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Noteworthy Natural History Notes From The Neotropics, R. Kannan

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I report some rarely observed, infrequently reported, or hitherto unrecorded ecological interactions from the neotropics. These anecdotal observations were made opportunistically during nature tours or tropical biology classes in Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, and Trinidad & Tobago, between 2014 and 2024.

Sperm Morphology In The Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Frog, Gastrophryne Carolinensis (Anura: Microhylidae), S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Studies by Scheltinga et al. (2002) and Scheltinga and Jamieson (2003) provide the most comprehensive analysis and only review of sperm morphology in Narrow-Mouthed Frogs (family Microhylidae). Of the 490+ species known to occur in this anuran family (Vitt and Caldwell 2014), only 3 are distributed in the United States (Powell et al. 2016), and 2 of these occur in Arkansas (Trauth et al. 2004). Surprisingly, sperm studies on only 12 microhylid species have been conducted (Scheltinga and Jamieson 2003), and no sperm studies are available on any North American species.

Investigating Quinclorac Binding To Human Serum Albumin Using Spectroscopy And Molecular Docking, Le Nguyen, L. Hicks, L. Jodoin, S. Carby, D. S. Sanford, D. Benavides, A. Mishra, R. Yadav

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant plasma protein and serves as a major transporter and reservoir for a wide range of endogenous ligands, including fatty acids, heme, bilirubin, prostaglandins, and metal ions, as well as numerous exogenous compounds, such as pharmaceuticals. HSA is a 66 kDa monomeric, multidomain protein containing two principal ligand-binding sites, Sudlow sites I and II. Sudlow site I contains Trp214, the sole tryptophan residue in HSA, whose intrinsic fluorescence provides a sensitive probe for studying ligand–protein interactions.

In this study, the interaction between HSA and the persistent organochlorine herbicide quinclorac (QNC) was investigated using …

Status Of The Gray Fox In Arkansas, D. B. Sasse

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The putative subspecies of gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus ocythous) that is found in Arkansas has been proposed for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act, primarily due to potential population declines elsewhere in their range. In order to evaluate the need for such protection I evaluated the status of the gray fox in Arkansas utilizing data collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Based on purchases of pelts by Arkansas-licensed fur dealers, opinions of Arkansas trappers about gray fox population trends, and hunter observation surveys, the gray fox appears to be widely distributed, abundant, and populations may …

A Review Of Herpetofaunal Distributions In Arkansas With Special Emphasis On Contributions From Citizen Science: Part Ii – Turtles, Lizards, And Alligators, L. Hobbs, E. Kelley, J. Jackson, J.D. Willson, K. G. Roberts, R. Kannan

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We update and present a comprehensive review of the distributions of the species of lizards (14), alligators (1), and turtles (16) in Arkansas. We compare historical and current distributions with citizen science data uploaded and verified in iNaturalist, a leading online citizen science biodiversity monitoring database. The Arkansas Herpetological Atlas, an online resource maintaining species occurrence records, is also used and compared. We highlight the role played by iNaturalist in enhancing our knowledge of the distributions of these species in Arkansas. As of 13 February 2025, verified and vetted Research Grade (RG) iNaturalist observations from Arkansas include 7,462 observations of …

History And Distribution Of The Dark Ibises (Glossy Ibis Plegadis Falcinellus And White-Faced Ibis P. Chihi) In Arkansas, R. Tumlison, P. D. Rodriguez

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) and White-faced Ibis (P. chihi) sometimes are reported simply as Dark Ibises due to difficulty in identifying them when mature characters are not clearly visible. We evaluated reports verified on citizen science websites to examine the origins and distributions of these migratory species in Arkansas. The Glossy Ibis was first documented in Arkansas in 1956, has been reported in 21 of our 75 counties, and is found more commonly in eastern Arkansas. The White-faced Ibis was first reported in Arkansas in 1971, has been reported in 41 of our 75 counties, …

History And Distribution Of Great-Tailed Grackles (Quiscalus Mexicanus) In Arkansas, R. Tumlison, V. Andersen

