1,822 research outputs found
Asia Behind the News: R Jeffery, D Chakrabarty, A Major
No full textRobin Jeffery, Dipesh Chakrabarty, A Major. Indian Politics: History and the roles of the communists in West Bengal politics, particularly the CPM. Recorded: 27.06.1977 (Programme 3)
Photolateralis Sparks & Chakrabarty, 2015, new genus
No full textPhotolateralis, new genus (Figures 2–4 A,B) Photoplagios in part: Sparks et al., 2005; Sparks, 2006 b; Sparks and Chakrabarty, 2007 Equulites in part: Kimura et al., 2008 a; Chakrabarty et al., 2011 a, 2011 b Type species: Photolateralis stercorarius (Evermann & Seale, 1907) Other included species: Photolateralis moretoniensis (Ogilby, 1912), P. antongil (Sparks, 2006) Diagnosis. Members of Photolateralis are distinguished from all other leiognathids by the presence of a translucent flank stripe, which depending on the species, may be comprised of either a continuous mid-lateral stripe (P. antongil), or a composite stripe comprised of numerous independent translucent windows (P. stercorarius and P. moretoniensis). In Photolateralis, the translucent lateral stripe is either lacking entirely in females, or is considerably less developed. Internally and externally members of Photolateralis can be distinguished from their sister genus, Equulites, by morphology of the light-organ system. Externally, male members of Equulites are characterized by an expansive translucent triangular, cornucopia-shaped, or trapezoidal patch on the flank, in contrast to a continuous or composite mid-lateral stripe comprised of numerous independent translucent windows in Photolateralis. Although both genera share lateral clearing of the guanine-lined internal gas bladder surface corresponding to the location of the translucent external patch or stripe, clearing in Equulites is more extensive, extending the full length of the gas bladder, whereas clearing in Photolateralis is restricted to the posterior region of the gas bladder. The light organ in male members of Equulites is greatly enlarged, with paired dorsolateral lobes extending posteriorly well into the gas bladder (less E. leuciscus), in contrast to a moderately enlarged donutshaped light organ in male members of Photolateralis that extends at most only slightly posteriorly into the gas bladder. Discussion and comparisons. Aside from features of the light-organ system (LOS), leiognathids are, in general, morphologically conservative and non-descript silvery fishes with an external appearance that superficially resembles mojarras (Gerreidae), with which they are often confused. However, all leiognathids possess a circumesophageal light organ that contains symbiotic luminescent bacteria (Photobacterium), whose luminescence the fish co-opt for photic communication and predator avoidance (McFall-Ngai and Dunlap, 1983), whereas gerreids are not bioluminescent. In a majority of leiognathid species, comprising all members of the subfamily Gazzinae (Fig. 1), the light organ and associated internal and external anatomical features (e.g., translucent windows/stripes and gas bladder clearing) are sexually dimorphic and both intra- and intergenerically variable in morphology (Sparks et al., 2005: Figs. 4 –8). This integrated LOS provides a rich set of phylogenetically informative characters for diagnosing both genera and species (Fig. 1). The unique anatomical features of the LOS facilitate the transmission of bacterially-generated luminescence (Sparks et al., 2005; Chakrabarty et al., 2011 a) via a species-specific translucent lateral patch (or patches) in males of most species that is located in the head region or on the flank (Sparks et al., 2005). All members of Photolateralis were formerly placed in Equulites (Kimura et al., 2008; Chakrabarty et al., 2011 a, b). Photolateralis shares the presence of translucent lateral flank regions with its sister genus Equulites (Figs. 2–4). In Photolateralis, however, these translucent areas form a mid-lateral stripe, either continuous or comprised of discrete “windows” (Figs 2 and 3), whereas in Equulites, comprising E. elongatus, E. rivulatus, E. leuciscus, E. klunzingeri, E. laterofenestra, and E. absconditus, males are characterized by the presence of a species-specific triangular, translucent lateral flank patch (Fig. 4; Sparks and Chakrabarty, 2007: Fig. 1). Although Equula lineolata Valenciennes, in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1835 is placed within Equulites (Eschmeyer, 2015), with the new placement attributed to Kimura et al. (2008 a), in fact Kimura et al. (2008 a) never mention Equula lineolata. Sparks (2006 b) discussed the taxonomic status of Equula lineolata and concluded the name was a nomen dubium of uncertain placement beyond the family level. In both Photolateralis and Equulites, the lateral gas bladder lining exhibits clearing of the silvery guanine layer that corresponds specifically to the external translucent region characteristic of that taxon (Figs. 2 and 4; Sparks et al., 2005). Males of both genera also possess enlarged light organs (moderately so in Photolateralis vs. greatly enlarged in Equulites) compared to conspecific females and in which the dorsal lobes extend posteriorly into the gas bladder (Figs. 2 and 4). However, both the degree of enlargement and posterior extension of the light organ are considerably muted in Photolateralis (Figs. 2 B and 4 B) as compared to Equulites (Fig. 4 D). The light organ in male members of Photolateralis is more or less donut shaped (Figs. 2 B and 4 B), lacking the greatly enlarged dorsolateral extensions characteristic of male members of Equulites (Fig. 4 D). In addition to Photolateralis, new genus, we currently recognize the following nine extant leiognathid genera, in chronological order of their description, whose phylogenetic relationships are shown in Figure 1 (after Chakrabarty et al., 2011 b): 1) Leiognathus Lacepède, 1802. Type species: Leiognathus argenteus Lacepède, 1802, by monotypy. Equula Cuvier, 1815 was resurrected from synonymy with Leiognathus Lacepède, 1802 by Chakrabarty and Sparks (2008) to encompass E. fasciata and E. longispinis. Chakrabarty and Sparks (2008: 5) treated Equula as valid, however, they incorrectly assigned the wrong type species to Leiognathus. The correct type species is Leiognathus argenteus Lacepède 1802 (see Sparks and Dunlap, 2004; Eschmeyer, 2015). As the same specimen was used to describe the type species of both Equula and Leiognathus, these genera are objective synonyms and identical. The genus Equula is therefore a synonym of Leiognathus (corrected in Chakrabarty et al., 2009). Leiognathus is recovered as the sister group to the remaining members of Leiognathidae less Aurigequula. Members of Leiognathus, comprising Leiognathus equula and L. robustus, plus a number of undescribed species (Chakrabarty and Sparks, 2008; Chakrabarty et al., 2011 b), are not sexually dimorphic with regard to features of the light-organ system. 