Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low temperature sealing process for vacuum MEMS encapsulation

In this paper, CEA, LETI latest developments on thin film packaging technology are presented. Outgassing from materials used in TFP and MEMS devices become key parameters to decrease the pressure inside the package and to improve the reliability. In a first part, some outgassing of typical Thin Film Packaging (TFP) and MEMS materials are measured under different time/temperature processes. Thanks to these characterizations, an optimized outgassing baking process in term of time and thermal budget can be defined. By minimizing outgassing, materials deposited by PVD sputtering can now be implemented as sealing materials for low pressure MEMS devices. In a second part, specific low temperature Al based materials which has been developed on equipment fully compatible with front-end fab is presented. Multi-layer materials like Ti/Al based materials are compared to our single Al based material to decrease the microstructure size and to improve the sealing performances. Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB) cross section and Atomic Force Macroscopy (AFM) characterizations confirm that the grain sizes are highly impacted by sputtering process parameters. Finally, an optimized outgassing baking process for the inside cavity materials and a low temperature Al-based sealing material are performed on pressure sensitive MEMS device on 200 mm wafers. Pressure inside the cavity has been measured much smaller than 10 mbar.
Transfer learning for performance modeling of configurable systems: An exploratory analysis

Modern software systems provide many configuration options which significantly influence their non-functional properties. To understand and predict the effect of configuration options, several sampling and learning strategies have been proposed, albeit often with significant cost to cover the highly dimensional configuration space. Recently, transfer learning has been applied to reduce the effort of constructing performance models by transferring knowledge about performance behavior across environments. While this line of research is promising to learn more accurate models at a lower cost, it is unclear why and when transfer learning works for performance modeling. To shed light on when it is beneficial to apply transfer learning, we conducted an empirical study on four popular software systems, varying software configurations and environmental conditions, such as hardware, workload, and software versions, to identify the key knowledge pieces that can be exploited for transfer learning. Our results show that in small environmental changes (e.g., homogeneous workload change), by applying a linear transformation to the performance model, we can understand the performance behavior of the target environment, while for severe environmental changes (e.g., drastic workload change) we can transfer only knowledge that makes sampling more efficient, e.g., by reducing the dimensionality of the configuration space.
Effect of dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil on performance of broilers after experimental infection with eimeria tenella

A study was carried out to examine the effect of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil on performance of broiler chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria tenella at 14 days of age. A total of 120 day-old Cobb-500 chicks separated into 4 equal groups with three replicates each, were used in this study. Two groups, one infected with 5·104 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella and the other not, were given a basal diet and served as controls. The other two groups also infected with E. tenella were administered diets supplemented with oregano essential oil at a level of 300 mg/kg, or with the anticoccidial lasalocid at 75 mg/kg. Following this infection, survival rate, bloody diarrhoea and oocysts excretion as well as lesion score were determined. Throughout the experimental period of 42 days, body weight gain and feed intake were recorded weekly, and feed conversion ratios were calculated. Two weeks after the infection with E. tenella supplementation with dietary oregano oil resulted in body weight gains and feed conversion ratios not differing from the non-infected group, but higher than those of the infected control group and lower than those of the lasalocid group. These parameters correspond with the extent of bloody diarrhoea, survival rate, lesion score and oocyst numbers and indicated that oregano essential oil exerted an anticoccidial effect against E. tenella, which was, however, lower than that exhibited by lasalocid.
Courbure discrète : théorie et applications

These are the notes of my talk presented in the colloquium on discrete curvature at the CIRM, in Luminy (France) on November 21st, 2013, in which we study the space of triangulations from a purely geometric point of view and revisit the results presented in [21] and [20] (joint works with Patrick Mullen, Fernando De Goes and Mathieu Desbrun). Motivated by practical numerical issues in a number of modeling and simulation problems, we first introduce the notion of a compatible dual complex (made out of convex cells) to a primal triangulation, such that a simplicial mesh and its compatible dual complex form what we call a primal-dual triangulation. Using algebraic and computational geometry results, we show that for simply connected domains, compatible dual complexes exist only for a particular type of triangulation known as weakly regular. We also demonstrate that the entire space of primal-dual triangulations, which extends the well known (weighted) Delaunay/Voronoi duality, has a convenient, geometric parameterization. We finally discuss how this parameterization may play an important role in discrete optimization problems such as optimal mesh generation, as it allows us to easily explore the space of primal-dual structures along with some important subspaces.
Specific Pax-6/Microphthalmia Transcription Factor Interactions Involve Their DNA-binding Domains and Inhibit Transcriptional Properties of Both Proteins*

