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The algal genus Vitinellopsis nov. gen. is well represented in the Silurian limestones of Gotland (Sweden). This new taxon is interpreted as a calcified codiacean alga (Chlorophyta, Bryopsidales). In the studied material, the calcareous wall of sparry calcite, probably originally aragonitic, appears well preserved. The subcylindrical thallus, with rounded ends, rarely bifurcated, measures up to 27 mm long and 2.5 mm wide. The medullar zone exhibits 4-6 longitudinal, subtly undulating siphons; the subcortical zone shows inflated, vesiculiform radial siphons, and the cortical zone displays small, relatively short acrophorous siphons. The status of the tribe Vitinelleae nomen novum, formerly Bothryelleae, is discussed. Given its abundance, ease of identification, and short stratigraphic range, Vitinellopsis gotlandica nov. gen., nov. sp. may prove useful for regional correlations, facies and paleobiogeographic studies.

Dragastanella transylvanica n. gen. n. sp. is described. Its calcified skeleton contains numerous voids, partly related to the molds of soft parts of the alga, but also related to lack of calcification. Interpretation of these voids, especially their attribution to original structures (e.g., primary lateral versus reproductive organ), has important implications for the taxonomic position of the alga, even at the family level. Examination of key sections that include the boundary between sterile and fertile parts of the alga excludes the occurrence of external reproductive organs. Unusual, paired pores in the outer part of the mineralized skeleton reflect an asymmetry within the whorl, excluding the presence of secondary laterals. The alga is characterized by a cylindrical to club-shaped thallus bearing only phloiophorous primary laterals arranged in whorls and flaring outwards, forming a cortex. Mineralized lenticular reproductive organs containing cysts set in the equatorial plane (Russoella-type gametophores) occur inside primary laterals (cladosporous arrangement of the reproductive organs). These characters support establishment of the new genus Dragastanella. Dragastanella transylvanica n. gen. n. sp. resembles species previously referred to Zittelina (Zittelina hispanica and Zittelina massei) and Triploporella (Triploporella matesina and Triploporella carpatica). Except for Triploporella carpatica, whose mineralized skeleton does not permit confident attribution to either Triploporella or Dragastanella n. gen., the other species must be ascribed to Dragastanella n. gen. Therefore, the following new combinations are proposed: Dragastanella hispanica n. comb., Dragastanella massei n. comb., and Dragastanella matesina n. comb. Despite widely overlapping biometrical measurements, these species can be differentiated by the size and location of their reproductive organs, the pattern of calcification around the primary laterals, and relationships among structural parameters such as the size of laterals, number of laterals per whorl, and distance between whorls.

The Anisian depositional history in the Western Tethys realm provides the possibility to study the stepwise opening of the Neo-Tethys, and is well preserved in the sedimentary record of the Northern Calcareous Alps. Whereas the depositional characteristic in the Early (to early Middle) Anisian is characterized by shallow-water carbonates, formed in a semi-restricted environment, the situation changed in the Middle Anisian. A rapid increase of subsidence resulted in an abrupt deepening event with deposition of deeper-water limestones, in some cases even with chert nodules, sometimes with resedimented shallow-water debris intercalated in radiolaria-filament wackestones, or with clayey or marly intercalations. This abrupt deepening, termed the Annaberg Event, is followed by a shallow-water carbonate evolution. The deeper-water limestones can be dated by conodonts and shallow-water organisms like calcareous algae or foraminifera from the resedimented intercalations as Late Bithynian to Early Pelsonian. In contrast to the Early Anisian microbial carbonates, formed under semi-restricted conditions, the Middle Anisian (Pelsonian) shallow-water carbonates were formed under fully marine influence and a diverse fauna and flora was, therefore, able to counterbalance the rapid subsidence by increasing carbonate production. During Middle Anisian times, the newly tectonically created accommodation space became rapidly filled by shallow-water carbonates. At the end of the Middle Anisian (Late Pelsonian), the final break-up of the Neo-Tethys led to a rapid decrease of carbonate production and widespread deposition of deep-marine and condensed limestones. This drowning event (Reifling Event) was accompanied by the formation of a horst-and-graben morphology, dated by conodonts and ammonoids as late Middle Anisian from overlying condensed limestones. In contrast to the well-known drowning event in the late Middle Anisian, precursor events to the final oceanic break-up of the Neo-Tethys have not yet been described, but play an important role in the reconstruction of the opening history of the Neo-Tethys. This knowledge gap is filled by the analysis of exactly datable sedimentary successions in the central Northern Calcareous Alps.

Orbitolinopsis flandrini Moullade, 1960, was described from Lower Cretaceous Urgonian limestones of southeastern France without the designation of a holotype. It represents a valid taxon since the selection of a holotype is only obligatory for taxa established after 1999 (ICZN, 4th edition, article 72.3). Today the original description is considered to be a mixture of several taxa belonging to Orbitolinopsis Henson, 1948/Cribellopsis Arnaud-Vanneau, 1980 (transverse sections with cupules/septules in the central zone) and Drevennia Arnaud-Vanneau, 1980 (axial sections with an axial "columella-like" column). The short and in any case insufficient original description of O. flandrini, however, stressed the presence of a columellar-like central test as the main characteristic feature. In fact, the majority of the (sub)axial sections showing an axial column (lacking in Orbitolinopsis) are considered to belong to Drevennia (Family Pfenderinidae). Therefore, the new combination Drevennia flandrini (Moullade, 1960) is proposed and a lectotype herein designated from the original illustrations. Drevennia ecougensis, the type-species of the genus, is found to be a subjective junior synonym of the latter. New finds from Serbia and Spain extend the stratigraphic range of D. flandrini, from the upper Berriasian to the lowermost upper Aptian. The first occurrences of Drevennia, Dobrogelina Neagu, 1979, Pfenderina Henson, 1948, and Moulladella Bucur & Schlagintweit, 2018, in the upper Berriasian give evidence for an adaptive radiation of the Pfenderinidae during the time reported and from other, mostly complex larger benthic foraminifera (e.g., Orbitolinidae).

