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Title: Parameters impacting the reproductive fitness of Tursiops truncatus (Atlantic bottlenose dolphin): interactions between native endocrinology and endocrine-disruptors.
Creator: Homer-Drummond, Sharon M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Persistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid...
Show morePersistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid chromatography method to newly-validated enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Serum and urine samples were obtained from two marine parks, and from free-ranging dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and Charleston Harbor (CHS) systems. Relative binding affinities of steroids versus putative EDCs to steroid receptors were compared in dolphin reproductive tissues, obtained by the Georgia Aquarium's Dolphin Conservation Field Station (GADCFS) from strained bottlenose dolphins (four male, three female) during 2010 and 20ll.........I conclude that endocrine disruptors are tissue and receptor specific, and both legacy and emerging contaminants are of concern to dolphin stocks, particularly those facing other significant environmental stressors.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355561
Subject Headings: Endocrine disrupting chemicals, Health aspects, Population genetics, Social behavior in animals, Environmental toxicology, Marine mammals, Reproduction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Light intensity influences on algal pigments, proteins and carbohydrates: implications for pigment-based chemotaxonomy.
Creator: Grant, Cidya S., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Phytoplankton Chlorophyll a (CHLa), total protein, colloidal carbohydrates, storage carbohydrates and taxonomic pigment relationships were studied in two cyanophytes (Microcystis aeruginosa and Synnechococcus elongatus), two chlorophytes (Dunaliella tertiolecta and Scenedesmus quadricauda), one cryptophyte (Rhodomonas salina), two diatoms (Cyclotella meneghiniana and Thalassiosira weissflogii) and one dinophyte (Amphidinium carterae) to assess if algal biomass could be expressed in other...
Show morePhytoplankton Chlorophyll a (CHLa), total protein, colloidal carbohydrates, storage carbohydrates and taxonomic pigment relationships were studied in two cyanophytes (Microcystis aeruginosa and Synnechococcus elongatus), two chlorophytes (Dunaliella tertiolecta and Scenedesmus quadricauda), one cryptophyte (Rhodomonas salina), two diatoms (Cyclotella meneghiniana and Thalassiosira weissflogii) and one dinophyte (Amphidinium carterae) to assess if algal biomass could be expressed in other indices than just chlorophyll a alone. Protein and carbohydrates are more useful currencies for expressing algal biomass, with respect to energy flow amongst trophic levels. These phytoplankton were grown at low light (LL = 37 (So(Bmol photons m-2 s-1), medium light (ML = 70-75 (So(Bmol photons m-2 s-1), and high light (HL= 200 (So(Bmol photons m-2 s-1)., Even though pigment per cell increased with increasing light intensity, statistically light had very little effect on the CHL a : taxonomic marker pigment ratios, as they covaried in the same way. Protein, colloidal carbohydrates and storage carbohydrates per cell all increased with increasing light intensity, but they did not covary with CHLa. Statistical data showed that light intensity had a more noticeable effect on protein: CHL a, colloidal carbohydrate: CHLa, storage CHO: CHLa, therefore a general mathematical expression for these relationships cannot be generated. This study showed that light intensity does have an influence on these biomass indices, therefore, seasonal and latitudinal formulas may be required for meaningful algal biomass estimation. However, more studies are needed if that goal is to be realized., While studying the effects of light intensity on algal pigment content and concentration, a new pigment was isolated from a cyanophyte (Scytonema hofmanii) growing between 300-1800 (So(Bmol photons¨m-2¨s-1 and from samples collected in areas of the Florida Everglades. This pigment was characterized and structurally determined to possess indolic and phenolic subunits that are characteristic of scytonemin and its derivatives. In addition, the pigment has a ketamine functionality which gives it its unique polarity and spectral properties. Based on the ultra violet/visible absorbance data, this pigment was postulated to be protecting the chlorophyll a and cytochrome Soret bands as well as a and (Sb (Bbands of the cytochromes (e.g. cytc-562) in the photosynthetic unit.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3332257
Subject Headings: Plant pigments, Analysis, Photosynthetic pgiments, Analysis, Plant allometry, Enviornmental geochemistry, Marine algae, Analysis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Limitations on macroinvertebrate populations in South Florida weltands.
