A consensus protocol for functional connectivity analysis in the rat brain

Task-free functional connectivity in animal models provides an experimental framework to examine connectivity phenomena under controlled conditions and allows for comparisons with data modalities collected under invasive or terminal procedures. Currently, animal acquisitions are performed with varying protocols and analyses that hamper result comparison and integration. Here we introduce StandardRat, a consensus rat functional magnetic resonance imaging acquisition protocol tested across 20 centers. To develop this protocol with optimized acquisition and processing parameters, we initially aggregated 65 functional imaging datasets acquired from rats across 46 centers. We developed a reproducible pipeline for analyzing rat data acquired with diverse protocols and determined experimental and processing parameters associated with the robust detection of functional connectivity across centers. We show that the standardized protocol enhances biologically plausible functional connectivity patterns relative to previous acquisitions. The protocol and processing pipeline described here is openly shared with the neuroimaging community to promote interoperability and cooperation toward tackling the most important challenges in neuroscience

Genetic variation of maize silage ingestibility in dairy cattle

During a three-year experiment, twelve registered or experimental maize hybrids were investigated for their ingestibility in dairy cows. Their digestibility values in sheep were also available from simultaneous experiments. Significant intake differences were observed between maize hybrids, ranging from 14.4 to 17.9 kg$\cdot$cow$^{-1}$$\cdot$day$^{-1}$. The highest intake was observed for the bm3 hybrid. Among normal hybrids, DK265 had a higher ingestibility than other hybrids. However, two recently registered hybrids and an experimental hybrid had only little lower values of intake than DK265. In vivo NDF digestibility explained about 50% of the intake variation (bm3 hybrid excluded), but in vitro cell wall digestibility (DINAGZ) explained only 25% of the intake in similar conditions. Ingestibility variation were probably related to both rate of cell wall degradation and friability traits, that are not relevantly measured through usual digestibility or lignin content estimates.Variabilité génétique de l'ingestibilité du maïs ensilage mesurée sur des vaches laitières. L'ingestibilité de douze hybrides de maïs, inscrits ou expérimentaux, a été étudiée sur vaches laitières au cours d'une expérimentation répartie sur trois années consécutives. Leurs valeurs de digestibilité sur moutons étaient également disponibles à partir d'expérimentations simultanées aux mesures sur vaches laitières. Des différences significatives d'ingestibilité ont été observées entre hybrides, comprises entre 14.4 et 17.9 kg$\cdot$vache$^{-1}$$\cdot$jour$^{-1}$, l'hybride bm3 ayant la valeur la plus élevée. Au sein des hybrides normaux, DK265 avait une ingestibilité supérieure aux autres hybrides, mais un hybride récemment inscrit et un hybride expérimental avaient des valeurs d'ingestibilité proches. La digestibilité in vivo du NDF expliquait environ 50 % de la variabilité observée pour l'ingestibilité (hybride bm3 exclu), mais la digestibilité in vitro des parois estimée par le critère DINAGZ n'en expliquait dans les mêmes conditions que 25 %. La variabilité de l'ingestibilité est très probablement à relier autant à des caractéristiques de vitesse de dégradation et de friabilité des parois, non évaluées à travers les critères classiques, qu'à la digestibilité des parois proprement dite

9.6-11.7 GHz Analogically Tuned Band Stop Filter based on RF-MEMS Varactors

International audienc

Filtre réjecteur de bande elliptique accordable de 9 à 11,5 GHz à MEMS-RF

National audienc

An Analogically Tuned Capacitor with RF MEMS Structure

International audienc

High Power Handling Low-Voltage RF-MEMS Switched Capacitors

International audienc

A low value normally on RF-MEMS switched capacitor for high Q millimeter wave tuning

International audienc

A Zero-Level Packaged RF-MEMS Switch with Large Contact Force

International audienceThis paper presents a novel compact RF-MEMS switch with large contact force. The switch can generate forces above 1.3mN, with 45V applied, while keeping a reasonable footprint. The actuator is based on a single metal 280μm diameter disc, that concentrates electrostatic force on a 8×8μm contact area. Zero level packaging is included in the fabrication, by intergating a metal electroplated shell fabricated above the mechanical part of the switch. The measured contact resistance of AuNi/Au contacts is 0.3Ω with 45V applied, and the off state capacitance of the packaged switch is 48fF