An exploratory borehole cross-cutting Miocene deposits near Derezna (south of Kučevo town, Eastern Serbia) has intercepted Lower Cretaceous carbonate rocks in its lower part. The identified microfacies and micropaleontological associations indicate a Barremian age for these limestones. Among the identified dasycladalean algae, Salpingoporella patruliusi Bucur, a generally rare alga, is here recorded in relatively high abundance. Its occurrence is recorded for the first time in Serbia. Similiclypeina aff. somalica (Conrad et al.) is another dasycladalean species identified for the first time in the region. Its presence allows us to make some remarks concerning the two genera Similiclypeina and Piriferella.

A rich poriferan assemblage was identified within the easternmost part of the Getic Carbonate Platform of Romania (Grădiștei Gorges). The excellent preservation state of most poriferans here led to the discovery of a new species (Neuropora gigantea Pleș & Schlagintweit, n. sp.) and to the identification of previously unknown diagnostic features in some species (Sarsteinia babai Schlagintweit& Gawlick, 2006 emend., Neuropora lusitanica Termier, 1985, Sphaeractinia steinmanni Canavari, 1893). Calciagglutispongia yabei Reitner, 1992, Sarsteinia babai and Sphaeractinia steinmanni are reported forthe first time from the Upper Jurassic carbonates of the Getic Carbonate Platform. The sedimentary input fluctuations and the nutrient competition had an important role in understanding the morphological adaptations of the analysed species. The existing palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental conditions generated different distribution patterns towards the reef profile and also preferential adaptations to a specific Tethyan domain. As opposed to the poriferan assemblages from the northern Tethyan shelves, these organisms formed sponge-coral-microencruster boundstones at the margins and fore-reefal zones of isolated carbonate platforms within the intra-Tethyan realm. The importance of calcified sponges in reef-zonation is highlighted by the establishment of a general zonation model. Three zones can be distinguished: 1) Cladocoropsis-Milleporidium zone (back-reef area); 2) Bauneia-Chaetetopsis-Parastromatopora zone (central reef area); and 3) Sphaeractinia/Ellipsactinia-Neuropora zone for the fore-reef area. In the absence of a true reef framework these calcified sponges developed typical morphologies, environmental adaptations and partnerships with other biotic groups which strongly influenced the carbonate production throughout the intra-Tethyan domain.

Barkerina dobrogiaca Neagu (Valanginian of Romania), a medium-sized complex benthic foraminifera, is described from the Valanginian of the Pontides, NE Turkey. Barkerina dobrogiaca differs from the type-species B. barkerensis Frizzell & Schwartz (Albian of Texas) by its small size, and comparably thin septula and test wall. The present paper is a further contribution to the knowledge of inventory and faunal assemblages of Valanginian shallow-water carbonates. Compared to the classical Urgonian (Hauterivian to lower Aptian) these are still incompletely known. Together with another form reported from the Barremian of Romania, it also shows that representatives of Barkerina Frizzell & Schwartz are well present in the Neotethysian realm.

A new benthic foraminifera is described as Bispiraloconulus serbiacus gen. et sp. nov. from Berriasian shallow-water carbonates of the Kurilovo area, eastern Serbia. Above all it is characterized by its centimeter-sized arborescent test. With the exception of its morphology, all other test characteristics are reported from Spiraloconulus Allemann & Schroeder (Aalenian-Berriasian) of the family Hauraniidae, subfamily Amijellinae. In the current classifications of the Foraminiferida, test morphology is considered an important criterion at the generic and subgeneric level. The morphology of Bispiraloconulus gen. nov. necessitates a suprageneric emdendation to include arborescent-shaped foraminifera that display an exoskeleton (subepidermal network). Besides Spiraloconulus, Bispiraloconulus gen. nov. can be compared with the Cretaceous branching genera Bireophax Bolli, Thomasinella Schlumberger, and Torremiroella Canerot & Brun.

Diplopora johnsoni and Selliporella neocomiensis are often considered synonymous. The two taxa share the same pattern consisting in a cylindrical, articulated biomineralised skeleton bearing whorls of short primary laterals followed by numerous long, trichophorous, secondary laterals. An exhaustive study, entailing a review of Praturlon's type-material of Diplopora johnsoni, displays the different framework and biometry between them. Therefore, the two species are considered separate taxa. Moreover, a controversial generic attribution of the two taxa is highlighted in literature: Selliporella neocomiensis has been attributed to both the genus Pseudoclypeina and to the genus Selliporella, while Diplopora johnsoni has been assigned to the genus Pseudoclypeina. Regarding the comparison between the genera Selliporella and Pseudoclypeina, and their respective type species, there is no doubt that Diplopora johnsoni and Selliporella neocomiensis display the closest affinity with Selliporella (short primary laterals and trichophorous secondary laterals) and not with Pseudoclypeina (long phloiophorous primary laterals and phloiophorous secondary laterals). Thus, the two taxa are ascribed to the genus Selliporella. The former species is named Selliporella johnsonii n.comb. Further relevant results show that Selliporella johnsonii and Selliporella neocomiensis display a different chronostratigraphic distribution. In the Apennine Carbonate Platform (southern Apennines, Italy), Selli-porella johnsonii has been well calibrated through high-resolution C-isotope stratigraphy and biostratigraphy as revealed in previous studies. This taxon constitutes a peculiar bioevent set between the end of the Weissert event and the Valanginian−Hauterivian boundary, thus may serve as a possible instrument in locating the Weissert event in the field. On the other hand, Selliporella neocomiensis found in the Getic Carbonate Platform (South Carpathians, Romania), appears to characterise the Berriasian stage.

