Fine mapping of multiple interacting quantitative trait loci using combined linkage disequilibrium and linkage information

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) and their additive, dominance and epistatic effects play a critical role in complex trait variation. It is often infeasible to detect multiple interacting QTL due to main effects often being confounded by interaction effects. Positioning interacting QTL within a small region is even more difficult. We present a variance component approach nested in an empirical Bayesian method, which simultaneously takes into account additive, dominance and epistatic effects due to multiple interacting QTL. The covariance structure used in the variance component approach is based on combined linkage disequilibrium and linkage (LDL) information. In a simulation study where there are complex epistatic interactions between QTL, it is possible to simultaneously fine map interacting QTL using the proposed approach. The present method combined with LDL information can efficiently detect QTL and their dominance and epistatic effects, making it possible to simultaneously fine map main and epistatic QTL.     

Assessment of genetic diversity by simple sequence repeat markers among forty elite varieties in the germplasm for malting barley breeding

The genetic diversity and relationship among 40 elite barley varieties were analyzed based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) genotyping data. The amplified fragments from SSR primers were highly polymorphic in the barley accessions investigated. A total of 85 alleles were detected at 35 SSR loci, and allelic variations existed at 29 SSR loci. The allele number per locus ranged from 1 to 5 with an average of 2.4 alleles per locus detected from the 40 barley accessions. A cluster analysis based on the genetic similarity coefficients was conducted and the 40 varieties were classified into two groups. Seven malting barley varieties from China fell into the same subgroup. It was found that the genetic diversity within the Chinese malting barley varieties was narrower than that in other barley germplasm sources, suggesting the importance and feasibility of introducing elite genotypes from different origins for malting barley breeding in China.     

数学写作在美国

写作与学习的密切关系很早就受到美国教育界的关注,这反映在20世纪60年代诞生的“贯穿于课程的写作”运动.自20世纪70年代开始,美国数学教师、数学教育研究者在数学写作方面作了许多尝试、应用和研究,积累了许多经验和方法,得出了数学写作在发展数学知识、成就问题解决、培养反思行为、促进情感流露、加强对话交流等方面的重要功能.数学写作在美国已经较为广泛地被用作数学学习的工具.     

Character in context: Character structure among United States Military Academy cadets

ABSTRACT

Research about the structure of character has largely assessed purported universal attributes. However, character develops within specific social, cultural and institutional contexts. As part of the first wave of a longitudinal study (Project Arete) of character development among cadets at the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, an institution with a core mission to develop leaders of character, we examined the factor structure of a set of 15 character attributes of specific relevance to the West Point context. Data were derived from self-report surveys (N = 1,549; 75.6% men) completed in spring 2017. Results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified a 4-factor structure of character: Relational, Commitment, Honor and Machiavellian and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided evidence for the validity and measurement equivalence of the factors. We discuss implications for promoting and assessing character within the context of USMA and other institutions seeking to develop leaders of character.     

夏威夷大学和美国的中文教学

美国大学的中文教学始于19世纪末叶。至今已有一百多年的历史。在这一百多年中,最初的半个世纪中文教学发展的速度非常缓慢,只有少数几所大学设有中文课程。夏威夷大学于1921年开始教授中文,是美国早期设置中文课程的大学之一。美国的中文教学从第二次世界大战以后开始加快成长的脚步,到了最近的十多年更是以几何级数在快速成长,近半个世纪美国中文教学越来越专业化。全美中文教师学会于1962年成立,曾在夏威夷大学任教的杨觉勇是创办人之一。美国第一个全国性的中文测试在1986年问世,这个项目的主持人是夏威夷大学的李英哲。随着中文教学的需要,美国大学的老师们编写的中文教材也越来越多,夏威夷大学老师们编写的教材在美国颇受欢迎。本文旨在指出夏威夷大学跟美国的中文教学的发展有着密切的关系,并从美国中文教师学会、测试、教材、电脑教学、孔子学院、星谈计划等几个方面来介绍夏威夷大学的老师们在中文教学上所做的贡献。     

Sex Education Legislation and HPV Vaccination Rates among Adolescents in the United States

Abstract

This study sought to determine if human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are associated with teaching requirements for abstinence in state sex education laws and policies. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted assessing the association between abstinence education legislation and HPV vaccination rates in adolescents (aged 13–17?years). After adjustment for insurance coverage and household income, the level of abstinence education was not significantly associated with vaccination rates. However, a higher percentage of individuals uninsured was significantly and negatively associated with the vaccination rate. This suggests that HPV vaccination rates are associated with insurance coverage, but not with the degree to which sex education laws or policies emphasize abstinence.     

