High gene flow maintains wide-range species cohesion in a Neotropical epiphyte (Tillandsia aeranthos, Bromeliaceae)

Studies of patterns of genetic diversity, genetic structure and ecological data across geographical ranges of species allow us to test hypotheses about the evolutionary responses of organisms to fluctuations in habitat connectivity and availability. Here we present a study aiming to assess genetic diversity, population structure and breeding system across the geographical distribution of a subtropical epiphyte, Tillandsia aeranthos (Bromeliaceae), endemic to the Plata River basin (Pampa biome). Seven nuclear microsatellite markers were genotyped in 203 individuals from 13 localities across Brazil and Argentina and 14 plastid regions were sequenced for a subset of the individuals. Additionally, we performed controlled pollination experiments to discuss correlations between breeding system, genetic diversity and structure in the species. Nuclear diversity levels were high (HE = 0.806, HO = 0.745, allelic richness = 5.860) with no haplotype differentiation detected (c. 9 kpb sequenced). Bayesian assignment analysis, supported by principal coordinate analysis and analysis of molecular variance, show low genetic structure across the studied area (FST = 0.031, P < 0.001). Controlled pollination experiments indicated complete self-incompatibility in all localities analysed. Our results show effective gene flow maintaining low genetic structure between localities for T. aeranthos across an extensive area in the Pampa.

Consistent cross-modal identification of cortical neurons with coupled autoencoders

Consistent identification of neurons and neuronal cell types across different observation modalities is an important problem in neuroscience. Here, we present an optimization framework to learn coordinated representations of multimodal data, and apply it to a large Patch-seq dataset of mouse cortical interneurons. Our approach reveals strong alignment between transcriptomic and electrophysiological profiles of neurons, enables accurate cross-modal data prediction, and identifies cell types that are consistent across modalities.HighlightsCoupled autoencoders for multimodal assignment, Analysis of Patch-seq data consisting of more than 3000 cells

Experimental Student’s Worksheet with Scientific Approach for Student Grade X Semester I SMA/MA

The curriculum 2013 emphasize the learning with scientific approach. The experiment is the best studying activity to develop the student’s skills and processes because involve five approaches. One of the supporting tools used in an experiment is a student’s worksheet as the guidance. Based on this need, the research was conducted to yield the valid and practical experimental student’s worksheet with scientific approach for senior high school student grade X semester 1. This research utilised the 4-D (four-D) development models which are consist of 4 steps; defining, designing, and developing. The defining step including on pre-analysis and post-analysis, students analysis, and assignment analysis. The designing step was conducted to designed the experiment’s worksheet with scientific approach. In the developing step, the validity of worksheet was examined by 5 validator and practicality test by 2 teachers and 31 students grade X of MAN 1 Padang. The primary data obtained from validity and practicality questionnaire were analysed with descriptive analysis. It can concluded that the student’s worksheet of experiment with scientific approach which have developed for students grade X semester 1 have the very valid and practical criteria.

The role of environment, local adaptation and past climate fluctuation on the amount and distribution of genetic diversity in the teosinte in Mexico

Wild maize, commonly known as teosinte, has a wide distribution in central Mexico and inhabits a wide range of environmental conditions. According to previous studies, the environment is a determinant factor for the amount and distribution of genetic diversity. In this study, we used a set of neutral markers to explore the influence of contemporary factors and historical environmental shifts on genetic diversity, including present and three historical periods. Using a set of 22 nuclear microsatellite loci, we genotyped 527 individuals from 29 localities. We found highly variable levels of genetic diversity (Z. m. parviglumis HE= 0.3646–0.7699; Z. m. mexicana HE= 0.5885–0.7671) and significant genetic structure among localities (average DEST= 0.4332). Also, we recovered significant values of heterozygote deficiency (average FIS= 0.1796) and variable levels of selfing (sg2=0.0–0.3090). The Bayesian assignment analysis yielded four genetic clusters dividing the sample into subspecies, that in turn, were separated into two clusters. Environmental conditions played a strong influence in the distribution of genetic diversity, as demographic analysis and changes in species range revealed by modeling analyses were consistent. We conclude that current genetic diversity in teosinte is the result of a mixture of local adaptation and genetic isolation along with historical environmental fluctuations.

Photovoices of Urban Educational Leadership Students Abroad in Peru

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions and experiences of educational leadership graduate students who participated in a short term study abroad program in Peru. We analyzed assignments submitted for course credit, including a total of 144 photos and 107 corresponding reflections submitted as part of the photovoice assignment. Analysis revealed that the study abroad was a transformative experience . Students drew upon their own professional experiences to make sense of their educational experiences overseas . Their experience in Peru gave them a window into the wor ld of so many students in their U S schools what it is like to be a racial and language minority enriching and informing their perspectives as educators and future educational leaders. Instructors in study abroad courses may seek a balance between th e analytical const raints of applied heuristics with the freedom that photovoice promises.