Broadening Information Assurance Awareness by Gaming

Abstrac

SU(1,1)-type light-atom-correlated interferometer

The quantum correlation of light and atomic collective excitation can be used to compose an SU(1,1)-type hybrid light-atom interferometer, where one arm in the optical SU(1,1) interferometer is replaced by the atomic collective excitation. The phase-sensing probes include not only the photon field but also the atomic collective excitation inside the interferometer. For a coherent squeezed state as the phase-sensing field, the phase sensitivity can approach the Heisenberg limit under the optimal conditions. We also study the effects of the loss of light field and the dephasing of atomic excitation on the phase sensitivity. This kind of active SU(1,1) interferometer can also be realized in other systems, such as circuit quantum electrodynamics in microwave systems, which provides a different method for basic measurement using the hybrid interferometers

Preliminary Analysis of Yeast Communities Associated with the Spontaneous Fermentation of Musalais, a Traditional Alcoholic Beverage of Southern Xinjiang, China

Musalais is a traditional alcoholic beverage made by the Uighur people in southern Xinjiang, China. Theinitial fermentation juice is obtained by prolonged boiling of local grape juice and grape residues. In thecurrent study, 242 yeast isolates were obtained from 18 samples (grapes, derived starting products, andprogressive stages of fermentation), and 20 phenotypes were distinguished, based on colony characteristicson WL nutrient agar. Fifty representative isolates were selected and found to belong to eight genera (basedon rRNA gene sequence analysis). Among the non-Saccharomyces species present on the grapes and relatedderived substrates, Hanseniaspora spp. was the dominant species. However, nearly all of these specieswere absent in early fermentation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was not found until the onset of spontaneousfermentation and quickly became the dominant species. The identified yeast community could be used tofurther develop indigenous yeast strains to serve the traditional technology of Musalais. The productionof Musalais, from a starting substrate that has been boiled for 15 hours to kill all, or nearly all, yeast cells,provides fresh insights into the production of ethanol by the fermentation of grape juice

Transformation of microbially-induced protodolomite to dolomite proceeds under dry-heating conditions

The genesis of sedimentary dolomite remains an unresolved issue. Protodolomite has been considered as a metastable precursor for some sedimentary dolomites. Through laboratory experiments, much has been learnt about the transformation of protodolomite into dolomite under hydrothermal conditions mimicking those in open diagenetic systems. However, it is still unclear whether such mineral transformation could proceed in closed diagenetic systems, in which the supply of externally-derived fluids is often limited. Here through dry-heating experiments we demonstrated that low-temperature protodolomite converts into dolomite in the absence of external fluid. The starting materials for the recrystallization reactions included two types of protodolomite: biotic protodolomite and its abiotic counterpart. Biotic protodolomite was synthesized by means of a halophilic bacterium at 30 °C. Since the synthesis of abiotic protodolomite normally requires higher temperatures than biotic ones, the abiotic protodolomite samples used herein were prepared at 60 °C and 100 °C. These protodolomites were spherical in shape and composed of nano-globular subunits. Our protodolomite samples contained considerable structural water in the range of 1.4-7 wt%. The water content of protodolomites was linearly correlated with their synthesis temperature, that is, biotic protodolomite had a higher amount of water than its abiotic counterparts. The protodolomite samples were then dry-annealed at temperatures of 100 to 300 °C for two months. The results indicated that the rate of protodolomite-to-dolomite transformation was higher in the reactors using biotic protodolomite than those using abiotic protodolomites. This conversion was likely triggered by the dehydration of structural water within protodolomite. The resulting dolomite mostly retained spherical morphology, whereas its nanosized subunits tended to become rhombohedral. Calcite neoformation was also found to accompany the dolomite formation. Our findings suggest that structural water within protodolomite is an overlooked internal fluid and it might have an impact on the genesis of sedimentary dolomite during burial diagenesis

Pre-Diagnostic Leukocyte Genomic DNA Methylation and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Women

Background: Abnormal one-carbon metabolism may lead to general genomic (global) hypomethylation, which may predispose an individual to the development of colorectal neoplasia. Methods: We evaluated the association between pre-diagnostic leukocyte genomic DNA methylation level and the risk of colorectal cancer in a nested case-control study of 358 colorectal cancer cases and 661 matched controls within the all-female cohort of the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS). Among control subjects, we further examined major plasma components in the one-carbon metabolism pathway in relation to genomic DNA methylation level. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry was used to examine leukocyte genomic DNA methylation level. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using logistic regression. Results: Overall genomic DNA methylation level was not associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (p for trend, 0.45). Compared with women in the lowest quintile of methylation, the multivariate OR of colorectal cancer risk was 1.32 (95% CI, 0.82–2.13) for those in the highest quintile. We did not find significant associations between major plasma components of one-carbon metabolism or risk factors for colorectal cancer and genomic DNA methylation level (all p for trend >0.05). Also, neither one-carbon metabolism-related plasma components nor well-known risk factors for colorectal cancer modified the association between genomic DNA methylation level and the risk of colorectal cancer (all p for interaction >0.05). Conclusions: We found no evidence that hypomethylation of leukocyte genomic DNA increases risk of colorectal cancer among women. Additional studies are needed to investigate the association between pre-diagnostic genomic DNA methylation level and colorectal cancer risk among diverse populations