2) Gazza Rüppell 1835. Type species: Gazza equulaeformis Rüppell 1835, by monotypy. Gazza is recovered as the sister taxon to Deveximentum and placed within the tribe Gazzini, subfamily Gazzinae. 3) Deveximentum Fowler, 1904. Type species: Zeus insidiator Bloch 1787, by original designation. The species now placed in this genus were formerly placed in Secutor Gistel, 1848. Kottelat (2013) considered Secutor a replacement name for Equula Cuvier 1815, which is itself a synonym of Leiognathus Lacepède, 1802 (see above for Leiognathus). Deveximentum is recovered as the sister taxon to Gazza and placed within the tribe Gazzini, subfamily Gazzinae. 4) Equulites Fowler, 1904. Type species: Leiognathus vermiculatus Fowler 1904, by original designation. Equulites was described as a subgenus of Leiognathus. Equulites was removed from synonymy with Leiognathus and elevated to generic rank by Chakrabarty and Sparks (2008). Equulites currently comprises E. leuciscus, E. klunzingeri, E. elongatus, E. rivulatus, E. absconditus, and E. laterofenestra. Photoplagios was described by Sparks et al. (2005), but is a synonym of Equulites Fowler 1904, given that Equulites, an older name, was available for one of the species included in Photoplagios (Kimura et al., 2008 a; Chakrabarty and Sparks, 2008). Equulites is recovered as the sister taxon to Photolateralis, new genus, and placed within the tribe Equulitini, subfamily Gazzinae. 5) Eubleekeria Fowler, 1904. Type species: Equula splendens Cuvier 1829, by original designation. Eubleekeria was described as a subgenus of Leiognathus. Eubleekeria was removed from synonymy with Leiognathus and elevated to generic rank by Chakrabarty and Sparks (2008). Eubleekeria encompasses the ‘‘ Leiognathus ’’ splendens species complex (E. splendens, E. jonesi, and E. kupanensis; Kimura et al., 2005), and also includes multiple undescribed species. Eubleekeria is recovered as the sister group to Photopectoralis and placed within the tribe Eubleekerini, subfamily Gazzinae. 6) Aurigequula Fowler, 1918. Type species: Clupea fasciata Lacepède, 1803, by original designation. Aurigequula was described as a subgenus of Leiognathus. Aurigequula was mistakenly placed in Equula by Chakrabarty and Sparks, (2008). Aurigequula was resurrected from synonymy with Leiognathus Lacepède, 1802 by Chakrabarty et al. (2009) to replace a previously established invalid name, and comprises A. fasciata (type species), A. longispina, and A. striata, plus a number of undescribed species. For additional comments regarding generic status see heading for Leiognathus above and Chakrabarty et al. (2009). Aurigequula is recovered as the sister group to all other members of Leiognathidae. Like Leiognathus, members of Aurigequula do not appear to be sexually dimorphic with regard to features of the light-organ system (Sparks and Dunlap, 2004). 7) Nuchequula Whitley, 1932. Type species: Equula blochii Valenciennes, in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1835, by original designation. Nuchequula was described as a subgenus of Eubleekeria. The subgenus Nuchequula was elevated to generic rank and revised by Chakrabarty and Sparks (2007). Nuchequula was also considered to warrant generic rank and was subsequently revised again the following year by Kimura et al. (2008 b). Nuchequula is recovered as the sister taxon to Karalla and placed within the tribe Nuchequulini, subfamily Gazzinae. 8) Photopectoralis Sparks, Dunlap, and Smith, 2005. Type species: Leiognathus aureus Abe and Haneda, 1972, by original designation. Photopectoralis currently comprises P. aureus, P. bindus, P. h at a i i, and P. panayensis, plus at least two undescribed species. Photopectoralis is recovered as the sister group to Eubleekeria and placed within the tribe Eubleekerini, subfamily Gazzinae. 9) Karalla Chakrabarty and Sparks, 2008. Type species: Equula daura Cuvier 1829, by original designation. Karalla currently comprises K. daura and K. dussumieri. Karalla is recovered as the sister taxon to Nuchequula and placed within the tribe Nuchequulini, subfamily Gazzinae.Published as part of Sparks, John S. & Chakrabarty, Prosanta, 2015, Description of a new genus of ponyfishes (Teleostei: Leiognathidae), with a review of the current generic-level composition of the family, pp. 181-190 in Zootaxa 3947 (2) on pages 182-187, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3947.2.2, http://zenodo.org/record/24267
Diamond v. Chakrabarty: Oil Eaters: Alive and Patentable
No full textCongress is empowered, under article I, section 8 of the United States Constitution, to create patent laws that encourage the promotion of arts and sciences. In the congressional fulfillment of this task, the courts have been confused as to what products are worthy of patent protection under the patent statutes. One illustration of this confusion is the recent controversy of whether living organisms fit into the statutory patentable classification of section 101 of the 1952 Patent Act. The recent United States Supreme Court decision of Diamond v. Chakrabarty has ended this confusion by holding that living micro bacteria is patentable as a manufacture or composition of matter under section 101. The author makes an exhaustive survey of the areas of confusion surrounding interpretation of the patent statutes and analyzes the Chakrabarty decision from the perspective of resolving these areas of confusion. The author ultimately agrees with the decision, but notes that although the confusion in this area is abated, the controversy still remains
Trichromis Mcmahan, Matamoros, Piller & Chakrabarty, 2015, gen. nov.
