Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trajectory optimization for the Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle

Computational techniques used to design and optimize the trajectories flown by the Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle are presented. The open-loop atmospheric guidance strategy and the closed-loop exoatmospheric pitch and yaw guidance equations are discussed breifly to indicate the control parameters available for optimization within the constraints of the current flight computer implementation. The full range of constraints that must be observed during the flight is discussed at length. The main portion of the paper is devoted to a discussion of the constrained optimization technique used, a method related to Hestenes' Method of Multipliers, (25) but using various formulas to update the multipliers. To the best of the author's Knowledge, no publications have appeared showing the applicability and advantages of multiplier methods to trajectory optimization problems. The author's experience has shown his variation of the Method of Multipliers to be almost twice as fast as competing penalty function methods. Finally, optimization of the HEAO-A direct-ascent trajectory is discussed. The HEAO-A mission demonstrates profile optimization to meet range safety, tracking, heating, structural integrity, and attitude rate constraints.
Masking of Circadian Activity Rhythms in Canaries by Light and Dark

Canaries (Serinus canaria) were kept singly in cages placed in an artificially illu minated, soundproof cabinet. Perch-hopping activity was recorded by means of a computer system. In three series of experiments, the activity rhythms of the birds were entrained to 24 hr by light-dark (LD) cycles with 4, 12, or 20 hr of light (L), respectively. The intensity of illumination was 10 lux in L and 0.25 lux in darkness (D). Under LD 4:20 and 12:12, the intensity of D was increased daily at the same zeitgeber time to 1 lux for 1 hr (L pulse) during about 8 consecutive days. This sequence was followed by 8 days without L pulses before giving another series of L pulses at a different zeitgeber time. Under LD 20:4, the intensity of L was decreased to 1 lux for 1 hr (D pulse). The activity of all birds was more or less increased by the L pulses (positive masking) and decreased by the D pulses (negative masking). The level of masking activity during the L and D pulses depended on the circadian phase at which the pulses were administered. Positive masking by L pulses was minimal about 5 hr after the beginning of D, and increased steadily thereafter. Negative masking by D pulses was maximal at the beginning and the end of L, and minimal during the middle.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Antimicrobial Polypeptides are Key Anti‐HIV‐1 Effector Molecules of Cervicovaginal Host Defense

Mucosal surfaces of the cervix and vagina are portals for heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) and, therefore, play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of primary infection. Cationic antimicrobial polypeptides including defensins are the principal effector molecules of mucosal innate immunity against microbes and viruses such as HIV. In cervicovaginal secretions, antimicrobial polypeptides constitute the majority of the intrinsic anti‐HIV‐1 activity, synergism between cationic polypeptides is complex, and full anti‐HIV‐1 activity involves the complete complement of cationic polypeptides. Periods in which cationic antimicrobial polypeptide expression is reduced are likely associated with increased susceptibility to HIV‐1 infection. This review provides an overview of the role of cationic antimicrobial polypeptides in innate cervicovaginal anti‐HIV‐1 host defense, and discusses how hormones and bacterial infections can regulate their expression. Emphasis is placed on the θ‐defensin (retrocyclin) class of anti‐HIV‐1 peptides and their potential for development as topical microbicides to prevent HIV‐1 transmission.
Evolutionary Genetics of Human Enterovirus 71: Origin, Population Dynamics, Natural Selection, and Seasonal Periodicity of the VP1 Gene

ABSTRACT Human enterovirus 71 (EV-71) is one of the major etiologic causes of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) among young children worldwide, with fatal instances of neurological complications becoming increasingly common. Global VP1 capsid sequences (n = 628) sampled over 4 decades were collected and subjected to comprehensive evolutionary analysis using a suite of phylogenetic and population genetic methods. We estimated that the common ancestor of human EV-71 likely emerged around 1941 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1929 to 1952), subsequently diverging into three genogroups: B, C, and the now extinct genogroup A. Genealogical analysis revealed that diverse lineages of genogroup B and C (subgenogroups B1 to B5 and C1 to C5) have each circulated cryptically in the human population for up to 5 years before causing large HFMD outbreaks, indicating the quiescent persistence of EV-71 in human populations. Estimated phylogenies showed a complex pattern of spatial structure within well-sampled subgenogroups, suggesting endemicity with occasional lineage migration among locations, such that past HFMD epidemics are unlikely to be linked to continuous transmission of a single strain of virus. In addition, rises in genetic diversity are correlated with the onset of epidemics, driven in part by the emergence of novel EV-71 subgenogroups. Using subgenogroup C1 as a model, we observe temporal strain replacement through time, and we investigate the evidence for positive selection at VP1 immunogenic sites. We discuss the consequences of the evolutionary dynamics of EV-71 for vaccine design and compare its phylodynamic behavior with that of influenza virus.
Effects of storage‐induced platelet microparticles on the initiation and propagation phase of blood coagulation