Machine Learning in Oil and Gas Exploration: A Review

A comprehensive assessment of machine learning applications is conducted to identify the developing trends for Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in the oil and gas sector, specifically focusing on geological and geophysical exploration and reservoir characterization. Critical areas, such as seismic data processing, facies and lithofacies classification, and the prediction of essential petrophysical properties (e.g., porosity, permeability, and water saturation), are explored. Despite the vital role of these properties in resource assessment, accurate prediction remains challenging. This paper offers a detailed overview of machine learning’s involvement in seismic data processing, facies classification, and reservoir property prediction. It highlights its potential to address various oil and gas exploration challenges, including predictive modelling, classification, and clustering tasks. Furthermore, the review identifies unique barriers hindering the widespread application of machine learning in the exploration, including uncertainties in subsurface parameters, scale discrepancies, and handling temporal and spatial data complexity. It proposes potential solutions, identifies practices contributing to achieving optimal accuracy, and outlines future research directions, providing a nuanced understanding of the field’s dynamics. Adopting machine learning and robust data management methods is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency in an era marked by extensive data generation. While acknowledging the inherent limitations of these approaches, they surpass the constraints of traditional empirical and analytical methods, establishing themselves as versatile tools for addressing industrial challenges. This comprehensive review serves as an invaluable resource for researchers venturing into less-charted territories in this evolving field, offering valuable insights and guidance for future research

Pubertal onset with adulthood lung function mediated by height growth in adolescence

BACKGROUND: Age of pubertal onset is associated with height and lung function in adulthood. It is unknown whether height growth in adolescence mediates the association of age at puberty with early adult lung function. METHODS: Data from the Isle of Wight (IOW) birth cohort (n=1261) were examined in the study. Ages of pubertal events, height at ages 10 and 18 years and lung function parameters (forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV)) at 26 years were included in a path analysis to assess the mediation effects of height growth. Findings were tested in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort. RESULTS: In females in the IOW cohort, age at menarche and body hair growth showed a positive indirect association with FVC (menarche: indirect effect coefficient (IEC)=0.13, 95% CI 0.05-0.20, p=1.28×10; body hair growth: IEC=0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.15, p=0.017) and FEV (menarche: IEC=0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.17, p=0.028; body hair growth: IEC=0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.14, p=0.043) at 26 years through height growth and lung function at 18 years. In males, age at body hair growth (IEC=0.08; 95% CI 0.01-0.15, p=0.047), growth spurt (IEC=0.09; 95% CI 0.01-0.17, p=0.034) and facial hair growth (IEC=0.09; 95% CI 0.02-0.16, p=0.014) had positive indirect effects on FVC at 26 years, but voice deepening did not show statistically significant indirect effects (p\u3e0.05). For pubertal events available in the ALSPAC cohort, results consistent with the IOW cohort were found for both females and males. CONCLUSION: Effects of age of puberty on FVC in early adulthood are likely mediated by height growth during adolescence

Effect of Methylimidazole-Induced Hypothyroidism in a Model of Low Retinal Neovascular Incidence

