Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Establishing QoS for Composite Services

-Service composition is a process of combining existing atomic services to perform a complex task. To choose atomic services for a composite service, usually both functionality and quality of service (QoS) are considered. The QoS of the composite service obviously depends on QoS of atomic services. In this research, we propose a simple approach for the composite service and atomic services to establishing suitable QoS values. Experiment shows that our approach is feasible and significantly better than the exhaustive approach in performance aspect.
Development of Low-Cost Growing Media for Spirulina using Alternative Carbon Sources

Spirulina, a blue-green microalgae is grown commercially throughout the world due to the high protein content and non-toxic features of the algal biomass. The Zarrouk’s medium which contains Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 as the carbon sources is known to be the standard medium for Spirulina cultivation. Higher purchasing cost of the carbon sources is recognised to be a limiting factor for large-scale cultivation. Low-cost alternative sources of carbon which can replace Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 in the Zarrouk’s medium has a great economic impact on the commercial production. This study aimed at assessing the growth of Spirulina in different alternative sources of carbon under different concentrations. Table sugar, cassava flour, sweet potato flour and taro flour were used as alternative sources. The Zarrouk’s medium was substituted with different levels (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of the solutions prepared with the alternative carbon sources. The algae were cultured at room temperature for 16 days under illumination of 4,000 Lux. The growth was assessed as optical density (OD) using a spectrophotometer at 560 nm and then converted to dry weight (g L-1). According to the results, 100% carbon in the Zarrouk’s medium could be replaced by taro flour and 50% carbon could be replaced by cassava flour. A significantly higher dry weight (1.033 g L-1) was recorded from taro flour at 100% replacement level at the end of 16-day incubation. Therefore NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 in the Zarrouk’s medium could completely be replaced by taro flour solution which substantially reduces the cost of production as well. Cassava flour solution could also be used as an effective replacement while mixing with Zarrouk’s medium into the ratio 1:1. Table sugar and sweet potato flour are found to be poor sources of carbon to replace the NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 in the Zarrouk’s medium. The results could be further confirmed by assessing the growth of Spirulina under different supplementary levels of taro and cassava flour.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells: Lessons from a Lead Paradigm

The application of hematopoietic stem cell assay concepts to solid tumors, allowed, several years ago, the identification of a rare population of cells operationally designed as "cancer stem cells" on the basis of the expression cell surface markers not present on all tumor cells and their ability to propagate the tumor in immunodeficient mice (1, 2). These properties do not entirely fit to the seminal characteristics of normal stem cells defined by their differentiation ability to generate all cells of a given tissue and their extensive self-renewal ability. However, over the last several years, examples of solid tumors fitting these definitions have been described, whereas some tumors did not seem to integrate into this scenario. In this field, the disease which is a lead paradigm for a cancer stem cell concept, is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), extensively studied due to availability of stem cell assays and to the presence pathognomonic BCR-ABL oncogene marker in leukemic stem cells (LSC). Recent data shed light into the heterogeneity of this clonal malignancy during tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapies (TKI), now allowing direct follow-up of malignant clones expressing mutated forms of BCR-ABL. Long-term quiescence and dormancy of LSC have been identified directly in patients in complete molecular response (CMR) and the potential roles of leukemic niche in the LSC persistence has been studied. Finally, the extreme plasticity of the LSC allows the possibility to program these cells into an embryonic stem (ES) cell state, allowing the generation of innovative cancer stem cell models.
ENZYMATIC DETERMINATION OF TRANSMISSIBLE REPLICATING FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MOUSE TUMORS *

This report describes the characteristics of a viruslike agent (or agents) found associated with the Cloudman S91 melanoma, the Harding-Passey melanoma, the B-16 mouse melanoma, and about 30 other varieties of transplanted mouse tumors.l. *J Details of the enzyme methods employed in the original detection of these agents are described together with the related procedures for quantitative measurement of such agents. Although similar agents have been detected and studied in other tumor-bearing mice by the same techniques, the agent described in this report has been obtained mostly from a single source, namely Cloudman S91 tumor-bearing mice. While the association of these agents with mouse tumors is widespread, both geographically and by tumor type, their significance to the etiology of malignancy is uncertain. It would be as equally premature at this writing to attempt to disassociate them from the tumor process as it would be to identify the impressive ubiquitous agent-tumor association with tumor induction capability. Irrespective of the outcome of this important question, the ability of these agents to influence tumor and host metabolism and to affect the course of the malignant process as indicated by enhanced host anemia and other parameters will be illustrated. Although these agents are not uniquely associated with melanomas, they are, by perhaps unfortunate necessity, of interest to investigators of various disciplines working with the pigment cell as well as other areas of biology. The following data will indicate a sufficient influence of these agents on fundamental biological properties of the cell to imply that their presence (or absence) in tumor or in host may alter, obscure, or enhance commonly studied metabolic or structural properties of the cell or its tissue whether in vitro, in tissue culture, embryo, egg, or adult host.
Erratum

