Levels Of Disequilibrium Research Articles

Genomic analysis uncovers novel candidate genes related to adaptation to tropical climates and milk production traits in native goats

BackgroundSince domestication, both evolutionary forces and human selection have played crucial roles in producing adaptive and economic traits, resulting in animal breeds that have been selected for specific climates and different breeding goals. Pakistani goat breeds have acquired genomic adaptations to their native climate conditions, such as tropical and hot climates. In this study, using next-generation sequencing data, we aimed to assess the signatures of positive selection in three native Pakistani goats, known as milk production breeds, that have been well adapted to their local climate.ResultsTo explore the genomic relationship between studied goat populations and their population structure, whole genome sequence data from native goat populations in Pakistan (n = 26) was merged with available worldwide goat genomic data (n = 184), resulting in a total dataset of 210 individuals. The results showed a high genetic correlation between Pakistani goats and samples from North-East Asia. Across all populations analyzed, a higher linkage disequilibrium (LD) level (– 0.59) was found in the Pakistani goat group at a genomic distance of 1 Kb. Our findings from admixture analysis (K = 5 and K = 6) showed no evidence of shared genomic ancestry between Pakistani goats and other goat populations from Asia. The results from genomic selection analysis revealed several candidate genes related to adaptation to tropical/hot climates (such as; KITLG, HSPB9, HSP70, HSPA12B, and HSPA12B) and milk production related-traits (such as IGFBP3, LPL, LEPR, TSHR, and ACACA) in Pakistani native goat breeds.ConclusionsThe results from this study shed light on the structural variation in the DNA of the three native Pakistani goat breeds. Several candidate genes were discovered for adaptation to tropical/hot climates, immune responses, and milk production traits. The identified genes could be exploited in goat breeding programs to select efficient breeds for tropical/hot climate regions.

Validation of genetic risk scores for hypertension in the Central Russian population

Aim. To validate and evaluate the accuracy of 4 genetic risk scores (GRSs) for hypertension (HTN), previously created on European samples, on a population sample of the Ivanovo Oblast.Material and methods. For genetic analysis, targeted next-generation sequencing was used on a sample of the Central Russia (n=1682) based on the biobank collection. Four GRSs associated with HTN, previously developed for the European population, were selected for validation. The coefficient of determination and the area under the ROC curve were used as quality metrics for regression models. Additional validation was carried out to include all nucleotide sequence variants, regardless of linkage disequilibrium level. A combined GRS was compiled based on coefficients from individual GRSs using the clumping + thresholding (C+T) method.Results. The study demonstrated that the predictive value of previously developed GRSs when used for Central Russian population is lower than in the original studies. The proportion of explained variance was 0,5-0,8%. The best predictive ability (proportion of explained variance — 2,5%) was demonstrated using previously developed GRSs (Evangelou E, et al., 2018), which includes the largest number of nucleotide sequence variants (n=852).Conclusion. GRSs for HTN, developed on European samples, is not recommended for Russian population without preliminary validation. To create original GRSs, combining statistical parameters (β-coefficients and p-value) from different GRS is not recommended.

Relationship Between Human Capital and Income Distribution of a Developing Economy: Empirical Evidence From Ethiopia

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the long-run effect of human capital accumulation on the income distribution of a developing economy such as Ethiopia. Study design: The study is based on time series data covering the period from 1980/1981 to 2019/2020. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds co-integration test and error correction model approach is employed as a method of econometric estimation. Findings: The bounds test revealed a significant and stable long-run equilibrium relationships exist between income inequality (Gini coefficient) and its dynamic regressors of human capital accumulation indicators as well as other explanatory variables. Results of the estimated long-run selected model indicated that secondary and tertiary education attainments as well as total fertility rate have a significant un-equalizing income distribution effect on the country’s economy at the conventional level of significance in the long run. On the contrary, primary education attainment of the labor force has a positive and statistically significant impact on the country’s distribution of income at the standard level of significance. On the contrary, the employment-to-population size ratio has a positive effect, but financial development and institutional and governance quality have an adverse effect on the income distribution of the country in the long run. With respect to the short-run error correction model result, a temporary disequilibrium level of income distribution in the previous period is corrected by approximately 0.9284 in the current period to bring back to a stable long-run equilibrium. Based on these findings, it is important to strengthen and improve the country’s education and health service system for those individuals who are marginalized and deprived from these levels of social services. Originality/value: A few empirical studies on the dynamics between human capital and income distribution have been conducted at cross-country using average years of schooling as a proxy measure of human capital. The novelty of this study is that it examines the relationship between human capital and income distribution at a single country level using the ARDL bounds co-integration and error correction model approach. Furthermore, human capital accumulation is proxied by both education capital (disaggregated by primary, secondary, and tertiary educational attainments) and health capital (life expectancy at birth and total fertility rate) in addition to other relevant explanatory variables for better estimation and policy implications. JEL classification B23, C22, I14, I24, O15

