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- Title
- Selection of canals and ditches as foraging habitat by wood s7374torks (Mycteria americana).
- Creator
- Van Os, Eleanor K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
A challenge to ensure the health of wading bird populations is to have a better understanding of the altered habitats that we must now consider part of their natural history. Throughout their range endangered Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) have been reported to forage in ditches, a disparate category of linear man-made waterways. In a 52-kmP 2 P study area on the east coast of central Florida, the characteristics of hydrologically diverse ditches were quantified, and their use by Wood...
Show moreA challenge to ensure the health of wading bird populations is to have a better understanding of the altered habitats that we must now consider part of their natural history. Throughout their range endangered Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) have been reported to forage in ditches, a disparate category of linear man-made waterways. In a 52-kmP 2 P study area on the east coast of central Florida, the characteristics of hydrologically diverse ditches were quantified, and their use by Wood Storks documented during their non-breeding season. Logistic regression analyses were carried out using the ditch characteristics as independent variables and Wood Stork presence/absence as the dependent variable. This study confirms the use of these marginal wetlands, and identifies the significance of emergent vegetation on the foraging habitat selection of Wood Storks in the dry season.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/166457
- Subject Headings
- Water birds, Habitat, Florida, Habitat selection, Animal behavior, Wetland ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SINGING FROGS, WORMY INTERLOPERS, AND HUNGRY CANNIBALS: AN INVESTIGATION OF COMPLEX LIFE CYCLES AND MULTI HOSTPARASITE INTERACTIONS.
- Creator
- Goodnight, Sarah R., McCoy, Michael W., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Complex life cycles are common across parasite taxa and frequently require trophic transfer of parasites from prey to predator; however, studies on parasite-host interactions often neglect variation in parasite life histories. Here I use two focal freshwater digenetic trematode species, Halipegus occidualis tongueworms and Haematoloechus complexus lungworms, as an empirical system to investigate how parasite life history traits drive host-parasite interactions across the life cycle. To...
Show moreComplex life cycles are common across parasite taxa and frequently require trophic transfer of parasites from prey to predator; however, studies on parasite-host interactions often neglect variation in parasite life histories. Here I use two focal freshwater digenetic trematode species, Halipegus occidualis tongueworms and Haematoloechus complexus lungworms, as an empirical system to investigate how parasite life history traits drive host-parasite interactions across the life cycle. To examine how parasite life history and host ecology influence parasite genetic patterns, I characterized the genetic diversity of within-host infrapopulations, as well as overall population genetic structure, of sympatric tongueworm and lungworm populations. Infection load and genetic diversity of host-level parasite infrapopulations increased with host trophic level, highlighting the benefits of trophic transfer and multihost life cycles. Concurrently, first intermediate host population dynamics and dispersal ability played a role in predicting population-level parasite genetic diversity and structure.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014250
- Subject Headings
- Host-Parasite Interactions, Parasites--Life cycles, Parasites--Genetics, Cannibalism in animals
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Site Fidelity Assessment of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Following Large-Scale Emigration of Sympatric Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas.
- Creator
- Kuhn, Sommer L., Herzing, Denise L., Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Two sympatric species of dolphins (Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus) have been long-term residents to Little Bahama Bank. This study assessed whether there was a change in residence patterns or diurnal foraging depths of bottlenose dolphins following a large emigration event in the resident spotted dolphin community on this sandbank. Photo-identification was used to identify individual bottlenose dolphins and compare pooled...
Show moreTwo sympatric species of dolphins (Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus) have been long-term residents to Little Bahama Bank. This study assessed whether there was a change in residence patterns or diurnal foraging depths of bottlenose dolphins following a large emigration event in the resident spotted dolphin community on this sandbank. Photo-identification was used to identify individual bottlenose dolphins and compare pooled years before (2010-2012) and after (2013-2015) the spotted dolphin emigration. The identified community size and overall residency of the bottlenose dolphins remained similar, although two bottlenose dolphins emigrated over deep water to the site spotted dolphins emigrated. Bottlenose dolphins diurnally fed in shallower water but remained in the same geographic foraging locations. Reasons remain unknown for this depth change, but potential changes in the productivity of primary bottlenose dolphin foraging habitats or reduction of spotted dolphins from shallower depths remain possibilities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004927, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004927
- Subject Headings
- Bottlenose dolphin--Habitat--Bahamas--Little Bahama Bank., Bottlenose dolphin--Effect of habitat modification on., Atlantic spotted dolphin--Habitat--Bahamas--Little Bahama Bank., Dolphins--Atlantic Ocean--Geographical distribution., Social behavior in animals.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Small mammal community of bamboo forests in the Peruvian Amazon.