Luteolin was isolated from Scutellaria barbata D. Don (S. barbata). In the present study, we examined the underlying molecular mechanism of luteolin and its effect on in vivo tumor growth of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. Luteolin exhibited antiproliferative activity against LLC cells with IC50 of 12 M. Luteolin effectively increased Annexin-V-positive cells as well as sub G1 DNA portion as seen on flow cytometric analysis. Western blotting has revealed that luteolin effectively activates caspase 9 and 3, cleaves poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and increases the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Furthermore, mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced by luteolin as seen on fluorescence microscopy. Luteolin downregulated the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, luteolin significantly inhibited the growth of LLC cells implanted on the flank of mice to 40% and 60% of untreated control group values at 2 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Similarly, luteolin significantly reduced the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as well as increased the expression of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) in tumor section Address for correspondence: Sung-Hoon Kim, O.M.D., Ph.D., Department of Oncology, Graduate school of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, 1 Seochunri, Yongin 449-701, Republic of Korea. Voice: +82-31-201-2179; fax: +82-31-205-1074. e-mail: sungkim7@khu.ac. kr Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1090: 147–160 (2006). C © 2006 New York Academy of Sciences. doi: 10.1196/annals.1378. 016
Annexin II

Abstract: It has become increasingly evident that the generation of cell surface proteases including plasmin is fundamental to a wide variety of in vivo biological processes. Cell surface receptors allow for specific controlled proteolysis, provide protection from inhibitors, and enhance catalytic efficiency. Here we describe one such receptor, annexin II, which serves as a coreceptor for tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen and is found on a wide variety of cell types including endothelial cells, some tumor cells, monocytes and macrophages, and neuronal cells. Evidence indicates that annexin II may be crucial to the efficient generation of cell surface plasmin, endothelial cell formation of new blood vessels, and maintenance of vascular patency. Additionally, it has been shown that annexin II expression in acute promyelocytic leukemia contributes to the bleeding diathesis seen in this disease and that inhibition of annexin II may be an important mechanism in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Furthermore, emerging evidence reveals the importance of annexin II on the surface of monocytes and macrophages, where it may contribute to the cells' ability to degrade extracellular matrix proteins and migrate to sites of injury or inflammation.
Yield and Effects of Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer on Field-Grown Chinese Medicinal Plants in the United States

There is an increased demand for Chinese medicinal plants in the U.S., with little known about the feasibility of production of these species outside of China. The purpose of this study was to develop basic agronomic data for selected Chinese medicinal plant species. Agastache rugosa, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Leonurus japonicus, and Leonurus sibiricus were grown in a randomized complete block design with 0, 100, or 200 kg.ha−1 of nitrogen (N). At 100 kg.ha−1 of N, a significant increase in yield of all species was observed as compared to the 0 kg.ha−1 control. Average dry yield per plant at 100 kg.ha−1 of N was 44.7 g for A. rugosa herb, 52.6 g for S. tenuifolia inflorescences, 42.7 g for L. japonicus basal rosette, and 46.9 g for L. sibiricus basal rosette. Yields of A. rugosa and both Leonurus species increased significantly again at 200 kg.ha−1 of N as compared to 100 kg.ha−1, while the increase in yield between these two levels was slight for S. tenuifolia. Results from these trials indicate that all four of the selected species are suitable for cultivation in the northeastern U.S.
Molecular Taxonomy of European Plethodontid Salamanders (Genus Hydromantes)

Genetic variation of 33 enzyme loci was analysed electrophoretically in 32 populations of the plethodontid genus Hydromantes from southern France, northern and central Italy, and Sardinia. Eight taxa were recognized, included in three groups: from the mainland, eastern Sardinia, and south-western Sardinia, respectively. In the mainland area, two semispecies were detected: H. italicus and H. ambrosii (sensu stricto), as well as a third species: H. strinatii (combinatio nova), previously included within H. ambrosii. Eastern Sardinian populations correspond genetically to three species: H. flavus, H. supramontis, and H. imperialis. In south-western Sardinia, two genetically differentiated but morphologically very similar groups were found within H. genei, whose specific status remains doubtful. The distinctness of a number of subspecific taxa (H. italicus gormani, H. i. ligusticus, H. i. argentatus, H. i. bonzanoi, H. genei funereus), is not supported by genetic evidence. Data from two contact zones in Italy indicate that taxa showing comparable levels of genetic differentiation (i.e., H. italicus-H. ambrosii s. s. and H. ambrosii s. s.-H. strinatii, both pairs with Nei's D about 0.4) have not reached the same level of reproductive isolation. On the basis of available data, attempts are made: (1) to interpret the present pattern of geographic distribution of European Hydromantes studied; (2) to explain their genetic relationships.
Expression of the Arabidopsis DREB1A gene in transgenic chrysanthemum enhances tolerance to low temperature