#209 : The Association Between Autoimmune Diseases and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Background and Aims: As a common complication of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may lead to a serious negative impact on pregnant women and their children. Autoimmune diseases are chronic pathologies triggered by abnormal responses of the human immune system that result in damage and disorders in the body. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that autoimmune diseases could be related to the risk of GDM. However, several other studies of this relationship have yielded conflicting results. We explored the causal relationship between autoimmune diseases and GDM risk through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (2SMR) study. Method: We obtained exposure data for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) pooled dataset, which consisted of 361,194 participants. We selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that had a relationship with RA and were at a significance level of not only p < 5 × 10[Formula: see text] but also at a low linkage disequilibrium (LD) level (r2 < 0.01). The results included 5,687 GDM cases and 117,892 controls. For detailed Methods, please see the Methods section in this article’s Online Repository at https://www.jacionline.org Results: The results of inverse variance weight (IVW) analysis suggested a positive correlation between RA and GDM risk. In addition, no validity was observed in the statistical models for heterogeneity and pleiotropy. However, for multiple sclerosis (MS), no causal relationship between it and GDM risk was found in our study. Conclusion: Our results suggest a strong casual association between RA and the risk of GDM. The results suggested the importance of enhanced antenatal care and early intervention among pregnant women with RA as well as clues for novel risk factors for GDM.

The causal relationship between pure hypercholesterolemia and psoriasis: A bidirectional, two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Several studies have reported the association between pure hypercholesterolemia (PH) and psoriasis, but the causal effect remains unclear. We explored the causal effect between PH and psoriasis using two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using data from genome-wide association studies. Single nucleotide polymorphisms related with exposures at the genome-wide significance level (p<5×10-8 ) and less than the linkage disequilibrium level (r2 <0.001) were chosen as instrumental variables. Subsequently, we used inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger and weighted median (WM) methods for causal inference. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Heterogeneity was tested using Cochran's Q-test, and horizontal pleiotropy was examined using the MR-Egger intercept. Leave-one-out analyses were performed to assess the robustness and reliability of the results. MR results showed a positive causal effect of PH on psoriasis [IVW: odds ratios (OR): 1.139, p=0.032; MR-Egger: OR: 1.434, p=0.035; WM: OR: 1.170, p=0.045] and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (IVW: OR: 1.210, p=0.049; MR-Egger regression: OR: 1.796, p=0.033; WM: OR: 1.317, p=0.028). However, there is no causal relationship between PH and psoriasis vulgaris as well as other unspecified psoriasis. Inverse MR results suggested a negative causal relationship between PsA and PH (IVW: OR: 0.950, p=0.037). No heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy exist, and these results were confirmed to be robust. PH has a positive casual effect on psoriasis and PsA, and PsA may reduce the risk of having PH.

A homozygosity-based investigation of the South African feral Tankwa goat population

The Tankwa goat is a known feral goat landrace that originated in the Karoo region of South Africa. These goats are able to thrive with no managerial intervention, and prosper in the harsh, arid conditions that characterizes their natural habitat. This study aimed to use a ROH-approach to describe the Tankwa goat in terms of autozygosity and to identify possible signatures of selection. Genome-wide SNP data for 360 Tankwa goats were used to calculate diversity statistics, detect runs of homozygosity and estimate individual genetic inbreeding coefficients. SNP genotypes of 48 Angora and 40 Dairy individuals were compared using the FST approach to detect signatures of selection. Relatively low minor allele frequency (0.249), and high linkage disequilibrium (r2 = 0.469) levels were estimated for the Tankwa population, with moderate levels of heterozygosity (HE = 0.368; HO = 0.367). The results for both the detected runs of homozygosity and inbreeding estimate, indicates an ancient origin of inbreeding for the Tankwa goats with low levels of autozygosity. Signatures of selection were identified in 50 SNPs, of which 0.1% was considered significant. A total of 49 genes were identified that may possibly be significant in various biological pathways. Three of these genes, namely GJB2, GJB6 and GJA3 on CHI12, were previously associated with adaptation to heat and drought resistance in other breeds. Genes GJB2 and GJB6 are known to be linked to the sensory perception of sound, while GJA3 and OPA3 are linked to visual perception. These genes could play an important role in the survival of an individual existing in a harsh environment in terms of foraging and evading predators. Understanding the genetic background of these genes, as well as the metabolic pathways that they control, could assist in further investigating production efficiency of domesticated species in a climate change environment.

