Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and electromagnetic design of direct drive wheel actuator for green taxiing

This paper considers the feasibility of equipping the main landing gears with electric motors for the aircraft traction during the taxi phase. Those electromechanical wheel actuators make possible a “Green Taxi” operation by considerably reducing the on-ground carbon emission. Moreover, this will enable important fuel saving for short distance flights with high frequency of landing and take-off. In this work, direct drive wheel actuator is considered for energy efficiency and mechanical reliability. Two possible locations of the actuator are examined and the weights of the corresponding electric machines are compared. The most weight efficient location is then selected. A high torque density permanent magnet machine is then designed to fit in this envelope and to satisfy peak torque, weight and flux weakening capability requirements. The design procedure as well as several technologies adopted to maximize the torque density are presented.
An IMS-based LTE-WiMAX-WLAN architecture with efficient mobility management

In this paper, a framework is proposed for interworking LTE, WiMAX and WLAN using IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) on top of the three technologies. The aim is to provide high quality real-time multimedia services during handoff. The proposed mobility management technique uses Mobile IP (MIP) and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) together with IMS, which proves to maintain the continuity of an on-going session and data access during roaming between the different radio access technologies. A comparison between the proposed tight coupled architecture using MIP-SIP and the same tight coupled networks using SIP-based mobility management is presented. OPNET Modeler 17.1 is used to simulate the networks. Results show that the total average packet loss is reduced considerably during VoIP sessions using MIP-SIP in the proposed network.
Resonance analysis of a circular dipole array antenna in cylindrically layered media for directional borehole radar

In this paper, we discuss the influence of a resonance on estimating direction of arrival (DOA) with a circular dipole array in a borehole (CAB). The resonance is caused by the phase-sequence of currents on the dipole antennas. Making use of method of moments (MoM) analysis, we predict resonant frequencies of the CAB and describe a mechanism for the resonance theoretically, making use of the fact that a plane wave can be broken down into cylindrical harmonics. In order to examine the agreement between the MoM and experimental data, we propose a signal processing method to extract phase-sequence components from the actual received array signal. This method is useful for confirming excitation of the phase-sequence resonance in experimental data, as predicted by the MoM. Using the MoM, we examine the influence of the resonances on DOA estimation, and we conclude that the resonances give some spurious solutions. In order to confirm these results, we conduct experiments at a field test site. We arrange the CAB, which consisted of seven receiving dipole antennas. In this experiment, a plane wave is incident on the CAB from a transmitter in another borehole. We apply the proposed signal method, and the measured results demonstrate the existence of the phase-sequence resonance in a physically real CAB. The spurious solutions found to occur in the DOA estimation at the resonant frequencies are also found experimentally.
Mental and psychomotor retardation in early childhood: Overview and development of a protocol for neuropsychological assessment

Introduction: The last decades have brought great advances in the understanding of child neurodevelopment and knowledge of cognitive processes that occur in the brain from an early age. As a result and thanks to the large number of standardized and scientifically guaranteed neuropsychological tests that are available today, we can assess and diagnose with high specificity, deficits or delays in the acquisition of cognitive functions. Besides, it allows knowing the strengths or normality points of children with various pathologies. Objective: To present the concepts and a neuropsychological assessment protocol for mental retardation, pervasive developmental disorder and psychomotor retardation. Development: First, the authors present a general model of neuropsychological assessment in childhood. Second, he concept, classification and aetiology of mental retardation is revised and it is proposed a neuropsychological profile. Finally, the paradigms of pervasive developmental disorder and psychomotor retardation are shown. Conclusion: Based on standardized and validated test for child neuropsychological assessment, children cognitive disorders can be accurately identified to plan each child's cognitive stimulation, and thus optimize the results of the therapy.
Focal cortical dysplasia of Taylor's balloon cell type: Mutational analysis of the TSC1 gene indicates a pathogenic relationship to tuberous sclerosis

