Letter to the Members of the Georgia Academy of Science

This letter is an update and review of recent activities in the Georgia Journal of Science. As of 2016, the journal has gone from a hardcopy format to a digital format through Digital Commons/Bepress (http://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/). As a result of this, individuals worldwide now have access to journal articles free and online. Manuscripts accepted for publication are now placed online after the final acceptance and editing is complete. A review on 20 March 2017 of online download events involving publications in 2016 shows that, of the 21 publications (the annual meeting program was included as one publication), there were 2,621 downloads with an average download rate of 124.8 downloads per publication (range/publication = 12–638, range of downloads/ day/publication = 0.11–2.19, mean downloads/day/all publications = 8.64). A point of clarification needs to be made here as the length of time individual publications were online when the download analysis was performed varied depending on the date of publication, so the rate is higher for some publications than might be indicated above. The journal is a broad-based publication covering multiple disciplines (anthropology, atmospheric, biological, biomedical, chemical, earth, physics, mathematics, and computers; and science, engineering, and technology studies). Within these disciplines, articles involving basic research, science education, and the history and philosophy of science are accepted. While the most common submissions for 2016 involved basic research (n = 15), publications involving education (n = 2), experimental protocol and philosophy (n = 2), and science history (n = 1) were also published. Besides full length submissions that follow the standard formatting found in many journals worldwide (abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, acknowledgements, and references), the journal also accepts Notes and Letters to the Editor (http://digitalcommons. gaacademy.org/gjs/instructions_to_authors.html). Given the diversity of subject matter accepted by the journal, authors are asked to submit their publications via the journal web site listed above. Georgia has a rich and fascinating history (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Georgia_%28U.S._state%29#History) but, like many states, the role Georgia has had in the scientific and science education processes and events is not well-documented. As such, articles reviewing the history of science and science education in Georgia are encouraged. Good examples of these are publications by Elliott O. Edwards Jr. (2016) and Paul Riggs, John Pascarella, and David Bechler (2010). Edwards’ publication provides a rich and detailed history of the Shell Bluff formation in the Coastal Plain of Georgia with discussions of the early native American Indians and the arrival of Hernando de Soto in the 1500s. It also provides a critical synopsis of the discovery by John and William Bartram of the Shell Bluff oyster, Crassostrea gigantissima, and the naming of it by John Finch in 1824. The historical review by Riggs et al. on the research carried out at Valdosta State University’s Lake Louise Field Station also provides insight into the importance and value of such a site relating to research in the areas of paleoecology, paleotempestology, and ethnohistory, as well as other more current studies the station has been involved in. Prior to the journal going digital, Andreas Lazari and Kathy Simons (2003) published a paper in which they proposed a method for teaching college algebra for at-risk students with the use of extended sections. The intent of this article was to introduce an educational process that would result in the initiation of classes that would improve student learning. In 2015, the Georgia Journal of Science subsequently published two papers by Gregory Harrel and Andreas Lazari (2015), and Rhonda Porter, Chinenye Ofodile, and Janis Carthon (2015) that examined the success of instituting such sections. Both sets of authors found that such extended sections resulted in significant improvement in the learning of college algebra for at-risk students. More importantly, the two publications supported each other, thus reaffirming the value of multiple studies on the same subject. This brings up another point discussed above, and that is that the three publications reveal the history behind this successful educational process change and the value of it. As a final point, the work and subsequent publications discussed in the above paragraph, as well as the publication on the history of the extinct oyster, Crassosterea gigantissima, show the need for publications involving meta-analyses in various areas of research and science education. Georgia has strong and robust public and private college and university education systems, as well as private and state institutions involved in research. This results in a wide diversity of research and educational activities, and meta-analyses can show the role both private and public institutions in Georgia have had in various fields. David L. Bechler Editor-in-Chief References Edwards, E.O., Jr. 2016. Shell Bluff—a fossiliferous ridge, the site of the extinct oyster, Crassosterea gigantissima, and the history of its identification. Georgia Journal of Science. 74(2), article 12. Harrell, G. and A. Lazari. 2015. Extended sections for at risk students in college algebra. Georgia Journal of Science. 73, 174–152. Porter, R.C., C. Ofodile, and J. Carthon. 2015. Redesigning college algebra for success: an analysis of student performance. Georgia Journal of Science. 73, 153–159. Riggs, P.T., J.B. Pascarella, and D.L Bechler. 2010. The ethno- and research history of the Lake Louise Field Station, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA. Georgia Journal of Science. 68 (3), 149–165

Effect of Bridges on Low Order Stream Fish Assemblages, South Georgia, USA

Anthropogenic impacts such as bridge sites can greatly alter established streambed morphology, associated ecology and flora and fauna. At bridge sites, streams are often channelized approaching the site and deep pools are created at the bridge site causing ecological alterations of faunal assemblages. However, restoring channels and reducing negative construction practices allows the return of natural habitats that are likely to include more sensitive species. Recent conservation studies have suggested that anthropogenic sites may serve as potential habitats for reestablishment of populations following a drought event. This study examined the impact of bridges on fish assemblages at first through fourth order streams in the Suwannee River Basin of South Georgia. Collections were made at bridge, upstream and downstream sites via seining and setting of gill nets. Assemblage structure at bridge sites was compared to bridge structure, biological and physiochemical factors at fourteen bridge sites. Fish assemblages were least diverse upstream of bridge sites, most diverse at bridge sites, and intermediate in diversity downstream of bridge sites. The results suggest that bridge sites, if properly engineered, can serve as valuable refuges for reestablishing fish assemblages up and down stream after events such as the severe drought that impacted South Georgia in 2011

Reproductive Strategies in a Population of Gobiosoma bosci (Osteichthyes: Gobiidae) with Slow and Fast Maturing Individuals

The reproductive biology of Gobiosoma bosci collected from November 1986 to October 1987 in the McFaddin Wildlife Refuge in southeast Texas was studied by using morphometric data. Males achieved greater weights per unit length than females, and longevity was about 12 to 13 months. GSI values and mean monthly ovum diameters indicated that the breeding season ran from April to September, with a major activity peak in May and a minor peak in September. Significant differences in male and female standard lengths (SL), ovum diameter, and egg number existed for sexually mature specimens between the first and second peaks of reproductive activity. An egg versus length analysis produced a positive linear relationship. An accessory gonadal structure index (ASGI) was developed and revealed that maximal AGS development corresponded with the male GSI, but did not produce discernable peaks. Two reproductive strategies were followed and depended upon time of hatching and growth rate. Some individuals that hatched early in the breeding season grew rapidly and were capable of egg laying by August or September. Individuals hatched late in the breeding season delayed breeding until the following season

Fish Assemblages of the Withlacoochee River Basin in South Georgia, USA

An ichthyofauna review of literature prior to 2008 on the Withlacoochee River basin in south-central Georgia, USA, indicated that the fish fauna was underrepresented compared to other rivers, such as the Suwannee River basin in Florida of which the Withlacoochee River is a tributary. A survey would provide the state of Georgia potentially valuable additional information on the fish fauna within the basin. A 45-site survey within the eastern portion of the Withlacoochee River basin was conducted from 2008 to 2010 employing seines, gill nets, fish traps, trotlines, and creel surveys. Surveys yielded 51 fish species of which three, the Alabama Shad (Alosa alabamae), the Suwannee Bass (Micropterus notius), and the Metallic Shiner (Pteronotropis metallicus), are species of concern in Georgia with the Alabama Shad and the Suwannee Bass listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature threatened species red list. Three species not previously recorded in the Withlacoochee River basin, the Brown Darter (Etheostoma edwini), the Gulf Coast Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma gilberti), and the Hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus) were collected. The first known sympatric populations of the Everglades Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma evergladei) and the Gulf Coast Pygmy Sunfish were found at one location. Invasive species found in the drainage basin were the Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) and two specimens of Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus). A Friedman cumulative comparison indicated that fish assemblage distribution patterns, as related the stream orders of the river and the potential impact of a sinkhole plain in the river, did not vary from other published surveys on distribution patterns. However, a cluster analysis comparing species composition by collection site showed some similarities among river orders

The Occurrence and Distribution of Heterandria formosa (Teleostei, Poeciliidae) in Lowndes County, Georgia

Heretofore in the literature, Heterandria formosa had not been reported from Lowndes County, Georgia. Based on a survey of Lowndes County; we discovered eight localities from the southeast­ern portion of the county that collectively produced 30 specimens of H. formosa. The southeastern portion of the county is primarily flatwoods with numerous wetlands and low gradient streams compared to the remainder of the county, which is typified by a more upland habitat with greater relief and greater stream gradients. It is postulated that the greater stream gradients inhibited the migration of H. formosa into the southwestern and northern portions of the county

Reproductive Strategies in a Population of Gobiosoma bosci (Osteichthyes: Gobiidae) with Slow and Fast Maturing Individuals

The reproductive biology of Gobiosoma bosci collected from November 1986 to October 1987 in the McFaddin Wildlife Refuge in southeast Texas was studied by using morphometric data. Males achieved greater weights per unit length than females, and longevity was about 12 to 13 months. GSI values and mean monthly ovum diameters indicated that the breeding season ran from April to September, with a major activity peak in May and a minor peak in September. Significant differences in male and female standard lengths (SL), ovum diameter, and egg number existed for sexually mature specimens between the first and second peaks of reproductive activity. An egg versus length analysis produced a positive linear relationship. An accessory gonadal structure index (ASGI) was developed and revealed that maximal AGS development corresponded with the male GSI, but did not produce discernable peaks. Two reproductive strategies were followed and depended upon time of hatching and growth rate. Some individuals that hatched early in the breeding season grew rapidly and were capable of egg laying by August or September. Individuals hatched late in the breeding season delayed breeding until the following season

The Distribution and Abundance of the Bay Anchovy, Anchoa mitchilli, in a Southeast Texas Marsh Lake System

A one-year distribution and abundance study on the bay anchovy, Anchoa mitchilli, was conducted in a southeast Texas marsh-lake system from March 1990 through February 1991. Day and night collections were conducted in backwaters, lake shores, and lake centers by seining and trawling. Bay anchovies were the second most abundant fish species collected, and exhibited seasonal, diet and habitat variations in abundance and distribution. Across the study area, seasonal abundance peaks occurred in May and August following migration into the marsh and seasonal recruitment. However, within each habitat type, peaks of abundance varied in time of occurrence. Within habitats, significant differences in the mean number of anchovies occurred such that backwaters in the daytime had the greatest number followed by backwaters at night, lake shores in the daytime, and lake shores at night. Lake center collections showed no significant diel pattern. The presence of vegetation was associated with reduced anchovy numbers; however, when present, anchovies were significantly more abundant in the daytime than at night

The Ethno- and Research History of the Lake Louise Field Station, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

The history of the Lake Louise Field Station, from its 1951 purchase by George Leiby to its acquisition in 2009 by Valdosta State University, provides an interesting and varied look into the stewardship critical to teaching and research and the role played by the station in the development of the fields of paleoecology, paleotempestology and ethnohistory. During this 58-year period several individuals played critical roles in the development of this 76.9 hectare field station as a natural area for teaching and research. Notable among them were George and Louise Leiby who, working with Leo Lorenzo and Clyde Connell, set aside the station as a natural area for teaching and research. From the 1960s to the present, WA Watts, H Grissino-Mayer, J Tepper, D Hyatt, and J Pascarella and others have conducted research that has provided critical insight into the history and ecology of the area extending to 47,000 BP

Dorsal and Ventral Color Patterns in a South Georgia Population of Agkistrodon piscivorus contanti, the Florida Cottonmouth

We examined dorsal pigments and ventral patterns in the Florida Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti, in the Alapahoochee watershed, Lowndes County, Georgia. Cottonmouths darken as they age; but the process has not been quantified in the literature. Thus, we examined both graphically and statistically changes in dorsal color pattern that occurs when snout vent length (SVL) increases as well as discrete patterns involving splotching and block-like patterns, and cream to white coloration on the ventral surface, which indicate underlying genetic factors. Snakes with SVLs between approximately 26.8 and 120.3 cm possessed an array of dorsal colors involving white, tan, dark brown and black. Snakes greater than 60 cm SVL had fewer dorsal white and tan colors with dark brown and black being the primary remaining colors in snakes up to 120 cm. Nonparametric regression analysis provided graphic representation of the process, which is confirmed by correlation analyses. Ventral color patterns show discrete relationships involving the occurrence of all white coloration and splotch and block patterns involving dark pigments. If a block pattern was present, then a splotch pattern was less likely to be present and vice versa regardless of SVL. Correlation analysis supports the observed ventral patterns. Possible genetic explanations would be a single locus with incomplete dominance expressed by one allele resulting in all white or no dark blocked pattern, another allele resulting in incomplete dark bars, and heterozygotes showing only partial bars or blotches primarily on the rear location anterior to the vent

Genetic Composition of Laboratory Stocks of the Self-Fertilizing Fish Kryptolebias marmoratus: A Valuable Resource for Experimental Research

The hermaphroditic Mangrove Killifish, Kryptolebias marmoratus, is the world's only vertebrate that routinely self-fertilizes. As such, highly inbred and presumably isogenic “clonal” lineages of this androdioecious species have long been maintained in several laboratories and used in a wide variety of experiments that require genetically uniform vertebrate specimens. Here we conduct a genetic inventory of essentially all laboratory stocks of the Mangrove Killifish held worldwide. At 32 microsatellite loci, these stocks proved to show extensive interline differentiation as well as some intraline variation, much of which can be attributed to post-origin de novo mutations and/or to the segregation of polymorphisms from wild progenitors. Our genetic findings also document that many of the surveyed laboratory strains are not what they have been labeled, apparently due to the rather frequent mishandling or unintended mixing of various laboratory stocks over the years. Our genetic inventory should help to clarify much of this confusion about the clonal identities and genetic relationships of laboratory lines, and thereby help to rejuvenate interest in K. marmoratus as a reliable vertebrate model for experimental research that requires or can capitalize upon “clonal” replicate specimens