- Creator
- Ledesma, Karim Jennifer, Florida Atlantic University, Wetterer, James K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Bamboo forests occupy an extensive area in Southwestern Amazonia in the conjuction of Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia. In Tambopata, Peru, bamboo stands have been considered degraded habitats and their expansion a threat to the biodiversity of the region. I conducted my project in two sites along the Tambopata River during a dry season in the area (July and September 2002). My study showed that communities of terrestrial small mammals in the bamboo patches were more diverse than those in adjacent...
Show moreBamboo forests occupy an extensive area in Southwestern Amazonia in the conjuction of Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia. In Tambopata, Peru, bamboo stands have been considered degraded habitats and their expansion a threat to the biodiversity of the region. I conducted my project in two sites along the Tambopata River during a dry season in the area (July and September 2002). My study showed that communities of terrestrial small mammals in the bamboo patches were more diverse than those in adjacent old-growth forests. Relative abundances of some species of small mammals were also higher in the bamboo. Small mammal species may be attracted to the bamboo forests for the following reasons (1) dense understories that provides them refuge from predation, (2) alternative food resources in the form of insects, fruit from understorey plants, bamboo fruits and seeds (at exceptional times), and (3) complex understorey habitat that satisfies the microhabitat selection of species of small mammals.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2003
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13035
- Subject Headings
- Bamboo--Peru--Tambopata River, Biodiversity--Peru--Tambopata River, Mammal populations--Peru--Tambopata River, Tambopata River (Peru)
- 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.
Show less - 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
- Social play as a tool for developing social-cognitive skills in a wild population of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis).
- Creator
- Bender, Courtney Elizabeth., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The purposes of this dissertation were to identify complex social-cognitive behaviors in a population of wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) using long-term video archives and identify developmental trends in those behaviors. Chapter One analyzed calf behavior during foraging events involving maternal teaching in order to identify mechanisms for sharing information between mother and calf... The calves' behavior was affected by the referencing cues, supporting the presence of...
Show moreThe purposes of this dissertation were to identify complex social-cognitive behaviors in a population of wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) using long-term video archives and identify developmental trends in those behaviors. Chapter One analyzed calf behavior during foraging events involving maternal teaching in order to identify mechanisms for sharing information between mother and calf... The calves' behavior was affected by the referencing cues, supporting the presence of joint attention and true teaching behavior....Chapter Two observed the altered benthic foraging behavior of juvenile play groups, in which juveniles took turns chasing the fish and using referencing gestures to reference the position of the fish to other individuals during the chase, despite the ability of these young, independent dolphins to catch fish much more quickly and efficiently alson... The third chapter analyzed social object play in which dolphins passed pieces of seaweed between individuals. The data clarified developmental trends in the play, and suggested social-cognitive abilities needed for participation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358280
- Subject Headings
- Social behavior in animals, Cognition in animals, Dolphins, Behavior, Atlantic spotted dolphin
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Spatial and temporal distributions of sea turtles within the Florida current and surrounding waters.
- Creator
- Bovery, Caitlin M., Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Assessing the spatial and temporal distributions of marine turtles in an open system poses both observational and analytical challenges due to their migratory nature and use of large current systems. Concentrations of animals can shift because turtles undergo large-scale migrations and habitat shifts seasonally as well as a function of lifestage. Surface counts of marine turtles in waters off Florida’s east coast were made in and adjacent to the Florida Current using standard aerial surveys....
