Common Traits Research Articles

Genetic association studies using disease liabilities from deep neural networks.

The case-control study is a widely used method for investigating the genetic underpinnings of binary traits. However, long-term, prospective cohort studies often grapple with absent or evolving health-related outcomes. Here, we propose two methods, liability and meta, for conducting genome-wide association study (GWAS) that leverage disease liabilities calculated from deep patient phenotyping. Analyzing 38 common traits in ~300,000 UK Biobank participants, we identified an increased number of loci compared to the conventional case-control approach, with high replication rates in larger external GWAS. Further analyses confirmed the disease-specificity of the genetic architecture with the meta method demonstrating higher robustness when phenotypes were imputed with low accuracy. Additionally, polygenic risk scores based on disease liabilities more effectively predicted newly diagnosed cases in the 2022 dataset, which were controls in the earlier 2019 dataset. Our findings demonstrate that integrating high-dimensional phenotypic data into deep neural networks enhances genetic association studies while capturing disease-relevant genetic architecture.

Alpha-Tryptase as a Risk-Modifying Factor for Mast Cell-Mediated Reactions.

To provide an overview on the current understanding of genetic variability in human tryptases and summarize the literature demonstrating the differential impact of mature tryptases on mast cell-mediated reactions and associated clinical phenotypes. It is becoming increasingly recognized that tryptase gene composition, and in particular the common genetic trait hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HαT), impacts clinical allergy. HαT has consistently been associated with clonal mast cell disorders (MCD) and has also been associated with more frequent anaphylaxis among these patients, and patients in whom no allergic trigger can be found, specifically idiopathic anaphylaxis. Additionally, more severe anaphylaxis among Hymenoptera venom allergy patients has been linked to HαT in both retrospective and prospective studies. An increased relative number of α-tryptase-encoding gene copies, even in the absence of HαT, has also been associated with systemic mastocytosis and has been shown to positively correlate with the severity of mast cell-mediated reactions to vibration and food. These findings may be due to increased generation of α/β-tryptase heterotetramers and differences in their enzymatic activity relative to β-tryptase homotetramers. HαT is a naturally occurring overexpression model of α-tryptase in humans. Increased relative α-tryptase expression modifies immediate hypersensitivity symptoms and is associated with more frequent and severe mast cell-mediated reactions, ostensibly due to increased α/β-tryptase heterotetramer production.

In situ single-molecule investigations of the impacts of biochemical perturbations on conformational intermediates of monomeric α-synuclein.

α-Synuclein aggregation is a common trait in synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease. Being an unstructured protein, α-synuclein exists in several distinct conformational intermediates, contributing to both its function and pathogenesis. However, the regulation of these monomer conformations by biochemical factors and potential drugs has remained elusive. In this study, we devised an in situ single-molecule manipulation approach to pinpoint kinetically stable conformational intermediates of monomeric α-synuclein and explore the effects of various biochemical factors and drugs. We uncovered a partially folded conformation located in the non-amyloid-β component (NAC) region of monomeric α-synuclein, which is regulated by a preNAC region. This conformational intermediate is sensitive to biochemical perturbations and small-molecule drugs that influencing α-synuclein's aggregation tendency. Our findings reveal that this partially folded intermediate may play a role in α-synuclein aggregation, offering fresh perspectives for potential treatments aimed at the initial stage of higher-order α-synuclein aggregation. The single-molecule approach developed here can be broadly applied to the study of disease-related intrinsically disordered proteins.

The Enemy with Human Face? Rehumanization of the Images of Americans in the Soviet Thaw Cinema