Platelets shed microparticles, which support haemostasis via adherence to the damaged vasculature and by promoting blood coagulation. We investigated mechanisms through which storage‐induced microparticles might support blood coagulation. Flow cytometry was used to determine microparticle number, cellular origin and surface expression of tissue factor (TF), procoagulant phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and glycoprotein (GP) Ib‐α. The influence of microparticles on initiation and propagation of coagulation were examined in activated factor X (factor Xa; FXa) and thrombin generation assays and compared with that of synthetic phospholipids. About 75% of microparticles were platelet derived and their number significantly increased during storage of platelet concentrates. About 10% of the microparticles expressed functionally active TF, as measured in a FXa generation assay. However, TF‐driven thrombin generation was only found in plasma in which tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) was neutralised, suggesting that microparticle‐associated TF in platelet concentrates is of minor importance. Furthermore, 60% of all microparticles expressed PtdSer. In comparison with synthetic procoagulant phospholipids, the maximal rate of thrombin formation in TF‐activated plasma was 15‐fold higher when platelet‐free plasma was titrated with microparticles. This difference could be attributed to the ability of microparticles to propagate thrombin generation by thrombin‐activated FXI. Collectively, our findings indicate a role of microparticles in supporting haemostasis by enhancement of the propagation phase of blood coagulation.
Why leverage does not always deliver: Lessons from the performance of the top 50 industrial firms in Greece during the Great Depression

Abstract On the basis of a new data-set constructed from company balance sheets and profit and loss accounts (for 1927–1936), this article examines the performance of the top 50 industrial joint stock companies in Greece that survived the Great Depression. We combined descriptive statistics with panel data analysis, and our main findings are as follows: (1) the Great Depression had a rather mild impact on profitability; (2) the level of (financial or operating) leverage throughout the decade under review was lower than that prescribed in theory, and the best performers within the top 50 had a higher liquidity; (3) leverage did not produce the expected benefits (i.e. a higher capital investment) even when there were increasing industrial profits as in the post-crisis period.
Neuropsychiatric profiles in patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia

Background/Aims: The aim of the following study is to compare the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in patients of Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). Materials and Methods: We used National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria for diagnosing AD and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Association International pour la Recherche et l’Enseignement en Neurosciences Criteria for diagnosing VaD. VaD cohort was further subcategorized into small vessel and large vessel disease. The severity of cognitive impairment and the BPSD were studied by means of the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory respectively. Results: We studied 50 AD and 50 VaD patients of whom 38 were small vessels and 12 were large vessels VaD. The severity of dementia was comparable in both groups. The agitation/aggression, depression/dysphoria, anxiety, apathy/indifference, irritability, aberrant motor behavior, appetite and eating behavior and night-time behaviors occurred significantly more frequently in patients with VaD than AD. We found a weak positive correlation between the CDR score and the number of neuropsychiatric symptoms per patient in both cohorts. Elation/euphoria, agitation/aggression was significantly more frequent in patients with large vessel in comparison to small vessel VaD. Conclusions: BPSD are common in both types of dementia and they are more severe in VaD than AD when the groups have similar levels of cognitive impairment.
Survival of patients with hereditary colorectal cancer: Comparison of HNPCC and colorectal cancer in FAP patients with sporadic colorectal cancer

Conflicting data exist on the prognosis of hereditary colorectal cancer. HNPCC patients, in particular, are often reported to have a better survival. We examined 2,340 colorectal‐cancer patients treated in our Institution: 144 HNPCC patients (Amsterdam Criteria), 161 FAP patients and 2,035 patients with sporadic cancer. Data on hereditary‐cancer patients treated between 1980 and 1995 was collected in a registry. The 2,035 sporadic colorectal‐cancer patients (controls) included all new cases treated in the Department of Gastrointestinal‐Tract Surgery during the same period. Observed survival was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Cumulative survival probability was estimated at 5 years within each group and stratified by various clinical and pathological variables. The age distribution at diagnosis of sporadic patients was significantly higher than that of FAP and HNPCC patients (median 60 years vs. 43 and 49 years; p < 0.0001). In the HNPCC group, 40% had a right cancer location, vs. 14% in the FAP group and 13% in the sporadic‐cancer group. In the sporadic group, 51% were early‐stage cancers (Dukes A or B) vs. 48.4% and 52.1% in the FAP and HNPCC groups respectively. In the HNPCC, FAP and sporadic‐cancer groups, the 5‐year cumulative survival rate was 56.9%, 54.4% and 50.6% respectively. Survival analysis by the Cox proportional‐hazards method revealed no substantial survival advantage for HNPCC and FAP patients compared with the sporadic group, after adjustment for age, gender, stage and tumor location. The hazard ratio for HNPCC was 1.01 (95% CI 0.72–1.39) and 1.27 (95% CI 0.95–1.7) for FAP patients compared with the sporadic‐colorectal‐cancer group. Int. J. Cancer 80:183–187, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cluster of hemolytic-uremic syndrome caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26:H11

