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Title: THE NECESSITY FOR A PHYSICS PROGRAM AT THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL.
Creator: JAROSH, STANLEY E., Florida Atlantic University, Matthews, Herman E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: This thesis covers a brief description of current problems and the present status of physics courses at the secondary level; a review of standardized programs presently being used; and the necessity for change. The paper will show that a separate program for teaching physics should be instituted below the high school level. It will discuss a means for accomplishing this and propose how this can be done through the use of middle schools or through a change in the continuum.
Date Issued: 1972
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13486
Subject Headings: Physics--Study and teaching (Secondary), Junior high schools--Curricula
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Negligible Variation, Change of Variables, and a Smooth Analog of the Hobby-Rice Theorem.
Creator: Rutherfoord, Vermont Charles, Sagher, Yoram, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Mathematical Sciences
Abstract/Description: This dissertation concerns two topics in analysis. The rst section is an exposition of the Henstock-Kurzweil integral leading to a necessary and su cient condition for the change of variables formula to hold, with implications for the change of variables formula for the Lebesgue integral. As a corollary, a necessary and suf- cient condition for the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to hold for the HK integral is obtained. The second section concerns a challenge raised in a paper by O. Lazarev...
Show moreThis dissertation concerns two topics in analysis. The rst section is an exposition of the Henstock-Kurzweil integral leading to a necessary and su cient condition for the change of variables formula to hold, with implications for the change of variables formula for the Lebesgue integral. As a corollary, a necessary and suf- cient condition for the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to hold for the HK integral is obtained. The second section concerns a challenge raised in a paper by O. Lazarev and E. H. Lieb, where they proved that, given f1….,fn ∈ L1 ([0,1] ; C), there exists a smooth function φ that takes values on the unit circle and annihilates span {f1...., fn}. We give an alternative proof of that fact that also shows the W1,1 norm of φ can be bounded by 5πn + 1. Answering a question raised by Lazarev and Lieb, we show that if p > 1 then there is no bound for the W1,p norm of any such multiplier in terms of the norms of f1...., fn.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004627
Subject Headings: Mathematical analysis., Measure theory., Henstock-Kurzweil integral.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Nematocyst replacement in the sea anemone Aiptasia Pallida following predation by Lysmata Wurdemanni: an inducible defense?.
Creator: Jennings, Lucas, Laramore, Susan E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The sea anemone Aiptasia pallida is a biological model for anthozoan research. Like all cnidarians, A. pallida possesses nematocysts for food capture and defense. Studies have shown that anthozoans, such as corals, can rapidly increase nematocyst concentration when faced with competition or predation, suggesting that nematocyst production may be an induced trait. The potential effects of two types of tissue damage, predator induced (Lysmata wurdemanni) and artificial (forceps), on nematocyst...
Show moreThe sea anemone Aiptasia pallida is a biological model for anthozoan research. Like all cnidarians, A. pallida possesses nematocysts for food capture and defense. Studies have shown that anthozoans, such as corals, can rapidly increase nematocyst concentration when faced with competition or predation, suggesting that nematocyst production may be an induced trait. The potential effects of two types of tissue damage, predator induced (Lysmata wurdemanni) and artificial (forceps), on nematocyst concentration was assessed. Nematocysts were identified by type and size to examine the potential plasticity associated with nematocyst production. While no significant differences were found in defensive nematocyst concentration between shrimp predation treatments versus controls, there was a significant difference in small-sized nematocyst in anemones damaged with forceps. The proportions of the different types of nematocysts between treatment types were also found to be different suggesting that nematocyst production in A. pallida is a plastic trait.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004204, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004204
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine ecology, Nematocysts, Predation (Biology), Sea anemones
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neolocalism and Activating the Urban Landscape: Economics, Social Networks and Creation of Place.
Creator: Watson, April A., Fadiman, Maria, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: This work examined the role of the craft brewers of Florida in creating alternative economies. This work argues that craft brewers function in ways that they can create a space in which other, smaller entities might then take advantage. Craft breweries' expansion, and continued success rests on the ability of the brewer to harness the power of transformation, the prism effect, or the refaceting of a space with different meanings. Craft breweries meet many of Jacobs' (1961), as stated in her...
