Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Formula for Success

The article is devoted to the 90 th anniversary of the Volgograd State Technical University (VSTU). The author views the components of the success formula of the University as a flagship University of the Volgograd region, and dwells on the historical facts of the creation of the Stalingrad tractor-building Institute at the beginning of the country’s industrialization and its development to a flagship University, which is a modern multi-campus University with a promising educational, scientific and industrial infrastructure. The article also presents the scientific schools of well-known scientists of the University that carry out fundamental and applied scientific research as well as the international activities of the University, including international cooperation in research, creation and modernization of educational programs, and export of educational services. In its multi-faceted activities, the flagship University focuses on solving urgent problems of socio-economic development of the region. The hybrid model of the flagship University is focused mainly on two typical models: «multi-disciplinary regional University» and «technology leader in the region». The article considers a number of systemic and structural transformations of the University in the framework of a hybrid model: an effective management system for supporting innovation, including socio-psy-chological attitudes and infrastructure changes; the development of additional education and the creation of conditions for business development.
Monitoring floods in the Kafue flats with TanDEM-X data

Wetlands are very valuable ecosystem which may present fast dynamics. This study is focused on the observation of the Kafue Flats exploiting TanDEM-X polarimetric and interfer-ometric data. Several analysis are carried out considering classification, change detection and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) estimation. Specifically, it is possible to observe that differences between single-pass DEM acquired during different dates can provide promising estimations of the flood water level and extent (provided that the water is partially covered by vegetation). Additionally, the polarimetric information can add details regarding small areas in the data where swamps are presents also in dry seasons.
Explicit factorization of external coordinates in constrained statistical mechanics models

If a macromolecule is described by curvilinear coordinates or rigid constraints are imposed, the equilibrium probability density that must be sampled in Monte Carlo simulations includes the determinants of different mass‐metric tensors. In this work, the authors explicitly write the determinant of the mass‐metric tensor G and of the reduced mass‐metric tensor g, for any molecule, general internal coordinates and arbitrary constraints, as a product of two functions; one depending only on the external coordinates that describe the overall translation and rotation of the system, and the other only on the internal coordinates. This work extends previous results in the literature, proving with full generality that one may integrate out the external coordinates and perform Monte Carlo simulations in the internal conformational space of macromolecules. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2006
Effect of sublethal hexavalent chromium exposure on the pituitary‐ovarian axis of a teleost, Channa punctatus (Bloch)

Exposure to sublethal hexavalent chromium (as 2 and 4 mg L−1 potassium dichromate for 1 and 2 months) during late preparatory to mid prespawning phase of annual reproductive cycle severely affected the pituitary‐ovarian axis of a teleost Channa punctatus. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), ovarian histopathology, immunocytochemistry of the pituitary gonadotrophs (LHβ‐immunoreactive cells), and serum 17β‐estradiol level revealed distinct dose and duration‐dependent effects. Gonadosomatic index was declined. Diameter of ovary as well as ovarian follicles was reduced along with a distinct variation in the percentage of follicles. The greater percentage of previtellogenic follicles (stage I) and decline in vitellogenic ones (stage II and stage III) compared to control indicated the arrest of follicular development. The percentage of atretic follicles was also increased indicating toxic impact of metal on ovary. Decreased serum level of ovarian steroid 17β‐estradiol further indicated the same. Chromium interference of the pituitary was demonstrated as atrophy and less immunointensity of LH‐immunoreactive gonadotrophs. Thus, the hexavalent chromium impaired the pituitary‐ovarian axis affecting at the sites of both pituitary and ovary. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Updating Heider's balance theory in consumer behavior: A Jewish couple buys a German car and additional buying–consuming transformation stories

Consumer researchers describe Heider's (1958) balance theory without showing how the theory relates to recent theoretical developments in consumer behavior. Empirical examination of the theory is also lacking in consumer-psychology literature. This article updates Heider's balance theory in consumer behavior by developing the theory's links to theories of perceptual, attitudinal, and behavior automaticity and controlled thinking (see Bargh, 1994; Bargh, Chen, & Burrows, 1996) and cognitive-experiential self-theory (Epstein, 1994). Propositions central for applying balance theory to consumer psychology link automatic-controlled memory retrievals and storytelling of unbalanced (i.e., paradoxical) situations that stimulate further thinking and action. Research using storytelling (e.g., see Fischer, 1999; Schank, 1990) methods aids in examining these theory developments empirically. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fabrication and Characterization of Nanocapsules of PLGA Containing BSA Using Electrospray Technique

