Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

The Experiences of Women in Professional Tackle Football

There has been a quiet surge in the growth of professional women\u27s football teams in the US. Currently the Independent Women\u27s Football League (IWFL) and Women\u27s Football Association (WFA) feature dozens of teams which offer new and ex citing playing opportunities for women from all backgrounds. Despite this growth at the professional level, tackle football is not offered at the interscholastic level for girls and youth football programs for girls are not widely available. Girls who desire to play football most often have limited opportunities in flag football or as members of well-established boys programs. The goals of this session are to (1) increase awareness and promote professional women\u27s football in the US and (2) expose and share strategies for increasing opportunities for females of all ages to play. This presentation will provide an introduction to professional football in the US via an overview of the two predominant leagues and a brief overview of the current literature examining psychosocial and social cultural factors related to women\u27s professional football. A panel discussion with current active players will address their personal experiences as participants including benefits and consequences of participating and their ideas, thoughts and beliefs on how to initiate football programs for girls and women of all ages throughout the United States. A question and answer session with the panel will conclude the session

Benefits to Women from Playing Tackle Football

There has been an increase in the number of opportunities for women to participate in sport since the passage of Title IX in 1972. Research has shown that women who participate in contact sport enjoy the physical nature of the sport and the opportunity to break down barriers (Chu, Leberman, Howe, & Bachor, 2003), as well as the feeling of empowerment (Migliaccio & Berg, 2007). Over the past decade, there has been a surge in the number of women playing professional tackle football. Recently opportunities for women to participate in tackle football have resulted in close to 90 teams across the country. This study examined the experiences of professional women football players on a Midwest team. Specifically, six current players with at least three years playing experience were interviewed about the benefits they encountered as a professional football player. Players ranged in age from 23 to 37 and were from diverse backgrounds (one Native American, four European Americans, and one African American). After the interviews were transcribed, they were analyzed using inductive and deductive analysis. Seven perceived benefits emerged from this study. These benefits included Physical Fitness, Social Competence, Physicality of the GameImproves Psychological Well- Being, Changing the Fabric of Society, the Thrill of Victory, and Travel Opportunities. Discussion will focus on the experiences of the players and the benefits that can be derived from participating in tackle football. As previous research has suggested, the results confirm that there are benefits for women that are involved in contact sports

A Systematic Evaluation Of Food Textures To Decrease Packing And Increase Oral Intake In Children With Pediatric Feeding Disorders

This study examined packing (pocketing or holding accepted food in the mouth) in 3 children who were failing to thrive or had inadequate weight gain due to insufficient caloric intake. The results of an analysis of texture indicated that total grams consumed were higher when lower textured foods were presented than when higher textured foods were presented. The gram intake was related directly to levels of packing. That is, high levels of packing were associated with higher textured foods and low gram intake, and low levels of packing were associated with lower textured foods and high gram intake. All participants gained weight when texture of foods was decreased. Packing remained low during follow-up for 2 participants even when the texture of food was increased gradually over time. These data are discussed in relation to avoidance, response effort, and skill deficit