Extensive Conservation of Linkage Relationships Between Pea and Lentil Genetic Maps

A 560-cM linkage map consisting of 64 morphological, isozyme, and DNA markers, has been developed from an interspecific cross (Lens ervoides × L. Culinaris). In addition, nine markers were scored that assorted independently of any of the multilocus linkage groups. Comparison of this map with that established previously for Pisum sativum reveals eight regions in which linkages among marker loci appear to have been conserved since the divergence of the two genera. These conserved linkage groups constitute at least 250 cM, or approximately 40% of the known linkage map for Lens. The two genera represent disparate lineages within the legume tribe Vicease, indicating that all members of this tribe may possess linkage groups similar to those identified in Lens and Pisum. Instances where the Pisum and Lens maps differed included the regions surrounding the 45S ribosomal tandem repeats and the position and distribution of the genes encoding the small subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase. We also found a highly repeated sequence unique to Lens that maps within a linkage group shared between the two genera and a cDNA sequence that displays significant variation in copy number within the genus Len

Entanglement in a quantum annealing processor

Entanglement lies at the core of quantum algorithms designed to solve problems that are intractable by classical approaches. One such algorithm, quantum annealing (QA), provides a promising path to a practical quantum processor. We have built a series of scalable QA processors consisting of networks of manufactured interacting spins (qubits). Here, we use qubit tunneling spectroscopy to measure the energy eigenspectrum of two- and eight-qubit systems within one such processor, demonstrating quantum coherence in these systems. We present experimental evidence that, during a critical portion of QA, the qubits become entangled and that entanglement persists even as these systems reach equilibrium with a thermal environment. Our results provide an encouraging sign that QA is a viable technology for large-scale quantum computing.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, contact corresponding author for Supplementary Informatio

A scalable readout system for a superconducting adiabatic quantum optimization system

We have designed, fabricated and tested an XY-addressable readout system that is specifically tailored for the reading of superconducting flux qubits in an integrated circuit that could enable adiabatic quantum optimization. In such a system, the flux qubits only need to be read at the end of an adiabatic evolution when quantum mechanical tunneling has been suppressed, thus simplifying many aspects of the readout process. The readout architecture for an $N$-qubit adiabatic quantum optimization system comprises $N$ hysteretic dc SQUIDs and $N$ rf SQUID latches controlled by $2\sqrt{N} + 2$ bias lines. The latching elements are coupled to the qubits and the dc SQUIDs are then coupled to the latching elements. This readout scheme provides two key advantages: First, the latching elements provide exceptional flux sensitivity that significantly exceeds what may be achieved by directly coupling the flux qubits to the dc SQUIDs using a practical mutual inductance. Second, the states of the latching elements are robust against the influence of ac currents generated by the switching of the hysteretic dc SQUIDs, thus allowing one to interrogate the latching elements repeatedly so as to mitigate the effects of stochastic switching of the dc SQUIDs. We demonstrate that it is possible to achieve single qubit read error rates of $<10^{-6}$ with this readout scheme. We have characterized the system-level performance of a 128-qubit readout system and have measured a readout error probability of $8\times10^{-5}$ in the presence of optimal latching element bias conditions.Comment: Updated for clarity, final versio

Variation of some physical and chemical quality traits of Moroccan domesticated tetraploid oat lines of <i>Avena murphyi</i> Ladiz.

A potential in improving nutrition and health is the consumption of high balanced whole grains. A breeding program was launched by the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA-Morocco), aiming to develop new domesticated tetraploid oat lines of Avena murphyi Ladiz., with high nutritional benefits. A sequence-based diversity study was conducted on ten tetraploid oat lines of A. murphyi to shed light not only on the importance of domesticating wild oat species for crop improvement but also to highlight the nutritional traits of those oat lines. In this study, we assessed the lines for some grain nutritional traits, such as groat contents of proteins and lipids as well as ash, fiber fractions, carbohydrates, and minerals.The obtained results showed a wide range of chemical contents among lines. The results revealed a high significant difference (P &lt; 0.001) in the groat contents of proteins (11.46–15.12%), fat (4.14–10.14%), carbohydrates (48.68–57.38%), and ash (2.71–5.18%). Analysis of total fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, ADL and CF), showed the presence of significant differences between the assessed lines. The lines A. murphyi 8 and 9, recorded the highest groat protein contents of 15.12% and 13.66%, with an interesting macroelement profile, mainly magnesium and phosphorus, and iron and manganese as minor mineral profile.Due to their biochemical composition, Moroccan domesticated tetraploid oat lines of A. murphyi offer many opportunities to improve oat cultivation in Morocco and serve as an excellent raw material for foodstuffs formulation

ASSESSMENT OF IMPORTANT TECHNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF NEW MOROCCAN DOMESTICATED TETRAPLOID OAT LINES OF AVENA MAGNA

Results of studying the oat collection of the N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources are presented. Field and Nine tetraploid oat lines of Avena magna Murph. et Terr. were assessed for their technological performance. Physicochemical analyses were performed, including moisture, ash, proteins, fibre fractions, lipids, carbohydrates, and minerals. Statistical analysis revealed noteworthy differences in the chemical composition between the cultivars