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is characterized by a localized malformation of the neocortex and underlying white matter. Balloon cells, similar to those observed in tuberous sclerosis, are present in many cases (FCDbc). In these patients, a hyperintense funnel‐shaped subcortical lesion tapering toward the lateral ventricle was the characteristic finding on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging scans. Surgical lesionectomy results in complete seizure relief. Although the pathogenesis of FCDbc remains uncertain, histopathological similarities indicate that FCDbc may be related pathogenetically to tuberous sclerosis. Here, we studied alterations of the TSC1 and TSC2 genes in a cohort of patients with chronic, focal epilepsy and histologically documented FCDbc (n = 48). DNA was obtained after microdissection and laser‐assisted isolation of balloon cells, dysplastic neurons, and nonlesional cells from adjacent normal brain tissue. Sequence alterations resulting in amino acid exchange of the TSC1 gene product affecting exons 5 and 17 and silent base exchanges in exons 14 and 22 were increased in patients with FCDbc compared with 200 control individuals (exon 5, 2.3% FCDbc vs 0% C; exon 17, 35% FCDbc vs 1.0% C; exon 14, 37.8% FCDbc vs 15% C; exon 22, 45% FCDbc vs 23.8% C). Sequence alterations could be detected in FCDbc and in adjacent normal cells. In 24 patients, DNA was suitable to study loss of heterozygosity at the TSC1 gene locus in microdissected FCDbc samples compared with control tissue. Eleven FCDbc cases exhibited loss of heterozygosity. In the TSC2 gene, only silent polymorphisms were detected at similar frequencies as in controls. Our findings indicate that FCDbc constitutes a clinicopathological entity with distinct neuroradiological, neuropathological, and molecular genetic features. These data also suggest a role of the TSC1 gene in the development of FCDbc and point toward a pathogenic relationship between FCDbc and the tuberous sclerosis complex.
Endomorphin-1 improves scopolamine-induced impairment of short-term memory via μ1-opioid receptor in mice

The effects of intracerebroventricular injection of endomorphin-1 and 2, endogenous μ-opioid receptor agonists, on the scopolamine-induced impairment of spontaneous alternation performance associated with short-term memory were investigated in mice. Endomorphin-1 (0.03 μg) inhibited scopolamine (1 mg/kg)-induced impairment of spontaneous alternation performance without affecting total arm entries, while endomorphin-2 (0.01–10 μg) failed to significantly influence the scopolamine (1 mg/kg)-induced impairment. Endomorphin-1 (0.03 μg) itself had no marked effects on spontaneous alternation performance in intact mice. Although β-funaltrexamine (5 μg), a μ-opioid receptor antagonist, did not significantly affect the inhibitory effects of endomorphin-1 (0.03 μg) on the scopolamine (1 mg/kg)-induced impairment, naloxonazine (35 mg/kg), a μ1-opioid receptor antagonist, significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of endomorphin-1 (0.03 μg) on the impairment. Naloxonazine (35 mg/kg) unlike β-funaltrexamine (5 μg) did not significantly influence the scopolamine (1 mg/kg)-induced impairment of spontaneous alternation performance. These results suggest that endomorphin-1 improves the disturbance of short-term memory resulting from cholinergic dysfunction through the mediation of μ1-opioid receptors.
An algorithm implementation for gain control and power compensation in power amplifiers

This paper presents a novel technique for software based compensation for three most important aspects of SSPA i.e. gain compensation, back-off attenuation and drain compensation over large temperature range. It was conceptualized and implemented using Lange based reflective attenuation microwave circuit with PIN diodes and FPGA. An algorithm has been developed and implemented in FPGA hardware using LUTs created by measured SSPA performance A novel approach is used to store these numbers.
Dose-response associations between screen time and overweight among youth.

