Enhancement of collagen deposition and cross-linking by coupling lysyl oxidase with bone morphogenetic protein-1 and its application in tissue engineering

Cultured cell-derived extracellular matrices (ECM)-based biomaterials exploit the inherent capacity of cells to create highly sophisticated supramolecular assemblies. However, standard cell culture conditions are far from ideal given the fact that the diluted microenvironment does not favor the production of ECM components, a circumstance particularly relevant for collagen. An incomplete conversion of procollagen by C-proteinase/bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1) has been proposed to severely limit in vitro collagen deposition. BMP1 also catalyzes the proteolytic activation of the precursor of the collagen cross-linking enzyme, lysyl oxidase (LOX) to yield the active form, suggesting a deficit in cross-linking activity under standard conditions. We hypothesized that the implementation of fibroblast cultures with LOX and BMP1 may be an effective way to increase collagen deposition. To test it, we have generated stable cell lines overexpressing LOX and BMP1 and studied the effect of supernatants enriched in LOX and BMP1 on collagen synthesis and deposition from fibroblasts. Herein, we demonstrate that the supplementation with LOX and BMP1 strongly increased the deposition of collagen onto the insoluble matrix at the expense of the soluble fraction in the extracellular medium. Using decellularization protocols, we also show that fibroblast-derived matrices regulate adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and this effect was modulated by LOX/BMP1. Collectively, these data demonstrate that we have developed a convenient protocol to enhance the capacity of in vitro cell cultures to deposit collagen in the ECM, representing this approach a promising technology for application in tissue engineeringTis work was supported by grants from Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Plan Nacional de I+D+I: SAF2012-34916, and SAF2015-65679-R to F.R-P

