scholarly journals Early Tertiary mammals from North Africa reinforce the molecular Afrotheria clade

2007 ◽  
Vol 274 (1614) ◽  
pp. 1159-1166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolphe Tabuce ◽  
Laurent Marivaux ◽  
Mohammed Adaci ◽  
Mustapha Bensalah ◽  
Jean-Louis Hartenberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Africa ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Historical Biogeography ◽  
African Origin ◽  
Phylogenetic Pattern ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Early Tertiary ◽  
Endemic Evolution ◽  
First Time ◽  
Early Paleogene

The phylogenetic pattern and timing of the radiation of mammals, especially the geographical origins of major crown clades, are areas of controversy among molecular biologists, morphologists and palaeontologists. Molecular phylogeneticists have identified an Afrotheria clade, which includes several taxa as different as tenrecs (Tenrecidae), golden moles (Chrysochloridae), elephant-shrews (Macroscelididae), aardvarks (Tubulidentata) and paenungulates (elephants, sea cows and hyracoids). Molecular data also suggest a Cretaceous African origin for Afrotheria within Placentalia followed by a long period of endemic evolution on the Afro-Arabian continent after the mid-Cretaceous Gondwanan breakup (approx. 105–25 Myr ago). However, there was no morphological support for such a natural grouping so far. Here, we report new dental and postcranial evidence of Eocene stem hyrax and macroscelidid from North Africa that, for the first time, provides a congruent phylogenetic view with the molecular Afrotheria clade. These new fossils imply, however, substantial changes regarding the historical biogeography of afrotheres. Their long period of isolation in Africa, as assumed by molecular inferences, is now to be reconsidered inasmuch as Eocene paenungulates and elephant-shrews are here found to be related to some Early Tertiary Euramerican ‘hyopsodontid condylarths’ (archaic hoofed mammals). As a result, stem members of afrotherian clades are not strictly African but also include some Early Paleogene Holarctic mammals.

The micromammal fauna from Negratín-1 (Guadix Basin, southern Spain): new evidence of African-Iberian mammal exchanges during the Late Miocene

2009 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
pp. 854-879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raef Minwer-Bararat ◽  
Antonio García-Alix ◽  
Jordi Agustí ◽  
Elvira Martín Suárez ◽  
Matthijs Freudenthal
Keyword(s):  
North Africa ◽  
Late Miocene ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Southern Spain ◽  
Messinian Salinity Crisis ◽  
African Origin ◽  
Mammal Fauna ◽  
Faunal List ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Evidence

A rich and diverse micromammal fauna from the late Turolian (MN13) locality of Negratín-1 (Guadix Basin, southern Spain) is described. The faunal list of this site includes Apodemus gudrunae, Occitanomys alcalai, Stephanomys dubari, Paraethomys meini, Myocricetodon jaegeri, Debruijnimys almenarensis, Apocricetus alberti, Ruscinomys sp., Eliomys sp., Atlantoxerus sp., Parasorex ibericus, and Soricidae indet. This is the most nearly complete mammal fauna from the Miocene of the Guadix Basin and allows precise correlations with localities from other Iberian areas. In addition, some of the taxa identified in Negratín-1 are useful as palaeoecological indicators (Myocricetodon, Debruijnimys, Atlantoxerus), evidencing warm and dry climatic conditions. But the principal interest of the fauna from Negratín-1 is the presence of several species of African origin, the gerbillids Debruijnimys almenarensis and Myocricetodon jaegeri, which are recognized for the first time in Europe. We also ascribe to M. jaegeri the population from the upper Turolian karst infilling of Almenara-M. This finding constitutes new evidence for faunal exchanges between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula during the Messinian Salinity Crisis.

scholarly journals Prevalence of specific and recurrent/founder pathogenic variants in BRCA genes in breast and ovarian cancer in North Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oubaida Elbiad ◽  
Abdelilah Laraqui ◽  
Fatima Boukhrissi ◽  
Chaimae Mounjid ◽  
Meryam Lamsissi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
African Origin ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
North African ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
First Time ◽  
North African Origin ◽  
Founder Allele