OBJECTIVE To examine dose-response associations between screen time and overweight, independent of physical activity and dietary intake. METHODS Participants were 580 Dutch youth (13 years; 48% boys). Body mass index, waist circumference and skinfold thickness at four sites determined weight status. Questionnaires examined television viewing and computer use, participation in organized sport and high caloric snack and sugar-containing beverage consumption. RESULTS There were no significant associations among boys. Compared with girls spending less than two hours/day in screen time, those who spent three to four hours/day were more likely to be classified as overweight by waist circumference (odds ratio [OR]=3.4; 95% confidence intervals [CI]=1.1-10.7; p=0.03), and this likelihood increased substantially among those spending more than four hours/day (OR=5.5; 95% CI=2.1-14.1; p<or=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Girls who spend three or more hours/day in screen time are at increased risk of being classified as overweight by waist circumference.
Regulation of Large Coronary Arteries by β‐Adrenergic Mechanisms in the Conscious Dog

We examined, in conscious dogs, the effects of β-adrenergic stimulation on measurements of left circumflex coronary arterial diameter and blood flow and on calculations of late diastolic coronary resistance (LDCR) and left circumflex coronary internal cross-sectional area (CSA). Isoproterenol (0.1 fig/kg) initially decreased mean arterial pressure by 25 % 2% (mean % SEM), and LDCR by 62 % 4%, and increased heart rate by 82 % 10%, left ventricular (LV) dP/dt by 79 % 12%, and mean coronary blood flow by 85 % 5%, while CSA rose slightly. The peak effects on CSA (24 % 2%) occurred later, along with decreases in mean arterial pressure (7.4 % 1.0%) and LDCR (25 % 5.3%) and increases in coronary blood flow (14 % 2%), LV dP/dt (12 % 3%), and heart rate (24 % 4%). Pirbuterol (1.0 jug/kg) induced changes that were qualitatively similar to those induced by isoproterenol. Prenalterol (20 /xg/kg), a cardioselective β1-adrenergic receptor agonist, did not affect mean arterial pressure, but increased heart rate by 40 % 5%, LV dP/dt by 72 % 10%, mean coronary blood flow by 34 % 11%, and CSA by 26 % 3%, and decreased LDCR by 29 % 5%. Isoproterenol and pirbuterol, but not prenalterol, increased coronary sinus Oj content and decreased A-V O > difference. After β1-adrenergic receptor blockade with atenolol (1 mg/kg), prenalterol no longer induced significant effects, whereas isoproterenol and pirbuterol decreased mean arterial pressure similarly to what was observed prior to blockade, but did not increase LV dP/dt, and induced attenuated increases in mean coronary blood flow, CSA, and decreases in LDCR. Thus, in the intact, conscious animal, large coronary arteries are regulated by β-adrenergic mechanisms. Surprisingly, a major fraction of large coronary arterial dilation appeared to be either directly or indirectly due to β-adrenergic receptor mechanisms, although β2-adrenergic effects were also significant.
Update on Cell Walls Polygalacturonases: Many Genes in Search of a Function 1

Pectins are a major component of the plant cell wall and comprise one of the two major coextensive networks in which cellulose microfibrils are embedded (Carpita and Gibeaut, 1993). Pectic polysaccharides exist in the cell wall as either “smooth” regions of a linear copolymer of a-(1– 4)-linked GalUA or “hairy” regions that have attached a-(1–2)-linked rhamnosyl residues that may be substituted with Araand Gal-rich side chains. The pectin structure is further elaborated by divalent cation cross-linkages and possible esterification to other cell wall polymers. Because of the contribution of both ionic and covalent linkages, the structure of pectin may be modified by the ionic strength of the apoplast, by enzymes that modify the charge of the GalUA residues, or by enzymes that cleave either the a-(1– 4)-linked GalUA backbone or side chains of the hairy pectin regions. Because plant cells undergo dramatic changes in shape and developmentally regulated episodes of cell separation, in which the pectin network is systematically disassembled, pectin metabolism is critical to many developmental processes. A wide range of enzymes are known to catalyze aspects of pectin modification and disassembly. The best characterized are exoand endo-PGs, pectate lyase, pectin methylesterase, and b-galactosidase, which has been proposed to have the capacity to reduce the apparent molecular size of pectic polymers by cleaving neutral side chain residues (De Veau et al., 1993). In addition, it is likely that there are as-yet-undiscovered enzymes that may play critically important roles in cleaving covalent cross-linkages that tether pectins to other structural networks within the cell wall. Because of the extensive study of PG-mediated pectin disassembly, this review summarizes what is known about the complexity and structure of genes encoding plant PGs and their role in developmental processes. PGs were first identified over 35 years ago and have been suggested to be involved in the disassembly of pectin that accompanies many stages of plant development, particularly those that require cell separation. For example, PG activity has been shown to be associated with organ abscission (Taylor et al., 1990; Bonghi et al., 1992), pod and anther dehiscence (Meakin and Roberts, 1991), and pollen grain maturation and pollen tube growth (Pressey and Reger, 1989; Pressey, 1991). PG activity has also been detected in rapidly growing tissues, indicating that it may be involved in cell expansion (Pressey and Avants, 1977; Sitrit et al., 1996). Although it is clear that PG participates in many plant developmental processes, the majority of research has focused on PG in ripening fruit, abscission zones, or pollen. Molecular cloning and the modification of PG gene expression in transgenic plants have provided new insights into the physiological function of this enzyme. In addition, it is now clear that PGs are encoded by relatively large gene families in plants and that they are expressed in a wider range of developmental contexts than previously appreciated.
Modeling Uncertainties in the Estimation of Software Reliability – A Pragmatic Approach