Show moreThis work examined the role of the craft brewers of Florida in creating alternative economies. This work argues that craft brewers function in ways that they can create a space in which other, smaller entities might then take advantage. Craft breweries' expansion, and continued success rests on the ability of the brewer to harness the power of transformation, the prism effect, or the refaceting of a space with different meanings. Craft breweries meet many of Jacobs' (1961), as stated in her seminal work, conditions for diversity in the city, especially in the role of self-government. Craft brewers function as informal forms of government for communities, by making smaller entities more visible, by serving as a warrior and weaver for political action in the city, and offering subversive defiance, by which they subtly challenge the dominant disconnected economic structure. Craft breweries serve as a way to create an embedded economy, or as a way of grounding local businesses, social issues, and individual actors together. In this way, the research addressed deeper ethical issues that transcend the idea of craft brewing in general, that the success of craft brewers reflects a form of activism, and a visible way for individuals to circumvent the global processes which left them disengaged in their community.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004667, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004667
Subject Headings: Bars (Drinking establishments) -- United States, Beer -- Economic aspects, Beer -- Social aspects, Beer industry -- Florida, Breweries -- Florida, Drinking customs -- United States, Economic geography, Physical geography, Political culture
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Nest-to-surf mortality of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchlings on Florida’s east coast in 2016.
Creator: Erb, Victoria, Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Worldwide, sea turtles are especially vulnerable immediately after emerging from nests. Many monitoring programs measure hatchling production from nest inventories. These inventories rarely account for mortality occurring post-emergence, leaving an incomplete estimate of hatchling production. This study addresses the nest-to-surf data gap for Florida’s east coast nesting assemblages of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Five locations were surveyed during the 2016 nesting season by...
Show moreWorldwide, sea turtles are especially vulnerable immediately after emerging from nests. Many monitoring programs measure hatchling production from nest inventories. These inventories rarely account for mortality occurring post-emergence, leaving an incomplete estimate of hatchling production. This study addresses the nest-to-surf data gap for Florida’s east coast nesting assemblages of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Five locations were surveyed during the 2016 nesting season by using infrared time-lapse imagery, night vision optics, and track maps. Over all beaches, 7.6% of the observed hatchlings did not survive to reach the water. Mortality sources varied by location. Observed predators included: foxes, bobcats, yellow-crowned night herons, ghost crabs, and gulls. Hatchling disorientation and misorientation occurred more frequently in urban areas than natural areas. Factors including number of hatchlings emerging, nest-to-surf distance, and urbanization may help managers estimate nest-to-surf mortality. This study will improve life history models that serve as foundations of conservation management.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004934, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004934
Subject Headings: Sea turtles--Mortality--Florida., Loggerhead turtle--Mortality., Predation (Biology), Sea turtles--Orientation., Animal navigation., Fire ants--Venom--Physiological effect.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: NESTING AND IN-WATER HABITAT-USE OF LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES (CARETTA CARETTA) AT A GLOBALLY IMPORTANT ROOKERY IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA, USA.
Creator: Hirsch, Sarah, Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Despite decades of conservation efforts, population recovery remains elusive for the loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting in Florida, the largest aggregation globally. Limited studies exist regarding reproductive strategies and in-water habitat use of loggerheads in southeastern Florida. I used satellite telemetry to track the movements of 17 nesting loggerheads on Juno and Jupiter Beaches during the 2020 and 2021 nesting seasons. The majority of females displayed high nest-site...
Show moreDespite decades of conservation efforts, population recovery remains elusive for the loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting in Florida, the largest aggregation globally. Limited studies exist regarding reproductive strategies and in-water habitat use of loggerheads in southeastern Florida. I used satellite telemetry to track the movements of 17 nesting loggerheads on Juno and Jupiter Beaches during the 2020 and 2021 nesting seasons. The majority of females displayed high nest-site fidelity. Inter-nesting intervals ranged from 10–19 days and were negatively correlated with water temperatures. Core inter-nesting areas ranged from 3.7–805.8 km2 and were located a mean 1.6 km from land. Mean clutch frequency was 5.9 nests/female, the highest reported for any loggerhead population worldwide. These findings suggest the number of females in the southeastern Florida population may be over-estimated due to an underestimated clutch frequency. Protective measures should target high-use coastal areas to maximize conservation benefits.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013882
Subject Headings: Loggerhead sea turtles, Loggerhead turtle--Florida, Turtles--Conservation, Biotelemetry
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Netrin-Frazzled signaling instructs synaptogenesis and plasticity at an identified central synapse in Drosophila.
Creator: Orr, Brian, Murphey, Rodney K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The classic guidance molecules, Netrin and its receptor Frazzled (Fra), dictate the strength of synaptic connections in the giant fiber system (GFS) of Drosophila melanogaster by regulating gap junction localization in the pre-synaptic terminal. In Netrin mutant animals the synaptic coupling between a giant interneuron and the jump motor neuron was weakened. Dye-coupling between these two neurons was severely compromised or absent. These mutants exhibited anatomically and physiologically...