No full textGenus Trichromis gen. nov. McMahan and Chakrabarty 2015 (Fig. 20) Inclusive species. T. salvini (type by monotypy) Diagnosis. Trichromis is diagnosed by the presence of two dark lines down the length of the body, one just above the distal tip of the pectoral fin, and the other right below the dorsal fin. The mouth is small and terminal and the overall body shape is oval or oblong. Dark, narrow bars or lines are present, typically three or four, from in between the eyes to the predorsal region anterior to the dorsal fin. The interorbital markings are not as broad as those in Maskaheros. Both sexes of species within this genus are colorful (yellow, red, blue/green), and coloration becomes more vivid during breeding. Distribution. Rivers of the Atlantic slope of southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Etymology. Gender feminine. “Tri” is Greek for three, in reference to the three vibrant colors defining this genus (red, yellow, and blue). “-chromis” is Greek for fish. Comments. This species of northern Middle American cichlid has been recovered in several different phylogenetic positions across studies. Most of these discrepancies are likely due to differences in taxonomic sampling among studies. Matamoros et al. (2015) recovered this species outside of the herichthyins and sister to Cryptoheros nanoluteus. Říčan et al. (2013) recovered this species as the sister group to Thorichthys, and López- Fernández et al. (2010) found this species to be outside of the herichthyin cichlids and the sister group to a large clade of several different genera. In nearly all cases (including the present study), T. salvini is recovered in its own clade and not the sister group to any species or clade of species even remotely similar morphologically. Thus, given the phylogenetic position and the morphological distinctiveness of this species, we describe a new genus to contain this species. Material examined. LSUMZ 16257 [n= 2, Guatemala: Lago Peten-Itza], LSUMZ 16366 [n= 4, Guatemala: Río La Pasion], LSUMZ 16417 [n= 4, Guatemala: Lago Yaxhá], FMNH 109065 [n= 18, Guatemala: Río San Pedro].Published as part of Mcmahan, Caleb D., Matamoros, Wilfredo A., Piller, Kyle R. & Chakrabarty, Prosanta, 2015, Taxonomy and systematics of the herichthyins (Cichlidae: Tribe Heroini), with the description of eight new Middle American Genera, pp. 211-234 in Zootaxa 3999 (2) on page 231, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3999.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/23704
Thermal-Safe Test Scheduling for Core-Based System-on-a-Chip Integrated Circuits
No full textOverheating has been acknowledged as a major problem during the testing of complex system-on-chip (SOC) integrated circuits. Several power-constrained test scheduling solutions have been recently proposed to tackle this problem during system integration. However, we show that these approaches cannot guarantee hot-spot-free test schedules because they do not take into account the non-uniform distribution of heat dissipation across the die and the physical adjacency of simultaneously active cores. This paper proposes a new test scheduling approach that is able to produce short test schedules and guarantee thermal-safety at the same time. Two thermal-safe test scheduling algorithms are proposed. The first algorithm computes an exact (shortest) test schedule that is guaranteed to satisfy a given maximum temperature constraint. The second algorithm is a heuristic intended for complex systems with a large number of embedded cores, for which the exact thermal-safe test scheduling algorithm may not be feasible. Based on a low-complexity test session thermal cost model, this algorithm produces near-optimal length test schedules with significantly less computational effort compared to the optimal algorithm
Equulites absconditus Chakrabarty and Sparks, new sp.
No full textEquulites absconditus Chakrabarty and Sparks, new sp. Figures 2 (Group A) and 5, Table 1, 2 Leiognathus berbis Shen, 1984 a: 57, Fig. 318 - 9, Pl. 57; Shen, 1984 b: 262; Shen and Lin, 1985: 135, Fig. 11; Chen and Yu, 1986: 530; Shen, 1993: 344, 705, Pl. 94.5. Holotype. AMNH 249306, 74.0 mm SL, adult male; Taiwan: Market at Tonshi: 23 ° 27 ’ 10.1 ”N, 120 ° 08’ 19.3 ”E: PC-JSS-MKT-06-06: P. Chakrabarty, J.S. Sparks, Joker K.H. Chiu, P. Tai-An, 22 March 2006. AMNH 239270, n= 1, male, 75.2 mm, Taiwan, Chi Fish market at Tonshi, 23 ° 27 ’ 10 ”N, 120 ° 8 ’ 19 ”E, collected by J.S. Sparks, P. Chakrabarty, Joker H.K. Chiu, P. Tai-An, 22 March 2006; AMNH 242666, n= 97, mixed sexes, 79.6–98.2 mm, Taiwan, Ko-Zi-Leow fish Market, 22 ° 43 ’ 37.9 ”N, 120 ° 15 ’ 18.3 ” E, collected by local fishermen, P.Chakrabarty, Y. Ho; 27 March 2007; LSUMZ 13236, n= 1, female, 73.1 mm SL, Taiwan: Market at Tonshi: 23 ° 27 ’ 11.0”N, 120 ° 08’ 17.8 ”E: TW-08- 3: P.C. Chakrabarty, H.C. Ho, 14 November 2008; LSUMZ 13339, n= 21, all females, 67.2–83.6 mm SL, Taiwan: Market at Wuchi: 24 ° 17 ’ 40.6 ”N, 120 ° 31 ’ 17.8 ”E: TW-08- 1: P.C. Chakrabarty, H.C. Ho, 12 November 2008; NTUM 5698, n= 2; mixed sexes, 77.2–78.3 mm SL, Taiwan, Hsin-Da port, Kaohsiung, 22.87 °N, 120.19 °E, no collector, 16 March 1979. Diagnosis. Equulites absconditus can be distinguished from all congeners by the combination of an expansive irregular-pentagonal, translucent flank patch in males and by a strong concavity dorsal to the orbit creating a hump-shaped rise in the dorsal profile that lends the head the appearance of being small and pointed. The new species can be further distinguished from E. elongatus and E. rivulatus by possessing a much deeper body (34–49 % vs. 12.5–29.7 % of SL) and from E. laterofenestra and E. klunzingeri by a translucent flank patch in males that does not reach the pectoral fin. The lack of a markedly elongate 2 nd dorsal-fin spine distinguishes the new species from the other rhomboid shaped congeners, E. klunzingeri, E. laterofenestra, and E. leuciscus. The new species can be further distinguished from E. laterofenestra and E. leuciscus by a dorsal flank pigmentation pattern comprising thin transverse lines versus round semi-circles and oval shapes. The translucent flank patch in males of the new species is similar to that of E. leuciscus in shape and placement (near the midbody and not abutting