PURPOSE. To determine the effect of methylimidazole (MMI)-induced hypothyroidism in a newborn rat model of low retinal neovascular (NV) incidence. METHODS. Control and MMI-exposed newborn rats were raised either in room air or variable oxygen (40/15) until P14. All groups were then exposed to room air between postnatal day (P)14 and P20. Dams drank either tap water or water containing MMI. Eyes of animals in all groups were enucleated, and retinas were removed and stained with adenosine diphosphatase and analyzed for peripheral avascularity, vascular density, and NV incidence and severity. RESULTS. In the control group, MMI treatment did not promote the development of retinal NV although a linear relationship (r ϭ 0.99, P Ͻ 0.01) was found between increased MMI dose and lower peripheral retinal vascular densities. In all the 40/15 groups, peripheral retinal vascular densities were lower (P Ͻ 0.05) than normal and were not a function of MMI dose. Increased MMI dose produced increased retinal incidence of NV (r ϭ 0.99, P Ͻ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. These data are consistent with the notions that thyroid function contributes to normal retinal vascular density and that hypothyroidism can play a permissive role in the development of retinal NV. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2004; 45:919 -921) DOI:10.1167/iovs.03-0914 V ery-low-birth-weight infants are at substantially higher risk for blinding complications, such as the development of retinal neovascularization (NV) associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). To minimize the impact of retinal NV on vision, photocoagulation is currently used, but it is a destructive approach that is not always effective. A better understanding is needed of the pathogenic factors involved in the formation of retinal NV in ROP so that new methods of prevention and treatment can be developed. To date, studies have demonstrated an important link between insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and normal and abnormal retinal vascular development. 1-3 IGF-1 is, among other functions, a downstream modulator of thyroid activity. Infants born very prematurely (Ͻ27 weeks) are more likely to have low thyroxine (T 4 ) levels, indicating an abnormal hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis function. In this study, we used a clinically relevant model of ROP involving newborn rats exposed to a variable oxygen environment from postnatal day (P)0 to P14 and then to room air between P15 and P20. 6 -8 In animals exposed to an oxygen environment that alternates between 40% and 15% every other day (the 40/15 model), only a small percentage (Ͻ10%) of the rat pups exhibit 1 clock hour of NV in the peripheral retina. -14 METHODS The animals were treated in accordance with the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research. MMI Between P0 and P20, rat pups were raised in room air and received MMI (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.13%, or 0.15% wt/vol; Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO), added to the drinking water of the dam. Control dams and their pups drank untreated water. In the control and 0.13% and 0.15% MMI-treated 40/15 groups, measurements of T 4 , thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and IGF-1 were performed (Anilytics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD) on pooled blood samples. Pooled blood samples were used because of the limited amount of blood available from individual newborn rats (Ͻ30 g). However, retinal histopathology was not investigated, because 0.13% and 0.15% MMI doses usually resulted in substantial (Ͼ90%) pup attrition (data not shown). Animal Model 7 Briefly, Sprague-Dawley dams and litters (12-15 pups per litter) were housed in modified pediatric incubators where the oxygen levels were varied between 40% and 15% (40/15) every 24 hours for the first 14 days after birth. Rats were then allowed to recover in room air (21%) during the next 6 days until P20. The drinking water in one of two cages per incubator was supplemented with MMI between P0 and P20. Holes in the sides of the pediatric incubators were purposely not sealed so that the incubators would be somewhat leaky and minimize the unwanted buildup of carbon dioxide. Although we did not directly assess whether airflow at the holes reversed during the variable oxygen exposure, it is unlikely that this happened, because the computercontrolled (Oxycycler; Biospherix, Ltd., Redfield, NY) variable oxygen procedure constantly maintain positive pressure inside the incubator by injecting the appropriate mixture of 100% oxygen or nitrogen to maintain either a 40% or 15% oxygen environment. In addition, each incubator housed one untreated and one MMI-treated 40/15 cage and so these groups experienced similar variable oxygen exposures. From th

Changes in DNA methylation from pre- to post-adolescence are associated with pubertal exposures

Background Adolescence is a period characterized by major biological development, which may be associated with changes in DNA methylation (DNA-M). However, it is unknown to what extent DNA-M varies from pre- to post-adolescence, whether the pattern of changes is different between females and males, and how adolescence-related factors are associated with changes in DNA-M. Methods Genome-scale DNA-M at ages 10 and 18 years in whole blood of 325 subjects (n = 140 females) in the Isle of Wight (IOW) birth cohort was analyzed using Illumina Infinium arrays (450K and EPIC). Linear mixed models were used to examine DNA-M changes between pre- and post-adolescence and whether the changes were gender-specific. Adolescence-related factors and environmental exposure factors were assessed on their association with DNA-M changes. Replication of findings was attempted in the comparable Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort. Results In the IOW cohort, after controlling for technical variation and cell compositions at both pre- and post-adolescence, 15,532 cytosine–phosphate–guanine (CpG) sites (of 400,825 CpGs, 3.88%) showed statistically significant DNA-M changes from pre-adolescence to post-adolescence invariant to gender (false discovery rate (FDR) = 0.05). Of these 15,532 CpGs, 10,212 CpGs (66%) were replicated in the ALSPAC cohort. Pathway analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) identified significant biological pathways related to growth and development of the reproductive system, emphasizing the importance of this period of transition on epigenetic state of genes. In addition, in IOW, we identified 1179 CpGs with gender-specific DNA-M changes. In the IOW cohort, body mass index (BMI) at age 10 years, age of growth spurt, nonsteroidal drugs use, and current smoking status showed statistically significant associations with DNA-M changes at 15 CpGs on 14 genes such as the AHRR gene. For BMI at age 10 years, the association was gender-specific. Findings on current smoking status were replicated in the ALSPAC cohort. Conclusion Adolescent transition is associated with changes in DNA-M at more than 15K CpGs. Identified pathways emphasize the importance of this period of transition on epigenetic state of genes relevant to cell growth and immune system development