Germinal Epithelium Cytology during Spermatogenesis in the Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macrochelys temminckii (Reptilia: Chelydridae)

We investigated the cytology of the seminiferous epithelia of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). Spermatogenic and regressed testes were assessed from 2 adult individuals collected in Arkansas in May and September of 1993. Specifically, we focused on the cellular phases of germ cell development and maturation. The germ cell morphology and developmental strategy within the germinal epithelium of M. temminckii appear similar to that of other genera of turtles previously studied. Interestingly, mitotic, meiotic, and spermiogeneic cells are nearly identical to that of other turtles studied based on light microscopy. There are also 6 recognizable steps to spermiogenesis, which is slightly different than the 7 steps of most turtles (step 7 absent). Though this study only uses 2 individuals (because of its endangered status), M. temminckii appears to start spermatogenesis in the spring, and the climax of spermiogenesis occurs in the fall similar to that of other temperate turtles studied to date based on light microscopy. Peculiar to both turtles in this study were the regular appearance of very large germ cells in the basal compartment of the germinal epithelium. Based on previous research and our histological analysis these enlarged spermatogonia exhibit hypertrophic characteristics typical of cells undergoing apoptosis

Seasonal Activity of the Ozark Highlands Leech, Macrobdella diplotertia, (Annelida: Hirudinea) in North-central Arkansas

The Ozark Highlands Leech, Macrobdella diplotertia, occurs intermittently throughout Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. Limited natural history of this species is known. Herein, we report a new county occurrence for this leech from a cattle pond in southern Marion County, Arkansas. We also report on the seasonal activity and novel hosts of this species. We surveyed the inhabited pond monthly to determine activity and collected natural history data on this species. This study indicated that this species appears to be most active in spring, summer, and early fall, but inactive during the winter. We also documented five new anuran hosts for this species. The Central Newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, was also present in this pond, which further supports a mimetic relationship previously proposed between these two animals

Seasonal Activity of the Ozark Highlands Leech, Macrobdella diplotertia, (Annelida: Hirudinea) in North-central Arkansas

The Ozark Highlands Leech, Macrobdella diplotertia, occurs intermittently throughout Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. Limited natural history of this species is known. Herein, we report a new county occurrence for this leech from a cattle pond in southern Marion County, Arkansas. We also report on the seasonal activity and novel hosts of this species. We surveyed the inhabited pond monthly to determine activity and collected natural history data on this species. This study indicated that this species appears to be most active in spring, summer, and early fall, but inactive during the winter. We also documented five new anuran hosts for this species. The Central Newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, was also present in this pond, which further supports a mimetic relationship previously proposed between these two animals

Ecology of the Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla squirella) in Southern Arkansas

We conducted an ecological study of the Squirrel Treefrog, Hyla squirella near El Dorado, Union Co., Arkansas from May-Oct. 2013. We extended the known distribution by ~2 km and documented the first breeding occurring on 28 May and the first transformation of juveniles on 27 Aug. Three endoparasites were documented: Opalina sp., Nyctotherus cordiformis, and Physaloptera sp. larvae. We also provide information on endoparasites of Florida H. squirella as well as a summary of helminths of this frog

Testicular Histology and Sperm Morphometrics of the Bird-voiced Treefrog, Hyla avivoca (Anura: Hylidae), from Arkansas

We examined the testicular histology and spermatozoal dimensions of the bird-voiced treefrog, Hyla avivoca (Anura: Hylidae), from samples collected in May, June, and July from localities in three counties (Calhoun, Conway, and Little River) in Arkansas. Calling frogs were necropsied in the lab, and testes were prepared for light and scanning electron microscopy. Spermatocysts within seminiferous tubules of all males contained large aggregates of spermatozoa. Primary spermatogonia, the largest of all germ cells, ranged from 13.3 – 17.8 μm in diameter (= 15.37 ± 1.22; n = 20). Measurements of sperm dimensions yielded the following length parameters (range, mean ± standard deviation, sample size): acrosome, 2.10 – 3.37 μm (= 2.58 ± 0.40; n = 11); nucleus, 10.22 – 13.71 μm (= 11.70 ± 0.86; n = 65); acrosome, nucleus, midpiece complex (ANM) in three frogs, 14.87 – 23.98 μm (= 19.62 ± 2.72; n = 17), 18.83 – 26.96 μm (= 22.92 ± 2.26; n = 17), 17.40 –26.96 μm (= 23.92 ± 3.27; n = 11); principal piece, 24.36 – 27.68 μm (= 25.98 ± 1.19; n = 14); total tail length (endpiece intact), 29.87 – 39.00 μm (= 33.37 ± 2.63; n = 23); and total sperm length, 51.02 – 62.98 μm (= 54.63 ± 3.54; n = 20). Our sperm morphometric findings complement previously published data on this species and fill in gaps that may aid in future intra- and interfamilial comparisons

Amphibian, Reptile, and Small Mammal Associates of Ozark Pocket Gopher Habitat in Izard County, Arkansas

We conducted a study of the amphibian, reptile, and small mammal community assemblage of Ozark pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius ozarkensis) habitat in north-central Arkansas. We used 2 methods to capture individuals: hand capture and drift fences. During the study, we captured and marked a total of 9 anuran, 4 salamander, 5 lizard, 3 turtle, 16 snake, and 8 small mammal species exclusive of pocket gophers. We found one hatchling three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) and one rough earth snake (Virginia striatula) inside a pocket gopher burrow and mound, respectively. Additionally, we witnessed both eastern racers (Coluber constrictor) and eastern coachwhips (Masticophis flagellum) retreat into pocket gopher burrows, as well as Hurter’s spadefoots (Scaphiopus holbrookii hurterii) burrow into pocket gopher mounds when released. Our results highlight the importance of mammalian burrows, specifically pocket gophers, to other vertebrate associates in grassland ecosystems. Both conservationists and managers need to determine the pocket gopher’s impact on ecosystem health and viability, specifically in natural grasslands, before conservation and/or management strategies are employed

Out of the Box and Onto the Stage: Enacting Information Systems Research through Theatre

The quest for digital innovation leads to consideration of new ways to infuse creativity into research and practice. One approach is to import techniques from artistic disciplines such as theatre. This panel explores the benefits and pitfalls of importing theatrical techniques into IS research. The nonlinear and holistic approach of the artistic fields facilitates incorporation of the emotional, subtle and implicit aspects of IS research. Theatre can also serve as a generative research method that can facilitate the reframing of the way the world is seen and understood. But skeptics argue that the use of theatre might lead to the blurring of the lines between “fact and fiction” to the detriment of the scientific research tradition. This panel presents four different ways to increase IS research creativity by incorporating theatrical techniques into the process. The audience is invited to join the dialogue in search of productive creativity