Maps of the Callovian and Tithonian Paleogeography of the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Tethyan Realms: Facies and Environments

The Callovian-Tithonian period of the Atlantic and its connected oceans was tectonically intense. It was mainly marked by the opening of the Caribbean Seaway, the pursuance of the Atlantic and Tethyan spreading, as well as the North Atlantic rifting. This period is characterized by a general deepening of the oceans. At the same time, the sedimentation passed from largely siliceous to carbonaceous deposits within the Tethyan realm. Callovian and Tithonian facies and environments were compiled and added to a plate tectonics model that constrains their arrangements. The elaboration of paleo-environmental maps at large scale hides various regional paleogeographic interpretations and many controversies. With the help of the plate tectonics model, different possibilities emerge and regional interpretations are reconciled at a larger scale. This leads to an alternative paleogeographic model for the Callovian and Tithonian age. These maps show the evolution of sedimentary deposits with their evolving associated tectonic context and may be considered as a useful tool for helping scientists of various disciplines in their research. The tectonic reconstructions for the Callovian and Tithonian used within the present work are derivative from the 600–0 Ma Neftex Geodynamic Earth Model (© Neftex Petroleum Consultants Ltd.), which is based on the integration of dynamic plate boundaries, plate buoyancy factor, ocean spreading rates, subduction rates, past synthetic isochrones and global geometric constraints as, well as pluridisciplinary field and laboratory geological data. The methodology of plate tectonic modeling was introduced by Stampfli and Borel (2002) and technically detailed in Hochard (2008). The Mesozoic reconstructions were partly presented and discussed in Flores (2009) for the Pacific and Caribbean realms; in Stampfli and Borel (2002, 2004) for the Atlantic realm; and in Stampfli (2000, 2001), Stampfli et al. (2001a, 2001b, 2002, 2003), Stampfli and Borel (2004), Stampfli and Kozur (2006), Bagheri and Stampfli (2008), Bonev and Stampfli (2008, 2011), Moix et al. (2008), and Stampfli and Hochard (2009) for the Tethyan realm. Key localities and linked references used for the elaboration of the Callovian and Tithonian maps are geographically presented in section B. The Dercourt et al. (1993, 2000) atlases were used as general references. The characteristics and development of the various Middle–Late Jurassic facies and environments of the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Tethyan realms are detailed in the latter works

The distribution of Gondwana-derived terranes in the Early Palaeozoic

The present day Variscan basement areas of Europe have been recognized as generally derived from Gondwana, based on fauna, facies and detrital zircons distributions. These areas represent only a portion of Europe (Iberia, France, Central Europe), but it is obvious that similar Variscan basements are present in the whole Alpine and Mediterranean areas too, up to the Caucasus. In tracing these terranes back to their possible position around Gondwana, it became obvious that they could not all be positioned north of Africa, as generally shown on reconstructions. We developed the concept of a ribbon like Galatian superterrane that comprised most of these “European” Variscan elements. In Ordovician times, this superterrane extended from the north of South America to South China (located in continuity to Africa). Along such a length, the geodynamic evolution was not the same, but presents strong similarities. Geodynamic scenarios for the whole Paleozoic have been developed for the different segments, thus allowing us to re-distribute the subterranes in a coherent way. The diachronous openings of the Rheic s.l. ocean, then of the Paleotethys, represent the main reconstruction guidelines, together with major magmatic activity distribution in space and time

Production and use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculum in sub-Saharan Africa: challenges and ways of improving

Article purchasedUse of inorganic fertilizer is an essential practice to optimize crop productivity in the poor fertility soils in sub-Saharan Africa, but it has been linked to high cost of crop production, contamination of surface and/or ground water by nitrate leaching and eutrophication of surface water by phosphate run-off. Besides, secondary effects on soil biotic community and soil impoverishment have weakened cropping systems making them increasingly dependent on external chemical fertilizers. Efficient plant nutrition management should ensure both enhanced and sustainable agricultural production and safeguard the environment. Improved production and adoption of bio-inoculants such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is an emerging soil fertility management practice with potential to increase and cheaply improve crop yields. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculum production and adoption in sub-Saharan Africa smallholder systems is however, still limited mainly by research capacity and technological challenges. This study provides the state of the art in production and use of the technology and highlights the challenges and opportunities for its advancement. To experience the benefits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, sound investment on research in low input systems and technical support from the government, the public and the private sectors should be considered. Nevertheless, adequate training of extension workers, agro-dealers and smallholder farmers through agricultural, academic and research institutions will solve the challenges of production and adoption of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculum technology hence improve crop production