International Education and the Crises of Cosmopolitanism and Global Citizenship

Globalisation has not only given rise to unprecedented dimensions of mobility of people and ideas across national borders, but it has also enhanced the activities involved in international education (IE) and inevitably drawn attention to the growing levels of cultural diversity and the necessity for cultural exchange among the ‘global communities’. Arguably, these phenomena have equally given rise to the possibilities of both cultural exchange and conflicts of interest in what constitutes an effective IE. Besides, recent phenomenal development in digital technologies has enabled people across vast far afield to be in close relations with one another; thus, opening new vistas to an effectively transnational world that could be aptly regarded as a global village. Parts of the fundamental concepts of IE which have agitated the minds of several international scholars are cosmopolitanism and global citizenship (GC). As part of the tenets of GC and cosmopolitanism, it is expected that people are treated equally and that preference should not be given to any particular cultural, political, linguistic, or national group, most especially at the expense of others. Meanwhile, there are scholarly arguments that global education has a fundamental role to play in preparing students for a world that is increasingly interconnected and interdependent. Several advocacies in the light of cosmopolitanism and GC in the context of IE have been principally brought to the fore by several scholars not only as moral frameworks resonant with educators’ efforts to cultivate people’s openness to new ideas but also as a mutual understanding through respectful dialogue, as well as the awareness of the peculiarities within the cultural values of the others. Meanwhile, there have been stridently diverse arguments from several scholars that the contemporary global practices in IE do not reflect the tenets as well as _modus operandi_ as espoused by the concepts of cosmopolitanism and or GC. It was equally argued that there exist varying levels of disequilibria in the contemporary IE, and this has made the cultural realities inherent in the ‘others’ to be disparagingly relegated. Imperatively, in recent times, there have been several calls from scholars advocating the critical incorporation of cosmopolitan dynamics and realities in approaches to IE (to reflect some of the basic hallmarks and or tenets of GC). Although the positive realisation of these attempts or calls is still at the developing stage in educational practices, recent works in other disciplines promise to forward such a critical agenda. It is, therefore, against this background that both the extant and current literature is critically and scholarly engaged to interrogate the concepts of cosmopolitanism and GC in the context of IE. At the same time, the treatise is principally divided into four (4) sections which include: conceptual clarifications of the terms: international education (IE), global citizenship, and cosmopolitanism; a critical analysis of Western, Asian (Chinese) and African perspectives on cosmopolitanism and global citizenship as well as crises of global citizenship and cosmopolitanism in the light of IE. However, the paper gives a conclusion and puts forth recommendations.

Estimation of Linkage Disequilibrium, Effective Population Size, and Genetic Parameters of Phenotypic Traits in Dabieshan Cattle.

Dabieshan cattle (DBSC) are a valuable genetic resource for indigenous cattle breeds in China. It is a small to medium-sized breed with slower growth, but with good meat quality and fat deposition. Genetic markers could be used for the estimation of population genetic structure and genetic parameters. In this work, we genotyped the DBSC breeding population (n = 235) with the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler (GGP) 100 k density genomic chip. Genotype data of 222 individuals and 81,579 SNPs were retained after quality control. The average minor allele frequency (MAF) was 0.20 and the average linkage disequilibrium (LD) level (r2) was 0.67 at a distance of 0-50 Kb. The estimated relationship coefficient and effective population size (Ne) were 0.023 and 86 for the current generation. In addition, we used genotype data to estimate the genetic parameters of the population's phenotypic traits. Among them, height at hip cross (HHC) and shin circumference (SC) were rather high heritability traits, with heritability of 0.41 and 0.54, respectively. The results reflected the current cattle population's extent of inbreeding and history. Through the principal breeding parameters, genomic breeding would significantly improve the genetic progress of breeding.