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Great-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) were reported first in southwestern Arkansas in 1969, were nesting there in 1977, and established a resident population by 1980. Nesting was reported in far northwestern Arkansas in 1986. Presently, the species is known from 44 of Arkansas’s 75 counties, those mostly in the western and central counties. Most individuals appear to be migratory, with most reports occurring in April and May. However, breeding and now resident populations have been reported in the southwestern, northwestern, and central counties, particularly in urban areas. Birds are very commonly reported to forage at fast-food establishments and truck …

Multiple Nuclear Configurations And Microtubular Arrangements In Spermatozoa Of The Western Siren, Siren Nettingi (Caudata: Sirenidae), S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I examined the ultrastructure of spermatozoa of the Western Siren, Siren nettingi, using transmission electron microscopy. My primary objective in this study was to elucidate, for the first time, the unique morphological complexity of biflagellated sperm in this species. This study also represents my fifth addition in a series of investigations that highlight the novel nature of all aspects of spermatogenesis in this salamander I show the basic sperm transverse and sagittal design which includes a nucleus, 2 axial fibers supporting 2 undulating membranes which have 2 axonemes residing at their terminal ends, several circular mitochondria, and several electron-dense masses. …

Binucleation And Seasonal Cycle Of Sertoli Cells In The Western Lesser Siren, Siren Nettingi (Caudata: Sirenidae), S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I examined binucleation and the seasonal cycle of Sertoli cells in the Western Siren (Siren nettingi) using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. My primary objective in this study was to report, for the first time, the presence of double nuclei in Sertoli cells in a salamander. This study also represents the sixth contribution in a series of investigations that highlight the novel nature of all aspects of spermatogenesis in this unique salamander. My findings add to a growing list of extraordinary morphological and reproductive features that distinguish this salamander from all other vertebrates.

Distal Urogenital Anatomy And Epithelial Morphology In The Male Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Frog, Gastrophryne Carolinensis (Anura: Microhylidae), S. E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

I investigated the microanatomy of the distal urogenital system in male Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Frogs (Gastrophryne carolinensis) from a small sample (n = 5) collected in central Arkansas in April, May, and July (2021) and May 2022. Specifically, my primary goals were to elucidate the histology of the following: (1) the paired Wolffian (urogenital) ducts caudally from the kidneys to their merging with the urodeum of the cloaca, (2) the structure of seminal vesicles, and (3) the epithelial morphologies among the distal urogenital tract, the posterior alimentary canal, and the cloaca. My histological analysis confirmed the presence of …

Testing The Accuracy Of A Bear-Tracking Satellite Transmitter Collar Under Natural Conditions, K. A. Watson, K. Phipps, C. Drexler, C. R. Middaugh, M. Means, M. Hooks

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission tracks American black bears (Ursus americanus) using Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite telemetry collars in southeastern Arkansas to assess habitat use and behaviors. Companies test the accuracy of their devices, but researchers have found that natural environments, such as the forested habitat of black bears, can cause an increase in spatial error rates. We therefore tested 1 GPS collar in realistic conditions to help refine data interpretation. We placed the collar at 20 random locations in Columbia County, AR, stratifying habitat type based on data collected from black bears. We determined the …

Academy Presidents And Institutional Members, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Journal Of The Arkansas Academy Of Science Volume 79, Academy Editors

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Distribution And Impact Of Cogongrass (Imperata Cylindrica) In Northern Mississippi, Carl R. Pulver V, Ryan E. Burke, Elizabeth Esser, Evan Moore, Ashley Schulz

Endeavors: Mississippi State Undergraduate Research Journal

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is a non-native, rhizomatous grass that has invaded the southeastern United States. It forms dense mats that outcompete native plants, alters decomposition and microbial assemblages, and has highly flammable litter that alters fire behavior, affecting native plant communities. Though surveys for cogongrass have been conducted in southern Mississippi, the degree of cogongrass infestations in northern Mississippi has remained unclear and concerning. This study aimed to update cogongrass location data for the state and identify problem areas to guide state invasive plant management efforts. To provide a starting point, previously documented cogongrass locations were synthesized from natural history …

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy For Monitoring Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection In Experimentally Challenged Calves, Erin Blanchard, Jelena Muncan, Grace Beddingfield, Cassandra Barber, Florencia Meyer, Santiago Cornejo, Merrilee Thoresen, Amelia Woolums, Carrie Vance

Endeavors: Mississippi State Undergraduate Research Journal

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a multifactorial disease complex that causes significant economic loss in the cattle industry. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), one of the primary viruses included in BRD, primarily targets the lower respiratory tract and causes a wide variety of subclinical and clinical signs. Current diagnosis techniques require off-site laboratory testing, creating delays that allow BRSV to spread through herds and highlighting the need for rapid diagnostic methods. The objective of the study was to evaluate near-infrared spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for BRSV detection across varying infection severities. Twenty-two Holstein bull calves were reared in research …

Multiplex Pcr Assay To Distinguish Porcine And Non-Porcine Meats In Processed Foods Using Specific Primers From Nadh Dehydrogenase And Atp Synthase Gene, Kristianto Nugroho, Amalia Prihaningsih, Rerenstradika Tizar Terryana, Slamet Diah Volkandari, Mastur Mastur, Puji Lestari

Makara Journal of Science

Food safety issues, such as food adulteration between halal and non-halal meats, are among the most serious problems in Muslim countries like Indonesia. Food adulteration produces a mixture of products that cannot be detected visually by customers, and it could lead to several social and health problems. The availability of a detection method that can disti-nguish between porcine and non-porcine meats is very important, particularly one that can be utilized in small-scale labo-ratories. The aim of this study was to design and optimize species-specific primers that could distinguish between porcine and non-porcine meats in processed foods by utilizing NADH Dehydrogenase …

Performance Of A Fertilizer Sludge Contaminated With Heavy Metals Collected From Two Wastewater Treatment Plants On (Lactuca Sativa), Leila Lila Belkhedim, Yamina Tahri

Makara Journal of Science

The improper management of sewage sludge poses a significant global risk to environmental and public health. In this study, the valorization of sludge as an organic fertilizer for lettuce cultivation was evaluated, offering a sustainable waste-to-resource solution. Sludge from two wastewater treatment plants (Mazouna and El Kerma) were collected between 2019 and 2021. Comprehensive physicochemical analysis was conducted to determine its nutrient value and contaminant levels. In addition, the efficacy and safety of the fertilizer were assessed by measuring lettuce growth and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues. The analyzed sludge, with an organic matter content of 9.91%–83% …

Microplastic Analysis In Fish Larvae (Family: Gonostomatidae And Myctophidae) From The Banggai Sea, Indonesia, Noer Kholis, Luqman Ilyas Ardito, Luqmanul Hakim, Augy Syahailatua, Agus Saleh Atmadipoera, Rina Zuraida, Tuan Nurul Sabiqah Tuan Anuar, Mufti Petala Patria

Makara Journal of Science

Microplastic pollution is recognized as a threat to marine ecosystems, yet its impacts on early life stages of mesopelagic fishes remain poorly understood. This study investigated the occurrence and characteristics of microplastic ingestion in fish larvae of the families Myctophidae and Gonostomatidae from the Banggai Sea, Indonesia. Morphometric measurements and microplastic content were analyzed in 40 larvae (20 per family). Gonostomatidae larvae, despite being smaller in total length, exhibited significantly larger mouth widths and ingested more microplastic particles (mean = 3.90 ± 0.72 particles) than Myctophidae (mean = 3.40 ± 0.38 particles). Correlation analysis showed no significant relationships between morphometric …

In Silico And Toxicological Evaluation Of Crescentia Cujete Aqueous Extract: Potential Anticancer Activity Against Breast Cancer, Rahma Diyan Martha, Fatimah Fatimah, Syahputra Wibowo, Bantari Wisynu Kusuma Wardhani, Josephine Elizabeth Siregar, Elisabeth Farah Novita Coutrier, Alfia Fitrianita, Andri Pramesyanti Pramono, Ita Margaretha Nainggolan, Yudhi Nugraha, Danar Danar, Naufal Abiyyu, Lalu Unsunnidhal, Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, Hesty Parbuntari, Wimbuh Tri Widodo