Pax-6 and microphthalmia transcription factor (Mitf) are required for proper eye development. Pax-6, expressed in both the neuroretina and pigmented retina, has two DNA-binding domains: the paired domain and the homeodomain. Mice homozygous for Pax-6 mutations are anophthalmic. Mitf, a basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (b-HLH-LZ) transcription factor associated with the onset and maintenance of pigmentation, identifies the retinal pigmented epithelium during eye development. Loss of Mitf function results in the formation of an ectopic neuroretina at the expense of the dorsal retinal pigmented epithelium. In the present study, we investigated the interaction between Pax-6 and Mitf. In transient transfection-expression experiments, we found that transactivating effects of Pax-6 and Mitf on their respective target promoters were strongly inhibited by co-transfection of both transcription factors. This repression was due to direct protein/protein interactions involving both Pax-6 DNA-binding domains and the Mitf b-HLH-LZ domain. These results suggest that Pax-6/Mitf interactions may be critical for retinal pigmented epithelium development.
Fundamental differences in promoter CpG island DNA hypermethylation between human cancer and genetically engineered mouse models of cancer

Genetic and epigenetic alterations are essential for the initiation and progression of human cancer. We previously reported that primary human medulloblastomas showed extensive cancer-specific CpG island DNA hypermethylation in critical developmental pathways. To determine whether genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of medulloblastoma have comparable epigenetic changes, we assessed genome-wide DNA methylation in three mouse models of medulloblastoma. In contrast to human samples, very few loci with cancer-specific DNA hypermethylation were detected, and in almost all cases the degree of methylation was relatively modest compared with the dense hypermethylation in the human cancers. To determine if this finding was common to other GEMMs, we examined a Burkitt lymphoma and breast cancer model and did not detect promoter CpG island DNA hypermethylation, suggesting that human cancers and at least some GEMMs are fundamentally different with respect to this epigenetic modification. These findings provide an opportunity to both better understand the mechanism of aberrant DNA methylation in human cancer and construct better GEMMs to serve as preclinical platforms for therapy development.
Tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation: regulation and consequences

The rate‐limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis is tyrosine hydroxylase. It is phosphorylated at serine (Ser) residues Ser8, Ser19, Ser31 and Ser40 in vitro, in situ and in vivo. A range of protein kinases and protein phosphatases are able to phosphorylate or dephosphorylate these sites in vitro. Some of these enzymes are able to regulate tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation in situ and in vivo but the identity of the kinases and phosphatases is incomplete, especially for physiologically relevant stimuli. The stoichiometry of tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation in situ and in vivo is low. The phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase at Ser40 increases the enzyme's activity in vitro, in situ and in vivo. Phosphorylation at Ser31 also increases the activity but to a much lesser extent than for Ser40 phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase at Ser19 or Ser8 has no direct effect on tyrosine hydroxylase activity. Hierarchical phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase occurs both in vitro and in situ, whereby the phosphorylation at Ser19 increases the rate of Ser40 phosphorylation leading to an increase in enzyme activity. Hierarchical phosphorylation depends on the state of the substrate providing a novel form of control of tyrosine hydroxylase activation.
Continuous use of oral contraceptives: an overview of effects and side‐effects

Objective. To describe the effects and side‐effects of the continuous use of oral contraceptives. Design. A review of articles concerning oral contraceptives taken continuously or in cycles with hormones taken for more than 21 days per cycle. Methods. We searched publications in PubMed and Embase. Randomized controlled trials were selected if possible, otherwise case–control studies or cohort studies with controls were chosen. A level of evidence as described by the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (Oxford University, Oxford, UK) was assigned to all selected studies. Main outcome measures. Clinical and paraclinical effects and side‐effects of oral contraceptives administered continuously. Results. The studies suggest that the endometrium is inactive during continuous use of oral contraceptives and the risk of endometrial hyperplasia is not increased. Numbers of bleeding days are halved with continuous use; however, spotting and irregular bleeding are more often seen in the beginning of use, decreasing with time. Hemostatic parameters and serum lipid and carbohydrate profiles in continuous and conventional users do not differ. Menstrual cycle‐related symptoms are relieved better by continuous treatment. After surgery for endometriosis, the effect of continuously used oral contraceptives on the risk of recurrence of pain has been found to be less than that of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues, but better than the rate seen during conventional cyclic use. Conclusion. Oral contraceptives taken continuously or in long cycles seem to offer benefits with regard to menstrual symptoms and the recurrence of symptoms related to endometriosis. Long‐term studies, comprising large groups of women, are lacking.
[Interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy on chronic hepatitis C virus infection: the experience of Rio Grande do Sul State Health Department, Brazil].