Middle Triassic dasycladalean algae occur in limestones and dolstones of the Diplopora Beds in Upper Silesia, a region representing the southern part of the Germanic Basin. The dasycladales assemblage of this area was studied by Kotanski at the end of the last century, mostly from dolomitized and weathered material. The relatively well-preserved specimens the authors found in thin sections from undolomitized strata allowed the description and revised taxonomical assignment of the algae. The identified microflora includes: Diplopora annulatissima Pia, 1920, Diplopora annulata (Schafhautl, 1853), alpingoporella cf. krupkaensis Kotanski, 2013, Physoporella prisca Pia, 1912, Physoporella cf. pauciforata (Gumbel, 1872), Holosporella ? sp. 1, and Holosporella ? sp. 2. Diplopora annulatissima and Favoporella annulata Sokac, 1986 are regarded here as two different species. Oligoporella elegans Assmann ex Pia, 1931, extensively illustrated and described by Kotanski (2013), is considered a junior synonym of Oligoporella prisca Pia, 1912, and transferred to the genus Physoporella emended by Grgasovic, 1995. Also, some of the dasycladalean algae ( Salpingoporella cf. krupkaensis , Holosporella ? sp. 1, and Holosporella ? sp. 2) described here could represent new species, but more well-preserved material is necessary. The algae are accompanied by foraminiferal microfauna, which collectively indicate a late Anisian (Illyrian) age of the strata studied.

In the foraminiferal tree, the genus Neotrocholina Reichel, 1955 appears as an oddity. It is the only known post-Paleozoic enrolled tubular foraminifer with a test described as exclusively hyaline-radial calcitic. Its taxonomic affinity and phylogenetic relationships have been a matter of debate for over 60 years. Regarded as a potential ancestor for rotaliid foraminifers, it has been alternatively positioned in the orders Spirillinida Hohenegger & Piller, 1975 and Involutinida Hohenegger & Piller, 1977, which are yet defined as calcitic monocrystalline and aragonitic, respectively. In spite of its great potential to solve part of the foraminiferal macroevolution, little is known about the genus Neotrocholina. Based on the study of various excellently preserved materials, including type specimens, we prove that Neotrocholina possesses a composite test made of two calcitic layers, with distinct optical characteristics. In cross-polarized light, the outer part of the test shows a radial crystalline arrangement but the tube wall displays unit extinction, a feature characteristic of monocrystalline spirillinid foraminifers. Similar wall types are observed in Bancilina Neagu, 1995, Hungarillina Blau & Wernli, 1999, Ichnusella Dieni & Massari, 1966, Radiospirillina Blau & Wernli, 1999, and Spirilliconus Blau & Wernli, 1999, which are here encompassed in the subfamily Neotrocholininae n. subfam., together with Neotrocholina. Through an in-depth systematic revision, including comprehensive synonymy lists and the description of two new species (Ichnusella senerae n. sp. and Neotrocholina theodori n. sp.), this manuscript provides new taxonomic, phylogenetic, and stratigraphic schemes and keys for representatives of the here introduced subfamily Neotrocholininae n. subfam.

Boueina hochstetteri Toula (type-species of the genus) was published by Toula (1884) in the 10th report of his travel through the Balkan region. He considered this species to be a problematic organism with uncertain systematic affiliation. Later, Steinmann (1901) assigned this fossil to the calcareous algae. Our own field work performed in the autumns of 2015 and 2016 in the Pirot area (SE Serbia) led to re-identification of the rich Boueina hochstetteri type level, close to the confluence of the Temska and Nisava Rivers, the type locality of Toula. The rich Boueina level is part of a succession of bioclastic limestones. The fragments of Boueina thalli are occasionally branched, a feature supporting the interpretation of Boueina as an inarticulate udoteacean alga with rare branching.

We carried out combined micropaleontological, microfacies and multivariate statistical analyses of benthic foraminiferal assemblages on a previously undocumented lowermost Cretaceous carbonate succession from the western part of the Getic Carbonate Platform (Pui-Banița zone, Southern Carpathians). The microfacies analysis and interpretations suggest that these limestones were developed under peritidal settings within different zones of a shallow-water inner platform paleoenvironment (bioclastic grainy bars, subtidal–intertidal flats and intertidal–supratidal ponds), where benthic foraminifera, microbial microstructures and calcareous algae were the main carbonate producers. The well-preserved micropaleontological content (mostly benthic foraminiferal assemblages) is important for lowermost Cretaceous Neotethyan biostratigraphy and allows the recognition of the Valanginian stage within this part of the Getic Carbonate Platform. The multivariate data processing (diversity indices, cluster analyses and principal components analyses) performed on the benthic foraminifera assemblages provide valuable information about their compositional patterns, diversity trends and spatial distribution with respect to the main facies zones. The results obtained through these analyses are extremely useful for the recognition of common/different paleoecological features and for a more precise interpretation of depositional paleoenvironments.

Analysis of eight outcrops from Rarau Massif (Eastern Carpathians, Romania) revealed a rich assemblage of encrusting organisms mostly of problematic biological affiliation within platform-margin facies – Crescentiella morronensis , Radiomura cautica , Koskinobullina socialis , Pseudorothpletzella schmidi , Lithocodium aggregatum and bacinellid structures, encrusting calcified sponges ( Calcistella jachenhausenensis , Neuropora lusitanica ) and foraminifera ( Coscinophragma cribrosa ). Orbitolinids, calcareous green algae and rudists assign an early Aptian age (Bedoulian) for the studied limestones. In terms of species variety, abundance and structural microfabrics the studied microencruster association show similarity with the Upper Jurassic communities from reef and peri-reefal sedimentary settings. Comparisons with such assemblages are emphasized here. The presence of the sporolithacean and peyssonneliacean red algae ( Sporolithon rude and Polystrata alba ) contributes also to the construction of superimposed crusts. Even if the known stratigraphic range of the microencrusters is not strictly limited to the late Jurassic, reports of comparable associations in Urgonian-type facies is poorly documented. Therefore, it exemplifies the resistance and flourishing events of many encrusters throughout the Mesozoic.