Abstract Background Elucidation of specific and recurrent/founder pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA (BRCA1 and BRCA2) genes can have an impact on breast cancer (BC) and/or ovarian cancer (OC) risk, making genetic testing affordable and accessible. Methods To establish the knowledge about BRCA PVs and to determine the prevalence of the specific and recurrent/founder variants in BRCA genes in BC and/or OC women in North Africa, a systematic review was conducted in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Results Search of the databases yielded 25 relevant references, including eleven studies in Morocco, five in Algeria, and nine in Tunisia. Overall, 15 studies investigated both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, four studies examined the entire coding region of the BRCA1 gene, and six studies in which the analysis was limited to a few BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 exons. Overall, 76 PVs (44 in BRCA1 and 32 in BRCA2) were identified in 196 BC and/or OC patients (129 BRCA1 and 67 BRCA2 carriers). Eighteen of the 76 (23.7%) PVs [10/44 (22.7%) in BRCA1 and 8/32 (25%) in BRCA2] were reported for the first time and considered to be novel PVs. Among those identified as unlikely to be of North African origin, the BRCA1 c.68_69del and BRCA1 c.5266dupC Jewish founder alleles and PVs that have been reported as recurrent/founder variants in European populations (ex: BRCA1 c.181T > G, BRCA1 c1016dupA). The most well characterized PVs are four in BRCA1 gene [c.211dupA (14.7%), c.798_799detTT (14%), c.5266dup (8.5%), c.5309G > T (7.8%), c.3279delC (4.7%)] and one in BRCA2 [c.1310_1313detAAGA (38.9%)]. The c.211dupA and c.5309G > T PVs were identified as specific founder variants in Tunisia and Morocco, accounting for 35.2% (19/54) and 20.4% (10/49) of total established BRCA1 PVs, respectively. c.798_799delTT variant was identified in 14% (18/129) of all BRCA1 North African carriers, suggesting a founder allele. A broad spectrum of recurrent variants including BRCA1 3279delC, BRCA1 c.5266dup and BRCA2 c.1310_1313detAAGA was detected in 42 patients. BRCA1 founder variants explain around 36.4% (47/129) of BC and outnumber BRCA2 founder variants by a ratio of ≈ 3:1. Conclusion Testing BC and/or OC patients for the panel of specific and recurrent/founder PVs might be the most cost-effective molecular diagnosis strategy.

scholarly journals The only complete articulated early Miocene chameleon skull (Rusinga Island, Kenya) suggests an African origin for Madagascar’s endemic chameleons

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrej Čerňanský ◽  
Anthony Herrel ◽  
Job M. Kibii ◽  
Christopher V. Anderson ◽  
Renaud Boistel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Early Miocene ◽  
African Origin ◽  
The Past ◽  
Internal Surfaces ◽  
First Time ◽  
Oceanic Currents ◽  
Rusinga Island ◽  
A New Species

AbstractWe here present the first detailed study of the specimen KNM-RU 18340 from Rusinga Island (Kenya), the only known complete early Miocene chameleon skull, using micro-CT. This specimen represents one of the oldest chameleon fossils ever recovered. For the first time, the skull bone internal surfaces, their sutures, and elements contained inside the rocky matrix are observed. Our morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses place this specimen confidently in the genus Calumma and a new species, Calumma benovskyi sp. nov., is erected for it. Since all species of this genus are endemic to Madagascar, this fossil uniquely demonstrates the existence of Calumma on continental Africa in the past. Our results challenge the long-held view that chameleons originated on Madagascar and dispersed over water to Africa, and provide a strong evidence of an African origin for some Malagasy lineages. The Oligocene–early Miocene dispersal to Madagascar, using oceanic currents that favoured eastward dispersal at that time, is a highly supported scenario matching the suggested dispersal of lemurs to this island. This is consistent with a previously suggested hypothesis based on molecular data.

Sourcebook in the Mathematics of Medieval Europe and North Africa

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
North Africa ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Mathematical Induction ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
General Introduction ◽  
Extensive Survey ◽  
Medieval Europe ◽  
Ceva’S Theorem ◽  
Arabic Speaking ◽  
First Time

Medieval Europe was a meeting place for the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic civilizations, and the fertile intellectual exchange of these cultures can be seen in the mathematical developments of the time. This book presents original Latin, Hebrew, and Arabic sources of medieval mathematics, and shows their cross-cultural influences. Most of the Hebrew and Arabic sources appear here in translation for the first time. Readers will discover key mathematical revelations, foundational texts, and sophisticated writings by Latin, Hebrew, and Arabic-speaking mathematicians, including Abner of Burgos's elegant arguments proving results on the conchoid—a curve previously unknown in medieval Europe; Levi ben Gershon's use of mathematical induction in combinatorial proofs; Al-Muʾtaman Ibn Hūd's extensive survey of mathematics, which included proofs of Heron's Theorem and Ceva's Theorem; and Muhyī al-Dīn al-Maghribī's interesting proof of Euclid's parallel postulate. The book includes a general introduction, section introductions, footnotes, and references.

