The Field of Cardiac Electrophysiology

Cardiac electrophysiology is a unique and growing field that has made numerous advances in the past 15 years. Specifically, the field is advancing in terms of types of procedures as well as scope of practice. Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and ablations have been the cornerstone of the field and continue to treat more and more conditions. This chapter will convey a birds-eye view of the types of the procedures in electrophysiology, the indications/contraindications, and the advances in the past 15 years. Additionally, local vs. general anesthesia in these procedures as well as the indication for the type of anesthesia will be discussed. The overall aim of this chapter is to present a unique viewpoint of cardiac electrophysiology as well as elaborate on the various types of anesthesia in this field

Skeletal Light-Scattering Accelerates Bleaching Response in Reef-Building Corals

Background At the forefront of ecosystems adversely affected by climate change, coral reefs are sensitive to anomalously high temperatures which disassociate (bleaching) photosynthetic symbionts (Symbiodinium) from coral hosts and cause increasingly frequent and severe mass mortality events. Susceptibility to bleaching and mortality is variable among corals, and is determined by unknown proportions of environmental history and the synergy of Symbiodinium- and coral-specific properties. Symbiodinium live within host tissues overlaying the coral skeleton, which increases light availability through multiple light-scattering, forming one of the most efficient biological collectors of solar radiation. Light-transport in the upper ~200 μm layer of corals skeletons (measured as ‘microscopic’ reduced-scattering coefficient, μ′S,m), has been identified as a determinant of excess light increase during bleaching and is therefore a potential determinant of the differential rate and severity of bleaching response among coral species. Results Here we experimentally demonstrate (in ten coral species) that, under thermal stress alone or combined thermal and light stress, low-μ′S,m corals bleach at higher rate and severity than high-μ′S,m corals and the Symbiodinium associated with low-μ′S,m corals experience twice the decrease in photochemical efficiency. We further modelled the light absorbed by Symbiodinium due to skeletal-scattering and show that the estimated skeleton-dependent light absorbed by Symbiodinium (per unit of photosynthetic pigment) and the temporal rate of increase in absorbed light during bleaching are several fold higher in low-μ′S,m corals. Conclusions While symbionts associated with low-μ′S,m corals receive less total light from the skeleton, they experience a higher rate of light increase once bleaching is initiated and absorbing bodies are lost; further precipitating the bleaching response. Because microscopic skeletal light-scattering is a robust predictor of light-dependent bleaching among the corals assessed here, this work establishes μ′S,m as one of the key determinants of differential bleaching response

PIP5KIβ Selectively Modulates Apical Endocytosis in Polarized Renal Epithelial Cells

Localized synthesis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] at clathrin coated pits (CCPs) is crucial for the recruitment of adaptors and other components of the internalization machinery, as well as for regulating actin dynamics during endocytosis. PtdIns(4,5)P2 is synthesized from phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate by any of three phosphatidylinositol 5-kinase type I (PIP5KI) isoforms (α, β or γ). PIP5KIβ localizes almost exclusively to the apical surface in polarized mouse cortical collecting duct cells, whereas the other isoforms have a less polarized membrane distribution. We therefore investigated the role of PIP5KI isoforms in endocytosis at the apical and basolateral domains. Endocytosis at the apical surface is known to occur more slowly than at the basolateral surface. Apical endocytosis was selectively stimulated by overexpression of PIP5KIβ whereas the other isoforms had no effect on either apical or basolateral internalization. We found no difference in the affinity for PtdIns(4,5)P2-containing liposomes of the PtdIns(4,5)P2 binding domains of epsin and Dab2, consistent with a generic effect of elevated PtdIns(4,5)P2 on apical endocytosis. Additionally, using apical total internal reflection fluorescence imaging and electron microscopy we found that cells overexpressing PIP5KIβ have fewer apical CCPs but more internalized coated structures than control cells, consistent with enhanced maturation of apical CCPs. Together, our results suggest that synthesis of PtdIns(4,5)P2 mediated by PIP5KIβ is rate limiting for apical but not basolateral endocytosis in polarized kidney cells. PtdIns(4,5)P2 may be required to overcome specific structural constraints that limit the efficiency of apical endocytosis. © 2013 Szalinski et al

