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- Title
- Neuropsychological correlates of emotion regulation in women with HIV: an ERP study.
- Creator
- McIntosh, Roger C., Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2012-03-30
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3342403
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Differences in situational perception moderated by presence (absence) of others.
- Creator
- Brown, Nicolas A., Serfass, David G., Sherman, Ryne A., Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-12
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361277
- Subject Headings
- Situations, Psychology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Characterizing Immune Cells of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.
- Creator
- Bible, Brittany, Zeng, Menghua, Graduate College, Tamjidi, Saba, Bossart, Gregory D., Nouri-Shirazi, Mahyar
- Abstract/Description
-
Background: Marine mammals are ideal sentinel species for human health due to exposure to the same oceans and consumption of the same foods. There have been many studies which demonstrate that wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are exposed to high levels of contaminants which lead to a suppressed immune system and are therefore more susceptible to opportunistic infections, many of which are zoonotic diseases. However, nearly no research has been done on determining defects in the immune cell...
Show moreBackground: Marine mammals are ideal sentinel species for human health due to exposure to the same oceans and consumption of the same foods. There have been many studies which demonstrate that wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are exposed to high levels of contaminants which lead to a suppressed immune system and are therefore more susceptible to opportunistic infections, many of which are zoonotic diseases. However, nearly no research has been done on determining defects in the immune cell population of dolphins, especially Dendritic Cells DCs that are essential for initiating an immune response. Hypothesis: We hypothesize phenotypic and functional differences in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells PBMC, including DC precursors, of wild dolphins as compared to managed dolphins. Methods: Specifically in this study, we have used terrestrial-specific antibodies and growth factors to characterize immune cells in PBMC and to generate monocyte-derived DCs. Results: We have identified cross-reactive terrestrial antibodies that could detect immune cell subsets within PBMC, including B cells, T cells, NK cells, monocytes and APCs. Interestingly, using these antibodies we found significant changes in immune cell subsets within PBMC of wild and managed dolphins. Finally among the terrestrial DC growth factors tested we found rat GM-CSF and IL-4 generated DCs expressing higher levels of CD11c, CD14, CD40, CD80, CD86, MHC I and MHC II. Conclusion: Our findings allow us to further study defects in the immune cells, especially DCs, in response to environmental contaminants.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005137
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- An identification and comparison of intestinal parasites found within Gopherus polyphemus at two differing Southeastern Florida habitats.
- Creator
- Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Graduate College, Caruso, Joseph P.
- Abstract/Description
-
Gopherus polyphemus is a keystone terrestrial reptile, currently threatened in Florida due to habitat destruction. Overcrowded populations are associated with higher infectious disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite growing evidence they may pose significant health risks. There is a large gopher tortoise population in the fragmented, poorly maintained Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP). A separate Martin County population is...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus is a keystone terrestrial reptile, currently threatened in Florida due to habitat destruction. Overcrowded populations are associated with higher infectious disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite growing evidence they may pose significant health risks. There is a large gopher tortoise population in the fragmented, poorly maintained Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP). A separate Martin County population is at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP) in a higher quality habitat. We hypothesized there would be higher intestinal parasite loads in FAUP tortoises than JDSP tortoises, due to overcrowding. Several methods were used to determine parasite species and infection intensities. Fecal flotations revealed moderate to high Strongyle and Hookworm intensities in FAUP tortoises; in contrast, low Hookworm and moderate Strongyle intensities were seen in JDSP tortoises. Comparing infection intensities to degree of crowding is important to optimize management strategies of these threatened species.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005150
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Comparative survey of hemoparasites in two south Florida gopher tortoise populations.