Combined application of biofertilizers and inorganic nutrients improves sweet potato yields

Open Access JournalSweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam] yields currently stand at 4.5 t ha−1 on smallholder farms in Uganda, despite the attainable yield (45–48 t ha−1) of NASPOT 11 cultivar comparable to the potential yield (45 t ha−1) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). On-farm field experiments were conducted for two seasons in the Mt Elgon High Farmlands and Lake Victoria Crescent agro-ecological zones in Uganda to determine the potential of biofertilizers, specifically arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), to increase sweet potato yields (NASPOT 11 cultivar). Two kinds of biofertilizers were compared to different rates of phosphorus (P) fertilizer when applied with or without nitrogen (N) and potassium (K). The sweet potato response to treatments was variable across sites (soil types) and seasons, and significant tuber yield increase (p 30 t ha−1. The results also show that to realize significance of AMF in nutrient depleted soils, starter nutrients should be included

Demography and disorders of the French Bulldog population under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2013

Abstract Background Despite its Gallic name, the French Bulldog is a breed of both British and French origin that was first recognised by The Kennel Club in 1906. The French Bulldog has demonstrated recent rapid rises in Kennel Club registrations and is now (2017) the second most commonly registered pedigree breed in the UK. However, the breed has been reported to be predisposed to several disorders including ocular, respiratory, neurological and dermatological problems. The VetCompass™ Programme collates de-identified clinical data from primary-care veterinary practices in the UK for epidemiological research. Using VetCompass™ clinical data, this study aimed to characterise the demography and common disorders of the general population of French Bulldogs under veterinary care in the UK. Results French Bulldogs comprised 2228 (0.49%) of 445,557 study dogs under veterinary care during 2013. Annual proportional birth rates showed that the proportional ownership of French Bulldog puppies rose steeply from 0.02% of the annual birth cohort attending VetCompass™ practices in 2003 to 1.46% in 2013. The median age of the French Bulldogs overall was 1.3 years (IQR 0.6–2.5, range 0.0–13.0). The most common colours of French Bulldogs were brindle (solid or main) (32.36%) and fawn (solid or main) (29.9%). Of the 2228 French Bulldogs under veterinary care during 2013, 1612 (72.4%) had at least one disorder recorded. The most prevalent fine-level precision disorders recorded were otitis externa (14.0%, 95% CI: 12.6–15.5), diarrhoea (7.5%, 95% CI: 6.4–8.7), conjunctivitis (3.2%, 95% CI: 2.5–4.0), nails overlong (3.1%, 95% CI% 2.4–3.9) and skin fold dermatitis (3.0%, 95% CI% 2.3–3.8). The most prevalent disorder groups were cutaneous (17.9%, 95% CI: 16.3–19.6), enteropathy (16.7%, 95% CI: 15.2–18.3), aural (16.3%, 95% CI: 14.8–17.9), upper respiratory tract (12.7%, 95% CI: 11.3–14.1) and ophthalmological (10.5%, 95% CI: 9.3–11.9). Conclusions Ownership of French Bulldogs in the UK is rising steeply. This means that the disorder profiles reported in this study reflect a current young UK population and are likely to shift as this cohort ages. Otitis externa, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis were the most common disorders in French Bulldogs. Identification of health priorities based on VetCompass™ data can support evidence–based reforms to improve health and welfare within the breed

The Type and the Position of HNF1A Mutation Modulate Age at Diagnosis of Diabetes in Patients with Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)-3

