Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Task Scheduling using Genetic Algorithm in Federated Cloud Environment

Federated Cloud Computing has emerged as a new paradigm where data services are provided by multiple cloud providers over the internet. The main challenge is task management which plays a crucial role in federated cloud environment. The core of this research is optimisation of resource using genetic algorithm. In this paper, we proposed a task scheduling algorithm based on genetic algorithm for executing the various tasks of applications whose aim is to minimize the completion time and increase the utilization of resources. The simulation of the proposed method is done using the CloudSim Toolkit and finally, compared with other algorithms.
EXPRESSION OF STREPTOKINASE GENE CLONED IN MAMMALIAN EXPRESSION VECTORS IN BHK21 CELLS

The streptokinase gene cloned in pTargeT and replicase based pSinCMV vector was transfected in BHK21 cells. The expression was detected using indirect fluorescent antibody, immunoperoxidase and SDS-PAGE/western blot techniques. High level of gene expression was observed in case of both recombinant plasmids. It shows the functionality of both the recombinant plasmids which could be further evaluated in field trials.
In Vivo Respiratory Metabolism of Illuminated Leaves

Day respiration of illuminated C3 leaves is not well understood and particularly, the metabolic origin of the day respiratory CO2 production is poorly known. This issue was addressed in leaves of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) using C/C stable isotope techniques on illuminated leaves fed with C-enriched glucose or pyruvate. The 13CO2 production in light was measured using the deviation of the photosynthetic carbon isotope discrimination induced by the decarboxylation of the C-enriched compounds. Using different positional C-enrichments, it is shown that the Krebs cycle is reduced by 95% in the light and that the pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction is much less reduced, by 27% or less. Glucose molecules are scarcely metabolized to liberate CO2 in the light, simply suggesting that they can rarely enter glycolysis. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis confirmed this view; when leaves are fed with C-glucose, leaf sucrose and glucose represent nearly 90% of the leaf C content, demonstrating that glucose is mainly directed to sucrose synthesis. Taken together, these data indicate that several metabolic down-regulations (glycolysis, Krebs cycle) accompany the light/dark transition and emphasize the decrease of the Krebs cycle decarboxylations as a metabolic basis of the light-dependent inhibition of mitochondrial respiration.
A new perspective on the organization of an invertebrate brain

The concept of ‘embodiment’ and its implications for the evolution of cognitive capacities is emerging as a major issue in biology. Invertebrates have immensely diverse nervous structures and body plans, revealing the variety of solutions evolved by animals living successfully in all kind of niches. Among invertebrates, the octopus is a special case because of its high cognitive abilities and a uniquely flexible body and manoeuvrable arms with virtually infinite degrees of freedom. Here we discuss how the octopus embodiment may be considered a ‘key’ to the development of its neural organisation and cognitive abilities.
Mutants of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803 impaired in respiration and unable to tolerate high salt concentrations

The cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803, when challenged with a salt stress (0.5 M), increased its respiratory and cytochrome c oxidase activities. Spontaneous mutants impaired in respiration could be isolated through their incapacity to tolerate salt stress. Mutants from one class, among two classes obtained, were deficient for respiratory capacity and cytochrome c oxidase activity. The latter enzyme exhibited similar kinetic modifications, but no change in the Mr of subunits I and II, in the complexes present in the cytoplasmic and thylakoid membranes.
Inhibiting the transcription factor HSF1 as an anticancer strategy

Background: In mammals, the cytoprotective heat-shock response is regulated primarily by heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). Unfortunately, the effects of HSF1 also support the ability of cancer cells to accommodate imbalances in signaling and alterations in DNA, protein and energy metabolism associated with oncogenesis. The malignant lifestyle confers dependence on this ‘non-oncogene’, suggesting a therapeutic role for HSF1 inhibitors. Objective/methods: We begin with an overview of how HSF1 affects cancer biology and how its activity is regulated. We then summarize progress in discovery and development of HSF1 inhibitors, their current limitations and potential as anticancer agents with a fundamentally different scope of action from other clinically validated modulators of protein homeostasis. Results/conclusions: It is likely that within the next 5 years usable inhibitors of HSF1 will be identified and in early pre-clinical evaluation.
NEW METHOD AND OPTIMIZATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY PRODUCTION FROM A WIND TURBINE