- Creator
- Elhassani, Dana, Caruso, Joseph P., Graduate College, Frazier, Evelyn
- Abstract/Description
-
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened keystone species of the Southeastern United States. Increasing urban encroachment and tortoise translocation increases the risk of disease transmission. Prior work at Florida Atlantic University suggested resident gopher tortoises had high tick burdens. To investigate ticks as potential disease vectors, two sites were examined. The Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP); managed by mowing and herbicides and Jonathan Dickinson...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened keystone species of the Southeastern United States. Increasing urban encroachment and tortoise translocation increases the risk of disease transmission. Prior work at Florida Atlantic University suggested resident gopher tortoises had high tick burdens. To investigate ticks as potential disease vectors, two sites were examined. The Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP); managed by mowing and herbicides and Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP); managed by fire. We hypothesized that gopher tortoises in the FAUP will be infected by heavier hemoparasite loads, potentially causing anemia, when compared to JDSP. To detect hemoparasites, blood was collected from tortoises at FAUP and JDSP. Blood smears revealed intracellular parasites and inclusions at both sites. Packed cell volumes were done to assess whether tortoises were anemic; results found tortoises were not anemic during that sampling period. This study will provide baseline data for blood-borne infections in two south Florida gopher tortoise populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005145
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Integrated Modeling Approach for Energy Alternatives and Green House Gas Mitigation Assessment in the State of Florida.
- Creator
- Thakkar, Kuntal, Ghenai, Chaouki, Graduate College
- Abstract/Description
-
The International Panel on Climate Change IPCC suggests that by the end of the year 2050, the overall GHG emission has to be reduced by 50-80 of the emission level of year 2000. At the same time to meet the energy demand worldwide the energy supplies must double by 2050 World Energy Council. This research proposed a methodology to mitigate the climate change problems and to reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources through an integrated modeling approach.
An integrated modeling tool...
Show moreThe International Panel on Climate Change IPCC suggests that by the end of the year 2050, the overall GHG emission has to be reduced by 50-80 of the emission level of year 2000. At the same time to meet the energy demand worldwide the energy supplies must double by 2050 World Energy Council. This research proposed a methodology to mitigate the climate change problems and to reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources through an integrated modeling approach.
An integrated modeling tool was used in this study to 1 track energy consumption, production, and resource extraction, 2 track greenhouse gases emissions and 3 analyze emissions for local and regional air pollutions.
The model was used in this study for short and long term energy and GHG emissions reduction analysis for the state of Florida. The integrated modeling methodology will help to evaluate the alternative energy scenarios and examine emissions-reduction strategies.
The mitigation scenarios have been designed to describe the future energy strategies. They consist of various demand and supply side scenarios.
One of the GHG mitigation scenarios is crafted by taking into account the available renewable resources potential for power generation in the state of Florida to compare and analyze the GHG reduction measure against “Business As Usual” and “Florida State Policy” scenario.
Two more “integrated” scenarios, “Electrification” and “Efficiency and Lifestyle” are crafted through combination of various mitigation scenarios to assess the cumulative impact of the reduction measures such as technological changes and energy efficiency and conservation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005170
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Changes in Ant Species Distribution on Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.
- Creator
- Balkaran, Kavita, Wetterer, James K., Graduate College, Romais, Danielle K., Balkaran, Michael, Balkaran, Deavica
- Abstract/Description
-
Invasive predaceous ants can cause chaos in their new habitats by competing for resources, increasing or decreasing preys or predators, and even threatening the next generation of offsprings. The red imported fire ant RIFA, Solenopsis invicta is a generalist, omnivorous exotic ant from South America. It has been causing ecological, agricultural, and economical havoc in the USA and other parts of the world. Solenopsis invicta preys on pipped eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and...
