JURASSIC SEDIMENTARY AND TECTONIC PROCESSES AT MONTAGNA GRANDE (TRAPANESE DOMAIN, WESTERN SICILY, ITALY)

The Rosso Ammonitico of the Montagna Grande area is very interesting because of the great diversification in facies and thickness in three very closely situated sections. The Jurassic succession in this area is that typical of the Trapanese Domain. It starts with a thick pile of platform limestones (Inici Formation: Hettangian - Sinemurian) that are overlain by typically condensed and commonly nodular pelagic limestones (Rosso Ammonitico: Middle Jurassic - lowermost Cretaceous). The good exposure of this succession in active quarries allows observation of sedimentological and palaeontological details and to improve the understanding of the Jurassic tectono-sedimentary evolution. The Rocca chi Parra quarry shows a stepped surface, with a relief of some metres, incised in the Inici Formation. It is covered by lenticular or wedge-shaped lithosomes a few metres-thick of highly condensed Rosso Ammonitico. It is interpreted as a slide scar along which a thin but extensive block of lithified platform limestones was detached and slid downslope. The Poggio Roccione quarry shows neptunian sills and collapse structures in the middle part of the Rosso Ammonitico that on the whole is thicker (about 12 m) than at Rocca chi Parra. They indicate sea-floor instability probably due to seismic shocks with brittle to plastic behaviour of sediments depending on their coherence. The Montagna Grande outcrop shows an even thicker succession which includes a wedge of cherty limestones about 10 m thick intercalated between a lower and an upper Rosso Ammonitico calcareous unit. The features described in these three sections document a highly irregular sea-floor topography which in turn was controlled by several phases of extensional tectonics during Mid and Late Jurassic pelagic sedimentation. Structurally higher sectors closer to fault scarps were affected by a very condensed sedimentation, the opening of subvertical dykes and the triggering of large slides. Structurally lower sectors allowed preservation of thicker successions that were affected by gravitationally-induced soft to hard sediment deformation when tectonics resulted in an oversteepening of the slope

Messinian rodents from Moncucco Torinese, NW Italy: palaeobiodiversity and biochronology

FIG. 8. — Isolated teeth of Sciuridae Fischer, 1817 from Moncucco Torinese: A, B, Pliopetaurista pliocaenica (Depéret, 1897); A, MGPT- PU 128220, M3 dex.; B, MGPT-PU 128221, m1 dex.; C, D, Sciurus warthae Sulimski, 1964; C, MGPT-PU 128347, M3 dex.; D, MGPT- PU 128218, m1 sin. Scale bar: 1 mm.Published as part of Colombero, Simone, Pavia, Giulio & Carnevale, Giorgio, 2014, Messinian rodents from Moncucco Torinese, NW Italy: palaeobiodiversity and biochronology, pp. 421-475 in Geodiversitas 36 (3) on page 455, DOI: 10.5252/g2014n3a4, http://zenodo.org/record/453856

PALAEONTOLOGY OF THE UPPER PLIOCENE MARINE DEPOSITS OF RIO VACCARUZZA, VILLALVERNIA (PIEDMONT, NW ITALY)

Abstract. The topmost Argille Azzurre (beds 1-2) and the basal Sabbie di Asti (beds 3-9) formations in the Villalvernia area are analysed in terms of palaeoecological and taxonomic features; the succession is 6 m thick and dates back to the middle Piacenzian within the Globorotalia bononiensis acme. The upper boundary of the clayey Bed 2 corresponds to an unconformity reflecting Pliocene tectonic activity. The study is focused on the fossil assemblages of beds 3, 4 and 9. The sandy Bed 3 yields 362 mollusc taxa; their assemblage is allochthonous and mixes infra- to circalittoral species accumulated by hyperpycnal mass-transport. The same mechanism is responsible for the origin of the overlying fossil unit (Bed 4) with numerous specimens of the Entobia-Gastrochaenolites ichnofacies. The autochthonous fossil assemblage of Bed 9 yields 308 molluscs, plus three brachiopods and ten fish taxa; most of them refer to the Posidonia meadow (HP), and their autochthony is shown by taphonomic features as skeletal integrity, mixing of successive generations or the limitation to juvenile ontogenetic stages of vagile and temporarily byssate species for which the HP performs a nursery function. Three brachiopods and 52 molluscs are here reported for the first time from the Pliocene of Piedmont. In the final chapter “Systematic Palaeontology” four brachiopods and 29 molluscs are described, among which there are eight new gastropod species: Crepidula bellardii n. sp., Conus dellabellai n. sp., Conus villalvernensis n. sp., Odetta chirlii n. sp., Ondina curta n. sp., Ondina elongata n. sp., Ondina pseudovitrea n. sp., Anisocycla subcylindrica n. sp