Show moreAssessing the spatial and temporal distributions of marine turtles in an open system poses both observational and analytical challenges due to their migratory nature and use of large current systems. Concentrations of animals can shift because turtles undergo large-scale migrations and habitat shifts seasonally as well as a function of lifestage. Surface counts of marine turtles in waters off Florida’s east coast were made in and adjacent to the Florida Current using standard aerial surveys. While it is understood that marine turtles use waters off the eastern coast of Florida, here we document the magnitude of the shift in turtle presence each season throughout a two year study and identify habitat characteristics where turtles occur most frequently. Our assessment of marine turtles in the waters off southeast Florida provide valuable metrics describing the in-water biology of sea turtles in this area to inform future management strategies of these endangered species.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004083, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004083
- Subject Headings
- Sea turtles -- Atlantic Coast (U.S.) -- Florida -- Distribution, Sea turtles -- Atlantic Coast (U.S.) -- Florida -- Geographical distribution
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Spatial and trophic ecology of the sawtooth eel, Serrivomer beanii, a biomass-dominant bathypelagic fish over the northern Mid-Atlantic ridge.
- Creator
- Geidner, Megan E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The role of Serrivomer beanii in bathypelagic food webs is poorly known, but abundance and biomass estimates from the 2004 G.O. Sars MAR-ECO Expedition suggest it to have a high level of importance. MAR-ECO, a Census of Marine Life field project, has allowed us to increase our knowledge of S. beanii through spatial analysis, including the congeneric species Serrivomer lanceolatoides, and trophic analysis. Serrivomer beanii abundance and biomass exhibited a decreasing trend along the northern...
Show moreThe role of Serrivomer beanii in bathypelagic food webs is poorly known, but abundance and biomass estimates from the 2004 G.O. Sars MAR-ECO Expedition suggest it to have a high level of importance. MAR-ECO, a Census of Marine Life field project, has allowed us to increase our knowledge of S. beanii through spatial analysis, including the congeneric species Serrivomer lanceolatoides, and trophic analysis. Serrivomer beanii abundance and biomass exhibited a decreasing trend along the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge from north to south. In terms of size, S. beanii was found to increase as distance from the ridge decreased, suggesting a topographic aggregation strategy. The diet of S. beanii consisted of crustaceans, cephalopods, and teleosts. The trophic results of this study reveal a likely "alternative" trophic pathway in the deep mid-North Atlantic, and perhaps other, bathypelagic ecosystems: higher trophic-level predators are supported by micronektonic invertebrates as primary prey.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/165941
- Subject Headings
- Plankton, Ecology, Coral reef animals, Ecology, Deep sea biology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SPATIAL ECOLOGY OF BOBCATS (LYNX RUFUS) ON EVERGLADES TREE ISLANDS.
- Creator
- Buckman, Katherine, Dom, Nathan, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Bobcats (Lynx rufos) that inhabit tree islands of the Everglades, an expansive wetland in southern Florida. Bobcats are understudied in Florida and wetland ecosystems, and my objective was to identify factors driving their use of tree islands. I hypothesized that tree island size, distance between islands, and clusters of islands might influence occupancy. Additionally, I tested for effects of water levels and the Burmese Python invasion on bobcat occupancy. I built detection histories using...
Show moreBobcats (Lynx rufos) that inhabit tree islands of the Everglades, an expansive wetland in southern Florida. Bobcats are understudied in Florida and wetland ecosystems, and my objective was to identify factors driving their use of tree islands. I hypothesized that tree island size, distance between islands, and clusters of islands might influence occupancy. Additionally, I tested for effects of water levels and the Burmese Python invasion on bobcat occupancy. I built detection histories using 1,855 bobcat images from camera traps set on 87 tree islands in a -2,350 km2 managed conservation area from 2005-2019 and tested hypotheses about bobcat use relative to habitat and hydrologic covariates. Bobcat occupancy was significantly diminished when Burmese python densities exceeded 2.5 pythons/km2• Occupancy probability also increased with increasing densities of tree islands around the focal island. Effects of high water levels were less clear, but suggested a slight reduction in island occupancy with deeper water in the surrounding wetlands. My results suggest that managing for high tree island density and low densities of Burmese pythons will have stronger effects on bobcat habitat use than specific water levels.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013846
- Subject Headings
- Lynx rufus, Bobcat, Spatial ecology, Everglades (Fla.)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Specific dynamic action in hatchling and post-hatchling green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta ) sea turtles.
- Creator
- Kowalski, Amy, Florida Atlantic University, Milton, Sarah L., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Specific dynamic action (SDA) describes a post-feeding increase in oxygen consumption where most energy derived from food is allocated to post-absorptive processes, including growth and maintenance. SDA and growth in hatchling sea turtles is of special interest because they experience drastic changes in diet, oxygen availability and habitat during the first several months of life. This study investigated SDA variation between species and among age groups. SDA was quantified in two species of...