the pectoral fin), and does not comprise a continuous or broken midlateral stripe as in E. antongil, E. stercorarius, and E. moretoniensis. Description. Equulites absconditus is a medium-sized (typically adults are between 65 and 100 mm SL), elongate, and rhomboid-shaped ponyfish. The dorsal and ventral profiles are equally convex. The snout is pointed and the head is small (<31 % SL and narrow). The lower jaw profile is straight. The mouth protracts strongly ventrally. The dorsal head profile is humped, owing to a rise extending from the region dorsal to the orbit to the dorsal-fin origin. (This humped profile makes the head appear smaller than in congeners.) The lips are thin and not fleshy. The posterior margin of the maxilla is exposed and reaches a vertical through the anterior part of the orbit. The teeth are small and conical, they are numerous, and aligned in several rows. The head is asquamate, whereas the remainder of the body (including the nuchal region) is scaled. In males, an expansive irregular pentagonal, translucent patch (forming more or less the shape of the “home plate” in baseball), is present on the midflank. The base of the pentagon is located slightly ventral and parallel to the body midline and the vertex is located slightly dorsal to the anal-fin origin. Both the second dorsal- and analfin spines are the most elongate, but not markedly longer than the third. There are 10 precaudal and 13 caudal vertebrae (including the ural centrum). There are eight dorsal-fin spines and 16 branched rays. The anal fin has three spines and 14 branched rays. Selected proportional measurements are presented in Table 1 (Group A). Head Length (% SL) 30.4 Body Depth (% SL) 43.5 Predorsal Length (% SL) 44.1 Preanal Length (% SL) 52.6 Prepelvic Length (% SL) 38.2 Head Width (% SL) 12.0 CP Length (% SL) 7.0 CP Width (% SL) 2.6 CP Depth (% SL) 5.0 Pectoral Fin Length (% SL) 21.3 Pelvic Fin Length (% SL) 12.8 Snout Length (% HL) 34.8 Orbit Diameter (% HL) 34.1 Upper Jaw Length (% HL) 45.0 Lower Jaw Length (% HL) 54.1 Interorbital Width (% HL) 35.0 Pigmentation pattern and coloration. The entire body is silvery, owing to uniform, heavy guanine deposition. Pigmentation pattern on the dorsal flank comprises dark, thin transverse lines that follow the contours of the myomeres. In addition, some small circular blotches are present throughout this region, although these blotches are concentrated along the dorsal margin of the flank if present. In life there is a yellowish tint to the posterior margin of the caudal, dorsal and anal fins as well as the midline of the flank and in the pectoral-fin axil. Etymology. From the Latin absconditus meaning hidden or concealed. In reference to the fact that this taxon has been well represented in collections for many years, yet consistently misidentified as members of other species. Taxonomic Status of Equula berbis Valenciennes. Valenciennes based his description of this species entirely on the very brief remarks of Forsskål and not on specimens (1775: 58; Klausewitz and Nielson, 1965). The entire description of Equula berbis (translated from the French) is as follows: “Forskal speaks about a variety of Scomber equula, named in Djidda melliet and Lohaja berbis, which has an elongate body or of lanceolate form, hardly long of a finger, the acute lobes of the tail, the side line finishing under the dorsal, and of which all the fins are bordered of yellow. It gives him for numbers: B. 4; D. 8 / 16; A. 3 / 15; C. 16; P. 16; V. 1 / 5. This description is enough to prove that it is not a variety.” No types of E. berbis are known and the original description [including the earlier comments by Forsskål (1775: 58)] does not serve to diagnose this species on the basis of unique anatomical features or distinguish it from congeners on the basis of a combination of unique attributes. Forsskål’s (1775: 58) remarks serve only to note that this taxon, which he considered to be a variety of Leiognathus (Scomber) equulus (viz., Scomber equula var minimus Forsskål), has a more elongate body than the deep-bodied and more or less disk shaped Leiognathus equulus, a feature that is shared by a majority of ponyfishes. Forsskål also mentions a lateral stripe that terminates ventral to the dorsal fin, but he does not elaborate on whether this stripe appeared opaque or translucent. The majority of leiognathid species possess a lateral stripe of some form (e.g., reflective), although in only a few species is this stripe translucent (e.g., Equulites stercorarius, E. moretoniensis, and E. antongil). The description of Equula oblonga Valenciennes, in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1835 immediately followed that of E. berbis, with the authors commenting that they would not consider E. oblonga to be different from E. berbis “if it did not have spots about which the Danish naturalist (Forsskål) does not speak”. As “First Reviser”, Günther (1860: 502) synonymized E. berbis with E. oblonga, but without any discussion as to why. Subsequently, and in violation of Article 24 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (1999), Dor (1984: 136) synonymized E. oblonga under E. berbis. Our examination of collections of leiognathids reveals that Equula berbis consistently serves as a “wastebasket species”. Much of the confusion is derived from the fact that Equula berbis was not illustrated by either Forsskål or Valenciennes. In addition, all of the features presented by Valenciennes in the original description of E. berbis are shared with other members of Leiognathidae. Because of these reasons and the fact that there have never been type specimens for comparison, the name must be considered a nomen dubium. Despite the lack of information related to this species, it is currently considered to be one of the most widespread members of the family (Woodland et al., 2001; Woodland in Froese and Pauly, 2009). Reports of this taxon are done without reference to original description and materials and have led to the perpetual buildup of misinformation in the literature. Revisionary systematics demands the examination of type material (if available) and a thorough consultation of the original description, otherwise leiognathid taxonomy will continue to be plagued by similar nomenclatural problems.Published as part of Chakrabarty, Prosanta, Chu, Jeanette, Nahar, Luthfun & Sparks, John S., 2010, Geometric morphometrics uncovers a new species of ponyfish (Teleostei: Leiognathidae: Equulites), with comments on the taxonomic status of Equula berbis Valenciennes, pp. 15-24 in Zootaxa 2427 on pages 18-21, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19464