Price discovery in the foreign currency futures and spot market

In this paper, we compare price discovery in the foreign exchange futures and spot markets during a period in which the spot market was less transparent but had higher volume than the futures market. We develop a foreign exchange futures order flow measure that is a proxy for the order flow observed by Chicago Mercantile Exchange pit traders. We find that both foreign currency futures and spot order flow contain unique information relevant to exchange rate determination. When we measure contributions to price discovery using the methods of Hasbrouck and of Gonzalo and Granger, we obtain results consistent with our order flow findings. Taken together, our evidence suggests that the amount of information contained in currency futures prices is much greater than one would expect based on relative market size.Foreign exchange futures ; Futures market ; Foreign exchange rates ; Foreign exchange

Homalopsis Kuhl & Hasselt 1822

Homalopsis Kuhl & Hasselt, 1822 Coluber Linnaeus, 1758: 217. Vipera Daudin 1803 a: 220. Homalopsis Kuhl & Hasslet 1822: 101 Pythonia Blyth 1859: 279 Pythonella Theobald 1868: 66 (lapsus for Pythonia fide Williams & Wallach, 1989) Type species. Coluber horridus Daudin, 1803 a (synonym of Coluber buccatus Linnaeus, 1758) by original designation. Content. Five species: Homalopsis buccata, H. hardwickii, H. nigroventralis, H. mereljcoxi sp. nov., and H. semizonata. Diagnosis. Homalopsis can be distinguished from all other Southeast Asian snakes by their keeled and striated scales in 33–49 rows at midbody; crescent-shaped valvular nostrils; lower labials posterior to the eye are horizontally divided; and enlarged plates (frontal and parietals) on the crown. Snakes of the genus Cerberus are the species most likely to be confused with Homalopsis; however, Cerberus have fewer than 30 scales rows at midbody and the frontal and parietals are ‘fragmented’ into small irregular scales. Distribution. Homalopsis ranges from Nepal (based on an anecdotal record, Zug & Mitchell 1995) and probably northeast India, eastward to Indochina and southward into the Malayan peninsula and the Indonesian Archipelago as far east as Borneo. One specimen has been reported from Makassar, Sulawesi (Rooji 1917) but De Lang &Vogel (2005) could not validate its presence on the island. Figure 5 shows the distribution of the five species recognized here. Regional works on India and Nepal rarely mention the presence of Homalopsis. Neither Ahmed et al. (2009) nor Whitaker & Captain (2004) mention the species in India and only Schleich & Kastle (2002) report it from Nepal, and their account is based solely upon the Zug & Mitchell (1995) comment.Published as part of Murphy, John C., Voris, Harold K., Traub, Joshua & Cumberbatch, Christina, 2012, The masked water snakes of the genus Homalopsis Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1822 (Squamata, Serpentes, Homalopsidae), with the description of a new species, pp. 1-26 in Zootaxa 3208 on page 4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20995

