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Sachs S, Madzia D, Thuy B, Kear BP. The rise of macropredatory pliosaurids near the Early-Middle Jurassic transition. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17558. [PMID: 37845269 PMCID: PMC10579310 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43015-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of gigantic pliosaurid plesiosaurs reshaped the trophic structure of Mesozoic marine ecosystems, and established an ~ 80 million-year (Ma) dynasty of macropredatory marine reptiles. However, the timescale of their 'defining' trait evolution is incompletely understood because the fossil record of gigantic pliosaurids is scarce prior to the late-Middle Jurassic (Callovian), ~ 165.3 Ma. Here, we pinpoint the appearance of large body size and robust dentitions to early-Middle Jurassic (Bajocian) pliosaurids from northeastern France and Switzerland. These specimens include a new genus that sheds light on the nascent diversification of macropredatory pliosaurids occurring shortly after the Early-Middle Jurassic transition, around ~ 171 Ma. Furthermore, our multivariate assessment of dental character states shows that the first gigantic pliosaurids occupied different morphospace from coeval large-bodied rhomaleosaurid plesiosaurs, which were dominant in the Early Jurassic but declined during the mid-Jurassic, possibly facilitating the radiation and subsequent ecomorph acme of pliosaurids. Finally, we posit that while the emergence of macropredatory pliosaurids was apparently coordinated with regional faunal turnover in the epeiric basins of Europe, it paralleled a globally protracted extinction of other higher trophic-level marine reptiles that was not completed until after the earliest-Late Jurassic, ~ 161.5 Ma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Sachs
- Abteilung Geowissenschaften, Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld, Adenauerplatz 2, 33602, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Daniel Madzia
- Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00818, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ben Thuy
- Department of Palaeontology, Natural History Museum Luxembourg, 25, rue Münster, 2160, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Benjamin P Kear
- The Museum of Evolution, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 16, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
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2
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Madzia D, Sachs S, Klug C. Historical significance and taxonomic status of Ischyrodon meriani (Pliosauridae) from the Middle Jurassic of Switzerland. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13244. [PMID: 35415018 PMCID: PMC8995022 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischyrodon meriani is an obscure pliosaurid taxon established upon an exceptionally large tooth crown of a probable Callovian (Middle Jurassic) age that originates from Wölflinswil, Canton of Aargau, Switzerland. Despite being known for almost two centuries, the specimen remains poorly researched. Historically, I. meriani has been associated, or even considered conspecific, with Pliosaurus macromerus and Liopleurodon ferox. However, neither of the two hypotheses have been tested through detailed comparisons or using modern quantitative methods. Here, we redescribe the type of Ischyrodon meriani, illustrate it, and compare to teeth of thalassophonean pliosaurids, with special focus on Jurassic representatives of the clade. Multivariate analyses show close similarities to L. ferox but comparable structures to those of I. meriani, including a distinctive pattern of the apicobasal ridges, are also observable in some mid-Cretaceous brachauchenines from the 'Polyptychodon' assemblage of East and South East England. While it is likely that I. meriani represents a Liopleurodon-like taxon, or is indeed conspecific with L. ferox, which would make I. meriani the proper name for the species, any such taxonomic considerations are hindered by the fragmentary nature of the type specimens of both these taxa as well as limited knowledge of the dental variability within and between individual jaws of L. ferox. Currently, I. meriani is best treated as a nomen dubium. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of I. meriani being conspecific with L. ferox, and additionally provide a commentary on the taxonomic status of Liopleurodon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Madzia
- Department of Evolutionary Paleobiology, Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sven Sachs
- Abteilung Geowissenschaften, Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian Klug
- Paläontologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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3
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Bastiaans D, Madzia D, Carrillo-Briceño JD, Sachs S. Equatorial pliosaurid from Venezuela marks the youngest South American occurrence of the clade. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15501. [PMID: 34326353 PMCID: PMC8322105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94515-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pliosaurids were the dominant macropredators in aquatic environments at least since the Middle Jurassic until their extinction in the early Late Cretaceous. Until very recently, the Cretaceous record of Pliosauridae has been poor and difficult to interpret from the taxonomic and phylogenetic perspective. Despite that the knowledge of Cretaceous pliosaurids improved in recent years, numerous aspects of their evolutionary history still remain only poorly known. Here, we report the first pliosaurid material from Venezuela. The taxon is most likely earliest Cenomanian in age, thus representing the youngest occurrence of Pliosauridae from South America. The Venezuelan taxon is based on a well-preserved tooth crown whose morphology and outer enamel structural elements appear to resemble especially those observable in the giant pliosaurid Sachicasaurus vitae from the Lower Cretaceous of Colombia. The new discovery extends the pliosaurid record on the continent by more than 10 million years and likely marks the southernmost Upper Cretaceous occurrence of Pliosauridae, worldwide. We also briefly discuss the affinities of the enigmatic Venezuelan elasmosaurid Alzadasaurus tropicus and highlight similarities to elasmosaurids from the Western Interior Seaway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Bastiaans
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Palaeontological Institute and Museum, University of Zürich, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Madzia
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Jorge D. Carrillo-Briceño
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Palaeontological Institute and Museum, University of Zürich, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sven Sachs
- Abteilung Geowissenschaften, Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld, Adenauerplatz 2, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany
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4
