSP and the beta subunit of 7S tend to form a particulate fraction, while the KTI, alpha, and alpha′ subunits tend to form a soluble fraction. WSP, 7S, and their mixture have been heated at 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95 °C for 10 min, and ultracentrifugation analysis shows that about 77–85% of the protein particles were formed at 65–75 °C in all three dispersions. SDS-PAGE analysis indicates that LOX and β-amylase have been denatured and that they have participated in the formation of protein particles when heated within 65–75 °C, while lectin has begun to participate in particle formation at above 85 °C. It is concluded that WSP plays an evident role in the formation of protein particles in soymilk during heating.     

Effect of treatment with electrolyzed NaCl solutions and essential oil compounds on the proximate composition,amino acid and fatty acid composition of carp fillets

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of treatment with electrolyzed NaCl solutions and 1% essential oil (0.5% carvacrol + 0.5% thymol) on the proximate composition and nutritional components (amino acids and fatty acids) of carp fillets at room temperature (25 °C). Carp fillet samples were treated with anodic electrolyzed NaCl solution [EW (+)], cathodic electrolyzed NaCl solution [EW (−)] followed by EW (+) [EW (−)/EW (+)], 1% essential oil (0.5% carvacrol + 0.5% thymol) [1% (Cv + Ty)], EW (+) followed by 1% (Cv + Ty) [EW (+)/1% (Cv + Ty)] and EW (−) followed by EW (+) and finally with 1% (Cv + Ty) [EW (−)/EW (+)/1% (Cv + Ty)]. Proximate composition, SDS–PAGE, amino acid composition, digestibility and fatty acid composition were used to determine the changes in carp fillet composition. Moisture, total lipid, total protein, ash and carbohydrate contents of the carp fillets were approximately 76%, 3.9%, 17.5%, 1.0% and 0.40%, respectively. The dominant amino acid was glutamic acid, and the composition ranged from 14.2 to 14.5 mol%. Protein digestibility of the carp fillets was approximately 85%. Oleic acid was the major monounsaturated acid in the carp fillets (41.0–41.9%). These results show that our method of fish preservation, using electrolyzed NaCl solutions and 1% (Cv + Ty), did not affect the quality (nutritional components) of carp fillets, and could be a good alternative to synthetic preservatives routinely used in the food industry.     

Noni increased the systemic exposure of methotrexate in rats through inhibition on multi-drug resistance protein 2 (MRP 2) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)

Methotrexate (MTX) is an important immunosuppressant with narrow therapeutic window. The transport of MTX was associated with multi-drug resistance proteins (MRPs) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Noni fruit is a phenolics rich health food. This study set out to investigate the effect of noni juice on MTX pharmacokinetics and the underlying mechanisms. Rats were administered MTX with and without single dose or the 7th dose of noni juice (6 mL/kg). The serum MTX concentrations were determined using a specific monoclonal fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The results revealed that single dose and multiple doses of noni juice significantly increased the AUC_0–t, C_max and MRT of MTX. A further inquiry into the underlying mechanism indicated that noni metabolites inhibited the activities of MRP 2 and BCRP. In conclusion, concomitant intake of noni juice significantly increased the systemic exposure of MTX through inhibition on MRP 2 and BCRP.     

Effects of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and essential amino acids on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and protein synthesis rates in mammary cells

