Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast Random Bit Generation Using a Chaotic Laser: Approaching the Information Theoretic Limit

We design and implement a chaotic-based system, enabling ultra-fast random bit sequence generation. The potential of this system to realize bit rates of 160 Gb/s for 8-bit digitization and 480 Gb/s for 16-bit digitization is demonstrated. In addition, we provide detailed insight into the interplay of dynamical properties, acquisition conditions, and post-processing, using simple and robust procedures. We employ the chaotic output of a semiconductor laser subjected to polarization-rotated feedback. We show that not only dynamics affect the randomness of the bits, but also the digitization conditions and postprocessing must be considered for successful random bit generation. Applying these general guidelines, extensible to other chaos-based systems, we can define the optimal conditions for random bit generation. We experimentally demonstrate the relevance of these criteria by extending the bit rate of our random bit generator by about two orders of magnitude. Finally, we discuss the information theoretic limits, showing that following our approach we reach the maximum possible generation rate.
New tumor markers: CA125 and beyond

A variety of biomarkers have been developed to monitor growth of ovarian cancer and to detect disease at an early interval. CA125 (MUC16) has provided a useful serum tumor marker for monitoring response to chemotherapy, detecting disease recurrence, distinguishing malignant from benign pelvic masses, and potentially improving clinical trial design. A rapid fall in CA125 during chemotherapy predicts a favorable prognosis and could be used to redistribute patients on multiarmed randomized clinical trials. Several studies now document that CA125 can serve as a surrogate marker for response in phase II trials. Serial measurement of CA125 might also provide a useful marker for monitoring stabilization of disease with cytostatic targeted therapeutic agents. The greatest potential for serum markers may be in detecting ovarian cancer at an early stage. A rising CA125 can be used to trigger transvaginal sonography (TVS) in a small fraction of patients. An algorithm has been developed that calculates risk of ovarian cancer based on serial CA125 values and refers patients at highest risk for TVS. Use of the algorithm is currently being evaluated in a trial with 200,000 women in the UK that will test critically the ability of a two-stage screening strategy to improve survival in ovarian cancer. Whatever the outcome, as 20% of ovarian cancers have little or no expression of CA125, additional serum markers will be required to detect all patients in an initial phase of screening. More than 30 serum markers have been evaluated alone and in combination with CA125 by different investigators. Some of the most promising include: HE4, mesothelin, M-CSF, osteopontin, kallikrein(s), and soluble EGF receptor. Two proteomic approaches have been used: one examines the pattern of peaks on mass spectroscopy and the other uses proteomic analysis to identify a limited number of critical markers that can be assayed by more conventional methods. Both approaches are promising and require further development. Several groups are placing markers on multiplex platforms to permit simultaneous assay of multiple markers with very small volumes of serum. Mathematical techniques are being developed to analyze combinations of marker levels to improve sensitivity and specificity. In the future, serum markers should improve the sensitivity of detecting recurrent disease as well as facilitate earlier detection of ovarian cancer.
Bonding process without pressure using a chestnut-burr-like particle paste for power electronics

High-lead-containing solder has been pushed to the limit of high-temperature stability and eco-friendly technology for next-generation power electronic devices. Silver is an attractive material as alternative of high-lead solder due to its high melting point and good electrical and thermal properties. However, silver nanoparticle paste is high cost, and contains a number of organic materials such as solvent and dispersants. These tend to produce unexpected large voids in the sintered layer after heating, and this affects the properties and reliability of devices. In this study, silver pastes composed only micro-sized particles were used for joints and a bonding without applied pressure was tried. Chestnut-burr-like silver particles was prepared for bonding without pressure and the effect of addition of small and spherical silver particles on bondability was investigated. The addition of spherical particles in chestnut-burr-like particle paste was promoted the sintering behavior. The joint using mixed silver particle with the weight ration of 5:5 showed the shear strength of 18.6 MPa, which was comparable to those of silver nanoparticle pastes by pressureless process.
Scheduling on Clouds considering energy consumption and performance trade-offs : from modelization to industrial applications. (Ordonnancement sur Clouds avec arbitrage entre la performance et la consommation d'énergie : de la modélisation aux applications industrielles)