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Martin A, Hassan-Loni Y, Fichtner A, Péron O, David K, Chardon P, Larrue S, Gourgiotis A, Sachs S, Arnold T, Grambow B, Stumpf T, Montavon G. An integrated approach combining soil profile, records and tree ring analysis to identify the origin of environmental contamination in a former uranium mine (Rophin, France). Sci Total Environ 2020; 747:141295. [PMID: 32777513 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Uranium mining and milling activities raise environmental concerns due to the release of radioactive and other toxic elements. Their long-term management thus requires a knowledge of past events coupled with a good understanding of the geochemical mechanisms regulating the mobility of residual radionuclides. This article presents the results on the traces of anthropic activity linked to previous uranium (U) mining activities in the vicinity of the Rophin tailings storage site (Puy de Dôme, France). Several complementary approaches were developed based on a study of the site's history and records, as well as on a radiological and chemical characterization of soil cores and a dendrochronology. Gamma survey measurements of the wetland downstream of the Rophin site revealed a level of 1050 nSv.h-1. Soil cores extracted in the wetland showed U concentrations of up to 1855 mg.kg-1, which appears to be associated with the presence of a whitish silt loam (WSL) soil layer located below an organic topsoil layer. Records, corroborated by prior aerial photographs and analyses of 137Cs and 14C activities, suggest the discharge of U mineral particles while the site was being operated. Moreover, lead isotope ratios indicate that contamination in the WSL layer can be discriminated by a larger contribution of radiogenic lead to total lead. The dendroanalysis correlate U emissions from Rophin with the site's history. Oak tree rings located downstream of the site contain uranium concentrations ten times higher than values measured on unaffected trees. Moreover, the highest U concentrations were recorded not only for the operating period, but more surprisingly for the recent site renovations as well. This integrated approach corroborates that U mineral particles were initially transported as mineral particles in Rophin's watershed and that a majority of the deposited uranium appears to have been trapped in the topsoil layer, with high organic matter content.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martin
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3 4 Rue Alfred Kastler, 44307 Nantes, France
| | - Y Hassan-Loni
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3 4 Rue Alfred Kastler, 44307 Nantes, France
| | - A Fichtner
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3 4 Rue Alfred Kastler, 44307 Nantes, France; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - O Péron
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3 4 Rue Alfred Kastler, 44307 Nantes, France.
| | - K David
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3 4 Rue Alfred Kastler, 44307 Nantes, France
| | - P Chardon
- LPC, UMR 6533, CNRS/Université Clermont Auvergne, 4, rue Ledru, 63057 Clermont-Ferrand cedex, France
| | - S Larrue
- GEOLAB, UMR 6042, CNRS/Université Clermont Auvergne, 4, rue Ledru, 63057 Clermont-Ferrand cedex, France
| | - A Gourgiotis
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire - PSE/ENV - SEDRE/LELI, Fontenay-aux-Roses, 92262, France
| | - S Sachs
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - T Arnold
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - B Grambow
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3 4 Rue Alfred Kastler, 44307 Nantes, France
| | - T Stumpf
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - G Montavon
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3 4 Rue Alfred Kastler, 44307 Nantes, France
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Young MT, Brignon A, Sachs S, Hornung JJ, Foffa D, Kitson JJN, Johnson MM, Steel L. Cutting the Gordian knot: a historical and taxonomic revision of the Jurassic crocodylomorph Metriorhynchus. Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Metriorhynchidae was a clade of extinct crocodylomorphs that adapted to a pelagic lifestyle, becoming a key component of Mesozoic lagoonal and coastal marine ecosystems. The type genus Metriorhynchus is one of the best-known genera of Mesozoic crocodylomorphs, and since the mid-19th century, the ‘concept’ of Metriorhynchus has become associated with the referred species Me. superciliosus. Historically Metriorhynchus has been the most species-rich genus in Metriorhynchidae, with most Middle Jurassic species and many Late Jurassic species referred to the genus at some point in their history. However, the type species Me. geoffroyii has largely been omitted in the literature. Its type series is a chimera of multiple metriorhynchid species, and a type specimen has never been designated. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses have repeatedly shown that the 19th–20th century concept of Metriorhynchus is not monophyletic – to the point where only referring every metriorhynchid species, and some basal metriorhynchoids, to the genus would render it monophyletic. Herein we designate a lectotype for Me. geoffroyii, re-describe it and restrict the genus Metriorhynchus to the type species. We also establish the new genus Thalattosuchus for Me. superciliosus, thereby cutting the ‘Gordian knot’ of Metriorhynchus with Th. superciliosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Young
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, The King’s Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Sven Sachs
- Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld, Abteilung Geowissenschaften, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jahn J Hornung
- Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Davide Foffa
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums Scotland, Chambers St, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James J N Kitson
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Michela M Johnson
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, The King’s Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lorna Steel
- Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
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6
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Young MT, Sachs S, Abel P, Foffa D, Herrera Y, Kitson JJN. Convergent evolution and possible constraint in the posterodorsal retraction of the external nares in pelagic crocodylomorphs. Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AbstractAmongst Mesozoic marine reptiles, metriorhynchid crocodylomorphs were unique in evolving into pelagically adapted forms with little-to-no posterodorsal retraction of the external nares. Narial retraction is a common adaptation seen in sustained swimmers, notably occurring during cetacean evolution. Mesosaurids and the basalmost known members of ichthyosauriforms, thalattosaurians, saurosphargids, sauropterygians, pleurosaurids and mosasauroids had the external nares divided by an ossified bar, bound by multiple cranial bones and were positioned back from the tip of the rostrum. However, metriorhynchids evolved from taxa with a single external naris bound solely by the premaxilla, and positioned near the tip of an elongate rostrum. We posit that metriorhynchids were uniquely disadvantaged in evolving into sustained swimmers. Herein we describe three Late Jurassic metriorhynchid cranial rostra that display differing degrees of narial retraction. In our new phylogenetic analyses, the backwards migration of the narial fossa posterior margin occurred independently at least four times in Metriorhynchidae, whereas the backwards migration of the anterior margin only occurred twice. Although Rhacheosaurini share the backwards migration of the anterior and posterior narial margins, posterodorsal retraction occurred differently along three lineages. This culminated in the Early Cretaceous, where a rhacheosaurin evolved nares bound by the premaxilla and maxilla, and significantly posterodorsally retracted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Young