scholarly journals UV Inscription and Pressure Induced Long-Period Gratings through 3D Printed Amplitude Masks

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1977
Author(s):  
Ricardo Oliveira ◽  
Liliana M. Sousa ◽  
Ana M. Rocha ◽  
Rogério Nogueira ◽  
Lúcia Bilro
Keyword(s):  
State Of The Art ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Resonance Wavelength ◽  
Complex Structures ◽  
Pressing Method ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Long Period Gratings ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Mechanical Pressing ◽  
First Time

In this work, we demonstrate for the first time the capability to inscribe long-period gratings (LPGs) with UV radiation using simple and low cost amplitude masks fabricated with a consumer grade 3D printer. The spectrum obtained for a grating with 690 µm period and 38 mm length presented good quality, showing sharp resonances (i.e., 3 dB bandwidth < 3 nm), low out-of-band loss (~0.2 dB), and dip losses up to 18 dB. Furthermore, the capability to select the resonance wavelength has been demonstrated using different amplitude mask periods. The customization of the masks makes it possible to fabricate gratings with complex structures. Additionally, the simplicity in 3D printing an amplitude mask solves the problem of the lack of amplitude masks on the market and avoids the use of high resolution motorized stages, as is the case of the point-by-point technique. Finally, the 3D printed masks were also used to induce LPGs using the mechanical pressing method. Due to the better resolution of these masks compared to ones described on the state of the art, we were able to induce gratings with higher quality, such as low out-of-band loss (0.6 dB), reduced spectral ripples, and narrow bandwidths (~3 nm).

scholarly journals A review of the Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) of Sardinia

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2318 (1) ◽  
pp. 566-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIEL WHITMORE
Keyword(s):  
Canary Islands ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Junior Synonym ◽  
Arthropod Diversity ◽  
Italian Regions ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
First Time

An account is given of the species of Sarcophaga Meigen, 1826 subgenus Heteronychia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889 known from the island of Sardinia (Italy). Most of the nearly 1,400 specimens examined were collected in the SW part of the island during 2003–2006 as part of a project investigating the arthropod diversity of the Monti Marganai and Montimannu areas (respectively Carbonia-Iglesias and Medio Campidano provinces). The study resulted in the finding of eight species of Heteronychia, six of which are recorded from Sardinia for the first time. Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) penicillata Villeneuve, 1907, previously mentioned in the literature, is excluded from the fauna of the island. Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) thirionae (Lehrer, 1976) is recorded for the first time from Europe and North Africa (Algeria). One species, Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) gabrielei sp. nov., from various sites in the limestone massif of Marganai, is described as new. Previously unpublished records from other Italian regions and from other countries (Algeria, Canary Islands, Greece) are also given for several species. Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) schnabli Villeneuve, 1911 is recognized as a junior synonym of S. (H.) consanguinea Rondani, 1860 syn. nov. The possible synanthropy of Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) pandellei (Rohdendorf, 1937) is briefly discussed. A key to males and females of all known Sardinian and Corsican species of Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) is provided.

scholarly journals Further observations on North African and South Iberian Bathyporeia (Crustacea, Amphipoda), with the description of a new species

2005 ◽  
Vol 74 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 279-300
Author(s):  
Cédric d’Udekem d’Acoz ◽  
Hind Myrieme Chams Echchaoui ◽  
Mohamed Menioui
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
North Africa ◽  
New Records ◽  
Southern Spain ◽  
North African ◽  
Characteristic Species ◽  
South Portugal ◽  
First Time ◽  
A New Species

A new species of amphipod, Bathyporeia watkini sp. nov. from the Atlantic coasts of North Africa is described. This very characteristic species is abundant in some lagoons and estuaries near 28°N. New morphological information on B. elkaimi d’Udekem d’Acoz and Menioui, 2004 is given after specimens that were recently collected on the Atlantic coasts of southern Spain and South Portugal. The male of B. ledoyeri d’Udekem d’Acoz and Menioui, 2004 is described for the first time and new records of North African B. guilliamsoniana (Bate, 1857) and B. chevreuxi d'Udekem d'Acoz and Vader, 2005a are discussed.