This paper deals with a complete 1.5 MW Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) design using a novel Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm based on real time machine testing and a low cost network communication system. It also includes a blade design study and simulation for a maximum efficiency and a high control strategy for maximum energy production with a minimum harmonic distortion for the generated current. The parameters studied are varied: electrical characteristics, static and aerodynamic, blade geometric profiles, and the influence of wind speed. The wind turbine uses a doubly fed induction generator « DFIG » controlled by a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) strategy for 27 levels Cascaded three H-Bridge voltage source inverter. It will allow us to control the rotor voltage in magnitude and phase angle more easily & with high efficiency. This wind turbine was used on a 15MW wind farm. The study was conducted through several simulation software (Matlab, Catia, and Solid works). The whole control strategy, design principle and simulation results are shown & discussed.
Energetic costs of activity by lizards in the field

1. The available data related to the activity energetics of lizards in the field were collated with respect to three indices of activity energetics: the ecological cost of transport (ECT) expressed as a percentage of the total energy, the proportion of total energy used in all forms of activity (%AR), and the sustained metabolic scope (SusMS), defined as the ratio of the total energy expenditure to the total resting metabolism. 2. The ECT values of lizards ranged from 3 to 36% with five of 11 species having values >20%. The percentage AR ranged from 23 to 80% for lizards during active seasons, with most species having values > 50%. The SusMS ranged from 1.1 to 5.1. 3. Values of ECT are higher for lizards than for mammals, in part because the costs of maintenance metabolism are higher in mammals. 4. The percentage AR and SusMS values of mammals are higher than those of lizards. 5. It follows from the previous two points that the proportion of the total daily energy that is expended in non-locomotory activities is disproportionately higher in mammals compared with lizards. 6. The energy expended in locomotion is a significant portion of the energy budget of lizards. This is generally true for all seasons in which there is activity.
Delphi method

The paper presents the Delphi method and tests its usefulness when searching for a consensus on definitions, especially in a particular social science field. Based on an overview of the characteristics and uses of the Delphi method, a special Delphi design for searching for minimal common definitions of globalisation, Europeanisation and internationalisation in higher education and their mutual relationships is presented in detail. While the method proved valuable, its strengths and weaknesses are also discussed. Finally, ideas for adjusting the Delphi method are proposed.
Phytochemicals and biofunctional properties of buckwheat: a review

SUMMARY A growing trend for nutraceutical and gluten-free cereal-based products highlights the need for development of new products. Buckwheat is one of the potential candidates for such products and the present paper reviews the functional and nutraceutical compounds present in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum). The vital functional substances in buckwheat are flavonoids, phytosterols, fagopyrins, fagopyritols, phenolic compounds, resistant starch, dietary fibre, lignans, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which make it a highly active biological pseudocereal. Cholesterol-lowering effects that lessen the problems of constipation and obesity are important health benefits that can be achieved through the functional substances of buckwheat.
Long-Term Changes in Mountain Passerine Bird Communities in the Sierra Nevada (Southern Spain): A 30-Year Case Study

Summary. Shifts in composition and abundance of bird communities were studied along an elevational gradient in the Sierra Nevada (S. Spain), comparing censuses made at the same locations in the 1980s and during 2008–2012. Censuses were made in three representative ecosystems: 1) Pyrenean oak woodland, 2) high-mountain juniper scrubland, 3) high-mountain summits. In a global change context, avian-community dynamics are related mainly to changes in two of the following drivers: climate change and land-use change occurring over the past 30 years. Our results show a continuous turnover of the bird community, with an overall 27% change in species composition, in an ecological setting that has changed little, especially in the high-mountain scrubland and summit areas. We detected an increase in species diversity relative to the 1980s, mostly in the Pyrenean oak woodland. Moreover, our results also show a sharp decrease in bird density during the 30-year study period, chiefly affecting the dominant species of the 1980s in the Pyrenean oak forest and in the high-mountain scrubland. In the high-summit ecosystems, the decline of alpine species has paralleled the uphill expansion of some mediterranean ones. The outcome of these processes is a community in continuous flux, both in composition and abundance, where interannual variability is similar to interdecadal variability. We conclude that the bird communities of Sierra Nevada are showing strong spatial and temporal dynamics that are now accelerating, perhaps because of global warming.
AVALIAÇÃO DA ESTABILIDADE DE ARMAZENAMENTO DO NÉCTAR DE MARACUJÁ ENRIQUECIDO COM β-CICLODEXTRINA