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, The King’s Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sven Sachs
- Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld, Abteilung Geowissenschaften, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Pascal Abel
- Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Davide Foffa
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yanina Herrera
- División Paleontología Vertebrados, Museo de La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, UNLP, CONICET, La Plata, Argentina
| | - James J N Kitson
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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7
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Schwab JA, Young MT, Neenan JM, Walsh SA, Witmer LM, Herrera Y, Allain R, Brochu CA, Choiniere JN, Clark JM, Dollman KN, Etches S, Fritsch G, Gignac PM, Ruebenstahl A, Sachs S, Turner AH, Vignaud P, Wilberg EW, Xu X, Zanno LE, Brusatte SL. Inner ear sensory system changes as extinct crocodylomorphs transitioned from land to water. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:10422-10428. [PMID: 32312812 PMCID: PMC7229756 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002146117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Major evolutionary transitions, in which animals develop new body plans and adapt to dramatically new habitats and lifestyles, have punctuated the history of life. The origin of cetaceans from land-living mammals is among the most famous of these events. Much earlier, during the Mesozoic Era, many reptile groups also moved from land to water, but these transitions are more poorly understood. We use computed tomography to study changes in the inner ear vestibular system, involved in sensing balance and equilibrium, as one of these groups, extinct crocodile relatives called thalattosuchians, transitioned from terrestrial ancestors into pelagic (open ocean) swimmers. We find that the morphology of the vestibular system corresponds to habitat, with pelagic thalattosuchians exhibiting a more compact labyrinth with wider semicircular canal diameters and an enlarged vestibule, reminiscent of modified and miniaturized labyrinths of other marine reptiles and cetaceans. Pelagic thalattosuchians with modified inner ears were the culmination of an evolutionary trend with a long semiaquatic phase, and their pelagic vestibular systems appeared after the first changes to the postcranial skeleton that enhanced their ability to swim. This is strikingly different from cetaceans, which miniaturized their labyrinths soon after entering the water, without a prolonged semiaquatic stage. Thus, thalattosuchians and cetaceans became secondarily aquatic in different ways and at different paces, showing that there are different routes for the same type of transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Schwab
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FE Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
| | - Mark T Young
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FE Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - James M Neenan
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History, OX1 3PW Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stig A Walsh
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FE Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museum of Scotland, EH1 1JF Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence M Witmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701
| | - Yanina Herrera
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, División Paleontología Vertebrados, Museo de La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, National University of La Plata, B1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ronan Allain
- Centre de Recherche sur la Paléobiodiversité et les Paléoenvironnements, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Christopher A Brochu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Jonah N Choiniere
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, 2000 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - James M Clark
- Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052
| | - Kathleen N Dollman
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, 2000 Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2000 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Steve Etches
- Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, BH20 5PE Kimmeridge, United Kingdom
| | - Guido Fritsch
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul M Gignac
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107
| | | | - Sven Sachs
- Abteilung Geowissenschaften, Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld, Abteilung Geowissenschaften, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alan H Turner
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - Patrick Vignaud
- Laboratoire de Paléontologie, Evolution, Paléoécosystèmes et Paléoprimatologie, CNRS UMR 7262, Department of Geosciences, University of Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - Eric W Wilberg
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - Xing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100044 Beijing, China
| | - Lindsay E Zanno
- Paleontology, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC 27601
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Stephen L Brusatte
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FE Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museum of Scotland, EH1 1JF Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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8
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Schwab JA, Young MT, Neenan JM, Walsh SA, Witmer LM, Herrera Y, Allain R, Brochu CA, Choiniere JN, Clark JM, Dollman KN, Etches S, Fritsch G, Gignac PM, Ruebenstahl A, Sachs S, Turner AH, Vignaud P, Wilberg EW, Xu X, Zanno LE, Brusatte SL. Inner ear sensory system changes as extinct crocodylomorphs transitioned from land to water. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020. [PMID: 32312812 DOI: 10.11073/pnas.2002146117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Major evolutionary transitions, in which animals develop new body plans and adapt to dramatically new habitats and lifestyles, have punctuated the history of life. The origin of cetaceans from land-living mammals is among the most famous of these events. Much earlier, during the Mesozoic Era, many reptile groups also moved from land to water, but these transitions are more poorly understood. We use computed tomography to study changes in the inner ear vestibular system, involved in sensing balance and equilibrium, as one of these groups, extinct crocodile relatives called thalattosuchians, transitioned from terrestrial ancestors into pelagic (open ocean) swimmers. We find that the morphology of the vestibular system corresponds to habitat, with pelagic thalattosuchians exhibiting a more compact labyrinth with wider semicircular canal diameters and an enlarged vestibule, reminiscent of modified and miniaturized labyrinths of other marine reptiles and cetaceans. Pelagic thalattosuchians with modified inner ears were the culmination of an evolutionary trend with a long semiaquatic phase, and their pelagic vestibular systems appeared after the first changes to the postcranial skeleton that enhanced their ability to swim. This is strikingly different from cetaceans, which miniaturized their labyrinths soon after entering the water, without a prolonged semiaquatic stage. Thus, thalattosuchians and cetaceans became secondarily aquatic in different ways and at different paces, showing that there are different routes for the same type of transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Schwab