Human–wildlife interactions

The nature of wildlife management throughout the world is changing. The increase in the world’s human population has been accompanied by a rapid expansion of agricultural and urban areas and infrastructures, especially road and railway networks. Worldwide, wildlife habitats are being transformed and fragmented by human activities, and the behavior of several species has changed as a result of human activities. Some species have adapted easily to urban or peri–urban habitats and take advantage of the new resources available. These data provide the context for why human–wildlife interactions are increasing. At the 30th International Union of Game Biologists Congress held in Barcelona in early September 2011, in addition to two plenary presentations, 52 authors from 12 different countries and three continents presented 15 papers in the Interactions of Humans and Wildlife Session, three of which are included in this volume. To some extent, all the papers reflected the inherent difficulty in solving the complex problems caused either by rapidly increasing species that begin to inhabit urban and agricultural areas in numbers not seen previously (e.g. coyotes, Canis latrans, inhabiting big cities; wild boar, Sus scrofa, across western Europe; wood pigeons, Columba palumbus, in France), or species whose populations are threatened by human activities (e.g., Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx, in the Czech Republic). Some papers addressed the contentious issue of predator control (e.g., gamebirds in Great Britain), while others presented data regarding how human activities influenced animal behavior (e.g., pink footed geese, Anser brachyrhynchus; and red deer, Cervus elaphus, in Germany). The papers presented at the congress show how human activities affect the distributions and dynamics of wildlife populations and also change the behavior of some species. Wildlife causes social and economic conflicts by damaging agricultural and forest resources, bringing about traffic collisions, and creating problems for residents in urban areas; while many are increasingly distant from nature and may not accept the presence of wildlife others may actively encourage the presence of wild animals. The first paper in this volume, by Cahill et al. (2012), analyzes the management challenges of the increasing abundance of wild boar in the peri–urban area of Barcelona. This conflict has arisen in other large cities in Europe and elsewhere. The presence of the species causes problems for many residents, to such an extent that it is considered a pest in these areas. Wild boar habituation has not only been facilitated by population expansion, but also by the attitudes of some citizens who encourage their presence by direct feeding. This leads to wild boar behavior modification and also promotes an increase in the fertility rate of habituated females, which are significantly heavier than non–habituated females. Public attitudes regarding the species and harvesting methods (at present most specimens are removed by live capture and subsequently sacrificed) are highlighted as one of the key factors in the management of the conflict. The second paper provides an example of how the distribution of irrigated croplands influences wild boar roadkills in NW Spain (Colino–Rabanal et al., 2012). By modeling the spatial distribution of wild boar collisions with vehicles and using generalized additive models based on GIS, the authors show that the number of roadkills is higher in maize croplands than in forested areas. This factor is the main explanatory variable in the model. The paper provides an excellent example of how the synergies of diverse human elements in the landscape (maize croplands and roads in this case) affect the location and dimensions of these types of conflicts. The third and final paper, by Belotti et al. (2012), addresses the effects of tourism on Eurasian lynx movements and prey usage at Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic. The monitoring of 5 GPS–collared lynxes and analyses of data regarding habitat features suggests that human disturbance (proximity of roads and tourist trails) can modify the presence of lynxes during the day close to the site where they have hidden a prey item, such as an ungulate, that can provide them with food for several days. In such cases, adequate management of tourism development must involve a commitment to species conservation. The analyses and understanding of all these phenomena and the design of successful wildlife management strategies and techniques used to mitigate the conflicts require a good knowledge base that considers information both about wildlife and human attitudes. The papers presented stress the importance of spatial analyses of the interactions and their relationship with landscape features and the location of human activities. Species distribution and abundance are related to important habitat variables such as provision of shelter, food, comfortable spaces, and an appropriate climate. Therefore, it is essential to analyze these data adequately to predict where conflicts are most likely to arise and to design successful mitigation strategies. The second key factor for adequate management of human–wildlife interactions is to monitor system change. An analysis of the variety of data on population dynamics, hunting, wildlife collisions, and wildlife presence in urban areas would provide a basis for adaptive management. In this respect, in the plenary session, Steve Redpath mentioned the importance of the wildlife biologist’s attitude when interpreting and drawing conclusions from recorded data and stressed the importance of conducting clear, relevant, and transparent science for participants involved in the management decision process, which often involves a high number of stakeholders. All of the papers addressing the problems associated with human wildlife interactions were characterized by a common theme. Regardless of the specific nature of the problem, the public was generally divided on how the problem should be addressed. A particularly sensitive theme was that of population control methods, especially when conflicts are located in peri–urban areas. Several presenters acknowledged that public participation was necessary if a solution was to be reached. Some suggested, as have other authors (Heydon et al., 2010), that a legislative framework may be needed to reconcile human and wildlife interests. However, each problem that was presented appeared to involve multiple stakeholders with different opinions. Solving these kinds of problems is not trivial. Social factors strongly influence perceptions of human–wildlife conflicts but the methods used to mitigate these conflicts often take into account technical aspects but not people’s attitudes. A new, more innovative and interdisciplinary approach to mitigation is needed to allow us 'to move from conflict towards coexistence' (Dickman, 2010). Other authors also mentioned the importance of planning interventions that optimize the participation of experts, policy makers, and affected communities and include the explicit, systematic, and participatory evaluation of the costs and benefits of alternative interventions (Treves et al., 2009). One technique