The massive usage of connected services in companies and homes led to a major rise of Cloud computing technologies. Cloud Computing offers an attractive economical model where the hardware running the Cloud and processing the data does not reside at a company physical site, which means that customers do not have to care about maintenance or real costs of infrastructure. Despite its financial and operational benefits, Clouds can have a negative impact on environment due to the energy consumption of datacenters. This thesis has investigated the energy efficiency of Clouds by proposing an extensible and multi-criteria scheduling framework that intends to increase the efficiency of an heterogeneous infrastructure from the energy consumption perspective. Our approach relies on a cursor that enables the involvement of users and providers to create scheduling policies. The target is to deliver a service that is proportional to the effective demand and eliminate energy waste often due to resource over-sizing. This research work has been validated on the Grid'5000 platform and integrated within the DIET middleware. An industrial transfer is in progress within the NUVEA platform. This platform offers support to Cloud operators and customers with services of infrastructure audit and optimization.
Rapid Acquisition of β-Sheet Structure in the Prion Protein Prior to Multimer Formation

The N-terminally truncated form of the prion protein, PrP 27-30, and the corresponding recombinant protein, rPrP, were solubilized in 0.2% SDS, and the transitions induced by changing the conditions from 0.2% SDS to physiological conditions, i.e. removing SDS, were characterized with respect to solubility, resistance to proteolysis, secondary structure and multimerization. Circular dichroism, electron microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy were used to study the structural transitions of PrP. Within one minute the alpha-helical structure of PrP was transformed into one that was enriched in beta-sheets and consisted mainly of dimers. Larger oligomers were found after 20 minutes and larger multimers exhibiting resistance to proteolysis were found after several hours. It was concluded that the monomeric alpha-helical conformation was stable in SDS or when attached to the membrane; however, the state of lowest free energy in aqueous solution at neutral pH seems to be the multimeric, beta-sheet enriched conformation.
An Appeal for Better Scholarly Discourse: How Bagus and Howden Have it Wrong on Free Banking

In their recent article in the Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics, Bagus and Howden (2010) present “quibbles” with fractional reserve free banking. Or specifically, what they call “unaddressed issues” in this system, with a particular emphasis on Selgin (1988). We deem their arguments to be more substantial than “quibbles” and are part of a longstanding debate about fundamental aspects of monetary theory. We respond to their objections and attempt to specify how debate between the two sides might proceed more productively.
Height and weight in relation to breast cancer morbidity and mortality. A prospective study of 570,000 women in Norway

The height and weight of 570,000 Norwegian women, aged 30‐69 years, were measured and the subjects were then followed up for 6‐18 years with regard to breast cancer morbidity and mortality. They were arranged in 5‐year age‐groups. In all age‐groups the tallest women were found to have the highest risk for both morbidity and mortality. Overweight was a risk factor for breast cancer mortality in all age‐groups, but it was a risk factor only in the post‐menopausal age‐groups in the case of morbidity. It appeared to protect against breast cancer in the pre‐menopausal age‐group. Stages I and II—IV follow‐up endpoints show negative and positive associations, respectively, with overweight. It is not likely that this can be fully explained by earlier detection of cancer among slim women.
Disturbance-observer-based control for discrete-time delayed standard neural networks

The disturbance attenuation and rejection problem is discussed for discrete-time delayed standard neural networks in disturbance observer based control framework. By integrating conventional feedback control law and disturbance observer, the disturbance can be rejected and the closed-loop system has a good dynamic performance. By linear matrix inequality technique, some solvable sufficient conditions are presented to guarantee closed-loop system stability. Finally, simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the control performance of the proposed method in term of disturbance rejection is considerably better than the traditional method.
The molecular structure of agrobacterium VirE2-single stranded DNA complexes involved in nuclear import.

Nuclear import of DNA is a central event in genetic transformation of plant cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Agrobacterium elicits tumors on plant hosts by transporting a single-stranded (ss) copy of the bacterial transferred DNA (T-DNA) from its Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmid into the plant cell nucleus. Presumably, the process of T-DNA nuclear import is mediated by two agrobacterium proteins, VirD2 and VirE2, which are thought to directly associate with the transported T-DNA. Both proteins have been shown to contain functional nuclear localizations signals (NLS). Recently, VirE2 alone has been shown to actively transport ssDNA into the plant cell nucleus. To understand the process of DNA nuclear import, it is important to know the structure of the transport intermediate. To this end, complexes of VirE2 and ssDNA were analyzed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). This analysis suggests that VirE2 packages ssDNA into semi-rigid, hollow cylindrical filaments with a telephone cord-like coiled structure. The outer diameter of these complexes is too large to enter the nucleus by diffusion but is within the size exclusion limits of the active nuclear import. Detailed mass analysis of VirE2-ssDNA filaments is presented and a structural model is proposed.
Internet of things implications on ICN