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FE Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
| | - Mark T Young
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FE Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - James M Neenan
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History, OX1 3PW Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stig A Walsh
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FE Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museum of Scotland, EH1 1JF Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence M Witmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701
| | - Yanina Herrera
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, División Paleontología Vertebrados, Museo de La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, National University of La Plata, B1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ronan Allain
- Centre de Recherche sur la Paléobiodiversité et les Paléoenvironnements, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Christopher A Brochu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Jonah N Choiniere
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, 2000 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - James M Clark
- Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052
| | - Kathleen N Dollman
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, 2000 Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2000 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Steve Etches
- Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, BH20 5PE Kimmeridge, United Kingdom
| | - Guido Fritsch
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul M Gignac
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107
| | | | - Sven Sachs
- Abteilung Geowissenschaften, Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld, Abteilung Geowissenschaften, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alan H Turner
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - Patrick Vignaud
- Laboratoire de Paléontologie, Evolution, Paléoécosystèmes et Paléoprimatologie, CNRS UMR 7262, Department of Geosciences, University of Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - Eric W Wilberg
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - Xing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100044 Beijing, China
| | - Lindsay E Zanno
- Paleontology, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC 27601
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Stephen L Brusatte
- School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FE Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museum of Scotland, EH1 1JF Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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9
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Hornung JJ, Sachs S. First record of Gyrosteus mirabilis(Actinopterygii, Chondrosteidae) from the Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) of the Baltic region. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8400. [PMID: 32002331 PMCID: PMC6982408 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An isolated hyomandibula from a lower Toarcian carbonate concretion of the Ahrensburg erratics assemblage (Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany) represents the first record of a chondrosteid fish from the Lower Jurassic of the southwestern Baltic realm. Except for its smaller size, the specimen is morphologically indistinguishable from corresponding elements of Gyrosteus mirabilis from the Toarcian of Yorkshire, England. This find, which probably originates from the western Baltic basin between Bornholm Island (Denmark) and northeastern Germany, markedly expands the known range of this chondrosteid taxon across the northern part of the strait connecting the Boreal Sea with the Tethys Ocean during the Early Jurassic. For the first time the extension of the paleogeographic range of a chondrosteid species beyond its type area is documented, which can contribute to future studies of vertebrate faunal provincialism during the Lower Jurassic in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sven Sachs
- Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld, Abteilung Geowissenschaften, Bielefeld, Germany
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Lindgren J, Sjövall P, Thiel V, Zheng W, Ito S, Wakamatsu K, Hauff R, Kear BP, Engdahl A, Alwmark C, Eriksson ME, Jarenmark M, Sachs S, Ahlberg PE, Marone F, Kuriyama T, Gustafsson O, Malmberg P, Thomen A, Rodríguez-Meizoso I, Uvdal P, Ojika M, Schweitzer MH. Soft-tissue evidence for homeothermy and crypsis in a Jurassic ichthyosaur. Nature 2018; 564:359-365. [PMID: 30518862 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0775-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ichthyosaurs are extinct marine reptiles that display a notable external similarity to modern toothed whales. Here we show that this resemblance is more than skin deep. We apply a multidisciplinary experimental approach to characterize the cellular and molecular composition of integumental tissues in an exceptionally preserved specimen of the Early Jurassic ichthyosaur Stenopterygius. Our analyses recovered still-flexible remnants of the original scaleless skin, which comprises morphologically distinct epidermal and dermal layers. These are underlain by insulating blubber that would have augmented streamlining, buoyancy and homeothermy. Additionally, we identify endogenous proteinaceous and lipid constituents, together with keratinocytes and branched melanophores that contain eumelanin pigment. Distributional variation of melanophores across the body suggests countershading, possibly enhanced by physiological adjustments of colour to enable photoprotection, concealment and/or thermoregulation. Convergence of ichthyosaurs with extant marine amniotes thus extends to the ultrastructural and molecular levels, reflecting the omnipresent constraints of their shared adaptation to pelagic life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Sjövall
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Chemistry and Materials, Borås, Sweden
| | - Volker Thiel
- Geobiology, Geoscience Centre, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wenxia Zheng
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Carl Alwmark
- Department of Geology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Sven Sachs
- Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld, Abteilung Geowissenschaften, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Per E Ahlberg
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Federica Marone