that has been used to solve problems like these is termed Structured Decision Making (SDM). This technique was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As described by Runge et al. (2009), the process is 'a formal application of common sense for situations too complex for the informal use of common sense', and provides a rational framework and techniques to aid in prescriptive decision making. Fundamentally, the process entails defining a problem, deciding upon the objectives, considering the alternative actions and the consequences for each, using the available science to develop a model (the plan), and then making the decision how to implement (Runge et al., 2009). Although complex, SDM uses a facilitator to guide stakeholders through the process to reach a mutually agreed–upon plan of action. It is clear that human–wildlife interactions are inherently complex because many stakeholders are usually involved. A rational approach that incorporates all interested parties would seem to be a productive way of solving these kinds of problems. References Cahill, S., Llimona, F., Cabañeros, L. & Calomardo, F., 2012. The increasing dilemma of wild boar (Sus scrofa) habituation to urban areas: traits from Collserola Park (Barcelona) and comparison with this problem in other cities. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 35.2: 221–233. Colino–Rabanal, V. J., Bosch, J., Muñoz, Mª J. & Peris, S. J., 2012. Influence of new irrigation croplands on wild boar (Sus scrofa) roadkills in NW Spain. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 35.2: 247–252. Belotti, E., Heurich, M., Kreisinger, J., Šustr, P. & Bufka, L., 2012. Prey usage by the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx): influence of human activity. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 35.2: 235–246. Dickman, J. A., 2010. Complexities of conflict: the importance of considering social factors for effectively resolving human–wildlife conflict. Animal Conservation, 13.5: 458–466. Heydon, M. J., 2010. Wildlife conflict resolution: a review of problems, solutions and regulation in England. Wildlife Research, 37.8: 731–748. Runge, M. C., Cochrane, J. F., Converse, S. J., Szymanski, J. A., Smith, D. R., Lyons, J. E., Eaton, M. J., Matz, A., Barrett, P., Nichols, J. D., Parkin, M.J., Motivans, K. & Brewer, D. C. 2009. Introduction to structured decision making, 5th edition. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA. Treves, A., Wallace, R. B. & White, S., 2009. Participatory planning of interventions to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts. Conservation Biology, 23.6: 1577–1587.The nature of wildlife management throughout the world is changing. The increase in the world’s human population has been accompanied by a rapid expansion of agricultural and urban areas and infrastructures, especially road and railway networks. Worldwide, wildlife habitats are being transformed and fragmented by human activities, and the behavior of several species has changed as a result of human activities. Some species have adapted easily to urban or peri–urban habitats and take advantage of the new resources available. These data provide the context for why human–wildlife interactions are increasing. At the 30th International Union of Game Biologists Congress held in Barcelona in early September 2011, in addition to two plenary presentations, 52 authors from 12 different countries and three continents presented 15 papers in the Interactions of Humans and Wildlife Session, three of which are included in this volume. To some extent, all the papers reflected the inherent difficulty in solving the complex problems caused either by rapidly increasing species that begin to inhabit urban and agricultural areas in numbers not seen previously (e.g. coyotes, Canis latrans, inhabiting big cities; wild boar, Sus scrofa, across western Europe; wood pigeons, Columba palumbus, in France), or species whose populations are threatened by human activities (e.g., Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx, in the Czech Republic). Some papers addressed the contentious issue of predator control (e.g., gamebirds in Great Britain), while others presented data regarding how human activities influenced animal behavior (e.g., pink footed geese, Anser brachyrhynchus; and red deer, Cervus elaphus, in Germany). The papers presented at the congress show how human activities affect the distributions and dynamics of wildlife populations and also change the behavior of some species. Wildlife causes social and economic conflicts by damaging agricultural and forest resources, bringing about traffic collisions, and creating problems for residents in urban areas; while many are increasingly distant from nature and may not accept the presence of wildlife others may actively encourage the presence of wild animals. The first paper in this volume, by Cahill et al. (2012), analyzes the management challenges of the increasing abundance of wild boar in the peri–urban area of Barcelona. This conflict has arisen in other large cities in Europe and elsewhere. The presence of the species causes problems for many residents, to such an extent that it is considered a pest in these areas. Wild boar habituation has not only been facilitated by population expansion, but also by the attitudes of some citizens who encourage their presence by direct feeding. This leads to wild boar behavior modification and also promotes an increase in the fertility rate of habituated females, which are significantly heavier than non–habituated females. Public attitudes regarding the species and harvesting methods (at present most specimens are removed by live capture and subsequently sacrificed) are highlighted as one of the key factors in the management of the conflict. The second paper provides an example of how the distribution of irrigated croplands influences wild boar roadkills in NW Spain (Colino–Rabanal et al., 2012). By modeling the spatial distribution of wild boar collisions with vehicles and using generalized additive models based on GIS, the authors show that the number of roadkills is higher in maize croplands than in forested areas. This factor is the main explanatory variable in the model. The paper provides an excellent example of how the synergies of diverse human elements in the landscape (maize croplands and roads in this case) affect the location and dimensions of these types of conflicts. The third and final paper, by Belotti et al. (2012), addresses the effects of tourism on Eurasian lynx movements and prey usage at Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic. The monitoring of 5 GPS–collared lynxes and analyses of data regarding habitat features suggests that human disturbance (proximity of roads and tourist trails) can modify the presence of lynxes during the day close to the site where they have hidden a prey item, such as an ungulate, that can provide them with food for several days. In such cases, adequate management of tourism development must involve a commitment to species conservation. The analyses and understanding of all these phenomena and the design of successful wildlife management strategies and techniques used to mitigate the conflicts require a good knowledge base that considers information