The number of connected devices over the Internet of Things (IoT) are expected to be over 25 billion by 2015. This is more than three devices for every human being on earth. The most common deployment of the IoT is expected to be based on Information-Centric Networking (ICN) where control and intelligent related information are hosted at a centralized location. Cleary performance and security implications must be considered very carefully when developing IOT architectural frameworks. This paper addresses the key ICN performance and security requirements of IP based IoT networks and presents a case study using smart services in IT infrastructure network.
More Stochastic Expansions for the Pricing of Vanilla Options with Cash Dividends

There is no exact closed form formula for pricing of European options with discrete cash dividends under the model where the underlying asset price follows a piecewise lognormal process with jumps at dividend ex-dates. This paper presents alternative expansions based on the technique of Etore and Gobet, leading to more robust first, second and third order expansions accross the range of strikes and the range of dividend dates.
Calponin is required for agonist‐induced signal transduction ‐ evidence from an antisense approach in ferret smooth muscle

1 The present study was undertaken to determine whether calponin (CaP) participates in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle contraction and, if so, to investigate the mechanism. 2 By PCR homology cloning, the cDNA sequence of ferret basic (h1) CaP was determined and phosphorothioate antisense and random oligonucleotides were synthesized and introduced into strips of ferret aorta by a chemical loading procedure. 3 Treatment of ferret aorta with CaP antisense oligonucleotides resulted in a decrease in protein levels of CaP to 54 % of that in random sequence‐loaded muscles, but no change in the protein levels of caldesmon (CaD), actin, desmin or extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK). 4 Contraction in response to phenylephrine or a phorbol ester was significantly decreased in antisense‐treated muscles compared to random sequence‐loaded controls. Neither basal intrinsic tone nor the contraction in response to 51 mm KCl was significantly affected by antisense treatment. 5 During phenylephrine contractions, phospho‐ERK levels increased, as did myosin light chain (LC20) phosphorylation. Phenylephrine‐induced ERK phosphorylation and CaD phosphorylation at an ERK site were significantly decreased by CaP antisense. Increases in myosin light chain phosphorylation were unaffected. 6 The data indicate that CaP plays a significant role in the regulation of contraction and suggest that in a tonically active smooth muscle CaP may function as a signalling protein to facilitate ERK‐dependent signalling, but not as a direct regulator of actomyosin interactions at the myofilament level.
PMEA Coating of Pump Circuit and Oxygenator May Attenuate the Early Systemic Inflammatory Response in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery

We investigated the effects of coating a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit and oxygenator with poly-2-methoxy-ethyl acrylate (PMEA) on the systemic inflammatory response during and after CPB. Thirty patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomized into three groups (each group n = 10): noncoated (group N), heparin coated (group H), and PMEA coated circuit and oxygenator (group X). Bradykinin (BK), complement 3 activation (C3a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured as early phase indicators of inflammatory response, as were maximum C reactive proteins (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) levels. The alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient (A-a DO2) was measured as a parameter of respiratory function. IL-6 levels after CPB were significantly higher in group N than in groups H and X (p < 0.05). Serum BK and C3a levels showed similar patterns in all groups. A-a DO2 was lower at the end of and 3 hours after CPB in groups H and X than in group N (p < 0.05). Maximum CRP levels were lower in group X than in groups N (p < 0.05). This prospective study suggests that PMEA coated CPB may improve respiratory function and decrease systemic inflammatory response after cardiac surgery, possibly because this circuit is as biocompatible as heparin coated CPB circuit.
Addition of ifosfamide and etoposide to standard chemotherapy for Ewing's sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor of bone.

BACKGROUND Ewing's sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor of bone are closely related, highly malignant tumors of children, adolescents, and young adults. A new drug combination, ifosfamide and etoposide, was highly effective in patients with Ewing's sarcoma or primitive neuroectodermal tumor of bone who had a relapse after standard therapy. We designed a study to test whether the addition of these drugs to a standard regimen would improve the survival of patients with newly diagnosed disease. METHODS Patients 30 years old or younger with Ewing's sarcoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor of bone, or primitive sarcoma of bone were eligible. The patients were randomly assigned to receive 49 weeks of standard chemotherapy with doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and dactinomycin or experimental therapy with these four drugs alternating with courses of ifosfamide and etoposide. RESULTS A total of 518 patients met the eligibility requirements. Of 120 patients with metastatic disease, 62 were randomly assigned to the standard-therapy group and 58 to the experimental-therapy group. There was no significant difference in five-year event-free survival between the treatment groups (P=0.81). Among the 398 patients with nonmetastatic disease, the mean (+/-SE) five-year event-free survival among the 198 patients in the experimental-therapy group was 69+/-3 percent, as compared with 54+/-4 percent among the 200 patients in the standard-therapy group (P=0.005). Overall survival was also significantly better among patients in the experimental-therapy group (72+/-3.4 percent vs. 61+/-3.6 percent in the standard-therapy group, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS The addition of ifosfamide and etoposide to a standard regimen does not affect the outcome for patients with metastatic disease, but it significantly improves the outcome for patients with nonmetastatic Ewing's sarcoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor of bone, or primitive sarcoma of bone.
CoVaR como medida de contribuição ao risco sistêmico, aplicado às instituições do sistema financeiro brasileiro