Le stratotype de la base de l’Etage Bathonien à Bas-Auran (Réserve Géologique de Haute Provence)

Depto. de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y PaleontologíaFac. de Ciencias GeológicasTRUEpu

First joint record of Mesopithecus and cf. Macaca in the Miocene of Europe

Cercopithecid fossil remains from the post-evaporitic Messinian (5.40-5.33 Ma, MN13, latest Turolian, latest Miocene) locality of Moncucco Torinese (Tertiary Piedmont Basin, NW Italy) are described. A talus is assigned to the fossil colobine Mesopithecus pentelicus, while a proximal fragment of ulna and a male lower canine are attributed to cf. Me. pentelicus. An isolated I2 and M3 are assigned to the papionin cf. Macaca sp., and two cercopithecid phalanges are left unassigned even to the subfamily level. The record of Mesopithecus at Moncucco Torinese agrees well with the previously-known range of this species in Italy and elsewhere in Europe, whereas that of cf. Macaca constitutes only the second occurrence of macaques in the Miocene of Eurasia. Although the co-occurrence of these two genera in a single locality had been previously reported in the Pliocene, this is the first instance in which macaques are associated with the Late Miocene M. pentelicus instead of Mesopithecus monspessulanus. The record of cf. Macaca and Mesopithecus-and especially the latter's talar morphology, similar to that of extant arboreal colobines-fits well with paleoenvironmental reconstructions of Moncucco Torinese based on the associated fauna, which indicate a humid and densely-forested environment, probably with more open and drier habitats nearby. From a paleobiogeographic viewpoint, the record of Macaca at Moncucco Torinese, together with the previously reported occurrence at Almenara-Casablanca M (Spain), supports the contention that macaques dispersed from Africa into Europe during the latest Miocene (ca. 5.9-5.3 Ma) at the same time as the sea level drop associated with the Messinian Salinity Crisis

Le GSSP du Bathonien à Bas Auran (réserve naturelle géologique de Haute-Provence, France)

Le Bathonien est le troisième étage du Jurassique moyen. Son nom dérive de la « Bath Oolithe », une formation définie près de Bath (Somerset, Angleterre). Mais, dans cette région, les niveaux condensés ne sont pas favorables pour définir le stratotype de l’étage. On ne peut pas sélectionner d’affleurements pouvant permettre de définir le stratotype de limite de l’étage. En France, trois coupes dans les environs de Bas Auran (Alpes de Haute-Provence, France) ont donc été proposées en 1967. En 1990, ces mêmes localités ont été présentées officiellement comme possible stratotype de la limite basale de l'étage (GSSP). Enfin en 2007, le GSSP a été formellement accepté par le « Bathonian Working Group » et, en 2008, par l’IUGS. Les coupes ont été levées dans les ravins du Bès, d'Auran et des Robines, près du hameau de Bas Auran (commune de Chaudon-Norante, Alpes de Haute-Provence). Elles montrent une alternance marno-calcaire, d'une épaisseur de 13 mètres environ, coiffée par une surface durcie (hard-ground), constituant le mur de la formation des Terres Noires. Les âges s’étendent de la sous-zone à Bomfordi (Zone à Parkinsoni, Bajocien supérieur) à la Sous-zone à Tenuiplicatus (Zone à Aurigerus, Bathonien inférieur). Des travaux récents ont permis de compléter et d’affiner les données existantes concernant les assemblages d’ammonoïdes, la sédimentologie et l'ichnologie. Les associations d’ammonoïdés, les microfossiles, le nannoplancton, les assemblages ichnologiques et surtout, l'absence de discontinuités notables, permettent de proposer la base du banc 71 de la coupe du Ravin du Bès comme stratotype de la limite inférieure du Bathonien. Atout non négligeable, Bas Auran se situe au sein de la Réserve Géologique de Haute-Provence, ce qui permet la sauvegarde de ce site, très facile d'accès. [ABSTRACT] The Bathonian is the third stage of the Middle Jurassic System. Its name derives from the “Bath Oolithe” formation, cropping out in the surroundings of Bath, in southern England. However, in this country, no outcrops make it possible define the stratotype of the Bathonian Stage, as the succession is taphonomically and stratigraphically condensed. The Ravin du Bès section at Bas Auran was thus suggested as the bounding stratotype in 1967. Only later, in 1990, this section was officially proposed as possible stratotype (G.S.S.P.) of the basal boundary of the Bathonian Stage. Lastly, in 2007 this G.S.S.P. was formally accepted by the Bathonian Working Group and, in 2008, the proposal was ratified by the I.U.G.S. Three sections were studied in the surroundings of the Bas Auran farm (Alpes de Haute-Provence, France). The succession is composed of marly and calcareous beds that alternate on nearly 13 metres, and is unconformably overlain by the “Terres Noires” Formation with a sharp hard ground at the lithostratigraphic boundary. The studied interval spans the Bomfordi Subzone (Parkinsoni Zone, late Bajocian) to the Tenuiplicatus Subzone (Aurigerus Zone, early Bathonian)