Show moreSpecific dynamic action (SDA) describes a post-feeding increase in oxygen consumption where most energy derived from food is allocated to post-absorptive processes, including growth and maintenance. SDA and growth in hatchling sea turtles is of special interest because they experience drastic changes in diet, oxygen availability and habitat during the first several months of life. This study investigated SDA variation between species and among age groups. SDA was quantified in two species of sea turtle (Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta) at 7, 30, 60, & 90 days post-hatching. Turtles were fed a known amount of food, and oxygen consumption was monitored using a metabolic chamber. SDA percentage of total energy did not increase with age (species pooled), although magnitude of SDA was higher in C. mydas when compared to C. caretta (ages pooled). These results imply that SDA does not increase proportionally with age, and that hatchling C. mydas use more absolute energy for SDA than C. caretta .
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13283
- Subject Headings
- Adaptation (Biology), Sea turtles--Feeding and feeds, Physiology, Comparative, Sea turtles--Ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- STONY CORAL TISSUE LOSS DISEASE INTERVENTION STRATEGIES FOR MONTASTRAEA CAVERNOSA.
- Creator
- Shilling, Erin N., Voss, Joshua D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has been spreading throughout Caribbean coral reefs since 2014, heavily impacting scleractinian corals. To mitigate losses, this experiment assessed the effectiveness of two SCTLD intervention treatments in situ. SCTLD-affected Montastraea cavernosa colonies offshore of Broward County were divided into three treatment groups: 1) chlorinated epoxy, 2) Base 2B plus amoxicillin, and 3) untreated controls, plus a fourth group of healthy untreated controls....
Show moreStony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has been spreading throughout Caribbean coral reefs since 2014, heavily impacting scleractinian corals. To mitigate losses, this experiment assessed the effectiveness of two SCTLD intervention treatments in situ. SCTLD-affected Montastraea cavernosa colonies offshore of Broward County were divided into three treatment groups: 1) chlorinated epoxy, 2) Base 2B plus amoxicillin, and 3) untreated controls, plus a fourth group of healthy untreated controls. These colonies were monitored over 11 months to record SCTLD status, lesion activity, colony mortality, and changes in healthy tissue area with 3D modelling. The Base 2B plus amoxicillin treatment was more effective at halting SCTLD lesions, slowing the rate of tissue loss, and decreasing the overall proportion of tissue lost as compared to chlorinated epoxy or no treatment. However, neither treatment prevented new SCTLD lesions from developing. These findings can enhance the effectiveness of Caribbean management efforts to mitigate SCTLD impacts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013616
- Subject Headings
- Stony corals, Montastraea, Corals--Diseases
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- STONY CORAL TISSUE LOSS DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY AND RESISTANCE: GENOMIC FACTORS AMONG ORBICELLA FAVEOLATA CORALS IN SOUTH FLORIDA.
- Creator
- Klein, Allison M., Voss, Joshua D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has spread throughout the entirety of Florida’s Coral Reef (FCR) and across the Caribbean, impacting over 50 coral species. The threatened hermatypic coral, Orbicella faveolata, demonstrates intraspecific variation in SCTLD resistance and has been categorized into three resistance levels: “High”, “Medium”, and “Low”. This study evaluated potential genomic underpinnings of variable disease susceptibility by monitoring and sampling 90 O. faveolata...
Show moreStony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has spread throughout the entirety of Florida’s Coral Reef (FCR) and across the Caribbean, impacting over 50 coral species. The threatened hermatypic coral, Orbicella faveolata, demonstrates intraspecific variation in SCTLD resistance and has been categorized into three resistance levels: “High”, “Medium”, and “Low”. This study evaluated potential genomic underpinnings of variable disease susceptibility by monitoring and sampling 90 O. faveolata colonies from Southeast Florida and the Lower Keys. High resolution analyses of >11,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms identified no significant genetic lineages among O. faveolata colonies associated with SCTLD resistance or susceptibility. Algal symbiont community analysis revealed that Durusdinium was present in greater abundances in SCTLD-affected colonies compared to the “High” resistance group, suggesting that algal symbiont community structure may play a role in SCTLD resistance. Data generated by this research will be combined with complementary approaches to further investigate the complex drivers of SCTLD resilience.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013996
- Subject Headings
- Corals--Diseases, Scleractinia, Intraspecific variation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Studies of specific gene expression of phosphate transporters in sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense crantz) and cattail (Typha domingensis pers.).