Genotyping marker density and prediction models effects in long-term breeding schemes of cross-pollinated crops.

In genomic recurrent selection, the more markers, the better because they buffer the linkage disequilibrium losses caused by recombination over cycles, and consequently, provide higher responses to selection. Reductions of genotyping marker density have been extensively evaluated as potential strategies to reduce the genotyping costs of genomic selection (GS). Low-density marker panels are appealing in GS because they entail lower multicollinearity and computing time and allow more individuals to be genotyped for the same cost. However, statistical models used in GS are usually evaluated with empirical data, using "static" training sets and populations. This may be adequate for making predictions during a breeding program's initial cycles but not for the long-term. Moreover, studies that focus on long selective breeding cycles generally do not consider GS models with the effect of dominance, which is particularly important for breeding outcomes in cross-pollinated crops. Hence, dominance effects are important and unexplored in GS for long-term programs involving allogamous species. To address it, we employed two approaches: analysis of empirical maize datasets and simulations of long-term breeding applying phenotypic and genomic recurrent selection (intrapopulation and reciprocal schemes). In both schemes, we simulated twenty breeding cycles and assessed the effect of marker density reduction on the population mean, the best crosses, additive variance, selective accuracy, and response to selection with models [additive, additive-dominant, general (GCA), and this plus specific combining ability (GCA + SCA)]. Our results indicate that marker reduction based on linkage disequilibrium levels provides useful predictions only within a cycle, as accuracy significantly decreases over cycles. In the long-term, without training set updating, high-marker density provides the best responses to selection. The model to be used depends on the breeding scheme: additive for intrapopulation and additive-dominant or GCA + SCA for reciprocal.

Genome-wide association study of traits in sacred lotus uncovers MITE-associated variants underlying stamen petaloid and petal number variations.

Understanding the genetic variants responsible for floral trait diversity is important for the molecular breeding of ornamental flowers. Widely used in water gardening for thousands of years, the sacred lotus exhibits a wide range of diversity in floral organs. Nevertheless, the genetic variations underlying various morphological characteristics in lotus remain largely unclear. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study of sacred lotus for 12 well-recorded ornamental traits. Given a moderate linkage disequilibrium level of 32.9 kb, we successfully identified 149 candidate genes responsible for seven flower traits and plant size variations, including many pleiotropic genes affecting multiple floral-organ-related traits, such as NnKUP2. Notably, we found a 2.75-kb presence-and-absence genomic fragment significantly associated with stamen petaloid and petal number variations, which was further confirmed by re-examining another independent population dataset with petal number records. Intriguingly, this fragment carries MITE transposons bound by siRNAs and is related to the expression differentiation of a nearby candidate gene between few-petalled and double-petalled lotuses. Overall, these genetic variations and candidate genes responsible for diverse lotus traits revealed by our GWAS highlight the role of transposon variations, particularly MITEs, in shaping floral trait diversity.

The association between vitamin D and uterine fibroids: A mendelian randomization study.

Uterine fibroids (UFs), the most common benign gynecological tumor, can bring severe negative impacts on a woman’s life quality. Vitamin D, is thought to play an important role in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. In recent years, several studies suggested that higher level of vitamin D has a negative effect on the occurrence of UFs, but the results of studies on the relationship between them are conflicting and further evidence needs to be studied. Here in, we used a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (2SMR) study to explore the causal relationship between genetically predicted vitamin D levels and the risk of UFs. The exposure data comes from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary dataset consisting of 441,291 individuals, which includes datasets from United Kingdom Biobank, FinnGen Biobank and the corresponding consortia. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with vitamin D at a significant level of p < 5 × 10−8 and low linkage disequilibrium (LD) level (r2 < 0.01) were selected. The outcome data comes from a GWAS dataset of IEU analysis of United Kingdom Biobank phenotypes consisting of 7,122 UFs cases and 455,811 controls. Our inverse-variance weight (IVW) analysis results support the causal association of genetically predicted vitamin D with the risk of UFs (OR = 0.995,95% CI = 0.990-0.999, p = 0.024). In addition, heterogeneity and pleiotropy were not observed in statistical models. In summary, our results indicate that elevated serum vitamin D levels are in strong relationship with reduction of the risk of UFs, which indicates that the clinical treatment of UFs may have a new and excellent option.