Creator: Knorp, Natalie E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: It can be difficult to disentangle the factors that determine population success in freshwater systems, particularly for organisms with disturbance-resistant life stages like aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, the effects of environmental variation and habitat structure on animal population success in wetlands are important for understanding both trophic interactions and biodiversity. I performed two experiments to determine the factors limiting crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and dragonfly ...
Show moreIt can be difficult to disentangle the factors that determine population success in freshwater systems, particularly for organisms with disturbance-resistant life stages like aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, the effects of environmental variation and habitat structure on animal population success in wetlands are important for understanding both trophic interactions and biodiversity. I performed two experiments to determine the factors limiting crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and dragonfly (Family: Libellulidae) populations in wetland environments. A simulation of a dry-disturbance and subsequent sunfish (Family: Centrarchidae) re-colonization revealed that crayfish populations are sensitive to sunfish, while dragonfly naiads seemed to be limited by other drying-related factors. A second manipulation revealed that small-bodied fishes and habitat structure (submerged vegetation) shaped dragonfly communities primarily through postcolonization processes.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362485
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology, Wildlife conservation, Freshwater invertebrates, Ecology, Predation (Biology), Marine ecosystem management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Hydrodynamic analysis of ocean current turbines using vortex lattice method.
Creator: Goly, Aneesh, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The main objective of the thesis is to carry out a rigorous hydrodynamic analysis of ocean current turbines and determine power for a range of flow and geometric parameters. For the purpose, a computational tool based on the vortex lattice method (VLM) is developed. Velocity of the flow on the turbine blades, in relation to the freestream velocity, is determined through induction factors. The geometry of trailing vortices is taken to be helicoidal. The VLM code is validated by comparing its...
Show moreThe main objective of the thesis is to carry out a rigorous hydrodynamic analysis of ocean current turbines and determine power for a range of flow and geometric parameters. For the purpose, a computational tool based on the vortex lattice method (VLM) is developed. Velocity of the flow on the turbine blades, in relation to the freestream velocity, is determined through induction factors. The geometry of trailing vortices is taken to be helicoidal. The VLM code is validated by comparing its results with other theoretical and experimental data corresponding to flows about finite-aspect ratio foils, swept wings and a marine current turbine. The validated code is then used to study the performance of the prototype gulfstream turbine for a range of parameters. Power and thrust coefficients are calculated for a range of tip speed ratios and pitch angles. Of all the cases studied, the one corresponding to tip speed ratio of 8 and uniform pitch angle 20 produced the maximum power of 41.3 [kW] in a current of 1.73 [m/s]. The corresponding power coefficient is 0.45 which is slightly less than the Betz limit power coefficient of 0.5926. The VLM computational tool developed for the research is found to be quite efficient in that it takes only a fraction of a minute on a regular laptop PC to complete a run. The tool can therefore be efficiently used or integrated into software for design optimization.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2683131
Subject Headings: Marine turbines, Mathematical models, Water currents, Forecasting, Mathematical models, Aerodynamics, Mathematics, Finite element method
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mathematical modeling of wave-current interactions in marine current turbines.
Creator: Singh, Amit J., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: The concept of marine current turbines was developed by Peter Fraenkel in the early 1970s. Ever since Fraenkel's efforts to modify and test the technology, several worldwide agencies have been exploiting the technology to retrofit the marine current turbine to their particular application. The marine current turbine has evolved from generating a few kilowatts to a few gigawatts. The present study focuses on a megawatt sized turbine to be located offshore the coast of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida....
Show moreThe concept of marine current turbines was developed by Peter Fraenkel in the early 1970s. Ever since Fraenkel's efforts to modify and test the technology, several worldwide agencies have been exploiting the technology to retrofit the marine current turbine to their particular application. The marine current turbine has evolved from generating a few kilowatts to a few gigawatts. The present study focuses on a megawatt sized turbine to be located offshore the coast of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The turbine is to be placed in a similar location as a 20 kW test turbine developed by the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC) at Florida Atlantic University, Dania Beach, FL. Data obtained from the SNMREC is used in the mathematical model. ANSYS FLUENT is chosen as the CFD software to perform wave-current interaction simulation for the present study. The turbine is modeled in SolidWorks, then meshed in ANSYS ICEM CFD, then run in FLUENT. The results obtained are compared to published work by scholarly articles from Fraenkel, Barltrop and many other well known marine energy researchers. The effects of wave height on the turbine operation are analyzed and the results are presented in the form of plots for tip speed ratio and current velocity.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352832
Subject Headings: Wave resistance (Thermodynamics), Structural design, Mathematical models, Laser Doppler velocimetry, Marine turbines, Mathematical models
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mining and fusing data for ocean turbine condition monitoring.