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Takeo Kuriyama
- Institute of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Hyogo, Hyogo, Japan.,Wildlife Management Research Center, Hyogo, Japan
| | | | - Per Malmberg
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Aurélien Thomen
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Per Uvdal
- Chemical Physics, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Makoto Ojika
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mary H Schweitzer
- Department of Geology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Sachs S, Hornung JJ, Kear BP. Reappraisal of Europe's most complete Early Cretaceous plesiosaurian: Brancasaurus brancai Wegner, 1914 from the "Wealden facies" of Germany. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2813. [PMID: 28028478 PMCID: PMC5183163 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The holotype of Brancasaurus brancai is one of the most historically famous and anatomically complete Early Cretaceous plesiosaurian fossils. It derived from the Gerdemann & Co. brickworks clay pit near Gronau (Westfalen) in North Rhine-Westphalia, northwestern Germany. Stratigraphically this locality formed part of the classic European "Wealden facies," but is now more formally attributed to the upper-most strata of the Bückeberg Group (upper Berriasian). Since its initial description in 1914, the type skeleton of B. brancai has suffered damage both during, and after WWII. Sadly, these mishaps have resulted in the loss of substantial information, in particular many structures of the cranium and limb girdles, which are today only evidenced from published text and/or illustrations. This non-confirmable data has, however, proven crucial for determining the relationships of B. brancai within Plesiosauria: either as an early long-necked elasmosaurid, or a member of the controversial Early Cretaceous leptocleidid radiation. To evaluate these competing hypotheses and compile an updated osteological compendium, we undertook a comprehensive examination of the holotype as it is now preserved, and also assessed other Bückeberg Group plesiosaurian fossils to establish a morphological hypodigm. Phylogenetic simulations using the most species-rich datasets of Early Cretaceous plesiosaurians incorporating revised scores for B. brancai, together with a second recently named Bückeberg Group plesiosaurian Gronausaurus wegneri (Hampe, 2013), demonstrated that referral of these taxa to Leptocleididae was not unanimous, and that the topological stability of this clade is tenuous. In addition, the trait combinations manifested by B. brancai and G. wegneri were virtually identical. We therefore conclude that these monotypic individuals are ontogenetic morphs and G. wegneri is a junior synonym of B. brancai. Finally, anomalies detected in the diagnostic features for other "Wealden" plesiosaurians have prompted reconsiderations of interspecies homology versus intraspecific variability. We therefore propose that the still unresolved taxonomy of B. brancai should emphasize only those character states evident in the examinable fossil material, and specifically accommodate for growth-related modifications delimited via osteologically mature referred specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Sachs
- Naturkundemuseum Bielefeld, Abteilung Geowissenschaften, Bielefeld, Germany; Engelskirchen, Germany
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Ruf CG, Sachs S, Khalili-Harbi N, Isbarn H, Wagner W, Matthies C, Meineke V, Fisch M, Chun FK, Abend M. Prediction of metastatic status in non-seminomatous testicular cancer. World J Urol 2013; 32:1205-11. [DOI: 10.1007/s00345-013-1194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Marks M, Sachs S, Schwalb CH, Schöll A, Höfer U. Electronic structure and excited state dynamics in optically excited PTCDA films investigated with two-photon photoemission. J Chem Phys 2013; 139:124701. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4818541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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14
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Sachs S, Kear BP, Everhart MJ. Revised vertebral count in the "longest-necked vertebrate" Elasmosaurus platyurus Cope 1868, and clarification of the cervical-dorsal transition in Plesiosauria. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70877. [PMID: 23940656 PMCID: PMC3733804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Elasmosaurid plesiosaurians are renowned for their immensely long necks, and indeed, possessed the highest number of cervical vertebrae for any known vertebrate. Historically, the largest count has been attributed to the iconic Elasmosaurus platyurus from the Late Cretaceous of Kansas, but estimates for the total neck series in this taxon have varied between published reports. Accurately determining the number of vertebral centra vis-à-vis the maximum length of the neck in plesiosaurians has significant implications for phylogenetic character designations, as well as the inconsistent terminology applied to some osteological structures. With these issues in mind, we reassessed the holotype of E. platyurus as a model for standardizing the debated cervical-dorsal transition in plesiosaurians, and during this procedure, documented a "lost" cervical centrum. Our revision also advocates retention of the term "pectorals" to describe the usually three or more distinctive vertebrae close to the cranial margin of the forelimb girdle that bear a functional rib facet transected by the neurocentral suture, and thus conjointly formed by both the parapophysis on the centrum body and diapophysis from the neural arch (irrespective of rib length). This morphology is unambiguously distinguishable from standard cervicals, in which the functional rib facet is borne exclusively on the centrum, and dorsals in which the rib articulation is situated above the neurocentral suture and functionally borne only by the transverse process of the neural arch. Given these easily distinguishable definitions, the maximum number of neck vertebrae preserved in E. platyurus is 72; this is only three vertebrae shorter than the recently described Albertonectes, which together with E. platyurus constitute the "longest necked" animals ever to have lived.
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Abstract
A fragmentary cervico-pectoral lateral spine and partial humerus of an ankylosaur from the Early Cretaceous (early Valanginian) of Gronau in Westfalen, northwestern Germany, are described. The spine shows closest morphological similarities to the characteristic cervical and pectoral spines of Hylaeosaurus armatus from the late Valanginian of England. An extensive comparison of distal humeri among thyreophoran dinosaurs supports systematic differences in the morphology of the distal condyli between Ankylosauria and Stegosauria and a referral of the Gronau specimen to the former. The humerus fragment indicates a rather small individual, probably in the size range of H. armatus, and both specimens are determined herein as ?Hylaeosaurus sp.. A short overview of other purported ankylosaur material from the Berriasian-Valanginian of northwest Germany shows that, aside from the material described herein, only tracks can be attributed to this clade with confidence at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Sachs
- Geowissenschaftliches Zentrum, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, Germany.