Show moreInvasive predaceous ants can cause chaos in their new habitats by competing for resources, increasing or decreasing preys or predators, and even threatening the next generation of offsprings. The red imported fire ant RIFA, Solenopsis invicta is a generalist, omnivorous exotic ant from South America. It has been causing ecological, agricultural, and economical havoc in the USA and other parts of the world. Solenopsis invicta preys on pipped eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles and they are also found on sea turtle nesting beaches. We hypothesized that there will be a change in the fire ant species distribution at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge SPNWR after the first follow-up survey done in 2010, and at Jack Bay after the baseline study in 2011; both nesting beaches are in St Croix, US Virgin Islands. Baited index cards with tuna were set out for approximately two hours then ants were collected in separate marked bags. They were frozen then preserved in ethanol and finally identified. Solenopsis invicta was the most common exotic species at SPNWR. It was significantly more abundant p0.02 than the other fire ant species, Solenopsis geminata which was more abundant in both the 2010 survey and the baseline survey in 2006 at SPNWR. Neither of the fire ant species was found at Jack Bay. This increase in RIFA can become a serious threat to the next generation of sea turtles if its abundance continues to increase at SPNWR.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005135
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Land of Contrast: Osteological Analysis of Human Remains From Salango, Ecuador and a Comparison of Paleopathologies Between Coastal and Highland Sites in Ecuador.
- Creator
- Van Voorhis, Laura, Broadfield, Douglas C., Graduate College, Martinez, Valentina L.
- Abstract/Description
-
New data on human skeletal remains from Site 35 in Salango, Ecuador is combined with existing data presented by Jastremski 2006 to compile a more comprehensive report about the health conditions of the people from this locale. Site 35, which is associated with the Manteno culture that flourished in the Integration period from A.D. 500 – 1532, has been determined to comprise a singular population that is represented by a minimum of 27 individuals.
In addition to more comprehensive conclusions...
Show moreNew data on human skeletal remains from Site 35 in Salango, Ecuador is combined with existing data presented by Jastremski 2006 to compile a more comprehensive report about the health conditions of the people from this locale. Site 35, which is associated with the Manteno culture that flourished in the Integration period from A.D. 500 – 1532, has been determined to comprise a singular population that is represented by a minimum of 27 individuals.
In addition to more comprehensive conclusions about Site 35, this thesis uses the compiled data from Site 35 in an extended comparison of health among prehistoric sites from six additional sites to observe general trends over time and across geography. Through an in-depth analysis of six distinct health traits, it can be concluded that the most dramatic trend observed across time was a decline in the overall quality of health.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005171
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Is there a Future for the Study of Religion at American Universities? A Content Analysis of Selected Higher Education Institutions.
- Creator
- Wolfe, Kathryn A., Graduate College
- Abstract/Description
-
The researcher began to notice that religion and religious studies courses were starting to disappear off of course lists and that religion as a discipline was not as prevalent in many university departments. Additionally, noting from her teaching experience at various universities, the study and approach to teaching religion differed at the type of institution it was and the mission of that university. Therefore, this study aimed at discovering just how religion is taught in institutions of...
Show moreThe researcher began to notice that religion and religious studies courses were starting to disappear off of course lists and that religion as a discipline was not as prevalent in many university departments. Additionally, noting from her teaching experience at various universities, the study and approach to teaching religion differed at the type of institution it was and the mission of that university. Therefore, this study aimed at discovering just how religion is taught in institutions of higher education at selected universities in the United States of America.
The rationale behind this study was twofold: first, to determine if religion is currently being taught at selected institutions of higher education in the U.S. and second, how the instruction and teaching of religion is approached within these institutions. And so, the purpose of this study was to determine if universities are still teaching religion and religious studies courses; if so, what are the structures and approaches that are used when teaching religion at both top-tiered and southeastern universities; and what are the similarities and differences between the two aforementioned types of institutions’ programs. Thus, we may infer from the data whether or not there is a future for these programs within higher education in the U.S.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005173
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Comparison of Treatment Plans Calculated using Ray Tracing (RT) and Monte Carlo (MC) Algorithms for Lung Cancer Patients Having Undergone Radiotherapy with Cyberknife.
- Creator
- Pennington, Andreea, Selvaraj, Raj, Graduate College, Leventouri, Theodora, Kirkpatrick, Steven, Oliveira, Silvana
- Abstract/Description
-
Purpose/ Objectives: The latest publications indicate that the Ray Tracing algorithm significantly overestimates the dose delivered as compared to the Monte Carlo MC algorithm. The purpose of this study is to quantify this overestimation and to identify significant correlations between the RT and MC calculated dose distributions.
