A potential record of a procolophonid parareptile from the Triassic of the Iberian Peninsula

Cranial and postcranial remains from the Middle Triassic of the Northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula are reported and tentatively assigned to Procolophonidae. The finding is the first occurrence of a procolophonid parareptile in the Iberian Peninsula, representing the southernmost record of the group in Europe. The fossilbearing locality is dated as Anisian (Middle Triassic) and includes three tooth-bearing bones, two cranial bone fragments and one interclavicle. The mandible described herein includes nine teeth. No cusps or complete crowns are preserved, but sections of the teeth are available. The three anterior teeth progressively decrease in size from front to back, whereas the teeth from the fourth to the eighth position present the opposite trend. The last tooth (the ninth) is clearly reduced in comparison to the previous ones. A close relationship with Anomoiodon-Kapes is suggested, however, more material is required in order to assess the exact taxonomical determination of the Iberian remains. This finding is expected to shed some light on the geographical distribution of procolophonines

Exploracions recents de jaciments permotriàsics de Catalunya i presentació de la carta paleontològica dels períodes permià i triàsic

Altres ajuts: Servei d'Arqueologia i Paleontologia del Departament de Cultura de la Generalitat de Catalunya Ref. 2014/10060

Influence of pulsed electric fields processing on the bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible fractions of apple phenolic compounds

Pulsed electric fields (PEF) are known to influence the chemical and microstructural factors governing apple phenolic compounds fate upon digestion. However, the effect of PEF on fruit phenolic compounds bioaccessibility has yet to be determined. This work assessed the effects of PEF treatment (0 and 24 h after 0.01, 1.8 and 7.3 kJ kg−1) on the bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible fractions of apple phenolic compounds. Bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible 5-caffeoylquinic acid increased at 24 h after delivering 0.01 kJ kg−1 (61 and 35%, respectively). At 1.8 and 7.3 kJ kg−1, the overall bioaccessible content decreased, although the percentage of compounds released (bioaccessibility) increased in some cases. Bioaccessibility of overall phenolic compounds increased from 14% (untreated) to 27% (24 h after 7.3 kJ kg−1). Therefore, PEF processing could modulate the apple functional value, by either increasing phenolic contents in the bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible fractions or the phenolic bioaccessibility.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (grant AGL2013-44851-R). Albert Ribas-Agustí is holder of a post-doctoral grantJuan de la Cierva-formación from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness

3-D Modelling of Megaloolithid Clutches: Insights about Nest Construction and Dinosaur Behaviour

BACKGROUND: Megaloolithid eggs have long been associated with sauropod dinosaurs. Despite their extensive and worldwide fossil record, interpretations of egg size and shape, clutch morphology, and incubation strategy vary. The Pinyes locality in the Upper Cretaceous Tremp Formation in the southern Pyrenees, Catalonia provides new information for addressing these issues. Nine horizons containing Megaloolithus siruguei clutches are exposed near the village of Coll de Nargó. Tectonic deformation in the study area strongly influenced egg size and shape, which could potentially lead to misinterpretation of reproductive biology if 2D and 3D maps are not corrected for bed dip that results from tectonism. METHODOLOGY/FINDINGS: Detailed taphonomic study and three-dimensional modelling of fossil eggs show that intact M. siruguei clutches contained 20-28 eggs, which is substantially larger than commonly reported from Europe and India. Linear and grouped eggs occur in three superimposed levels and form an asymmetric, elongate, bowl-shaped profile in lateral view. Computed tomography data support previous interpretations that the eggs hatched within the substrate. Megaloolithid clutch sizes reported from other European and Indian localities are typically less than 15 eggs; however, these clutches often include linear or grouped eggs that resemble those of the larger Pinyes clutches and may reflect preservation of incomplete clutches. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We propose that 25 eggs represent a typical megaloolithid clutch size and smaller egg clusters that display linear or grouped egg arrangements reported at Pinyes and other localities may represent eroded remnants of larger clutches. The similarity of megaloolithid clutch morphology from localities worldwide strongly suggests common reproductive behaviour. The distinct clutch geometry at Pinyes and other localities likely resulted from the asymmetrical, inclined, and laterally compressed titanosaur pes unguals of the female, using the hind foot for scratch-digging during nest excavation

Kinematic model of savannah monitor locomotion

Postprint (published version

Oxidation of biologically produced elemental sulfur under neutrophilic conditions

BACKGROUND: Previous research on a biotrickling filter for the removal of high loads of H2S showed that accumulation of elemental sulfur (S0) when dealing with high H2S concentrations could lead to reactor clogging. Since S0 can also serve as substrate for sulfur-oxidising bacteria, this study investigates the biological oxidation of S0 as a remediation strategy. RESULTS: Results indicated that biological oxidation of S0 inside a clogged biotrickling filter occurred at a comparable rate to those reported for stirred tank reactors. When biologically produced dried and powdered S0 was manually added as a substrate in stirred tank reactor experiments, significantly lower S0 oxidation rates were found compared to those for biological S0 freshly produced in situ. It was speculated that either the powdered S0 particle size or the surface properties hindered S0 bioavailability even in a well-stirred environment. Respirometric experiments with the same powdered S0 and acetone-dissolved S0 confirmed that biological oxidation of S0 was basically limited by the solid S0 bioavailability. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, results showed that S0 oxidation basically depends on S0 bioavailability and that Sulfate volumetric production rates as high as 3.48 mmol SO42- h-1 L-1 can be achieved inside a clogged biotrickling filter probably due to the high biomass retention capacity. Overall, the results indicate that biological oxidation of S0 can be considered a suitable strategy for unclogging bioreactors clogged with S0.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