Background. The epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 are well-known, but HUS attributable to non-O157:H7 Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC) are less thoroughly described. Here we report a cluster of HUS cases caused by STEC O26:H11 the most common non-O157:H7 STEC isolated from sporadic cases of HUS in Europe. Methods. Three children between 13 and 17 months of age, living in the same small town, developed HUS within an interval of 5 days. We present clinical and microbiologic data on the patients and their infecting isolates. Results. The clinical course ranged from mild uncomplicated HUS to severe HUS complicated by multiorgan involvement. Microbiologic investigation demonstrated STEC of serotype O26:H11 in stools of all the patients. The phenotypic and molecular characterization of the STEC O26:H11 isolates demonstrated that these strains were identical and, unusual for STEC O26, they harbored the stx2 but not the stx1 gene. None of the patients had evidence of STEC O157:H7 infection either by culture or by E. coli O157 serology. The source of the STEC O26:H11 infection was undetermined. Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that diagnostic procedures based on the detection of stx genes and/or Stx production and subsequent subtyping of the isolates using molecular methods are necessary to identify such outbreaks caused by non-O157:H7 STEC.
Does Capital Structure Impact on the Performance of South African Listed Firms

Issues surrounding capital structure and performance have been widely debated in literature, yet there has been no conclusion as to how composition of firm‘s capital impact on it performance. Using data on 136 quoted companies on the JSE from January 2000 to December 2014, and with a GMM analysis we explore the impact of capital structure on firm performance metrics in South African. The study suggests that total debt to total equity and total debt to total assets are inversely related to both Tobin q and return on assets, while long-term debt to total assets was related positively to both Tobin q and return on assets. On the other hand, total debt to total equity and longterm debt to total assets were inversely related to return on equity, while total debt to total assets were positively related to return on equity. It is therefore recommended that firms need to define their financial objective – either to maximise ROA or ROE. However, an optimal debt/equity mix must be sought, if both financial objectives must be pursued.
What Is the Safety and Efficacy of Chemical Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery?

OBJECTIVE The benefit of routine chemical prophylaxis use for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in skull base surgery is controversial. Chemical prophylaxis can prevent undue morbidity and mortality, however there are risks for hemorrhagic complications. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case-control. METHODS A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent surgery for vestibular schwannoma from 2011 to 2016 was performed. Patients were divided by receipt of chemical VTE prophylaxis. Number of VTEs and hemorrhagic complications (intracranial hemorrhage, abdominal hematoma, and postauricular hematoma) were recorded. RESULTS One hundred twenty-six patients were identified, 55 received chemical prophylaxis, and 71 did not. All the patients received mechanical prophylaxis. Two patients developed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and one patient developed a pulmonary embolism (PE). All patients who developed a DVT or PE received chemical prophylaxis. There was no difference in DVT (p = 0.1886) or PE (p = 0.4365) between those who received chemical prophylaxis and those who did not. Five patients developed a hemorrhagic complication, two intracranial hemorrhage, three abdominal hematoma, and zero postauricular hematoma. All five patients with a complication received chemical prophylaxis (p = 0.00142). The relative risk of a hemorrhagic complication was 14.14 (95% CI = 0.7987-250.4307; p = 0.0778). CONCLUSION There was a significant difference between the number of hemorrhagic complications but not between numbers of DVT or PE. Mechanical and chemical prophylaxis may lower the risk of VTE but in our series, hemorrhagic complications were observed. These measures should be used selectively in conjunction with early ambulation.
Obstruent classification using modulation spectrogram based features