Regulation of mammary protein synthesis potentially changes the relationships between AA supply and milk protein output represented in current nutrient requirement models. Glucose and AA regulate muscle protein synthesis via cellular signaling pathways involving mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of essential AA (EAA) and acetate or glucose on mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways and milk protein synthesis rates. A bovine mammary epithelial cell line, MAC-T, was subjected to different media containing 0 or 3.5 mmol/L EAA concentrations with 0 or 5 mmol/L acetate or 0 or 17.5 mmol/L glucose in 2 separate 2 × 2 factorial studies. In a separate set of experiments, lactogenic bovine mammary tissue slices were subjected to the same treatments except that the low EAA treatment contained a low level of EAA (0.18 mmol/L). Supplementation of EAA enhanced phosphorylation of mTOR (Ser2448) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1, Thr37/46), and reduced phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2, Thr56) in MAC-T cells. Concentration of ATP and phosphorylation of AMPK increased and decreased, respectively, in the presence of EAA in MAC-T cells. Acetate, EAA, or glucose numerically reduced AMPK phosphorylation by about 16% in mammary tissue slices. Provision of EAA increased phosphorylation of mTOR and 4EBP1, intracellular total EAA concentration, and casein synthesis rates in mammary tissue slices, irrespective of the presence of acetate or glucose in the medium. Phosphorylation of mTOR had a marginally negative association with AMPK phosphorylation, which was positively related to eEF2 phosphorylation. Casein synthesis rates were positively and more strongly linked to mTOR phosphorylation than the negative link between eEF2 phosphorylation and casein synthesis rates. A 100% increase in mTOR phosphorylation was associated with an increase in the casein synthesis rate of 0.74%·h⁻¹, whereas a 100% increase in eEF2 phosphorylation was related to a decline in the casein synthesis rate of 0.33%·h⁻¹. Although AMPK phosphorylation was responsive to cellular energy status and had a negative effect on mTOR-mediated signals in bovine mammary epithelial cells, its effect on milk protein synthesis rates appeared to be marginal compared with the mTOR-mediated regulation of milk protein synthesis by EAA.     

Influences of degree of hydrolysis and molecular weight of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on properties of fish myofibrillar protein/PVA blend films

Biodegradable blend films based on fish myofibrillar protein (FMP) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared and characterized. PVA with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) and molecular weights (MW) had the impact on properties of FMP/PVA (1:1, w/w) blend film. The blend films with higher MW of PVA were more tensile resistant, as indicated by the greater tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB), while the films with PVA of lower DH were more flexible. The blend film with PVA-BP26 (DH: 86–98% mol; MW: 124,000–130,000 g/mol) exhibited the greatest tensile performance and the lowest water vapor permeability (p < 0.05), compared with other films. SEM and FTIR results revealed that FMP and PVA were compatible and their intermolecular interaction was enhanced, providing the blend film with desirable properties. Therefore, incorporation of PVA with appropriated DH and MW could improve the properties of the FMP-based film.     

Inhibition of frozen storage‐induced oxidation and structural changes in myofibril of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) surimi by cryoprotectant and hydrolysed whey protein addition

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined cryoprotectants (sucrose + sorbitol) and whey protein isolate (WPI) hydrolysates to inhibit protein oxidation and quality loss in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) surimi during frozen storage at ?25 °C. With increasing storage time, the carbonyl content of myofibrillar proteins increased from 4.02 nmolmg^‐1 protein (0 day) to 7.25, 6.31, 5.26 and 4.83 nmol mg^?1 protein (180 days; P < 0.05) for the control and samples with cryoprotectants, with cryoprotectants + WPI hydrolysates and with cryoprotectants + propyl gallate, respectively; protein surface hydrophobicity and turbidity increased in a similar trend, while sulfhydryl content, Ca‐ATPase activity, protein solubility and protein thermal stability decreased (P < 0.05). These results suggest that treatments with combined cryoprotectants and antioxidative WPI hydrolysates offer an effective approach to reducing the extent of protein oxidation in common carp surimi, thereby limiting protein structural changes known to impair texture of surimi products.     