- Creator
- Lin, Li, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
In the Florida Everglades, sawgrass has been displaced by cattail, predominantly resulting from phosphate enrichment. It has been found that phosphate transporters and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play an important role in phosphate uptake in the plants. This study aimed to reveal the symbiosis between AM fungi and sawgrass and cattail and identify the phosphate transporters, especially AM-specific phosphate transporters in these two species. AM colonization was only found in sawgrass...
Show moreIn the Florida Everglades, sawgrass has been displaced by cattail, predominantly resulting from phosphate enrichment. It has been found that phosphate transporters and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play an important role in phosphate uptake in the plants. This study aimed to reveal the symbiosis between AM fungi and sawgrass and cattail and identify the phosphate transporters, especially AM-specific phosphate transporters in these two species. AM colonization was only found in sawgrass roots, not cattail, at low phosphate concentrations in lab and field samples by trypan blue staining. AM fungi could increase sawgrass growth and had little effect on cattail growth. Four phosphate transporters were identified in sawgrass. CjPT1, CjPT2 and CjPT3 were expressed in roots and shoots independent of AM fungi and phosphate availability, while CjPT4 appeared to be an AM regulated phosphate transporter gene and its expression was induced by AM fungi.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1930493
- Subject Headings
- Phosphorus, Physiological transport, Soil stabilization, Vegetation dynamics, Ecosystem management, Soil mineralogy, Plant physiology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Studies On Means to Enhance the Effectiveness of Dienogest in the Therapy of Endometriosis.
- Creator
- Tran, Kimberly, Hartmann, James X., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects one in ten women, where ectopic endometrial cells grow outside of the uterus. Lesions are estrogen dependent but progesterone resistant due to decreased progesterone receptor activity. This study investigated whether a combination of dienogest, a synthetic progesterone, and calcitriol, vitamin D’s active form, had an additive or synergistic effect in the therapy of endometriosis. Experiments were conducted on immortalized endometriotic...
Show moreEndometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects one in ten women, where ectopic endometrial cells grow outside of the uterus. Lesions are estrogen dependent but progesterone resistant due to decreased progesterone receptor activity. This study investigated whether a combination of dienogest, a synthetic progesterone, and calcitriol, vitamin D’s active form, had an additive or synergistic effect in the therapy of endometriosis. Experiments were conducted on immortalized endometriotic epithelial (12Z) and stromal (22B) cell lines. Results revealed that the combination therapy effectively inhibited cell viability in spheroids, limited proliferation, and reduced cell migration in cell monolayers of lipopolysaccharide- induced cells. Concentrations of prostaglandin E2, a key inflammatory cytokine, were measured from the supernatants of 12Z cells. The combination did not alter CD44 and progesterone receptor levels on the surface of 12Z cells. Further testing in a mouse model is necessary to determine the efficacy of the combination in vivo.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014262
- Subject Headings
- Endometriosis--Treatment, Dienogest, Calcitriol
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Studies on the mechanism by which sulindac sensitizes cancer cells to oxidative stress.
- Creator
- Kreymerman, Alexander, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Sulindac is a known NSAID that has also been shown to have anti-cancer activity that is not related to its ability to inhibit COX 1 and 2. During the past 15 years there have been a large number of studies attempting to elucidate its mechanism of action. Our laboratory has shown that sulindac can both protect normal cells and enhance the killing of cancer cells under oxidative stress from H2O2 and TBHP. However, except for mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production, the mechanism by which...