Summary The gene DREB1A, encoding a stress-inducible transcription factor, driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV) promoter or by the stress-inducible rd29A promoter, was transferred into chrysanthemum plants [Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura] cv. ‘Fall Color’ by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Integration of the target gene, DREB1A was confirmed by PCR and Southern blotting. When exposed to 2°C, expression of DREB1A was enhanced in the roots of young transgenic 35S:DREB1A plant lines, and induced in transgenic rd29A:DREB1A lines. Electrolyte leakage in leaves of rd29A:DREB1A plant lines was significantly lower than in 35S:DREB1A lines. Compared to control plants, superoxide dismutase activities and proline contents increased slowly in transgenic plants at the start of the cold stress treatment and remained at high levels during later periods, especially in rd29A:DREB1A transgenic lines. Young plants of the rd29A:DREB1A line could tolerate –8°C for 12 h, with a survival rate of 37.5%. No survival was observed in 35S:DREB1A lines or in wild-type plants. These results indicate that a combination of the stress-inducible rd29A promoter and the DREB1A gene enhanced the tolerance of ground-cover chrysanthemum plants to cold stress through a transgenic approach.
CAPTURA DE CO2 PRE-COMBUSTIÓN. EVALUACIÓN CUANTITATIVAPARA EL SECTOR ELÉCTRICO ARGENTINO

RESUMEN De las opciones tecnológicas que están siendo consideradas para disminuir las emisiones de dióxido de carbono (CO2) provenientes de la combustión fósil, se analiza en este trabajo la recuperación de CO2 previa a la combustión en centrales de generación termoeléctrica. Para considerar las condiciones más promisorias para la aplicación de esta opción en Argentina, se tomó como base de estudio un ciclo combinado de gas natural (CCGN) que es actualmente la tecnología más competitiva del mercado. Este CCGN de 600 MW es uno de los de mayor potencia del país. Se desarrolló el diseño conceptual de este proceso que involucra la producción de un combustible rico en hidrógeno (H2) a partir de gas natural. Se consideraron especialmente la unidad de reformado de gas natural con vapor y la unidad de remoción de CO2. Se evaluaron comparativamente cinco procesos de separación de CO2 del combustible rico en H2. Se eligieron las condiciones de proceso más convenientes dentro del rango estudiado de variables de operación. El tamaño del equipamiento, la cantidad de energía involucrada y sus costos asociados ponen en evidencia los extraordinarios requerimientos de este tipo de emprendimiento. El costo estimado para la compra e instalación del equipamiento mayoritario representa el 51% de la inversión originalmente realizada para la instalación del CCGN de referencia. El 75,9% del costo corresponde a la unidad de reformado, mientras la unidad de remoción de CO2 representa sólo el 24%. Si bien el presente estudio consideró una central térmica específica, los resultados presentados sobre el comportamiento de la variables y las condiciones operativas del proceso describen cualitativamente el comportamiento esperable en la aplicación de este proceso a otras centrales de generación que utilizen combustibles fósiles.
Effect of Phosphine on Mites, Insects, and Microorganisms