A new species of Allodaposuchus (Eusuchia, Crocodylia) from the Maastrichtian (Late Cretaceous) of Spain : phylogenetic and paleobiological implications

Background. The Late Cretaceous is a keystone period to understand the origin and early radiation of Crocodylia, the group containing all extant lineages of crocodilians. Among the taxa described from the latest Cretaceous of Europe, the genus Allodaposuchus is one of the most common but also one of the most controversial. However, because of its fragmentary record, several issues regarding its phylogenetic emplacement and its ecology remain unsolved or unknown. The discovery of a single specimen attributed to Allodaposuchus, represented by both cranial and postcranial remains, from the Casa Fabà site (Tremp Basin, NE Spain) in the lower red unit of the Tremp Fm. (early Maastrichtian, Late Cretaceous) offers a unique opportunity to deepen in the phylogenetic relationships of the group and its ecological features. Methods. The specimen is described in detail, and CT scan of the skull is performed in order to study the endocranial morphology as well as paratympanic sinuses configuration. In addition, myological and phylogenetic analyses are also carried out on the specimen for to shed light in ecological and phylogenetic issues, respectively. Results. The specimen described herein represents a new species, Allodaposuchus hulki sp. nov., closely related to the Romanian A. precedens. The CT scan of the skull revealed an unexpected paratympanic sinuses configuration. Allosaposuchus hulki exhibits an "anterodorsal tympanic sinus" not observed in any other extant or extinct crocodilian. The caudal tympanic recesses are extremely enlarged, and the expanded quadratic sinus seems to be connected to the middle-ear channel. Phylogenetic analyses confirm the emplacement of the informal taxonomic group 'Allodaposuchia' at the base of Crocodylia, being considered the sister group of Borealosuchus and Planocraniidae. Discussion. Although this is a preliminary hypothesis, the unique paratympanic configuration displayed by A. hulki suggests that it could possess a high-specialized auditory system. Further, the large cranial cavities could help to reduce the weight of the cranium. Concerning the postcranial skeleton, Allodaposuchus hulki shows massive and robust vertebrae and forelimb bones, suggesting it could have a bulky body. The myological study performed on the anterior limb elements supports this interpretation. In addition, several bone and muscular features seem to point at a semi-erected position of the forelimbs during terrestrial locomotion. Taking all the above results into consideration, it seems plausible to suggest that A. hulki could conduct large incursions out of the water and have a semi-terrestrial lifestyle

New insights on the Permian and Triassic vertebrates from the Iberian Peninsula with emphasis on the Pyrenean and Catalonian basins

Few studies paid attention to the Permian and Triassic vertebrates from the Iberian Peninsula and a reevaluation of these faunas is needed in order to compare them with other European basins. As a first step, we present here the available data from the Catalonian and Pyrenean basins (NE of the Iberian Peninsula), offering new insights on the diversity and temporal distribution of their vertebrate faunas. The two basins have yielded unexpectedly abundant and diverse vertebrate assemblages, including fishes, amphibians and reptiles from continental and marine environments. The revision of classical finds and the analysis of new material provide data towards an understanding of the evolutionary and palaebiogeographical history of the Permian and Triassic vertebrate Iberian faunas. Permian remains mainly correspond to footprints recovered from alluvial deposits; the osteological record is scarce in the Iberian Peninsula. Early Triassic vertebrate localities are unknown. Middle Triassic faunas are abundant and reflect the change from continental environments to a wide diversity of coastal and marine depositional environments. During the Anisian, faunas are represented by footprints and skeletal remains of amphibians (capitosaurs) and terrestrial reptiles (archosauromorphs and procolophonoids). Ichthyofauna, sauropterygians, thalattosaurs and protorosaurians are known through the late Anisian and Ladinian. Finally, Late Triassic localities representing coastal environments have also yielded marine reptiles (sauropterygians) and a diverse ichthyofauna.Se han realizado hasta el momento pocos estudios de los vertebrados del Pérmico y el Triásico de la Península Ibérica y por este motivo, una re-evaluación de estas faunas es necesaria para compararlas con las halladas en otras cuencas europeas. Como primer paso, aquí presentamos la información disponible de las cuencas Catalana y Pirenaica (NE de la Península Ibérica), ofreciendo nuevos puntos de vista sobre la diversidad y distribución temporal de las faunas de vertebrados. Las dos cuencas muestran una inesperada abundancia y diversidad de faunas de vertebrados, incluyendo peces, anfibios y reptiles de ambientes continentales y marinos. La revisión de hallazgos clásicos y el análisis de nuevo material proporcionan nuevos datos para la comprensión de la historia evolutiva y paleobiogeográfica de las faunas de vertebrados durante el Pérmico y el Triásico en la Península Ibérica. Los hallazgos en el Pérmico corresponden mayoritariamente a pisadas encontradas en depósitos aluviales, siendo el registro osteológico muy escaso en la Península Ibérica. Se desconocen localidades de vertebrados del Triásico inferior. Las faunas del Triásico medio son abundantes y reflejan el cambio desde ambientes continentales hasta una amplia diversidad de ambientes deposicionales costeros y marinos. Durante el Anisiense, las faunas están representadas por pisadas y restos esqueléticos de anfibios (capitosaurios) y reptiles terrestres (arcosauriformes y procolofonoideos). De finales del Anisiense y el Ladiniense se conoce ictiofauna, sauropterigios, talattosaurios y protorosaurios. Finalmente, las localidades del Triásico superior están representadas por ambientes costeros conservando reptiles marinos (sauropterigios) y una diversa ictiofauna