Introduction. The article focuses on the changes that happened in the portrayal of U.S. characters in Soviet Thaw cinema. The contribution of the article in the field of cultural Cold War is threefold: for the first time, it studies the American characters’ images through the prism of the concept of rehumanization; establishes common and particular traits of deconstruction of the image of the enemy in Soviet and American cinema; and introduces new materials into scientific circulation. The materials consist of the movies on which Soviet cinematography worked in the early 1960s; reviews in film magazines; and archival data of discussions on movies and their scenarios that took place in film studios. Analysis. Specifics of the dehumanization of ‘enemy number one’ in Soviet cinema. The Soviet anti-Americanism was based on the idea of ‘two Americas’: dehumanization has been subjected only to class and politically alien Americans. Deconstructing the image of the enemy in Thaw cinema. Humanizing U.S. characters was achieved with the help of endowing them with kindness, empathy, creativity, emotionality, moral behavior, ability for love, friendship, and comradeship, emphasizing the similarity of the basic values of ‘us’ and ‘them’, and demonstrating the possibility of peaceful coexistence through cases of mutual aid, cooperation, and the occurrence of friendly and romantic relations. The humanness of U.S. characters becomes less dependent on political factors. The cinema expressed the idea that man by nature was good, and this original human goodness was noticeable most of all in children, including American ones. The limits of rehumanization. The conservative part of the Soviet elite accused ‘abstract humanism’ of forgetting the class principle and juxtaposed it to ‘revolutionary humanism’. Criticism of ‘abstract humanism’ in ideology was accompanied by a tightening of demands for representing America that representatives of the Soviet controlling bodies made. Results. In the 1960s, Soviet cinema (just like U.S. cinema) had the tendency of deconstructing the image of ‘enemy number one’, which took the form of rehumanization. The rehumanization had its limitations.

Inflammatory bowel disease activity threatens ankylosing spondylitis: implications from Mendelian randomization combined with transcriptome analysis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) share common traits of chronic recurrent inflammation affecting both the intestines and joints. Epidemiological studies have revealed that the incidence of AS has jumped from 0.3% to 3% among patients with IBD. However, these findings do not definitively establish a causal relationship whereby IBD directly leads to the development of AS. Moreover, whether the activity of IBD will have an impact on this process remains a pending question. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were employed across multiple datasets to investigate the potential of IBD as a risk factor for AS. The pathogenic genes of AS were identified by MR analysis of expression quantitative trait locus. Risk scores for active and inactive patients were calculated by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. Comparative assessments encompassing alterations in risk transcription factor activity, shifts in signaling pathways, and variances in immune cell profiles were conducted between active and inactive patients. Moreover, the correlation of immune cells and risk genes was quantified. A total of 6 MR analyses, conducted across 3 exposure datasets and 2 outcome datasets, consistently revealed that IBD substantially elevates the risk of AS development. The MR analysis of the two outcome datasets identified 66 and 54 risk genes, respectively. Notably, both the risk scores computed from the two distinct sets of risk genes were notably higher in active patients compared to their inactive counterparts. Discernible variations in the activity of risk-associated transcription factors were observed between active and inactive patients. In addition, three inflammatory pathways exhibited marked activation in active patients. Moreover, seven specific immune cell types, closely linked to disease activity, exhibited statistically significant correlations with the identified risk genes. By combining Mendelian randomization with transcriptome analysis, this study postulates IBD as a significant risk factor for AS, and further presents innovative evidence for the impact of IBD activity on the progression of AS.

In Search of Medea’s Atypical Motherhood in Euripides’ Medea: Cultural and Historical Perspective

This research aims to highlight the common traits of atypical motherhood portrayed in Euripides’ tragic play, “Medea” focusing on the character of Medea. The study explores the contrast between revenge and motherhood, showcasing how Medea challenges the traditional maternal roles which often emphasize nurturing and protective qualities. Medea challenges these norms and Conventional expectations through her complex and controversial actions by navigating the intricate interplay between love, revenge, and societal norms. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating literary analysis, psychoanalytic perspectives, and cultural studies to unravel the layers of Medea’s action. Through a detailed analysis of Medea’s character, the paper examines subtle representations of motherhood, revealing the tensions between maternal instinct and the pursuit of individual agency. Additionally, the research investigates how cultural and historical context of ancient Greece influenced the construction of maternal roles in the play. By delving into the character of Medea, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding motherhood within the context of classical Greek literature. Furthermore, it invites reflection on the enduring relevance of these themes in contemporary discussions on gender, power, and societal expectations. Through this exploration, the paper aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of maternal roles in classical literature and stimulate discourse on the portrayal of atypical motherhood in ancient narratives.

AHL-differential quorum sensing regulation of amino acid metabolism in Hafnia alvei H4.