Determinants of human capital development in Ethiopian economy: Theory and empirical evidence

In line with the basic tenets of human capital development theory, the present study examines and presents the determinants of human capital development (Human Development Index [HDI]) in Ethiopia using time-series data from 1980/81 to 2019/20. Based on the Augmented Dickey–Fuller and Phillips–Perron unit root test results, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds co-integration and error correction models are employed. The bounds test indicated the existence of significant long-run equilibrium relationship between HDI and its human capital input indicators. Results of the estimated long-run selected model indicated that public recurrent expenditure on education and health as well as its capital education expenditures and basic health coverage have a positive and significant contribution in improving the HDI of the country. On the contrary, government development expenditure on health, population–physician, student–school and age dependency ratios has an adverse effect on human capital development of Ethiopia. On the other hand, the short-run error correction model showed that a temporary disequilibrium level of HDI in the previous period is corrected by approximately 79.37 per cent in the current period to restore to a long-run equilibrium. Thus, a concerted effort is needed to expand and use public expenditure on education and health in an economic, accountable and transparent way. Furthermore, the turnover level of qualified teachers and medical doctors has to be reduced in addition to building and upgrading adequate quality education and health infrastructures and facilities in the economy.

Estimation of linkage disequilibrium levels and allele frequency distribution in crossbred Vrindavani cattle using 50K SNP data.

The objective of this study was to calculate the extent and decay of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in 96 crossbred Vrindavani cattle genotyped with Bovine SNP50K Bead Chip. After filtering, 43,821 SNPs were retained for final analysis, across 2500.3 Mb of autosome. A significant percentage of SNPs was having minor allele frequency of less than 0.20. The extent of LD between autosomal SNPs up to 10 Mb apart across the genome was measured using r2 statistic. The mean r2 value was 0.43, if pairwise distance of marker was less than10 kb and it decreased further to 0.21 for 25–50 kb markers distance. Further, the effect of minor allele frequency and sample size on LD estimate was investigated. The LD value decreased with the increase in inter-marker distance, and increased with the increase of minor allelic frequency. The estimated inbreeding coefficient and effective population size were 0.04, and 46 for present generation, which indicated small and unstable population of Vrindavani cattle. These findings suggested that a denser or breed specific SNP panel would be required to cover all genome of Vrindavani cattle for genome wide association studies (GWAS).

Under pressure: Rapid lavaka erosion and floodplain sedimentation in central Madagascar

Lavaka (gullies) are often considered as the prime indication of a currently ongoing human-induced environmental crisis in Madagascar's highlands. Yet, lavaka are known to have existed long before human arrival and account for the majority of the long-term sediment input into the highland rivers and floodplains. The role of anthropogenic disturbances in their formation therefore remains highly debated and it is unclear whether lavaka erosion has recently increased. Here, we address these questions by evaluating the dynamics of lavaka in the Lake Alaotra region (central Madagascar). An overall birth to stabilization ratio of 6.1 indicates a rapid lavaka population growth over the period 1949–2010s. Using data on lavaka development we calculated a mean lavaka population age of 410 ± 40 years and estimate that the disequilibrium started at 870 ± 430 cal. BP. Floodplain sedimentation starts to increase around 1000 cal. BP and peaks over the last 400 years, thereby independently confirming this time frame of increased lavaka activity. Lavaka population dynamics modelling shows that a strong increase in environmental pressure over the last centuries is needed to attain current disequilibrium levels. A general drying of the climate since 950 cal. BP in combination with the introduction of cattle and growing human presence around 1000 cal. BP will likely have triggered the increase in lavaka erosion. However, the recent acceleration cannot be explained by climatic changes alone and seems to be linked to increased anthropogenic pressure on the environment. As such, we offer a fresh and quantitatively supported perspective on lavaka dynamics and human impact in central Madagascar, where our methodology can be used in other locations where similar questions on geomorphic equilibrium need to be answered.