Objective(s): Encapsulated pharmaceuticals are presently the object of comprehensive investigations in many research centers due to their increased therapeutic efficiency, bioavailability, and high dissolution rate. There are different procedures for encapsulation and choice of procedure influences the size of particles for intended applications. Methods: In this study, Nanocapsules of Poly-Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) containing Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) at ratios of 0.25/0.25, 0.4/0.1 and 0.45/0.05 were fabricated by electrospraying method. Also, the effect of some parameters in electrospraying was evaluated, including PLGA concentration, voltage and flow rate on the morphology and size of particles. Results: BSA loaded PLGA Nanocapsules were successfully prepared by using electrospraying technique. The formation of capsules was confirmed by TEM. SEM results of the samples showed that decreasing the flow rate and increasing voltage decreased the average size of nanocapsules and led to producing the capsules with a size in the range of 85-260 nm. The presence of the drug in nanocapsules was confirmed by DSC results. Drug release test showed that about 90% of BSA had been released during 24 h. Conclusions: PLGA nanocapsules containing therapeutic proteins were produced by the electrospraying technique under different operation parameters and physical properties.
The transcription factor c‐Jun protects against sustained hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress thereby promoting hepatocyte survival

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress due to accumulation of hepatoviral or misfolded proteins is increasingly recognized as an important step in the pathogenesis of inflammatory, toxic, and metabolic liver diseases. ER stress results in the activation of several intracellular signaling pathways including Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). The AP‐1 (activating protein 1) transcription factor c‐Jun is a prototypic JNK target and important regulator of hepatocyte survival, proliferation, and liver tumorigenesis. Because the functions of c‐Jun during the ER stress response are poorly understood, we addressed this issue in primary hepatocytes and livers of hepatocyte‐specific c‐Jun knockout mice. ER stress was induced pharmacologically in vitro and in vivo and resulted in a rapid and robust induction of c‐Jun protein expression. Interestingly, ER‐stressed hepatocytes lacking c‐Jun displayed massive cytoplasmic vacuolization due to ER distension. This phenotype correlated with exacerbated and sustained activation of canonical ER stress signaling pathways. Moreover, sustained ER stress in hepatocytes lacking c‐Jun resulted in increased cell damage and apoptosis. ER stress is also a strong inducer of macroautophagy, a cell‐protective mechanism of self‐degradation of cytoplasmic components and organelles. Interestingly, autophagosome numbers in response to ER stress were reduced in hepatocytes lacking c‐Jun. To further validate these findings, macroautophagy was inhibited chemically in ER‐stressed wildtype hepatocytes, which resulted in cytoplasmic vacuolization and increased cell damage closely resembling the phenotypes observed in c‐Jun‐deficient cells. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that c‐Jun protects hepatocytes against excessive activation of the ER stress response and subsequent cell death and provide evidence that c‐Jun functionally links ER stress responses and macroautophagy. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ASPHALTENES IN THE PRODUCTS OBTAINED BY HYDROCRACKING PROCESS OF PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY WASTES

In this study, the isolation and characterization of asphaltenes in the liquid products obtained by hydrocracking of heavy hydrocarbons were investigated. Hydrocracking experiments were carried out with aromatic-rich cracker fuel oil (ARCFO) which is one of the “off-spec” products of petrochemical industry and its blends with the heavy vacuum gas oil (HVGO) which is feedstock of hydrocracking unit in refinery. In case of ARCF, hydrocracking reactions with or without catalysts were carried out at a 6.0 MPa initial hydrogen gas pressure at different temperatures of 400, 425 and 450°C for a reaction time of 120 min. The catalyst employed was commercial DHC-8 catalyst. The effects of catalyst and the temperature on the properties of the asphaltenes in liqıid product from hydrocracking were investigated by elemental analysis and FT-IR. In case of blends, the effects of blend ratio and catalyst on the properties of the asphaltenes were investigated.
Comparing and correlating various laboratory rutting performance tests

Abstract The loading magnitude, loading frequency, contact area, confinement condition and sample size vary for different laboratory rutting performance tests. Hence, it is necessary to compare how several rutting performance tests evaluate same mixtures under similar testing conditions. This research compared Cooper wheel tracking test (CWTT), Asphalt pavement analyzer test (APA), and Repeated load axial test (RLAT). Thirty wearing course and eight base course mixtures were tested according to standard procedures at the temperature condition of 50°C. In order to compare relative performance of the selected tests, time required to achieve an absolute rut depth of 1 mm, was used. It was concluded that APA test took the maximum time to attain 1 mm rut depth, as compared to CWTT and RLAT. This conclusion was further endorsed by relatively more significant linear correlations (in terms of R 2) developed between asphalt mixture design parameters i.e. stability, optimum binder contents, voids in mineral aggregates, voids filled with asphalt and theoretical maximum specific gravity versus APA output parameter of rut depth; as compared to the correlations developed for CWTT and RLAT output parameters. Quadratic function correlation was ultimately developed between the output parameters of CWTT, APA and RLAT; and it was found that the most significant correlation existed between CWTT rut depth vs. RLAT strain/cycle as translated by R 2.
Behavioral and Psychosocial Interventions in Diabetes