Quorum sensing (QS) regulation of functional metabolites is rarely reported but a common trait of some bacteria. In this study, we found that QS promoted the extracellular accumulation of glycine and serine while inhibiting the extracellular accumulation of methionine in Hafnia alvei H4. The correlation analysis of five QS signals with the above three QS-regulated amino acids suggested that these QS signals may have functional differences in amino acid regulation. The exogenous AHL add-back studies on genes involved in glycine, serine, and methionine metabolic pathway highlighted that N-octanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL) downregulated the expression of sdhC/fumA genes involved in the succinate to malate pathway, thereby reducing the metabolic flux of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle as an amino acid metabolism platform. Further in-depth research revealed that the QS system promoted the conversion of folate to tetrahydrofolate (THF) by positively regulating the expression of folA and folM, thus impairing the ability of folate to promote methionine accumulation. Moreover, folate positively regulated the expression of the QS signal synthesis gene luxI, promoting the synthesis of QS signals, which may further enhance the influence of the QS system on amino acid metabolism. These findings contribute to the understanding of amino acid metabolism regulated by QS and provide new perspectives for accurate control of metabolic regulation caused by QS.IMPORTANCEAs one of the important regulatory mechanisms of microorganisms, quorum sensing (QS) is involved in the regulation of various physiological activities. However, few studies on the regulation of amino acid metabolism by QS are available. This study demonstrated that the LuxI-type QS system of Hafnia alvei H4 was involved in the regulation of multiple amino acid metabolism, and different types of QS signals exhibited different roles in regulating amino acid metabolism. Additionally, the regulatory effects of the QS system on amino acid metabolism were investigated from two important cycles that influence the conversion of amino acids, including the TCA cycle and the folate cycle. These findings provide new ideas on the role of QS system in the regulation of amino acid metabolism in organisms.

Multi-locus genome-wide association study reveal genomic regions underlying root system architecture traits in Ethiopian sorghum germplasm.

The identification of genomic regions underlying the root system architecture (RSA) is vital for improving crop abiotic stress tolerance. To improve sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) for environmental stress tolerance, information on genetic variability and genomic regions linked to RSA traits is paramount. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate common quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) via multiple methodologies and identify genomic regions linked to RSA traits in a panel of 274 Ethiopian sorghum accessions. Multi-locus genome-wide association study was conducted using 265,944 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Considering the QTN detected by at least three different methods, a total of 17 reliable QTNs were found to be significantly associated with root angle, number, length, and dry weight. Four QTNs were detected on chromosome SBI-05, followed by SBI-01 and SBI-02 with three QTNs each. Among the 17 QTNs, 11 are colocated with previously identified root traits quantitative trait loci and the remaining six are genome regions with novel genes. A total of 118 genes are colocated with these up- and down-streams of the QTNs. Moreover, five QTNs were found intragenic. These QTNs are S5_8994835 (number of nodal roots), S10_55702393 (number of nodal roots), S1_56872999 (nodal root angle), S9_1212069 (nodal root angle), and S5_5667192 (root dry weight) intragenic regions of Sobic.005G073101, Sobic.010G198000, Sobic.001G273000, Sobic.009G013600, and Sobic.005G054700, respectively. Particularly, Sobic.005G073101, Sobic.010G198000, and Sobic.009G013600 were found responsible for the plant growth hormone-induced RSA. These genes may regulate root development in the seedling stage. Further analysis on these genes might be important to explore the genetic structure of RSA of sorghum.

On the moduli space curvature at infinity

We analyse the scalar curvature of the vector multiplet moduli space MXVM\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ {\\mathcal{M}}_X^{\ extrm{VM}} $$\\end{document} of type IIA string theory compactified on a Calabi-Yau manifold X. While the volume of MXVM\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ {\\mathcal{M}}_X^{\ extrm{VM}} $$\\end{document} is known to be finite, cases have been found where the scalar curvature diverges positively along trajectories of infinite distance. We classify the asymptotic behaviour of the scalar curvature for all large volume limits within MXVM\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ {\\mathcal{M}}_X^{\ extrm{VM}} $$\\end{document}, for any choice of X, and provide the source of the divergence both in geometric and physical terms. Geometrically, there are effective divisors whose volumes do not vary along the limit. Physically, the EFT subsector associated to such divisors is decoupled from gravity along the limit, and defines a rigid N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{N} $$\\end{document} = 2 field theory with a non-vanishing moduli space curvature Rrigid. We propose that the relation between scalar curvature divergences and field theories decoupled from gravity is a common trait of moduli spaces compatible with quantum gravity.

Deciphering temporal growth patterns in maize: integrative modeling of phenotype dynamics and underlying genomic variations.