Interpolating between k-Median and k-Center: Approximation Algorithms for Ordered k-Median
No full textWe consider a generalization of k-median and k-center, called the ordered k-median problem. In this problem, we are given a metric space (D,{c_{ij}}) with n=|D| points, and a non-increasing weight vector w in R_+^n, and the goal is to open k centers and assign each point j in D to a center so as to minimize w_1 *(largest assignment cost)+w_2 *(second-largest assignment cost)+...+w_n *(n-th largest assignment cost). We give an (18+epsilon)-approximation algorithm for this problem. Our algorithms utilize Lagrangian relaxation and the primal-dual schema, combined with an enumeration procedure of Aouad and Segev. For the special case of {0,1}-weights, which models the problem of minimizing the l largest assignment costs that is interesting in and of by itself, we provide a novel reduction to the (standard) k-median problem, showing that LP-relative guarantees for k-median translate to guarantees for the ordered k-median problem; this yields a nice and clean (8.5+epsilon)-approximation algorithm for {0,1} weights
Milyeringa brooksi Chakrabarty 2010, new sp.
No full textMilyeringa brooksi, new sp. Holotype:— WAM P28330-001, Pilgonaman Well, 22°11’S, 113° 52’E, 8 July 1984 collected by M. Newton (Fig. 2, 3; Table 2). — LSUMZ 13637, Pilgonaman Well, 22° 11’ 30.5"S, 113° 52’ 00.1"E, 21 May 2009, AUS-6- 2009, 1:15-1:40pm, collected by P. Chakrabarty, D. Brooks, and Annemarie Noël; WAM P29242 (n=2), 22° 12’S, 113° 51’E, 19 May 1983 collected by B. Vine et al. Diagnosis:— Milyeringa brooksi is distinguished from its only congener (M. veritas) by the following features: (1) 10–12 vertical lines of sensory papillae from pectoral-fin base to caudal fin base (Fig. 3, 4) versus inconspicuous and/or dispersed sensory papillae on body) and (2) by molecular synapomorphies listed in Table 3. In addition, M. brooksi adults are typically shorter than M. veritas individuals (max length recorded <40 mm SL vs. up to 53 mm SL), posterior nostril tubular in M. brooksi with a skin flap (versus posterior nostril typically simple and round in M. veritas) and by typically having conspicuous papillae on the dorsal aspect of head. Pattern of sensory papillae in M. brooksi present in four lines on lateral and medial edge of frontal bones near posterior edge of head and by four rows of sensory papillae between left and right nostril (two rows on each side of midline) running in parallel, these anterior papillae extend only slightly past posterior nostril on each side of head (versus variable condition found in M. veritas individuals which have either inconspicuous pore like papillae on head or conspicuous papillae where lateral most papillae near nostrils form a continuous line to papillae on lateral edge of frontal bones). Description:— Milyeringa brooksi are small (<40 mm SL), unpigmented, eyeless stygobitic fish (Fig. 2, 3). Comparative morphometric features are listed in Table 2. Head: Head large (about 40% of SL), broad (area posterior to cheeks widest part of animal) and nearly flat. Eyes absent, with no remnants of a lens (as determined by x-rays) or other features related to vision. Mouth large (about 45% of HL) curved ventrally and posteriorly at 45° from dorsal aspect of head. Lower jaw protrudes slightly anterior to upper jaw. Anterior nostril tubular immediately dorsal to upper lip. Posterior nostril oval, somewhat tube shaped, larger than anterior nostril with excess skin forming flap. Toungue flat and blunt anteriorly. Teeth unicuspid and strongly recurved. Teeth set in three to five irregular rows from most anterior edge to angle of mouth. Teeth on inner (medial) side of jaws larger than those on anterior edge with largest teeth near angle of mouth. Gills: Gill cover large (about 40% of HL) branchiostegal membranes almost completely exposed. Lower arm of gill arch very elongate (making counts difficult without dissection). Ten to 12 gill rakers present on ceratobranchial of first gill arch. Gill rakers long and thin, small denticles present on medial side of rakers. Rakers on medial edge of gill arch short, covered dorsally with denticles. Gill filaments thick and short (about same length as longest rakers). Sensory papillae: One line of papillae loosely follows shape of anterior edge of opercle and preopercle, opercular row of papillae continues on ventral side of head around gular region. Preopercular row of papillae are tightly bound to edge of preopercule in comparison to those on opercule. [These opercular rows are similar in location to nueromast rows ot, os, oi of Wongrat and Miller’s (1991) study of Perccottus glenii and Bostrychus urophthalmus.] Four parallel rows of sensory papillae present on cheek, second row from top is longest extending to papillae on preoperculum [this row is similar to Wongrat and Miller’s (1991) nueromast row b with innervation from the ramus buccalis in Perccottus glenii], other rows less dense and do not reach preopercular row. Largest papillae on head present around lips; these sensory papillae follow closely the outline of lips on all sides of mouth including ventrally. Few papillae on dorsal aspect of head, those present are concentrated posteriorly and anteriorly. Two rows of papillae present on each side of posterior edge of head. Rows consist of about five papillae near lateral and medial edge of frontal bones. Four rows of papillae between left and right nostril (two rows on each side of midline) running in parallel [similar in their location to the rows in Perccottus glenii that are innervated by the truncus supraorbitalis in that species Wongrat and Miller (1991)]. These rows of papillae extend only slightly past posterior nostril on each side of head. Papillae on body less conspicuous than those on head. No lateral line. Ten to 12 vertical lines of papillae present on body. First vertical line of sensory papillae on