Show moreThe classic guidance molecules, Netrin and its receptor Frazzled (Fra), dictate the strength of synaptic connections in the giant fiber system (GFS) of Drosophila melanogaster by regulating gap junction localization in the pre-synaptic terminal. In Netrin mutant animals the synaptic coupling between a giant interneuron and the jump motor neuron was weakened. Dye-coupling between these two neurons was severely compromised or absent. These mutants exhibited anatomically and physiologically defective synapses between the giant fiber (GF) and tergotrochanteral motor neuron (TTMn). In cases where Netrin mutants displayed apparently normal synaptic anatomy, half of the specimens exhibited physiologically defective synapses. Dye-coupling between the giant fiber and the motor neuron was reduced or eliminated, suggesting that gap junctions were disrupted in the Netrin mutants. When we examined the gap junctions with antibodies to Shaking-B Innexin (ShakB), they were significantly decreased or absent in the pre-synaptic terminal of the mutant GF. This data is the first to show that Netrin and Frazzled regulate placement of gap junctions pre-synaptically at a central synapse. In the Drosophila Giant Fiber System, we demonstrate a mechanism that ensures the monoinnervation of two homologous motor neurons by two homologous interneurons. In a scenario where both interneurons could synapse with both motor neuron targets, each interneuron exclusively synapsed with only one target and the circuit functions at normal physiological levels. This innervation pattern depended on the ratio of netrin-to-frazzled expression. When Netrin was over expressed in the system, shifting the ratio in favor of Netrin, both interneurons synapsed with both target motor neurons and physiological function was reduced. This resulted in the polyinnervationof a single target. In contrast, when Frazzled was over expressed in the system, one interneuron innervated both targets and excluded the remaining interneuron from making any synaptic contact. This resulted in a single interneuron mono-innervating both motor neurons and physiological function was mutant. The orphaned interneuron made no synaptic contact with either motor neuron target. Physiological function was only normal when the Netrin-Frazzled ratio was at endogenous levels and each GF monoinnervated one motor neuron. When we examined the gap junctions at this synapse in experimental animals, there was a significant reduction of gap junction hemichannels in the presynaptic terminal of axons that deviated from normal innervation patterns. While the synapse dyecoupled, the reduction in gap junction hemichannels reduced function in the circuit.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004041
Subject Headings: Cellular control mechanisms, Cellular signal transduction, Drosophila melanogaster -- Cytogenetics, Genetic transcription, Transcription factors
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neural and behavioral correlates of song prosody.
Creator: Gordon, Reyna Leigh., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences
Abstract/Description: This dissertation studies the neural basis of song, a universal human behavior. The relationship of words and melodies in the perception of song at phonological, semantic, melodic, and rhythmic levels of processing was investigated using the fine temporal resolution of Electroencephalography (EEG). The observations reported here may shed light on a ubiquitous human experience and also inform the discussion of whether language and music share neural resources or recruit domain-specific neural...
Show moreThis dissertation studies the neural basis of song, a universal human behavior. The relationship of words and melodies in the perception of song at phonological, semantic, melodic, and rhythmic levels of processing was investigated using the fine temporal resolution of Electroencephalography (EEG). The observations reported here may shed light on a ubiquitous human experience and also inform the discussion of whether language and music share neural resources or recruit domain-specific neural mechanisms. Experiment 1 was designed to determine whether words and melody in song are processed interactively or independently. Participants listened to sung words in which the melodies and/or the words were similar or different, and performed a same/different task while attending to the linguistic and musical dimensions in separate blocks of trials. Event-Related Potentials and behavioral data converged in showing interactive processing between the linguistic and musical dimensions of sung words, regardless of the direction of attention. In particular, the N400 component, a well-established marker of semantic processing, was modulated by musical melody. The observation that variations in musical features affect lexico-semantic processing in sung language was a novel finding with implications for shared neural resources between language and music. Experiment 2 was designed to explore the idea that well-aligned text-settings, in which the strong syllables occur on strong beats, capture listeners' attention and help them understand song lyrics. EEG was recorded while participants listened to sung sentences whose linguistic stress patterns were well-aligned, misaligned, or had variable alignment with the musical meter, and performed a lexical decision task on subsequently presented visual targets., Results showed that induced beta and evoked gamma power were modulated differently for well-aligned and misaligned syllables, and that task performance was adversely affected when visual targets followed misaligned and varied sentences. These findings suggest that alignment of linguistic stress and musical meter in song enhance beat tracking and linguistic segmentation by entraining periodic fluctuations in high frequency brain activity to the stimuli. A series of follow-up studies has been outlined to further investigate the relationship between rhythmic attending in speech and music, and the influence of metrical alignment in songs on childhood language acquisition.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2705078
Subject Headings: Cognitive neuroscience, Learning, Physiological aspects, Cognition in children, Physiological aspects, Prosodic analysis (Linguistics)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neural Correlates of Auditory Perception, Attention and Expectation.
