New final focus system for the SLAC linear collider

The final focus system of the SLC has been upgraded by replacing the final quadrupole magnets with higher gradient superconducting magnets positioned closer to the interaction point. The parameters of the new system have been chosen to be compatible with the SLD detector with a minimum of changes to other final focus components. Commissioning plans for the new system are also presented. 5 refs., 1 fig

A high resolution atlas of gene expression in the domestic sheep (Ovis aries)

Sheep are a key source of meat, milk and fibre for the global livestock sector, and an important biomedical model. Global analysis of gene expression across multiple tissues has aided genome annotation and supported functional annotation of mammalian genes. We present a large-scale RNA-Seq dataset representing all the major organ systems from adult sheep and from several juvenile, neonatal and prenatal developmental time points. The Ovis aries reference genome (Oar v3.1) includes 27,504 genes (20,921 protein coding), of which 25,350 (19,921 protein coding) had detectable expression in at least one tissue in the sheep gene expression atlas dataset. Network-based cluster analysis of this dataset grouped genes according to their expression pattern. The principle of 'guilt by association' was used to infer the function of uncharacterised genes from their co-expression with genes of known function. We describe the overall transcriptional signatures present in the sheep gene expression atlas and assign those signatures, where possible, to specific cell populations or pathways. The findings are related to innate immunity by focusing on clusters with an immune signature, and to the advantages of cross-breeding by examining the patterns of genes exhibiting the greatest expression differences between purebred and crossbred animals. This high-resolution gene expression atlas for sheep is, to our knowledge, the largest transcriptomic dataset from any livestock species to date. It provides a resource to improve the annotation of the current reference genome for sheep, presenting a model transcriptome for ruminants and insight into gene, cell and tissue function at multiple developmental stages

Disparités doctorales entre Nord et Sud : bilan et stratégies de « coordination juste » à l’UMI SOURCE (2022-2023)

Between 2022 and 2023, UMI SOURCE underwent a significant transformation in doctoral integration, aimed at enhancing cooperation and equity between its Northern and Southern branches. This document provides an assessment of these dynamics, highlighting the initial challenges, adopted strategies, and achieved successes. Initiatives such as monthly inter-branch workshops, the adoption of collaborative platforms, and the establishment of the Working Group on Doctoral Disparities and Inequalities (GTDID) have contributed to better integrating doctoral candidates and promoting collaborative and equitable research. Although there is still a path to tread, these actions have helped to overcome some initial reluctances related to cultural and geographical diversity, paving the way for new collaborations and joint research endeavors.Entre 2022 et 2023, l’UMI SOURCE a entrepris une transformation significative dans l’intégration doctorale, visant à améliorer la coopération et l’équité entre ses antennes du Nord et des Suds. Ce document présente un bilan de ces dynamiques, mettant en lumière les défis initiaux, les stratégies adoptées, et les succès obtenus. Les initiatives telles que les ateliers mensuels inter-antennes, l’appropriation de plateformes d’échanges, et la création du Groupe de Travail sur les Disparités et les Inégalités Doctorales (GTDID) ont contribué à proposer une meilleure intégration des doctorants et à promouvoir une recherche collaborative et équitable. Même si du chemin reste à parcourir, ces actions ont permis de surmonter quelques réticences initiales liées à la diversité culturelle et géographique, ouvrant la voie à de nouvelles collaborations et recherches communes

Disparités doctorales entre Nord et Sud : bilan et stratégies de « coordination juste » à l’UMI SOURCE (2022-2023)

Between 2022 and 2023, UMI SOURCE underwent a significant transformation in doctoral integration, aimed at enhancing cooperation and equity between its Northern and Southern branches. This document provides an assessment of these dynamics, highlighting the initial challenges, adopted strategies, and achieved successes. Initiatives such as monthly inter-branch workshops, the adoption of collaborative platforms, and the establishment of the Working Group on Doctoral Disparities and Inequalities (GTDID) have contributed to better integrating doctoral candidates and promoting collaborative and equitable research. Although there is still a path to tread, these actions have helped to overcome some initial reluctances related to cultural and geographical diversity, paving the way for new collaborations and joint research endeavors.Entre 2022 et 2023, l’UMI SOURCE a entrepris une transformation significative dans l’intégration doctorale, visant à améliorer la coopération et l’équité entre ses antennes du Nord et des Suds. Ce document présente un bilan de ces dynamiques, mettant en lumière les défis initiaux, les stratégies adoptées, et les succès obtenus. Les initiatives telles que les ateliers mensuels inter-antennes, l’appropriation de plateformes d’échanges, et la création du Groupe de Travail sur les Disparités et les Inégalités Doctorales (GTDID) ont contribué à proposer une meilleure intégration des doctorants et à promouvoir une recherche collaborative et équitable. Même si du chemin reste à parcourir, ces actions ont permis de surmonter quelques réticences initiales liées à la diversité culturelle et géographique, ouvrant la voie à de nouvelles collaborations et recherches communes