A major task of diabetes care providers is to support patients in performing necessary self-care behaviors using well-accepted strategies such as recommending effective self-care regimens and educating patients in their use. Also critical are behavioral interventions that help patients implement self-care regimens in the face of life's exigencies. The purpose of this article is to identify key behavioral/psychosocial interventions available to diabetes care providers. We present a conceptual framework for organizing the application of these interventions, focusing on practical interventions that can be implemented by a typical health care provider, including referral to a behavioral/psychosocial specialist where this seems the most practical choice. A typical office visit lasts only 15 min (1). Therefore, feasibility is an important consideration in evaluating patient care recommendations. The strategies we propose should be no more time-consuming than these approaches, which are highly recommended for their feasibility. A previously demonstrated, effective counseling strategy for weight loss can be maintained by 15-min visits (2). A behavior change support approach, the 5As (ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange) Model, is estimated to take less than half the time of a normal office visit (3). An emotional support approach, the BATHE (background, affect, trouble, handling, empathy) Model, is estimated to take ∼15 min (4). Feasibility must also be assessed in terms of what it costs to ignore psychosocial problems or to employ an ineffective approach to behavior change. Patients who have psychological problems use health services more intensively, and if patients do not change their behavior, the clinician must spend time dealing with the problem at subsequent visits. Finally, research suggests that dealing with patients' concerns does not require additional time if done correctly (5). Thus, effective clinical procedure may also be efficient. The review we present is not exhaustive. We do not discuss all interventions that have …
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among illicit psychostimulant users: a hidden disorder?

AIMS To estimate the prevalence, nature and correlates of symptomatology consistent with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among illicit psychostimulant users. DESIGN Cross-section survey. SETTING Sydney, Australia. PARTICIPANTS 269 regular illicit psychostimulant users. MEASUREMENTS Structured interview assessing demographics, drug use and treatment history, psychostimulant dependence and self-reported symptoms consistent with adult ADHD. FINDINGS Almost half (45%) screened positive for adult ADHD (ADHD+). Symptoms of inattention (90%) were more prevalent than symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity (57%). Of those who screened positive for adult ADHD, only 17% had received a prior diagnosis of ADHD. The ADHD+ group differed from other participants in several respects: an earlier initiation of substance use and injecting drug use; more extensive polydrug use; a higher frequency of recent stimulant use and injecting drug use; a greater likelihood of stimulant dependence; and a greater likelihood of having received treatment for drug dependence. After controlling for other factors, screening positive for ADHD was associated independently with fewer years of education, earlier initiation of regular tobacco use and more extensive life-time polydrug use. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should be aware of the potential for patients of drug and alcohol treatment services to have undiagnosed and/or untreated ADHD that may impact on their compliance with, and retention in, treatment.
Annotating Legitimate Disagreement in Corpus Construction

This paper addresses the resolution of inter-annotator disagreement in corpus construction. Given the consistency requirement which is regarded as a critical criterion of annotation quality, interannotator disagreement is usually considered harmful to the accuracy and reliability of annotation, and thus has to be resolved through various means. We claim that strictly adhering to consistency would also neglect the legitimate disagreement originating from ambiguity in natural languages. We highlight the values of preserving legitimate disagreement in annotation, and show that the possible problems resulting from inconsistency are avoidable. A preliminary annotation scheme is suggested for supporting multiple versions of annotation, without giving up the virtue of consistency.
Ratings Migration and the Business Cycle, with Application to Credit Portfolio Stress Testing

The turmoil in the capital markets in 1997 and 1998 has highlighted the need for systematic stress testing of banks' portfolios, including both their trading and lending books. We propose that underlying macroeconomic volatility is a key part of a useful conceptual framework for stress testing credit portfolios, and that credit migration matrices provide the specific linkages between underlying macroeconomic conditions and asset quality. Credit migration matrices, which characterize the expected changes in credit quality of obligors, are cardinal inputs to many applications, including portfolio risk assessment, modeling the term structure of credit risk premia, and pricing of credit derivatives. They are also an integral part of many of the credit portfolio models used by financial institutions. By separating the economy into two states or regimes, expansion and contraction, and conditioning the migration matrix on these states, we show that the loss distribution of credit portfolios can differ greatly, as can the concomitant level of economic capital to be assigned.
Minimal Enclosing Circle and Two and Three Point Partition of a Plane