Phosphine (PH3) produced from Phostoxin® (aluminum phosphide) tablets was used to fumigate 2 bins, each containing about 450 bushels of Selkirk wheat with wellestablished natural infestations of 10 species of mites and insects. The history of the grain bulk ecosystems was studied for 5¾ years prior to fumigation. The distribution and persistence patterns of phosphine in the interstitial air, as measured by gas chromatography at periodic intervals for 7 days following fumigation, indicated stratification with greater amounts of the gas at the 4-foot levels than at the 1- and 2-foot levels when measured from the top; no phosphine was detected after 7 days. No live insects or mobile mites, except Aeroglyphus robustus (Banks), were detected 6 days after fumigation. However, Acarus siro L. , Glycyphagus destructor (Schrank), and Spinibdella bifurcata Atyeo reappeared in both bins within 1-3 months and continued to thrive for 6 months afterward, as in previous years. It is suggested that elimination of the natural predator Cheyletus eruditus (Schrank) by phophine would permit unusual increase in numbers of G. destructor and thus disrupt the natural balance in the ecosystems. Such a trend was observed for G. destructor . While phosphine was ineffective against A. robustus , it was effective against all stages of C. eruditus, Haemolaelaps casalis (Berlese). Tarsonemus sp. , Tydeus interruptus Thor, and insects Lepinotus reticulatus Enderlein and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.). , Adults of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), Rhyzopertha dominica (Fauvel), Sitophilus granarius (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and larvae of Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) and Trogoderma parabile Beal were killed upon 6 days’ exposure in test cages to phosphine concentrations as encountered 2½ feet below the bin surface. Phosphine had no detectable effect on the germination and the microflora of the stored grain.
Life‐History Theory in the Nonbreeding Period: Trade‐Offs in Avian Fat Reserves?

We tested the hypothesis of optimal winter fat storage in birds. The hy- pothesis predicts that when the survivorship benefits (fasting capacity) but not the survi- vorship costs (higher cost of flight, lowered agility, increased exposure to predators) of fat are eliminated by predictable resources (e.g., tree- and shrub-borne food), species will be leaner than species exploiting unpredictable resources (e.g., ground-borne food subject to sudden covering by snow). The predicted pattern was found in an earlier study of avian communities in central North America, where snowfall is frequent. Here we tested the predictions of the hypothesis that (1) when ground- and tree-feeding guilds are compared between geographic regions of harsh and mild winter climate, only ground-feeders will have relatively high fat reserves, resulting in a significant guild x climate interaction term in a two-way analysis of variance, and (2) ground- and tree-foraging guilds will both show low fat reserves in a mild winter environment. To test these predictions, visible subcutaneous fat class was measured in both guilds in Wisconsin and Michigan (harsh winter environments) and southwestern British Columbia, northwestern Washing- ton, and Tennessee (mild winter environments). Both predictions were supported. We suggest that small birds wintering in North America approach local optima in energy storage strategy and winter survivorship. The energy storage strategy thus appears to be a major life-history trait in the nonbreeding period. The trade-off between the costs and benefits of winter fat has two potential implications for understanding population limitation. First, trade-offs that reduce reserves can lead to lower survival in severe winter weather than would occur at maximum fat levels. Second, our study suggests that individual birds are sensitive to, and can control, both predation and starvation risks. Recent theory of population limitation indicates that as food abun- dance declines, birds feed to avoid starvation, but at the expense of increased mortality from predation. Together these studies suggest that populations are limited by interacting (predation, food supply) instead of single (food supply) factors. Study of trade-offs used by individuals to maximize survival can provide unique perspectives on population limitation.
Cloning and sequence analysis of plastid acetyl-CoA carboxylase cDNA from two Echinochloa crus-galli biotypes

A quizalofop-resistant Echinochloa crus-galli biotype (RR) was collected from Geqiushan Farm in Heilongjiang Province. Gramineae acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) in plastid is the target site of quizalofop. Two full-length cDNAs of the plastid ACCase from RR and sensitive Echinochloa crusgalli (SS) were cloned. Plastid ACCase cDNA from RR encodes a protein of 2316 amino acids with an estimated isoelectric point of 5.97 and a calculated molecular mass of 256 kD. The two sequences were compared with their homologs from other plants and the deduced proteins were analyzed to identify plastid ACCase. It was found that the amino acid at position 1781 (standardized to Alopecurus myosuroides) was Leu in RR, while Ile in SS and other cereal plastid ACCases. It was suspected that the change of Ile to Leu residue related to the resistance to quizalofop of RR.
Review Committee

This thesis gives an overview of the research of a system that generates a 3D model of a human head from 2D images. The location and size of the eyes, eyebrows, nose and mouth in 2D orthogonal images are detected using skin color detection, template matching, value detection and a anthropometric model. The results of these detections are combined for more robust results. Manual initialization is needed to correct differences in lighting. The use of the anthropometric model yields and average reduction of search area of 91%-97% depending on the feature resulting in a speed up of 11-33. In 90% of the test cases the features are found correctly. The location information of the facial features are used to deform a 3D generic head. Current deformation parameters are: head width, eye height, eye width, eyebrow height, mouth width, mouth height, nose width, nose height and nose length. The application is generic enough to allow for any number of deformations. A generic texture is applied to the deformed 3D head. A user experiment was conducted, where it was assessed whether humans could identify the generated model out of 4 different 3D models. This was true in 40% of the cases.