Creator: Zanto, Theodore P., Florida Atlantic University, Large, Edward W., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences
Abstract/Description: This dissertation examined the neural correlates of auditory perception, attention and expectation in three experiments. Experiment 1 analyzed neural correlates of auditory perception and expectation in an electroencephalography (EEG) experiment using a temporally perturbed metronome to establish an expectation for auditory events, then violate and reestablish that expectation. High frequency evoked (phase-locked) gamma band activity (GBA) was observed to follow the onset of tones whereas...
Show moreThis dissertation examined the neural correlates of auditory perception, attention and expectation in three experiments. Experiment 1 analyzed neural correlates of auditory perception and expectation in an electroencephalography (EEG) experiment using a temporally perturbed metronome to establish an expectation for auditory events, then violate and reestablish that expectation. High frequency evoked (phase-locked) gamma band activity (GBA) was observed to follow the onset of tones whereas induced (nonphase- locked) GBA reached maximum power simultaneously with the occurrence oftone onset. Moreover, the latency of induced GBA was perturbed after an expectancy violation and relaxed back into synchrony as the expectation was reestablished. Experiment 2 was a methodological study to compare two functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRJ) scanning techniques and assess their influence on auditory processing. Subjects passively listened to isochronous tone sequences at three rates while sparse or continuous scanning was employed. Sparse and continuous scanning was observed to yield comparable fMRI data, however, continuous scanner notse was observed to perturb known EEG evoked response potentials. Moreover, high frequency evoked activity, as identified by spectral analysis, was attenuated in the presence of continuous fMRl noise. Experiment 3 was conducted to study auditory expectancy and attention. First, subjects were tested behaviorally to determine their ability to tap the beat of ten highly syncopated patterns. Subjects were asked to return for one EEG and one fMRl session. In these sessions, they were instructed to attend to a syncopated pattern, mentally rehearse the pattern, and then reproduce the pattern. During the control condition, subjects heard the auditory patterns, however, they were instructed to study a list of words, remember the words during the retention interval, and then recall as many words as possible. Brain activity was localized to frontal and auditory regions when attending to the patterns and occipital-auditory areas when attending to the words. Evoked activity was shown to reflect the subject's anticipation of the beat and was attenuated when ignoring the auditory stimulus. Taken together, these results suggest that GBA indexes auditory perception, attention and expectation. The current results suggest that attention and task engagement may elicit stronger neural phase locking.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000885
Subject Headings: Electrophysiology, Auditory evoked response, Electroencephalography, Auditory perception, Intersensory effects, Auditory pathways
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The neural correlates of endogenously cued covert visuospatial attentional shifting in the cue-target interval: an electroencephalographic study.
Creator: Modestino, Edward Justin., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences
Abstract/Description: This study investigated electroencephalographic differences related to cue (central left- or right-directed arrows) in a covert endogenous visual spatial attention task patterned after that of Hopf and Mangun (2000). This was done with the intent of defining the timing of components in relation to cognitive processes within the cue-target interval. Multiple techniques were employed to do this. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were examined using Independent Component Analysis. This revealed a...
Show moreThis study investigated electroencephalographic differences related to cue (central left- or right-directed arrows) in a covert endogenous visual spatial attention task patterned after that of Hopf and Mangun (2000). This was done with the intent of defining the timing of components in relation to cognitive processes within the cue-target interval. Multiple techniques were employed to do this. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were examined using Independent Component Analysis. This revealed a significant N1, between 100:200 ms post-cue, greater contralateral to the cue. Difference wave ERPs, left minus right cue-locked data, divulged significant early directing attention negativity (EDAN) at 200:400 ms post-cue in the right posterior which reversed polarity in the left posterior. Temporal spectral evolution (TSE) analysis of the alpha band revealed three stages, (1) high bilateral alpha precue to 120 ms post-cue, (2) an event related desynchronization (ERD) from approximately 120 ms: 500 ms post-cue, and (3) an event related synchronization (ERS) rebound, 500: 900 ms post-cue, where alpha amplitude, a measure of activity, was highest contralateral to the ignored hemifield and lower contralateral to the attended hemifield. Using a combination of all of these components and scientific literature in this field, it is possible to plot out the time course of the cognitive events and their neural correlates.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/369199
Subject Headings: Brain mapping, Neural networks (Neurobiology), Cognitive neuroscience, Recognition (Psychology), Cognition, Research, Methodology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neural correlates of human sensorimotor coordination: EEG, MEG, and functional MRI.