The 2006 International Conference on Scientific Computing (CSC’06) Abstract Partitions of a plane, based on two or three of its points, are introduced. The study of these partitions is applied to finding the minimal enclosing circle (MEC) for a set S of n planar points. MEC(S), the MEC of n points of S, is defined by either a pair of S points with the largest distance (tight two-tuple) or by a triplet of S points spread on more than half of its circumference (tight three-tuple) with the largest radius. An extension for an existing MEC by an outside point P∈S is a MEC for point P and the points of the tight tuple for the existing MEC. It has a larger radius than existing MEC. The MEC problem is dual to a problem of finding an optimal partition of S-plane by two or three points of S defined with the largest circular region. A two point partition divides the S-plane in 4 regions, a three point – in 7 regions, one region is a circle in either partition. The MEC algorithm is based on this duality. It begins with a MEC of two arbitrary points of S and corresponding two point partition of S-plane. Next, each point P of S is examined in a separate step of the algorithm. If it is outside of the current MEC, its extension by this point is obtained. The tight tuple for the extension is formed by replacing either none or one or two points of current MEC’s tight tuple by point P. Which points of the tuple are to be replaced by point P depends on the region to which P belongs in a plane partition by the points of current tight tuple. The next circle has a larger diameter and it retains at least one set of the defining points of a previous circle, thus limiting a possible loss of its Spoints during an extension. A n-step iteration is completed once each point of S is examined. It is repeated until no point of S is found outside of a current MEC during an entire iteration. Observed number of steps in the algorithm has rarely reached 5n and never exceeded 6n in an experiment over several point distributions with n in range from 10 to 28,000,000 . Commonly considered as the fastest, Cärtner’s modification of Welzl’s algorithm [18], [6] has a proved expected performance of O(n). In the experiment MEC algorithm outperformed it in more than 7 times in average. At this point no satisfying theoretical bound, matching this remarkable performance of MEC algorithm, has been found. This incremental algorithm is an on-line algorithm: if set S gets new points during its execution, the current and following iterations continue with an updated set S without a loss of the progress achieved before the update. The algorithm has been already extended to R and this will be reported elsewhere. This paper is also about the two and three point partitions. They provide the basis for the MEC algorithm.
A simplified Diagonal BLAST architecture with iterative parallel-interference cancellation receivers

We propose a simplified Diagonal-BLAST (D-BLAST) architecture with parallel soft interference cancellation receiver based on the Turbo-BLAST (T-BLAST) architecture. In the T-BLAST architecture, the inter-substream coding is designed by a combination of random space-time interleaving and independent block encoding of each substream, using the same forward-error correction (FEC) code. We show that for the T-BLAST architecture, by using a systematic space-interleaving design that layers each substream diagonally across the antennas, a simplified diagonal inter-substream coding can be achieved without undue implementation complexity. The proposed diagonal inter-substream coding also facilitates the use of an iterative parallel interference cancellation receiver for decoding the simultaneously transmitted data, thereby achieving more capacity compared to the achievable capacity of traditional BLAST (Bell Labs Layered Space Time) architectures using sequential interference cancellation receivers. In this paper, we also present simulation results on fading channels, which confirm these findings.
The α5 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit plays an important role in the sedative effects of ethanol but does not modulate consumption in mice.

BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are a major public health problem, and the few treatment options available to those seeking treatment offer only modest success rates. There remains a need to identify novel targets for the treatment of AUDs. The neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) represent a potential therapeutic target in the brain, as recent human genetic studies have implicated gene variants in the α5 nAChR subunit as high risk factors for developing alcohol dependence. METHODS Here, we evaluate the role of the α5* nAChR for ethanol (EtOH)-mediated behaviors using male α5+/+ and α5-/- transgenic mice. We characterized the effect of hypnotic doses of EtOH and investigated drinking behavior using an adapted drinking-in-the-dark (DID) paradigm that has been shown to induce high EtOH consumption in mice. RESULTS We found the α5 subunit to be important in mediating the sedative effects of EtOH. The α5-/- mice showed slower recovery from EtOH-induced sleep, as measured by loss of righting reflex. Additionally, the α5-/- mice showed enhanced impairment to EtOH-induced ataxia. We found the initial sensitivity to EtOH and EtOH metabolism to be similar in both α5+/+ and α5-/- mice. Hence, the enhanced sedation is likely due to a difference in the acute tolerance of EtOH in α5-/- mice. However, the α5 subunit did not play a role in EtOH consumption for EtOH concentrations ranging from 5 to 30% using the DID paradigm. Additionally, varenicline was effective in reducing EtOH intake in α5-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Together, our data suggest that the α5 nAChR subunit is important for the sedative effects of EtOH but does not play a role in EtOH consumption in male mice. Varenicline can be a treatment option even when there is loss of function of the α5 nAChR subunit.