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Schmeide K, Sachs S, Bernhard G. Np(V) reduction by humic acid: contribution of reduced sulfur functionalities to the redox behavior of humic acid. Sci Total Environ 2012; 419:116-123. [PMID: 22285088 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The role of sulfur-containing functional groups in humic acids for the Np(V) reduction in aqueous solution has been studied with the objective to specify individual processes contributing to the overall redox activity of humic substances. For this, humic acid model substances type M1-S containing different amounts of sulfur (1.9, 3.9, 6.9 wt.%) were applied. The sulfur functionalities in these humic acids are dominated by reduced-sulfur species, such as thiols, dialkylsulfides and/or disulfides. The Np(V) reduction behavior of these humic acids has been studied in comparison to that of the sulfur-free humic acid type M1 at pH 5.0, 7.0 and 9.0 under anaerobic conditions by means of batch experiments. For Np redox speciation in solution, solvent extraction and ultrafiltration were applied. In addition, redox potentials of the sample solutions were monitored. At pH 5.0, both rate and extent of Np(V) to Np(IV) reduction were found to increase with increasing sulfur content of the humic acids. At pH 7.0 and 9.0, sulfur functional groups had only a slight influence on the reduction behavior of humic acid toward Np(V). Thus, in addition to quinoid moieties and non-quinoid phenolic OH groups, generally acknowledged as main redox-active sites in humic substances, sulfur functional groups have been identified as further redox-active moieties of humic substances being active especially in the slightly acidic pH range as shown for Np(V). Due to the low sulfur content of up to 2 wt.% in natural humic substances, their contribution to the total reducing capacity is smaller than that of the other redox-active functional groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schmeide
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiochemistry, PO Box 51 01 19, 01314 Dresden, Germany.
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Klapproth P, Eckhardt M, Hiller T, Tarasscnko S, Söllner S, Sachs S, Saraei R, Guldner NW. Muscle Protection in Cardiac Bioassist: Experimental Results with the Microstim MyoSen™ muscle stimulator. BIOMED ENG-BIOMED TE 2012. [DOI: 10.1515/bmt-2012-4206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
Abstract
The complex formation of U(VI) with humic acid (HA) in the presence of carbonate was studied by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy at low temperature (cryo-TRLFS) at pH 8.5. In the presence of HA, a decrease of the luminescence intensity of U(VI) and no shift of the emission band maxima in comparison to the luminescence spectrum of the UO2(CO3)3
4− complex, the dominating U(VI) species under the applied experimental conditions in the absence of HA, was observed. The formation of a ternary U(VI) carbonato humate complex of the type UO2(CO3)2HA(II)4− starting from UO2(CO3)3
4− was concluded from the luminescence data. For this complex a complex stability constant of log K=2.83 ± 0.17 was determined. Slope analysis resulted in a slope of 1.12 ± 0.11, which verifies the postulated complexation reaction. The results agree very well with literature data. Speciation calculations show that the formation of the ternary U(VI) carbonato humate complex can significantly influence the U(VI) speciation under environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Steudtner
- Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiochemistry, Dresden, Deutschland
| | | | - K. Schmeide
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiochemistry, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - V. Brendler
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V., Institute of Radiochemistry, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Gert Bernhard
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiochemistry, Dresden, Deutschland
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te Wildt B, Rojas S, Sachs S, Wedegärtner F, Szycik G. P02-158 - Emotional responses in excessive players of violent video games - an fMRI-study. Eur Psychiatry 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(10)70772-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Sachs S, Schmeide K, Reich T, Brendler V, Heise KH, Bernhard G. EXAFS study on the neptunium(V) complexation by various humic acids under neutral pH conditions. RADIOCHIM ACTA 2009. [DOI: 10.1524/ract.93.1.17.58297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe structure of Np(V) humic acid (HA) complexes at pH 7 was studied by extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis (EXAFS). For the first time, the influence of phenolic OH groups on the complexation of HA and Np(V) in the neutral pH range was investigated using modified HAs with blocked phenolic OH groups and Bio-Rex70, a cation exchange resin having only carboxyl groups as proton exchanging sites.The formation of Np(V) humate complexes was verified by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Axial Np-O bond distances of 1.84–1.85 Å were determined for the studied Np(V) humate complexes and the Np(V)-Bio-Rex70 sorbate. In the equatorial plane Np(V) is surrounded by about 3 oxygen atoms with bond lengths of 2.48–2.49 Å. The comparison of the structural parameters of the Np(V) humates with those of Np(V)-Bio-Rex70 points to the fact that the interaction between HA and Np(V) in the neutral pH range is dominated by carboxylate groups. However, up to now a contribution of phenolic OH groups to the interaction process cannot be excluded completely. The comparison of the obtained structural data for the Np(V) humates to those of Np(V) carboxylates and Np(V) aquo ions reported in the literature indicates that humic acid carboxylate groups predominantly act as monodentate ligands. A differentiation between equatorial coordinated carboxylate groups and water molecules using EXAFS spectroscopy is impossible.
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Sachs S, Bernhard G. NIR spectroscopic study of the complexation of neptunium(V) with humic acids: influence of phenolic OH groups on the complex formation. RADIOCHIM ACTA 2009. [DOI: 10.1524/ract.93.3.141.61611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThe influence of phenolic OH groups on the Np(V) complexation by humic acids was studied at pH 7 and pH 8 under nitrogen atmosphere applying chemically modified humic acids with blocked phenolic OH groups in comparison to their corresponding unmodified humic acids. The studies were performed by near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy using the metal ion charge neutralization model for evaluation of the experimental data. For all humic acids under investigation comparable complexation constants were determined. However, the studied modified humic acids Aldrich and M42 show significantly lower loading capacities for NpO2+ions (e.g., pH 7: 7.2%±1.1% and 5.3%±1.0%, respectively) than the corresponding unmodified humic acids (e.g., pH 7: 10.0%±1.5 and 11.2%±1.1, respectively). This result points to a lower amount of maximal available humic acid ligand sites after blocking of phenolic OH groups. From that, it can be concluded that humic acid phenolic OH groups contribute to the interaction between humic acid and Np(V) under the studied conditions. The comparison of the loading capacities obtained for unmodified and modified Aldrich humic acid at pH 7 and pH 8 shows that the impact of phenolic OH groups on the Np(V) complexation by humic acids is increased with increasing pH value.