BACKGROUND Chronic infection by hepatitis C virus is an important public health issue. AIMS To assess the effectiveness of a combination therapy with interferon-alpha plus ribavirin and to identify predictive factors of response in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C in a public drug supply program. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective study of consecutive records of 400 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon-a plus ribavirin therapy, as part of a health program conducted by the Department of Health of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, southern Brazil, between 1999 and 2000, was carried out. RESULTS Sex distribution was similar, and the average age was 46.5 +/- 10.3 years. Response at the end of the treatment was observed in 49% of patients, and sustained response was observed in 32% of them. Sustained response was significantly higher in females and in patients infected by genotypes other than 1. We did not observe significant differences in terms of age or histological stage and activity score. CONCLUSION In adult patients with chronic hepatitis C, combination therapy with interferon-alpha plus ribavirin was effective in one third of patients. Higher rates of response were observed in women and in patients infected by genotypes other than 1.
Women on Boards and Financial Performance: Evidence from a European Emerging Market

This paper examines the association between gender diversity on corporate boards and firm performance for a European emerging market, which lags behind in terms of both corporate governance quality and social cohesion indicators. In a sample of Romanian companies listed on BSE (Bucharest Stock Exchange) during 2012–2016, this study confirms previous concerns related to the endogeneity of gender diversity variables in firm performance regression analysis and shows that, on average, diversity has no significant impact on firm-performance. However, based on a sub-sample analysis, results show a robust association in the case of profit-firms and those listed on the Standard tier. As losses can be construed as a distortion factor and Standard tier companies are the smallest and less well governed on the market, the results could be taken to suggest that Romanian listed companies do benefit from increasing gender diversity in the boardrooms, which could complement their rather poor corporate governance practices. Overall, the paper concludes that, in the context of an emerging market, policies aimed at increasing gender diversity in the boards appear to be financially viable and even beneficial for the major part of listed companies, balancing successfully the social cohesion and economic components of sustainable development.
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Conscientious Take

A sense of responsibility keeps human on the edge which continuously reminds one of where their pursuit lies. Of course, Responsibility keeps piling up as one grow. In a society where the globe is technologically upgrading every second, the businesses are assigned the challenge to keep the surroundings at balance; this is where the term corporate social responsibility gains momentum. In constantly growing economies, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the force which keeps organizations stay afloat and is the make or break point. Realising this, the economies of world are jointly or individually pursuing the corporate goals towards society in different areas. CSR is the vantage point which is titled to aid an organization’s mission as well as a guide to what the company stands for its consumers. The aim of the chapter is to articulate how corporate social responsibility has become the most valuable touch point of the society to survive among different companies and highlight the various issues and challenges in CSR implementation and regulation.
The Influence of Campaign Contributions on Legislative Voting: A Case Study of the 1996 Farm Bill

The average layperson and political insider both agree that money plays a large role in politics. As the amount of money in elections has increased steadily over the past decade, this view has become more entrenched. However, previous empirical studies have found mixed evidence on this matter. This paper looks at the effect of campaign contributions on voting on the 1996 Farm Bill. In order to avoid the influence of contributions on the drafting of the bill, four proposed amendments to the bill aimed at limiting agricultural subsidies are examined. FIML estimation procedures are used to address the possible simultaneity between contributions and voting. For all four amendments, the effect of campaign contributions on voting was statistically significant.
The “Devil's Touch”; Visual Loss and Orbital Surgery. A Synopsis of the Mustardé Lecture, 2006

Visual loss is a devastating complication after orbital surgery, particularly that at the orbital apex or alongside the optic nerve. The clinical characteristics of 14 such patients, representing less than 1% of orbital surgery performed, are presented and the possible mechanisms discussed. The majority of patients suffered a posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and this is likely to be related to postoperative vasospasm induced by extravasated blood and inflammatory mediators.
Rat red blood cell storage lesions in various additive solutions.

BACKGROUND Small rodent models are routinely used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of blood transfusions. Limited comprehensive literature exists about effect of different storage solutions in rat red blood cells (RBCs) characteristics. RBCs undergo time dependent biochemical and biophysical changes during storage known as hypothermic storage lesions (HSLs). OBJECTIVE This study evaluates the effects of RBC additive solutions (AS) during storage of rat RBCs. METHODS Blood was leukoreduced and stored as per manufacturer instructions at 4°C up to 42-days. Three solutions, CPDA-1; AS-1; and AS-7 (SOLX), were evaluated. Biochemical parameters measured included extracellular K+, pH, hemolysis, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), oxygen affinity, ATP, and lactate. Mechanical properties measured included RBC deformability, elongation index (EI), RBC membrane shear elastic modulus (SEM), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), viscosity, and aggregability. RESULTS There were no differences in biochemical or mechanical parameters at baseline or after one week of storage. However, after two weeks, AS-7 preserved biochemical and mechanical properties as compared to CPDA-1 and AS-1. Changes were observed to be significant after 14-days of storage. AS-7 prevented extracellular K+ increase, reduced acidosis, showed lower hemolysis, preserved ATP and 2,3-DPG levels (consequently oxygen affinity), and reduced lactate. AS-7, when compared to CPDA-1 and AS-1, prevented the reduction in RBC deformability and was found to preserve the EI at multiple shear stresses, the membrane SEM, the aggregability and viscosity. DISCUSSION Rat RBCs stored with AS-7 presented reduced changes in biochemical and mechanical parameters, when compared with rat RBCs stored in CPDA-1 and AS-1, after as early as two weeks of storage.
Immunoinformatics: an integrated scenario