A new larger benthic foraminifera is described as Banatia aninensis n. gen., n. sp. (Family Pfenderinidae Smout & Sugden) from upper Barremian Urgonian-type shallow-water carbonates of the Resita – Moldova Noua Zone, southwestern part of Romania. The low to medium trochospiral test of Banatia n. gen. is characterized by marginally undivided chambers and a wide axial part. The latter is made up of pillars continuous between successive chambers and a labyrinthic endoskeleton (plates and pillars) with a fine canal system between. Banatia n. gen. is compared with Pfenderina Henson, Pseudopfenderina Hottinger, and Accordiella Farinacci. The new taxon occurs in algal-foraminiferal wackestones interpreted as deposits of an internal lagoonal realm. So far unrecorded in the literature, the taxon might be paleogeographically restricted (endemic).

The Hagimas Massif provides important data for reconstructing the geological evolution of the Transylvanian Carbonate Platform. This unit is present nowadays in the basement of the Transylvanian Depression and as large-scale olistoliths, which crop out in various locations in the Eastern Carpathians and Apuseni Mountains. They contain a large variety of microfacies as well as microfossil assemblages partly encompassing the Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary. This study presents a detailed account of uppermost Jurassic-lowermost Cretaceous limestones from the Lapos Valley (Haghimas Mountains) containing two distinct successions separated by a fault. The first succession contains platform margin and inner platform deposits (subtidal, intertidal) whereas the second one consists of inner platform deposits (shallow-subtidal to peritidal carbonates). The Upper Jurassic Stramberk-type facies is overlain by lower Berriasian regressive peritidal limestones. The upper Berriasian-? lower Valanginian consists mainly of inner platform deposits. They contain alternating, high and low-energy carbonates with rare calpionellids and calcispheres. The age assignment is based on a rich and diverse micropaleontological assemblage containing similar biota reported from other regions of the Tethysian Realm.

The carbonate succession of the Piatra Craiului Massif, i.e., the eastern part of the Getic carbonate platform (Southern Carpathians, Romania), comprises reefal and peritidal limestones that contain a diverse microfossil assemblage composed mainly of calcareous green algae and benthic foraminifera. The biostratigraphically most significant benthic foraminifera found in the several sections studied are described; some (Anchispirocyclina lusitanica, Neokilianina rahonensis, Bramkampella arabica, Everticyclammina praekelleri) are reported for the first time in this area. Hence, assemblages of both foraminifera and calcareous algae characterize three biostratigraphic intervals in the studied succession, the Kimmeridgian - lower Tithonian, the upper Tithonian - lower Berriasian, and the upper Berriasian - ? lower Valanginian intervals. The main microfacies types (bioclastic rudstone, coral-microbial boundstone, bioclastic grainstone, interbedded mudstones and wackestones with cyanobacteria nodules) as well as both the foraminifera and the calcareous algae are paleoecological indicators that may contribute to the decipherment of the depositional environments and to building a depositional model for the eastern part of the Getic carbonate platform at the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous transition.

Pianella turgida , originally described from Cenomanian limestones of the external Dinarids, was subsequently transferred to the genus Salpingoporella . In the middle of the last century, Varma described the genus Morelletpora with Morelletpora nammalensis as type species from the Paleocene of India. Varma considered the new alga to be articulated, with club-shaped segments and only first order laterals. This foundation of Morelletpora was questioned for a long time. Attribution of a second species to Morelletpora , Morelletpora dienii , from the uppermost Cretaceous of southern Italy by Parente, reopened discussion of the genus. Subsequently, Barattolo attributed Salpingoporella turgida to Morelletpora , as Morelletpora turgida nov. comb., and considered the species as being “structurally similar to M. dienii ”. Recent studies of Lower Cretaceous deposits from Iran revealed the existence of numerous, well-preserved specimens of Morelletpora turgida in the upper Barremian-Aptian Taft Formation of the Ardekan–Hersisht and Anarak areas of central Iran. These specimens allow a thorough morphological re-description of this alga and provide clear evidence for both the segmented character of the thallus and the characteristic shape of the laterals. These new data reinforce the assignment of this alga to Morelletpora , adding observations that support emendation of the diagnosis. Morelletpora turgida has been identified in limestones of Barremian-Cenomanian age from numerous regions representing the southern and central part of the Tethyan Domain.

A new complex larger benthic Foraminifera is described as Cantabriconus? meridionalis n. sp. (?Family Coskinolinidae Moullade) from lower Aptian Urgonian-type shallow-water carbonates of the Resita – Moldova Noua zone, southwestern part of Romania. In the literature this form has been assigned to both genera Falsurgonina Arnaud-Vanneau & Argot and Montseciella Cherchi & Schroeder. With its prominent, eccentric initial trochospire, undivided marginal zone, and pillars in the central zone it cannot be included either in the genera Falsurgonina Arnaud-Vanneau & Argot, nor Urgonina Foury & Moullade, or even Montseciella Cherchi & Schroeder. Due to some doubts about the wall structure (solid or pseudo-keriothecal?), the form is here tentatively assigned to the genus Cantabriconus Schlagintweit et al. becoming its possibly third representative apart from the type-species C. reocinianus (upper Aptian–lowermost Albian of Spain, type-species), and C. altaretae (Arnaud-Vanneau) (lower Barremian).