Materials/Methods: Preliminary results are based on 50 preexisting RT algorithm dose optimization and calculation treatment plans prepared on the Multiplan treatment...
Show morePurpose/ Objectives: The latest publications indicate that the Ray Tracing algorithm significantly overestimates the dose delivered as compared to the Monte Carlo MC algorithm. The purpose of this study is to quantify this overestimation and to identify significant correlations between the RT and MC calculated dose distributions.
Materials/Methods: Preliminary results are based on 50 preexisting RT algorithm dose optimization and calculation treatment plans prepared on the Multiplan treatment planning system Accuray Inc., Sunnyvale, CA. The analysis will be expanded to include 100 plans. These plans are recalculated using the MC algorithm, with high resolution and 1 uncertainty. The geometry and number of beams for a given plan, as well as the number of monitor units, is constant for the calculations for both algorithms and normalized differences are compared.
Results: MC calculated doses were significantly smaller than RT doses. The D95 of the PTV was 27 lower for the MC calculation. The GTV and PTV mean coverage were 13 and 39 less for MC calculation. The first parameter of conformality, as defined as the ratio of the Prescription Isodose Volume to the PTV Volume was on average 1.18 for RT and 0.62 for MC. Maximum doses delivered to OARs was reduced in the MC plans. The correlation of the ratio of air in PTV to the PTV with the difference in PTV coverage had a coefficient of -0.54.
Conclusions: The preliminary results confirm that the RT algorithm significantly overestimates the dosages delivered confirming previous analyses.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005162
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A conserved cysteine framework of toxins from Viola tricolor and Conus brunneus characterized in the Drosophila melanogaster Giant Fiber System.
- Creator
- Hoggard, Mickelene F., Mari, Frank, Graduate College
- Abstract/Description
-
Conotoxins are disulfide rich peptides present in the venom of cone snails, a genus of marine mollusks that prey upon fish, worms, and other mollusks. Conotoxins are promising drugs leads with great prospects in the treatment of diseases and disorders such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Similar compounds can be found in plants; for example, cyclotides, which are cyclic peptides isolated from the Violaceae violet, Rubiaceae coffee, and...
Show moreConotoxins are disulfide rich peptides present in the venom of cone snails, a genus of marine mollusks that prey upon fish, worms, and other mollusks. Conotoxins are promising drugs leads with great prospects in the treatment of diseases and disorders such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Similar compounds can be found in plants; for example, cyclotides, which are cyclic peptides isolated from the Violaceae violet, Rubiaceae coffee, and Cucurbitaceae cucurbit families and they have a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-HIV, uterotonic, and antimicrobial. Cyclotides have a cyclic cysteine knot motif characterized by a cyclic backbone and six conserved cysteine residues that form the three disulfide bridges of the “knot”. This motif provides cyclotides with superior stability against thermal, chemical, and enzymatic degradation; marking them as potential frameworks for peptide drug delivery. Cysteine framework IX conotoxins C-C-C-CXC-C, isolated from the venom of Conus brunneus, contain the same cysteine framework, homologous sequences, and similar 3D structures to cyclotides. Presented are details on the isolation of these conotoxins and cyclotides, from Viola tricolor, and the characterization of their activity in the Drosophila melanogaster Giant Fiber System GFS, which contains GAP, acetylcholine, and glutamate synapses.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005149
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Nurse Practitioner Holistic Caring Instrument: A Pilot Study.
- Creator
- Kinchen, Elizabeth V., Graduate College
- Abstract/Description
-
Holistic care has long been a defining attribute of nursing practice. From the earliest years of its
formal history, nursing has favored a holistic approach in the care of patients, an approach that is grounded in relationship and considers the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. With passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act PPACA and the publication of the Institute of Medicine’s report on the future of nursing, nurses are slated to take on an expanded role in...
