Esocoid fishes

49 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.Includes bibliographical references (p. 41-49)."In both the Esocidae and the Umbridae, phyletic rends involve reduction of cephalic sensory canals and elaboration of pitlines. Advanced characters of this sensory system indicate interrelationships among Recent species, most notably a close relationship between Dallia and Umbra. The Eocene Palaeoesox and the Oligocene Proumbra are attributable to the Umbridae and are probably closely related to Umbra. The historical biogeography of the Umbridae may involve a secondary distribution (Umbra limi, U. pygmaea) in east North America. A relationship between esocoids and galaxiids is unsupported, but a relationship between clupeomorphs and elapomorphs is supported by the structure of the cephalic canal system"--P [1]

Teleostean fishes

30 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.Includes bibliographical references (p. 28-30)."This study completes a review of hyobranchial structure for Recent fishes of the order Clupeifromes. Its results support previously suggested phyletic trends involving reduction in number of branchiostegal rays, reduction and loss of gill-arch dentition, and elaboration of epibranchial organs within clupeiform fishes. Certain advanced characters of the gill arches characterize some of the major groups of Cluepiformes. On this basis it has been possible to arrive at a more precise conception of the interrelationships of these major groups. One result has been the splitting off of the Pristigasteridae from the Clupeidae. The problem of subdividing the families Engraulidae and Clupeidae is discussed from the standpoint of gill-arch structure"--P. 27

Notes on the dermal skeleton of vertebrates

26 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.Includes bibliographical references (p. 24-26)."Within the buccopharyngeal cavity of many Recent sharks, there occurs a well-developed dermal skeleton, consisting of numerous, independent, non-growing denticles (placoid scales). It is apparent that the extent of this dermal skeleton, from the jaw margin to the pharyngo-esophogeal boundary, is a feature primitive for the Gnathostomata. Secondary reductions in the extent of this dermal skeleton are apparent in some Recent sharks. In others, pharyngeal denticles participate in the formation of specialized structures (pharyngeal pads), apparently analogous to the consolidated pharyngeal tooth plates of teleostomes. These observations lead to the hypothesis that the dermal skeleton of modern elasmobranchs is primitively subdivided, that is, in a primary micromeric condition. The relevance of this hypothesis is discussed in the context of a comparative theory of the dermal skeleton of vertebrates"--P. 24

Teleostean fishes

31 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.Includes bibliographical references (p. 26-31)."Advanced characters of the lower jaw suggest that the Eocene Phareodus is an osteoglossine, the Cretaceous Ichthyodectiformes (Ichthyodectidae and Saurodontidae) are taeniopaedians, the Cretaceous Pachyrhizodontidae are clupeomorphs or euteleosteans, the Cretaceous Bananogmiidae are taeniopaedians, and the Cretaceous and Eocene Diplomystus agree with Recent Clupeidae and Chirocentridae. It is suggested that Phareodus (as Phareodontini) be included in the Osteoglossinae, and that the Ichthyodectiformes, Pachyrhizodontidae, and Bananogmiidae be classed as Teleostei, taxa incertae sedis. Advanced characters of the caudal skeleton of Pachyrhizodus and Bananogmius may prove useful in recognizing related forms"--P. [1]

VUV Fourier-transform absorption study of the Lyman and Werner bands in D2

An extensive survey of the D2 absorption spectrum has been performed with the high-resolution VUV Fourier-transform spectrometer of the DESIRS beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron. The frequency range of 90 000-119 000 cm-1 covers the full depth of the potential wells of the B 1{\Sigma}+u, B' 1{\Sigma}+u, and C 1{\Pi}u electronic states up to the D(1s) + D(2\ell) dissociation limit. Improved level energies of rovibrational levels have been determined up to respectively v = 51, v = 13, and v = 20. Highest resolution is achieved by probing absorption in a molecular gas jet with slit geometry, as well as in a liquid helium cooled static gas cell, resulting in line widths of ~0.35 cm-1. Extended calibration methods are employed to extract line positions of D2 lines at absolute accuracies of 0.03 cm-1. The D1{\Pi}u and B" 1{\Sigma}+u electronic states correlate with the D(1s) + D(3\ell) dissociation limit, but support a few vibrational levels below the second dissociation limit, respectively v = 0-3 and v = 0-1, and are also included in the presented study. The complete set of resulting level energies is the most comprehensive and accurate data set for D2. The observations are compared with previous studies, both experimental and theoretical.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures. The second set of Tables (Tables I-IV after the references), is auxiliary materia