Creator: Mayville, Justine Meaux, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences
Abstract/Description: The ability to coordinate rhythmic finger movement with a metronome is constrained by both the target timing relation and the rate of coordination. For slow metronome rates (
Show moreThe ability to coordinate rhythmic finger movement with a metronome is constrained by both the target timing relation and the rate of coordination. For slow metronome rates (<2 Hz), subjects are able to both syncopate (in between successive beats) and synchronize (on each beat) with the metronome. At faster rates, however, syncopation becomes unstable and subjects spontaneously switch to synchronization in order to maintain a 1:1 stimulus/response relationship. No switches are observed if subjects start in synchronization, indicating it is an inherently more stable mode of coordination. Patterns of brain activity associated with transitions from syncopation to synchronization as well as synchronization only were examined as the metronome rate was increased from 1.0 to 2.75 or 3.0 Hz. Significant differences in the power of the coordination frequency component of event-related potentials (EEG) as well as the MEG beta (15--30 Hz) rhythm were observed when brain activity associated with syncopation was compared to that accompanying synchronization. These differences were focused over left central and centro-parietal areas and the direction of difference in both cases suggests that syncopation is associated with stronger activation of contralateral sensorimotor cortex. Similar results were found when subjects only imagined performing each mode of coordination at an increasing rate, indicating that differences in signal power at least partially reflect neural processes associated with motor planning and preparation independent of overt execution. Consistent with these findings, functional MRI revealed syncopation to be accompanied by significantly more activity in a wide array of cortical (e.g., premotor, prefrontal) and subcortical (basal ganglia, cerebellum) areas known to play a role in motor planning and/or timing of behavior. Whereas the neuromagnetic auditory response decreased as function of coordination rate, the motor evoked response remained approximately constant. This was true both when subjects syncopated and synchronized but may reflect changes in auditory-motor integration near movement rates that induce transitions in the former case. A control experiment examined only self-paced movement and showed a second neuromagnetic motor 'readiness' response that was strongly attenuated for rates above 1.0 Hz. This may signify a decreased need for the planning of motor behavior at faster rhythmic rates.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12658
Subject Headings: Biology, Neuroscience, Brain -- Electric properties, Brain -- Localization of functions, Evoked potentials (Electrophysiology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neural field dynamics under vari ation of local and global connectivity and finite t ransmission speeds.
Creator: Qubbaj, Murad R., Florida Atlantic University, Jirsa, Viktor K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: Spatially continuous networks with heterogeneous connections are ubiquitous in biological systems, in part icular neural systems. To understand the mutual effects of locally homogeneous and globally heterogeneous connectivity, the st ability of the steady state activity of a neural field as a fun ction of its connectivity is investigated. The variation of the connectivity is operationalized through manipulation of a heterogeneous two-point connection embedded into the otherwise homogeneous...
Show moreSpatially continuous networks with heterogeneous connections are ubiquitous in biological systems, in part icular neural systems. To understand the mutual effects of locally homogeneous and globally heterogeneous connectivity, the st ability of the steady state activity of a neural field as a fun ction of its connectivity is investigated. The variation of the connectivity is operationalized through manipulation of a heterogeneous two-point connection embedded into the otherwise homogeneous connectivity matrix and by variation of connectivity strength and transmission speed. A detailed discussion of the example of the real Ginzburg-Land au equation with an embedded two-point heterogeneous connection in addition to the homogeneous coupling due to the diffusion term is performed. The system is reduced to a set of delay differential equations and the stability di agrams as a function of the time delay and the local and global coupling strengths are computed. The major finding is that the stability of the heterogeneously connected elements with a well-defined velocity defines a lower bound for the stabil ity of the entire system . Diffusion and velocity dispersion always result in increased stability. Various other local architectures represented by exponentially decaying connectivity fun ctions are also discussed. The analysis shows that developmental changes such as the myelination of the cortical large-scale fib er system generally result in the stabilization of steady state activity via oscillatory instabilities independent of the local connectivity. Non-oscillatory (Turing) instabilities are shown to be independent of any influences of time delay.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000873
Subject Headings: Mathematical physics, Connections (Mathematics), Superconductivity--Mathematics, Neural networks (Computer science)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neural substrates of movement and music: An fMRI approach.