RESUMO – Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a estabilidade de armazenamento do nectar de maracuja enriquecido com β-ciclodextrina (β-CD). Foram preparados nectares de maracuja com e sem β-CD, e armazenados por 30 dias, a temperatura ambiente. Os resultados mostraram que o teor de solidos soluveis totais das amostras se manteve constante durante o periodo de armazenamento. A acidez titulavel e o pH da amostra controle sofreram alteracoes, devido a oxidacao do acido ascorbico com o tempo de armazenamento. A amostra enriquecida com β-CD teve comportamento diferente da amostra controle nestes parâmetros durante o armazenamento, sugerindo uma possivel formacao de complexo de inclusao entre o acido ascorbico do nectar e a β-CD, protegendo este composto da oxidacao. Na analise de cor, o parâmetro L* foi praticamente constante durante o armazenamento dos nectares, apresentando um aumento de 5% no nectar enriquecido com β-CD no fim da estocagem. Uma degradacao progressiva das coordenadas a* e b* foi observada nas amostras analisadas, sendo mais acentuada para a amostra enriquecida com β-CD. Como consequencia, houve uma reducao no teor de pro-vitamina A das amostras, com uma queda de 10% para a mostra enriquecida com β-CD na primeira quinzena de estocagem, e 5% para a amostra controle. Estes dados mostram que o tempo de armazenamento afetou a qualidade nutricional do nectar de maracuja, e a adicao de β-CD nao teve um efeito negativo nos parâmetros sob analise.
Selenium and α-tocopherol content in eggs produced by hens that were fed diets supplemented with selenomethionine, sodium selenite and vitamin E

AbStr Act : The effect of supplementing dietary selenium (Se) and vitamin E was investigated in 330 24- week-old laying hens. The hens were fed a basal diet containing Se and α-tocopherol at 0.11 and 26 mg/kg, respectively, or a diet supplemented with Se at 0.3 mg/kg and vitamin E between 0 and 625 mg/kg. Se was supplied as Se-methionine or sodium selenite. The eggs were collected for analysis during the third, seventh and eleventh weeks of the experiment. Supplementation of either form of Se significantly increased the Se concentration in egg yolks and whites, with a more pronounced effect caused by Se-methionine. The egg yolk α-tocopherol concentration paralleled the dietary α-tocopherol concentration. At a high dietary α-tocopherol concentration (632 mg/kg), the retinol content in egg yolks from hens fed Se-methionine increased signifi - cantly. Supplementation of Se-methionine significantly increased the α-tocopherol content in the eggs in the third and seventh weeks of the experiment. A moderate decrease in yolk cholesterol was observed in hens fed Se-methionine and α-tocopherol at 119 mg/kg. The concentration of products from lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARS) in egg yolks increased marginally during the refrigerated storage of the eggs for 2 weeks. The effect of dietary vitamin E on TBARS formation was generally small, although a more significant effect was observed at the highest dose tested.
SURVIVAL AND NATAL DISPERSAL OF JUVENILE SNOWY PLOVERS (CHARADRIUS ALEXANDRINUS) IN CENTRAL COASTAL CALIFORNIA

