On the homologies of the skeletal components of catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes) suspensorium

There has been much controversy concerning the identity of the components of the suspensorium in Siluriformes (catfishes). This confusion has implications not only for comparative morphology, but also for phylogenetic studies. The identity of the suspensorium components in catfish is reviewed here on the basis of: 1) dissections of numerous catfishes, including members of the most primitive group (Diplomystidae), and morphological descriptions in the literature; 2) developmental and paleontological data available; 3) functional morphology; and 4) comparisons with other member of the Ostariophysi, as well as with other teleosts. Our observations and comparisons indicate that catfish suspensorium consists of: 1) a hyomandibula+metapterygoid compound, which corresponds to the hyomandibula plus metapterygoid of other teleosts; 2) a symplectic+quadrate compound, which corresponds to the symplectic+quadrate of other teleosts; 3) an ectopterygoid+ectopterygoid compound, which corresponds to the entopterygoid plus ectopterygoid of other teleost. The small bones present in several catfishes between the anterior portions of the pars quadrata, the palatine, and the ethmoideal region are considered to be sesamoid ossifications

On the myology of the cephalic region and pectoral girdle of three arid species, <i>Arius heudeloti</i>, <i>Genidens genidens</i> and <i>Bagre marinus</i>, and comparison with other catfishes (Teleostei: Siluriformes)

The muscles of the cephalic region and pectoral girdle of Arius heudeloti, Genidens genidens and Bagre marinus are described and compared with those of non-ariid siluriforms. Our observations and comparisons revealed that, although the configuration of the cephalic and pectoral girdle musculature of these ariid species is basically similar to that of other catfishes, these species present two myological peculiarities that could eventually represent autapomorphic characters of the family Ariidae, namely: 1) the muscle adductor arcus palatini inserts not only on the mesial margin of the suspensorium, but also on a significant part of the lateral surface of this complex structure; 2) the adductor mandibulae Aw is obliquely oriented, with its postero-dorsal fibres being significantly dorsal to the upper edge of the coronoid process

Anatomie et fonction des structures céphaliques associées à la prise de nourriture chez le genre <i>Chrysichthys</i> (Téléostei: Siluriformes)

We studied, in fine detail, the functional morphology of the cephalic structures related to the feeding mechanisms movements of the mouth, suspensorium, opercular series, hyoid arch, maxillary barbels and mandibular barbels - in three species of Chrysichthys. For comparison, a large number of other catfish genera were also studied. Our observations and comparisons, in association with the data available in the literature, suggest that the mechanical performance of the cephalic feeding structures in Chrysichthys probably represents the typical pattern of a catfish

Diminution de la résistance aux antibiotiques des souches de Streptococcus pneumoniae isolées d’infections invasives en France entre 2005 et 2011 : résultats des Observatoires Régionaux du Pneumocoque (ORP)

National audienc

Plankton DNA extraction from Sterivex filter units

The objective of this protocol is to provide a reliable and replicable method for the DNA extraction of lake micro-plankton to be used for downstream DNA analysis. This protocol is one of those proposed by the Eco-AlpsWater consortium to promote the implementation of High Throughput Sequencing (HT S) of environmental DNA (eDNA) in the biomonitoring and ecological assessment of water bodies. The extraction is performed from samples filtered through Sterivex cartridges (Sterivex™ GP 0.22μm) and stored at -20°C, as described in the protocol dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.xn6fmhe, and with the use of the DNeasy® PowerWater Sterivex Kit (QIAGEN) with specific modifications adapted to plankton DNA extraction. The application proposed here, in the context of EcoAlpsWater, aims at comparing DNA inventories to traditional phytoplanktonic inventories and at characterizing more broadly the micro-planktonic diversity through eDNA analysis (including bacteria). This protocol is part of the deliverables provided by the WP1 of the Eco-AlpsWater project. All members of the EcoAlpsWater consortium (http://www.alpine-space.eu/projects/eco-alpswater/en/home) contributed to the optimization of this protocol

Effectgerichte aanpak verwijdering P uit bodem- en slootwater duinzandgrond

Op bloembollenpercelen bij Egmond a/d Hoef worden twee zuiveringsmethoden getest om fosfaat te verwijderen uit bodem en slootwater. Het doel is het water te zuiveren van fosfaat om daarmee te voldoen aan de Europese Regelgeving voor de kwaliteit van oppervlaktewater