Creator: Duhaney, Janell A., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: An ocean turbine extarcts the kinetic energy from ocean currents to generate electricity. Machine Condition Monitoring (MCM) / Prognostic Health Monitoring (PHM) systems allow for self-checking and automated fault detection, and are integral in the construction of a highly reliable ocean turbine. MCM/PHM systems enable real time health assessment, prognostics and advisory generation by interpreting data from sensors installed on the machine being monitored. To effectively utilize sensor...
Show moreAn ocean turbine extarcts the kinetic energy from ocean currents to generate electricity. Machine Condition Monitoring (MCM) / Prognostic Health Monitoring (PHM) systems allow for self-checking and automated fault detection, and are integral in the construction of a highly reliable ocean turbine. MCM/PHM systems enable real time health assessment, prognostics and advisory generation by interpreting data from sensors installed on the machine being monitored. To effectively utilize sensor readings for determining the health of individual components, macro-components and the overall system, these measurements must somehow be combined or integrated to form a holistic picture. The process used to perform this combination is called data fusion. Data mining and machine learning techniques allow for the analysis of these sensor signals, any maintenance history and other available information (like expert knowledge) to automate decision making and other such processes within MCM/PHM systems. ... This dissertation proposes an MCM/PHM software architecture employing those techniques which were determined from the experiments to be ideal for this application. Our work also offers a data fusion framework applicable to ocean machinery MCM/PHM. Finally, it presents a software tool for monitoring ocean turbines and other submerged vessels, implemented according to industry standards.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358556
Subject Headings: Marine turbines, Mathematical models, Fluid dynamics, Data mining, Machine learning, Multisensor data fusion
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Methodology for fault detection and diagnostics in an ocean turbine using vibration analysis and modeling.
Creator: Mjit, Mustapha., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis describes a methodology for mechanical fault detection and diagnostics in an ocean turbine using vibration analysis and modeling. This methodology relies on the use of advanced methods for machine vibration analysis and health monitoring. Because of some issues encountered with traditional methods such as Fourier analysis for non stationary rotating machines, the use of more advanced methods such as Time-Frequency Analysis is required. The thesis also includes the development of...
Show moreThis thesis describes a methodology for mechanical fault detection and diagnostics in an ocean turbine using vibration analysis and modeling. This methodology relies on the use of advanced methods for machine vibration analysis and health monitoring. Because of some issues encountered with traditional methods such as Fourier analysis for non stationary rotating machines, the use of more advanced methods such as Time-Frequency Analysis is required. The thesis also includes the development of two LabVIEW models. The first model combines the advanced methods for on-line condition monitoring. The second model performs the modal analysis to find the resonance frequencies of the subsystems of the turbine. The dynamic modeling of the turbine using Finite Element Analysis is used to estimate the baseline of vibration signals in sensors locations under normal operating conditions of the turbine. All this information is necessary to perform the vibration condition monitoring of the turbine.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/369198
Subject Headings: Marine turbines, Mathematical models, Fluid dynamics, Structural dynamics, Composite materials, Mathematical models, Elastic analysis (Engineering)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Snapping shrimp protect host anemones from predators.
Creator: McCammon, Amber., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, is an ecologically important member of Caribbean coral reefs. This anemone serves as symbiotic host to crustacean associates, some of which may control parasite loads by "cleaning" reef fishes. Associates may gain protection from predation by dwelling with anemones. B. annulata was the most abundant anemone documented on three reefs, with 52% host to crustacean symbionts. Of those occupied by multi-species groups, 92% included Alpheus armatus shrimp. A....