Level of natremia as an index of the condition of the organism of animals under stress

In the diagnosis of stressful conditions in humans and other animals, ionic indicators remain practically unused. In this work, we studied the changes in the concentrations of sodium ions in the blood plasma of freshwater fish under stress caused by stressors of different quality and quantity. Most of the experiments were carried out on adult bream (Abramis brama L) from the Rybinsk Reservoir. Separate experiments were duplicated on adult individuals of roach (Rutilus rutilus L.), pike (Esox lucius L.), and blue bream (Abramis ballerus L.). The concentration of cations in the blood plasma was determined using a Flapho-4 flame photometer. Under the action of mild and short-term stressors of different qualities, the sodium concentration in the internal environment altered toward an increase in concentration gradients on the cell membrane (eustress or physiological stress). Hypernatremia was approximately 10%. Under the action of strong and/or prolonged stressors of different strength, the sodium concentration in the internal environment changed toward a decrease in concentration gradients on the cell membrane (distress or pathological stress). Hyponatremia was 50% in the conditions of acute lethal stress, 20% in subacute lethal stress, 10% or more in chronic lethal stress. During strong acute reversible stress, hyponatremia could reach 30%. Analysis of the material on mammals allowed us to conclude that the adaptation mechanisms in fish and higher vertebrates are similar. In this work, for the first time, the state of the system of electrolyte balance of animals under stress was analyzed from the standpoint of the leading role of ionic concentration gradients on the cell membrane (mainly sodium) in the energetics (level of disequilibrium) of the organism. We propose a concept that in normal and extreme conditions fish use two different defense reactions (or adaptation strategies): active and passive, consisting, respectively, in increasing or decreasing the level of disequilibrium (energy) in the organism. The hyponatremia recorded by numerous authors, which accompanies diseases in humans, is evidently a nonspecific reaction of the organism and serves as an indicator of reduced energy of the organism. It is suggested that the sodium level in the internal environment of the organism be used for diagnosing the stress state of animals.

Genetic dissection of soybean partial resistance to sclerotinia stem rot through genome wide association study and high throughout single nucleotide polymorphisms

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) is a disease of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] that causes severe yield losses. We studied 185 representative soybean accessions to evaluate partial SSR resistance and sequenced these by the specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing method. In total, 22,048 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), with minor allele frequencies (MAF) ≥5% and missing data <3%, were developed and applied to genome-wide association study of SSR responsiveness and assess linkage disequilibrium (LD) level for candidate gene selection. We identified 18 association signals related to SSR partial resistance. Among them, six overlapped the regions of previous quantitative trait loci, and twelve were novel. We identified 243 candidate genes located in the 200 kb genomic region of these peak SNPs. Based on quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and haplotype analysis, Glyma.03G196000 and Glyma.20G095100, encoding pentatricopeptide repeat proteins, might be important factors in the resistance response of soybean to SSR.

Widespread underfilling of the potential ranges of North American trees

AbstractAimClimatic equilibrium is a foundational principle in ecological theory and models used in conservation, but has been challenged by growing evidence of disequilibrium, particularly for long‐lived, sessile organisms like trees. Here, we calculated range filling for North American trees to detect the degree to which trees are filling their potential climatic niches, and to assess climatic and non‐climatic drivers of underfilling.LocationNorth America (22°N–72°N).TaxonTrees and shrubs.MethodsWe modelled the potential ranges of 447 North American tree and shrub species with species distribution models using bioclimatic variables, and calculated the occupied proportion of each potential range. Results were compared to a null model using simulated ranges generated by a spreading‐dye algorithm. We further used range shape ratios (latitude/longitude) to detect the drivers of disequilibrium.ResultsThe potential ranges of North American trees and shrubs are broadly underfilled (mean = 48%). Furthermore, range filling is positively correlated with geographic range size. Large‐ranged species have higher range filling than the null model, and shape ratios indicative of climatic restrictions. Small‐ranged species showed a stronger influence of dispersal limitation.Main conclusionsClimate explains only about half of tree species' ranges, and the signal of climatic equilibrium increases with range size. Small‐range species show high levels of climatic disequilibrium, which is likely be driven by combinations of dispersal lags, and undetected environmental factors or biotic interactions. These results highlight the importance of conserving small‐ranged species and the difficulty of forecasting how their distributions will shift in the coming centuries.