Poly-Left-Lactic Acid tubular scaffolds via Diffusion Induced Phase Separation (DIPS): control of morphology

n this work, tubular poly-left-lactic acid scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering applications were produced by an innovative two-step method. The scaffolds were obtained by performing a dip-coating around a nylon fiber, followed by a diffusion induced phase separation process. Morphological analysis revealed that the internal lumen of the as-obtained scaffold is equal to the diameter of the fiber utilized; the internal surface is homogeneous with micropores 1–2 μm large. Moreover, a porous open structure was detected across the thickness of the walls of the scaffold. An accurate analysis of the preparation process revealed that it is possible to tune up the morphology of the scaffold (wall thickness, porosity, and average pore dimension), simply by varying some experimental parameters. Preliminary in vitro cell culture tests were carried out inside the scaffold. The results showed that cells are able to grow within the internal surface of the scaffolds and after 3 weeks they begin to form a “primordial” vessel-like structure. Modeling predictions of the dip-coating process display always an underestimate of experimental data (dependence of wall thickness upon extraction rate).In this work, tubular poly-left-lactic acid scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering applications were produced by an innovative two-step method. The scaffolds were obtained by performing a dip-coating around a nylon fiber, followed by a diffusion induced phase separation process. Morphological analysis revealed that the internal lumen of the as-obtained scaffold is equal to the diameter of the fiber utilized; the internal surface is homogeneous with micropores 1–2 lm large. Moreover, a porous open structure was detected across the thickness of the walls of the scaffold. An accurate analysis of the preparation process revealed that it is possible to tune up the morphology of the scaffold (wall thickness, porosity, and average pore dimension), simply by varying some experimental parameters. Preliminary in vitro cell culture tests were carried out inside the scaffold. The results showed that cells are able to grow within the internal surface of the scaffolds and after 3 weeks they begin to form a ‘‘primordial’’ vessel-like structure. Modeling predictions of the dipcoating process display always an underestimate of experimental data (dependence of wall thickness upon extraction rate)

Bajocian Lissoceratinae (Haploceratoidea, Ammonitida) from the Mediterranean-Caucasian Subrealm

A revision of the Bajocian Lissoceratinae is presented. The study of a huge quantity of lissoceratins from different sites of the Western Tethys (Northwest European, Sub-Mediterranean and Mediterranean bioprovinces) within the Tethys-Panthalassa Realm provided data useful to implement the systematics of these almost neglected, never deeply analysed ammonites. Two genera, Lissoceras Bayle and Semilissoceras n. gen., are described with 16 species, among which 8 (four dimorphic, three macroconchiate and one microconchiate) new species: L. submediterraneum, L. maizetense, L. ovale, L. sturanii, L. maerteni, S. ellipticum, S. turgidulum and S. costellatum. The neotype of L. oolithicum is established. The microconchiate genus Microlissoceras is regarded as the junior synonym of the macroconchiate Lissoceras. Taxa are discussed according to four groups that gather taxa sharing common morpho-structural features. They roughly relate to successive biochronostratigraphical intervals within the Bajocian Stage and are headed by species largely known in literature: S. semicostulatum (Buckman) with suboval to compressed whorl section and rectiradiate ribs on the outer half flank; L. oolithicum (d’Orbigny) with subtriangular to ovate whorl section, large and depressed ventral saddle, large suspensive lobe; L. haugi Sturani with ovate to globular whorl section, narrow lobe E and suspensive lobe; and L. psilodiscus (Schloenbach) with highly compressed whorl section, high ventral saddle and narrow lobe E. The phyletic relation of Lissoceras and Semilissoceras to the Aalenian-Bajocian Bradfordia-group is discussed, regarding Semilissoceras as the known stem-taxon on which the subfamily Lissoceratinae bases