Show moreThe sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, is an ecologically important member of Caribbean coral reefs. This anemone serves as symbiotic host to crustacean associates, some of which may control parasite loads by "cleaning" reef fishes. Associates may gain protection from predation by dwelling with anemones. B. annulata was the most abundant anemone documented on three reefs, with 52% host to crustacean symbionts. Of those occupied by multi-species groups, 92% included Alpheus armatus shrimp. A. armatus is an important anemone associate providing protection to the anemone from predators such as Hermodice carunculata, in laboratory and field trials. H. carunculata can completely devour or severely damage prey anemones. Here I show that anemones hosting symbiotic alpheid shrimp are extremely less likely to sustain damage by predators than solitary anemones. The role of protector may be reciprocally provided by anemone and decapod associates.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1930494
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Animal behavior, Coral reef ecology, Sea anemones, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Aspects of the population ecology and life history of the co-occurring crabs Eurypanopeus depressus (Smith) and Eurypanopeus dissimilis (Benedict and Rathbun) (Crustacea:Decapoda:Xanthidae).
Creator: Owen, Catherine Baylor, Florida Atlantic University, Dobkin, Sheldon
Abstract/Description: The xanthid crabs Eurypanopeus depressus and E. dissimilis co-occur among oysters on seawalls in southeastern Florida. Population dynamics and aspects of the life history of these two species were compared during a 1-year period, at two study sites. There were no interspecific differences in adult size for either sex. For both species, females were significantly more abundant than males. E. depressus was more abundant at one study site, E. dissimilis at the other. Ovigerous females were found...
Show moreThe xanthid crabs Eurypanopeus depressus and E. dissimilis co-occur among oysters on seawalls in southeastern Florida. Population dynamics and aspects of the life history of these two species were compared during a 1-year period, at two study sites. There were no interspecific differences in adult size for either sex. For both species, females were significantly more abundant than males. E. depressus was more abundant at one study site, E. dissimilis at the other. Ovigerous females were found year-round. Number of eggs per female of both species increased with increasing carapace width. Recruitment of young into the population occurred year-round.
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Date Issued: 1990
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14637
Subject Headings: Crustacea--Florida, Decapoda (Crustacea)--Florida, Xanthidae--Florida, Marine ecology--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effect of cathodic protection and cyclic frequency on corrosion fatigue of selected high strength steels in seawater.
Creator: Badve, Ashwin P., Florida Atlantic University, Hartt, William H.
Abstract/Description: Study of selected candidate steels for offshore application was undertaken to observe the effects of cathodic protection and cyclic frequency on corrosion fatigue life. Keyhole Compact Tension Fatigue experiments under constant amplitude sinusoidal loading and stress ratio of 0.5 were performed on 25.4 mm thick specimens in natural sea water and also in air upon three different steels (Y.S. 500-563 MPa). These steels represented different strengthening techniques, namely precipitation...
Show moreStudy of selected candidate steels for offshore application was undertaken to observe the effects of cathodic protection and cyclic frequency on corrosion fatigue life. Keyhole Compact Tension Fatigue experiments under constant amplitude sinusoidal loading and stress ratio of 0.5 were performed on 25.4 mm thick specimens in natural sea water and also in air upon three different steels (Y.S. 500-563 MPa). These steels represented different strengthening techniques, namely precipitation hardening, direct quenching--a thermomechanical control process (TMCP), and controlled rolling. Cathodic polarization was in the range between freely corroding and -1.10 Volts (SCE). The tests were performed at a frequency of 0.3 and 1.0 Hz. The results are presented in the S-N and potential versus cycles to initiation format. No effect of frequency (1.0-0.3 Hz) was observed at cathodic protection of -1.10 V (SCE). The steels showed an increase in fatigue life to an optimum potential, and excessive potentials were detrimental. The fatigue life in dry air was greater than in laboratory air (~50% RH).
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Date Issued: 1989
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14494
Subject Headings: Marine steel--Fatigue, Offshore structures, Sea-water corrosion, Corrosion and anti-corrosives
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Deep sea molluscs of the western margin of the Great Bahama Bank: Systematics and zoogeography.
Creator: Aley, William C., IV., Florida Atlantic University, Oleinik, Anton E.
Abstract/Description: Seventy-four gastropod species from thirty-eight families are reported from the Straits of Florida in depths of 400-600 meters or more. Each taxon is fully described and illustrated with photographs, synonymies and distributions are given. Two undescribed taxa are recognized: Hesperato sp., and Scaphella sp.; Architectonica sunderlandi Petuch, 1987, Bursa finlayi McGinty, 1962, and Acteon danaida Dall, 1881 are reported from the Great Bahama Bank for the first time and Pisanianura grimaldii...