Homalopsis buccata Linnaeus 1758

Homalopsis buccata (Linnaeus, 1758) Figs. 1 a, 6, 7a Coluber buccatus Linnaeus 1754; 1758: 217. Holotype: Lost, (Andersson 1899.). Type locality: "Indiis." In accordance with Article 75.3 of the ICZN, FMNH 250114 is established as the neotype for Coluber buccatus Linnaeus, 1758. The selection is based upon the type locality “Indiis” which we interpret to mean the East Indies, now the Indonesian Archipelago. See discussion below. With the selection of the neotype the type locality is restricted to Singapore. This specimen was selected because it comes from a location near the east-west center of the range, its collector and locality are known, and tissue from it is available. Coluber monilis Linnaeu 1758: 221. Type locality: " America," in error. Synonymized by Schlegel (1837: 337). Andersson 1898: 34. Vipera buccata Daudin 1803 a, 6: 220. Coluber horridus Daudin 1803 b, 7: 71. Type locality: “Amerique, selon Seba,” in error. Homalopsis monilis – Boie 1826: 521. Homalopsis buccata – Schlegel 1837: 2, pl. 13, figs. 1-5; Cantor 1847: 96; Gray 1849: 67; Bleeker 1857: 238; Günther 1864: 285; Blanford 1881: 215; Boulenger 1890: 374; Müller 1887: 267; Mocquard 1892: 193; Boulenger 1896: 14; Boettger 1898, 2: 88; Flower 1896: 887; 1899: 677; Ridley 1899: 208; Lampe & Lindholm 1902: 31; Boulenger 1905: 175; Barbour 1912: 123; Boulenger 1912: 162; Despax 1912: 199; Werner 1896: 19; 1900: 490; Laidlaw 1901: 578; Wall 1903: 94; Rooji 1917: 186; Robinson & Kloss 1920: 303; Sworder 1923: 66; Wall 1924: 867; 1925: 817; Dammerman 1926: 323; Brongersma 1929: 67; Dunn 1927: 4; Kopstein 1930: 136; 1938: 160; Smith 1930: 61; Brongersma 1931: 35; Kopstein 1941: 138; Haas 1950: 577; Bergman 1951: 511; Lim Boo Liat 1955: 125; 1956: 142; Hoesel 1959: 74; Bergman 1962: 291; Gyi 1970: 136; Tweedie 1983: 103; Steubing 1991: 333; Berry & Lim 1967: 307; Bosch 1985: 18; David & Vogel 1996: 119; Manthey & Grossman 1997: 356; Steubing & Inger 1999: 96; Teo et al. 1997: 253; de Lang & Vogel 2005: 253; Auliya 2006: 222; Murphy 2007: 193. Comment. The only clues to the identity of Coluber buccatus Linnaeus are the ventral and subcaudal counts, and the type locality. The ventral count of 107 is an error, possibly for 170 or 167, in either case two numbers that are completely speculative on our part. The subcaudal count of 72 lies outside the range of all male Homalopsis examined here, but within the range of all female Homalopsis for which we have data (Table 1), except the new Indochinese species (females have 73–92 subcaudals). However, 72 subcaudals is toward the middle of the range for the taxon that inhabits the Indonesian Archipelago. The Indonesian species occupies the largest portion of the Homalopsis distribution, making it statistically probable that Coluber buccatus Linnaeus originated from this population. Oldfield Thomas (1911) noted that “Indiis” as a type locality can only be interpreted to mean “foreign;” and it has been interpreted as being India (Yen 2004) as well as South America (Presch 1973). Here we are interpreting Linnaeus’ locality of “Indiis” for Coluber buccatus as the East Indies, given current knowledge of the distribution of the genus Homalopsis. The gender of Homalopsis is feminine. Coluber monilis Linnaeus 1758: 221 was represented by four syntypes one of which closely agrees with Linnaeuss’ description (Andersson 1899). NRM 63 (presumably the specimen noted by Andersson) has scale counts (confirmed by Sven Kullander, NRM) consistent with Homalopsis buccata. The specimen is a 245 mm juvenile male with two prefrontal scales; 39 scale rows at midbody reduced to 29 rows at the 10 th ventral anterior to the cloaca; 163 ventrals; 