BAJOCIAN LISSOCERATINAE (HAPLOCERATOIDEA, AMMONITIDA) FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN-CAUCASIAN SUBREALM

A revision of the Bajocian Lissoceratinae is presented. The study of a huge quantity of lissoceratins from different sites of the Western Tethys (Northwest European, Sub-Mediterranean and Mediterranean bioprovinces) within the Tethys-Panthalassa Realm provided data useful to implement the systematics of these almost neglected, never deeply analysed ammonites. Two genera, Lissoceras Bayle and Semilissoceras n. gen., are described with 16 species, among which 8 (four dimorphic, three macroconchiate and one microconchiate) new species: L. submediterraneum, L. maizetense, L. ovale, L. sturanii, L. maerteni, S. ellipticum, S. turgidulum and S. costellatum. The neotype of L. oolithicum is established. The microconchiate genus Microlissoceras is regarded as the junior synonym of the macroconchiate Lissoceras. Taxa are discussed according to four groups that gather taxa sharing common morpho-structural features. They roughly relate to successive biochronostratigraphical intervals within the Bajocian Stage and are headed by species largely known in literature: S. semicostulatum (Buckman) with suboval to compressed whorl section and rectiradiate ribs on the outer half flank; L. oolithicum (d’Orbigny) with subtriangular to ovate whorl section, large and depressed ventral saddle, large suspensive lobe; L. haugi Sturani with ovate to globular whorl section, narrow lobe E and suspensive lobe; and L. psilodiscus (Schloenbach) with highly compressed whorl section, high ventral saddle and narrow lobe E. The phyletic relation of Lissoceras and Semilissoceras to the Aalenian-Bajocian Bradfordia-group is discussed, regarding Semilissoceras as the known stem-taxon on which the subfamily Lissoceratinae bases

Pseudoteloceras, a new stephanoceratid genus (Ammonitida) of the lower Humphriesianum Zone (lower Bajocian, Middle Jurassic) from western Tethys

The new dimorphic genus Pseudoteloceras (type-species: P. crosillense gen. et sp. nov.) is defined within the subfamily Stephanoceratinae. It constitutes the terminal step of an early Bajocian phyletic trend that produces Teloceras-like morphologies throughout the lower Humphriesianum Zone of the western Mediterranean-Caucasian Subrealm, at an older chronological interval and with morpho-structural features that stand apart from those of the best known genus Teloceras of the uppermost Humphriesianum and lower Niortense zones at the early/late Bajocian transition. Three new species are described: P. croisillense, P. maerteni and P. boursicoti. Their biochronostratigraphical ranges are confirmed by the distribution in expanded sections of the Subalpine Basin in Submediterranean Province (Digne area) and the taphonomic analysis of fossil assemblages from the condensed sections of the “Oolithe ferrugineuse de Bayeux” Formation in Calvados, North West European Province. The biochronostratigraphical range of Pseudoteloceras gen. nov. is limited to the Romani Subzone, lower Humphriesianum Zone. P. crosillense gen. et sp. nov. marks a well-defined biohorizon of the upper Romani Subzone in the Digne stratigraphical successions. The extreme degree of the cadiconic morphology in the inner whorls of P. boursicoti gen. et sp. nov., and the biostratigraphical gap separating the first appearance of the genus Teloceras in the upper Humphriesianum Zone, support its erection as a new taxon Pseudoteloceras gen. nov. A fourth species, Pseudoteloceras geometricum (Maubeuge), is interpreted as the earliest species of this phyletic lineage, derived from Stemmatoceras and widely distributed through western Tethys in the lower Humphriesianum Zone