Show moreSeventy-four gastropod species from thirty-eight families are reported from the Straits of Florida in depths of 400-600 meters or more. Each taxon is fully described and illustrated with photographs, synonymies and distributions are given. Two undescribed taxa are recognized: Hesperato sp., and Scaphella sp.; Architectonica sunderlandi Petuch, 1987, Bursa finlayi McGinty, 1962, and Acteon danaida Dall, 1881 are reported from the Great Bahama Bank for the first time and Pisanianura grimaldii Dautzenberg, 1889 is reported in the western Atlantic Ocean for the first time. The bathymetry and benthic environments of the study locality on the north-western margin of the Great Bahama Bank are discussed. A zoogeographic analysis indicates that the gastropod fauna in the vicinity of Victory Cay, Bimini Chain, Bahamas has a strong tropical affinity with a moderate influence from the temperate waters to the north.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13280
Subject Headings: Mollusks--Geographical distribution, Marine invertebrates--Great Bahama Bank, Zoogeography, Zoology--Bahamas
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development of Methods for Separation and Characterization of Proteins from Gorgonian Sources.
Creator: Jett, Steven W., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Research into the chemical constituents of marine organisms is a relatively new and growing field, given that much of the marine environment has only in the last half century become accessible. Despite the strides that have been made in ocean exploration, the marine biome has still been only barely explored. Much of the impetus for the isolation and identification of chemical entities from marine organisms has been related to their potential as medicines. For a number of reasons, including...
Show moreResearch into the chemical constituents of marine organisms is a relatively new and growing field, given that much of the marine environment has only in the last half century become accessible. Despite the strides that have been made in ocean exploration, the marine biome has still been only barely explored. Much of the impetus for the isolation and identification of chemical entities from marine organisms has been related to their potential as medicines. For a number of reasons, including synthetic efficiency, this has meant that many marine compounds isolated and studied have been small molecules. In recent years, large strides have been made in techniques for the isolation and identification of biological macromolecules, especially proteins. The understanding of these molecules, and their relationship to the biochemical processes of the marine organisms from which they have been isolated, is important not only because of the potential for this information to help in the synthesis of medicines, but because it may help in the recognition of processes that affect the very viability of marine organisms increasingly exposed to anthropogenic threats to their environment. This work consists of four related studies involving the development of methods for the separation and identification of proteins from a number or gorgon ian species. Chromatographic and gel based methods were used to isolate an elisabethatriene synthase (ELS) which shows promise as a biotechnological tool for the production or pseudopterosins. A number of gorgonians were screened for the presence of proteins that might have antimicrobial properties, and several organisms were identified that might be of interest in this context. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis methods were then developed to allow the construction of gel maps for the azooxanthellate gorgonian Leptogorgia minimata and the xoozanthellae gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia e/isahethae, the separated proteins were digested and analyzed by LC/MSMS. and the information generated was used to examine the proteome of the organism for functional and phylogenetic relationships. Finally, the gorgonian EuniceafiShow less
Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000862
Subject Headings: Marine biology, Pharmaceutical biotechnology, Proteins--Analysis, Gene expression--Research--Methodology, Biomolecules--Analysis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Distribution and Survival of Micrococcaceae in Marine Waters of Southeast Florida (Boca Raton and Pompano Beach).
Creator: Thompson, Mary C., Hoffmann, H. A., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: This study was undertaken to determine the distribution and possible source of Staphylococcus aureus, s. epidermidis, other Micrococcaceae , and enterococci recovered from samples of water collected at the following locations: the Pompano Beach sewage outfall, the Intracoastal Waterway, 5 miles due east of the Boca Raton Inlet, over the 65 ft Boca Raton reef, and in 5 ft of water along the Boca Raton beach. It was also of interest to study the feasibility of employing s. aureus as an...
