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We assembled the 9.8-Gbp genome of western redcedar (WRC; Thuja plicata), an ecologically and economically important conifer species of the Cupressaceae. The genome assembly, derived from a uniquely inbred tree produced through five generations of self-fertilization (selfing), was determined to be 86% complete by BUSCO analysis, one of the most complete genome assemblies for a conifer. Population genomic analysis revealed WRC to be one of the most genetically depauperate wild plant species, with an effective population size of approximately 300 and no significant genetic differentiation across its geographic range. Nucleotide diversity, π, is low for a continuous tree species, with many loci showing zero diversity, and the ratio of π at zero- to fourfold degenerate sites is relatively high (approximately 0.33), suggestive of weak purifying selection. Using an array of genetic lines derived from up to five generations of selfing, we explored the relationship between genetic diversity and mating system. Although overall heterozygosity was found to decline faster than expected during selfing, heterozygosity persisted at many loci, and nearly 100 loci were found to deviate from expectations of genetic drift, suggestive of associative overdominance. Nonreference alleles at such loci often harbor deleterious mutations and are rare in natural populations, implying that balanced polymorphisms are maintained by linkage to dominant beneficial alleles. This may account for how WRC remains responsive to natural and artificial selection, despite low genetic diversity.

Engineering has led the way in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, including developing masks that reduce transmission, digital tools that allow contact tracing, and vaccines that show promise to put an end to the pandemic and allow a more normal way of life. Society is not only "following the science," but is also applying principles of engineering to human problems to create timely and needed solutions. Teaching principles of engineering in classrooms should involve more than simply working through preconceived design challenges. It should be a way to position students with agency--that is, to offer them a chance to see themselves as capable of solving problems in their homes and communities. In this article, the authors describe a unit that was implemented in second grade to demonstrate how the engineering design process (EDP) afforded agency to one teacher's elementary students (this unit was adapted for use with third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students as well). The learning experiences allowed students to solve societally relevant problems, especially those they experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. When students selected problems encountered during the pandemic, the teacher did not ask them to find a new, easier, or less contentious problem; instead, she took the opportunity to empower her students to respond to the pandemic in their own ways.

Background: To increase teachers' capacity to implement high-quality instructional materials with fidelity in their classrooms through a video-based professional learning cycle, the Analyzing Instruction in Mathematics Using the Teaching for Robust Understanding framework (AIM-TRU) research-practice partnership was formed. Drawing upon the design-based research paradigm, AIM-TRU created the initial design for the professional learning cycle and wanted to engage in continued iterative redesign as the year progressed. This necessitated a method, common among those who adjust their designs when applying them in context, by which to document and justify changes made over time to our model. The research contained in this article used qualitative methods to articulate and test the design underlying our professional learning cycle by advancing conjecture mapping, a device by which the embodiments of the design are made transparent to be analyzed in practice. Results: The initial design conjectures and activity structures teachers engaged in through our model of professional learning were refined to address three themes that emerged. Firstly, it was found that the ways participants engaged with the mathematics of the lesson were underwhelming, in large part, because our own definition of what rich talk around mathematics should entail was lacking in details such as the mathematical objects in the lesson, the presence of multiple solution pathways, or the various representations that students could use. Second, talk structures did not always allow for equitable exchanges among all teachers. Finally, activity structures did not encourage teachers to delve deeply into the mathematics so they could perceive the lesson as a coherent piece of their own classroom curriculum. Our design conjectures and activity structures were revised over the course of the year. Conclusions: Our use of conjecture mapping allowed us to address the concern with research-practice partnerships that they should develop and utilize tools that make the systemic inquiry they engage in transparent, allowing for other researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to see the complete design process and make use of the findings for their local context. Implications for this process as a tool for those who pilot and scale professional development are raised and addressed.

Purpose: Student approaches to studying were explored in business courses with samples in China, Kuwait and the USA. Information on approaches to studying is critical as delivery and content of educational practices are increasingly adapted to different world regions. Design/methodology/approach: The Revised Approaches to Studying Inventory (RASI) was administered to address the extent to which students focused studying on deep learning of concepts, surface learning/memorization of material or strategic maximization of grades. Findings: Results suggested (1) acceptable reliability for the RASI scales, (2) higher mean scores on deep, surface and strategic approaches for the Kuwait versus the China or USA samples, and (3) an interaction effect between country sample and strategic studying on the dependent variable of reported grade point average. Originality/value: The research focuses on student initiative in the educational process. Also, comparative evidence from the Middle Eastern context is provided. This area has received relatively little attention in the literature.