Abstract Juvenile survival and dispersal rates are important demographic parameters in predicting the viability of avian populations, but estimates are seldom available because mortality is usually confounded with permanent natal dispersal in analyses of live-encounter data. We used the Barker model for combined captures, recoveries, and resightings to estimate juvenile survival in fledgling Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) for the 6.5-to-10.5-month period between fledging at 28 days and 1 April the following year, on the central California coast, for a 16-year period, 1984-1999. By using a large body of year-round sighting data from throughout the species' Pacific-coast range, we estimated true survival and quantified natal dispersal rates and distances. Juvenile survival estimates varied annually between 0.283 ± 0.028 (mean ± SE) and 0.575 ± 0.061 with no trend over the study, and paralleled higher adult survival in our most parsimonious models. In comparison, annual survival of banded chicks from hatching to fledging at age 28 days was 0.285–0.483 (x̄ = 0.382 ± 0.014 SE) for those 16 years. Males were more likely to disperse from Monterey Bay for winter and females were more likely to disperse for breeding. Dispersal distances to breeding sites were usually within 10 km of natal sites (64%) and seldom >50 km (16%). The present study provides the first estimate of true survival for a juvenile shorebird and new information on survival and dispersal rates that will be useful for modeling Snowy Plover population viability. Studies of local winter residents, focused on predator pressure and weather conditions, could further advance our understanding of factors determining Snowy Plover survival. Supervivencia y Dispersión Natal de Juveniles de Charadrius alexandrinus en la Costa Central de California
ENERGY ALLOCATION AND POSTNATAL GROWTH IN CAPTIVE ELEGANT TERN (STERNA ELEGANS) CHICKS: RESPONSES TO HIGH-VERSUS LOW-ENERGY DIETS

Abstract Effects of variable energy intake on chick growth, organ development, and gut-passage time in seabirds were investigated by raising Elegant Tern (Sterna elegans) chicks in the laboratory on three diets involving a major prey species, northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), and a minor prey species, topsmelt (Atherinops affinis). Anchovies are ∼25% higher in energy content than topsmelt and represent a more abundant but highly fluctuating prey resource. Chicks were raised from age 15 to age 35 days posthatch on one of three diets (n = 8): (1) high-energy anchovy at the average daily intake rate, (2) low-energy topsmelt at the same intake rate, and (3) high-energy topsmelt (i.e. at a biomass equal in energy content to the anchovy diet). Chicks raised on the high-energy anchovy diet had a significantly faster gain of body mass and wing length. All three groups, however, had attained a statistically similar wing length at 35 days posthatch and did not differ in lean dry mass or pectoral muscle mass, indicating that energy was allocated preferentially toward wing development and flight capacity. Most digestive organs were heavier and gut-passage rates faster for chicks fed topsmelt. Bill dimensions and tarsus length showed little difference among chicks on the three diets. Lipid content of chicks that were fed anchovy was twice that of those fed low-energy topsmelt and one-third higher than that of chicks on the high-energy topsmelt diet. Our results indicate that Elegant Terns have evolved certain capacities for growth and digestion in response to variable prey quality that may increase the probability of chick survival. Nevertheless, if Elegant Tern chicks were switched to a lower quality, primarily topsmelt diet, they would be underweight at fledging with heavier digestive organs, lower lipid reserves, and faster gut-passage times, which would place added provisioning demands on the parents. Under that scenario, the prospects for survival and long-term reproductive success might diminish for such an Elegant Tern colony.
Protective role of lignan-converting bacteria on chemically- induced breast cancer in gnotobiotic rats