83 subcaudals. Coluber subalbidus Gmelin, (1789: 1103) is based on a drawing in Seba (1735: pl. 21, fig. 3) of a snake said to have 165 ventrals, 75 subcaudals, and 40 dorsal scale rows. The type locality was given as America. Schlegel (1837: 337) placed this snake in the synonymy of Homalopsis buccata. Accepting the scale counts as given, this snake could be H. semizonata, H. buccata, or the new species described here. Thus we have removed this name from the synonymy of H. buccata because it is nomen dubia. Coluber horridus Daudin (1803 b) was based on a specimen with 166 ventrals and 87 subcaudals. The type locality was in error, and Schlegel (1837) placed the name in the synonymy of C. buccatus Linnaeus. Given the scale counts and the absence of other information, we follow Schlegel. Again, this name could be applicable to any one of three species given the data available. Because this is the type species for the genus, it has been retained in the synonymy of Homalopsis buccata. Photographs of Homalopsis buccata can be found in: Auliya (2006: 195), Chan-ard et al. (1999: 169), Lim & Lim (1992: 77), and Taylor (1965: 920–921). Field and laboratory studies and observations that relate directly to this species include reports by Auliya (2006), Bergman (1951), Berry & Lim (1967), Kopstein (1930, 1938, 1941), and Lim Boo Liat (1955, 1956, 1965). Distribution. Homalopsis buccata ranges from northern Sumatra to Salanga Island, Indonesia and Borneo; it is present on the Malaysian peninsula and in extreme southern Thailand (vicinity of Pattani). There is a single specimen reported from Sulawesi, but its presence there has not been confirmed (Rooji 1917; Gyi 1970; Murphy 2007; De Lang & Vogel 2005). Diagnosis. Homalopsis buccata has a single loreal contacting upper labials 1-4; two prefrontals; 33–40 dorsal scale rows at midbody, usually reduced to less than 30 posteriorly; one postocular scale plus a postsubocular scale; 12 (11–14) upper labials; and a ventral count that is less than 166. Homalopsis hardwickii has a divided loreal contacting upper labials 1–4; one postocular scale and no presubocular scale. Homalopsis nigroventralis has upper labials 1–3 contacting the loreal; one or two postocular scales plus one postsubocular scale; and a reverse color pattern on the venter (dark olive-gray with white spots). Homalopsis semizonata has a divided or fragmented loreal contacting upper labials 1–4 or 1–5; three prefrontals; 39–44 dorsal scale rows at midbody, reduced to more than 30 posteriorly; one postocular and one postsubocular. The new species, H. mereljcoxi, has a single loreal contacting upper labials 1–4; 40–47 scale rows at midbody, reduced to 30 or more posteriorly; two postocular scales plus a postsubocular; and ventral counts that are usually greater than 165. Description of Neotype. An immature female FMNH 250114, 397 mm SVL with a 99 mm tail, from Singapore collected 1 May 1992 by K. Lim. Rostral slightly visible from above; nasals large, in contact, semi-divided with nasal groove contacting first upper labial. Internasal single; two prefrontals make broad contact with loreal; frontal slightly longer than parietals; loreal single and contacts upper labials 1–4. Ocular ring scales: 1 / 1 supraocular, 1 / 1 preocular, 1 / 1 presuboculars, 2 / 1 postoculars, and 1 / 1 postsuboculars. Upper labials 14 / 12, number 6 / 6 are under the orbit, 7 / 7 is the first divided; lower labials 18 / 19, first three contact first chin shield; chin shields in three pairs, first divided lower labial 9 / 8; about 12 gulars before first ventral. Ventrals number 159, the anal plate is divided; ventrals number 74. Dorsal scale rows 39 – 37 – 27, scales are keeled and