Makara Journal of Science

Majapahit plant (Crescentia cujete), commonly found in Indonesia, has not been extensively explored for its medicinal properties. Given that many cancer treatments are derived from plants, this study aimed to examine the effects of plants on cancer chemical composition of the C. cujete fruit pulp extract, identify its primary compounds, and assess its potential as an antioxidant, anticancer agent, particularly for breast cancer. An insilico approach was used to evaluate the toxicity and interactions, of the compounds with cancer biomarker proteins, in addition to an in vivo Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) for BSLT, toxicity screening using six …

Morphometric And Genetic Analyses Of The Sheat Catfish Genus Ompok And Kryptopterus (Siluriidae) From The Mahakam River, East Kalimantan, Indone-Sia, Jusmaldi Jusmaldi, Rudhy Gustiano, Haryono Haryono, Rusdianto Rusdianto, Gema Wahyudewantoro, Syahroma Husni Nasution, Yulianto Yulianto, Muhammad Hunaina Fariduddin Aththar, Safar Dody, Amran Ronny Syam, Irin Iriana Kusmini, Yosmaniar Yosmaniar

Makara Journal of Science

Anthropogenic impacts within the watershed threaten the survival of sheat catfish. Therefore, species of the genera Ompok and Kryptopterus should be conserved and domesticated to ensure their long-term persistence. Moreover, the accurate documentation of the existence and taxonomic validity of Ompok and Kryptopterus species is crucial. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the species diversity of the genera Ompok and Kryptopterus in the Mahakam River, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The study was conducted between June and December 2014, with an update in August 2024. Fish samples were collected from the upstream and middle reaches of the Mahakam River. A total of …

Ecological Patterns Of Culture-Recoverable Entomopathogenic Fungi From The Maize Rhizosphere Across Three Elevation Zones In West Java, Indonesia, Lilian Rizkie, Tjandra Anggraeni, I Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha, Agus Susanto

Makara Journal of Science

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are important components of soil ecosystems and may support sustainable pest management in agricultural systems. This study characterized culture-recoverable EPF in maize (Zea mays L.) rhizospheric soils collected from 45 points across three elevation zones in West Java, Indonesia, using a spatially nested sampling design. Fungi were isolated by insect baiting with Tenebrio molitor larvae and direct soil plating. The isolates recovered were assigned to genera based on colony morphology and microscopic characteristics. Four EPF genera— Verticillium, Paecilomyces, Beauveria, and Metarhizium—were detected, with 34/45 samples (75.6%) positive for at least one recoverable …

Screening For The Suitable Signal Peptide For Secreted Nattokinase Expression In E. Coli Using An In Silico Approach: Precursor Vs. Mature Forms, Dewi Purwani Caya Ningsih, Kartika Sari Dewi, I Wayan Martadi Santika, Ade Andriani, Joko Pebrianto Trinugroho, Muhammad Yusuf

Makara Journal of Science

Nattokinase (NK), an enzyme with thrombolytic activity, has been widely used in treating cardiovascular disease. The expression of NK in the E. coli cell host is favored due to its several benefits, though it often results in inclusion bodies. Appropriate signal peptides can be attached to the N-terminus of a protein to initiate a secretory expression system, thus preventing the nascent protein from aggregating in the cytoplasm. This study aimed to identify suitable signal peptides for the secretory expression of active NK in E. coli and to investigate the impact of pre-protein in NK secretion using an in silico approach. …

Biofilm Formation By Histophilus Somni On 3d Bovine Respiratory Tissue Cultures, Bindu Subhadra, Neeti Gandhi, Dianjun Cao, Yue-Jia Lee, Padmavathy Rajagopalan, Thomas J. Inzana

Faculty Publications - Biological Sciences

The development of bacterial biofilms following infection involves bacterial attachment to tissues and maturation of the biofilm matrix (BM). However, studying the development of bacterial biofilms in vivo is difficult to follow. An established example of biofilm formation during host infection is bovine respiratory disease (BRD) due to Histophilus somni. To more accurately investigate in vivo biofilm development, three-dimensional bovine airway organoids comprised of bovine turbinate epithelial (BE) and pulmonary artery endothelial (BAE) cells embedded in type I collagen were developed. Cell-free concentrated culture supernatant (CCS) from biofilm-grown H. somni suppressed proliferation of epithelial cells more than endothelial cells, affected …

