Mrub_2052, Mrub_0628, and Mrub_2034 genes are predicted to be orthologous to b0688, b2039, and b3789 genes found in \u3cem\u3eEscherichia coli\u3c/em\u3e, which are involved in streptomycin biosynthesis

We predict that Mrub_2052 encodes the enzymephosphoglucomutase (DNA coordinates 2088542..2090185 on the complement strand which is the 00521 step of the Streptomycin Biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 5.4.2.2). It catalyzes the conversion of D-Glucose- 6P (also known as D-glucopyranose 6-phosphate) to D-Glucose-1P (also known as α-D-glucopyranose 1-phosphate). The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b0688, which has the gene identifier pgm. We predict that Mrub__0628 encodes the enzyme glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferase (DNA coordinates 605559..606635 on the complement strand, which is the 00521 step of the Streptomycin Biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 2.7.7.24). It catalyzes the conversion of D-Glucose-1P to dTDP-glucose (also known as dTDP-α-D-glucose). The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b2039, which has the gene identifier rfbA. We predict that Mrub__2034 encodes the enzyme glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferase (DNA coordinates 2071868..2072941 on the complement strand, which is the 00521 step of the Streptomycin Biosynthesis pathway (KEGG map number 2.7.7.24). It catalyzes the conversion of D-Glucose-1P to dTDP-glucose (also known as dTDP-α-D-glucose). The E. coli K12 MG1655 ortholog is predicted to be b3789, which has the gene identifier rffH

GNSS Spoof Detection Using Shipboard IMU Measurements

A variety of approaches have been proposed in the literature to detect spooing of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). These approaches vary widely based upon the assumed capabilities and a priori knowledge of the spoofer. This paper considers a method to detect spoofing based on comparing the relative (not absolute) platform trajectory estimated by the GNSS receiver to the relative trajectory developed from IMU measurements (specifically pitch and roll from a gyro compass). The primary contribution of this paper is the development and analysis of a GNSS spoofing detection algorithm that exploits the unknown (to the spoofer) “high” frequency pitch/roll motion of the ship as seen by a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) receiver and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that may already be in use onboard ships. We focus on generalized likelihood ratio tests using simple models of the GNSS and gyro measurements. Further, we avoid using a navigation filter, such as the extended Kalman filter, on the measurements; instead, the algorithm directly employs the instantaneous trajectories. Experimental results are shown using a commercial GNSS receiver with data from a GNSS simulator with IMU capability. The length of time and amount of motion required to achieve low probabilities of false alarm and missed detection are analyzed

Randomized controlled trial of functional family therapy for offending and antisocial behaviour in UK Youth

Background: Youth offending and antisocial behavior (ASB) are associated with low quality mental health and relationships and usually lead to poor adult functioning; they are very costly for society. Family interventions are effective in children but there are few reliably effective and inexpensive interventions for adolescents. Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is an evidence-based intervention but seldom tested outside the US. Methods: 111 adolescents (10-17 years of age, M = 15.0, SD = 1.63) and their families were randomized to FFT + Management As Usual (MAU) (n=65) or to MAU (n=46). Assessments were made at baseline, 6, and 18 months after randomization and included interviews and questionnaires of parenting behaviors, Conduct Disorders and offending. Parent-child interaction was directly observed and police records obtained. Trial registration: ISCRTN27650478. Results: 89 (80%) were followed-up. In both groups, there were large reductions over time in all measures of offending and antisocial behavior (e.g. primary outcome p < 0.001), but no significant changes over time in parenting behavior or the parent-child relationship. However, there were no differences between intervention and control groups at 6 or 18 months on self-reported delinquency, police records of offending, symptoms or diagnoses of Conduct Disorders, parental monitoring or supervision, directly-observed child negative behavior, or parental positive or negative behavior. Against predictions, the intervention group showed lower levels of directly-observed child positive behavior at 18 months compared to controls. Conclusions: In contrast to most previous trials of FFT, FFT+MAU did not lead to greater reductions in youth ASB and offending compared to MAU alone, and did not lead to improvements in parenting or the parent-child relationship. This may be because the trial was more rigorously conducted than prior studies; equally, the possibility that MAU was effective requires further research

