On the identity of the banded gourami Trichogaster fasciata with notes on the taxonomic status of Trichopodus bejeus (Teleostei: Perciformes: Osphronemidae).

Based on its original description and putative topotypes, the identity of the banded gourami Trichogaster fasciata is resolved. Trichogaster lalia is a synonym of T. fasciata, and the name Trichogaster bejeus is applied to the species hitherto identified as T. fasciata. T. fasciata is distinguished from its congeners in the shape of caudal fin, colouration, lip morphology and meristic and mensural characters.

Pethia aurea (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), a new species of barb from West Bengal, India, with redescription of P. gelius and P. canius.

Fishes currently assigned to Pethia gelius Hamilton from West Bengal are shown to belong to a closely-related group of three species: P gelius, its erstwhile synonym P canius Hamilton and a new species, P aurea. The three species are distinguished from all other species of Pethia by having the lateral line incomplete, with 3-4 pored scales; 20-26 scales in lateral series on body; ½4-5/l/2-3½ scales in transverse line on body; 8-9 predorsal scales; barbels absent and by a unique colour pattern consisting of two or three black blotches on the body (which, however, fade on preservation), the first behind the opercle, the second beneath the origin of the dorsal fin, extending to the mid-lateral region, and the third above the origin of the anal fin. A black spot is also present at the base of the dorsal and anal fins. Additionally, P gelius is distinguished by having the last unbranched dorsal-fin ray thick, straight, serrated, with 20-25 serrae on its posterior margin; a snout length of 6.1-8.4% standard length (SL); a body depth of 32.6-37.7% SL; and a dorsal-fin height of 19.4-22.8% SL. Pethia canius is additionally distinguished by having a snout length of 8.9-11.8% SL; a body depth of 28.1-32.2% SL; and dorsal-fin height of 26.9-32.8% SL. Pethia aurea, new species, is additionally distinguished from all its congeners by having ½5/1/3-3½ scales in transverse line on body; 9 pre-dorsal scales; and last unbranched dorsal-fin ray slender, serrated, with 19-22 serrae on posterior margin.

On the identities of Barbus mussullah Sykes and Cyprinus curmuca Hamilton with notes on the status of Gobio canarensis Jerdon (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).

The identity and generic placement of Barbus mussullah Sykes, the type species of Hypselobarbus Bleeker, have for long been unclear, variously having been considered a synonym of Cyprinus curmuca Hamilton or a species of Tor Gray or Gonoproktopterus Bleeker. Here, through a re-examination of the original descriptions and the examination of specimens from western peninsular India, we redescribe H. mussullah and show that Hypselobarbus is a valid genus, of which Gonoproktopertus is a junior synonym. Hypselobarbus mussullah is distinguished from all other species of Hypselobarbus by possessing both rostral and maxillary barbels; having the last simple dorsal-fin ray weak and smooth; the lateral line complete, with 41 +1 pored scales; 9/1/4 scales in transverse line between origins of dorsal and pelvic fins; and 5½ scales between lateral line and anal-fin origin. Species of Hypselobarbus are distinguished from other genera of Cyprinidae by possessing long, branched gill rakers and the anal fin distally rounded in adults. Hypselobarbus canarensis was found to be a valid species and H. kurali is considered its synonym. Hypselobarbus canarensis can be distinguished from all congeners by possessing both rostral and maxillary barbels; having the last simple dorsal-fin ray weak and smooth; the lateral line complete, with 40-42+1 pored scales; ½7-½8/1/3½ scales in transverse line from dorsal-fin origin to pelvic-fin origin; 4½ scales between lateral line and anal-fin origin. Hypselobarbus kolus is considered a synonym of H. curmuca, which is redescribed: it is distinguished from all congeners by possessing maxillary barbels only; the last simple dorsal-fin ray weak and smooth; 41-43+1 lateral-line scales; 9-10/1/4½-5 scales in transverse line between origins of dorsal and pelvic fins; and 5½-6 scales between lateral line and anal-fin origin. 

A search for iridium abundance anomalies at two late cambrian biomere boundaries in Western utah.

Iridium concentrations have been measured in samples taken across two Late Cambrian biomere boundaries (crisis zones) in search of evidence for possible elemental abundance anomalies similar to the one observed at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary. Sampling was performed in uplifted marine limestone deposits in the House Range of western Utah. Although the two trilobite-brachiopod extinction boundaries could be assigned to +/-4 millimeters of vertical section by laboratory examination of the rocks, only background amounts of iridium (2 x 10(-12) to 17 x 10(-12) gram per gram of whole rock) were observed.