Algal-rich limestones have been identified during fieldwork at Zawali (Shameran) Mountain, Darbandikhan, Iraq. The algae occur within an 8-m thick interval of fine-grained gray limestone in the lower part of the Khurmala Formation (Upper Paleocene-Lower Eocene). In this area, the Khurmala Formation is 170 m thick and consists mostly of poorly fossiliferous dolomitic lagoonal limestone. Thin intervals contain gastropods, pelecypods, foraminifers (e.g., miliolids, soritids, rotaliids, and rare nummulitids), and calcareous green algae. One of these levels consists almost exclusively of fertile ampullae of a bornetellacean dasycladalean alga. Here we define it a new organ-species: Frederica kurdistanensis nov. sp.

The Mesozoic limestones of Piatra Craiului Massif were deposited in the Dâmbovicioara sedimentary area, at the eastermost part of the Getic carbonate platform. In order to study the microfacies and to provide a more detailed biostratigraphy, we sampled the carbonate succession from Piatra Craiului Massif along several sections. The identified microfacies point to reef slope, carbonate platform margin or restrictive, lagoon-type internal depositional environments. Some of the identified microfossils are biostratigraphic markers for the Tithonian-Lower Valanginian. The calcareous algae form associations typical for reef slopes and internal platforms. The latter can be subdivided into: (1) restrictive environments (low-energy subtidal-intertidal), dominated by rivulariacean-type cyanobacteria, and (2) open-marine environments (moderate to high-energy subtidal) where dasycladalean algae are more frequent.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:14:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-10-01 The Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene genus Trinocladus that is based on T. tripolitanus Raineri, 1922, originally described from Libyan material, is morphologically well constrained. Its species are commonly distinguished on the basis of their biometrics. However, the narrow Gaussian distribution reported for some measurements may result from post-mortem dynamic sorting as suggested by a review of the surrounding microfacies. An examination of Brazilian material of the type-species suggests a slightly club-shaped thallus morphology. Two “false Permocalculus” species originally described by Johnson and the type-material of which has been reexamined are formally reascribed to the genus Trinocladus. T. budaensis, the smallest one, has slightly club-shaped thallus, too. T. elliotti is poorly mineralized and insufficiently documented. In addition to T. tripolitanus, Raineri described a tiny species which was later revised by Pia, i.e., Dissocladella ondulata. D. bonardii, a name recently introduced by Radoičić et al. and which is based on Raineri’s original material, is considered here as an objective junior synonym of D. ondulata. Dépt. STU Fac. Sci. Tech UBO, CS 93837 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology The University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue Department of Geology and Center for Integrated Geological Studies Babeş-Bolyai University, M. Kogălniceanu str., 1 Center for Geosciences Applied to Petroleum (UNESPetro) and Departamento de Geologia Aplicada UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Av. 24 A, no. 1515, Bela Vista, Caixa Postal 178 Center for Geosciences Applied to Petroleum (UNESPetro) and Departamento de Geologia Aplicada UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Av. 24 A, no. 1515, Bela Vista, Caixa Postal 178

Epiphytaceans occur in Late Jurassic shallow-marine reef limestones at several localities in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. These calcified dendritic microfossils are well-preserved in sparry calcite as sub-millimetric radial clusters of narrow well-defined filaments, 10–30 μm in diameter that show dichotomous branching and consist of dense dark micrite, locally with tubiform structure. Epiphytaceans are widely interpreted as photosynthetic algae or bacteria, but their precise affinities remain elusive and the group may be heterogeneous. These Late Jurassic examples most closely resemble Cambrian Tubomorphophyton and Late Devonian Paraepiphyton . We interpret them to be calcified cyanobacterial sheaths. Post-Devonian records of epiphytaceans are extremely scarce. The Kimmeridgian–Tithonian specimens reported here represent one of the youngest known occurrences of epiphytaceans. Their highly sporadic geological distribution resembles that of marine calcified cyanobacteria, which show Phanerozoic abundance peaks in the Early Paleozoic, Late Devonian–Mississippian, and Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. We propose that Kimmeridgian–Tithonian epiphytacean cyanobacteria reflect environmental conditions that favored bioinduced calcification, in particular elevated seawater carbonate saturation state.

Lower Cretaceous orbitolinid assemblages from Central Iran yield various bioerosional structures. The omnipresent traces of different boring taxa and groups ( e.g ., sponges, calcimicrobes, incertae sedis) represent a characteristic feature of the investigated thin-section material. The assemblage can be attributed to the Entobia ichnofacies dominated by borings assigned to the activity of sponges. The boring galleries are often concentrated in a plane parallel to the test surface, along the boundary of the marginal and the central zone of the orbitolinid tests. The borings are observed in foraminiferan-dasycladalean wackestones to poorly washed-out packstones, which can be referred to a subtidal palaeoenvironment.

The larger benthic foraminifer Torremiroella hispanica Brun and Canerot, 1979, so far only known from its type-locality in southern Spain, is described from the Late Barremian–Early Aptian of Central Iran (Ardakan and Yazd areas). It is reported from foraminiferan pack- to grainstones associated with Balkhania balkhanica Mamontova, 1966, dated as early Aptian (Bedoulian). A review of the literature data suggests that both are typical northern Tethyan faunal components as indicated also by the assemblages of orbitolinid foraminifers and dasycladalean algae.

Current culture methods based on monocultures under phototrophic regimes are prone to contamination, predation, and collapse. Native cultures of multiple species are adapted to the local conditions and are more robust against contamination and predation. Growth, lipid and biomass productivity of a Louisiana native coculture of microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) and cyanobacteria (Leptolyngbya sp.) in heterotrophic and mixotrophic regimes were investigated. Dextrose and sodium acetate at C:N ratios of 15:1 and 30:1 under heterotrophic (dark) and mixotrophic (400 μmol m−2 s−1) regimes were compared with autotrophic controls. The carbon source and C:N ratio impacted growth and biomass productivity. Mixotrophic cultures with sodium acetate (C:N 15:1) resulted in the highest mean biomass productivity (156 g m−3 d−1) and neutral lipid productivity (24.07 g m−3 d−1). The maximum net specific growth rate (U) was higher (0.97 d−1) in mixotrophic cultures with dextrose (C:N 15:1) but could not be sustained resulting in lower total biomass than in mixotrophic cultures with acetate (C:N 15:1), with a U of 0.67 d−1. The ability of the Louisiana coculture to use organic carbon for biomass and lipid production makes it a viable feedstock for biofuels and bioproducts.