The main goal this of this paper is estimate the systemic risk contribution of the banks in the Brazilian financial markets, using the CoVaR methodology proposal in Adrian and Brunnermeier (2011). This application is relevant from the point of view of the effective regulation, and the examination of the patterns of the national financial market risk. Among the obtained results, stand out are three distinctive points: (a) there is a huge difference in levels of risk between poor and high stability environments; (b) the relationship between size and risk generated by financial institutions is not linear; and (c) as seen in previous works applied in others countries, the Value at Risk does not always follow the bank risk contribution to systemic risk, jeopardizing the metrics of the effective regulation. Palavras-chave: CoVaR, risco sistêmico, value at risk, regulação bancária.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Tobacco smoke is the number one risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contains a high concentration of oxidants. The lung has a high concentration of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes; however, COPD patients show evidence of increased oxidative stress suggesting that endogenous antioxidants may be insufficient to prevent oxidative damage from cigarette smoke. The consequences of increased oxidative stress in the lung include increased transcription of inflammatory genes, increased protease activity, and increased mucus secretion. Oxidative stress is often associated with impaired skeletal muscle function and may be one of the causes of glucocorticoid resistance. While current pharmacologic approaches to the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease do not commonly include antioxidants, preclinical studies involving animal models suggest that antioxidant superoxide dismutase mimetics offer a potential new therapeutic approach to the prevention and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
'How to change things when change is hard' How to motivate Libyan College Students of English through the use of group work

There is strong research evidence supporting the use of cooperative learning as a learning strategy in enhancing learning outcomes of all students. It proved to have positive educational values which make it significant to be applied in the EFL classroom. Using action research and classroom research gathered data; this study investigates the benefits of using cooperative learning in the Libyan context. Light will be shed on the significance of using group work which could make a difference in the learning process of Libyan college students of English. The findings of the study show that using group work can promote students learning and help them to be more motivated and participate actively in the writing class.
Selection of Yeasts for Breadmaking by the Frozen-Dough Method

Eleven yeast strains suitable for frozen dough were selected from over 300 Saccharomyces strains. All of these were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae from morphological, cultural, and physiological characteristics. The selected yeast cells accumulated a higher amount of trehalose than did commercial bakers' yeast cells.
A History of the Chinese Language . HONGYUAN DONG. London and New York: Routledge, 2014. x + 203 pp. £28.99. ISBN 978-0-415-66040-2

ative and applicable one, and hence another important contribution to the study of Chinese literature. Wu regards it not only as a stylistic formalism but also as a social practice, a refined, even elitist lifestyle. She argues that this shared aesthetic style, ideological commitment and social practice is one prominent reaction to the political, cultural and social issues that came to bear on early twentieth-century poetry. The third unique contribution that Wu has made in the Modern Archaics is her examination into the phenomenon of using the classical form to renderWestern poetry, which has been frowned upon and seldom studied in either English or Chinese scholarship. Wu aptly argues that the traditional poetic form serves as a stable, grounded cultural certainty in late Qing and early Republican translational practice and effectively assimilates foreignness into indigenous modes of poetic writing. This not only creates an aesthetically and auditorily pleasing experience but also resonates well with the Chinese readership. This understanding significantly subverts the entrenched, biased view of the ineffectuality and demise of the traditional form in the modern era. Last but not least, Wu challenges the idea of a supposedly universal development of literary modernity according to the strictures of Western literary paradigms. She discusses at length in the introduction her reservation about the use of “literary modernity” in studying this body of literature, and recommends going beyond the framework of “modernity. ” This is why, as far as I can understand, she has attempted to formulate a template that couples “modern” and “archaics” in order to emphasize their interactions and conflicts. Modern Archaics provides an informative reading for undergraduates and sets up an inspiring model for graduate students to follow. I celebrate this major addition to the study of classical-style poetry in modern Chinese literature and anticipate more works to emerge on this extremely important yet unfortunately understudied topic after Wu’s path-breaking work.