Summary: Forests face many threats. While traditional breeding may be too slow to deliver well‐adapted trees, genomic selection (GS) can accelerate the process. We describe a comprehensive study of GS from proof of concept to operational application in western redcedar (WRC, Thuja plicata).Using genomic data, we developed models on a training population (TrP) of trees to predict breeding values (BVs) in a target seedling population (TaP) for growth, heartwood chemistry, and foliar chemistry traits. We used cross‐validation to assess prediction accuracy (PACC) in the TrP; we also validated models for early‐expressed foliar traits in the TaP.Prediction accuracy was high across generations, environments, and ages. PACC was not reduced to zero among unrelated individuals in TrP and was only slightly reduced in the TaP, confirming strong linkage disequilibrium and the ability of the model to generate accurate predictions across breeding generations. Genomic BV predictions were correlated with those from pedigree but displayed a wider range of within‐family variation due to the ability of GS to capture the Mendelian sampling term.Using predicted TaP BVs in multi‐trait selection, we functionally implemented and integrated GS into an operational tree‐breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the British trade union movement's relationship with Zionism in the period from the Arab Revolt to the Six Day War. It argues that despite an appearance of fraternalism between the British and Zionist labour movements, this relationship was, in fact, governed more by indifference and political expediency on behalf of British trade unions and unionists than by any genuine ideological solidarity or conviction. It shows the Trades Union Congress's reluctance to give any tangible support to Zionist political aims, most clearly when such aims were in opposition to the Attlee government's Palestine policy, but even at other points when the Zionist project faced existential threats to its continued existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the author's transformation from a theoretical academic to a spiritually engaged individual through various practices. Topics discussed include the shift from academic and legal work to spiritual practices, the impact of meditation and yoga on the author's sense of embodiment and spirituality, and the profound influence of Ignatian spirituality on his understanding of God and personal growth.

Congenital subglottic stenosis is a rare but potentially catastrophic condition. In this report, we describe the management of a term neonate who was noted to have biphasic stridor during preassessment for correction of an imperforate anus at 26 hours of life. The neonate was found to have a pinhole trachea secondary to congenital subglottic stenosis. It was impossible to pass an endotracheal tube, so the neonate underwent an emergency surgical tracheostomy with a good outcome. A high index of suspicion led to appropriate steps being taken to safely anaesthetise the neonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used microsatellite genetic markers to evaluate the mating system of western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don) under various seed orchard pollen management schemes. We primarily examined whether supplemental mass pollination (SMP) can reduce the observed selfing rates. Pollen blowing and 'hooding' were also examined in smaller tests. Only SMP was consistently effective in reducing the selfing rate, from 30% to 20%. The correlation of paternity was quite high (60%-90%) in two of three orchards, and in these two orchards the application of SMP reduced this correlation by about 10% as well. The correlation of paternity is the fraction of full-sibling vs. half-sibling progeny, and unbiased estimates can be obtained with few loci, even single loci, in contrast to other types of paternity analysis. We also find the microsatellite amplicon sizes should be pooled into 'bins' of 2-4 nucleotides, owing to unintended errors of assay; otherwise the estimates are biased. This new feature of mating system estimation was incorporated into the computer program MLTR. Key words: self-fertilization, correlated paternity, supplemental mass pollination, western red cedar. Les auteurs ont utilisé des marqueurs génétiques microsatellites afin d'évaluer le système de fécondation du thuya géant (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don) dans le cadre de divers programmes de gestion du pollen de vergers à graines. Ils ont d'abord examiné si une pollinisation de masse supplémentaire (PMS) peut réduire les taux d'autofécondation observés. Le soufflage et le << capuchonnage >> (<< hooding >>) du pollen ont aussi été examinés lors de tests à plus petite échelle. Seule la PMS était efficace de façon constante pour réduire le taux d'autofécondation de 30% à 20%. La corrélation de la paternité était relativement élevée (60-90%) dans deux des trois vergers et dans ces deux vergers, l'application de la PMS réduisait aussi cette corrélation d'environ 10%. La corrélation de la paternité consiste en la fraction de pleins germains par rapport à la demi-fratrie dans la progéniture, et des estimations non biaisées peuvent être obtenues avec peu de locus, et même un seul locus, comparativement aux autres types d'analyse de paternité. Les auteurs ont aussi constaté que les tailles des amplicons microsatellites devraient être regroupées en << classes >> (bins) de 2-4 nucléotides, en raison d'erreurs involontaires du test; sinon, les estimations sont biaisées. Cette nouvelle caractéristique du système de fécondation a été incorporée au programme informatique MLTR. [Traduit par la Rédaction] Mots-clés : autofécondation, paternité corrélée, pollinisation de masse supplémentaire, thuya géant., Introduction Seed orchards connect the generations between domesticated trees and deliver genetically improved trees to natural populations. In British Columbia, there are seed orchards for two species of angiosperms and [...]