Investigation of the association between all-trans-retinol dehydrogenase (RDH8) polymorphisms and high myopia in Chinese

Retinoic acid level in the retina/choroid is altered in induced myopia models. All-trans-retinol dehydrogenase (RDH8) is an important enzyme of retinoic acid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the association of the RDH8 gene with high myopia. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) [RDH851 (rs2233789), RDH8E5a (rs1644731), and RDH855b (rs3760753)] were selected, based on the linkage disequilibrium pattern of RDH8 from a previous study, and genotyped for 160 Han Chinese nuclear families with highly myopic (−10 diopters or worse) offspring as well as in an independent group with 166 highly myopic cases (−10 diopters or worse) and 211 controls. Family-based association analysis was performed using the family-based association test (FBAT) package, and genotype relative risk (GRR) was calculated using the GenAssoc program. Population-based association analysis was performed using Chi-square test. These SNPs were in linkage equilibrium with each other. SNPs RDH851 (rs2233789) and RDH8E5a (rs1644731) both did not show association with high myopia. SNP RDH855b (rs3760753) demonstrated significant association (P=0.0269) with a GRR of 0.543 (95% confidence interval=0.304–0.968, P=0.038). The association became statistically insignificant, however, after multiple comparison correction. Haplotype analysis did not show a significant association either. Population-based association analysis also showed no significant association (P>0.05). Our family- and population-based data both suggest that the RDH8 gene is unlikely to be associated with high myopia in Chinese.     

美国高校德育的架构及其影响

尽管在多元的社会中,美国教育的内容是多元的,但不变的是坚持德育,既强调个人价值又强调社会价值。在德育的架构上,高校是主渠道,延伸到社会,校内外资源互补。借鉴国外经验必将增强我国高校德育的效果。     

美国社区学院及其启示

美国的社区学院在办学模式和管理方式上很有特色和创造性。对美国的经济和社会发展发挥着巨大的作用。在政府规划指导、职业教育和普通教育的衔接、职业教育与政府和企业的合作以及加强对学生的就业指导和职业训练方面．有许多值得我们借鉴的经验，我们应认真思考、探索一条适合我国国情的发展高等职业教育的有效途径。     

Cross-cultural immersion in China: Preparing pre-service elementary teachers to work with diverse student populations in the United States

Cross-cultural immersion experiences have been considered to be an effective way to prepare American pre-service teachers for culturally responsive pedagogical practices. The literature review shows few studies have investigated pre-service teachers' cross-cultural experiences in non-English speaking countries, specifically Asian countries. This qualitative study examined ten American elementary pre-service teachers' teaching and learning experiences in China. Five themes emerged from the data analysis: understanding and respecting Chinese culture; developing empathetic dispositions towards non-English speaking students; exchanging teaching strategies and resources; reflecting on professional and personal growth; and initiating a proactive stance as culturally responsive change agents. Additionally, the study revealed that having two separate Chinese field placements may have differing pre-service teachers' teaching and learning experiences. Varying types of opportunities to study abroad are on the rise. Recommendations are provided for the type of cultural immersion experience that encourages neophyte educators to not only learn about others, but also learn from and with others.     

浅析后冷战时代美国与东盟的关系

冷战结束以来,东盟在地区和世界范围内扮演着越来越重要的角色,美国作为当今世界唯一的超级大国,在亚太地区拥有非常重要的战略地位,冷战后更加注重参与东盟地区的国际性事务,美国与东盟的战略关系互动成为美国亚太战略与东盟对外战略中最重要的一个部分。     

Active changes of lignification-related enzymes in pepper response to Glomus intraradices and/or Phytophthora capsici

INTRODUCTION Plants have defense mechanisms against patho-gen infection by inducing systemic resistance in re-sponse to localized pretreatment with biological cotrol agents, thus making them resistant to subsequpathogen infection (Caruso et al., 1999; Hammschmidt, 1999; Mohammadi and Kazemi, 2002; yada et al., 1995; Pozo et al., 2002; Ray et al., 199Biological control of plant pathogens has receivmuch more attention. It is well known that plants amicroorganisms symbiosis is a defense m…     

A Cross-Cultural Study of the Career Maturity of Korean and United States High School Students

The present study aimed at conducting a cross-cultural comparison of career maturity between Korea and the United States. First, a Korean version of the Career Attitude Maturity Inventory (CAMI) was constructed. Then, an English version parallel to that Korean version was formed following three stages of procedure; translation, back translation, and field study. Finally, high school students of 11th grade from two different cultures (331 from Korea and 266 from the United States) were administered to the CAMI. Results indicated that constructs of career maturity are similar across two cultures with no gender differences. However, it was found that the level of maturity for those constructs was culture-bound. Those findings were discussed in cultural aspects of the development of career maturity.     