both about wildlife and human attitudes. The papers presented stress the importance of spatial analyses of the interactions and their relationship with landscape features and the location of human activities. Species distribution and abundance are related to important habitat variables such as provision of shelter, food, comfortable spaces, and an appropriate climate. Therefore, it is essential to analyze these data adequately to predict where conflicts are most likely to arise and to design successful mitigation strategies. The second key factor for adequate management of human–wildlife interactions is to monitor system change. An analysis of the variety of data on population dynamics, hunting, wildlife collisions, and wildlife presence in urban areas would provide a basis for adaptive management. In this respect, in the plenary session, Steve Redpath mentioned the importance of the wildlife biologist’s attitude when interpreting and drawing conclusions from recorded data and stressed the importance of conducting clear, relevant, and transparent science for participants involved in the management decision process, which often involves a high number of stakeholders. All of the papers addressing the problems associated with human wildlife interactions were characterized by a common theme. Regardless of the specific nature of the problem, the public was generally divided on how the problem should be addressed. A particularly sensitive theme was that of population control methods, especially when conflicts are located in peri–urban areas. Several presenters acknowledged that public participation was necessary if a solution was to be reached. Some suggested, as have other authors (Heydon et al., 2010), that a legislative framework may be needed to reconcile human and wildlife interests. However, each problem that was presented appeared to involve multiple stakeholders with different opinions. Solving these kinds of problems is not trivial. Social factors strongly influence perceptions of human–wildlife conflicts but the methods used to mitigate these conflicts often take into account technical aspects but not people’s attitudes. A new, more innovative and interdisciplinary approach to mitigation is needed to allow us 'to move from conflict towards coexistence' (Dickman, 2010). Other authors also mentioned the importance of planning interventions that optimize the participation of experts, policy makers, and affected communities and include the explicit, systematic, and participatory evaluation of the costs and benefits of alternative interventions (Treves et al., 2009). One technique that has been used to solve problems like these is termed Structured Decision Making (SDM). This technique was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As described by Runge et al. (2009), the process is 'a formal application of common sense for situations too complex for the informal use of common sense', and provides a rational framework and techniques to aid in prescriptive decision making. Fundamentally, the process entails defining a problem, deciding upon the objectives, considering the alternative actions and the consequences for each, using the available science to develop a model (the plan), and then making the decision how to implement (Runge et al., 2009). Although complex, SDM uses a facilitator to guide stakeholders through the process to reach a mutually agreed–upon plan of action. It is clear that human–wildlife interactions are inherently complex because many stakeholders are usually involved. A rational approach that incorporates all interested parties would seem to be a productive way of solving these kinds of problems. References Cahill, S., Llimona, F., Cabañeros, L. & Calomardo, F., 2012. The increasing dilemma of wild boar (Sus scrofa) habituation to urban areas: traits from Collserola Park (Barcelona) and comparison with this problem in other cities. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 35.2: 221–233. Colino–Rabanal, V. J., Bosch, J., Muñoz, Mª J. & Peris, S. J., 2012. Influence of new irrigation croplands on wild boar (Sus scrofa) roadkills in NW Spain. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 35.2: 247–252. Belotti, E., Heurich, M., Kreisinger, J., Šustr, P. & Bufka, L., 2012. Prey usage by the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx): influence of human activity. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 35.2: 235–246. Dickman, J. A., 2010. Complexities of conflict: the importance of considering social factors for effectively resolving human–wildlife conflict. Animal Conservation, 13.5: 458–466. Heydon, M. J., 2010. Wildlife conflict resolution: a review of problems, solutions and regulation in England. Wildlife Research, 37.8: 731–748. Runge, M. C., Cochrane, J. F., Converse, S. J., Szymanski, J. A., Smith, D. R., Lyons, J. E., Eaton, M. J., Matz, A., Barrett, P., Nichols, J. D., Parkin, M.J., Motivans, K. & Brewer, D. C. 2009. Introduction to structured decision making, 5th edition. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA. Treves, A., Wallace, R. B. & White, S., 2009. Participatory planning of interventions to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts. Conservation Biology, 23.6: 1577–1587.The nature of wildlife management throughout the world is changing. The increase in the world’s human population has been accompanied by a rapid expansion of agricultural and urban areas and infrastructures, especially road and railway networks. Worldwide, wildlife habitats are being transformed and fragmented by human activities, and the behavior of several species has changed as a result of human activities. Some species have adapted easily to urban or peri–urban habitats and take advantage of the new resources available. These data provide the context for why human–wildlife interactions are increasing. At the 30th International Union of Game Biologists Congress held in Barcelona in early September 2011, in addition to two plenary presentations, 52 authors from 12 different countries and three continents presented 15 papers in the Interactions of Humans and Wildlife Session, three of which are included in this volume. To some extent, all the papers reflected the inherent difficulty in solving the complex problems caused either by rapidly increasing species that begin to inhabit urban and agricultural areas in numbers not seen previously (e.g. coyotes, Canis latrans, inhabiting big cities; wild boar, Sus scrofa, across western Europe; wood pigeons, Columba palumbus, in France), or species whose populations are threatened by human activities (e.g., Eurasian Lynx, Lynx lynx, in the Czech Republic). Some papers addressed the contentious issue of predator control (e.g., gamebirds in Great Britain), while others presented data regarding how human activities influenced animal behavior (e.g., pink footed geese, Anser brachyrhynchus; and red deer, Cervus elaphus, in Germany). The papers presented at the congress show how human activities affect the distributions and dynamics of wildlife populations and also change the behavior of some species. Wildlife causes social and economic conflicts by damaging agricultural and forest resources, bringing about traffic collisions, and creating problems for residents in urban a