Studies on the occurrence and formation of 2-(hydroxymethyl)-N-nitrosothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (HMNTCA) and 2-(hydroxymethyl)-N-nitrosothiazolidine (HMNTHZ) in various cured smoked meats,fish and cheese

Abstract : Because of the carcinogenic nature of many N-nitroso compounds, there is concern about their presence in foods. This paper presents some data on the levels of two non-volatile compounds (2-(hydroxymethyl)-N-nitrosothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (HMNTCA) and 2-(hydroxymethyl)-N-nitrosothiazolidine (HMNTHZ)) in various smoked foods such as 25 cured meats, eight smoked fish and seafoods, 15 smoked poultry products, and 17 smoked cheeses. All samples were negative for HMNTHZ, but 11 of the cured meats, six poultry products and two smoked fish contained HMNTCA at levels of 10–260 μg kg^?1. Upon frying, appreciable levels of HMNTHZ were formed in only one of 10 samples of cured meat products. The smoked cheeses were all negative for HMNTCA.     

Effect of gamma-irradiation on flavour 5′-nucleotides,tyrosine, and phenylalanine in mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)

The impact of gamma-irradiation on 5′-nucleotides and on the free amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine in fresh mushrooms was studied. After irradiation the samples were freeze-dried to avoid enzyme induced chemical changes. Three 5′-nucleotides could be detected using HPLC–UV and LC–ESI-MS: adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP) and guanosine 5′-diphosphate (GDP). Irradiation significantly reduced (p = 0.05) the GDP concentration (22%). AMP showed a marked reduction (46%) only at 5 kGy. GMP, tyrosine, and phenylalanine were not affected by gamma-irradiation.     

Effects of protein from different sources on the characteristics of sponge cakes,rice cakes (apam), doughnuts and frying batters

Sponge cakes containing total substitution of whole egg with egg yolk had the largest volume, best texture, highest moisture, colour and flavour compared with all other cakes. Cakes made with total substitution of other proteins had smaller volumes than the control, while those made with egg white had the lowest moisture. Cakes made with whey powder had the tenderest texture. Doughnuts made with protein other than gluten had reduced oil absorption compared with the control. Doughnuts containing whey or skimmed milk had the most desirable flavour; this may be attributed to the presence of lactose. Gluten doughnuts were most disliked because of their hard texture and pale colour. Doughnuts made with total substitution of whole egg with egg white had good texture and low oil absorption. Skimmed milk powder was best for the expansion and texture of chemically leavened rice cakes (apam), while egg white produced the best expansion for yeast-leavened rice cakes, compared with the other proteins studied. The protein that produced the most desirable textures in yeast-leavened rice cakes in order of merit were skimmed milk powder, egg white and egg yolk. Whey, skimmed milk powder and gluten helped improve the crispiness of frying batters. Ovalbumin did not affect the crispiness but significantly reduced the oil absorption of the frying batters. Addition of proteins other than whey and ovalbumin, increased the oil absorption of frying batters.     

茉莉酸甲酯对草莓果实采后腐烂、苯丙烷类代谢及抗氧化活性的影响

为研究茉莉酸甲酯处理(Methyl jasmonate,MeJA)对草莓果实采后腐烂、苯丙烷类代谢及抗氧化活性的影响,将果实先于20℃下以10μmol/L MeJA熏蒸处理6h,然后转入(1±1)℃下贮藏12d,每隔3d测定果实腐烂率、苯丙烷类代谢相关酶苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL)、对香豆酰-CoA连接酶(4-CL)、肉桂酸羟化酶(C4H)和二氢黄酮醇还原酶(DFR)活性以及总酚、总花色苷和酚类和花色苷类单体物质含量,并且同时测定果实DPPH(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)自由基清除率和总还原力。结果显示,MeJA处理可显著抑制草莓果实贮藏期间腐烂率的上升;同时MeJA可诱导PAL、4-CL、C4H和DFR活性的上升,从而有效延缓了酚类和花色苷类物质含量的下降,提高了果实DPPH自由基清除率和总还原力,维持了果实的抗氧化活性。这些结果表明,MeJA处理在草莓果实保鲜中具有较好的应用前景。     

Impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms in leptin, leptin receptor, growth hormone receptor, and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) gene loci on milk production, feed, and body energy traits of UK dairy cows