Conceptualizing Stress and Coping Strategies of Korean Social Work Students in the United States: A Concept Mapping Application

The number of Asian international students pursuing graduate degrees in social work in the U.S. has increased dramatically in recent years, especially among Koreans. Despite the growth and the need for culturally competent practices in higher education, no research has been devoted to the adjustment problems of this population. This study is the first of its kind in exploring stress and coping strategies of Korean international students in graduate social work education. Concept mapping revealed five major clusters of stressors: academic problems, financial difficulties, cultural barriers, psychological problems, and family concerns. Five major coping strategies emerged as well: psychological coping, physical coping, problem solving, social support, and entertainment. Social work schools and departments should demonstrate cultural competence with this population by providing support services to help these students cope successfully with their new environment.     

战国秦汉时期的里社与私社

近年来长江流域出土的简牍材料表明,战国秦汉时期南方楚地存在着很多里。里皆有其社,社主又有“地主”、“侯土”等异名。围绕着里社的巫术活动十分盛行。从战国至汉代,里、社合一之制基本得到沿续,然而里、社分离的历史趋势已明显存在。西汉晚期,民间百姓在里社(官社)之外另立私社。东汉初年的《序宁祷券》证明了此种私社的存在,西汉中期邗江汉墓的《神灵名位牍》和秦朝末年的周家台秦简《日书》中关于私社的内容,比文献中唯一一条材料(见《汉书.五行志》)要分别提前36年和177年。     

QTL analysis of flag leaf in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for morphological traits and chlorophyll content

To understand genetic patterns of the morphological and physiological traits in flag leaf of barley, a double haploid (DH) population derived from the parents Yerong and Franklin was used to determine quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling length, width, length/width, and chlorophyll content of flag leaves. A total of 9 QTLs showing significantly additive effect were detected in 8 intervals on 5 chromosomes. The variation of individual QTL ranged from 1.9% to 20.2%. For chlorophyll content expressed as SPAD value, 4 QTLs were identified on chromosomes 2H, 3H and 6H; fur leaf length and width, 2 QTLs located on chromosomes 5H and 7H, and 2 QTLs located on chromosome 5H were detected; and for length/width, 1 QTL was detected on chromosome 7H. The identification of these QTLs associated with the properties of flag leaf is useful for barley improvement in breeding programs.     

Use of stochastic simulations to investigate the power and design of a whole genome association study using single nucleotide polymorphism arrays in farm animals

This paper presents a quick, easy to implement and versatile way of using stochastic simulations to investigate the power and design of using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays for genome-wide association studies in farm animals. It illustrates the methodology by discussing a small example where 6 experimental designs are considered to analyse the same resource consisting of 6006 animals with pedigree and phenotypic records: (1) genotyping the 30 most widely used sires in the population and all of their progeny (515 animals in total), (2) genotyping the 100 most widely used sires in the population and all of their progeny (1102 animals in total), genotyping respectively (3) 515 and (4) 1102 animals selected randomly or genotyping respectively (5) 515 and (6) 1102 animals from the tails of the phenotypic distribution. Given the resource at hand, designs where the extreme animals are genotyped perform the best, followed by designs selecting animals at random. Designs where sires and their progeny are genotyped perform the worst, as even genotyping the 100 most widely used sires and their progeny is not as powerful of genotyping 515 extreme animals.     

Use of stochastic simulations to investigate the power and design of a whole genome association study using single nucleotide

This paper presents a quick, easy to implement and versatile way of using stochastic simulations to investigate the power and design of using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays for genome-wide association studies in farm animals. It illustrates the methodology by discussing a small example where 6 experimental designs are considered to analyse the same resource consisting of 6006 animals with pedigree and phenotypic records: (1) genotyping the 30 most widely used sires in the population and all of their progeny (515 animals in total), (2) genotyping the 100 most widely used sires in the population and all of their progeny (1 102 animals in total), genotyping respectively (3) 515 and (4) 1 102 animals selected randomly or genotyping respectively (5) 515 and (6) 1 102 animals from the tails of the phenotypic distribution. Given the resource at hand, designs where the extreme animals are genotyped perform the best, followed by designs selecting animals at random. Designs where sires and their progeny are genotyped perform the worst, as even genotyping the 100 most widely used sires and their progeny is not as powerful of genotyping 515 extreme animals.     

美国一流大学数据治理的研究与启示——以范德堡大学为例

数据治理是高校教育治理的重要内容和重要手段。数据治理水平决定了教育现代化的程度。范德堡大学的数据治理包括制定数据治理战略规划、构建数据治理组织架构、制定数据治理政策、采用成熟度矩阵模型衡量数据治理水平。形成高校数据治理文化、建立高校数据治理体系、培养高校数据治理人才是促进中国高校教育治理现代化的重要手段。     

Child Observation and Accountability in Early Childhood Education: Perspectives from Australia and the United States

The changing ways child observation is being used by preschool teachers in the United States and Australia are described in relation to the accountability movement pressuring young children and their teachers in both countries. The costs of the accountability movement in early childhood education are explored, and a call for genuine accountability based on assessment strategies such as traditional child observation is made.