striated. On the head the snout and anterior crown are dark brown with a posterior occipital pale patch. Upper labials are shaded dark to pale from dorsal to ventral; each side of the head has a dark eye stripe that extends from just before the eye to the buccal "cheeks"; there are 25 light colored bands on the body, 2–3 scales wide, outlined in black and separated by 26 dark brown bands that are 5–7 scale rows wide. The ventral surface is a uniform yellow with 53 pairs of dark brown spots, one on the outer edge of each ventral; the ventral surface of the tail is mottled black and cream. Variation. The internasal can be single or divided; the loreal is always single in our sample. Scales in the ocular ring number 5 or more (1 supraocular, 1 preocular, 1 presubocular, 1 or 2 postoculars, 1 postsubocular, 0–2 suboculars, and rarely upper labial 5 or 6). Upper labials are usually 12 (11–14), the first 4 usually contact the loreal (rarely 2–4), the first divided upper labial is usually 7; lower labials range from 15 –19, 16 or 17 are usual; the first 3 or 4 contact the first pair of chin shields. Variation in scale counts: (n = 16 males): Dorsal scale rows at the 10 th ventral 36–40 (x = 37.2, SD = 6.11); scale rows at midbody 33–39 (x = 36.43, SD = 1.82), scale rows at post body 26–29 (x = 27.06, SD = 1.06). Ventrals 159–168 (x = 163, SD = 2.55). Subcaudals 78-87 (x = 83, SD = 2.43). Variation in females (n = 21 unless otherwise noted): dorsal scale rows on neck 37–42 (x = 38.57, SD = 1.09), scale rows at midbody 33–40 (x = 37.52, SD = 1.40), scale rows at post body 25–30, (x = 27.33, SD = 1.37); ventrals 151–166 (x = 160.19, SD = 3.29); subcaudals 65–80 (n = 18, x = 74.28, SD = 1.09). Kopstein (1941) reported scale counts for 34 specimens of Homalopsis buccata from four locations on the island of Java (Soetardjo, Grabag, Indramayu, and Bogor). His ranges are very similar to ours; the slight differences in ventral counts may be explained by our use of Dowling’s (1951) ventral scale counting method. Our analysis of Kopstein’s data revealed the following: dorsal scales at midbody 35–41; ventrals 158–170 (males: n = 20, x = 166.55, SD = 1.87; females: n = 14, x = 163.5, SD = 2.692); subcaudals in males 71-86 (n = 17 x = 83.11, SD = 2.61), and subcaudals in females 70–84 (n = 11, x = 74, SD = 4.44). Size. Sixteen male SVLs ranged from 167–695 mm (x = 479.7, SD = 201.6), and their tails ranged from 56– 236 mm (x = 150, SD = 58.9). Twenty female SVL’s ranged from 192–794 mm (x = 511, SD = 157.08); 15 undamaged tails were 62–202 mm (x = 148, SD = 42.59). The SDI is - 1.06 for this species. The largest specimen of H. buccata reported in the literature is a 1228 mm female from Bogor (Kopstein 1941). Material examined. INDONESIA: Java, Buitenzorg MCZ 76252 - 59; Salatiga CAS 145591, FMNH 105682; Sumatra, Little Siak River USNM 37813, no specific locality 55325 - 330; MALAYSIA: Johore ZRC 2-3346 (Bukit Timah), 2-3348, Perak CAS 13066 (42 mi. N. of Kota Tinggi, Johore, Malay Peninsula), FMNH 161283 (Ampang), 183771 (Kampong Eleng 13 mi N Semengih); FMNH 218877, 229810, 229813 –17, 229820 (Johore, Muar), FMNH 229823 (Johore, Bukit Gambir); SINGAPORE: CAS 8538 - 39 (no specific locality), FMNH 250114 (Nee Soon Swamp Forest), ZRC- 2-3338 - 39 (no specific locality); THAILAND: Pattani FMNH 179316 – 18.Published as part of Murphy, John C., Voris, Harold K., Traub, Joshua & Cumberbatch, Christina, 2012, The masked water snakes of the genus Homalopsis Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1822 (Squamata, Serpentes, Homalopsidae), with the description of a new species, pp. 1-26 in Zootaxa 3208 on pages 9-11, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20995