OBJECTIVE—The clinical expression of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)-3 is highly variable. This may be due to environmental and/or genetic factors, including molecular characteristics of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1A) gene mutation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We analyzed the mutations identified in 356 unrelated MODY3 patients, including 118 novel mutations, and searched for correlations between the genotype and age at diagnosis of diabetes. RESULTS—Missense mutations prevailed in the dimerization and DNA-binding domains (74%), while truncating mutations were predominant in the transactivation domain (62%). The majority (83%) of the mutations were located in exons 1- 6, thus affecting the three HNF1A isoforms. Age at diagnosis of diabetes was lower in patients with truncating mutations than in those with missense mutations (18 vs. 22 years, P = 0.005). Missense mutations affecting the dimerization/DNA-binding domains were associated with a lower age at diagnosis than those affecting the transactivation domain (20 vs. 30 years, P = 10−4). Patients with missense mutations affecting the three isoforms were younger at diagnosis than those with missense mutations involving one or two isoforms (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS—These data show that part of the variability of the clinical expression in MODY3 patients may be explained by the type and the location of HNF1A mutations. These findings should be considered in studies for the search of additional modifier genetic factors

Validity and Reliability of Dermoscopic Criteria Used to Differentiate Nevi From Melanoma: A Web-Based International Dermoscopy Society Study.

IMPORTANCE: The comparative diagnostic performance of dermoscopic algorithms and their individual criteria are not well studied. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the discriminatory power and reliability of dermoscopic criteria used in melanoma detection and compare the diagnostic accuracy of existing algorithms. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective, observational study of 477 lesions (119 melanomas [24.9%] and 358 nevi [75.1%]), which were divided into 12 image sets that consisted of 39 or 40 images per set. A link on the International Dermoscopy Society website from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011, directed participants to the study website. Data analysis was performed from June 1, 2013, through May 31, 2015. Participants included physicians, residents, and medical students, and there were no specialty-type or experience-level restrictions. Participants were randomly assigned to evaluate 1 of the 12 image sets. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Associations with melanoma and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were evaluated for the presence of dermoscopic criteria. Diagnostic accuracy measures were estimated for the following algorithms: the ABCD rule, the Menzies method, the 7-point checklist, the 3-point checklist, chaos and clues, and CASH (color, architecture, symmetry, and homogeneity). RESULTS: A total of 240 participants registered, and 103 (42.9%) evaluated all images. The 110 participants (45.8%) who evaluated fewer than 20 lesions were excluded, resulting in data from 130 participants (54.2%), 121 (93.1%) of whom were regular dermoscopy users. Criteria associated with melanoma included marked architectural disorder (odds ratio [OR], 6.6; 95% CI, 5.6-7.8), pattern asymmetry (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 4.1-5.8), nonorganized pattern (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.9-3.7), border score of 6 (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.5-4.3), and contour asymmetry (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.7-3.7) (P < .001 for all). Most dermoscopic criteria had poor to fair interobserver agreement. Criteria that reached moderate levels of agreement included comma vessels (ICC, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.40-0.49), absence of vessels (ICC, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.42-0.51), dark brown color (ICC, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.35-0.44), and architectural disorder (ICC, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.39-0.48). The Menzies method had the highest sensitivity for melanoma diagnosis (95.1%) but the lowest specificity (24.8%) compared with any other method (P < .001). The ABCD rule had the highest specificity (59.4%). All methods had similar areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Important dermoscopic criteria for melanoma recognition were revalidated by participants with varied experience. Six algorithms tested had similar but modest levels of diagnostic accuracy, and the interobserver agreement of most individual criteria was poor

Quantifying defects in graphene via Raman spectroscopy at different excitation energies.

We present a Raman study of Ar(+)-bombarded graphene samples with increasing ion doses. This allows us to have a controlled, increasing, amount of defects. We find that the ratio between the D and G peak intensities, for a given defect density, strongly depends on the laser excitation energy. We quantify this effect and present a simple equation for the determination of the point defect density in graphene via Raman spectroscopy for any visible excitation energy. We note that, for all excitations, the D to G intensity ratio reaches a maximum for an interdefect distance ∼3 nm. Thus, a given ratio could correspond to two different defect densities, above or below the maximum. The analysis of the G peak width and its dispersion with excitation energy solves this ambiguity