Show moreSulindac is a known NSAID that has also been shown to have anti-cancer activity that is not related to its ability to inhibit COX 1 and 2. During the past 15 years there have been a large number of studies attempting to elucidate its mechanism of action. Our laboratory has shown that sulindac can both protect normal cells and enhance the killing of cancer cells under oxidative stress from H2O2 and TBHP. However, except for mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production, the mechanism by which sulindac sensitized the cancer cells to oxidative stress remains unknown. Results of this research project suggest that the effect of sulindac and oxidative stress not only involves mitochondrial ROS production, but also aspects of the preconditioning response. In normal cells this leads to survival by a preconditioning pathway, likely involving PKCε. . However, cancer cells react by initiating a pathway leading to apoptosis involving PKCδ.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3183124
- Subject Headings
- Proteins, Chemical modification, Cellular signal transduction, Biochemical markers, Diagnostic use, Drug resistance in cancer cells, Oxidation-reduction reaction
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Studies on the role of vitamin D in asthma patients from a South Florida pulmonary practice.
- Creator
- Munim, Amjad., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is widespread in asthma, and epidemiological studies point to an association between low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and poor asthma control and increased severity. In humans. Vitamin D is principally derived from sunlight induced cutaneous conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D and oral supplementation. We sought to determine if established and chronic-persistent adult asthma patients from a South-Florida pulmonary patient population, with...
Show moreVitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is widespread in asthma, and epidemiological studies point to an association between low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and poor asthma control and increased severity. In humans. Vitamin D is principally derived from sunlight induced cutaneous conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D and oral supplementation. We sought to determine if established and chronic-persistent adult asthma patients from a South-Florida pulmonary patient population, with abundant sunshine availability and oral vitamin D supplementation exhibit vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. A trend to vitamin D insufficiency was observed in approximately 65% of both adult asthma patients and apparently healthy (non-asthmatic) volunteers. . The transcription factors required for Th9 conversion, PU.1 and IRF-4, were down-regulated by vitamin D. The generation of Th9 cells was inhibited equally by vitamin D and dexamethasone when used alone, but the effect was additive when both steroids were used in combination. Our studies using non-specifically stimulated cells were extended by analyzing the effect of vitamin D on allergen specific stimulation. The response of CD4+ T cells obtained from the blood of house dust mite positive asthmatics was studied. House dust mite allergen elicited a classical Th2 phenotype response (IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 cytokine profile) and vitamin D effectively inhibited those key Th2 cytokines. We conclude that vitamin D appears to be of significant clinical benefit in our cohort of patients, i.e., established chronic adult human asthma, by down-regulating key immune cells including Th9, Th17, and Th2 involved in this disorder.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360948
- Subject Headings
- Vitamin D, Health aspects, Vitamin D, Physiological effect, Vitamin D, Therapeutic use, Vitamin D, Physiology, Vitamin D in human nutrition, Lungs, Etiology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SUAEDA LINEARIS AN EMERGING SUPERFOOD SEA VEGETABLE: EVALUATING PLANT BIOMASS PRODUCTION AND MINERAL CONTENT USING FOUR HARVEST FREQUENCIES.
- Creator
- Matthews, Amanda Ruth, Davis, Megan, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Suaeda linearis is an edible halophyte crop with nutraceutical properties that is native to Florida. This study investigated how the biomass production and mineral content of aquacultured S. linearis was affected by harvest frequency during a 10-week period using four different harvest treatments. Under the first treatment (T1) plants received zero intermittent harvests, the second (T2) received harvests every five weeks, the third (T3) received harvests every 3.3 weeks, and the fourth (T4)...
Show moreSuaeda linearis is an edible halophyte crop with nutraceutical properties that is native to Florida. This study investigated how the biomass production and mineral content of aquacultured S. linearis was affected by harvest frequency during a 10-week period using four different harvest treatments. Under the first treatment (T1) plants received zero intermittent harvests, the second (T2) received harvests every five weeks, the third (T3) received harvests every 3.3 weeks, and the fourth (T4) received harvests every 2.5 weeks. The results indicate that biomass production and mineral content were both strongly affected by harvest treatment. Intermittent harvesting decreased biomass production and conversely, intermittent harvesting increased the quantities of certain desirable minerals in S. linearis. Early harvests of the study plants were small, suggesting that 13-15 weeks after germination is the earliest time a harvestable yield can be achieved from S. linearis.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014279
- Subject Headings
- Salt-tolerant crops, Halophytes, Aquaculture
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Sun compass orientation in juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas).