Geologic framework of nonmarine cretaceous-tertiary boundary sites, raton basin, new Mexico and colorado.

Iridium concentrations are anomalously high at the palynological Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary in fluvial sedimentary rocks of the lower part of the Raton Formation at several localities in the Raton Basin of New Mexico and Colorado. The iridium anomaly is associated with a thin bed of kaolinitic claystone in a discontinuous carbonaceous shale and coal sequence.

Disruption of the terrestrial plant ecosystem at the cretaceous-tertiary boundary, Western interior.

The palynologically defined Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary in the western interior of North America occurs at the top of an iridium-rich clay layer. The boundary is characterized by the abrupt disappearance of certain pollen species, immediately followed by a pronounced, geologically brief change in the ratio of fern spores to angiosperm pollen. The occurrence of these changes at two widely separated sites implies continentwide disruption of the terrestrial ecosystem, probably caused by a major catastrophic event at the end of the period.

An iridium abundance anomaly at the palynological cretaceous-tertiary boundary in northern new Mexico.

An iridium abundance anomaly, with concentrations up to 5000 parts per trillion over a background level of 4 to 20 parts per trillion, has been located in sedimentary rocks laid down under freshwater swamp conditions in the Raton Basin of northeastern New Mexico. The anomaly occurs at the base of a coal bed, at the same stratigraphic position at which several well-known species of Cretaceous-age pollen became extinct.

Resolving the taxonomic enigma of the iconic game fish, the hump-backed mahseer from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India.

Growing to lengths and weights exceeding 1.5 m and 45 kg, the hump-backed mahseer fish of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India, is an iconic, mega-faunal species that is globally recognized as a premier freshwater game fish. Despite reports of their high extinction risk, conservation approaches are currently constrained by their lack of valid taxonomic identity. Using an integrative approach, incorporating morphology, molecular analysis and historical photographs, this fish can now be revealed to be conspecific with Tor remadevii, a species lacking a common name, that was initially, but poorly, described in 2007 from the River Pambar, a tributary of the River Cauvery in Kerala. Currently known to be endemic and restricted to the River Cauvery basin in the Western Ghats, T. remadevii is distinguished from congeners by its prominent hump originating above the pre-opercle and extending to the origin of the dorsal fin, a well-developed mandible resulting in a terminal or slightly superior mouth position, and the dorsal orientation of the eyes. While body colouration varies (silver, bronze, greenish) and is not considered a reliable diagnostic character, orange coloration of the caudal fin (sometimes extending to all fins) is considered a consistent characteristic. Having been first brought to the attention of the scientific community in 1849, and the recreational angling (game fishing) community in 1873, it has taken over 150 years to finally provide this iconic fish with a valid scientific name. This taxonomic clarity should now assist development and delivery of urgent conservation actions commensurate with their extinction risk.

Impact of ectomycorrhizal colonization of hybrid poplar on the remediation of diesel-contaminated soil.

Infection by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi may benefit hybrid poplar growing in contaminated soils by providing greater access to water and nutrients and possibly protecting the trees from direct contact with toxic contaminants. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of colonization of the ECM fungus Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch on hybrid poplar fine root production, biomass and N and P uptake when grown in diesel-contaminated soil (5000 mg diesel fuel kg soil(-1)). Commercially available Mycogrow Tree Tabs were the source of inoculum. A minirhizotron camera was used to provide the data necessary for estimating fine root production. Colonization of hybrid poplar roots (P. deltoides x [P. laurifolia x P. nigra] cv. Walker) by P. tinctorius increased total fine root production in diesel-contaminated soil to 56.58 g m(-2) compared to 22.59 g m(-2) in the uncolonized, diesel-contaminated treatment. Hybrid poplar leaf N and P concentrations were significantly greater in the diesel-contaminated/ECM-colonized treatment compared to the diesel-contaminated/uncolonized treatment after 12 wk, while significantly less diesel fuel was recovered from the soil of the uncolonized treatment compared to the colonized treatment. Both planted treatments removed more contaminants from the soil than an unplanted control. Significantly greater concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were found sequestered in hybrid poplar root/fungal-sheath complexes from the colonized treatment compared to the roots of the uncolonized treatment. The results of this study indicate that over a 12-wk growth period, ECM colonization of hybrid poplar in diesel-contaminated soils increased fine root production and whole-plant biomass, but inhibited removal of TPH from the soil.