Show moreThis study was undertaken to determine the distribution and possible source of Staphylococcus aureus, s. epidermidis, other Micrococcaceae , and enterococci recovered from samples of water collected at the following locations: the Pompano Beach sewage outfall, the Intracoastal Waterway, 5 miles due east of the Boca Raton Inlet, over the 65 ft Boca Raton reef, and in 5 ft of water along the Boca Raton beach. It was also of interest to study the feasibility of employing s. aureus as an indicator of fecal pollution in the marine environment. Neither staphylococci nor enterococci were recovered from 5 samples of beach sand collected from the high tide line to the low tide line. Only low concentrations of staphylococci were recovered from samples collected from the Intracoastal Waterway. The staphylococci recovered from the marine locations do not appear to be true marine bacteria. They do not appear to be originating from bathers, beach washings or the Intracoastal Waterway. Sampling was inadequate to reach definite conclusions on the origin of the Micrococcaceae recovered in the ocean. However, these data indicate the staphylococci originate from the Pompano Beach sewage outfall. Staphylococcus aureus appears to be more resistant to the conditions of the marine environment than the other Micrococcaceae, enterococci or other sewage bacteria recovered on Mannitol Salt Agar and m-Enterococcus Agar. The mean per cent recovery of S. aureus increases with increased distances downstream from the outfall to the 65 ft reef and sampling site 5 miles offshore. ~· aureus appears to be a good indicator of fecal pollution in the marine environment. Survival studies of washed cells of a coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus run in autoclaved sea water and autoclaved Intracoastal water gave mean decimal reduction times of 16.6 hr and 11.4 hr, respectively. Staphylococci were not recovered from Bryothamnion triguetrum,Caulerpa sertularioides f. brevipes, Dasycladus vermicularis or Padina sanctae-crucis. Ten Micrococcaceae recovered from the ocean were not inhibited by extracts prepared from these algae. Intact segments of these algae possessed antibacterial activity against most, if not all of these Micrococcaceae.
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Date Issued: 1969
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000840
Subject Headings: Staphylococcus aureus, Sewage disposal in the ocean--Florida, Marine pollution
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Developmental Morphology of Flippers in Sea Turtles and Penguins.
Creator: Kwong, Grace W., Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: There are no modem anatomical studies of flipper development or particularly any examining limb formation across distantly related taxa converging on similar flipper morphology. This study compares and contrasts the development of flippers in sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and penguin (Spheniscus demersus , Eudyptula minor) embryos. Embryos were fixed, cleared and stained for cartilage anlagen, and prepared as whole mounts. Skeletal elements forming the flipper and changes in their growth rates...
Show moreThere are no modem anatomical studies of flipper development or particularly any examining limb formation across distantly related taxa converging on similar flipper morphology. This study compares and contrasts the development of flippers in sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and penguin (Spheniscus demersus , Eudyptula minor) embryos. Embryos were fixed, cleared and stained for cartilage anlagen, and prepared as whole mounts. Skeletal elements forming the flipper and changes in their growth rates were described across developmental stages. Results suggest skeletal elements contribute differently to sea turtle and penguin flipper blades and there are significant differences in bone shape and growth patterns. Greater proportional increases in lengths and areas were found in sea turtles elements compared to penguins. Sea turtles appear to depend on a pathway resulting in elongation of distal elements to build a flipper, whereas penguin limbs undergo flattening and expansion of fewer elements to meet a similar structural goal.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000784
Subject Headings: Sea turtles--Physiology, Sea turtles--Morphology, Penguins--Morphology, Animal locomotion, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: BENTHIC FAUNAL RECOLONIZATION OF AN OFFSHORE BORROW PIT IN SOUTHEASTERN FLORIDA.
Creator: BOWEN, PHILIP RANDOLPH., Florida Atlantic University, Marsh, G. Alex
Abstract/Description: Benthic faunal repopulation of a newly created borrow pit off Delray Beach, Florida was monitored from 15 June 1978 to 23 June 1979. For comparative purposes, a single sampling of an adjacent five year old borrow pit was conducted concurrently with the final sampling of the new pit. Repopulation of the new pit was rapid, with 35 species and 1081 inds./m^2 collected at the initial sampling, 21 days postdredging. Abundance peaked at 1761 inds./m^2 in the third sampling period (169 days...
Show moreBenthic faunal repopulation of a newly created borrow pit off Delray Beach, Florida was monitored from 15 June 1978 to 23 June 1979. For comparative purposes, a single sampling of an adjacent five year old borrow pit was conducted concurrently with the final sampling of the new pit. Repopulation of the new pit was rapid, with 35 species and 1081 inds./m^2 collected at the initial sampling, 21 days postdredging. Abundance peaked at 1761 inds./m^2 in the third sampling period (169 days postdredging) and species richness peaked at the fifth sampling period (325 days post dredging) with 57 species. Polychaete annelids and peracarid crustaceans were the numerically most important initial colonizers of the new pit, together comprising 91.8% of the fauna. Species diversity (H') and equitability were lowest during the first sampling period (4.21 and 0.82, respectively) and, although variable, increased toward the end of the study (5.10 and 0.92, respectively). The disturbed area showed complete recovery based on several aspects of community structure, although differences in species composition were still evident between the new and old pits.