Enterolignans (enterodiol and enterolactone) exhibit structural similarity to estradiol and have therefore been hypothesized to modulate hormone related cancers such as breast cancer. The bioactivation of the plant lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) requires the transformation by intestinal bacteria including the deglycosylation of SDG to secoisolariciresinol (SECO) followed by demethylation and dehydroxylation of SECO to enterodiol (ED). Finally, ED is dehydrogenated to enterolactone (EL). It is unclear whether the bacterial activation of SDG to ED and EL is crucial for the cancer preventing effects of dietary lignans. The possible protective effect of bacterial lignan transformation on a 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in gnotobiotic rats was investigated. Germ-free rats were associated with a defined lignan-converting consortium (Clostridium saccharogumia, Blautia producta, Eggerthella lenta, and Lactonifactor longoviformis). The rats colonized with lignanconverting bacteria consortium (LCC) were fed a lignan-rich flaxseed diet and breast cancer was chemical induced. Identically treated germ-free rats served as control. All bacteria of the consortium successfully colonized the intestine of the LCC rats. The plant lignan SDG was converted into the enterolignans ED and EL in the LCC rats but not in the germ-free rats. This transformation did not influence cancer incidence but significantly decreased tumor numbers per tumor-bearing rat, and tumor size. Cell proliferation was significantly inhibited and apoptosis was significantly induced in LCC rats. No differences between LCC and control rats were observed in the expression of the genes encoding the estrogen receptors (ER and ER ) and Gcoupled protein receptor 30 (GPR30). Similar findings were observed for both insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes involved in tumor growth. Proteome analysis revealed that 24 proteins were differentially expressed in tumor tissue from LCC and germ-free. RanBP-type and C3HC4-type zinc finger-containing protein 1 (RBCK1) and poly(rC)-binding protein 1 (PBCP1) were down-regulated by 3.2and 2.0-fold, respectively. These proteins are associated with cell proliferation. The activity of selected enzymes involved in the degradation of oxidants in plasma and liver was significantly increased in the LCC rats. However, plasma and liver concentrations of reduced glutathione (nonenzymatic antioxidant) and malondialdehyde (oxidative stress marker) did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, the bacterial conversion of plant lignan to enterolignans beneficially influences their anti-cancer effect. However, the mechanisms involved in these effects remain elusive.
Anthelminitic activity of the whole plant of Sphaeranthus indius Linn.

G.L.A University, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Mathura (U.P), K.L. E.S. ’s College of Pharmacy, Belgaum (Karnataka), College of Pharmacy, Agra (U.P) CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS: Sonia Sharma, Asst. Prof.G.L.A UniversityInstitute of Pharmaceutical Research # 2 Delhi – Mathura Highway, PostChaumah,Mathura (U.P) Email address:abc_phar@yahoo.com The aim of present study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the whole plant of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. against Pheretima posthuma and Ascardia galli . Each extracts were studied in the bioassay at concentrations of 10, 50, 100 mg/ml, which involved determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worms. Both extracts exhibited anthelmintic activity in a dose-dependent manner. The most significant activity was observed at the highest concentration of 100 mg/mL against both types of worms. Albendazole (10 mg/ml) and distilled water were included as standard reference and control, respectively. The present study indicates that the whole plant of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. does possess anthelmintic activity.
The length of discontinuous gas exchange cycles in lepidopteran pupae may serve as a mechanism for natural selection

Gas exchange is studied in diapausing pupae of Mamestra brassicae L. , whose larvae are reared under identical conditions. The release of CO2 gas is recorded with infrared gaseous analyzers. Oxygen convective uptake into the tracheae and oxygen consumption rates are recorded by means of a constant‐volume coulometric respirometer. Outputs from both of these respirometry systems are combined with infrared actographs. All 3‐month‐old pupae of M. brassicae display a pattern of discontinuous gas exchange (DGE) cycles of CO2 gas release by bursts, although the lengths of these cycles varies between individuals. Some pupae exhibit long DGE cycles of at least 20 h in duration, with negligible CO2 gas release during interburst periods, and there is presumed to be a convective gas exchange at this time. As a result of a partial vacuum inside the tracheae, a large oxygen convective uptake always occurs at the start of the spiracular opening phase. Other pupae have short DGE cycles of less than 3 h in duration, with elevated CO2 gas release during the interburst period, when gas exchange is predominantly diffusive. The spiracular open phase in these pupae consists of frequent separate convective bursts of CO2 gas release, with the opening–closing rhythms of the spiracles, which are considered as O phase fluttering. The pupae with long DGE cycles exhibit extremely low metabolic rates and very low total water loss rates, whereas those with short DGE cycles have higher metabolic and total water loss rates. The pupae with long DGE cycles live approximately twice as long as those with short cycles; thus, the present study demonstrates that long DGE cycles confer a fitness benefit on pupae as a result of a lower metabolic rate associated with water economy, conferring on them a longer life.