Terugdringing fosfaatafspoeling van boerenland

De aanleiding van dit innovatieonderzoek was het groeiende inzicht dat een belangrijke transportroute van fosfaat van boerenland naar het oppervlaktewater bestaat uit oppervlakkige afspoeling. Na hevige neerslag stroomt water via greppels, of gewoon via het oppervlak naar de sloot. Als er net bemest is dan kan het wegstromende water een aanzienlijk deel van de mest meenemen naar de sloot. Boeren op slecht doorlatende gronden herkennen dit uit eigen observatie. De ‘snelle P route’ opent nieuwe mogelijkheden om fosfaat emissies te verkleinen. De vraag is dan hoe fosfaat uit, naar de sloot stromend water, gehaald kan worden zonder dat de afwatering van agrarische percelen gehinderd wordt? En dan liefst op een manier die boeren gemakkelijk in hun bedrijfsvoering kunnen inpassen, zodat de maatregelen daadwerkelijk kans van slagen hebbe

The cytosolic glutamine synthetase GLN1;2 plays a role in the control of plant growth and ammonium homeostasis in Arabidopsis rosettes when nitrate supply is not limiting

Glutamine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.2) is a key enzyme of ammonium assimilation and recycling in plants where it catalyses the synthesis of glutamine from ammonium and glutamate. In Arabidopsis, five GLN1 genes encode GS1 isoforms. GLN1;2 is the most highly expressed in leaves and is over-expressed in roots by ammonium supply and in rosettes by ample nitrate supply compared with limiting nitrate supply. It is shown here that the GLN1;2 promoter is mainly active in the minor veins of leaves and flowers and, to a lower extent, in the parenchyma of mature leaves. Cytoimmunochemistry reveals that the GLN1;2 protein is present in the companion cells. The role of GLN1;2 was determined by examining the physiology of gln1;2 knockout mutants. Mutants displayed lower glutamine synthetase activity, higher ammonium concentration, and reduced rosette biomass compared with the wild type (WT) under ample nitrate supply only. No difference between mutant and WT can be detected under limiting nitrate conditions. Despite total amino acid concentration was increased in the old leaves of mutants at high nitrate, no significant difference in nitrogen remobilization can be detected using 15N tracing. Growing plants in vitro with ammonium or nitrate as the sole nitrogen source allowed us to confirm that GLN1;2 is induced by ammonium in roots and to observe that gln1;2 mutants displayed, under such conditions, longer root hair and smaller rosette phenotypes in ammonium. Altogether the results suggest that GLN1;2 is essential for nitrogen assimilation under ample nitrate supply and for ammonium detoxification

Syntectonic mobility of supergene nickel ores of New Caledonia (Southwest Pacific). Evidence from faulted regolith and garnierite veins.

International audienceSupergene nickel deposits of New Caledonia that have been formed in the Neogene by weathering of obducted ultramafic rocks are tightly controlled by fracture development. The relationship of tropical weathering and tectonic structures, faults and tension gashes, have been investigated in order to determine whether fractures have play a passive role only, as previously thought; or alternatively, if brittle tectonics was acting together with alteration. From the observation of time-relationship, textures, and mineralogy of various fracture fills and fault gouges, it may be unambiguously established that active faulting has play a prominent role not only in facilitating drainage and providing room for synkinematic crystallisation of supergene nickel silicate, but also in mobilising already formed sparse nickel ore, giving birth to the very high grade ore nicknamed "green gold"

Exome Sequencing as a Diagnostic Tool for Pediatric-Onset Ataxia

Ataxia demonstrates substantial phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. We set out to determine the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing in pediatric patients with ataxia without a molecular diagnosis after standard-of-care assessment in Canada. FORGE (Finding Of Rare disease GEnes) Canada is a nation-wide project focused on identifying novel disease genes for rare pediatric diseases using whole-exome sequencing. We retrospectively selected all FORGE Canada projects that included cerebellar ataxia as a feature. We identified 28 such families and a molecular diagnosis was made in 13; a success rate of 46%. In 11 families, we identified mutations in genes associated with known neurological syndromes and in two we identified novel disease genes. Exome analysis of sib pairs and/or patients born to consanguineous parents was more likely to be successful (9/13) than simplex cases (4/15). Our data suggest that exome sequencing is an effective first line test for pediatric patients with ataxia where a specific single gene is not immediately suspected to be causative. © 2013 The Authors. *Human Mutation published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc