bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Late Triassic Phytosaur Mystriosuchus Westphali, With A Revision of the Genus
Authors: Hungerbühler Axel
Published: November 2003

Mystriosuchus westphali is based on a large, well‐preserved cranium and a snout fragment from the Stubensandstein (Norian) of south‐west Germany. The hypodigm is redescribed and new or poorly known cranial structures in phytosaurs are discussed. For the first time, the presence of a premaxillary crest is substantiated in a phytosaur. The type specimen shows a supernumerary occipital element (=‘tabular’) that is probably fused to the parietal in other phytosaurs, and an orbitosphenoid. A computerised parsimony analysis confirms the hypothesis that Mystriosuchus is nested within Pseudopalatinae, the most derived clade of phytosaurs, and thus does not fall within basal phytosaurs. Mystriosuchus is characterised by five unique features (slit‐like interpremaxillary fossa, triangular cross‐section of the postorbito‐squamosal bar, strongly reduced posttemporal fenestra, and two features of the cranial sculpture), plus eight synapomorphies that also occur in some more distantly related taxa. Mystriosuchus westphali is diagnosed by, among other apomorphies, a distinct premaxillary crest, a squamosal‐proo¨tic contact, absence of a posterior process of the squamosal, and a slit‐like posttemporal fenestra. The type species Mystriosuchus planirostris shows, most significantly, the naris facing forward anteriorly and upward posteriorly, and the longest rostrum and the highest degree of depression of the supratemporal opening in any phytosaur. Mystriosuchus exemplifies a common pattern in phytosaurids in being a genus that includes a gracile, elongated, slender‐snouted and a more robust species with a broader, often crested snout. This study demonstrates that a detailed analysis of the cranial anatomy and the rigorous application of cladistic principles to identified character states help to clarify current inconsistencies in the taxonomy and nomenclature of phytosaurs.
A Larval Sea Spider (Arthropoda: Pycnogonida) from the Upper Cambrian ‘orsten’ of Sweden, and the Phylogenetic Position of Pycnogonids
Authors: Waloszek Dieter , Dunlop Jason A.
Published: November 2003

Among a set of small, secondarily phosphatised larval arthropods from the Upper Cambrian ‘Orsten’ of Sweden, described by Müller and Walossek in 1986, one form bears a remarkable resemblance to the hatching protonymph larva of extant Pantopoda. This ‘larva D’ shares with protonymphs their gross body form, the anteroventral mouth on a slightly off‐set forehead region, the cheliceral morphology, two homeomorphic pairs of post‐cheliceral limbs, and further detailed similarities. It is described herein as Cambropycnogon klausmuelleri gen. et sp. nov. and is proposed as the oldest unequivocal record of both Pycnogonida and Chelicerata. Plesiomorphic features such as a pair of rudimentary pre‐cheliceral limbs and the gnathobasic basipods of the two post‐cheliceral limbs distinguish it from all known larvae of extant Pantopoda and lead us to propose a phylogeny of the Pycnogonida of the form (Cambropycnogon klausmuelleri+ (Palaeoisopus+ (Palaeopantopus+ Pantopoda))). The fossil may help to resolve the long debate about the relationships of Pycnogonida to other Arthropoda and supports a (Pycnogonida + Euchelicerata) relationship within the Chelicerata. The pre‐cheliceral limbs in this fossil support traditional morphological studies in which the chelicera represent the second (a2) head appendage, corresponding to the crustacean ‘second antennae’, and contradict recent data based on homeobox genes implying that the chelicerae are the first (a1) head appendages homologous with crustacean first antennae.
A New Marine Reptile (Sauropterygia) from New Zealand: Further Evidence for A Late Cretaceous Austral Radiation of Cryptoclidid Plesiosaurs
Authors: Cruickshank Arthur R. I. , Fordyce R. Ewan
Published: November 2003

Kaiwhekea katiki gen. et sp. nov. represents the first described cryptoclidid plesiosaurian from New Zealand. It is one of the largest cryptoclidids known, at a length of over 6.5 m, and represents the third reported genus of austral Late Cretaceous cryptoclidids. Kaiwhekea katiki is from siltstones of the Katiki Formation, upper Haumurian Stage (Cenomanian–Maastrichtian; c. 69–70 Ma) of coastal Otago, South Island, New Zealand. In the Late Cretaceous, the locality lay close to the polar circle. The holotype and only known specimen is an articulated skeleton with skull, preserved mostly as natural molds, but which lacks the forelimbs and pectoral girdle. The skull is relatively large and possesses several distinct characters, including a substantial, deep, jugal. There are about 43 upper and 42 lower teeth in each jaw quadrant; all are homodont, slim, and slightly recurved, lacking prominent ornament. Kaiwhekea probably took single soft‐bodied prey. Based on cranial structure, it clearly belongs with the Cryptoclididae, but is not certainly close to the southern Late Cretaceous cryptoclidids Morturneria (Seymour Island, Antarctica) and Aristonectes (Chile, Argentina).
Palaeontology and Evolutionary Developmental Biology: A Science of the Nineteenth and Twenty–first Centuries
Authors: Hall Brian K.
Published: November 2003

A wind of change has swept through palaeontology in the past few decades. Contrast Sir Peter Medawar’s dismissive: ‘palaeontology is a particularly undemanding branch of science’ (as recalled by John Maynard Smith in Sabbagh 1999, p. 158) with ‘Palaeontology: grasping the opportunities in the science of the twenty–first century’, the title of a contribution to a special issue of Geobios by the Cambridge palaeontologist, Simon Conway Morris (1998a). The winds of change have come partly from palaeontologists seeking to broaden the impact of their studies and partly from biologists (neontologists) realizing the contributions that palaeontology can make to their disciplines. Consequently, impressions of past life preserved in stone are coming alive. Fossils are being described and analyzed using new tools and languages as the static fossil record becomes a record of transitions in patterns that can be explained and related to biological, ecological, climatic and tectonic changes. The latest addition is evolutionary developmental biology, or ‘evo–devo’, whose language provides a new basis upon which to interpret anatomical change, both materially and mechanistically. In this review I examine the major contributions made by palaeontology, how palaeontology has been linked to evolution and to embryology in the past, and how links with evo–devo have enlivened and will continue to enliven both palaeontology and evo–devo. Closer links between the two fields should illuminate important unresolved issues related to the origin of the metazoans (e.g. Why is there a conflict between molecular clocks and the fossil record in timing the metazoan radiation; were Precambrian metazoan ancestors similar to extant larvae or to miniature adults?) and to diversification of the metazoans (e.g. How do developmental constraints bias the direction of evolution; how do microevolutionary developmental processes relate to macroevolutionary changes?).
Cladistic Analysis of A Problematic Ammonite Group: the Hamitidae (Cretaceous, Albian–turonian) and Proposals for New Cladistic Terms
Authors: Monks Neale
Published: November 2003

The Hamitidae are a family of mid–Cretaceous heteromorph ammonites including lineages leading to four other families. Problems are outlined in trying to describe the phylogeny of completely extinct groups such as these heteromorph ammonites using the existing cladistic terminology, which is largely concerned with extant taxa and their ancestors. To solve these problems, two new terms are proposed: †crown groups and †stem groups, which are equivalent to crown and stem groups in terms of the evolutionary history of a clade, but are not defined on the basis of extant taxa. Instead they are defined by the topology of the phylogenetic tree, the †crown group being a clade defined by synapomorphies but which gave rise to no descendants. A †stem group is a branch of a phylogenetic tree which comprises the immediate sister groups of a given †crown group but is not itself a clade. Examples of these terms are described here with reference to the phylogeny of the Hamitidae and their descendants. The Hamitidae are paraphyletic and form †stem groups to a number of †crown groups, namely the Anisoceratidae, Baculitidae, Scaphitidae, and Turrilitidae. The definitions of the genera and subgenera are refined with respect to the type species and the clades within which they occur, and four new genera are described: Eohamites, Helicohamites, Sziveshamites, and Planohamites.
The First Articulated Trematosaur ‘amphibian’ from the Lower Triassic of Madagascar: Implications for the Phylogeny of the Group
Authors: Steyer J. Sébastien
Published: November 2003

The temnospondyl Wantzosaurus elongatus Lehman, 1961, from the Lower Triassic of Madagascar, is redescribed on the basis of a new specimen, which is the most complete trematosaur ever found. Detailed osteological observations and comparisons provide new data on the anatomy, ontogeny, palaeobiology and palaeoecology of this peculiar marine ‘amphibian’. The morphology of this aquatically readapted taxon is compared to that of marine ‘reptiles’: Wantzosaurus might have been able to swim by undulation. A phylogenetic analysis of the trematosaurs is performed for the first time and suggests that Wantzosaurus is a derived taxon within the clade Trematosauridae. The family is defined on the basis of derived character states and is shown to be monophyletic.
The Rutland Cetiosaurus: the anatomy and relationships of a Middle Jurassic British sauropod dinosaur
Authors: Upchurch Paul , Martin John
Published: November 2003

A relatively well–preserved specimen of Cetiosaurus oxoniensis, from the Middle Jurassic (Bajocian) of Rutland, United Kingdom, is described in detail. The material includes a nearly complete cervical series, representative dorsal vertebrae, a fragment of sacrum, anterior caudals, the right femur, and numerous rib and limb fragments. Contrary to previous suggestions that this specimen possesses 14 cervical and ten dorsal vertebrae, it seems more probable that there were at most 13 cervicals and at least 12 dorsals. The vertebral column displays several autapomorphic features which supplement the generic diagnosis of Cetiosaurus, including: (1) a stout, anteriorly directed process located at the top of the neural spine of the twelfth (?) cervical vertebra; and (2) the presence of lateral pits, separated by a thin midline septum, below the transverse processes of middle dorsal vertebrae. Cladistic analysis indicates that Cetiosaurus is probably the sister–taxon to the advanced neosauropod clade. This relationship affects the distribution of particular character states that have played an important role in determining sauropod phylogeny.
Poekilopleuron bucklandii, the theropod dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) of Normandy
Authors: Allain Ronan , Chure Daniel J.
Published: November 2003

Poekilopleuron bucklandii, described by Eudes–Deslongchamps in 1838, is one of the earliest discovered dinosaurs. Although incomplete, it is one of the best preserved Middle Jurassic theropods known from Europe. Unfortunately, the only specimen of P. bucklandii, housed in the Musée de la Faculté des Sciences de Caen, was destroyed during World War II. However, casts of some parts of the type skeleton have been found in the collections of the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris. These casts and Eudes–Deslongchamps’ monograph are used to redescribe the specimen. Poekilopleuron shares one synapomorphy with the Spinosauroidea and we tentatively assign it to that clade. The possible synonymy between Poekilopleuron and Megalosaurus is examined and we conclude that Megalosaurus is a nomen dubium and that the name should be restricted to the type dentary.
Heteromorph ammonites from the Tata Limestone Formation (Aptian–Lower Albian), Hungary
Authors: Szives O. , Monks N.
Published: November 2003

An important new ammonite fauna was collected by Fülöp in 1953 and 1960 from basal lenses between a Tithonian hardground and the overlying Tata Limestone Formation containing many heteromorph ammonites. This assemblage of ammonites has been determined as being of Early Albian (tardefurcata Zone) age. Among the heteromorphs are species of Tonohamites and Ptychoceras, which are familiar components of Late Aptian or Early Albian ammonite faunas. The genera Ephamulina, Hamites and Protanisoceras are also recorded, the earliest species of which had previously come from sediments of late Early Albian (mammillatum Zone) age. While Hamites and Protanisoceras are common in Europe, Ephamulina had previously only been known from Madagascar. The discovery of Ephamulina, Hamites and Protanisoceras supports the view that these phylogenetically significant ammonites had radiated close to the Aptian/Albian boundary. Four new species of Hamites (H. czaszari, H. fazekasensis, H. fueloepi and H. kalvariensis) and one new species of Tonohamites (T. boldii) are described.
Chiniquodontid cynodonts: systematic and morphometric considerations
Authors: Abdala Fernando , Giannini Norberto P.
Published: November 2003

Systematic and morphometric reappraisal of most specimens previously assigned to the cynodont clade Chiniquodontidae reveal that the group is diagnosed by two autapomorphies: (1) the distinctive angulation between the posterior portion of the maxillary and the anterior portion of the zygomatic arch and (2) very extended pterygoid flanges, ending in a thin projection; and a combination of features including: posterior postcanines sectorial with principal cusps backwardly recurved, and a long osseous palate. The species Chiniquodon theotonicus (including Belesodon magnificus, Probelesodon kitchingi, P. lewisi and P. minor) and C. sanjuanensis (comb. nov.) were the only recognised members of the family on the basis of qualitative characters. The South American species Cromptodon mamiferoides, Probainognathus jenseni and Thrinaxodon brasiliensis are thus excluded from the group, as are the African taxa Aleodon brachyrhamphus and Cistecynodon parvus. Allometric analysis of chiniquodontids sensu stricto reveals that: (1) all specimens can be confidently arranged in a single growth series, irrespective of their original species assignments; and (2) most of the measurements change isometrically with respect to skull length. Adults are virtually scaled–up juveniles, showing a deepened zygoma, a longer osseous palate, and a wider anterior muzzle in the canine region. Thus, allometric data reinforce the proposed synonymy of all forms, with the specific status of C. sanjuanensis supported by qualitative diagnostic traits.
Burlingiid trilobites from Norway, with a discussion of their affinities and relationships
Authors: Ebbestad Jan Ove R. , Budd Graham E.
Published: November 2003

Four Middle and Upper Cambrian burlingiid trilobites from the Oslo Region, Norway, are described including Burlingia angusta sp. nov. from the Ptychagnostus punctuosus Zone and Schmalenseeia athrotryphe sp. nov. from the lower part of the Lejopyge laevigata Zone. New complete material previously attributed to Schmalenseeia jagoi Whittington is assigned to Burlingia. Cladistic analysis supports the genera Burlingia and Schmalenseeia as currently understood, including the placement of the controversial middle Middle Cambrian Schmalenseeia acutangula Westergård in Schmalenseeia, even though it lacks typical characters of the genus such as the median ridge on the preglabellar field. The analysis also supports burlingiid monophyly, and suggests that Schmalenseeia was derived from a broadly Burlingia–like ancestor, with S. acutangula displaying how the transition may have occurred. The broader relationships of Burlingia remain obscure, although similarities between burlingiids and the arthropod Kleptothule from the Early Cambrian Sirius Passet fauna are discussed: these include overall form, lack of functional hinges in the thorax, and details of the cephalic region. It is unclear whether these similarities represent general progenetic features, are functional convergences or, less likely, represent a genuine relationship.
Structure, ontogeny, and moulting of the olenid trilobite Ctenopyge (Eoctenopyge) angusta Westergård, 1922 from the upper Cambrian of Västergötland, Sweden
Authors: Clarkson Euan N. K. , Ahlgren John , Taylor Cecilia M.
Published: November 2003

The genus Ctenopyge is known mainly from disarticulated sclerites and from rare complete specimens flattened in shales. Hitherto, very few specimens have been found preserved intact and in three dimensions. In a recently discovered fauna, however, in the Peltura minor Subzone in Västergötland, central Sweden, there occur several species of Ctenopyge, of which many are complete and superbly preserved; moreover they occur at all stages of growth. Of these the abundant Ctenopyge (Eoctenopyge) angusta Westergård, 1922 is described and reconstructed here as an adult, and the entire ontogeny is documented for all post–protaspid growth stages. Many characters typical of the adult, such as the long genal spines and the caudal spine, develop very early in ontogeny, and the relative dimensions of the cranidium do not greatly change during growth. Macropleural spines, however, develop later. The transitory pygidium, relatively large and shield–shaped in the early meraspid, later becomes very small as the ten thoracic segments are liberated; a median spine develops on the last thoracic segment only at the holaspid stage. Instar groupings can be clearly distinguished for the early stages. Recurrent associations of sclerites are interpreted as moulting configurations. As reconstructed, the genal spines are horizontal and parallel with the extended thorax; an adaptation which presumably allowed the trilobite to rest on the sea floor.
Early Cambrian lobopodian sclerites and associated fossils from Kazakhstan
Authors: Dzik Jerzy
Published: November 2003

A low diversity fossil assemblage dominated by Mongolitubulus spines, from the Early Cambrian Geres Member of the Shabakhty Formation at Koksu, Malyi Karatau, Kazakhstan, enables identification of its sclerite variability within the scleritome. No other sclerotised structures could be matched with the spines, indicating that these were the only sclerotised part of the body and were periodically shed. The prominent spines of Mongolitubulus have a scale–like external ornamentation and fibrous internal structure. Possibly they armed the body of a lobopodian similar to Xenusion. The Mongolitubulus spines belong to a series of Cambrian phosphatic fossils, the other end members of which are sclerites of Microdictyon, the second most abundant component of the Koksu assemblage. The latter superficially resemble schizochroal trilobite eyes, but in life covered the dorso–lateral sides of the body segments, as is evident from complete specimens from the Chinese Chengjiang locality. A pair of sclerites of Microdictyon, representing uncompleted exuviation, from Koksu show that each hole originally contained a non–phosphatised lenticular body. This makes a compound eye nature of the Microdictyon sclerites likely, and even their homology with arthropod eyes cannot be excluded.
Systematic position of Pollicina corniculum (Eichwald, 1860) (Mollusca, Tergomya) from the Middle Ordovician of the United Kingdom
Authors: Evans David H. , Cope John C. W.
Published: November 2003

Previously known only from the Middle Ordovician of the Baltic, Pollicina corniculum (Eichwald) is reported here from the Middle Ordovician of Wales and the Welsh Borderland. A review of the taxonomic position of Pollicina in the light of this new material combined with the recent redescription of the Russian type material suggests that it is best placed in the order Cyrtonellida of the molluscan class Tergomya.
A new burnetiamorph (Therapsida: Biarmosuchia) from the Lower Beaufort Group of South Africa
Authors: Rubidge Bruce S. , Kitching James W.
Published: November 2003

The basal clade Burnetiamorpha is known from only two specimens representing two genera, Proburnetia from the Severodvinskian horizon of the Vyatka River Basin in the Kotelnich district of Russia, and Burnetia from the Dicynodon Assemblage Zone of the Beaufort Group of South Africa. Both genera are of Late Tatarian (Late Permian) age. This paper describes the cranial morphology of a new genus of burnetiamorph, Bullacephalus, from the Late Permian Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone of the Beaufort Group of South Africa. It is known from a relatively complete skull and lower jaw and is the best preserved burnetiamorph yet discovered. Apart from being the oldest member of the clade, Bullacephalus is also morphologically the least derived and provides new evidence on the phylogeny of this poorly understood group of basal therapsids.
A new basal dicynodont from the Upper Permian of South Africa
Authors: Modesto Sean , Rubidge Bruce , Visser Ian , Welman Johann
Published: November 2003

The skull of a small anomodont therapsid, from the Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone (Abrahamskraal Formation, Beaufort Group, Upper Permian) in Northern Cape Province, South Africa, represents a new basal dicynodont and is described in detail. Colobodectes cluveri gen. et sp. nov. is distinguished from other dicynodonts by an anteroposteriorly extensive caniniform process, parietals that were broadly overlapped posterolaterally by posterodorsal processes of the postorbitals, diverging anterior palatal ridges, and a dorsoventrally low foramen magnum. A phylogenetic analysis indicates that Colobodectes is the basalmost member of a dicynodont clade that excludes Eodicynodon. This position is not particularly strong, as two additional steps are needed to make Colobodectes and Eodicynodon oosthuizeni exchange places on the most parsimonious tree. Another discovery of the phylogenetic analysis is that there is little basis for recognizing Eodicynodon oelofseni as the closest relative of E. oosthuizeni. The former species is identified as the sister taxon of a clade that includes the latter and all other dicynodonts.
Functional Morphology of Stylophoran Echinoderms
Authors: Lefebvre Bertrand
Published: November 2003

The life orientation and mode of life of stylophorans are a subject of much ongoing debate. Examination of the ornamentation occurring both on the arm and theca in several cornutes and mitrates strongly supports the view that the life orientation was similar in all stylophorans and was ‘flat‐surface down’. The presence of an asymmetrical ornamentation adapted to hinder, or minimize, back slippage of the organism in all stylophorans gives strong support to their interpretation as mostly sessile organisms, feeding with the arm facing the current and the theca downstream. The examination of a wide array of thecal morphologies and sculpture patterns displayed by the various groups of cornutes and mitrates allows the identification of three main modes of life in stylophorans: (1) an epibenthic mode of life, with the theca as main anchor to the substrate (e.g. asymmetrical cornutes, Diamphidiocystis); (2) an epibenthic mode of life, with the arm as main anchor to the sediment (e.g. symmetrical cornutes, Peltocystis, primitive Mitrocystitida, some Kirkocystidae); (3) an infaunal mode of life, with the theca buried in a slightly inclined attitude (e.g. some Kirkocystidae, Mitrocystitida with cuesta‐shaped ribs). The partially buried mode of life of Lagynocystis is intermediate between 2 and 3.
The trilobite family Nileidae: morphology and classification
Authors: Whittington H. B.
Published: November 2003

Species of genera currently referred to Nileidae are reviewed, and those of Hemibarrandia, Lakaspis, Peraspis and Symphysurina are excluded from the family. Nileidae are united in having a distinctive form of the hypostome, the glabellar organ, in the shallowness or absence of external furrows on the axial and pleural regions, and in the development of strong ventral ridges on the axial region. It is contended that the glabellar organ of nileids and illaenids may not be homologous with the glabellar tubercle of asaphids, that the median ventral suture is not exclusively a character of Asaphina, and doubt is cast on the identification of an asaphoid protaspis as being that of Nileus. These arguments provide a case for allying Nileidae with the Illaenidae, rather than with the Asaphina.
A Mid Devonian seed‐megaspore from East Greenland and the origin of the seed plants
Authors: Marshall John E. A. , Hemsley Alan R.
Published: November 2003

A new species of late Mid Devonian seed‐megaspore from East Greenland is described and named as Spermasporites allenii. The formerly monotypic genus Spermasporites is emended to accommodate this new species. Rare specimens of S. allenii, with near complete sporangial contents, occur together with specimens showing proximally adhering microspores. These demonstrate that S. allenii was contained within a sporangium exhibiting extreme anisospory, which is interpreted here as functionally bisexual. This is a key element in understanding its reproductive function. The megaspore was shed along with some attached microspores giving it potential for both cross‐ and self‐fertilization. This confers the advantages of heterospory without recourse to separate micro‐ and megasporangia. This provides a more likely mechanism for seed plant origin than the archaeopteridalean sporangium reduction model. Ultrastructural study of the megaspore wall confirms the progymnosperm affinity of S. allenii. Comparable forms include the Frasnian Spermasporites devonicus and the Famennian seed‐megaspores isolated from Archaeosperma arnoldii.
Evolutionary morphology of oblique ribs of bivalves
Authors: Checa Antonio G. , Jiménez‐Jiménez Antonio P.
Published: November 2003

Fossil bivalves bearing oblique ribs first appeared in the Mid Ordovician but their diversity remained low during the Palaeozoic. The diversity soon increased after the Early Triassic, peaking in the Early Cretaceous. The Palaeozoic–Mesozoic record is dominated by burrowing bivalves (mainly pholadomyoids and trigonioids), which developed oblique ribs with symmetric profiles, probably adapted for shell reinforcement, although there are indications that the ribs of trigonioids also enhanced burrowing efficiency. After the Paleocene, the main groups of burrowing bivalves were veneroids (primarily tellinoideans and lucinoideans) and nuculoids, which generated oblique ribs of the shingled type, adapted to increase burrowing efficiency. The inferred change in function at the Mesozoic/Cenozoic boundary can be correlated with an increase in mean mobility of the bivalve faunas bearing oblique ribs through time. This implies a major ecological cause for the observed temporal patterns, which forced bivalve faunas to burrow more rapidly and efficiently. In particular, either the Phanerozoic increase in the diversity of durophagous predators or the accelerating rate of sediment reworking (both being a consequence of the Mesozoic Marine Revolution), or both, could have provided the necessary evolutionary force.
Wasatchian (Early Eocene) pollen floras from the Red Hot Truck Stop, Mississippi, USA
Authors: Harrington Guy J.
Published: November 2003

Sediments at the Red Hot Truck Stop (RHTS), Mississippi, USA are important because they contain the lowest latitude record of both the earliest known Eocene plant and mammal fossils in North America. The RHTS contains the uppermost Tuscahoma Formation and the lowermost part of the basal Bashi and Hatchetigbee formations. The Tuscahoma Formation is composed of glauconitic sands and silts that represent estuarine to shallow marine sediments. Faunal remains indicate that the RHTS section belongs to the Wasatchian North American land mammal age and specifically to the lower Graybullian subdivision. Pollen and spore floras from the RHTS are moderately diverse (113 taxa) and contain families that today are associated with warm‐adapted vegetation types such as Annonaceae, Bombacaceae, Burseraceae and palms. Eocene first occurrences are represented by Brosipollis sp., Celtispollenites sp., Interpollis microsupplingensis, cf. Nuxpollenites psilatus, Platycarya spp., Retistephanocolporites sp. and Symplocos? contracta and by one genus of pteridophyte spore (Granulatisporites sp.). The overall composition and within‐sample diversity of the sporomorph flora is more similar to the Hatchetigbee Formation (early Eocene) than to the middle Tuscahoma Formation (late Palaeocene) but among‐sample diversity remains unchanged across the Palaeocene/Eocene boundary. The distinct composition of the RHTS demonstrates that floral change across the Palaeocene/Eocene boundary is complex and composed of several phases of floral change.
The Middle Jurassic flora from Stonesfield, Oxfordshire, UK
Authors: Cleal C. J. , Rees P. M.
Published: November 2003

The Stonesfield ‘Slate’ of Oxfordshire has yielded a diverse Middle Jurassic flora, containing 25 morphospecies, dominated by remains of araucariacean and cheirolepidiacean conifers, bennettitaleans, and leaves of the possible gymnosperm Pelourdea. It mainly represents coastal vegetation, which included mangrove‐like stands of Ptilophyllum, and conifers probably growing in lowland coastal habitats that were subjected to periodic water‐stress. The Pelourdea leaves may have drifted in from drier, more upland habitats. The flora is similar, but not identical to, the slightly older floras from the Cotswold ‘Slate’ of Gloucestershire, such as from Eyeford and Sevenhampton. Also comparable are the contemporaneous floras preserved in marine deposits in France and the Venetian Alps of Italy. It is quite different from the Middle Jurassic flora of Yorkshire, which is thought to represent vegetation growing in deltaic habitats. The new combinations Ptilophyllum pectiniformis (Sternberg), Komlopteris speciosa (Ettingshausen) and Pachypteris macrophylla (Brongniart) are proposed for species found at Stonesfield. Nilssoniopteris solitarium (Phillips) comb. nov. is proposed for the species previously named Nilssoniopteris vittata (Brongniart). Taeniopteris vittata Brongniart is retained as the type species of Taeniopteris, a morphogenus to be used for entire cycadophyte leaves that cannot be definitely assigned to the cycads or bennettitaleans. Conites is shown to be an earlier nomenclatural synonym of Bucklandia, to be used for casts and compressions of cycadophyte stems. This requires a number of new combinations for species that have hitherto been included in Bucklandia: Conites anomala (Stokes and Webb), C. gigas (Seward), C. indica (Seward), C. milleriana (Carruthers), C. pustulosa (Harris) and C. yatesii (Carruthers).
A tyrannosauroid dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic of Portugal
Authors: Rauhut Oliver W. M.
Published: November 2003

Fragmentary theropod remains from the Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) of Guimarota, Portugal, represent a new taxon of theropod dinosaurs, Aviatyrannis jurassica gen. et sp. nov. Together with Stokesosaurus from the Morrison Formation of North America, Aviatyrannis represents the oldest known tyrannosauroid, indicating that tyrannosauroid origins may be found in the Middle–Late Jurassic of Europe/North America. Furthermore, current evidence suggests that early tyrannosaurs were rather small animals, which is in general accordance with their origin amongst the generally rather small coelurosaurs.
Osteology and relationships of the genus Spaniodon (Teleostei, Salmoniformes) from the Santonian (Upper Cretaceous) of Lebanon
Authors: Taverne Louis , Filleul Arnaud
Published: November 2003

The genus Spaniodon is decribed in detail. Contrary to previous authors, we have only recognized two species, S. elongatus and S. latus. Spaniodon shows the synapomorphies of clupeocephalans, protacanthopterygians and salmoniforms. Its relationships among salmoniforms are still undecided, although it could be closely related to the Osmeroidei. The main character that supports this grouping is the dermal part of the mesethmoid formed by the partial fusion of a pair of lateral dermethmoids, whereas the rostral is absent. These conclusions are also supported by a global phylogenetic study of the teleosts.
Spinicaudatans and ostracods (Crustacea) from the Montceau Lagerstätte (Late Carboniferous, France): morphology and palaeoenvironmental significance
Authors: Vannier Jean , Thiéry Alain , Racheboeuf Patrick R.
Published: November 2003

Spinicaudatans and ostracods form two components of the diverse arthropod fauna from the Montceau Lagerstätte (Stephanian, France). Spinicaudatans are represented by Montcestheria orri gen. and sp. nov. and Euestheria feysi sp. nov., and ostracods by a single species, Carbonita sp. aff. salteriana (Jones, 1862). Allied forms such as Montcestheria sp. aff. orri, Montcestheria sp. and Euestheria cebennensis (Grand'Eury, 1890), all from coeval localities in France, are also described. Montcestheria gen. nov. has carapace features, external (possibly sexual) dimorphism, preserved soft parts (e.g. appendages, gut) and resting eggs similar to those of Recent spinicaudatans, suggesting comparable lifestyles, reproductive strategies and feeding modes. Detailed anatomical comparisons are made with Cyzicus tetracerus from Recent ephemeral freshwater ponds. The ostracods belong to the Superfamily Carbonitoidea, which is a recurrent component of Carboniferous non‐marine biotas. Spinicaudatan‐rich assemblages typically occur in several Westphalian–Stephanian Lagerstätten (including Montceau) and localities from Europe and North America, where freshwater conditions prevailed, indicating that the group had already colonized continental waters by the Late Carboniferous. Similarities with the fauna from Recent temporary freshwater ponds (e.g. low diversity/high density spinicaudatan‐ostracod populations, synchronous spinicaudatan populations developing from resting eggs, high diversity/low density insects, amphibians) suggest the presence of temporary or ephemeral aquatic environments at Montceau as part of a complex limnic ecosystem. Flooding may have been the main driving force by which faunal and floral elements drifted away from their respective biotopes into the depositional areas, thus explaining the co‐occurrence of terrestrial (e.g. myriapods, scorpions, plants), amphibian and aquatic (e.g. conchostracans and syncarids from temporary and permanent settings, respectively) elements in fossil assemblages.
PRODUCTION AND NUTRIENT REMOVAL BY PERIPHYTON GROWN UNDER DIFFERENT LOADING RATES OF ANAEROBICALLY DIGESTED FLUSHED DAIRY MANURE1
Authors: Kebede‐westhead Elizabeth , Pizarro Carolina , Mulbry Walter W. , Wilkie Ann C.
Published: November 2003