Quantifying the temporal or longitudinal growth dynamics of crops in diverse environmental conditions is crucial for understanding plant development, requiring further modeling techniques. In this study, we analyzed the growth patterns of two different maize (Zea mays L.) populations using high-throughput phenotyping with a maize population consisting of 515 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) grown in Texas and a hybrid population containing 1090 hybrids grown in Missouri. Two models, Gaussian peak and functional principal component analysis (FPCA), were employed to study the Normalized Green-Red Difference Index (NGRDI) scores. The Gaussian peak model showed strong correlations (c. 0.94 for RILs and c. 0.97 for hybrids) between modeled and non-modeled temporal trajectories. Functional principal component analysis differentiated NGRDI trajectories in RILs under different conditions, capturing substantial variability (75%, 20%, and 5% for RILs; 88% and 12% for hybrids). By comparing these models with conventional BLUP values, common quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, containing candidate genes of brd1, pin11, zcn8 and rap2. The harmony between these loci's additive effects and growing degree days, as well as the differentiation of RIL haplotypes across growth stages, underscores the significant interplay of these loci in driving plant development. These findings contribute to advancing understanding of plant-environment interactions and have implications for crop improvement strategies.

Influence of Primary Personality Trait and Age on String Orchestra Music Preference

Understanding the potential relationships between musicians’ different primary personality traits, ages, and their music preferences could be relevant in music teaching and learning. We surveyed participants ( N = 362) from four groups: middle school orchestra students, high school orchestra students, collegiate orchestra students, and in-service music teachers and examined if: (a) there was a relationship between musical preferences of the four age groups, (b) there was a relationship between musicians’ primary personality traits and their preferences of string orchestra repertoire, and (c) there was a relationship between musician’s ages and their primary personality traits. Evidence supported that middle and high school orchestra students prefer music in the Arousal music attribute dimension significantly more than collegiate orchestra students and in-service orchestra teachers. Participants with Extraversion as their primary personality trait preferred repertoire in the Arousal music attribute dimension significantly more than music in the Valence dimension. In addition, Extraversion was the most common primary personality trait for middle school orchestra and collegiate orchestra students, while Conscientiousness was most common for in-service orchestra teachers.

Two new species of Erythroneurini (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) from southern China based on morphology and complete mitogenomes.

Erythroneurine leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae, Erythroneurini) are utilized to resolve the relationship between the four erythroneurine leafhopper (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae, Erythroneurini): Arboridia (Arboridia) rongchangensis sp. nov., Thaia (Thaia) jiulongensis sp. nov., Mitjaevia bifurcata Luo, Song & Song, 2021 and Mitjaevia diana Luo, Song & Song, 2021, the two new species are described and illustrated. The mitochondrial gene sequences of these four species were determined to update the mitochondrial genome database of Erythroneurini. The mitochondrial genomes of four species shared high parallelism in nucleotide composition, base composition and gene order, comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and an AT control region, which was consistent with majority of species in Cicadellidae; all genes revealed common trait of a positive AT skew and negative GC skew. The mitogenomes of four species were ultra-conservative in structure, and which isanalogous to that of others in size and A + T content. Phylogenetic trees based on the mitogenome data of these species and another 24 species were built employing the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. The results indicated that the four species belong to the tribe Erythroneurini, M. diana is the sister-group relationship of M. protuberanta + M. bifurcata. The two species Arboridia (Arboridia) rongchangensis sp. nov. and Thaia (Thaia) jiulongensis sp. nov. also have a relatively close genetic relationship with the genus Mitjaevia.

Predicting horizontal gene transfers with perfect transfer networks

BackgroundHorizontal gene transfer inference approaches are usually based on gene sequences: parametric methods search for patterns that deviate from a particular genomic signature, while phylogenetic methods use sequences to reconstruct the gene and species trees. However, it is well-known that sequences have difficulty identifying ancient transfers since mutations have enough time to erase all evidence of such events. In this work, we ask whether character-based methods can predict gene transfers. Their advantage over sequences is that homologous genes can have low DNA similarity, but still have retained enough important common motifs that allow them to have common character traits, for instance the same functional or expression profile. A phylogeny that has two separate clades that acquired the same character independently might indicate the presence of a transfer even in the absence of sequence similarity.Our contributionsWe introduce perfect transfer networks, which are phylogenetic networks that can explain the character diversity of a set of taxa under the assumption that characters have unique births, and that once a character is gained it is rarely lost. Examples of such traits include transposable elements, biochemical markers and emergence of organelles, just to name a few. We study the differences between our model and two similar models: perfect phylogenetic networks and ancestral recombination networks. Our goals are to initiate a study on the structural and algorithmic properties of perfect transfer networks. We then show that in polynomial time, one can decide whether a given network is a valid explanation for a set of taxa, and show how, for a given tree, one can add transfer edges to it so that it explains a set of taxa. We finally provide lower and upper bounds on the number of transfers required to explain a set of taxa, in the worst case.