body (most anterior column) found dorsal to pectoral-fin base. Most posterior line is on caudal-fin base just posterior to caudal flexure (with about eight large papillae). Posterior-most line has largest sensory papillae on body. Largest papillae along body concentrated near midline of each vertical line and become smaller dorsally and ventrally. All lines of papillae on body and head are composed of single well-defined papillae in a row. In some individuals papillae are more conspicuous on one side of body than the other. Body: Body is slim relative to head becoming thinner and shorter posteriorly. A sulcus is present on dorsal surface of body between posterior end of head and first dorsal fin-base. There are less pronounced grooves between pelvic and anal fins, and along the midline of caudal peduncle. Twenty-four total vertebra (10 precaudal + 14 caudal, including last ½ centrum). Paired intermuscular elements are present suspended above precaudal centra 3 to 6. Scales: Body covered in thin, deeply embedded, transparent cycloid scales. Head naked and chest (region anterior to pelvic fins) generally naked (one paratype had chest scales). Fins: Two separate dorsal fins, first is short (less than 1/3 of height of second) with four thin and weak spines, second with nine unbranched but segmented rays. There are four rays in the pelvic fin, nine in the anal fin, 18 segmented unbranched principal caudal-fin rays and 14 pectoral-fin rays. Second dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, anal, and caudal fins all have elongated trailing rays to varying degrees. Vertical from anterior portion of anal-fin base reaches between third and forth soft ray of second dorsal fin. Posterior edge of anal-fin base is slightly posterior to vertical from termination of second dorsal-fin base. Color: In life, M. brooksi is depigmented, appearing almost uniformly pinkish white. Pink color is most conspicuous where blood is concentrated, such as over gills as seen through gill cover. Coloration uniform off-white cream in preservative. Area above brain transparent and brain case appears purplish in life and dark grey in preservative. Fins and gill covers are hyaline. Etymology:— Named for Darren Brooks whose knowledge of these fishes and the caves that house them is unsurpassed, and whose efforts to help conserve these unique ecosystems have been invaluable. Distribution:— This species is found in the karst systems and underground water channels from Tulki Well (22° 06’S. 113° 54’E) in the north, to an area near the abandoned Ningaloo tower (22° 42’S 113° 40’E; also called Point Cloates Lighthouse on local maps) in the southwestern portion of the Cape Range of Australia. The type locality is Pilgonaman Well (Fig. 5), which along with Tulki Well is located within Cape Range National Park. Jarvis Well, which is now filled in, and the Ningaloo Tower location are found outside of the Cape Range National Park. The distribution of these fishes spans approximately 75km along Yardie Creek road on the southeastern side of the North West Cape. The range likely spans underground interconnected waterways that incorporate these surface openings (wells and caves) separated from those belonging to M. veritas in the northern portion of the North West Cape. The specimens from Tulki Well and the Ningaloo tower (see Materials Examined) are not part of the type series and were not sampled in the molecular study; however, these formalin-fixed specimens exhibit the diagnostic morphological features of M. brooksi.Published as part of Chakrabarty, Prosanta, 2010, description of a new blind cave-fish from Australia, Milyeringa brooksi, n. sp., pp. 19-28 in Zootaxa 2557 (1) on pages 22-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.2557.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/530334
Typhleotris mararybe Sparks & Chakrabarty 2012, new species
No full text<p> <i>Typhleotris mararybe,</i> new species</p> <p>Figures 7C, 9–10; table 1</p> <p>HOLOTYPE: AMNH 245601, 44.2 mm SL; Grotte de Vitane (Vitany), sinkhole near Itampolo, coastal plain below and to west of Mahafaly Plateau, southwestern Madagascar, 24°42′07.1″S, 043°57′51.3″E, MAD-1-2008, coll. J.S. Sparks, P.W. Willink, P. Chakrabarty, and S.B. Holtz, 5 June 2008. Hologenetypes CytB, COI, and ND1 (following the nomenclature of Chakrabarty, 2010a) are available on GenBank under accession numbers JQ619660, JQ619665, and JQ619670, respectively.</p> <p>PARATYPE: AMNH 245602, 37.9 mm SL, data as for holotype.</p> <p> DIAGNOSIS: The new species is characterized by uniformly dark brown pigmentation throughout the body, and extending onto the fins for 1/3 of their length; only the distal 2/3 of each fin lacks pigment, apart from the dorsal fins, which are dark brown (vs. an all white body and fins in both congeners). In addition, <i>T. mararybe</i> can be distinguished from congeners by the presence of prominent and protruding anterior skeletal elements. Protruding lateral ethmoid, sphenotic, and pterotic projections, in combination with a strongly sunken and concave orbital region, lend the head a sculpted and angled bony appearance (vs. relatively smooth and more or less fleshy in congeners), particularly in dorsal view (figs. 7C, 9), a shorter pectoral fin not reaching a vertical through the anus when adpressed (vs. pectoral fin extending to anus in congeners), and an elevated vertebral count (26 vs. 25 or fewer in congeners). The new species is further distinguished from <i>T. madagascariensis</i> by the absence of scales fully covering the head (vs. head fully scaled in <i>T. madagascariensis</i>) and a longer second predorsal length (64.9%–69.0% vs. 56.2%–64.1% in <i>T. madagascariensis</i>), and from <i>T. pauliani</i> by a shorter prepelvic length (33.0%–33.9% vs. 34.1%–40.4% in <i>T. pauliani</i>), a pelvic formula of I, 5 (vs. I, 4 in <i>T. pauliani</i>), and the absence of a single leading spine in both the second dorsal and anal fins (vs. leading spines present in <i>T. pauliani</i>).