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Schmeide K, Reich T, Sachs S, Brendler V, Heise KH, Bernhard G. Neptunium(IV) complexation by humic substances studied by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. RADIOCHIM ACTA 2009. [DOI: 10.1524/ract.93.4.187.64072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
SummaryWe studied the coordination environment of neptunium(IV) in complexes with various natural and synthetic humic and fulvic acids at pH 1 by X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The results were compared to those obtained for the interaction of neptunium(IV) with Bio-Rex70, a cation exchange resin having solely carboxylic groups as metal binding functional groups. In both neptunium humate complexes and neptunium Bio-Rex70 sorbates, Np4+is surrounded by about 10 oxygen atoms at an average distance of 2.36±0.02 Å. This verifies that the carboxylic groups are the main complexing sites of the humic substances responsible for binding neptunium(IV) in the acidic pH range. The data suggest a predominant monodentate coordination of the carboxylate groups to neptunium(IV) ions.
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Schwalb CH, Sachs S, Marks M, Schöll A, Reinert F, Umbach E, Höfer U. Electron lifetime in a Shockley-type metal-organic interface state. Phys Rev Lett 2008; 101:146801. [PMID: 18851554 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.101.146801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The lifetimes of electrons at the interface between 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (PTCDA) and Ag(111) have been studied by means of time- and angle-resolved two-photon photoemission. We observe a dispersing unoccupied state 0.6 eV above the Fermi level with an effective electron mass of 0.39m{e} at the Gamma[over ] point. The short lifetime of 54 fs is indicative of a large penetration of the wave function into the metal. Supported by model calculations this interface state is interpreted as predominantly arising from an upshift of the occupied Shockley surface state of the clean metal due to the interaction with the PTCDA overlayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Schwalb
- Fachbereich Physik und Zentrum für Materialwissenschaften, Philipps-Universität, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
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Sachs S, Bernhard G. Sorption of U(VI) onto an artificial humic substance-kaolinite-associate. Chemosphere 2008; 72:1441-1447. [PMID: 18597817 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Revised: 05/08/2008] [Accepted: 05/15/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
An artificial humic substance-kaolinite-associate (HSKA) was synthesized as a model substance for natural clays containing organic matter in clay formations, soils, and sediments. The U(VI) sorption onto this model substance was studied in batch experiments as a function of pH and compared to the U(VI) sorption onto kaolinite in absence and presence of separately added humic acid (HA). The HSKA has a TOC content of 4.9 mg g(-1). It was found that the humic matter associated with kaolinite exhibits an immobilizing as well as an mobilizing effect on U(VI). Between pH 3 and 5, humic matter causes an increase of the U(VI) sorption onto kaolinite, whereas at pH above 5 the release of humic matter from the associate into the solution and the formation of dissolved uranyl humate complexes reduces the U(VI) sorption. The U(VI) sorption onto the synthetic HSKA differs from that of U(VI) in the system U(VI)/HA/kaolinite with comparable amounts of separately added HA. Separately added HA causes a stronger mobilizing effect on U(VI) than humic matter present in HSKA. This can be attributed to structural and functional dissimilarities of the humic substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sachs
- Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiochemistry, P.O. Box 510 119, 01314 Dresden, Germany.
| | - G Bernhard
- Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiochemistry, P.O. Box 510 119, 01314 Dresden, Germany
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Lee JS, Tartaglia M, Gelb BD, Fridrich K, Sachs S, Stratakis CA, Muenke M, Robey PG, Collins MT, Slavotinek A. Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome. J Med Genet 2006; 42:e11. [PMID: 15689434 PMCID: PMC1735986 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2004.024091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Sachs S, Bilfinger TV. Size-corrected PET SUV predicts nodal or distant metastases at presentation in NSCLC. J Clin Oncol 2004. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.22.90140.7188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Sachs
- Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
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Artinger R, Rabung T, Kim JI, Sachs S, Schmeide K, Heise KH, Bernhard G, Nitsche H. Humic colloid-borne migration of uranium in sand columns. J Contam Hydrol 2002; 58:1-12. [PMID: 12236550 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-7722(02)00032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Column experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of humic colloids on subsurface uranium migration. The columns were packed with well-characterized aeolian quartz sand and equilibrated with groundwater rich in humic colloids (dissolved organic carbon (DOC): 30 mg dm(-3)). U migration was studied under an Ar/1% CO2 gas atmosphere as a function of the migration time, which was controlled by the flow velocity or the column length. In addition, the contact time of U with groundwater prior to introduction into a column was varied. U(VI) was found to be the dominant oxidation state in the spiked groundwater. The breakthrough curves indicate that U was transported as a humic colloid-borne species with a velocity up to 5% faster than the mean groundwater flow. The fraction of humic colloid-borne species increases with increasing prior contact time and also with decreasing migration time. The migration behavior was attributed to a kinetically controlled association/dissociation of U onto and from humic colloids and also a subsequent sorption of U onto the sediment surface. The column experiments provide an insight into humic colloid-mediated U migration in subsurface aquifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Artinger
- Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Institut für Nukleare Entsorgung, Germany.
