Global Illumina Sequencing and the Development of EST-SSR Markers in Alfalfa

RNA-Seq, a massively parallel sequencing method for transcriptome analysis, only analyzes transcribed portions of the genome. Recently, RNA-Seq has provided an opportunity to expand the identification of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) genes. Using Illumina sequencing, 124,025 unique sequences from MSGI 1.0 have been identified from the elongating stem and post-elongation stem internodes of two alfalfa genotypes (Yang et al. 2011). Using 454 sequencing, 54,216 unique sequences were obtained from the roots and shoots of two alfalfa genotypes (Han et al., 2011). In addition, Illumina sequencing of old and young stems of 27 alfalfa genotypes led to the identification of 25,183 contigs (Li et al. 2012). While these experiments have identified numerous transcripts, the transcripts were derived only from stems, roots, and shoots. Therefore, further transcriptome sequencing of a broader array of tissues permit the global identification of transcripts that would be useful in modern alfalfa breeding programs

Managing Seed Dormancy in Forage Legumes and Grasses: An Update

Seed dormancy is a common feature of the majority of forage species. It usually causes problems both to the grower and the seed analyst. Many methods have been developed to break dormant seed over the time, and efficacy of a method usually varies with species and cultivars. The objective of this paper is to review and summarise important methods used for seed dormancy breaking in forage legume and grass species, and the mechanisms involved

A method for the resonant response evaluation of blades system with underplatform dampers

The friction damper has been widely used to reduce the resonant vibration of blades. The harmonic balance method is a well-known method for the linearization of the nonlinear friction force. Meanwhile Mindlin gives analytical expression to describe the nonlinear friction force during stick contact condition, therefore the nonlinear force is represented by two linear coefficients, i.e., equivalent stiffness and equivalent damping. In this work, the stiffness matrix and mass matrix are normalized to a lumped mass and corresponding stiffness according to the definition of stiffness and modal mode. For blades system with underplatform dampers, the dynamic equation for multi lumped mass system is derived and also the iteration method is listed. At last, the experiment verification is conducted using 2 plate blades with underplatform damper. The comparison shows a good agreement in both resonant response and resonant frequency for low normal load cases, and still capture the tendency for high normal load cases

Application of NIRS in Nutrient Composition Evaluation of \u3cem\u3eLathyrus sativus\u3c/em\u3e

Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) Analysis has applied to measure nutrient composition successfully in many forage species (Jerry et al. 2003). Lathyrus sativus, an annual legume, is the only edible legume among Lathyrus with crude protein up to 30% (Jackson and Yunus 1984). It has high drought tolerance, and can grow well in barren soil. Thus, this species has a great potential as a crude protein source for livestock in arid and semi-arid area. To introduce this species into a grassland system in Northwest of China, developing a rapid method to deter-mine nutrient composition of various accessions is necessary. This study is aimed at calibrating an NIRS in-strument to predict nutritional traits of L. sativus straw and green manure from 50 accessions

Difference and Enlightenment of Livelihood Policies Between China and the United Sates

This paper analyzes and summarizes the American livelihood policy on the basis of educational public policy, medicine and health public policy, employment and entrepreneurship public policy and compulsory education public policy four policies; learns some experiences and shortages of American livelihood policy. Based on above analyses, putting forward some enlightenments and experiences of China livelihood policy