The new orbitolinid foraminifer, Praeorbitolina claveli n.sp., is described from the Lower Ap- tian (Bedoulian) of Central Iran. It is characterized by an eccentric embryonic apparatus displaying both a subdivided subembryonic zone and a deuteroconch. The Barremian-Aptian orbitolinid association of this area has a typical northern Tethyan character (e.g., "association a Valserina" of CHERCHI and SCHROEDER, 1973).

Lower Cretaceous limestones from Bicaz Gorges (Eastern Carpathians, Romania), developed in Urgonian facies, frequently contain dasycladalean algae. In limestone samples collected from the eastern sector of the Bicaz Gorges, we have identified a large dasycladalean alga that we assign here to a new species and genus: Andreiella rajkae nov. gen. nov. sp. The general morphological features and the calcification pattern distinguish this new alga from previously known dasycladaleans with two orders of laterals.

The dasycladalean green alga Triploporella remesi (Steinmann) is redescribed based on material collected from the Kotouč quarry near Štramberk (Moravia, Czech Republic), probably corresponding to the type locality. The alga is Tithonian–early Berriasian in age according to the age assigned to the Štramberk Limestone. The new material, in addition to the detailed description of Steinmann, indicates that the short club-shaped calcareous skeleton probably represents the fertile upper part of a far longer club-shaped thallus. The well-developed phloiophorous primary laterals are similar to those of other species of Triploporella in having a proximal cylindrical sterile part followed by a stronger distal cylindrical fertile part. Secondary phloiophorous laterals probably combined to create a cortex at their distal ends. The simple undivided spores inferred by previous authors are shown to be recrystallized cyst containers.

Shallow-water carbonates from the Lower Cretaceous (upper Aptian) of the Subpiatra Quarry (Apuseni Mountains, west Romania) contain a new species of lituolid foraminifera of the genus Bulbobaculites. The new foraminifer is characterized by a streptospiral initial part, followed by a rectilinear adult stage and a test-wall composed of agglutinated micritic grains. Within the Subpiatra limestones, three main facies can be distinguished: (a) coastal and littoral, (b) open-shelf/lagoon, and (c) shelf margin with bioconstructions and bioclastic shoals. The lower part of the succession contains facies typical for peritidal environments, with both low- and high-energy subtidal limestones, overlain by thinly bedded supratidal limestones. The middle part of the section contains dominantly subtidal limestones assigned to the open-shelf system, whereas the upper part consists of micro-reefs with corals and rudists interlayered with bioclastic shoals. In terms of microfacies, the new species of Bulbobaculites is most common in bioclastic grainstone/rudstone and floatstone/packstone assigned to the coastal/littoral and lagoonal facies.

This study describes seventeen non-geniculate coralline algal species (orders Corallinales, Hapalidiales and Sporolithales) from the middle Miocene (lower-middle Badenian) red-algal limestones of the Transylvanian Basin, Gârbova de Sus Formation. For the description and identification at species level, we follow the common diagnostic features used for fossil species and some characters that are used as diagnostic for modern species (roof morphology for asexual conceptacles, the presence/absence of a layer of elongated cells below sporangial compartments and number of cells in paraphyses for Sporolithon, and measurements of gametangial and carposporangial conceptacles). Female conceptacles of Spongites fruticulosus Kutzing are for the first time described in fossil material. We propose the attribution of Lithophyllum platticarpum Maslov to Spongites fruticulosus Kutzing as a gametangial thallus with male conceptacles.

Recent studies on the Lower Cretaceous deposits located in various areas of the Romanian Carpathians resulted in the identification of several specimens of dasycladalean algae assigned to the genus Triploporella including Triploporella carpatica Bucur, Triploporella cf. praturlonii Barattolo, Triploporella cf. steinmannii Barattolo, Triploporella sp. 1, Triploporella sp. 2, and Triploporella n. sp. This paper provides arguments on their taxonomic assignment, together with discussions on the Triploporella species described in the literature and their paleobiogeographic significance.

Departement des Sciences de la Terre et de l'Univers UFR des Sciences et Techniques Universite de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO), 6 avenue Le Gorgeu, CS 93837, 29238 Brest Cedex 3

New material collected in Albian and Cenomanian strata from Brazil helps us to better understand the structure of a poorly known dasycladacean alga, Holosporella nkossaensis P. Masse, in Bull Centr Rech Explor-Prod elf aquitaine, 19: 301–317, 1995: each of its fertile laterals, which are regularly arranged in verticils along the cylindrical algal thallus, consists of a distally inflated primary bearing two vesicular ampullae in terminal position. These traits are not known in representatives of the genus Holosporella Pia, 1930 nor in any genera described to date. On this basis, we introduce the new genus Brasiliporella with Brasiliporella nkossaensis emend. nov. comb. as its type-species. We also discuss the systematic affinity of the new taxon: it is ascribed to the Tribe Batophoreae, and in a broader manner the current paleontological ‘interpretation of the concept’ (in French: ‘acception’) of the Order Dasycladales, with the creation of two new families and accordingly with the emendation of two other families.