</p> <p>DESCRIPTION: Selected proportional measurements and meristic data presented in table 1. Based on the specimens available, a small (<45 mm SL), elongate (BD <25% SL) and overall thin gobioid. Body wide anteriorly and head dorsoventrally compressed, particularly rostrally. Head bony, and sculpted in appearance, not fleshy, rounded, and smooth. Toothed margins of both upper and lower jaws visible externally when mouth closed. Inside of mouth white. Mouth large, and gape wide. No eyes. Snout and anterior portion of head elongate and shovellike, with a bony, armored appearance, creating a duck-billed appearance. Body becoming progressively laterally compressed posteriorly. Caudal peduncle laterally compressed, shallow, and elongate. Anterior nostril small, tubular, located near upper lip; posterior nostril short, somewhat slitlike and fleshy, but opening more or less oval. Numerous deep canals present on dorsal, lateral, and ventral surfaces of head; canals lined with numerous small pores.</p> <p>Oral jaw teeth small, recurved, and conical; teeth numerous and arranged in six or seven closely set and irregular rows anteriorly in both upper and lower jaws. Teeth tapering to fewer rows of somewhat smaller teeth posteriorly, as well as medially proximal to synthesis, where tooth rows become noticeably reduced in number and constricted, in both upper and lower jaws. Teeth present along full length of premaxillary arcade and dentary. Porelike structures present on basihyal (tongue).</p> <p>Nine or 11 thin, elongate, triangular, and medially denticulate gill rakers arrayed along lower limb of first arch. Epibranchial rakers on first arch of similar morphology, numbering four in holotype.</p> <p> Head asquamate, except scales extending anteriorly onto roof of neurocranium and also covering operculum (note: in paratype ctenoid scales extend onto the cheek and comprise about 4–6 columns; no scales extending onto cheek in holotype, i.e., anteriorly terminate on operculum). Although scales on top of head do not extend nearly as far forward as in <i>T. madagascariensis</i>, squamation does extend to anterior margin of neurocranium, but scales do not extend anteriorly onto snout (as in <i>T. madagascariensis</i>). Otherwise, body fully scaled to the caudal fin, including chest region anterior to the pelvic fin and inner margin of pectoral fin. Cycloid scales present ventrally on chest and belly. Scales cycloid on body, except operculum, which is covered with strongly ctenoid scales. All other scales on body appear to be cycloid. Scales arranged in irregular rows, uneven in size, with smallest on roof of head and largest on operculum. Fleshy pectoral base covered with ctenoid scales. Pectoral-fin axil asquamate.</p> <p>Two dorsal fins. First dorsal fin with five spines and second dorsal fin with eight rays. Anal fin with eight rays. Pelvic-fin origin anterior to vertical through origin of pectoral fin and slightly anterior to vertical through distal margin of opercle. Pectoral fin with 14 or 15 rays. Anus located anterior to vertical through anterior insertion of second dorsal fin. First dorsal fin small, spines feeble, and located posterior to vertical through pectoral-fin origin. Urogenital papilla small, not reaching anal fin when adducted. Pelvic fin short. Pectoral fin elongate, but not reaching level of urogenital papilla when adducted. In congeners pectoral fin extends well posterior of urogenital papilla when adducted. Caudal fin short and slightly rounded distally. Vertebral count 26.</p> <p>COLORATION AND PIGMENTATION PATTERN IN LIFE AND ALCOHOL (figs. 9, 10): Body uniformly dark brown. All fins dark brown proximal to base, whereas distal 2/3 of caudal, pelvic, pectoral, and anal fins depigmented and white. First and second dorsal fins more or less dark brown. In alcohol, the white coloration on the distal portion of the fins becomes an opaque off-white, whereas the dark brown base coloration of the body remains more or less unchanged.</p> <p> ETYMOLOGY: From the Malagasy <i>marary</i> (“ill or sick”), and <i>be</i> (“big”), meaning “very sick” or “big sickness” in reference to the strange debilitating viral illness or “sinkhole fever” members of our team contracted after snorkeling in Grotte de Vitane. The specific epithet, <i>mararybe,</i> is to be treated as an adjective.</p> <p> DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT (figs. 1, 11): The type locality and only known habitat of <i>T. mararybe</i> is Grotte de Vitane (S: 24°42′07.1″; E: 043°57′51.3″), which is a sinkhole located near the town of Itampolo on the coastal plain below and to the west of the extensive, more or less north-south running, Mahafaly Plateau. Grotte de Vitane (fig. 11) is a karst formation with nearly vertical walls, whose water level at the time of our survey was approximately 10–15 m below the rim. The diameter of the sinkhole was approximately 100 m across at its widest, and 70 m at its narrowest, with more or less shear walls. The height of the sinkhole walls to the water level was approximately 50 m on its southern end, and much shallower on the northern end (approximately 20 m).</p> <p>A chain ladder was used to climb down into the sinkhole to access the water where approximately five specimens of the new species were observed (fig. 11B). In a nearly four-hour effort, two of these fish (the holotype and paratype) were captured by the first author using a small hand net while snorkeling. The two specimens were collected at or near the surface of the water, and dove straight down when approached. Another member of our group (P. Willink, FMNH, now at Shedd Aquarium) was able to observe additional individuals while snorkeling, but no additional specimens could be collected at the time of the survey.</p> <p> Interestingly, in contrast to most other collection localities for <i>Typhleotris</i>, in which the water is generally quite shallow, the water in Grotte de Vitane was uniformly deep. At the time of collection (early June), the water was relatively clear, deep, and warm. Via several dives to inspect the substrate for fishes by the first author, it is estimated that the water level in the sinkhole was about 7.5–10 m deep on average. Although the water was clear, much suspended large particulate material was present in the water column. Apart from the new species of <i>Typhleotris</i>, the sinkhole water included an abundance of aquatic invertebrates, including water scorpions (Nepidae), shrimp, and water spiders. It is also interesting to note that all of the specimens observed, including those collected, were swimming in open water within 1–1.5 m of the surface. Upon being chased, all individuals immediately dove toward the bottom.