Creator: Nair, Dinesh G., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences
Abstract/Description: In this dissertation, we examined the neural correlates of motor coordination and music perception using a set of four fMRI experiments. The neural correlates of goal-directed action were examined in a group of healthy adults in experiment I using execution and imagery of a unimanual and a bimanual finger-sequencing task. Similar neural networks were engaged for execution and imagination of movement sequences. Interestingly, we also found that the sensorimotor cortical and cerebellar areas...
Show moreIn this dissertation, we examined the neural correlates of motor coordination and music perception using a set of four fMRI experiments. The neural correlates of goal-directed action were examined in a group of healthy adults in experiment I using execution and imagery of a unimanual and a bimanual finger-sequencing task. Similar neural networks were engaged for execution and imagination of movement sequences. Interestingly, we also found that the sensorimotor cortical and cerebellar areas are functionally decoupled from the task network when people imagine but do not actually execute sequential actions. In experiment 2, we used the same finger-sequencing paradigm to study recovery of function during recovery from stroke. It was observed that the wide spread neural activity during the initial session became more localized during the last session. In addition, using imagery tasks, we showed that hemiplegic patients retained the ability to activate neural pathways that are normally involved in executing goal-directed action sequences, despite the loss of ability to actually execute movements. In experiment 3, we examined brain activity when musicians and non-musicians listened to expressive and mechanical versions of a musical piece. The expressive performance activated the limbic areas more than the mechanical version in both groups of subjects suggesting perception of affect. The pattern of neural activity was also dictated by their experience and familiarity with the piece of music. In addition, we found activation of language related areas when musicians listened to the expressive version suggesting shared neural resources for language and music. The neural basis of sensorimotor coordination and timing in Parkinson's disease was investigated in the last experiment, using a synchronization-syncopation task and the continuation paradigm. Different neural areas subserved timing during the two different modes of coordination. However, these differences persisted during their respective continuation phases. In order to compensate for the functional deficiency in Parkinson's disease, patients recruited functionally segregated circuits that connect the striatum and association areas of the parietal, premotor and prefrontal cortices.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12082
Subject Headings: Biology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: NEUROANATOMICAL AND BEHAVIORAL CORRELATES OF REDUCED STRESS IN THE BLIND MEXICAN CAVEFISH, A. MEXICANUS.
Creator: Loomis, Cody Lee, Duboué, Erik, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Brain atlases have been created across species from flies to humans in order to obtain a better understanding of neuroanatomical morphology. Although these brain atlases allow for analysis of neuroanatomy they do not give insight about how the morphology adapt to fit challenges brought on by unique environments. Here I developed a brain atlas for Astyanax mexicanus, a species known to have populations that differ in various behaviors, to gain a better understanding about how populations of...
Show moreBrain atlases have been created across species from flies to humans in order to obtain a better understanding of neuroanatomical morphology. Although these brain atlases allow for analysis of neuroanatomy they do not give insight about how the morphology adapt to fit challenges brought on by unique environments. Here I developed a brain atlas for Astyanax mexicanus, a species known to have populations that differ in various behaviors, to gain a better understanding about how populations of the same species, derived from different environments, evolve to be best suited for the challenges they face. By creating a brain atlas for adult surface fish and three populations of cavefish I was able to examine differences in neuroanatomical structures implicated in regulating behavior. My findings show significant differences in neuroanatomical regions known to regulate behavior. Along with these findings, the brain atlases created are a tool for researches to use and expand on in the future.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013329
Subject Headings: Brain--Atlases, Neuroanatomy, Astyanax mexicanus
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A neuroanatomical investigation of the median raphe nucleus, supramammillary nucleus, and nucleus reuniens: Possible implications for the modulation of the hippocampal EEG.
Creator: McKenna, James Timothy, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences
Abstract/Description: The theta rhythm of the hippocampus, present in area CA1 of Ammon's horn and the dentate gyrus, is thought to serve a role in short-term memory processing. Rhythmically bursting cells of the medial septum projecting to the hippocampus are responsible for pacing theta. Further anatomical investigation of limbic-related circuitry in the rat, particularly connections of the medial septum and hippocampus, will lead to a better understanding of the pathways which influence the hippocampal EEG. Our...
