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Gene model for the ortholog of gigas (gig) in the May 2011 (Agencourt dmoj_caf1/DmojCAF1) Genome Assembly (GenBank Accession: GCA_000005175.1 ) of Drosophila mojavensis. This ortholog was characterized as part of a developing dataset to study the evolution of the Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS) across the genus Drosophila using the Genomics Education Partnership gene annotation protocol for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences. 

Abstract Measurement of object recognition (OR) ability could predict learning and success in real-world settings, and there is hope that it may reduce bias often observed in cognitive tests. Although the measurement of visual OR is not expected to be influenced by the language of participants or the language of instructions, these assumptions remain largely untested. Here, we address the challenges of measuring OR abilities across linguistically diverse populations. In Study 1, we find that English–Spanish bilinguals, when randomly assigned to the English or Spanish version of the novel object memory test (NOMT), exhibit a highly similar overall performance. Study 2 extends this by assessing psychometric equivalence using an approach grounded in item response theory (IRT). We examined whether groups fluent in English or Spanish differed in (a) latent OR ability as assessed by a three-parameter logistic IRT model, and (2) the mapping of observed item responses on the latent OR construct, as assessed by differential item functioning (DIF) analyses. Spanish speakers performed better than English speakers, a difference we suggest is due to motivational differences between groups of vastly different size on the Prolific platform. That we found no substantial DIF between the groups tested in English or Spanish on the NOMT indicates measurement invariance. The feasibility of increasing diversity by combining groups tested in different languages remains unexplored. Adopting this approach could enable visual scientists to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in their research, and potentially in the broader application of their work in society. 

Gene model for the ortholog of Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (Pdk1) in the May 2011 (Agencourt dgri_caf1/DgriCAF1) Genome Assembly (GenBank Accession: GCA_000005155.1 ) of Drosophila grimshawi. This ortholog was characterized as part of a developing dataset to study the evolution of the Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS) across the genus Drosophila using the Genomics Education Partnership gene annotation protocol for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences. 

Diamine modification of polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using carbodiimide chemistry and heat treatment improves the removal of small neutral molecules. 

Harmful and nuisance algal blooms are becoming a greater concern to public health, riverine ecosystems, and recreational uses of inland waterways. Algal bloom proliferation has increased in the Upper Clark Fork River due to a combination of warming water temperatures, naturally high phosphorus levels, and an influx of nitrogen from various sources. To improve understanding of bloom dynamics and how they affect water quality, often measured as algal biomass measured through pigment standing crops, a UAV-based hyperspectral imaging system was deployed to monitor several locations along the Upper Clark Fork River in western Montana. Image data were collected across the spectral range of 400–1000 nm with 2.1 nm spectral resolution during two field sampling campaigns in 2021. Included are methods to estimate chl a and phycocyanin standing crops using regression analysis of salient wavelength bands, before and after separating the pigments according to their growth form. Estimates of chl a and phycocyanin standing crops generated through a linear regression analysis are compared to in situ data, resulting in a maximum R2 of 0.96 for estimating fila/epip chl-a and 0.94 when estimating epiphytic phycocyanin. Estimates of pigment standing crops from total abundance, epiphytic, and the sum of filamentous and epiphytic sources are also included, resulting in a promising method for remotely estimating algal standing crops. This method addresses the shortcomings of current monitoring techniques, which are limited in spatial and temporal scale, by proposing a method for rapid collection of high-spatial-resolution pigment abundance estimates. 

Abstract Much of our understanding of cell and tissue development, structure, and function stems from fluorescence microscopy. The acquisition of colorful and glowing images engages and excites users ranging from seasoned microscopists to STEM students. Fluorescence microscopes range in cost from several thousand to several hundred thousand US dollars. Therefore, the use of fluorescence microscopy is typically limited to well-funded institutions and biotechnology companies, research core facilities, and medical laboratories, but is financially impractical at many universities and colleges, primary and secondary schools (K-12), and in science outreach settings. In this study, we developed and characterized components that when used in combination with a smartphone or tablet, perform fluorescence microscopy at a cost of less than $50 US dollars per unit. We re-purposed recreational LED flashlights and theater stage lighting filters to enable viewing of green and red fluorophores including EGFP, DsRed, mRFP, and mCherry on a simple-to-build frame made of wood and plexiglass. These devices, which we refer to as glowscopes, were capable of 10 µm resolution, imaging fluorescence in live specimens, and were compatible with all smartphone and tablet models we tested. In comparison to scientific-grade fluorescence microscopes, glowscopes may have limitations to sensitivity needed to detect dim fluorescence and the inability to resolve subcellular structures. We demonstrate capability of viewing fluorescence within zebrafish embryos, including heart rate, rhythmicity, and regional anatomy of the central nervous system. Due to the low cost of individual glowscope units, we anticipate this device can help to equip K-12, undergraduate, and science outreach classrooms with fleets of fluorescence microscopes that can engage students with hands-on learning activities.