We introduce the heterocumulene ligand [(Ad)NCC(tBu)]− (Ad=1‐adamantyl (C10H15), tBu=tert‐butyl, (C4H9)), which can adopt two forms, the azaalleneyl and ynamide. This ligand platform can undergo a reversible chelotropic shift using Brønsted acid‐base chemistry, which promotes an unprecedented spin‐state change of the [VIII] ion. These unique scaffolds are prepared via addition of 1‐adamantyl isonitrile (C≡NAd) across the alkylidyne in complexes [(BDI)V≡CtBu(OTf)] (A) (BDI−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH3)NAr), Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) and [(dBDI)V≡CtBu(OEt2)] (B) (dBDI2−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH2)NAr). Complex A reacts with C≡NAd, to generate the high‐spin [VIII] complex with a κ1‐N‐ynamide ligand, [(BDI)V{κ1‐N‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}(OTf)] (1). Conversely, B reacts with C≡NAd to generate a low‐spin [VIII] diamagnetic complex having a chelated κ2‐C,N‐azaalleneyl ligand, [(dBDI)V{κ2‐N,C‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}] (2). Theoretical studies have been applied to better understand the mechanism of formation of 2 and the electronic reconfiguration upon structural rearrangement by the alteration of ligand denticity between 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the heterocumulene ligand [(Ad)NCC(tBu)]− (Ad=1‐adamantyl (C10H15), tBu=tert‐butyl, (C4H9)), which can adopt two forms, the azaalleneyl and ynamide. This ligand platform can undergo a reversible chelotropic shift using Brønsted acid‐base chemistry, which promotes an unprecedented spin‐state change of the [VIII] ion. These unique scaffolds are prepared via addition of 1‐adamantyl isonitrile (C≡NAd) across the alkylidyne in complexes [(BDI)V≡CtBu(OTf)] (A) (BDI−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH3)NAr), Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) and [(dBDI)V≡CtBu(OEt2)] (B) (dBDI2−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH2)NAr). Complex A reacts with C≡NAd, to generate the high‐spin [VIII] complex with a κ1‐N‐ynamide ligand, [(BDI)V{κ1‐N‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}(OTf)] (1). Conversely, B reacts with C≡NAd to generate a low‐spin [VIII] diamagnetic complex having a chelated κ2‐C,N‐azaalleneyl ligand, [(dBDI)V{κ2‐N,C‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}] (2). Theoretical studies have been applied to better understand the mechanism of formation of 2 and the electronic reconfiguration upon structural rearrangement by the alteration of ligand denticity between 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the heterocumulene ligand [(Ad)NCC(tBu)]− (Ad=1‐adamantyl (C10H15), tBu=tert‐butyl, (C4H9)), which can adopt two forms, the azaalleneyl and ynamide. This ligand platform can undergo a reversible chelotropic shift using Brønsted acid‐base chemistry, which promotes an unprecedented spin‐state change of the [VIII] ion. These unique scaffolds are prepared via addition of 1‐adamantyl isonitrile (C≡NAd) across the alkylidyne in complexes [(BDI)V≡CtBu(OTf)] (A) (BDI−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH3)NAr), Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) and [(dBDI)V≡CtBu(OEt2)] (B) (dBDI2−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH2)NAr). Complex A reacts with C≡NAd, to generate the high‐spin [VIII] complex with a κ1‐N‐ynamide ligand, [(BDI)V{κ1‐N‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}(OTf)] (1). Conversely, B reacts with C≡NAd to generate a low‐spin [VIII] diamagnetic complex having a chelated κ2‐C,N‐azaalleneyl ligand, [(dBDI)V{κ2‐N,C‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}] (2). Theoretical studies have been applied to better understand the mechanism of formation of 2 and the electronic reconfiguration upon structural rearrangement by the alteration of ligand denticity between 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the heterocumulene ligand [(Ad)NCC(tBu)]− (Ad=1‐adamantyl (C10H15), tBu=tert‐butyl, (C4H9)), which can adopt two forms, the azaalleneyl and ynamide. This ligand platform can undergo a reversible chelotropic shift using Brønsted acid‐base chemistry, which promotes an unprecedented spin‐state change of the [VIII] ion. These unique scaffolds are prepared via addition of 1‐adamantyl isonitrile (C≡NAd) across the alkylidyne