A rich association of calcareous algae is described from the Lower Cretaceous (Barremian–? Lower Aptian) deposits of the Taft Formation, located south of Aliabad (in the vicinity of Yazd, central Iran). The association mainly consists of dasycladaleans and bryopsidales (udoteaceans and gymnocodiaceans); additionally, rare “solenoporaceans” and cyanophyceans are present. Three new species are described: two are dasycladaleans (Pseudoactinoporella? iranica and Holosporella farsica) and one is an udoteacean (Boueina minima). Many of the described and illustrated algae are mentioned for the first time from Iran.

This study refers to some problems regarding the lithological succession, facies and carbonate microfacies, and to biostratigraphic markers of the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous carbonates from Bihor Mountains. Three types of facies (external marginal facies, subtidal and peritidal facies) were separated for the Upper Jurassic, and two (coastal-peritidal and open shelf facies) for the Lower Cretaceous carbonates. The micropaleontological assemblages identified contain species that allow the separation of the two formations of different age: Labyrinthina mirabilis, Kurnubia palastiniensis, Neokilianina rahonensis, Clypeina sulcata (Kimmeridgian-Lower Tithonian) and Parakoskinolina? jourdanensis, Montseciella arabica, Palorbitolina lenticularis, Falsolikanella danilovae (Barremian – Lower Aptian). Field observations and data obtained from studies on thin sections and polished slabs indicate that a large part of the Triassic (Ladinian-Lower Carnian) and Lower Cretaceous limestones from Gârda Seacă-Hodobana region, delimited on the geological maps 1:50 000 scale, sheets 56b (Poiana Horea) and 56d (Avram Iancu) (Bleahu et al., 1980; Dimitrescu et al., 1977), belong in fact to the Upper Jurassic carbonate succession.

An assemblage of calcareous algae (dasycladaleans and halimedaceans) is described from the Upper Cenomanian to Lower Turonian of the Galala and Maghra el Hadida formations (Wadi Araba, northern Eastern Desert, Egypt). The following taxa have been identified: Dissocladella sp., Neomeris mokragorensis RADOICIC & SCHLAGINTWEIT, 2007, Salpingoporella milovanovici RADOI C I C , 1978, Trinocladus divnae RADOICIC, 2006, Trinocladus cf. radoicicae ELLIOTT, 1968, and Halimeda cf. elliotti CONARD & RIOULT, 1977. Most of the species are recorded for the first time from Egypt. Three of the identified algae (T. divnae, S. milovanovici and H. elliotti) also occur in Cenomanian limestones of the Mirdita zone, Serbia, suggesting a trans-Tethyan distribution of these taxa during the early Late Cretaceous. The abundance and preservation of the algae suggest an autochthonous occurrence which can be used to characterize the depositional environment. The recorded calcareous algae as well as the sedimentologic and palaeontologic context of the Galala Formation support an open-lagoonal (non-restricted), warm-water setting. The Maghra el Hadida Formation was mainly deposited in a somewhat deeper, open shelf setting. Calcareous algae (Halimeda cf. elliotti CONARD & RIOULT) are restricted to one level in the uppermost Lower Turonian which indicates a brief return to shallow-water deposition after a significant deepening with maximum flooding during the early Early Turonian.

International audience; inoporella leei was first described and illustrated by Yabe in 1949 as a new species and was ascribed to a new subgenus of the genus Triploporella (Steinmann). This alga was not illustrated again until Mu published 25-years later a photomicrograph of a longitudinal-tangential section. The recent finding of new specimens in Permian strata of the Guangxi region (South China) allows us to better illustrate this alga, and to improve our understanding of its morphology to the extent that we find it necessary to emend the current diagnosis. The new observations focus mainly on the morphology of the second-order laterals, on their relationship to the first-order laterals, and the connection of the first-order laterals to the main stem. These data suggest that Sinoporella represents a self-standing, discrete genus that differs from Triploporella. We also consider the lack of cystophores (cyst containers sensu De Castro) and the possible occurrence of individual cysts in the first order laterals as characteristics that do not accord with Barttolo's emended diagnosis of Triploporella.

In this contribution we show our results on the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense concerning the growth of this bacterium in batch cultures, biochemical analysis (proteins an...

Calcareous Albian-Cenomanian strata in the Potiguar basin yield a number of microfossils, among which are calcareous algae (Dasycladales and Corallinales). This data, together with an inventory of previous discoveries, enabled the discussion of their biogeography. These benthic organisms probably came from the early Central Atlantic Ocean through its northwestern neck between Africa and South America and thus reached the early South Atlantic platforms.

Three fragments of reproductive caps have been discovered in the Sarmatian limestones of Tinnye (Hungary). They are assigned to the genus Acetabularia (Polyphysaceae, formerly Acetabulariaceae). Two of these fragments are quite well preserved with nine rays each. One specimen bears distinct spines at the outer ends of long rays, whereas another one has short rays with rounded outer ends and, possibly, a partially preserved corona. The third fragment is characterized by very elongated rays containing numerous gametangia.

A study of calcareous strata previously assigned to the Barremian-Early Aptian interval in the northwestern part of P?durea Craiului, (Apuseni Mountains), led to the identification of a micropaleontological association indicative of a Late Aptian age. Unequivocal evidence for the Late Aptian assignment of these limestones is the presence throughout the sequence of two orbitolinid species, Mesorbitolina texana (ROEMER) and Mesorbitolina subconcava (LEYMERIE). The most interesting sections are located in the neighbourhood of Subpiatr?, where both outcrops and a quarry facilitated detailed analyses. In this area, the Upper Aptian succession consists basically of three types of macrofacies: 1, limestone with rudists; 2, limestone with Bacinella and 3, limestone with corals, each of them showing several types of microfacies. Bacinella structures are the most common feature in the whole succession, irrespective of the macrofacies. This paper focuses on an algal association that was identified in several levels within the succession. Dasycladalean algae are more frequent, and are commonly found in grain-dominated fabrics (mostly grainstone textures), in association with orbitolinid foraminifera and bioclasts of corals, rudists and gastropods. However, a few species are present only in mud-dominated fabrics (i.e. lower-energy intervals). The dasycladalean association from the Upper Aptian deposits of P?durea Craiului is of special interest, for this group registered a dramatic decline at the Lower Aptian/Upper Aptian boundary, as confirmed by the relative scarcity of the Dasycladales in the Upper Aptian carbonate deposits.