The impact of 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), growth hormone receptor (GHR), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) gene loci on daily milk production, feed intake, and feed conversion, and weekly measures of live weight, BCS, and body energy traits was evaluated using genetic and phenotypic data on 571 Holstein cows raised at the Langhill Dairy Cattle Research Center in Scotland. Six SNP were typed on the LEP gene and 1 on each of the other 3 loci. Of the 6 LEP SNP, 3 were in very high linkage disequilibrium, meaning there is little gain in typing all of them in the future. Seven LEP haplotypes were identified by parsimony-based analyses. Random-regression allele-substitution models were used to assess the impact of each SNP allele or haplotype on the traits of interest. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase had a significant effect on milk yield, whereas GHR significantly affected feed intake, feed conversion, and body energy traits. There was also evidence of dominance in allelic effects on milk yield and BCS. The LEP haplotype CCGTTT (corresponding to leptin SNP C207T, C528T, A1457G, C963T, A252T, and C305T, respectively) significantly affected milk yield and feed and dry matter intake. Animals carrying this haplotype produced 3.13 kg more milk daily and consumed 4.64 kg more feed. Furthermore, they tended to preserve more energy than average. Such results may be used to facilitate genetic selection in animal breeding programs.     

Recent research in flaxseed (oil seed) on molecular structure and metabolic characteristics of protein,heat processing-induced effect and nutrition with advanced synchrotron-based molecular techniques

Advanced synchrotron radiation-based infrared microspectroscopy is able to reveal feed and food structure feature at cellular and molecular levels and simultaneously provides composition, structure, environment, and chemistry within intact tissue. However, to date, this advanced synchrotron-based technique is still seldom known to food and feed scientists. This article aims to provide detailed background for flaxseed (oil seed) protein research and then review recent progress and development in flaxseed research in ruminant nutrition in the areas of (1) dietary inclusion of flaxseed in rations; (2) heat processing effect; (3) assessing dietary protein; (4) synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy as a tool of nutritive evaluation within cellular and subcellular dimensions; (5) recent synchrotron applications in flaxseed research on a molecular basis. The information described in this paper gives better insight in flaxseed research progress and update.     

Short communication: Effect of commercial or depurinized milk diet on plasma advanced oxidation protein products,cardiovascular markers,and bone marrow CD34 stem cell potential in rat experimental hyperuricemia

Cardiovascular repair and myocardial contractility may be improved by migration of bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) and their delivery to the site of injury, a process known as BMSC homing. The aim of our study was to examine the dietary effect of a newly patented depurinized milk (DP) that is almost free of uric acid and purine and pyrimidine compounds compared with a standard commercial 1.5% fat UHT milk diet or allopurinol therapy in rat experimental hyperuricemia. Bone marrow stem cell potential (BMCD34⁺, CD34-postive bone marrow cells), plasma oxidative stress parameters [advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)], myocardial damage markers [creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)], plasma cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were investigated. The DP milk diet significantly increased the number of BMCD34⁺ stem cells compared with commercial UHT milk. Allopurinol given alone also increased the number of BMCD34⁺. Hyperuricemia caused a significant increase in all plasma enzyme markers for myocardial damage (CPK, LDH, and AST). A cardioprotective effect was achieved with allopurinol but almost equally with DP milk and more than with commercial milk. Regarding plasma AOPP, TBARS, and cholesterol levels, the most effective treatment was DP milk. In conclusion, the protective role of a milk diet on cardiovascular function may be enhanced through the new depurinized milk diet, which may improve cardiovascular system function via increased bone marrow stem cell regenerative potential, decreased plasma oxidative stress parameters, and decreased levels of myocardial damage markers and cholesterol. New dairy technology strategies focused on eliminating harmful milk compounds should be completely nontoxic. Novel milk products should be tested for their ability to improve tissue repair and function.     