The increasing usage of computer based systems for safety critical operations in applications such as nuclear, space, and automotive systems demands a systematic way of estimating software reliability. The high reliability requirements of safety critical software systems make this task imperative as well. Due to the specifics of software systems and the lack of any universally accepted models it is very difficult to predict the true reliability value of the system. Unfortunately none of the existing software reliability models neither acknowledge nor address this fact. There exist multiple uncertainty factors that influence reliability estimation of safety critical software systems. In this paper, we first define the scope of the important factors in the reliability models and describe a new approach to obtain a realistic estimate for system reliability. For this purpose, we consider different kinds of reliability models also taking into account the system architecture. The influence of uncertainty factors in the models is analyzed to obtain uncertainty bounds. They show an interval, where the true reliability should lie within it. This way system architects may use a so-called worst-case reliability estimation, given by the lower interval bound, for system analysis. We also demonstrate our proposed approach with real data taken from safety-critical applications.
ASIC implementation of 64-bit comparator using reversible logic

A need for low power ICs arises to keep the power density of ICs within tolerable limits. While the power dissipation increases linearly with advanced version processors, the power density also increases exponentially, because of the ever-shrinking size of the integrated circuits. Reversible logic is emerging as an important research area in the recent years due to its ability to reduce power dissipation, which is the main requirement in low power digital design. In our proposed method reversible comparator based on CMOS logic circuit is designed using reversible gates. In this design we try to reduce optimization parameters like number of constant inputs, garbage outputs, and quantum cost. The experimental results obtained for implementation in CADENCE EDA 180nm technology shows the considerable reduction in terms of Power Delay Product in comparison with the comparator designed using conventional gates.
First World Interest Groups: A Comparative Perspective

Preface Understanding and Comparing Interest Groups in Western Democracies by Clive S. Thomas The American Interest Group System: Typical Model or Aberration? by Clive S. Thomas Government and Groups in Britain: Changing Styles by J.J. Richardson The Mirror of the State: Canada's Interest Group System by A. Paul Pross Australia: Interest Groups in the Shadow of Strong Political Parties by Trevor Matthews and John Warhurst New Zealand: Capturing the State? by Jack Vowles France: Group Politics in a Strong State by Frank L. Wilson Italy: The Fragmentation of Power and Its Consequences by Raphael Zariski Sweden: Interest Groups in Transition and Crisis by Michele Micheletti Switzerland: Democratic Corporatism in a Consociational Society by Harmon Zeigler West Germany and the New Germany: Centralization, Expanding Pluralism and New Challenges by Klaus von Beyme Israel: Interest Group Pluralism Constrained by Asher Arian Japan: Associational Politics in a Group Oriented Society by Ronald J. Hrebenar and Akira Nakamura Interest Groups in Western Democracies: Contemporary Characteristics and Future Directions by Clive S. Thomas References Selected Bibliography Index
Functional Analysis of a Novel Connexin30 Mutation in a Large Family with Hearing Loss, Pesplanus, Ichthyosis, Cutaneous Nodules, and Keratoderma