Homalopsis hardwickii Gray 1842

Homalopsis hardwickii Gray, 1842 Fig. 1 b Homalopsis buccata— Günther 1864: 285; Boulenger 1890: 374; 1896: 14; Smith 1943: 390. Wall 1903: 94; Wall 1923: 38; Gyi 1970: 136; Murphy 2007: 193 Type locality. “ India.” Holotype. BMNH 1946.1.7.26.” Distribution. Possibly restricted to northeast India, no known extant population. The holotype of Homalopsis hardwickii is reported to be from India, but the datum is questionable. Two other specimens (BMNH 111.18. 1 b, g) that may be H. hardwickii have the locality of “Bengal” but do not agree well with the holotype and the locality information is followed by a question mark in the BMNH catalog. Thus, this species remains to be re-discovered and its distribution to be determined. Diagnosis. Homalopsis hardwickii has a divided loreal contacting upper labials 1–4; two prefrontal scales; 39 scale rows at midbody reduced to 28 posteriorly; one postocular scale and no presubocular scale; 13 or 14 upper labials; 159 ventrals. Homalopsis buccata has a single loreal contacting upper labials 1–4; one postocular scale plus a postsubocular scale; H. nigroventralis has upper labials 1–3 contacting the loreal; one or two postocular scales plus one postsubocular scale; and a reverse color pattern on the venter (dark olive-gray with white spots). H. semizonata has three prefrontals; one postocular and one postsubocular. The new species, H. mereljcoxi, has a single loreal contacting upper labials 1–4; 40–49 scale rows at midbody, reduced to 30 or more posteriorly; and two postocular scales plus a postsubocular. Redescription of the Holotype. A male, 511 mm SVL, 172 mm tail; dorsal scale rows 41 – 39 – 28; 159 ventrals; 84 subcaudals; 1 / 1 preocular, 1 / 1 postocular, 1 / 1 postsubocular, no subocular; internasal small and divided; 2 / 2 prefrontals; temporal formula 1 / 1; upper labials 14 / 13, first six not horizontally divided; upper labials under orbit 5 / 6; upper labials in contact with loreal 1-4 / 1-4; loreal divided on both sides. It has a typical Homalopsis pattern with alternating dark brown separated by white saddle-like blotches, the light blotches number 44, of which 19 do not extend to the vertebral line. Material examined. “ INDIA ” BMNH 1946.1. 7.26 (type).Published as part of Murphy, John C., Voris, Harold K., Traub, Joshua & Cumberbatch, Christina, 2012, The masked water snakes of the genus Homalopsis Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1822 (Squamata, Serpentes, Homalopsidae), with the description of a new species, pp. 1-26 in Zootaxa 3208 on pages 12-13, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20995