Show moreHolistic care has long been a defining attribute of nursing practice. From the earliest years of its
formal history, nursing has favored a holistic approach in the care of patients, an approach that is grounded in relationship and considers the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. With passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act PPACA and the publication of the Institute of Medicine’s report on the future of nursing, nurses are slated to take on an expanded role in healthcare delivery in the near future. Nurse practitioners, in particular, will be instrumental in filling the gap in primary care availability engendered by the increasing specialization of physician practice and increased access to healthcare made possible by the provisions of the PPACA.
This pilot study used a Content Validity Index CVI, with a convenience sample of experts n8 in Nurse Practitioner care and Holistic Nursing practice, to evaluate the Nurse Practitioner Holistic Caring Instrument NPHCI, a new, investigator-developed measure of the holistic attributes of Nurse Practitioner care. Analysis of CVI responses revealed that the majority of participants were in perfect agreement 1.00 in rating the scale as a whole as ‘content relevant’. In addition, 14 out of 19 instrument items were accorded a perfect score of 1.00. Free-text responses were also solicited in evaluating validity of the instrument. Results from this pilot study indicate that the NPHCI has sufficient validity to render it eligible for use in a larger study, surveying patients on holistic attributes of Nurse Practitioner care.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005152
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Environmental Restoration and Water Circulation Improvement of the Guachinanga Channel, San Jose Lagoon, PR.
- Creator
- Dougherty, Rebecca R., Hague, Erin, Graduate College
- Abstract/Description
-
Urbanization has increased over the last 50+ years around the San José Lagoon, San Juan, Puerto Rico significantly degrading the Lagoon’s ecosystem. The nutrient and sediment loading has caused excessive vegetative growth along the Caño Martín Peña and Guachinanga Channel due to encroachment of infrastructure along the banks of the eastern portion of the river combined with increased nutrient and sediment loading from untreated sewage and stormwater runoff. This has resulted in decreased...
Show moreUrbanization has increased over the last 50+ years around the San José Lagoon, San Juan, Puerto Rico significantly degrading the Lagoon’s ecosystem. The nutrient and sediment loading has caused excessive vegetative growth along the Caño Martín Peña and Guachinanga Channel due to encroachment of infrastructure along the banks of the eastern portion of the river combined with increased nutrient and sediment loading from untreated sewage and stormwater runoff. This has resulted in decreased tidal exchange between San Juan Bay and San José Lagoon, and around Guachinanga Islet. The restoration plan seeks to 1) restore the habitat on Guachinanga Islet by removing a vegetated land bridge used by non-native species that access the Islet and potentially impact native populations, and 2) improve water quality by removing sediment, debris and vegetation to allow flushing in the Guachinanga Channel, around the Islet and adjacent Caño Martín Peña 3) dispose of the comprised dredged resources in a beneficial use manner. An innovative dredge process seeks to address the logistical challenges of the project area. The resulting beneficial use skate and recreational park seeks partnering opportunities of the various social, ecological and health initiatives of the adjacent Caño Martín Peña restoration plan.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005144
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Is Infant Learning of Non-Adjacent Sequential Relations a Domain-General Ability and When Does It Emerge?.
- Creator
- Minar, Nicholas J., Lewkowicz, David J., Graduate College
- Abstract/Description
-
Non-adjacent statistical relations are an important class of sequential structure because they aid in the acquisition of syntax and, thus, language. Previous work has demonstrated that 15-month-old infants are sensitive to distant sequential relations but that these types of relations are difficult to learn. Importantly, it is not known whether the ability to learn non-adjacent statistical relations is based on a domain-specific or domain-general pattern-learning mechanism. We examined the...