Growing algae to scrub nutrients from manure presents an alternative to the current practice of land application and provides utilizable algal biomass as an end product. The objective of this study was to assess algal growth, nutrient removal, and nitrification using higher light intensities and manure loading rates than in the previous experiments. Algal turfs, with periphyton mainly composed of green algal species, were grown under two light regimes (270 and 390 μmol photons·m−2· s−1) and anaerobically digested flushed dairy manure wastewater (ADFDMW) loading rates ranging from 0.8 to 3.7 g total N and 0.12 to 0.58 g total P·m−2·d−1. Filamentous cyanobacteria (Oscillatoria spp.) and diatoms (Navicula, Nitzschia, and Cyclotella sp.) partially replaced the filamentous green algae at relatively high ADFDMW loading rates and more prominently under low incident light. Mean algal production increased with loading rate and irradiance from 7.6±2.71 to 19.1±2.73 g dry weight· m−2·d−1. The N and P content of algal biomass generally increased with loading rate and ranged from 2.9%–7.3% and 0.5%–1.3% (by weight), respectively. Carbon content remained relatively constant at all loading rates (42%–47%). The maximum removal rates of N and P per unit algal biomass were 70 and 13 mg·g−1 dry weight·m−2·d−1, respectively. Recovery of nutrients in harvested algal biomass accounted for about 31%–52% for N and 30%–59% for P. Recovery of P appeared to be uncoupled with N at higher loading rates, suggesting that algal potential for accumulation of P may have already been saturated. It appears that higher irradiance level enhancing algal growth was the overriding factor in controlling nitrification in the algal turf scrubber units.
RELATIVE INCREASE OF DEOXY SUGARS DURING MICROBIAL DEGRADATION OF AN EXTRACELLULAR POLYSACCHARIDE RELEASED BY A TROPICAL FRESHWATER THALASSIOSIRA SP. (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Giroldo Danilo , Vieira Armando Augusto Henriques , Paulsen Berit Smestad
Published: November 2003

The aim of this study was to characterize the extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) released by a freshwater Thalassiosira sp. (Bacillariophyceae) and evaluate their degradation by heterotrophic microbial populations from the same habitat of Thalassiosira sp., a tropical eutrophic reservoir. The EPS were purified by anion exchange column chromatography, the monosaccharide composition was determined by GC, and the linkages of the monosaccharides by GC‐MS. The EPS is a mannose‐rich heteropolysaccharide composed of two different acidic fractions. Both of these fractions are composed of mannose, rhamnose, fucose, xylose, galactose, glucose, glucuronic acid, and N‐acetyl glucosamine but with different proportions. N‐acetyl galactosamine occurs only in fraction 1 and galacturonic acid only in fraction 2. We monitored the concentrations of the monosaccharides in the EPS during its degradation using pulse amperometric detection in an HPLC. The decay patterns of the monosaccharides were varied and the deoxy sugars, fucose and rhamnose, were degraded at a slower rate than the other components, increasing their relative concentrations and the hydrophobic feature of the EPS. The possibility of a selective degradation, which enhances the stickiness of the EPS, promoting transparent exopolymeric particles and aggregate formation, is discussed based on the literature data.
ASTAXANTHIN ACCUMULATION IN HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS (CHLOROPHYCEAE) AS AN ACTIVE PHOTOPROTECTIVE PROCESS UNDER HIGH IRRADIANCE1
Authors: Wang Bing , Zarka Aliza , Trebst Achim , Boussiba Sammy
Published: November 2003

Green cells of Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow accumulate the ketocarotenoid astaxanthin under stress conditions, such as high irradiance, nutrient deficiency, high salinity, and high temperature. Though some photoprotective mechanisms have been suggested, the function of astaxanthin in red cysts is still questioned. We studied the role of astaxanthin in photoprotection by inducing its formation in logarithmically growing cultures by high irradiance, thus avoiding unrelated processes that can occur in H. pluvialis when carotenogenesis is induced by other stresses. On exposure to high irradiance, the green Haematococcus culture turned red as lipid globules loaded with astaxanthin esters were formed and concentrated at the periphery of the cell. During this phase of induction, the photosynthesis rates remained high, but the amount of the D1 protein of PSII was significantly reduced. The decline in D1 protein content stopped after 1 day; the level then increased, returning to normal after 5 days. The response of the D1 protein was indicative of a transitional phase in the acclimation of Haematococcus to high light. The formation and deposition of astaxanthin seemed to prevent further reduction in D1 protein level, thus enabling the cell to maintain PSII function and structural integrity. This result seems to be a clear indication of the light screening by astaxanthin, which absorbs light in the blue region, thus protecting the photosynthetic apparatus. When the cells recovered from the high light stress, the astaxanthin globules concentrated around the nucleus, indicating that the pigment also serves as a physicochemical barrier, protecting the replicating DNA from oxidation as the cells divide.
WEIGHING THE EVIDENCE FOR A SINGLE ORIGIN OF PLASTIDS1
Authors: Stiller John W.
Published: November 2003

The Journal of Phycology recently published a research paper entitled “A single origin of plastids revisited: convergent evolution in organellar genome content” (Stiller et al. 2003). Also appearing in that issue was a minireview by Jeffrey D. Palmer (Palmer 2003), “The symbiotic birth and spread of plastids: how many times and whodunit?” In his review, Palmer discussed evidence in support of a single endosymbiotic origin, in light of our analyses showing that similarities in plastid genome content are explained better by convergent evolution than by shared evolutionary history. Palmer raised a number of important issues that were not addressed in our paper, including the point that, in his view, no real evidence has been cited against a single plastid origin. After carefully considering Palmer's arguments, and this key point in particular, I am prompted to offer a few additional comments in the spirit of furthering a useful discussion begun in the February issue.
THE ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF SOME MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON1
Authors: Ho Tung‐Yuan , Quigg Antonietta , Finkel Zoe V. , Milligan Allen J. , Wyman Kevin , Falkowski Paul G. , Morel François M. M.
Published: November 2003