Show moreThe theta rhythm of the hippocampus, present in area CA1 of Ammon's horn and the dentate gyrus, is thought to serve a role in short-term memory processing. Rhythmically bursting cells of the medial septum projecting to the hippocampus are responsible for pacing theta. Further anatomical investigation of limbic-related circuitry in the rat, particularly connections of the medial septum and hippocampus, will lead to a better understanding of the pathways which influence the hippocampal EEG. Our first study examined single and collateral projections from the supramammillary nucleus to the medial septum and hippocampus, employing the retrograde fluorescent tracers FluoroGold and FluoroRuby. The supramammillary nucleus neurons we identified with collateral projections to the medial septum and hippocampus may be directly involved in generation of the theta rhythm. The second study examined single and collateral projections from the median raphe nucleus to the medial septum and hippocampus, employing the retrograde tracers FluoroGold and FluoroRuby. It has been proposed that the median raphe nucleus serves a direct role in desynchronization of the hippocampal EEG, or blockade of theta. The median raphe nucleus neurons we identified with collateral projections to the medial septum and hippocampus may be directly involved in the termination of theta, in turn modulating hippocampal memory processing. The third study examined afferent projections to the nucleus reuniens of the thalamus, employing the retrograde tracer FluoroGold, combined with a primary-antibody immunohistochemical procedure, in order to identify FluoroGold labeled cells by means of bright-field microscopy. RE afferents originate from widespread regions of the brain, providing multi-sensory and limbic input to RE. The fourth study examined efferents of the nucleus reuniens, employing the anterograde tracer PHA-L (Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin). RE efferents terminated largely in regions of the telencephalon, and may influence working memory and sensorimotor systems. Investigations have linked the theta rhythm of the hippocampus to memory processing. The activity of the supramammillary nucleus, median raphe nucleus, and nucleus reuniens may influence the hippocampal EEG, particularly theta, and hence hippocampal mnemonic processing, by means of the pathways described in this dissertation.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11971
Subject Headings: Biology, Anatomy, Biology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Psychobiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neuropeptidergic and neuromorphological adaptations induced by behavioral sensitization to nicotine in a rodent model of vulnerability to nicotine relapse: abstinence-related negative effect.
Creator: Aydin, Cigdem., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: A rat model of novelty-seeking phenotype predicts vulnerability to nicotine relapse where locomotor reactivity to novelty is used to rank high (HR) versus low (LR) responders. This dissertation examines the neuropeptidergic and structural substrates of the expression of locomotor sensitization to a low dose nicotine challenge and associated social anxiety-like behavior following chronic intermittent nicotine exposure during adolescence in the LRHR phenotype. Data show the long-lasting nature...
Show moreA rat model of novelty-seeking phenotype predicts vulnerability to nicotine relapse where locomotor reactivity to novelty is used to rank high (HR) versus low (LR) responders. This dissertation examines the neuropeptidergic and structural substrates of the expression of locomotor sensitization to a low dose nicotine challenge and associated social anxiety-like behavior following chronic intermittent nicotine exposure during adolescence in the LRHR phenotype. Data show the long-lasting nature of behavioral sensitization to nicotine and abstinence-related social anxiety-like behavior in nicotine pre-trained HRs compared to saline pre-trained controls. Moreover, this behavior is accompanied by an imbalance between the brain antistress/antianxiety, i.e., neuropeptide Y (NPY), and stress, i.e., corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) systems in the amygdala. Moreover, a deficit in NPY signaling marked with decreased NPY and increased NPY Y2 receptor (Y2R) mRNA levels is observed in the hip pocampus, along with mossy fiber reorganization in nicotine pre-trained HRs. Furthermore, a Y2R antagonist administered 1 wk of abstinence reverses these behavioral, molecular and morphological effects in nicotine-exposed HRs. Additionally, the role of amygdalar synaptic plasticity in longlasting social withdrawal is also investigated by assessing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and spinophilin mRNA levels in HRs following a behaviorally-sensitizing nicotine regimen. A persistent increase in BDNF and spinophilin mRNA levels in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is observed in nicotine pre-trained HRs even across a long (3-wk) abstinence spanning into young adulthood. This strongly suggests BDNFmediated long-lasting neuroplasticity within the BLA that may regulate abstinence-related negative affect in HRs., Moreover, a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) antagonist, AM251 treatment during a short (1-wk) abstinence is ineffective in reversing social anxiety, nicotine-induced neuroplasticity and the neuropeptidergic changes in the amygdala, although it is effective in reversing the expression of locomotor sensitization to challenge nicotine even following a long (3-wks) abstinence. Furthermore, the identical AM251 treatment given during the late phase of a long (3-wk) abstinence further augments social withdrawal and associated BLA plasticity in nicotine pre-trained HRs. These findings implicate neuropeptidergic and neuroplastic changes in the hippocampus and the amygdala in vulnerability to the long-lasting behavioral effects of nicotine in the novelty-seeking phenotype.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3329828
Subject Headings: Rats as laboratory animals, Nicotine, Physiological effect, Habituation (Neuropsychology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neuroplasticity and the developing brain: the psychophysiological effects of mindfulness meditation on school-aged children.