Characterization of the Fusarium circinatum biofilm environmental response role.

The capacity to form biofilms is a common trait among many microorganisms present on Earth. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the fatal pine pitch canker agent, Fusarium circinatum, can lead a biofilm-like lifestyle with aggregated hyphal bundles wrapped in extracellular matrix (ECM). Our research shows F. circinatum's ability to adapt to environmental changes by assuming a biofilm-like lifestyle. This was demonstrated by varying metabolic activities exhibited by the biofilms in response to factors like temperature and pH. Further analysis revealed that while planktonic cells produced small amounts of ECM per unit of the biomass, heat- and azole-exposed biofilms produced significantly more ECM than nonexposed biofilms, further demonstrating the adaptability of F. circinatum to changing environments. The increased synthesis of ECM triggered by these abiotic factors highlights the link between ECM production in biofilm and resistance to abiotic stress. This suggests that ECM-mediated response may be one of the key survival strategies of F. circinatum biofilms in response to changing environments. Interestingly, azole exposure also led to biofilms that were resistant to DNase, which typically uncouples biofilms by penetrating the biofilm and degrading its extracellular DNA; we propose that DNases were likely hindered from reaching target cells by the ECM barricade. The interplay between antifungal treatment and DNase enzyme suggests a complex relationship between eDNA, ECM, and antifungal agents in F. circinatum biofilms. Therefore, our results show how a phytopathogen's sessile (biofilm) lifestyle could influence its response to the surrounding environment.

Prevalence and variability of siderophore production in the Achromobacter genus.

Achromobacter spp. are recognized as emerging opportunistic pathogens in humans with various underlying diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF). Although their pathophysiological traits are increasingly studied, their virulence factors remain incompletely described. Particularly, siderophores that represent important factors of bacterial growth have not yet been studied in this genus. A population-based study was performed to explore the ability of members of the Achromobacter genus to produce siderophores, both overall and in relevant subgroups (Achromobacter species; strain origin, either clinical-from CF or non-CF patients-or environmental). This study provides original data showing that siderophore production is a common trait of Achromobacter strains, particularly observed among clinical strains. The major species, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, encompassed both one of the highest prevalence of siderophore-producing strains and strains producing the largest amounts of siderophores, particularly observed for CF strains. These observations may represent additional advantages accounting for the epidemiological success of this species.

Seed mucilage in temperate grassland species is unrelated to moisture requirements.

Myxospermy, the release of seed mucilage upon hydration, plays multiple roles in seed biology. Here, we explore whether seed mucilage occurs in a suite of temperate grassland species to test if the prevalence of species producing seed mucilage is associated with habitat type or seed characteristics. Seventy plant species found in wet or dry North American temperate grasslands were tested for the presence of seed mucilage through microscopic examination of seeds imbibed with histochemical stain for mucilage. Mucilage production was compared among species with different moisture requirements and seed mass. In this study, 43 of 70 of species tested produced seed mucilage. Seed mucilage did not differ based on habitat type, species moisture requirements, or seed mass. Most seed mucilage was non-adherent and did not remain stuck to the seed after extrusion. Seed mucilage was a common trait in the surveyed temperate grassland species and was observed in 61% of evaluated species. Surprisingly, seed mucilage was more common in temperate grasslands than in previous ecological surveys from arid/semiarid systems, which found 10%-31% myxospermous species. Given the high prevalence, seed mucilage may influence seedling ecology in temperate grasslands and requires further investigation.