Quantitative Analyses of Retinal Vascular Area and Density After Different Methods to Reduce VEGF in a Rat Model of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Targeted inhibition of Müller cell (MC)–produced VEGF or broad inhibition of VEGF with an intravitreal anti-VEGF antibody reduces intravitreal neovascularization in a rat model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In this study, we compared the effects of these two approaches on retinal vascular development and capillary density in the inner and deep plexi in the rat ROP model

Baseline Predictors of Visual Acuity and Retinal Thickness Outcomes in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion. SCORE Study Report 10

To investigate baseline factors significantly associated with visual acuity and central retinal thickness outcomes in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion in the Standard Care versus COrticosteroid for REtinal Vein Occlusion (SCORE) Study

Exoplanet Diversity in the Era of Space-based Direct Imaging Missions

This whitepaper discusses the diversity of exoplanets that could be detected by future observations, so that comparative exoplanetology can be performed in the upcoming era of large space-based flagship missions. The primary focus will be on characterizing Earth-like worlds around Sun-like stars. However, we will also be able to characterize companion planets in the system simultaneously. This will not only provide a contextual picture with regards to our Solar system, but also presents a unique opportunity to observe size dependent planetary atmospheres at different orbital distances. We propose a preliminary scheme based on chemical behavior of gases and condensates in a planet's atmosphere that classifies them with respect to planetary radius and incident stellar flux.Comment: A white paper submitted to the National Academy of Sciences Exoplanet Science Strateg

Short Hairpin RNA-Mediated Knockdown of VEGFA in Müller Cells Reduces Intravitreal Neovascularization in a Rat Model of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A is implicated in aberrant angiogenesis and intravitreous neovascularization (IVNV) in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). However, VEGFA also regulates retinal vascular development and functions as a retinal neural survival factor. By using a relevant ROP model, the 50/10 oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model, we previously found that broad inhibition of VEGFA bioactivity using a neutralizing antibody to rat VEGF significantly reduced IVNV area compared with control IgG but also significantly reduced body weight gain in the pups, suggesting an adverse effect. Therefore, we propose that knockdown of up-regulated VEGFA in cells that overexpress it under pathological conditions would reduce IVNV without affecting physiological retinal vascular development or overall pup growth. Herein, we determined first that the VEGFA mRNA signal was located within the inner nuclear layer corresponding to CRALBP-labeled Müller cells of pups in the 50/10 OIR model. We then developed a lentiviral-delivered miR-30–embedded shRNA against VEGFA that targeted Müller cells. Reduction of VEGFA by lentivector VEGFA-shRNA–targeting Müller cells efficiently reduced 50/10 OIR up-regulated VEGFA and IVNV in the model, without adversely affecting physiological retinal vascular development or pup weight gain. Knockdown of VEGFA in rat Müller cells by lentivector VEGFA-shRNA significantly reduced VEGFR2 phosphorylation in retinal vascular endothelial cells. Our results suggest that targeted knockdown of overexpressed VEGFA in Müller cells safely reduces IVNV in a relevant ROP model

Ophthalmologist–Patient Communication, Self-efficacy, and Glaucoma Medication Adherence

The objective of the study was to examine the association between provider-patient communication, glaucoma medication adherence self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and glaucoma medication adherence

Comparison of Time-Domain OCT and Fundus Photographic Assessments of Retinal Thickening in Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema

To explore the correlation between optical coherence tomography (OCT) and stereoscopic fundus photographs (FP) for the assessment of retinal thickening (RT) in diabetic macular edema (DME) within a clinical trial

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Autism-Specific Workplace Tool for Employers: A Randomised Controlled Trial

A randomised controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of the Integrated Employment Success Tool (IEST™) in improving employers’ self-efficacy in modifying the workplace for individuals on the autism spectrum. Employers (N = 84) were randomised to the IEST™ or support as usual groups. Measurements of self-efficacy, knowledge and attitudes towards disability in the workplace were obtained at baseline and post-test. Results revealed a significant improvement in self-efficacy within the IEST™ group between baseline and post-test (p = 0.016). At post-test, there were no significant differences between groups in relation to self-efficacy in implementing autism-specific workplace modifications and employer attitudes towards disability in the workplace. Given the lack of significant outcomes, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the IEST™ for employers