In this paper, a new feature extraction technique based on modulation spectrogram is proposed. Modulation spectrogram gives a 2-dimensional (2-D) feature set for each obstruent segment. Since the size of feature vector given by modulation spectrogram is of very large dimension, Higher Order Singular Value Decomposition (HOSVD) theorem is used to reduce the size of feature vector. The reduced feature vector is then applied to a classifier, which classify the obstruent in three broad classes, viz., stop, affricate and fricative. Four-fold cross-validation experiments have been conducted on TIMIT database to find accuracy of obstruent classification at phoneme-level and recognition of manner of articulation of obstruents. Our experimental results show 92.22 % and 94.85 % accuracies for obstruent classification at phoneme-level and recognition of manner of articulation of obstruents, respectively, using 3-nearest neighbor classifier while with same experimental setup Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) shows 87.24 % and 93.68 % average classification accuracy of phoneme-level classification and manner of articulation level classification of obstruents, respectively.
The Golgi GDPase of the Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans Affects Morphogenesis, Glycosylation, and Cell Wall Properties

ABSTRACT Cell wall mannoproteins are largely responsible for the adhesive properties and immunomodulation ability of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The outer chain extension of yeast mannoproteins occurs in the lumen of the Golgi apparatus. GDP-mannose must first be transported from the cytosol into the Golgi lumen, where mannose is transferred to mannans. GDP is hydrolyzed by a GDPase, encoded by GDA1, to GMP, which then exits the Golgi lumen in a coupled, equimolar exchange with cytosolic GDP-mannose. We isolated and disrupted the C. albicans homologue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GDA1 gene in order to investigate its role in protein mannosylation and pathogenesis. CaGda1p shares four apyrase conserved regions with other nucleoside diphosphatases. Membranes prepared from the C. albicans disrupted gda1/gda1 strain had a 90% decrease in the ability to hydrolyze GDP compared to wild type. The gda1/gda1 mutants showed a severe defect in O-mannosylation and reduced cell wall phosphate content. Other cell wall-related phenotypes are present, such as elevated chitin levels and increased susceptibility to attack by β-1,3-glucanases. Our results show that the C. albicans organism contains β-mannose at their nonreducing end, differing from S. cerevisiae, which has only α-linked mannose residues in its O-glycans. Mutants lacking both alleles of GDA1 grow at the same rate as the wild type but are partially blocked in hyphal formation in Lee solid medium and during induction in liquid by changes in temperature and pH. However, the mutants still form normal hyphae in the presence of serum and N-acetylglucosamine and do not change their adherence to HeLa cells. Taken together, our data are in agreement with the hypothesis that several pathways regulate the yeast-hypha transition. Gda1/gda1 cells offer a model for discriminating among them.
The Development of C4 Rice: Current Progress and Future Challenges

Another “green revolution” is needed for crop yields to meet demands for food. The international C4 Rice Consortium is working toward introducing a higher-capacity photosynthetic mechanism—the C4 pathway—into rice to increase yield. The goal is to identify the genes necessary to install C4 photosynthesis in rice through different approaches, including genomic and transcriptional sequence comparisons and mutant screening.
Lipopolysaccharide‐induced innate immune factors in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) detected in expression sequence tag analysis

EST analysis based on the megaclone‐megasorting method was performed using leukocytes from the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with or without LPS stimulation. A total of 849 upregulated and 384 downregulated EST clones were sequenced, annotated, and functionally classified. Ferritin heavy peptide I was the most abundant upregulated transcript, suggesting that LPS stimulation induced high production of reactive oxygen species, which were sequestered in ferritin. Among the immune factors, the transcripts coding for an IL‐1Ra, homologs to bovine serum amyloid A3, and canine intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 were highly expressed. Markedly downregulated transcripts of immune factors were those for homologs of calcium‐binding proteins belonging to the S100 family, S100A12, S100A8, and S100A6. Time‐course experiments on the expression of some immune factors including IL‐1Ra suggested that these factors interact and control cetacean innate immunity.
Facilitated translocation of polypeptides through a single nanopore

The transport of polypeptides through nanopores is a key process in biology and medical biotechnology. Despite its critical importance, the underlying kinetics of polypeptide translocation through protein nanopores is not yet comprehensively understood. Here, we present a simple two-barrier, one-well kinetic model for the translocation of short positively charged polypeptides through a single transmembrane protein nanopore that is equipped with negatively charged rings, simply called traps. We demonstrate that the presence of these traps within the interior of the nanopore dramatically alters the free energy landscape for the partitioning of the polypeptide into the nanopore interior, as revealed by significant modifications in the activation free energies required for the transitions of the polypeptide from one state to the other. Our kinetic model permits the calculation of the relative and absolute exit frequencies of the short cationic polypeptides through either opening of the nanopore. Moreover, this approach enabled quantitative assessment of the kinetics of translocation of the polypeptides through a protein nanopore, which is strongly dependent on several factors, including the nature of the translocating polypeptide, the position of the traps, the strength of the polypeptide–attractive trap interactions and the applied transmembrane voltage.