Show moreNon-adjacent statistical relations are an important class of sequential structure because they aid in the acquisition of syntax and, thus, language. Previous work has demonstrated that 15-month-old infants are sensitive to distant sequential relations but that these types of relations are difficult to learn. Importantly, it is not known whether the ability to learn non-adjacent statistical relations is based on a domain-specific or domain-general pattern-learning mechanism. We examined the domain-generality of this ability in separate groups of 10- and 12-month-old infants in two experiments utilizing the habituation/test procedure.
Experiment 1 habituated infants to sequences of five moving/sounding arbitrary shapes and sounds. The sequences contained two target elements that were always separated by a non-target element. Results indicated that neither age group displayed response recovery when the target elements were switched. Experiment 2 simplified the task by using sequences that were three elements in length e.g., ABC and DBE. During the test trials, the last element from the two unique pairings was again switched e.g., ABE and DBC. Results indicated that only the 12-month-olds detected a change in the sequence [t 48 1.76, p 0.05].
These results indicate that infants’ sensitivity to multisensory non-adjacent statistical dependencies is limited to simple 3 element sequences rather than complex 5 element sequences. Our findings also indicate that infants as young as 12 months of age can learn non-adjacent sequential relations embedded within arbitrary audiovisual sequences, suggesting that this critical ability is domain-general in nature.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005159
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Is Reflective Functioning a Mediating Factor in Secure Relationships between Parents and Children and can it prevent juvenile crime?.
- Creator
- Boklaga, Susan, Frain, Michael, Graduate College, Jones, Nancy Aaron
- Abstract/Description
-
Memories of early relationships and attachments are coded into the brain as an internal working model These models include expectations, appraisals, and rules for processing or excluding information that remain throughout development. The process is also known as Mentalization and involves the child developing the capacity to correctly interpret the behavioral cues of others through use of reflective functioning. Children with secure attachments develop the capacity to mentalize and develop...
Show moreMemories of early relationships and attachments are coded into the brain as an internal working model These models include expectations, appraisals, and rules for processing or excluding information that remain throughout development. The process is also known as Mentalization and involves the child developing the capacity to correctly interpret the behavioral cues of others through use of reflective functioning. Children with secure attachments develop the capacity to mentalize and develop minimal psychopathology that follows them into adulthood. Insecure attachments in children are consequential due to the parent’s failure to incorporate their own reflective functioning capabilities into their child rearing practices which results in ineffective parenting.
Possible consequential long term effects include: child and adult psychopathology, learning difficulties, and overall societal decline as children repeat the negative trajectories of their parents due to the failure of the parent and child to effectively use their reflective functioning abilities. These children are high risk to develop adult personality disorders, particularly Borderline Personality Disorder
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005138
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The effect of parasite infection on reproductive potential of bony fish.
- Creator
- Young, Joy M., Whittington, Jim, Graduate College, Hughes, Colin
- Abstract/Description
-
Accurate predictions of population growth, including reproduction, are vital for the effective management of fisheries. However, factors effecting reproductive potential in boney fishes are not entirely understood. In several species of fish, parasite infection has been associated with decreased fecundity including fewer and smaller eggs, shortened spawning season, and decreased larval survival. We examined the effect of parasite infection and life history parameters on egg quality of 40...
Show moreAccurate predictions of population growth, including reproduction, are vital for the effective management of fisheries. However, factors effecting reproductive potential in boney fishes are not entirely understood. In several species of fish, parasite infection has been associated with decreased fecundity including fewer and smaller eggs, shortened spawning season, and decreased larval survival. We examined the effect of parasite infection and life history parameters on egg quality of 40 spawning capable female common snook, Centropomus undecimalis, collected from 3 inlets on the Atlantic coast of Florida in the summer of 2013. Egg quality was measured as fatty acid DHA, PI, and EPA composition of eggs. Six major taxons of parasites were identified: Cestoda 1 adult, 68 trypanorhyncha larvae, Copepoda 1 Lernae sp., 62 Lernanthropus sp., Digenea 1 adult, Monogenea 1 adult, Nematoda 861 Contracecum sp., and Pentastomida 36 Sebekia sp.. In addition, dead parasites of unknown taxa 262 total were counted. Parasite infracommunities were described as total number of live parasites per individual, total number of dead parasites per individual, the Shannon Wiener Index H as a measure of diversity, and the Berger-Parker Index BPI as a measure of numerical dominance. Total number of dead parasites and BPI had a significant, negative effect on percent composition of DHA of eggs. Individuals with higher amounts of dead parasites 20 were predicted to drop below a 13 DHA composition threshold needed for hatching and larval success.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005174
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Preliminary Census of Free Ranging Vervet Monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus,in Dania Beach, Forida.