Evaluation of runs of homozygosity and genomic inbreeding in Holstein cattle from Colombia

Traditional selection programs for dairy cattle, based on quantitative principles, have worked well and allowed strong selection processes in the world over many decades. The objectives of this work were to estimate linkage disequilibrium (LD) levels at varying SNPs densities, to evaluate the effective population size of Holstein cattle, to characterize runs of homozygosity (ROH) distribution through Holstein cattle from Nariño and, to estimate and compare inbreeding coefficient (F) based on genomic markers information, runs of homozygosity (FROH), genomic relationship matrix (FGRM), and excess of homozygous (FSNP). After quality control, the dataset used was composed of 606 Holstein animals and 22200 SNP markers. PLINK program was used to identify LD, Ne, ROH segment and FROH and FSNP, FGRM was calculated with BLUPF90 family of programs. The average of r2 in all chromosomes was 0.011, the highest r2 was found in BTA3 (0.0323), and the lowest in BTA12 (0.0039). 533 ROH segments were identified in 319 animals; findings obtained in this study suggest that on average 0,28% of Holstein genome is autozygous. Total length of ROH was composed mostly of small segments (ROH1-4Mb and ROH4-8Mb). These segments accounted for approximately 96%, while larger ROH (ROH&gt;8Mb) were 3.37% of all ROH detected. Inbreeding averages FROH, FSNP and FGRM methodologies were 0.28%, 3.11% and 3.36% respectively. The Pearson’s correlation among these different F values was: 0.49 (FROH-FSNP), 0.25 (FROH-FGRM), 0.22 (FSNP-FGRM). The distribution of ROH shared regions identified on 19 autosome chromosomes, cover a relevant number of genes inside these ROH. Our result evidenced lowest LD extension levels compared with other Holstein populations; inbreeding results suggest that FGRM and FSNP may be useful estimators of individual autozygosity in Holstein from Colombia. Genes related with production and reproduction were found, but the most important are the two that may be related to adaptation to Colombian high tropics. This work is a pioneer and be the starting point for programs of genetic improvement and genomic population studies in the country and mainly in high tropic areas where the dairy breeds have an important production.

MANAGEMENT OF CONSUMPTION ACCORDING TO THE SPECIAL ROLE OF NEED FOR SAFETY

The article, based on the theory of functional equivalence, explains the reasons for changing individual consumption. From the point of view of the theory mentioned, any need is an imbalance caused by an excess of information, physical and chemical factors that arise during life. Satisfaction of a need is the search for a “channel” to establish equivalence. Such “channel” can represent either an increase or a decrease in number of factors used to eliminate the imbalance. The article shows that one of the most common imbalances is lack of security and proposes five “channels” to eliminate this imbalance. This imbalance is presented as something that already exist at the level of zygote and is determined by the initial level of disequilibrium which in turns determines future potential of the organism in question. This potential then has to be realized in the course of individual development. At the same time, additional imbalances generated, in particular by advertising, can lead to increased spending and risk of disease. In the process of searching for “channels” to establish equivalence, emotional stress develops. Satisfaction of needs is accompanied by a decrease in the severity of emotional stress and formation of positive emotions. In a survey of students, it was found that those who gave great importance to eliminating the lack of feeling of security by means of gaining new knowledge had lower levels of stress and more positive emotions than those who tried to eliminate their imbalances by accumulating material goods. The article shows that through coaching, individual hierarchy of needs may be changed.

Genome-wide association study of partial resistance to sclerotinia stem rot of cultivated soybean based on the detached leaf method.

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) is a devastating fungal disease that causes severe yield losses of soybean worldwide. In the present study, a representative population of 185 soybean accessions was selected and utilized to identify the quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) of partial resistance to soybean SSR via a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 22,048 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with minor allele frequencies (MAF) > 5% and missing data < 3% were used to assess linkage disequilibrium (LD) levels. Association signals associated with SSR partial resistance were identified by two models, including compressed mixed linear model (CMLM) and multi-locus random-SNP-effect mixed linear model (mrMLM). Finally, seven QTNs with major effects (a known locus and six novel loci) via CMLM and nine novel QTNs with minor effects via mrMLM were detected in relation to partial resistance to SSR, respectively. One of all the novel loci (Gm05:14834789 on Chr.05), which was co-located by these two methods, might be a stable one that showed high significance in SSR partial resistance. Additionally, a total of 71 major and 85 minor candidate genes located in the 200-kb genomic region of each peak SNP detected by CMLM and mrMLM were found, respectively. By using a gene-based association, a total of six SNPs from three major effects genes and eight SNPs from four minor effects genes were identified. Of them, Glyma.18G012200 has been characterized as a significant element in controlling fungal disease in plants.