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Date Issued: 1985
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14252
Subject Headings: Florida--Environmental aspects, Marine animals--Collection and preservation--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Origin and mechanism of terpene biosynthesis in Pseudopterogorgia spp.
Creator: Boehnlein, Jennifer M., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G.
Abstract/Description: The goal of this work was to investigate the biosynthetic origins of diterpene natural products (pseudopterosins, kallolides, bipinnatins, and cembrenes) from corals of the genus Pseudopterogorgia as well as the biosynthetic pathways by which they are produced. These studies have shown that the pseudopterosins from Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae are biosynthesized within the algal symbiont (or possibly a bacterium or fungus associated with the symbiont), are not inducible by manipulation of...
Show moreThe goal of this work was to investigate the biosynthetic origins of diterpene natural products (pseudopterosins, kallolides, bipinnatins, and cembrenes) from corals of the genus Pseudopterogorgia as well as the biosynthetic pathways by which they are produced. These studies have shown that the pseudopterosins from Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae are biosynthesized within the algal symbiont (or possibly a bacterium or fungus associated with the symbiont), are not inducible by manipulation of light levels, and do not change as a result of transplantation to new locations. Studies on Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata revealed that only one chemotype is capable of biosynthesizing the kallolide family of diterpenes. The biosynthetic pathway which gives rise to the kallolides has been shown to involve members of another family of diterpenes, the bipinnatins, which coexist within the coral holobiont. Two diterpene cyclase products have been discovered within P. bipinnata chemotype A, cembrene and neocembrene, and it has been shown that neocembrene gives rise to the kallolides. Finally, the enzymatic conversion of bipinnatin J to kallolide A has shown for the first time that these compounds are in fact biogenetically related.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12205
Subject Headings: Terpenes--Synthesis, Marine pharmacology, Alcyonacea, Biosynthesis, Anti-inflammatory agents
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Photosynthetic pigment ratios in relation to Photic Flux.
Creator: Grant, Cidya S., Louda, J. William, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The molar and weight ratios of the photosynthetic pigments of ten algal species were analyzed in an attempt to determine if knowledge of the light field could be used to give better ratios for estimating the chlorophyll a contributed from each algal division to total chlorophyll a or biomass. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is one of the tools used in pigment-based chemotaxonomy for estimating the biomass of algal communities by determining the concentrations of the various...
Show moreThe molar and weight ratios of the photosynthetic pigments of ten algal species were analyzed in an attempt to determine if knowledge of the light field could be used to give better ratios for estimating the chlorophyll a contributed from each algal division to total chlorophyll a or biomass. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is one of the tools used in pigment-based chemotaxonomy for estimating the biomass of algal communities by determining the concentrations of the various chlorophylls and carotenoids. Stable ratios of chlorophyll a: marker pigment are used as multiplying factors for calculating the amount of chlorophyll a contributed from each major algal group to total chlorophyll a. Stable chlorophyll a : marker pigment ratios are not always easy to determine, so light field was investigated as a factor for determining consistently reliable ratios. This data will serve to determine new chlorophyll a: marker pigment ratios, as well as to verify or suggest changes to the existing ratios that are currently being used by our research group. An unknown pigment was isolated from Scytonema sp. grown in higher light fields and the ecological significance of this pigment was assessed.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000768
Subject Headings: Photosynthetic pigments--Analysis, Marine algae, Plant pigments--Analysis, High performance liquid chromatography
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Sediment classification of the sea floor using the Chirp Sonar and the Biot model.
Creator: Beaujean, Pierre-Philippe, Florida Atlantic University, LeBlanc, Lester R.
Abstract/Description: A new method is proposed to infer the geotechnical properties of the sea floor from its response to the frequency-modulated pulses emitted by the subbottom profiler called Chirp Sonar. The environment is assumed to be a multilayered medium, composed of homogeneous layers, or an inhomogeneous half-space with depth-dependent properties. The acoustic response of the sediment is computed using the Biot-Stoll theory. The Levenberg-Marquardt method is applied to fit the synthetic response to the...