Lesson 1. Growing Food In Winter On Rosebud Reservation? Comparing Traditional Agriculture And Hydroponics, Jaysel Magno, Genesis Barbon, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

Students investigate how climate influences food production by comparing traditional agriculture and hydroponic growing systems. Through discussion, visual analysis, and comparative reasoning, students examine how environmental conditions such as frost, short growing seasons, and frozen soil affect agricultural productivity in cold climate regions. Students analyze the advantages and limitations of both traditional planting and hydroponics while exploring the relationship between food sovereignty, environmental adaptation, and community sustainability. This lesson serves as the foundation for a hydroponics unit and prepares students to understand how controlled-environment agriculture can support year-round food production.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Scenario: The local community experiences long winters, …

Lesson 2. Food Systems, Climate Risk, And Food Sovereignty, Jaysel Magno, Genesis Barbon, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

Students examine how food moves through a food system and investigate how climate disruptions can affect food access in rural and tribal communities. Through analysis of food supply chains, transportation networks, and weather-related challenges, students explore the concept of food sovereignty and its connection to community resilience. Students evaluate how hydroponics can reduce vulnerability within local food systems by increasing year-round food production and local control. This lesson builds upon students’ understanding of hydroponics from Lesson 1 and prepares them to view hydroponics as a community-based solution to environmental and food access challenges.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Scenario: A severe winter …

Lesson 3. Hydroponics System Implementation And Community Resilience, Jaysel Magno, Genesis Barbon, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

Students apply their understanding of climate limitations, food systems, and food sovereignty by launching and maintaining a 42-pod hydroponics system. Through hands-on participation, students learn the functions of hydroponic system components, establish maintenance procedures, and assume responsibility for long-term system management. This experiential learning lesson emphasizes community resilience, sustainability, self-determination, and practical problem-solving. Students connect scientific concepts to real-world community needs while recognizing hydroponics as a strategy for strengthening local food production and reducing food system vulnerability.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Scenario. The community faces long winters, transportation challenges, and limited opportunities for year-round food production. Students have learned that climate …

Managing Prairie Dogs On Agricultural Lands, Cory Farnsworth, S. Nicole Frey

All Current Publications

While prairie dogs are an important species in the region because their burrows provide shelter for many wildlife species, they are also preyed upon by many mammals and birds. However, because of the damage they can cause to cropping and range systems, their populations may occasionally need to be controlled. After you have identified which prairie dog species you are in conflict with and the scope of the damage, you will want to decide how to manage them. This fact sheet provides information on control options and the general ecology of the three prairie dog species in Utah.

Regional, Functional And Transcriptomic Decoding Of Multidimensional Brain Structure Alterations In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Leonardo Cardoso Saraiva, João Ricardo Sato, Isaac Sebenius, Nadza Dzinalija, Carla Del Río-Torné, Fábio Godinho, Antonio C. Lopes, Thomas V. Fernandez, Monicke O. Lima, Anderson M. Winkler

Human Genetics Publications

Studies of brain morphology in mental illness often focus on a few neuroimaging phenotypes. Here we present a comprehensive morphological characterization in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a large sample (2255 OCD, 2264 controls) using nine cortical and four subcortical phenotypes, including several not previously examined in OCD, among them a subcortical structural similarity network phenotype developed here. Spatially distinct regional alterations emerged across structural phenotypes: cortical curvature alterations in default mode and frontoparietal networks, increased structural similarity network node degree in sensorimotor regions, widespread volume reductions associated with medication use, and localized subcortical shape alterations. In brain-behavior predictive models, curvature …

On The Edge Of Science?, Mark Briffa, Lynne U. Sneddon

Animal Sentience

In The Edge of Sentience, Jonathan Birch (2024) provides a thought-provoking synthesis of current perspectives on animal (and artificial) sentience. He addresses the question from conceptual, ethical, regulatory and empirical viewpoints. Here we focus on some of the scientific issues raised, including defining and operationalising the concept of sentience and the implications for policy and regulation. Despite unresolved conceptual challenges, the book makes a compelling case for the continued scientific investigation of animal sentience.