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Light and scanning electron microscope observations on the genus Fontina gen. nov. from a thermo-mineral spring of the Massif Central (France) are presented. Based on morphology, the new genus shows features that have not been described previously, such as the stria pattern, interrupted at the valve face/mantle junction and composed of one long, slit-like areola on both valve face and mantle. Externally, areolae are closed by hymenes. Fontina arverna sp. nov. is described as the typus generis of Fontina. This new genus was compared with some similar freshwater genera such as Adlafia, Chamaepinnularia, Genkalia, Germainiella, Microfissurata and Nupela. So far, we are unable to establish an evolutionary link or cladistic association with currently known genera. The new genus is described from a sampling site characterized by high conductivity and high carbonate concentration, brackish conditions and whose water originates deep in the crust (high lithium concentration). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sclerotia of Pachyma hoelen are one of the traditional Chinese medicines and foods that are widely used in East Asian countries. The strains used for cultivation showed bad performance in recent years, and breeding of superior strains has become increasingly important for this fungus. Nevertheless, the mating system and life cycle of P. hoelen were still ambiguous. In this study, the methods for distinguishing between homokaryotic offspring with different mating types were established, as well as confirmation of strain hybridization based on allelic polymorphism at a locus of the rpb2 gene. The bipolar mating system was confirmed according to the mating results of homokaryotic SSIs. The fact that heterokaryotic parents produce homokaryotic meiospores proves that the life cycle is heterothallic. Combining scanning electron microscope observation and DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) fluorescent staining of hymenium and basidiospores in situ and ex situ, nuclear migration pattern from basidia to spores was revealed. The heterothallic life cycle was verified, revised, and supplemented step by step. This is the first report of systematic research on the mating system, life cycle, and outcrossing of homokaryotic offspring in P. hoelen. It will be helpful for the biological research, strain improvement, and development of the P. hoelen industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Acherontacarus (Acari, Hydrachnidia) is described from a well in the south of France. The description is made with the help of images taken with the Environmental Scanning Electronic Microscope. A key to all described species is included. The chaetotaxy of terminal segments of IV‐Leg in male, general morphology of genital field and related platelets of male and female are diagnostic in this species. This is the first time that the genus is found in continental France, and the distributional data of known species is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of studying the conservation problems of cave art, the Laboratoire de Recherche des Monuments Historiques has, during analysis of micro-samples of the prehistoric paintings in the Salon Noir of the Grotte de Niaux at Tarascon sur Ariège (Ariège), discovered large amounts of carbon linked with the presence of charcoal. Examination with the scanning electron micro- scope of a sample supplied to the Centre Technique du Bois permitted the identification of the wood from which this fragment had come—a conifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]