Hemp fiber is a strong natural fiber similar to flax, kenaf, and ramie, possessing very good fiber quality and physical properties of strength, durability, and absorbency. Hemp fiber has been increasingly used for making nonwoven composites that are ideal for the production of biobased auto interior parts. This paper studies the physical properties of a hemp/polypropylene composite and compares these properties with those of a kenaf/polypropylene composite, a ramie/polypropylene composite, and a bagasse/polypropylene composite. The hemp/polypropylene nonwoven was produced by carding and needle-punching techniques and was thermo-bonded to form a hemp composite. Tensile and bending properties were measured using an Instron tensile tester. Dynamic mechanical properties were tested using a DMS instrument. The thermal property was analyzed using a TG instrument. A preliminary study on the ability of the hemp fiber composite to resist termite attack was also conducted. In comparison, the hemp composite...

The Metallic nanoparticles synthesis by cyanobacteria presents chronological scientific results on one of the most dynamic topic concerning biogenic production of nanoparticles. After a very short and general presentation of nanoparticles and cyanobacteria, in the context of (bio)nanotechnology, a synopsis on cyanobacteria utilization to produce metallic nanoparticles is presented, focused on their biological implications, advantages and disadvantages, as well as on future prospects.

The use of cellulosic fibers, such as cotton, kenaf, ramie, jute, flax, and bagasse, in the manufacturing of nonwoven composites for a variety of automotive parts, such as headliners, wall panels, and trunk liners, can significantly enhance their ‘end of life’ biodegradability and also improve their thermal insulation properties. Currently, automotive nonwovens are made from synthetic, petro-based polymer materials that are not biodegradable, thus creating significant environmental problems. Three different sets of ‘sandwich-type’ nonwoven materials are manufactured by layering the cellulosic webs, with recycled thermoplastic synthetic fibers and/or using readily biodegradable binders such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Eastar Biocopolymer (EBC). A ‘steady state’ heat flow meter is used for the evaluation of the thermal insulation properties of these biodegradable, low-cost nonwoven composites. The results show that the thermal insulation properties of cellulosic-based nonwoven composite materials vary significantly, depending on the type of the vegetable fibers, the ratios of the cellulosic to synthetic fibers, the nature and quantity of the binder, the design, and the resulting bulk density of the composites.

The relationship between algae and depositional environment was studied in a limestone succession of Berriasian–Valanginian age. Several depositional environments were recorded from shallow subtidal to intertidal and supratidal, with salinity ranging from normal marine to fresh and/or supersaline water. The algal assemblages consist mainly of dasycladaleans, rivulariacean-type cyanobacteria and charophytes. Nipponophycus (Bryopsydales) and Lithocodium-Bacinella (microproblematicum), occur at some levels. Dasycladaleans are associated with subtidal, sometimes restricted (“lagoonal”) environments, while rivulariacean-like cyanobacteria and charophytes characterise intertidal-supratidal and fresh and/or supersaline environments, respectively. Among the dasycladaleans, Salpingoporella annulata is often related to restricted environments where it forms monospecific assemblages. Large dasycladaleans, such as Selliporella neocomiensis, Macroporella praturloni and Pseudocymopolia jurassica are found in subtidal high-energy deposits (bioclastic grainstones). The relationship between environment and algae, characteristic for each depositional unit, can be used to interpret the relative sea-level variations.

An increasing industrial interest is applications of kenaf and ramie fiber nonwovens for making automotive interior trim parts because of their excellent strength and renewability. This paper presents a study on the manufacture and evaluation of the kenaf/ramie nonwoven composite for this automotive end use. Carding, needle-punching, and wet bonding were used to fabricate the composite. End-use performance of the composite, in terms of tensile strength, thermal conductivity, dynamic mechanical property, and bonding structure, was tested using a series of instruments in accordance with the ASTM methods. Bonding performance of the polyvinyl alcohol binder and acrylic copolymer binder was also compared. Research results revealed that the acrylic-copolymer bonded composite was significantly anisotropic in both tensile and bending deformation and the polyvinyl-alcohol bonded composite was significantly anisotropic only in bending deformation. For the acrylic-copolymer bonded composite, increase of padding times helped enhance tensile properties. The acrylic-copolymer bonded composite also exhibited a better performance in dynamic thermal mechanical deformation but indicated insignificant difference of thermal conductivity compared to the polyvinyl-alcohol bonded composite.

2 ABSTRACT. Two sections have been measured within the Lower Cretaceous deposits from the northern part of Padurea Craiului: Osoiu Hill section and Subpiatra section. Thin sections representing more than 180 samples allowed us to present some results on the biostratigraphy, facies succession and the role of microbial structures in the genesis of these limestones. The Osoiu Hill section is dominated by fenestral limestones formed in the intertidal or in the shallow subtidal zone. Their formation is dominantly related to microbial mats. Based on foraminiferal assemblages we attribute a Lower Barremian age to these limestones. The succession in the Subpiatra section is dominated by shallow facies with rudists, corals and Bacinella. These limestones contain Mesorbitolina texana a foraminifer which indicate Gargasian age. A more dense spectrum of microbial structures characterize this section: thrombolitic crusts, Bacinella-Lithocodium type structures, cryptic carbonate marine veneers and rivulariacean-like cyanobacteria. The microbial structures played an important role in the genesis of carbonate sediments and their lithification in the two sections.