Homalopsis semizonata Blyth 1855

Homalopsis semizonata Blyth, 1855 Figs 2 e, 8 d, 10 Homalopsis semizonata Blyth, 1855: 187. Type Locality: Mottama (formerly Martaban), Myanmar. Type Specimen: ZSI 8137, collected by Major Berdmore. Pythonia semizonata Blyth, 1859: 279. Pythonella semizonata Carlleyle, 1869: 200 (lapsus for Pythonia). Homalopsis buccata – Theobold 1868 a: 58; 1868 b: 66; Nicholson 1874: 62; Theobold 1876: 185; Boulenger 1887: 475; Sclater 1891: 53; Boulenger 1893: 309; 1896: 16; Wall & Evans 1901: 616; Wall 1903: 94; Rooji 1917: 186; Wall 1923: 38; Hundley 1964: 22; Dowling & Jenner 1988: 4; Murphy 2007: 193. Distribution. Homalopsis semizonata is known from Kawkareik, Twante near Rangoon, and Mottama, Myanmar. This species may be more widespread than known specimens suggest. Its known distribution is centered on the Gulf of Martaban, but it may extend to the north following the Ayeyarwady River and to the south following the Andaman Sea’s coastal plain in southern Myanmar and along the Andaman coast of peninsular Thailand. Frith (1977) reported on two Homalopsis from Phuket, Thailand with 40 and 42 dorsal scale rows, and 159 and 162 ventrals ― scale counts within the range of H. semizonata which is found along the same coast, about 900 km to the north. Diagnosis. Homalopsis semizonata has a divided or fragmented loreal contacting upper labials 1–4 or 1–5; three prefrontals; 39–44 dorsal scale rows at midbody, reduced to more than 30 posteriorly; one postocular and one postsubocular. Homalopsis buccata has a single loreal contacting upper labials 1-4; two prefrontals; 33–40 dorsal scale rows at midbody, reduced to less than 30 posteriorly; H. hardwickii has two prefrontal scales; 39 scale rows at midbody reduced to 28 posteriorly. Homalopsis nigroventralis has upper labials 1–3 contacting the loreal; two prefrontals; 35–39 dorsal scale rows at midbody, reduced to less than 30 posteriorly; one or two postocular scales plus one postsubocular scale; and a reverse color pattern on the venter (dark olive-gray with white spots). The new species, H. mereljcoxi has a single loreal contacting upper labials 1–4; two prefrontals; 40–47 scale rows at midbody, reduced to 30 or more posteriorly; two postocular scales plus a postsubocular. Blyth’s original description of this snake is difficult to obtain. We have included it below followed by an updated description written by us. Homalopsis semizonata, nobis. This is remarkably fine species has not of a little the aspect of Viper, from the small scales of its seize, the subdivision of its head plates, and the general colouring. Form moderately thick; the body with 39 rows of small strongly carinated scales. Vertical plate transversely divided into two; the anterior portion triangular, with apex to the front; the posterior semicircular and behind the latter is a remarkable range of five small plates, the medial being elongated backwards between the occipitals and posterior to this again is a minute inter-occipital: occipitals curiously scalloped each with three incisions; one posterior, one exterior, and one interior: two pairs of frontals; a freanal and a post-nasal. Colour pale yellowish-brown, marked on the upper-parts with about 36 semi annuli, which are of a blackish hue on the edges, paler within; on the hinder part of the body and tail are some black spots on the pale inter-spaces; and a medial black streak from the occiput it continued to the second transverse semi-annulus; a triangular black spot on the snout; also a blackish eye-streak; and a small spots on each occipital: lower-parts with two irregular rows of dark spots from throat to vent, bordering the scutae; and the sub-caudal scutellae are marked throughout with black. Number of scutae, 168; scutellae, 78 pairs. Length of specimen 27 in., of which tails is 6 in. It is remarkable that abdominal scute begin to divide obliquely as they approach the vent, the last two or three assuming the appreance of pairs of scutellae. Redescription of the Holotype. A male, 562 mm SVL, 166 mm tail; the rostral is broader than tall; the nasals are in contact and semi-divided; a divided internasal makes narrow contact with the loreal on each side; three prefrontals, the most lateral contact the loreal; frontal is posteriorly fragmented; parietals about the same length as frontal; occipitals small; loreal divided on each side; preoculars 1 / 1, presuboculars 1 / 1, supraoculars 1 / 1, suboculars 2 / 2, postoculars 1 / 1, postsuboculars 1 / 1; primary temporals 1 / 1; upper labials 12 /13, 1– 5 / 1–5 contact loreal; 6 is under the orbit; lower labials 15 / 16, with 1–4 / 1–4 in contact with chin shields; 165 ventrals; subcaudals 78 / 79 paired subcaudals. Description. Note that our scale counts for this species are based mostly on neonates and late-term embryos. These snakes were collected by K. K. Gyi and are less than 300 mm SVL. Scale count data for Myanmar (Burma) Homalopsis from Gyi (1970) overlap ours, they do not mirror ours. Thus his data may be based upon specimens from a different population, or may include a second species. Rostral broader than tall; nasals in contact and semi-divided; a divided (rarely single) internasal makes narrow contact with the loreal on each side; three prefrontals, the most lateral contact the loreal; frontal is usually posteriorly fragmented; parietals about the same length as frontal; occipitals small; loreal is divided into 2–6 scales; 1 / 1 preocular, 1 / 1 supraocular, usually none or 1 subocular, 1 / 1 postocular; 1 / 1 postsubocular; 1 / 1 primary temporal; 12–15 upper labials, 1–4 or 1–5 contact loreal; sixth is under the orbit and occasionally in the orbit; first divided upper labial is the sixth; lower labials 15-20, with 1-3 (rarely 1–4) in contact with first chin shield; dorsal scale rows at the 10 th ventral 40–44 (n = 36, x = 42.08, SD = 1.21), dorsal scale rows at midbody 39–44 (n = 36, x = 41.6, SD = 1.36), dorsal scale rows at post body 30–36 (n = 36, x = 32.05, SD = 1.56); ventrals in males 153–165 (n = 16, x = 158.3, SD = 3.14), ventrals in females 153–164 (n = 19, x = 157.5, SD = 3.21); subcaudals in males 78-90 (n = 14, x = 82.2, SD = 3.02), subcaudals in females 69–77 (n = 19, x = 74.45, SD = 2.37). Material examined. MYANMAR – Kawkareik BMNH 1940.3. 9.10, CAS 12392; Pegu, Twante, near Rangoon – KU 924362 - 394, Mottama – ZSI 8137.Published as part of Murphy, John C., Voris, Harold K., Traub, Joshua & Cumberbatch, Christina, 2012, The masked water snakes of the genus Homalopsis Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1822 (Squamata, Serpentes, Homalopsidae), with the description of a new species, pp. 1-26 in Zootaxa 3208 on pages 18-20, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20995

First record of the Opossum Didelphis marsupialis from the island of Gaspar Grande off North-Western Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago

No abstract available