Show moreA new method is proposed to infer the geotechnical properties of the sea floor from its response to the frequency-modulated pulses emitted by the subbottom profiler called Chirp Sonar. The environment is assumed to be a multilayered medium, composed of homogeneous layers, or an inhomogeneous half-space with depth-dependent properties. The acoustic response of the sediment is computed using the Biot-Stoll theory. The Levenberg-Marquardt method is applied to fit the synthetic response to the experimental response of an homogeneous layer overlying the sea floor. The porosity, the permeability, the mean grain diameter, the mass density, the bulk modulus and the shear modulus within this sediment layer can be estimated. A multilayered medium with depth-dependent properties could be applied to this inversion technique in the future.
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Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15208
Subject Headings: Marine sediments--Acoustic properties, Underwater acoustics--Measurement, Ocean bottom, Sonar
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Response of tropical marine macroalgae to thermal stress.
Creator: Anderson, Brent C., Florida Atlantic University, Koch, Marguerite
Abstract/Description: Short-term increases in temperatures above 31°C have been shown to influence the structure and diversity of coral reefs through coral bleaching episodes, but quantitative information on how these thermal events affect macroalgae on coral reef communities has rarely been described. Using laboratory mesocosm experiments, I examined six species of commonly occurring macroalgae from two functional form groups on the Florida Keys reef tract to determine their temperature thresholds, quantified by...
Show moreShort-term increases in temperatures above 31°C have been shown to influence the structure and diversity of coral reefs through coral bleaching episodes, but quantitative information on how these thermal events affect macroalgae on coral reef communities has rarely been described. Using laboratory mesocosm experiments, I examined six species of commonly occurring macroalgae from two functional form groups on the Florida Keys reef tract to determine their temperature thresholds, quantified by the point at which photosynthesis, quantum yield (Fv/Fm), and mortality rates were significantly affected. Red crustose coralline sp., classified in the calcareous group, showed no significant changes in Fv/Fm, and experienced no mortality at elevated temperatures of 34°C. However, Halimeda incrassata, another calcareous species showed significant changes in photosynthesis at thermal treatments of 32°C, and experienced 75% mortality at 34°C. Sargassum fluitans, a branching fleshy macroalgae maintained photosynthetic rates up to 32°C, but at 34°C succumbed to 100% mortality. Laurencia chondroides, also a branching fleshy macroalgal form experienced 50% mortality at 34°C. My results, among the first high temperature experiments on dominant tropical macroalgae, indicate that macroalgae are more robust than corals (∼32°C) in their thermal tolerance, but have varying thresholds among species.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13394
Subject Headings: Marine algae--Florida--Florida Keys, Coral reef ecology--Florida--Florida Keys
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Temperature and Salinity Response Surface Analysis of a Subtropical Oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791).
Creator: DiGialleonardo, Julian J., Roesijadi, Guritno, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Anthropogenic modifications to' the St. Lucie River watershed have significantly altered the patterns offreshwater flow, resulting in extreme changes of salinity and the subsequent decline in the health ofthe estuary. While much is already reported for the response of Crassostrea virginica to temperature and salinity, distinct differences exist along its distribution range warranting site specific assessments for previously unstudied populations. A modified Central Composite Inscribed...
Show moreAnthropogenic modifications to' the St. Lucie River watershed have significantly altered the patterns offreshwater flow, resulting in extreme changes of salinity and the subsequent decline in the health ofthe estuary. While much is already reported for the response of Crassostrea virginica to temperature and salinity, distinct differences exist along its distribution range warranting site specific assessments for previously unstudied populations. A modified Central Composite Inscribed response surface analysis was designed to describe the response of the local C. virginica population to a range of endemic salinity and temperature combinations. Controlled temperature and salinity studies were carried out at the Gumbo Limbo Marine Science Center in a mesocosm facility specifically designed and constructed for this project. Condition index and RNA:DNA ratio served as response measures. Minimum values for condition index were observed at combinations of high temperatures(> 25 °C) and low salinities (< 5 psu). The analysis of oyster RNA: DNA ratios showed a similar pattern of response, although, in this case, its relationship with temperature and salinity was not as strong. The final models for mean condition index and the RNA:DNA ratios explained 77.3% and 35.8% of the respective variances.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000745
Subject Headings: Oyster culture--Florida--Saint Lucie River, Response surfaces (Statistics), Stream measurements--Florida, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

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