The Ninyerola Gypsum unit: an example of cyclic, lacustrine sedimentation (Middle Miocene, E Spain)

La unidad Yesos de Ninyerola es un depósito lacustre del Mioceno Medio, de potencia cercana a los 200 m, que afl ora principalmente a lo largo de una estructura anticlinal de orientación NNE-SSW cerca de la ciudad de València. Esta estructura está formada por materiales diapirizados del Keuper (Triásico Superior) en el núcleo y por una sucesión miocena en los flancos. En la base deThe Ninyerola Gypsum unit is a Middle Miocene lacustrine deposit, close to 200 m in thickness, which crops out mainly along an anticline structure trending NNE-SSW near the city of Valencia. This anticline structure is comprised of Keuper (Upper Triassic) diapiric materials in the core and a Miocene succession on its fl anks. The Ninyerola Gypsum unit appears at the base of this succession and is overlain by alluvial deposits. The latter deposits grade upwards to terrigenous, coastal marine sediments presumably of Tortonian age. The anticline fl anks of the Miocene succession differ markedly not only in terms of their depositional and diagenetic facies but also in thickness and cyclicity. These differences suggest that synsedimentary deformation of the Triassic basement exerted control on Miocene sedimentation. On the eastern fl ank, where the succession is thicker (>230 m) and well exposed, we distinguished the following stratigraphic intervals from base to top: nodular gypsum (a), bioturbated gypsum (b), alternation of laminated gypsum and carbonate (c), a calcareous interval (d), red lutites and bioturbated gypsum (e), and a clastic alluvial alternation (f); this assemblage unconformably underlies a clastic, coastal marine interval (g). The Ninyerola Gypsum unit constitutes the lacustrine sediments −intervals (a) to (e)− of the succession. In this unit, numerous carbonate-gypsum cycles are recorded in intervals (a) to (c), whose average thickness approaches 6 m. The lacustrine stages of this succession were interpreted as the result of the gradual development of a saline lake of the sulphatecarbonate type overlying the Triassic materials, which extruded during the Lower Miocene. Interal (c) represents the maximum extension, depth and subsidence of this saline lake. This deep lake stage (c) was preceded by a shallow lake stage (b), which initially experienced anhydritic sabkha conditions (a). Stage (c) was followed by a diluted lake stage (d) and a fi nal evaporitic lake stage (e). Subsequently, an input of alluvial clastic materials (f) and marine transgression (g) brought an end to the evaporative conditions in the area

Unidades evaporíticas de la zona de Libros-Cascante (Mioceno, Cuenca de Teruel): Características estratigráficas y sedimentológicas