</p> <p>A portion of Grotte de Vitane is exposed to full sunlight, and there is a short (1 m) undercut shelf along the otherwise sheer walls that was not directly exposed; however, the dark, subterranean portion of this particular system extended much further than one could snorkel on a breath of air, and remains unknown. Although we only encountered a few individuals in the sinkhole, all were darkly pigmented and blind. Given that portions of the sinkhole receive direct sunlight, possession of uniformly dark brown body coloration may function to camouflage individuals from predators or offer protection from UV radiation.</p> <p> REMARKS AND COMPARISONS: <i>Typhleotris mararybe</i> can be distinguished from <i>T. madagascariensis</i> by the absence of scales on the anterior part of the head (compare figs. 2, 6A, and 7A with figs. 7C, and 9–10). Both <i>T. pauliani</i> and <i>T. mararybe</i> have scales extending only up to the roof of the neurocranium, not fully covering the cheek and orbital region (the paratype of <i>T. mararybe</i> and a single individual of <i>T. pauliani</i> were observed to possess a few scales on the cheek anterior of the operculum, with scales covering only the posteriormost portion of the cheek), or extending onto the anterior portions of head (i.e., anterior half of frontals or snout); <i>T. madagascariensis</i> has a fully scaled head. Although all three described species of <i>Typhleotris</i> are scaled along the ventrum anterior to the pelvic fin, these scales are both weakly ossified, compared to other body scales, and highly embedded in both <i>T. madagascariensis</i> and <i>T. pauliani</i>, making them quite difficult to discern in preserved material.</p> <p> It is possible that the initial mention of the new species described herein was a consequence of a hydrological survey of the southwestern region of Madagascar (Guyot, 2002). Guyot (2002) notes that he encountered small blind fish, which he determined to be <i>Typhleotris madagascariensis</i>, at several locations on the Mahafaly Plateau. In reference to the locality named “F16” in his dissertation and referred to as Vintany sinkhole, Guyot (2002: fig. IV-2 and table IV-2) mentions that the fish appeared within the fluid expelled through drilling efforts. No further mention was made regarding the fish, nor was any description presented. According to information available to us through our guides, however, Vintany sinkhole (S: 24°02′37.6″; E: 043°45′19.6″) is located in the vicinity of Mitoho Cave, near Lake Tsimanampetsotsa and within Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa. Vintany sinkhole did indeed yield depigmented and blind specimens referable to <i>T. madagascariensis</i> (table 1). The sinkhole near Itampolo where we collected the new pigmented species is called Grotte de Vitane (Vitany) (S: 24°42′07.1″; E: 043°57′51.3″), which seems to better match the placement of Guyot’s (2002) Vintany sinkhole, according to his rather vague maps; however, given the limited data provided, we cannot be certain.</p> <p> As discussed above, Grotte de Vitane is connected to an underground system of water via subterranean passages, but it is unclear whether the new species survives there. The dark brown pigmentation of <i>T. mararybe</i> makes them inconspicuous against the similarly dark background of the sinkhole walls and appears to provide effective camouflage. We hypothesize that the presence of a darkly pigmented blind species in an environment with significant exposure to direct sunlight is the result of this species being derived from a subterranean blind species that invaded this new habitat (Chakrabarty et al., 2012). As with other <i>Typhleotris</i>, individuals of the new species are relatively slow swimmers, but reacted quickly, diving toward the bottom when chased by our nets. It should be noted that individuals of <i>T. pauliani</i> were observed to move away from an approaching object with much more energy than <i>T. madagascariensis</i>.</p> <p>Notably, Grotte de Vitane is regarded as a sacred site frequented by locals for prayer; the locals are apparently unaware that fish inhabit the sinkhole. Some locals are capable of using tree roots to lower themselves in and out of the sinkhole, but seemingly do this infrequently. For all of the other localities we sampled with cavefishes, local villagers were generally aware of the existence of these populations, which include all known blind fish localities in Madagascar discovered to date.</p> <p> Both <i>T. madagascariensis</i> and <i>T. pauliani</i> are listed as “Endangered” in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Loiselle et al., 2004). Accordingly, given the extremely circumscribed distribution of the new species, a single small sinkhole that is easily accessible, coupled with its rarity in that fragile habitat, we believe that <i>T. mararybe</i> should also be listed as threatened.</p>Published as part of <i>Sparks, John S. & Chakrabarty, Prosanta, 2012, Revision of the Endemic Malagasy Cavefish Genus Typhleotris (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Milyeringidae), with Discussion of its Phylogenetic Placement and Description of a New Species, pp. 1-28 in American Museum Novitates 2012 (3764)</i> on pages 16-23, DOI: 10.1206/3764.2, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/4598002">http://zenodo.org/record/4598002</a>
. = Chakrabarty hoy: a 30 años de la Resolución de la Corte Suprema norteamericana.
No full textChakrabarty today: 30 years after the United States Supreme Court ResolutionThe decision of the United States Supreme Court in the Chakrabarty case marked the beginning of a far reaching process, the development of which considerably extended the field of patentability of humans, their body parts and genetic information. The author believes that a period of three decades is sufficient to draw conclusions. A critical point has been reached from a debatable decision, which had more economic support than legal, which requires serious recapitulation of the scope and the purpose of industrial property rights
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