Needle pathogens of Rhytismataceae: Current knowledge and research opportunities for conifer foliar diseases

AbstractNeedle diseases caused by pathogens within Rhytismataceae are increasing in frequency globally where pines are either a predominate species or are grown commercially, and yet remain poorly understood. Here, we provide background information on the current knowledge and management strategies of needle pathogens in the Rhytismataceae and discuss research opportunities using molecular tools to fill knowledge gaps. Many of the aggressive needle pathogens within this group lack morphological features to delimit species and are difficult to grow in axenic cultures, which complicates scientific investigations. Molecular research has greatly advanced knowledge of this unique group of pathogens. Nucleotide sequences from multiple gene loci identified greater diversity within this group of pathogens than previously thought, as new and cryptic species are being discovered in broader geographic regions. High throughput sequencing and analyses revealed that an endophytic lifestyle is a common trait among fastidious if not obligate needle pathogens within Rhytismataceae. Further, molecular analyses showed the impact these pathogens have on the diversity of endophytic microbiota is underestimated. Early detection in healthy‐looking needles using PCR‐based markers greatly improves capabilities for disease diagnosis and monitoring. Despite growing number of molecular studies on Rhytismataceae needle pathogens, fundamental questions on the taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology and pathology of many Rhytismataceae needle pathogens remain unanswered. Nonetheless, with the projected changes in the occurrence and severity of Rhytismataceae pathogens, increased accessibility to molecular tools vastly expands the potential to gain more insights into understudied needle pathosystems to help define and address its impact under changing environments and consequently inform forest disease management more effectively.

Association of tameness and sociability but no sign of domestication syndrome in mice selectively bred for active tameness.

Domesticated animals have been developed by selecting desirable traits following the initial unconscious selection stage, and now exhibit phenotypes desired by humans. Tameness is a common behavioural trait found in all domesticated animals. At the same time, these domesticated animals exhibit a variety of morphological, behavioural, and physiological traits that differ from their wild counterparts of their ancestral species. These traits are collectively referred to as domestication syndrome. However, whether this phenomenon exists is debatable. Previously, selective breeding has been used to enhance active tameness, a motivation to interact with humans, in wild heterogeneous stock mice derived from eight wild inbred strains. In the current study, we used tame mice to study how selective breeding for active tameness affects behavioural and morphological traits. A series of behavioural and morphological analyses on mice showed an increased preference for social stimuli and a longer duration of engagement in non-aggressive behaviour. However, no differences were observed in exploratory or anxiety-related behaviours. Similarly, selection for tameness did not affect ultrasonic vocalisations in mice, and no changes were observed in known morphological traits associated with domestication syndrome. These results suggest that there may be a link between active tameness and sociability and provide insights into the relationship between tameness and other behaviours in the context of domestication.

Characteristics of Morphology, Reproductive and Physiological Response of Swamp Buffalo on Different Lands in West Aceh Regency

Swamp buffaloes are among the most sought-after livestock for meat production in West Aceh Regency. Therefore, an analysis of their production and reproduction is necessary to determine the direction for potential development. The objective of this research is to analyze the characteristics of morphology, reproductive efficiency, and physiological response of swamp buffaloes in different plains in West Aceh Regency. The study was conducted in West Aceh Regency on different plains, including coastal plains and undulating plains, from May to September 2023. The variables measured include quantitative traits, reproductive efficiency, and physiological response, evaluated based on rectal temperature, with a total of 200 animal samples and 100 respondents. The analysis used multiple linear regression and t-test. The research results indicate that the most common quantitative traits such as body length, chest width, chest circumference, hip width, and body weight are influenced (P<0.05) by different plain conditions. Productive performance in terms of age at first marriage variable and reproductive efficiency is influenced (P<0.05) by different plain condition. The physiological response of buffaloes shows that rectal temperature is influenced (P<0.05) by different plain conditions. These both conditions also impacted the quality of swamp buffaloes’ meats that could impact the income of breeders.

KAUSALITAS ANTARA ANXIETY, SOCIAL PHOBIA TERHADAP PEMAIN VIDEO GAME

Life satisfaction is one of the most ambigious concept to take a hold on. One’s degree of life satisfaction can differ from other person even though they have a realtively similliar life. This research studies people who play video games regularly (gamers) from the age of eighteen to fifty six. As one of the common trait or stereotipically seen that gamers have difficulty in social aspect of their lifes. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the research will try to confirm the relationship between anxiety and social phobia toward life satisfaction. The final model shows that anxiety and social phobia shows a significant negative affect towards life satisfaction of gamers.