Hypselobarbus bicolor, a new species of large barb (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Western Ghats of India.

There has been much confusion around the identity of Hypselobarbus pulchellus, an endemic large barb of the Western Ghats. Recent works highlighted the fact that it is likely that two similar-looking species have been considered as H. pulchellus. A genetic analysis helps differentiate the two forms: viz., H. pulchellus and a new species, here described as H. bicolor sp. nov. Hypselobarbus bicolor can be distinguished from all other species of Hypselobarbus based on a combination of the following characters: two pairs of barbels, lateral line complete, with 34-36+1-2 pored scales, ½6/1/3½ scales in the transverse row; 11-12 predorsal scales; last simple dorsal ray weak, dorsal fin with 9½ branched rays, gill rakers short and simple, 4-6+11-12 on first gill arch; proximal end of fifth ceratobranchial slightly curved, with 5+3+2 teeth; overall coloration dark grey with an ill-defined silver- or bronze-coloured band running along length of body, two scales high, on lateral-line scale-row and row above it; fins devoid of any markings; and small, closely-placed tubercles restricted to the tip of the snout in large males.

Economic assessment of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blockade with abciximab and low-dose heparin during percutaneous coronary revascularization: results from the EPILOG randomized trial. Evaluation in PTCA to Improve Long-term Outcome with abciximab GP IIb/IIIa blockade.

BACKGROUND: In the EPILOG trial (Evaluation in PTCA to Improve Long-term Outcome with abciximab GP IIb/IIIa blockade), abciximab administered with weight-adjusted heparin diminished the risk of ischemic complications within 30 days by 56% among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization, without increased bleeding complications. METHODS AND RESULTS: A prospective economic assessment was performed in the 2792 patients enrolled in EPILOG. Patients were randomized to receive placebo with standard-dose weight-adjusted heparin, abciximab with low-dose weight-adjusted heparin, or abciximab with standard-dose weight-adjusted heparin during percutaneous coronary intervention. Hospital billing data for the baseline hospitalization were collected for 2581 patients (92.4% of total) and imputed for the remainder, with physician fees estimated from the Medicare Fee Schedule. For the baseline hospitalization, medical costs (hospitalization and physician fees) averaged $9632 for the placebo arm compared with $8758 (P:=0.005) and $9092 (P:=0.176) for the abciximab with low-dose and standard-dose heparin arms, respectively. Inclusive of average drug cost ($1454 to $1457), the net incremental baseline cost of these 2 abciximab strategies was $583 with low-dose weight-adjusted heparin and $914 with standard-dose weight-adjusted heparin. During 6-month follow-up, average hospital costs were not significantly different in the 3 treatment groups; cumulative net incremental costs were $1236 and $1268 in the abciximab with low-dose and standard-dose heparin groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with abciximab and low-dose, weight-adjusted heparin during percutaneous coronary revascularization reduces ischemic events and associated costs, thereby offsetting some of the cost of the drug. The suppression of bleeding complications associated with this agent by heparin dose reduction optimizes the economic attractiveness of this treatment strategy.

A comparison of U.S. and Canadian cardiac catheterization practices in detecting severe coronary artery disease after myocardial infarction: efficiency, yield and long-term implications.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare U.S. and Canada's post-myocardial infarction (MI) cardiac catheterization practices in the detection of severe coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND: Little is known about the efficiency with which the aggressive post-MI catheterization strategy observed in the U.S. detects severe CAD compared with the more conservative strategy observed in Canada. METHODS: From the U.S. and Canadian patients who had participated in the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Arteries trial (n = 22,280, 11.5% Canadian), we examined the frequency of in-hospital cardiac catheterization, the prevalence of severe CAD observed at catheterization (diagnostic efficiency) and the total number of MI patients with severe CAD identified (diagnostic yield). RESULTS: The rate of catheterization in the U.S. was more than 2.5 times that in Canada (71% vs. 27%, respectively, p < 0.001). With identical prevalences of severe CAD at catheterization (17%) in the two countries, the higher frequency of catheterization in the U.S. resulted in the identification of more than two and a half times as many cases of severe CAD compared with Canada (12 severe CAD cases identified per 100 post-MI patients in the U.S., vs. 4.6 per 100 in Canada). If considered in isolation, we estimated that these differences in severe disease detection might effect a small long-term survival advantage in favor of the U.S. strategy (estimated 5.0 lives saved per 1,000 MI patients). CONCLUSIONS: Canada's more restrictive post-MI cardiac catheterization strategy is no more efficient in identifying severe CAD than the aggressive U.S. strategy, and may fail to identify a substantial number of post-MI patients with high risk coronary anatomy. The long-term impact of these differences in practice patterns requires further evaluation.