Genome sequencing of humans and other organisms has led to the accumulation of huge amounts of data, which include immunologically relevant data. A large volume of clinical data has been deposited in several immunological databases and as a result immunoinformatics has emerged as an important field which acts as an intersection between experimental immunology and computational approaches. It not only helps in dealing with the huge amount of data but also plays a role in defining new hypotheses related to immune responses. This article reviews classical immunology, different databases and prediction tools. It also describes applications of immunoinformatics in designing in silico vaccination and immune system modelling. All these efforts save time and reduce cost.
Tests of spatial and temporal factors influencing extra‐pair paternity in red‐winged blackbirds

Extra‐pair paternity (EPP) is a widespread and highly variable reproductive phenomenon in birds. We tested the effects of habitat, spatial factors, and timing of breeding on the occurrence of EPP in red‐winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus). We used PCR‐amplified microsatellites to assess the paternity of 1479 nestlings from 537 broods on 235 territories over four breeding seasons. Over 4 years, 40% of nestlings were extra‐pair. At least 27% of actual sires were non‐neighbours, suggesting that males or females interacted over longer distances than in other populations of red‐winged blackbirds. The level of EPP was significantly clumped within broods and males but not within females across broods. EPP was negatively related to the area of a male's territory. The spatial proximity of a female's nest to the territory boundary had no effect on total EPP, but tended to increase the probability of an EPP by a nearby male. We found no influence on EPP of the type of habitat on the territory or the level of nesting activity nearby. The time in the season when a nest was started and the synchrony of breeding also had no significant effect on the level of EPP. The age of the male, the age of his neighbours, and the interaction between the two had no effect on total EPP. However, older males were less likely to have an offspring sired by a neighbour on their territory. Males with older neighbours were also less likely to have offspring sired by a neighbour, particularly if they were new territory owners. The high variability in who gained and lost paternity, and the limited impact of spatial and temporal factors influencing it, have some interesting implications for theories seeking to explain mating patterns.
Slow Processing Speed Predicts Falls in Older Adults With a Falls History: 1‐Year Prospective Cohort Study

A previous fall is a strong predictor of future falls. Recent epidemiologic data suggest that deficits in processing speed predict future injurious falls. Our primary objective was to determine a parsimonious predictive model of future falls among older adults who experienced ≥1 fall in the past 12 months based on the following categories: counts of (1) total, (2) indoor, (3) outdoor or (4) non‐injurious falls; (5) one mild or severe injury fall (yes vs no); (6) an injurious instead of a non‐injurious fall; and (7) an outdoor instead of an indoor fall.
Frequency of rpoB Mutations Inside and Outside the Cluster I Region in Rifampin-Resistant Clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates

ABSTRACT The prevalence of recently described mutation V176F, located in the beginning of the rpoB gene and associated with rifampin resistance and the wild-type cluster I sequence, was determined by analyzing the distribution of rpoB mutations among 80 rifampin (RIF)-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated in Germany during 1997. The most frequent rpoB mutations were changes in codon 456 (52 isolates, 65%), followed by changes in codon 441 (13 isolates, 16%) and codon 451 (11 isolates, 14%). The V176F mutation was detected in one isolate of the study population and in 5 of 18 RIF-resistant strains with no cluster I mutation from six previously published studies. In three isolates, a mixture of resistant and susceptible subpopulations (heteroresistance) prohibited the detection ofrpoB mutations in the initial analysis; however, in these isolates, cluster I mutations could be verified after a passage on RIF-containing medium. IS6110 DNA fingerprinting of 76 strains revealed eight clusters comprising 27 strains with identical restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns that mainly also show identical rpoB mutations and identical or similar drug resistance patterns. In conclusion, our results indicate that the V176F mutation should be included in molecular tests for prediction of RIF resistance in M. tuberculosis. We further demonstrated that heteroresistance caused by a mixture of mycobacterial subpopulations with different susceptibilities to RIF may influence the sensitivity of molecular tests for detection of resistance.