Mutations in the gap‐junction gene Cx30 (Connexin30, GJB6) are a known cause of hearing loss. Here, we report our findings on a large multigeneration family in which severe to profound sensorineural hearing impairment is associated with a variety of skin‐related anomalies. Genome‐wide analysis of the family showed that the locus maps to chromosome region 13ptel‐q12.1 and that a novel mutation, p.N54K, in Cx30, cosegregates with the phenotype. Unlike wild‐type Cx30, p.N54K Cx30 is predominantly localized in the cytoplasm and does not permit transfer of neurobiotin, suggesting improper cellular localization and abolishment of gap‐junction activity.
Augmented Adriamycin Sensitivity in Cells Transduced with an Antisense Tumor Necrosis Factor Gene Is Mediated by Caspase‐3 Downstream from Reactive Oxygen Species

While transduction of an antisense tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene sequence can augment the cytotoxicity of adriamycin (ADM) in human cancer cells, the specific effect of introducing this sequence on the signal transduction pathway leading to cell death remains unclear. In ADM‐resistant pancreatic carcinoma (PANC‐1) cells, both the antioxidant N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) and the caspase‐3 inhibitor acetyl‐L‐aspartyl‐L‐methionyl‐L‐glutaminyl‐L‐aspartyl‐aldehyde (Ac‐DMQD‐CHO) prevented ADM‐induced cytotoxicity. NAC additionally inhibited caspase‐3 activity induced by ADM treatment, while Ac‐DMQD‐CHO showed no suppressive effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS). Stable antisense‐TNF transfectants showed higher ADM sensitivity and greater ADM‐induced ROS production and caspase‐3 activity than mock transfectant or parent cells. These results indicate that increased caspase‐3 activity downstream from ROS production is among the mechanisms by which transduction of the antisense TNF sequence of augments ADM sensitivity of pancreatic carcinoma cells.
Prevalence and correlates of auditory vocal hallucinations in middle childhood

Background Hearing voices occurs in middle childhood, but little is known about prevalence, aetiology and immediate consequences. Aims To investigate prevalence, developmental risk factors and behavioural correlates of auditory vocal hallucinations in 7- and 8-year-olds. Method Auditory vocal hallucinations were assessed with the Auditory Vocal Hallucination Rating Scale in 3870 children. Prospectively recorded data on pre- and perinatal complications, early development and current problem behaviour were analysed in children with auditory vocal hallucinations and matched controls. Results The 1-year prevalence of auditory vocal hallucinations was 9%, with substantial suffering and problem behaviour reported in 15% of those affected. Prevalence was higher in rural areas but auditory vocal hallucinations were more severe and had greater functional impact in the urban environment. There was little evidence for associations with developmental variables. Conclusions Auditory vocal hallucinations in 7- and 8-year-olds are prevalent but mostly of limited functional impact. Nevertheless, there may be continuity with more severe psychotic outcomes given the serious suffering in a subgroup of children and there is evidence for a poorer prognosis in an urban environment.
From Neural Arbors to Daisies

Pyramidal neurons in layers 2 and 3 of the neocortex collectively form an horizontal lattice of long-range, periodic axonal projections, known as the superficial patch system. The precise pattern of projections varies between cortical areas, but the patch system has nevertheless been observed in every area of cortex in which it has been sought, in many higher mammals. Although the clustered axonal arbors of single pyramidal cells have been examined in detail, the precise rules by which these neurons collectively merge their arbors remain unknown. To discover these rules, we generated models of clustered axonal arbors following simple geometric patterns. We found that models assuming spatially aligned but independent formation of each axonal arbor do not produce patchy labeling patterns for large simulated injections into populations of generated axonal arbors. In contrast, a model that used information distributed across the cortical sheet to generate axonal projections reproduced every observed quality of cortical labeling patterns. We conclude that the patch system cannot be built during development using only information intrinsic to single neurons. Information shared across the population of patch-projecting neurons is required for the patch system to reach its adult state.