We analyzed the cellular content of C, N, P, S, K, Mg, Ca, Sr, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Cd, and Mo in 15 marine eukaryotic phytoplankton species in culture representing the major marine phyla. All the organisms were grown under identical culture conditions, in a medium designed to allow rapid growth while minimizing precipitation of iron hydroxide. The cellular concentrations of all metals, phosphorus, and sulfur were determined by high‐resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR‐ICPMS) and those of carbon and nitrogen by a carbon hydrogen nitrogen analyzer. Accuracy of the HR‐ICPMS method was validated by comparison with data obtained with 55Fe radioactive tracer and by a planktonic reference material. The cellular quotas (normalized to P) of trace metals and major cations in the biomass varied by a factor of about 20 among species (except for Cd, which varied over two orders of magnitude) compared with factors of 5 to 10 for major nutrients. Green algae had generally higher C, N, Fe, Zn, and Cu quotas and lower S, K, Ca, Sr, Mn, Co, and Cd quotas than coccolithophores and diatoms. Co and Cd quotas were also lower in diatoms than in coccolithophores. Although trace element quotas are influenced by a variety of growth conditions, a comparison of our results with published data suggests that the measured compositions reflect chiefly the intrinsic (i.e. genetically encoded) trace element physiology of the individual species. Published field data on the composition of the planktonic biomass fall within the range of laboratory values and are generally close to the approximate extended Redfield formula given by the average stoichiometry of our model species (excluding the hard parts):

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While clearly this elemental stoichiometry varies between species and, potentially, in response to changes in the chemistry of seawater, it provides a basis for examining how phytoplankton influence the relative distributions of the ensemble of major and trace elements in the ocean.
Platelet storage solution improves the in vitro function of preserved platelet concentrate
Authors: Karnicki K. , Johnson C. , St Cyr J. , Ericson D. , Rao G.
Published: November 2003

Background and Objectives  Stored platelets develop biochemical lesions, manifest as depressed haemostatic function, clot retraction and wound healing. ViaCyte™, a proprietary experimental preservative solution (comprising d‐ribose, d‐glucose, Hanks solution, Hepes solution, bovine serum albumin, tic anticoagulant peptide and sterile water), was tested in comparison with the presently accepted storage solution, citrate–dextrose–phosphate–plasma (CDP‐P), to evaluate its ability to preserve platelet function during storage.

Materials and Methods  Platelets stored in ViaCyte and platelets suspended in CDP‐P were transferred to polypropylene tubes with PL732 covers and analysed for adenine nucleotide levels (ATP molecules), in vitro agonist‐mediated P‐selectin expression and aggregation.

Results  After 5 days of storage at room temperature, 12·2% of platelets stored in ViaCyte exhibited P‐selectin expression at rest, and 64·2% exhibited P‐selectin expression upon activation with thrombin challenge, an increase of 52%. Platelets stored in CDP‐P exhibited 44·4% P‐selectin expression at rest, suggesting significant activation during storage, and thrombin stimulation resulted in P‐selectin expression of 47·9%, an increase of only 2·5% (P ≤ 0·002, untreated vs. treated). ViaCyte also maintained ATP levels throughout the storage period, while these levels became depressed in platelets stored in CDP‐P (P ≤ 0·02, untreated vs. treated). Storing platelets in the experimental preservative solution maintained their ability to aggregate, while control platelets lost their ability to aggregate in response to agonist.

Conclusions  ViaCyte appears to protect platelets during storage, reflected by a low level of induced lesions. Platelets stored in ViaCyte maintain energy levels at their resting state, which preserves their ability to aggregate and se crete granule contents, and ensures the availability of additional platelets for activation upon in vitro challenge.
A global standard for anti‐D immunoglobulin: international collaborative study to evaluate a candidate preparation
Authors: Thorpe S. J. , Sands D. , Fox B. , Behr‐Gross M.‐E. , Schäffner G. , Yu M. W.
Published: November 2003

Background and Objectives  The aim of the study was to evaluate a lyophilized anti‐D immunoglobulin preparation to serve as a global standard for potency assays of anti‐D immunoglobulin products.

Materials and Methods  The candidate global standard, 01/572, was calibrated against the World Health Organization (WHO) International Reference Preparation (IRP) for anti‐D immunoglobulin, human (68/419), along with two reserve candidate reference preparations, in an international collaborative study involving 25 laboratories in 15 countries. The United States Food and Drug Administration (US‐FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) Standard for anti‐D immunoglobulin, Lot 3, was included for comparison. Most laboratories (20/25) performed AutoAnalyser methodology, competitive enzyme‐linked immunoassay (EIA) and/or flow cytometry.

Results  The overall mean potency of the candidate global standard, 01/572, was 284·5 international units (IU)/ampoule, with an interlaboratory variability, expressed as a percentage geometric coefficient of variation (% gcv), of 9·7. The mean potency of the US Standard was 859·4 IU/ml with an interlaboratory variability of 9·5% gcv, excluding an outlier. The mean potencies of the reserve preparations per ampoule/vial were 110·6 IU and 106·7 IU when calibrated against the IRP, and 112·2 IU and 106·6 IU when calibrated against 01/572, respectively, with interlaboratory % gcv values of 9·6–18·3 (excluding outliers).

Conclusions  Preparation 01/572 proved more suitable for use as a global standard than the reserve candidate preparations and was established, with an assigned potency of 285 IU/ampoule, by the WHO as the 2nd International Standard for anti‐D immunoglobulin; by FDA‐CBER as the Standard for anti‐D immunoglobulin, Lot 4; and by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) as the 1st Biological Reference Preparation for anti‐D immunoglobulin.