Baseline and 6-month costs of primary angioplasty therapy for acute myocardial infarction: results from the primary angioplasty registry.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to describe the economic outcomes from a prospective multicenter registry of primary coronary angioplasty. BACKGROUND: Interest in coronary angioplasty without preceding thrombolytic therapy as a primary reperfusion strategy has increased as a result of three recent randomized trials showing outcomes equivalent to or better than standard thrombolytic therapy. METHODS: The Primary Angioplasty Registry enrolled 270 patients with acute myocardial infarction at six private tertiary care medical centers. Baseline and follow-up medical costs and counts of resources consumed were collected from enrollment to the 6-month follow-up visit. Correlates and predictors of cost were identified with multivariable linear regression modeling. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of patients had a revascularization procedure during the baseline hospital period: 85% had coronary angioplasty only; 4% had coronary bypass surgery only; 6% had both procedures. The total mean baseline hospital cost (not charge) was $13,113, with mean physician fees of $5,694. During the follow-up period, repeat coronary angiography was performed in 21% of patients, whereas 13% had repeat angioplasty and 3% bypass surgery. Mean hospital follow-up costs were $3,174, with mean physician fees of $1,443. Independent correlates of higher baseline hospital costs included older age (p = 0.049), anterior infarction (p = 0.03), initial Killip class (p < 0.0001), more severe coronary disease (p = 0.0015), need for bypass surgery alone or in addition to angioplasty (p < 0.0001) and recurrent ischemia (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Costs of primary angioplasty for patients with acute myocardial infarction eligible for thrombolysis were strongly influenced by infarction- and procedure-related complications but only modestly influenced by patient selection factors.

Description of two new species of Laubuka (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from River Cauvery, southern Iandia.

Fishes currently identified as Laubuka laubuca from the Cauvery River and its tributaries in the Western Ghats of India are shown to represent two different species: Laubuka trevori, sp. nov., and L. latens, sp. nov., distinguished from all species of Chela and Laubuka by possessing 7½ branched dorsal-fin rays; 14 precaudal vertebrae; 17-18 predorsal scales; 5 branched pelvic-fin rays and 5+4+2 teeth on the fifth ceratobranchial. Laubuka trevori is further distinguished from its congeners by possessing 14½-15½ branched anal-fin rays; ½6/1/1½ scales in transverse line on body; a short pelvic fin (10.1-16.3% SL) and two longitudinal stripes: a golden and a bluish-green stripe on the body, running from behind the opercle to the base of the caudal fin, the latter broken and less distinct in the anterior half of the body. Laubuka latens is further distinguished by its long pelvic fin (23.2-26.9% SL) and the absence of any markings on the side of the body other than a humeral spot and a caudal-peduncle spot.

A review of the species of Oreichthys (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in the Western Ghats, India.

Fishes currently assigned to Oreichthys cosuatis from the Western Ghats are shown to belong to a closely-related group of three valid species: Puntius coorgensis, which is raised from synonymy, and two new species, O. duospilus and O. incognito. Oreichthys coorgensis can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters that include 22-23+1-2 scales in the longitudinal series with 5-8 pored scales; ½3/1/2½ scales in the transverse row; 6-7 predorsal scales and usually a faint blackish spot on the caudal-fin base. Oreichthys duospilus,  sp. nov., can be distinguished by possessing an almost complete lateral line with 11-21 pored scales and two black spots: one on the dorsal fin and the other on the anal fin. Oreichthys incognito,  sp. nov., can be distinguished by a lateral line with 5 pored scales; ½3/1/1½ scales in the transverse row; 8 predorsal scales and a vertical black bar on the dorsal fin. 

Barilius ardens (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), a new species from the Western Ghats, India, with redescription of B. malabaricus and B. canarensis.