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Sachs S. Carbon-13 NMR spectroscopic studies on chemically modified and unmodified synthetic and natural humic acids. Talanta 2002; 57:999-1009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0039-9140(02)00140-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2001] [Revised: 04/02/2002] [Accepted: 04/05/2002] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Sachs S. Indians abroad get pitch on gender choice. N Y Times Web 2001:B1, B6. [PMID: 12155240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that the nonlipid components of Exosurf, tyloxapol (TY), and cetyl alcohol (CA), protect against hyperoxic lung injury by induction of the animals' endogenous antioxidant defenses. Adult rats were intratracheally instilled with escalating doses of TY and CA (n = 20) or TY alone (n = 32) and immediately exposed to 100% oxygen. Intratracheal instillation of TY alone or in combination with CA protected against lethal hyperoxic injury in the rat in a dose-dependent fashion. To assess the effects of timing, rats were instilled with TY plus CA 24 hours before (n = 6) and 24 hours after (n = 6) exposure to 100% oxygen, with time to death determined. Rats were also instilled with TY alone at 0 hour (n = 6), 48 hours (n = 3), 96 hours (n = 3), and 186 hours (n = 4) prior to exposure to 100% oxygen. Lungs were assayed for superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities. Finally, the pharmacokinetics of TY in the rat lung were determined by instilling radiolabelled TY intratracheally. TY has a prolonged half-life in the rat lung, and protection against lethal hyperoxic injury was achieved by a single intratracheal dose delivered up to 186 hours prior to injury. Antioxidant enzymes were not induced in protected animals. We conclude that TY provides durable protection against hyperoxic lung injury without induction of antioxidant enzymes. It is present in the lung for sufficient duration to invoke a direct mechanism of protection, possibly as a radical scavenger. These findings raise the prospect of a therapeutic application for TY as prophylaxis in patients at risk for oxygen toxicity and adult respiratory distress syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sachs
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Said-Al-Naief N, Fantasia JE, Sciubba JJ, Ruggiero S, Sachs S. Heterotopic oral gastrointestinal cyst: report of 2 cases and review of the literature. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999; 88:80-6. [PMID: 10442949 DOI: 10.1016/s1079-2104(99)70197-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Oral heterotopic gastrointestinal cyst is a rare entity occurring in infants and children and showing a predilection for males. The cyst usually appears as an asymptomatic swelling in the floor of the mouth. Difficulty in feeding, swallowing, respiration, and speech have been reported in approximately 30% of those affected. The tongue-in particular, its anterior aspectis involved in up to 60% of reported cases. The clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of cases of heterotopic gastrointestinal cyst involving the anterior tongue in a 2-year-old girl and the anterior floor of the mouth in a 2-month-old boy are presented, and theories of pathogenesis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Said-Al-Naief
- Department of Oral Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA
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Abstract
This study presents a unique observational approach to basketball, based on the theory of psychological performance crisis in competition. The approach used takes into account the responses of a player' s actions to significant social factors such as team-mates, spectators, the coach and the referees. The contribution of this approach beyond traditional observational techniques is discussed. In our investigation, a single case design was used, in which a professional basketball player was observed during 10 home and 3 away games of the regular season. The relations between the observations and the crisis concept are discussed in detail. In addition, some relevant methodological and applied aspects are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bar-Eli
- School of Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Fisher B, Redmond C, Brown A, Wolmark N, Wittliff J, Fisher ER, Plotkin D, Bowman D, Sachs S, Wolter J, Frelick R, Desser R, LiCalzi N, Geggie P, Campbell T, Elias EG, Prager D, Koontz P, Volk H, Dimitrov N, Gardner B, Lerner H, Shibata H. Treatment of primary breast cancer with chemotherapy and tamoxifen. N Engl J Med 1981; 305:1-6. [PMID: 7015139 DOI: 10.1056/nejm198107023050101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We studied the possibility that the addition of tamoxifen to L-phenylalanine mustard combined with 5-fluorouracil enhances the benefit from the latter two drugs that has been observed in women with primary breast cancer and positive axillary nodes. Recurrence of disease was reduced at two years in patients given the three-drug regimen whose tumor estrogen-receptor levels were greater than or equal to 10 fmol. Among patients greater than or equal to 50 years old treatment failure was significantly reduced (P less than 0.001): by 51 per cent in those with one to three positive nodes and by 64 per cent in those with four or more. Higher receptor levels were associated with a greater probability of disease-free survival. Patients less than or equal to 49 years old were less responsive: those with one to three positive nodes received no benefit from tamoxifen at any receptor level, whereas those with four or more appeared to have reduced treatment failure associated with higher receptor levels. This adjuvant chemotherapy is not indicated in patients less than or equal to 49 years old whose tumor receptor levels are below 10 fmol; there is a suggestion of benefit in patients greater than or equal to 50 years old whose levels are low.
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Schwartz SI, Hoepp LM, Sachs S. Splenectomy for thrombocytopenia. Surgery 1980; 88:497-506. [PMID: 7191581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Of 478 patients who underwent splenectomy for hematologic disease between 1947 and 1978, 142 had thrombocytopenia as the dominant indication, while in 32 this was an associated preoperative factor. Of 120 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) 88% had long-term remission subsequent to removal of the spleen. Ninety percent of the responders had normal platelet counts at the end of 1 week subsequent to the operation. Six of 13 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) were long-term survivors and were considered cured. Thrombocytopenia, associated with a variety of disorders, as a dominant indication for splenectomy was improved significantly in the majority of cases. The same results were noted when thrombocytopenia was an associated factor. Postoperative death usually was related to intracerebral bleeding, and no increased incidence of thromboembolic disease or sepsis was noted. Electron microscopic evaluations of the spleens defined marked platelet sequestration in patients with ITP and TTP.
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Farruggia P, Sachs S, Palaic D. Effect of angiotensinase inhibitors on angiotensin receptors in rabbit aorta. Mol Pharmacol 1979; 15:525-30. [PMID: 226859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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