[ES] Las diversas unidades evaporíticas del Mioceno de la zonade Libros-Cascante (Fosa de Teruel) tienen extensión geográfica y potencia muy variables y constituyen tanto amplios cuerpos centrales (ej. Yesos de las Minas de Libros- Cascante) como pequeñas unidades de borde de cuenca, muy localizadas (ej. Yesos de Cubla). Las evaporitas consisten en diversas litofacies de yeso primario, principalmente yesos microlenticulares bioturbados y yesos laminados. Asociadas a las litofacies de yeso se presentan lutitas rojas, verdes o negruzcas y calizas formadas principalmente por acumulaciones de carófitas y gasterópodos. De un modo global, las unidades yesíferas diferenciadas dan muestras de una gradación progresiva de litofacies y de litologías asociadas, en función de la profundidad del medio deposicional, que reflejan los siguientes ambientes: 1) Zonas de encharcamiento y palustres, instaJadas episódicamente sobre llanuras de lutitas. Se caracterizan por depósitos de yesos microlenticulares bioturbados. Los Yesos de El Campo (Aragoniense inferior) y los Yesos de Cubla (Turoliense superior) están formados exclusivamente por estas litofacies. 2) Zonas lacustres someras, con márgenes palustres bien definidos (litofacies masivas bioturbadas) y centros someros litofacies yesíferas laminadas y niveles de calizas de cairófitas y gasterópodos); se desarrolla una ciclicidad en función de las oscilaciones de la lámina de agua por inundacióndesecación. Los ciclos pueden estar compuestos por: lutitas, yesos bioturbados o yesos laminados. Estos ambientes y litofacies están bien caracterizados en los Yesos de El Morrón (Aragoniense inferior>. 3) Lagos más profundos dominados por las litofacies yesíferas laminadas de grano muy fino y pizarras bituminosas propias de fondos anóxicos, en las que se ha producido sulfatoreducción bacterial. En las zonas marginales se encuentran litofacies y ciclos como los señalados en las zonas 1 y 2. Los Yesos de las Minas de Libros-Cascante son los representantes de estos ambientes y litofacies. Las características sedimentológicas de los yesos y litofacies asociadas, así como la ausencia de cloruros, sulfatos sódicos y facies anhidritizadas indican una baja concentración de las aguas de los ambientes lacustres.[EN] The Miocene evaporite units iii the Teruel Graben (Libros-Cascante area) are variable both in thickness and areal extent. The evaporite units form large basinal bodies (eg., Minas de Libros-Cascante Gy~sum) or small, marginal units (cg., Cubla Gypsum). The evaporites consist of diverse primary microlenticular gypsum iithofacies, main«Ty bioturbated gypsum and laminated gypsum. Sedimcnts associated with gypsum layers are red or drab mudstones, or bioclastie limestones. The diverse units show a progressive gradation in gypsum lithofacies aud associated deposits wbich reflect different environments and depths: 1) Palustrmne and very shallow ponds in mud flats. Sedimentary components are 1)ioturbated microlenticular gypsum and mudstones. The El Campo Gypsum (lower Aragonian) and Cubla Gypsum (upper Turolian) are exclusively formed by these lithofacies; 2) Shallow lacustrine systems with palustrine, well-defined margins (ma~sive bioturbated lithofacies) aud shallow central arcas where laminated gypsum and fossiliferous carbonates were deposited. Cyclicity occurred in response to laike-level oscillations. The cycles comprise mudstones, bioturbated gypsum or laminated gypsum. El Morrón Gypsum is representative of these lithofacies and environments; 3) l)ecp, permanent lakes, in which accumulated laminated gypsum and oil shalesunder anoxie bottom conditions. Bacterial sulphate reduction also occurred in these sediments. Gypsum Iithofacies and cyeles similar to those formed in environments 1 and 2 occur in the marginal zones of tbis system (e.g., Minas de Libros-Cascante Gypsum). The sedimentary features of the gypsum and associated deposits, as well as the absence of chlorides, Na-sulphates and anhydritized facies, indicate a relatively low-concentration in the original brines or lake waters.Este trabajo ha sido realizado en el marco de los proyectos DG1CYT PIAOO-0O80 y PB90- 0485.Peer reviewe

Aportaciones al estudio del Mioceno marino de la comarca del Vallés

Con motivo de una intensa explotación a que se ven sometidas las arcillas que integran el Mioceno del Vallés, se han abierto a lo largo de la carretera de Sant Cugat a Sardanyola una serie de canteras ("terrals").Uno de ellos el de Can Xercavins, a medida que avanzaban los trabajos de extracción de arcilla, iba mostrando un magnífico corte que nosotros hemos aprovechado para estudiarlo ; en él aflora ampliamente el Mioceno marino del Vallés. En este corte hemos encontrado una abundante y bien conservada fauna lo que ha permitido su datación. Estos sedimentos marinos se hallan dispuestos en varios niveles que indentan en el Mioceno continental; ello es pues de un gran interés cronoestratigráfico por ser esta datación un nuevo jalón sobre el cual puede apoyarse la estratigrafía del Mioceno del Vallés