in complexes [(BDI)V≡CtBu(OTf)] (A) (BDI−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH3)NAr), Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) and [(dBDI)V≡CtBu(OEt2)] (B) (dBDI2−=ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH2)NAr). Complex A reacts with C≡NAd, to generate the high‐spin [VIII] complex with a κ1‐N‐ynamide ligand, [(BDI)V{κ1‐N‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}(OTf)] (1). Conversely, B reacts with C≡NAd to generate a low‐spin [VIII] diamagnetic complex having a chelated κ2‐C,N‐azaalleneyl ligand, [(dBDI)V{κ2‐N,C‐(Ad)NCC(tBu)}] (2). Theoretical studies have been applied to better understand the mechanism of formation of 2 and the electronic reconfiguration upon structural rearrangement by the alteration of ligand denticity between 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Down syndrome (DS) is a developmental disability associated with difficulties in deglutition. The adult Ts65Dn mouse model of DS has been previously shown to have differences in measures of swallowing compared with euploid controls. However, the putative mechanisms of these differences in swallowing function are unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that the Ts65Dn genotype is associated with atypical measures of tongue muscle contractile properties, coinciding with atypical swallow function. Methods: Adult (5-month-old) Ts65Dn (n = 15 female, 14 male) and euploid sibling controls (n = 16 female, 14 male) were evaluated through videofluoroscopy swallow studies (VFSS) to quantify measures of swallowing performance including swallow rate and inter-swallow interval (ISI). After VFSS, retrusive tongue muscle contractile properties, including measures of muscle fatigue, were determined using bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Results: The Ts65Dn group had significantly slower swallow rates, significantly greater ISI times, significantly slower rates of tongue force development, and significantly greater levels of tongue muscle fatigue, with lower retrusive tongue forces than controls in fatigue conditions. Conclusion: Tongue muscle contractile properties are altered in adult Ts65Dn and coincide with altered swallow function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed coat of fir (Abies), hemlock (Tsuga), and cedar (Thuja) species contain terpenoid resin vesicles. Although information is limited about the morphology and allelopathy of these vesicles, their damage during seed processing can negatively impact germination success. We examined resin vesicle morphology of western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don), eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.), amabilis fir (Abies amabilis Douglas ex J. Forbes), balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), grand fir (Abies grandis (Douglas exD. Don) Lindl), and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) seeds by [sup.1]H magnetic resonance imaging to characterize resin vesicle volume, shape, and number. Western redcedar genotypes with known differences in the quantity of foliar monoterpenes also had parallel differences in the resin vesicle volume of corresponding seeds. Germination assays with the cedar and fir species, eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere), mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana (Bong.) Carriere), and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) confirmed that resin vesicle damage prior to stratification (moist chilling) significantly reduced germination success for most species. Extracts of these resin vesicles from the Abies and Thuja species strongly inhibited the germination of Arabidopsis Col-0 seeds but inhibited the germination of only a small percentage of Arabidopsis abscisic acid insensitive mutant abi3-6 seeds. Resin extracts from Thuja species were 10 times more effective than those from Abies species in inhibiting Arabidopsis Col-0 germination.Key words: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), germination, conifer, seeds, terpenoids, allelopathy.L'enveloppe des graines du sapin (Abies), de la pruche (Tsuga) et du thuya (Thuja) contient des vesicules resiniferes remplies de terpenoides. Bien que l'information concernant la morphologie et l'allelopathie de ces vesicules soit limitee, les dommages qu'ils causent durant le