- Creator
- Williams, Deborah, Broemel, Erin T., Graduate College, Detwiler, Kate M.
- Abstract/Description
-
Observations of vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus, have been documented in 3700 hectares of mangrove preserves of Dania Beach, Florida since the 1950’s. A scientific census in 1995 provided confirmation of this population. Endemic to West Africa, research suggests this primate has adapted to the ecology of the mangrove environment in Southeast Florida. The 1995 census showed the population consisted of two groups with a total of 36 individuals. We resurveyed the population from January...
Show moreObservations of vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus, have been documented in 3700 hectares of mangrove preserves of Dania Beach, Florida since the 1950’s. A scientific census in 1995 provided confirmation of this population. Endemic to West Africa, research suggests this primate has adapted to the ecology of the mangrove environment in Southeast Florida. The 1995 census showed the population consisted of two groups with a total of 36 individuals. We resurveyed the population from January-February 2014 by visiting sites where monkeys have been reported either in the media or by local residents. We found the vervets inhabit two geographically isolated areas, separated by a man-made waterway. The population is divided into three groups with a total of 18 individuals. Group A, which occupies the northern most part of the mangroves consists of 3 adult males, 1 juvenile male, 5 adult females, and 1 infant. Group B, which occupies the central part of the mangroves consists of 1 adult male, 2 adult females, 1 sub-adult female, and 2 juveniles. Group C, which occupies the southern part of the mangroves consists of 2 adult females. In the 1995 study, this southern group ranged in size from 19-23 individuals. Our results indicate the total population decreased significantly in size over the past 19 years. To confirm this population decrease, research will expand surveys into unexplored areas of the mangrove preserve to document the presence or absence of additional groups. Ongoing research will investigate day ranges, behavior, and feeding ecology of this feral primate population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005172
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Human/Non-Human Primate Interface in Dania Beach, Florida.
- Creator
- Broemel, Erin T., Williams, Deborah, Graduate College, Detwiler, Kate M.
- Abstract/Description
-
The frequency of interactions between humans and non-human primates has risen in past decades due to the loss of primate habitat. Many primates now live within human habitats, raising questions about how humans interact with and affect primates. Dania Beach, Florida provides an unusual opportunity to study the dynamics of human interactions with a population of introduced primates. We examined the effect of human behavior on three groups of green vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus, through...
Show moreThe frequency of interactions between humans and non-human primates has risen in past decades due to the loss of primate habitat. Many primates now live within human habitats, raising questions about how humans interact with and affect primates. Dania Beach, Florida provides an unusual opportunity to study the dynamics of human interactions with a population of introduced primates. We examined the effect of human behavior on three groups of green vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus, through behavioral observations conducted from January-February 2014. North Group A, located on business property, is provisioned 3x daily with nutrient dense fruits and nuts. These monkeys are habituated to human presence and appear to benefit from positive interactions with humans. North Group B, located within mangrove forest near businesses, is provisioned 2x daily with fruits, and restaurant food 2x weekly. This group is less habituated than North Group A, and avoids human contact outside of provisioning. In contrast, South Group C is situated within a residential area and has a history of being trapped since 1993. They are minimally provisioned, and rely on human food items from trash. South Group C exhibits defensive and aggressive behaviors towards humans. These results suggest that primates living in this group experience a negative human relationship, which may lead to an increase in stress levels. Additional exploration into the Dania Beach human/non-human primate interface is required to better understand the potential link between negative human interactions and primate proximity to residential areas.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005141
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- TLR agonists differentially induce maturation of nicotine-exposed dendritic cell.