Reproduction of wild boar in a cropland and coastal wetland area: implications for management

Reproducción del jabalí en hábitats de cultivos y humedales costeros: implicaciones sobre la gestión Los parámetros reproductivos de una población de jabalí localizada en un paisaje costero, con un mosaico de cultivos y humedales, fueron analizados y comparados con los observados en poblaciones de jabalí que colonizan otros hábitats. Se analizaron un total de 296 tractos reproductivos procedentes de hembras capturadas a lo largo de todo el ciclo anual en el Parque Natural de Els Aiguamolls de l'Empordà entre los años 2000 y 2010. Se contaron los fetos que presentaban las hembras gestantes y se determinó su sexo y edad, así como los períodos de copula y parto. También se registró el peso y edad de cada hembra. De acuerdo con el patrón observado en la mayor parte de poblaciones europeas de la especie, se observó un período de celo principal entre octubre y enero, con un máximo durante noviembre y diciembre, meses que concentraron el 64% de las cópulas. La proporción de hembras gestantes, la tasa de ovulación y el tamaño de camada aumentan con el peso de la hembra. El tamaño medio de camada registrado fue de 5,01 ± 1,33 (rango de dos a ocho) fetos. Este valor es el más elevado registrado en poblaciones salvajes Ibéricas y es parecido al observado en algunas poblaciones del centro de Europa. Además, no se corresponde con el patrón descrito para las poblaciones de jabalí en Europa según el cual se aprecia una correlación positiva entre el aumento del tamaño de la camada y la latitud. La explicación más probable para la alta productividad de la población en la zona de estudio es la gran disponibilidad de alimento a lo largo de todo el año y, especialmente, el elevado consumo de plantas cultivadas, particularmente maíz y girasol. Estos resultados sugieren que la colonización de zonas agrícolas y humedales contribuye al aumento de densidad de población del jabalí y las estrategias de control deberían considerar tanto la reducción del número de hembras adultas como la aplicación de medidas para reducir la disponibilidad de recursos tróficos accesibles para el jabalí.Los parámetros reproductivos de una población de jabalí localizada en un paisaje costero, con un mosaico de cultivos y humedales, fueron analizados y comparados con los observados en poblaciones de jabalí que colonizan otros hábitats. Se analizaron un total de 296 tractos reproductivos procedentes de hembras capturadas a lo largo de todo el ciclo anual en el Parque Natural de Els Aiguamolls de l'Empordà entre los años 2000 y 2010. Se contaron los fetos que presentaban las hembras gestantes y se determinó su sexo y edad, así como los períodos de copula y parto. También se registró el peso y edad de cada hembra. De acuerdo con el patrón observado en la mayor parte de poblaciones europeas de la especie, se observó un período de celo principal entre octubre y enero, con un máximo durante noviembre y diciembre, meses que concentraron el 64% de las cópulas. La proporción de hembras gestantes, la tasa de ovulación y el tamaño de camada aumentan con el peso de la hembra. El tamaño medio de camada registrado fue de 5,01 ± 1,33 (rango de dos a ocho) fetos. Este valor es el más elevado registrado en poblaciones salvajes Ibéricas y es parecido al observado en algunas poblaciones del centro de Europa. Además, no se corresponde con el patrón descrito para las poblaciones de jabalí en Europa según el cual se aprecia una correlación positiva entre el aumento del tamaño de la camada y la latitud. La explicación más probable para la alta productividad de la población en la zona de estudio es la gran disponibilidad de alimento a lo largo de todo el año y, especialmente, el elevado consumo de plantas cultivadas, particularmente maíz y girasol. Estos resultados sugieren que la colonización de zonas agrícolas y humedales contribuye al aumento de densidad de población del jabalí y las estrategias de control deberían considerar tanto la reducción del número de hembras adultas como la aplicación de medidas para reducir la disponibilidad de recursos tróficos accesibles para el jabalí.The reproductive parameters of a wild boar population located in a coastal landscape with a mosaic of cropland and wetland habitats were analysed and compared with those observed in wild boar populations living in other habitats. A total of 296 reproductive tracts of females captured year round at the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park were collected and analysed from 2000 to 2010. The foetuses were counted, sexed and aged and the mating and birth periods were determined. The weight and age of each female were also recorded. In accordance with the pattern observed in most European populations, a marked main mating season from October to January was observed. Within this season, there was a peak during November and December, in which 64% of the conception dates were recorded. The proportion of breeding females, ovulation rate and litter size increased with the weight of the reproductive females. A mean litter size of 5.01 ± 1.33 (range from two to eight) foetuses was recorded. This value is the highest known litter size recorded in wild Iberian populations and is similar to values observed in central Europe. Furthermore, it is not in accordance with the pattern reported for other European populations in which a positive correlation between litter size and latitude was observed. The most likely explanation for the high reproductive output in the study area is the availability of food year round, and especially the high consumption of crops such as maize and sunflower. Our results suggest that colonisation of cropland and wetland areas is contributing to the rise in the wild boar population density. Control strategies should consider not only reducing numbers of adult females but also applying measures to reduce food resources available to wild boar