The identities of Barilius canarensis and B. malabaricus have hitherto been confused. An attempt to resolve their identities by examining fresh collections from their respective type localities, i.e., southern Karnataka and northern Kerala, yielded a new species, which is herein described as B. ardens. The new species differs from B. canarensis and B. malabaricus by the presence of a row of 7-9 large vertically elongate blotches on the flank, in large adults the first three blotches broken into a smaller row of intercalate spots (vs. two rows of spots: the first consisting of 9-11oval spots, the second with 3-4 smaller spots); and 5+4+3 (vs. 5+4+2) pharyngeal teeth. The new species is distinguished from B. bakeri by having 5+4+3 (vs. 5+4+2) pharyngeal teeth; and the dorsal and anal fins margined with bright orange (vs. white). Barilius malabaricus (hitherto in the synonymy of B. canarensis) is shown to be a valid species distinguished from the latter by having 11½ (vs. 10½) branched dorsal-fin rays and 14½-15½ (vs. 13½) branched anal-fin rays; both species are redescribed.

Evaluating the potential 'economic attractiveness' of new therapies in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between how much a new cardiovascular therapy improves clinical outcomes over current therapies and how much more it can cost while still remaining 'economically attractive'. DESIGN: We developed a decision model to predict the 6-month cumulative cost savings and increased life expectancy that could be associated with new therapies for patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. SETTING: This modelling study used outcome and cost data from US sources. METHODS: Event probabilities at 30 days and 6 months were estimated from US patients with non-ST elevation in the Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries in Acute Coronary Syndromes (GUSTO) IIb trial; cost estimates were derived from patients enrolled in the Economics and Quality of Life substudy of this trial. Patient life expectancy estimates were calculated using survival estimates for similar patients treated at Duke University Medical Center. RESULTS: We found that new therapies costing up to $US2000 per episode that reduce 6-month mortality by 0.5%, death and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) by 1%, or death, nonfatal MI and revascularisation by 3%, may be cost effective by current standards. When new therapies costing up to $US1000 per episode reduce the absolute rate of death, nonfatal MI and revascularisation at 6 months by 6.5% or more, they may be cost saving. CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggests that economic constraints should not inhibit the development of effective new therapies.

Pethia rutila (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), a new species from Mizoram, Northeast India.

Pethia rutila, a new species is described from Karnaphuli drainage, Mizoram, Northeast India. It is distinguished from its congeners in having a complete lateral line with 21-22 scales, an inconspicuous black humeral spot on the scale row below the 3rd and 4th lateral-line scales, a black blotch on the caudal peduncle centered above the insertion of the last anal-fin ray, overlapping lateral-line scales 16-18 or 17-19 and ½4/1/3½ scales in transverse line from dorsal-fin origin to pelvic-fin origin.

A further note on the identity of Barbus mussullah Sykes (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) .

Knight et al. (2013a) clarified the identity of Barbus mussullah Sykes, the type species of Hypselobarbus Bleeker, showing it to represent a lineage clearly distinct from Tor Gray (type species Tor hamiltonii Gray (= Cyprinus tor Hamilton)). They showed the two species to be distinguished by a suite of characters, with Hypselobarbus lacking the distinctive median fleshy lobe of the lower lip (present in T. tor), having the last simple ray of the dorsal fin weak (vs. strong, 'osseous'), gill rakers long and branched (vs. short and simple, unbranched) on first gill arch, and the proximal end of the fifth ceratobranchial hooked (vs. only slightly curved). Nevertheless, some subsequent authors (e.g., Ambili et al. 2014; Khare et al. 2014) have persisted in referring Barbus mussullah to Tor, in effect synonymyzing Hypselobarbus (in which 12 species are currently recognized) with Tor and thereby causing confusion with regard to the identities of these groups of fishes which, being large and relatively common cyprinids, are of significant economic importance. 

Optimal and robust control of invasive alien species spreading in homogeneous landscapes.

Government agencies lack robust modelling tools to manage the spread of invasive alien species (IAS). In this paper, we combine optimal control and simulation methods with biological invasion spread theory to estimate the type of optimal policy and switching point of control efforts against a spreading IAS. We employ information-gap (info-gap) theory to assess how the optimal solutions differ from a policy that is most robustly immune to unacceptable outcomes. The model is applied to the potential invasion of the Colorado potato beetle in the UK. Under no uncertainty, we demonstrate that for many of the parameter combinations the optimal control policy corresponds to slowing down the invasion. The info-gap analysis shows that eradication policies identified as optimal under no uncertainty are robustly the best policies even under severe uncertainty, i.e. even if they are likely to turn into slowing down policies. We also show that the control of satellite colonies, if identified as optimal under no uncertainty, will also be a robust slowing down policy for IAS that can spread by long distance dispersal even for relatively ineffective control measures. The results suggest that agencies adopt management strategies that are robustly optimal, despite the severe uncertainties they face.