- Creator
- Tamjidi, Saba, Nourishirazi, Erika, Graduate College, Bible, Brittany, Zeng, Menghua, Nouri-Shirazi, Mahyar
- Abstract/Description
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Background: Vaccines aid in saving lives from infections and biological warfare attacks. They should be effective in all target populations otherwise the likelihood that an unprotected person will transmit disease to a vulnerable individual is greatly increased. There is compelling evidence that smokers are less responsive to vaccination. We have reported that both therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines fail to protect and cure animals from disease due to negative effects of nicotine in...
Show moreBackground: Vaccines aid in saving lives from infections and biological warfare attacks. They should be effective in all target populations otherwise the likelihood that an unprotected person will transmit disease to a vulnerable individual is greatly increased. There is compelling evidence that smokers are less responsive to vaccination. We have reported that both therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines fail to protect and cure animals from disease due to negative effects of nicotine in biological activities of DCs. Using in vitro mouse culture system we have identified an appropriate TLR agonist capable of correcting the defects in DCs exposed to nicotine. Hypothesis: In order to translate these studies to human, we tested the hypothesis that appropriate TLR agonists will also correct the degrading effects of nicotine on human DCs and consequently DC-NK cross talk and T cell polarization. Methods: Monocyte-derived DCs were generated in culture media containing growth factors GM-CSF and IL-4 with or without nicotine treatment. DCs were activated with indicated TLR agonists and their phenotypes and cytokine profiles were analyzed by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Results: Among the TLR agonists tested, we found that nicotine has less effect on human DC maturation in response to TLR4 plus TLR7/8 agonists as evidenced by expression levels of their costimulatory CD80/83/86/40 and antigen-presenting HLA-DR molecules as well as inflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-10,TNF-α and IL-1β production. Conclusion: We are currently investigating whether these TLR agonists also augment human DC-NK bidirectional signals essential for T cell differentiation in a nicotinic environment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005169
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- How many males are there? An examination of operational sex ratio within marine turtle nesting populations in southern Florida.
- Creator
- Lasala, Jacob, Wyneken, Jeanette, Graduate College
- Abstract/Description
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Characterizing a species mating system is integral to understanding its natural history and is critical to the development of effective conservation strategies. A mating system is typically described by examining a single population and subsequently drawing inferences on the whole of the species. Variation among populations and gaps in understanding of a species often are revealed when studies are compared between several locations. The majority of available marine turtle mating system data...
Show moreCharacterizing a species mating system is integral to understanding its natural history and is critical to the development of effective conservation strategies. A mating system is typically described by examining a single population and subsequently drawing inferences on the whole of the species. Variation among populations and gaps in understanding of a species often are revealed when studies are compared between several locations. The majority of available marine turtle mating system data stem from nesting females or hatchlings scurrying off the beach. This practice left glaring holes in the understanding of these imperiled organisms in particular with respect to males. We use exclusion paternity analysis to compare the genotype of a nesting female with genotypes from a subset of her offspring and deduce male genotypes to identify and count the number of males contributing per clutch. Loggerheads Caretta caretta, green turtles Chelonia mydas and tleatherbacks Dermochelys coriacea are protected species with spatially and temporally overlapping nesting beaches. The genotypes of the three species nesting in southern Florida will be compared among clutches to define mating systems. Additionally, we will provide the first measure of operational population size for both males and females in southern Florida. Finally, by comparing results from several beaches, the interconnectedness of rookeries through male-mediated gene flow will be determined as well as the relatedness of males. Our approach to establishing the mating systems of hard-to access-life stages will have strong conservation value in strengthening the demographics that form the core of species assessment and management.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005155
- Format
- Document (PDF)