Modelling nitrogen and phosphorus loads in a Mediterranean river catchment (La Tordera, NE Spain)

Human activities have resulted in increased nutrient levels in many rivers all over Europe. Sustainable management of river basins demands an assessment of the causes and consequences of human alteration of nutrient flows, together with an evaluation of management options. In the context of an integrated and interdisciplinary environmental assessment (IEA) of nutrient flows, we present and discuss the application of the nutrient emission model MONERIS (MOdelling Nutrient Emissions into River Systems) to the Catalan river basin, La Tordera (north-east Spain), for the period 1996-2002. After a successful calibration and verification process (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiencies E=0.85 for phosphorus and E=0.86 for nitrogen), the application of the model MONERIS proved to be useful in estimating nutrient loads. Crucial for model calibration, in-stream retention was estimated to be about 50 % of nutrient emissions on an annual basis. Through this process, we identified the importance of point sources for phosphorus emissions (about 94% for 1996-2002), and diffuse sources, especially inputs via groundwater, for nitrogen emissions (about 31% for 1996-2002). Despite hurdles related to model structure, observed loads, and input data encountered during the modelling process, MONERIS provided a good representation of the major interannual and spatial patterns in nutrient emissions. An analysis of the model uncertainty and sensitivity to input data indicates that the model MONERIS, even in data-starved Mediterranean catchments, may be profitably used by water managers for evaluating quantitative nutrient emission scenarios for the purpose of managing river basins. As an example of scenario modelling, an analysis of the changes in nutrient emissions through two different future scenarios allowed the identification of a set of relevant measures to reduce nutrient loads

Depositional models of lacustrine evaporites in the SE margin of the Ebro Basin (Paleogene, NE Spain)

An important evaporitic sedimentation occurred during the Paleogene (Eocene to lower Oligocene) in the Barberà sector of the southeastern margin of the Tertiary Ebro Basin. This sedimentation took place in shallow lacustrine environments and was controlled by a number of factors: 1) the tectonic structuration of the margin; 2) the high calcium sulphate content in the meteoric waters coming from the marginal reliefs; 3) the semiarid climate; and 4) the development of large alluvial fans along the basin margin, which also conditioned the location of the saline lakes. The evaporites are currently composed of secondary gypsum in surface and anhydrite at depth. There are, however, vestiges of the local presence of sodium sulphates. The evaporite units, with individual thicknesses ranging between 50 and 100 m, are intercalated within various lithostratigraphic formations and exhibit a paleogeographical pattern. The units located closer to the basin margin are characterized by a massive gypsum lithofacies (originally, bioturbated gypsum) bearing chert, and also by meganodular gypsum locally (originally, meganodules of anhydrite) in association with red lutites and clastic intercalations (gypsarenites, sandstones and conglomerates). Chert, which is only linked to the thickest gypsum layers, seems to be an early diagenetic, lacustrine product. Cyclicity in these proximal units indicates the progressive development of low-salinity, lacustrine bodies on red mud flats. At the top of some cycles, exposure episodes commonly resulted in dissolution, erosion, and the formation of edaphic features. In contrast, the units located in a more distal position with regard to the basin margin are formed by an alternation of banded-nodular gypsum and laminated gypsum layers in association with grey lutites and few clastic intercalations. These distal units formed in saline lakes with a higher ionic concentration. Exposure episodes in these lakes resulted in the formation of synsedimentary anhydrite and sabkha cycles. In some of these units, however, outer rims characterized by a lithofacies association similar to that of the proximal units occur (nodular gypsum, massive gypsum and chert nodules)