Mesocyparis borealis gen. et sp. nov.: fossil Cupressaceae from the early Tertiary of Saskatchewan, Canada

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (11) ◽  
pp. 2338-2351 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. E. McIver ◽  
J. F. Basinger
Keyword(s):  
Northern Hemisphere ◽  
Branching Pattern ◽  
Natural Group ◽  
Classification Schemes ◽  
Cone Structure ◽  
Reproductive Morphology ◽  
Extant Genus ◽  
Early Tertiary ◽  
Seed Cone ◽  
First Time

Fossil cedar foliage of the Cupressinocladus interruptus type, with associated seeds and cones, is locally abundant in Paleocene deposits of the Ravenscrag Formation, southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada. Vegetative remains of this type occur frequently in early Tertiary plant assemblages throughout the northern hemisphere, indicating that this now extinct cedar was once widespread. For the first time this cedar can be described on the basis of both vegetative and reproductive morphology. Foliage is frond-like with a characteristic opposite branching pattern. Seed cones are globose and woody and bear four equal and decussate scales with prominent umbos. Seeds bear large, equal, semicircular wings. The fossil cedar appears most closely related to extant Cupressaceae such as Thuja, Chamaecyparis, and Heyderia. Foliage closely resembles that of Thuja, while cones are most similar to those of Chamaecyparis. The fossil differs sufficiently in foliage and seed cone structure to preclude assignment to an extant genus and is here assigned to Mesocyparis borealis gen. et sp. nov. Similarities among such extant genera as Thuja, Chamaecyparis, Heyderia, and Thujopsis and the fossil Mesocyparis borealis suggest that all may belong to a single natural group. Furthermore, this group may be more closely related to the southern hemispheric genera Libocedrus, Papuacedrus, and Austrocedrus than present classification schemes imply. Our examination of the Cupressaceae indicates that a revision of present systems of classification is required to accommodate evidence from both extant and extinct cedars.

Clathrosporium retortum, a novel aeroaquatic fungus in the Sordariomycetidae (Ascomycota) from Brazil

Phytotaxa ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 239 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Larissa Bernardino Moro ◽  
Gregorio Delgado ◽  
Iracema Helena SCHOENLEIN-CRUSIUS
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Type Specimen ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Present Fungus ◽  
Broad Concept ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data ◽  
First Time

Clathrosporium retortum sp. nov., collected on submerged mixed leaf litter samples at Ilha do Cardoso State Park, São Paulo state, Brazil, is described based on morphological and molecular data. The fungus is characterized by forming whitish, dense, subglobose to irregular propagules, hyaline to subhyaline when young, subhyaline to dark brown at maturity, that are formed by densely interwoven conidial filaments with each conidial cell repeatedly branching bilaterally or occasionally unilaterally. Phylogenetic analyses using partial LSU nrDNA sequence data suggest that C. retortum belongs in the Sordariomycetes (Ascomycota) where it forms a well-supported clade with Clohesia corticola in the Sordariomycetidae, but its ordinal or familial placement remains unresolved. Its phylogenetic placement confirms the polyphyletic nature of aeroaquatic fungi like Clathrosporium, as it was distantly related to one available sequence in GenBank named as C. intricatum, the type species, which is phylogenetically related to the Helotiales (Leotiomycetes). However, due to lack of authenticity of the identity of this sequence with the type specimen of C. intricatum, a broad concept of Clathrosporium is tentatively adopted here to accommodate the present fungus instead of introducing a new genus. Beverwykella clathrata, Helicoön septatissimum and Peyronelina glomerulata are recorded for the first time from Brazil. Cancellidium applanatum and Candelabrum brocchiatum are new records for the state of São Paulo.

scholarly journals Two new alien slugs, Krynickillus melanocephalus Kaleniczenko, 1851 and Tandonia kusceri (H. Wagner, 1931), are already widespread in Hungary

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ágnes Turóci ◽  
Zoltán Fehér ◽  
Virág Krízsik ◽  
Barna Páll-Gergely
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Social Networking Service ◽  
First Time

Two slug species (Krynickillus melanocephalus Kaleniczenko, 1851 and Tandonia kusceri (H. Wagner, 1931)) are reported from Hungary for the first time. Identification was supported by anatomical examination in both, and molecular data in the latter species. A citizen science survey applying a Realtime Social Networking Service (RSNS) method using Facebook posts revealed that both species are already widespread in Hungary, i.e. Krynickillus melanocephalus is reported from 14 and Tandonia kusceri from 25 sites. So far, we received no reports on any damage caused by these two slug species. Nevertheless, we treat them as potential horticultural pests requiring further attention.

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