The effect of housing system on apparent digestibility in pigs,using the classical and marker (chromic oxide,acid-insoluble ash) techniques,in relation to dietary composition

The present study examined differences in faecal digestibilities of organic matter (dOM) and crude protein (dXP), between growing pigs housed either in pens as groups or individually in metabolism cages. In addition, a study was made of the influence of dietary composition on these observed differences. Four experimental diets were composed by iso-energetic exchange of maize starch in the control diet with purified cellulose (260 g kg^-1), toasted soyabean hulls (280 g kg^-1) or renderers fat (67 g kg^-1), respectively. Both in pens and in metabolism cages, dOM and dXP were measured, using both chromic oxide (Cr₂O₃) and acid-insoluble ash (AIA) as markers. In metabolism cages, the results of the marker method were compared to those of the classical method, where dOM and dXP were measured by collecting faeces quantitatively. Recoveries of both markers were measured, after a period of 10 and 3 days. With Cr₂O₃ as marker, pen-housing resulted in a dOM which was on average 2.5 (1.7–4.5) units lower and a dXP averaging 4.5 (3.0–5.8) units lower than measured in the metabolism cages (P≤0.001). No significant interactions were demonstrated between housing system and dietary composition. In contrast, with AIA as marker significantly higher digestibility values were observed for pigs in pens, when fed the cellulose diet. With this diets, the dOM was on average 14.7 units higher and the dXP was on average 10.9 units higher for the penned pigs. For the pigs fed one of the other three diets, the dOM was on average 1.5 (0.1–2.7) units lower and the dXP was on average 3.7 (1.9–5.7) units lower. Thus, with AIA as a marker, the effect of housing system on digestibility interacted with the type of diet (P≤0.05 on dOM and P≤0.01 on dXP). Comparison between the marker method with the classical method, showed that Cr₂O₃ provided similar results. In contrast, AIA displayed significantly higher dOM and dXP, except with the cellulose diet. This could be explained by differences in the recoveries of both markers. For Cr₂O₃ this was close to 100% and for AIA it varied from 97% on the cellulose diet to 183% on the control diet. The analytical procedure for AIA requires more research. Shortening the measuring period from 10 to 3 days did not prove to be significant, but increased the standard deviations. It was concluded that for practical application, faecal digestibilities should be measured with penned pigs. According to the findings, under such conditions Cr₂O₃ is a good marker. AIA was found to be unsuitable.     

Simulation studies on the effects of solar heat on egg-laying, development and survival of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic) in stored bambara groundnut Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt

The effects of simulated solar heat on oviposition, development and survival of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic) in stored bambara groundnut, Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt, were evaluated at three high temperatures (40°C, 45°C and 50°C) at a constant, low humidity (30% relative humidity). Exposure to these temperatures for 6 h significantly reduced oviposition in C. maculatus and C. subinnotatus females. Females of both species that were exposed to 50°C laid significantly fewer eggs than those exposed to 40°C; and in the case of C. maculatus, females exposed to 45°C also laid significantly fewer eggs than those exposed to 40°C. The percentage of eggs laid by females of both species that reached adulthood after exposure to 50°C for 2–6 h was significantly lower than the percentage that developed from eggs laid by females that were exposed to 40°C. No adult developed from eggs of C. maculatus exposed for 6 h at 50°C or from eggs of C. subinnotatus exposed for 2 h at this temperature. For both species, no adult progeny subsequently emerged from seeds harbouring first instar larvae when exposed at 50°C for 2, 4 or 6 h. Older larvae of C. maculatus were more tolerant of exposure at 50°C: 26.8, 10.2 and 0.9% of late instar larvae exposed for 2, 4 and 6 h, respectively, developed to the adult stage. In contrast, no adults of C. subinnotatus emerged from seeds harbouring late instar larvae when exposed at 45°C for 6 h nor in seeds exposed to the temperature of 50°C for 4 or 6 h. On average, immature stages of C. subinnotatus were more susceptible to heat treatment than those of C. maculatus.     