conditionnement des graines peuvent avoir un impact negatif sur le succes de germination. Nous avons etudie la morphologie des vesicules resiniferes des graines du thuya geant (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don), du thuya occidental (Thuja occidentalis L.), du sapin gracieux (Abies amabilis Douglas ex J. Forbes), du sapin baumier (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), du sapin grandissime (Abies grandis (Douglas ex D. Don) Lindl) et du sapin subalpin (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) a l'aide de l'imagerie par resonnance magnetique H-1 pour caracteriser le volume, la forme et le nombre de vesicules resiniferes. Des genotypes de thuya geant connus pour avoir differentes quantites de monoterpenes foliaires avaient aussi des differences correspondantes dans le volume de vesicules resiniferes de leurs graines. Des tests de germination avec les especes de pruche et de sapin, la pruche du Canada (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere), la pruche subalpine (Tsuga mertensiana (Bong.) Carriere) et la pruche de l'Ouest (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) ont confirme que les dommages causes par les vesicules resiniferes avant la stratification (refroidissement humide) ont significativement reduit le taux de germination de la plupart des especes. Des extraits de ces vesicules resiniferes provenant d'especes d'Abies et de Thuja ont fortement inhibe la germination des graines d'Arabidopsis Col-0 mais ont inhibe la germination de seulement un faible pourcentage des graines du mutant abi3-6 d 'Arabidopsis insensible a l'acide abscisique. Les extraits de la resine provenant des especes de Thuja etaient 10 fois plus efficaces que ceux des especes d'Abies pour inhiber la germination d'Arabidopsis Col-0. [Traduit par la Redaction]Mots-cles: imagerie par resonnance magnetique (IRM), germination, conifere, graines, terpenoides, allelopathie., IntroductionMost species of conifers have cones that contain, and sometimes ooze, oleoresin (Farjon 2008). These are thought to have important roles in the defense against cone and seed pests and [...]

Loss of CXCL12, a leukocyte localizing cue, from abluminal surfaces of the blood-brain barrier occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. However, the mechanisms and consequences of reduced abluminal CXCL12 abundance remain unclear. Here, we show that activation of CXCR7, which scavenges CXCL12, is essential for leukocyte entry via endothelial barriers into the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for MS. CXCR7 expression on endothelial barriers increased during EAE at sites of inflammatory infiltration. Treatment with a CXCR7 antagonist ameliorated EAE, reduced leukocyte infiltration into the CNS parenchyma and parenchymal VCAM-1 expression, and increased abluminal levels of CXCL12. Interleukin 17 and interleukin 1β increased, whereas interferon-γ decreased, CXCR7 expression on and CXCL12 internalization in primary brain endothelial cells in vitro. These findings identify molecular requirements for the transvascular entry of leukocytes into the CNS and suggest that CXCR7 blockade may have therapeutic utility for the treatment of MS.

Described here is a direct entry to two examples of 3d transition metal catalysts that are active for the cyclic polymerization of phenylacetylene, namely, [(BDI)M{κ2‐C,C‐(Me3SiC3SiMe3)}] (2‐M) (BDI=[ArNC(CH3)]2CH−, Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3; M=Ti, V). Catalysts are prepared in one step by the treatment of [(BDI)MCl2] (1‐M, M=Ti, V) with 1,3‐dilithioallene [Li2(Me3SiC3SiMe3)]. Complexes 2‐M have been spectroscopically and structurally characterized and the polymers that are catalytically formed from phenylacetylene were verified to have a cyclic topology based on a combination of size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and intrinsic viscosity studies. Two‐electron oxidation of 2‐V with nitrous oxide (N2O) cleanly yields a [VV] alkylidene‐alkynyl oxo complex [(BDI)V(=O){κ1‐C‐(=C(SiMe3)CC(SiMe3))}] (3), which lends support for how this scaffold in 2‐M might be operating in the polymerization of the terminal alkyne. This work demonstrates how alkylidynes can be circumvented using 1,3‐dianionic allene as a segue into M−C multiple bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]