- Creator
- Mott, Cody Robert., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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Recent studies show that sea turtles use both magnetic and visual cues to successfully orient. Juvenile green sea turtles from the near shore reefs of Palm Beach County, Florida were brought to the lab to determine whether the sun could serve as a visual orientation cue. When tethered during the day in a large outdoor tank west of the ocean, the turtles oriented east to northeast. To determine whether the sun's position was used to maintain their heading, I altered the turtles' perception of...
Show moreRecent studies show that sea turtles use both magnetic and visual cues to successfully orient. Juvenile green sea turtles from the near shore reefs of Palm Beach County, Florida were brought to the lab to determine whether the sun could serve as a visual orientation cue. When tethered during the day in a large outdoor tank west of the ocean, the turtles oriented east to northeast. To determine whether the sun's position was used to maintain their heading, I altered the turtles' perception of time by entraining them to a light cycle advanced by 7 h relative to the natural cycle. When tested afterward in the same outdoor tank the turtles oriented northwest, the predicted direction after compensating for the sun's movement over 7 h across the sky. Orientation was unchanged when the turtles bore magnets that negated the use of magnetic cues. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the turtles used the sun for orientation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2705073
- Subject Headings
- Animal orientation, Adaptation (Biology), Animal navigation, Sea turtles, Migration
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A SURVEY OF THE FISH FAUNA IN THE SHALLOW MARINE WATERS OF CLAM LAGOON, ADAK, ALASKA.
- Creator
- HANCOCK, MAX JAY., Florida Atlantic University, Courtenay, Walter R. Jr., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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A seasonal sampling of fishes was collected by seine from the sand-gravel areas of Clam Lagoon, Adak, Alaska. The community structure was compared to the structure of communities described from surveys of other areas. The seasonality of the fish fauna was examined for possible relationships with three exogenous factors; salinity, temperature and wind velocity. Length frequency histograms and substrate preferences are presented for seven species. The shallow-water seasonality of 13 species is...
Show moreA seasonal sampling of fishes was collected by seine from the sand-gravel areas of Clam Lagoon, Adak, Alaska. The community structure was compared to the structure of communities described from surveys of other areas. The seasonality of the fish fauna was examined for possible relationships with three exogenous factors; salinity, temperature and wind velocity. Length frequency histograms and substrate preferences are presented for seven species. The shallow-water seasonality of 13 species is presented. The ontogenetic and seasonal diets of seven species are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1975
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13711
- Subject Headings
- Fish populations--Alaska--Clam Lagoon, Adak
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Survival and Growth of Sponge Recruits in a Land-based Nursery.
- Creator
- Crouch, Barbara C., Fonnegra, Andia Chaves, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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Sponges (phylum Porifera) are ancient animals that provide numerous ecosystem functions (e.g., water filtration, habitat, food source) and commercial applications (e.g., bath sponges and pharmaceuticals). However, mass mortality events in Florida Bay have drastically impacted sponge communities and the ecosystem services they provide. To restore habitats, sponge restoration initiatives are ongoing in Florida. The aim of this thesis was to determine survival and growth of sponges in a land...
Show moreSponges (phylum Porifera) are ancient animals that provide numerous ecosystem functions (e.g., water filtration, habitat, food source) and commercial applications (e.g., bath sponges and pharmaceuticals). However, mass mortality events in Florida Bay have drastically impacted sponge communities and the ecosystem services they provide. To restore habitats, sponge restoration initiatives are ongoing in Florida. The aim of this thesis was to determine survival and growth of sponges in a land-based nursery. Larvae from four species were collected from the Indian River Lagoon and the Florida Keys from July to September 2021. Larval settlement and metamorphosis, survival of recruits, morphological development and growth were observed, quantified, and compared to other species. Larvae settlement success was highest in our Heteroscleromorpha species Tedania ignis, Haliclona caerulea and Niphates erecta, but not the Keratosa species Spongia sp. However, the highest recruit survival was the Spongia sp. Early developmental characteristics were significantly different among species and over observation periods, with most developmental characteristics occurring during the first 14 days post-settlement. H. caerulea and Spongia sp. developed faster than other species. Spongia sp. recruit growth was higher when kept in artificial seawater with no food supplement. These results provide further insight toward optimizing the FAUHBOI sponge nursery protocols to supplement current restoration efforts and increase the abundance of sponge populations and community diversity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014086
- Subject Headings
- Sponges--Florida, Restoration ecology, Sponges--Growth
- Format
- Document (PDF)