Using a commercially available DNA extraction kit to obtain high quality human genomic DNA suitable for PCR and genotyping from 11-year-old saliva saturated cotton spit wads

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We sought to describe the integrity of human genomic DNA extracted from saliva saturated cotton spit wads stored at -20°C for approximately 11 years. 783 spit wad samples were collected from an ADHD sample population (Vermont Family Study) during 1996–2000. Human genomic DNA was extracted from the spit wads using a commercially available kit; QIAamp DNA Blood Midi Kit (Qiagen, Inc., Valencia, CA.) with a few modifications.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The resulting DNA yield was more than adequate for genetic analysis and ranged from approximately 1 μg to a total of 80 μg (mean 17.3 μgs ± 11.9 μgs). A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ratios for the human genomic DNA extracted from the spit wads was consistently within the generally acceptable values of 1.7–2.0, with the lowest purity being 1.70, and a mean value of 1.937 ± 0.226 for the 783 samples. The DNA also was suitable for PCR reactions as evidenced by the amplification of the serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region, 5HTTLPR. 5HTTLPR is a functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (<it>HTT, SLC6A4</it>, or <it>SERT</it>), consisting of two intensively studied alleles. 770 of the 783 samples (98.3%) produced fragments after PCR of the expected size with primers specific for 5HTTLPR.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>High quality and abundant genomic DNA can be successfully retrieved from saliva saturated cotton spit wads using the commercially available kit, QIAamp DNA Blood Midi Kit from Qiagen, Inc. Furthermore, the DNA can be extracted in less than 3 hours and multiple samples can be processed simultaneously thus reducing processing time.</p

Gizzard shads

p. 133-206 : ill., maps ; 27 cm.Includes bibliographical references (p. 180-203)."The Indo-Pacific fishes commonly called gizzard shads include two tribes (the Anodontostomatini and Clupanodontini) and at least 12 species (Anodontostoma chacunda, Gonialosa manmina, G. modesta, Nematalosa arabica, N. come, N. erebi, N. galatheae, new species, N. japonica, N. nasus, N. vlaminghi, new combination, Clupanodon punctatus and C. thrissa). These species are generally better defined and more easily recognized by nonmeristic characters than by counts of scales, fin rays, vertebrae, ventral scutes, and predorsal bones. The North American gizzard shads include one tribe (Dorosomatini) and, as currently recognized, five species (Dorosoma anale, D. cepedianum, D. chavesi, D. smithi, and D. (Signalosa) petenense), defined primarily on the basis of meristic characters. This paper reviews the taxonomy of the Indo-Pacific species and provides a key for their identification, an account of their variation and distribution, and an analysis of their scientific literature. For North American species, references to recent literature are included. The gut of the gizzard shads differs from that of other clupeoids in having a third primary flexure. The tribes recognized are based partly on the variations of the third flexure"--P. 135

Microsatellite markers for the Arctic copepod Calanus glacialis and cross-amplification with C. finmarchicus

Calanus glacialis is a major component of Arctic zooplankton and a keystone species in Arctic marine ecosystems. Due to the observed climate warming, its numbers are being reduced to the advantage of a sibling Atlantic species Calanus finmarchicus. We developed and characterized the first set of microsatellite markers in this species to investigate its population genetic structure and dispersal capabilities. Nine polymorphic loci displayed an average of 7.3 alleles (range between 2 and 13) and the levels of expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.039 to 0.806. These provide a valuable tool to understand present connectivity patterns across Arctic regions, look for signatures of past climate effects and predict the response to future climate-driven environmental changes. Additionally, due to the cross-amplification with C. finmarchicus, the markers can be used to discriminate between these sibling species.National Science Centre, Poland [2011/03/B/NZ8/02876]; FCT, Portugal [PTDC/MAR/72630/2006]; EU FP7 Project ATP [226248]; European Community (ASSEMBLE-MARINE) [227799]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Compartmentation of photosynthesis gene expression in C4 maize depends on time of day