A study based on records taken at time of hoof trimming reveals a strong association between the IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) gene and sole hemorrhage in Holstein cattle

Feet and leg problems have a major effect on the well-being and lifespan of the dairy cow and thus are economically important to the dairy farmer. Apart from approaches using genetic selection for classical traits from conformation scoring, attempts for genetic improvement can be based either on records of individual disease cases or on records of disorder status at time of hoof trimming. In this study, 1,962 first-lactation cows were subjected to hoof trimming with an assessment of disorder status for sole hemorrhage as a binary trait. Cows were from 7 large commercial herds in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (northeastern Germany) that had similar housing with cubicles, slatted flooring, little use of straw for bedding, and total mixed ration feeding. Cows were trimmed and assessed once, focusing on cows in the first half of the lactation. Herds were visited at intervals to enable recording of cohorts at a similar stage of lactation. Each cohort or herd-visit included between 31 and 165 cows. Additional measurements included body weight, back fat thickness, and body condition at time of trimming. Further data on dairy production, conformation scores, and reproductive performance were merged after collection of records had finished. The DNA extracted from blood of 1,183 cows was used for analysis with a custom-made array of 384 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). The SNP were selected according to results from the literature for effects in classical conformation traits, from biochemical pathway analysis, and from comparative analysis of putative candidate genes in cattle, pigs, and sheep. Selection of cohorts of cows for SNP chip analysis was such that cohorts with extreme frequencies of disorders and cohorts with slightly deviating housing systems were excluded in this first step. The results from a mixed threshold model analysis with genotype included as a fixed effect and accounting for relationships among animals revealed that the intronic SNP rs29017173 (A/G) within the IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1, Bos taurus autosome 21) was significantly associated with disorder status. Back-transformed means of disorder status for the 3 genotypes were 0.37 (AA), 0.52 (AG), and 0.56 (GG). Using the full data set of 1,962 cows, including the less-suitable cohorts, gave back-transformed means of 0.51 (AA), 0.58 (AG), and 0.62 (GG). As SNP rs29017173 is included on the Illumina BovineSNP50 DNA Analysis BeadChip (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA), a sample of 2,394 artificial insemination sires from the German calibration sample for genomic selection from birth years 1998 to 2003 was studied for possible correlated effects. The A/G polymorphism of SNP rs29017173 studied here was also associated with substantial effects for feet and leg traits from the classical conformation score system. Selection using this polymorphism will be facilitated by the fact that the same allele is favored for all traits with substantial effects.     

国英(中国之星)金刚石研究成果对于若干自然、历史、文化之谜研究的意义

文章确证,国英(中国之星)是1893年前全世界最大的金刚石,而作为“夜明珠”在清朝时期与“金刚石”并称,则说明了夜明珠是相对于小粒金刚石而言、专指特大颗粒、近似球形的金刚石原石,一般专属于皇帝拥有。因此,可以说明,为什么现在夜明珠考古发掘很少和样品难寻。由于国英(中国之星)产于印度南部的戈尔康达地区,因此,戈尔康达地区必定产有金刚石的砂矿床,而研究这些砂矿床就可以找到金刚石的原生岩石,这就是笔者所创立的金刚石考古地质学理论与方法。笔者相信,这一方法同样可以用于中国内陆地区金刚石的找矿研究。不仅如此,国英(中国之星)研究成果对于中国乃至世界范围内若干自然、历史、文化之谜的研究具有重要的参考意义,这些自然、历史、文化之谜包括夜明珠之谜、“国英(中国之星)”去向之谜、成吉思汗九龙真珠之谜、光绪皇帝突然驾崩之谜、清代东陵西陵惨遭劫难之谜、中印金刚石交流历史之谜、“痕都斯坦金刚石”之谜。同时,国英(中国之星)研究成果终结了此前世界各国金刚石学者围绕“莫卧儿大帝金刚石”是否已经被切割成为“光明之山”、“光明之海”、“光明之眼”、“奥尔洛夫”或“月亮之山”的种种猜测和学术纷争。