Compared with the ancestral C3 state, C4 photosynthesis occurs at higher rates with improved water and nitrogen use efficiencies. In both C3 and C4 plants, rates of photosynthesis increase with light intensity and are maximal around midday. We determined that in the absence of light or temperature fluctuations, photosynthesis in maize (Zea mays) peaks in the middle of the subjective photoperiod. To investigate the molecular processes associated with these temporal changes, we performed RNA sequencing of maize mesophyll and bundle sheath strands over a 24-h time course. Preferential expression of C4 cycle genes in these cell types was strongest between 6 and 10 h after dawn when rates of photosynthesis were highest. For the bundle sheath, DNA motif enrichment and gene coexpression analyses suggested members of the DNA binding with one finger (DOF) and MADS (MINICHROMOSOME MAINTENANCE FACTOR 1/AGAMOUS/DEFICIENS/Serum Response Factor)-domain transcription factor families mediate diurnal fluctuations in C4 gene expression, while trans-activation assays in planta confirmed their ability to activate promoter fragments from bundle sheath expressed genes. The work thus identifies transcriptional regulators and peaks in cell-specific C4 gene expression coincident with maximum rates of photosynthesis in the maize leaf at midday.This work was supported by the European Commission project 3to4 (grant agreement no: 289582), by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) through research unit GREEN-it “Bioresources for Sustainability” (UID/Multi/04551/2013, UIDB/04551/2020), by POPH-QREN to A.R.B. (SFRH/BD/105739/2014), A.M.G. (SFRH/BD/89743/2012), and N.J.M.S. (IF/01126/2012), by ERACAPS grant C4BREED and BBSRC grants BB/L014130, BBP0031171, and BB/S006370/1, and by European Research Council Grant Revolution RG80867

Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) samples are not a beneficial replacement for frozen tissues in fetal membrane microbiota research

Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues are routinely collected, archived, and used for clinical diagnosis, including maternal and neonatal health. Applying FFPE samples to microbiota research would be beneficial to reduce preparation, storage and costs associated with limited available frozen samples. This research aims to understand if FFPE fetal membrane samples are comparable to frozen tissues, which are the current gold standard for DNA microbiota analysis. Extracted DNA from nine matched paired patients were sequenced by Illumina sequencing of the V4 16S rRNA gene region. This included duplicate frozen amnion and chorion fetal membrane rolls or FFPE combined amniochorionic samples. Negative controls of surrounding wax blocks and DNA extraction reagents were processed alongside samples using identical methods. DNA quality and quantity was assessed by NanoDrop, agarose gel electrophoresis and Bioanalyzer. Decontam and SourceTracker were integrated into microbiota analysis to identify the presence of contaminating sources. The bacterial profile and nine genera differed between FFPE and frozen fetal membranes. There were no differences in bacterial profiles between FFPE samples and corresponding wax negative controls, with 49% of bacteria in FFPE fetal membrane samples matched to the source origin of paraffin wax, and 40% originating from DNA extraction reagent sources. FFPE samples displayed high fragmentation and low quantity of extracted DNA compared to frozen samples. The microbiota of FFPE fetal membrane samples is influenced by processing methods, with the inability to differentiate between the microbiota of the tissue sample and the surrounding wax block. Illumina sequencing results of FFPE and frozen fetal membrane samples should not be compared using the methods employed here. Variation could be influenced by limitations including storage time, DNA extraction and purification methods. To utilise FFPE fetal membrane samples in microbiota research then contamination prevention and detection methods must be included into optimised and standardised protocols, with recommendations presented here