Creator: Worch, Sarah M., Jones, Nancy Aaron, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: Many studies have supported the overall health benefits of mindfulness meditation practices for adults, but research exploring such benefits for children is sparse. The present study explored the psychophysiological effects of mindfulness meditation over a 10 week-period on a sample of 2nd-and 4th-grade children. Electroencephalograph (EEG) asymmetry and coherence were recorded at baseline and immediately after the meditation intervention for the experimental group, and at baseline and after...
Show moreMany studies have supported the overall health benefits of mindfulness meditation practices for adults, but research exploring such benefits for children is sparse. The present study explored the psychophysiological effects of mindfulness meditation over a 10 week-period on a sample of 2nd-and 4th-grade children. Electroencephalograph (EEG) asymmetry and coherence were recorded at baseline and immediately after the meditation intervention for the experimental group, and at baseline and after 10 weeks for the control group. Measures of affect, behavioral motivation, creativity, and depression were also administered. The primary findings indicated that when improvement in depressive symptoms occurred for 4th-grade students who were somewhat engaged in meditation practice, left-sided frontal EEG activity was also more prominent. Additionally, 4th-grade students who actively participated in meditation practice experienced decreases in self-reported levels of negative affect. Results suggest that mindfulness meditation is beneficial for improving 4th-grade students’ mood and brain regions associated with mood.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004238, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004238
Subject Headings: Brain -- Physiological aspects, Cognition in children, Mind and body, Mindfulness based cognitive therapy, Psychophysiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: NEUROPROTECTION AGAINST OXIDATIVE STRESS USING RESVERATROL-INSPIRED ANALOGS.
Creator: Simonson, Alec Jordan, Dawson-Scully, Ken, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Synaptic transmission is a mechanism that makes life possible for many organisms. Damaging this crucial process, such as with a buildup of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), is extremely detrimental for the entire organism. Previously, the Dawson-Scully lab has determined that exposure of the Drosophila melanogaster neuromuscular junction (NMJ) to ROS accumulation can result in synaptic failure at a faster rate than saline controls (Caplan et al., 2013). To combat such effects, novel three...
Show moreSynaptic transmission is a mechanism that makes life possible for many organisms. Damaging this crucial process, such as with a buildup of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), is extremely detrimental for the entire organism. Previously, the Dawson-Scully lab has determined that exposure of the Drosophila melanogaster neuromuscular junction (NMJ) to ROS accumulation can result in synaptic failure at a faster rate than saline controls (Caplan et al., 2013). To combat such effects, novel three-dimensional Resveramorph compounds were created to act as a neuroprotective agent against the harmful effects of acute oxidative stress (Bollinger et al., 2019; Sial et al., 2019). With the initial Resveramorph compounds demonstrating neuroprotective effects, additional analysis of other Resveramorph compounds were of interest to better understand their role in neuroprotection. Further testing of these compounds allows for the investigation of how chemical structure affects a compound’s neuroprotective activity.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013687
Subject Headings: Resveratrol, Neuroprotective agents
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neuroprotection during acute hyperthermic stress: Role of the PKG pathway in neurons and glia in the protection of neural function in Drosophila melanogaster.
Creator: Krill, Jennifer L., Dawson-Scully, Ken, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The human brain functions within a narrow range of temperatures and variations outside of this range incur cellular damage and death and, ultimately, death of the organism. Other organisms, like the poikilotherm Drosophila melanogaster, have adapted mechanisms to maintain brain function over wide ranges in temperature and, if exposed to high temperatures where brain function is no longer supported, these animals enter a protective coma to promote survival of the organism once the acute...
Show moreThe human brain functions within a narrow range of temperatures and variations outside of this range incur cellular damage and death and, ultimately, death of the organism. Other organisms, like the poikilotherm Drosophila melanogaster, have adapted mechanisms to maintain brain function over wide ranges in temperature and, if exposed to high temperatures where brain function is no longer supported, these animals enter a protective coma to promote survival of the organism once the acute temperature stress is alleviated. This research characterized the role of different neuronal cell types, including glia, in the protection of brain function during acute hyperthermia, specifically looking at two protective pathways: the heat shock protein (HSP) pathway and the cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) pathway. Whole animal behavioral assays were used in combination with tissue-specific genetic manipulation of protective pathways to determine the specific cell types sufficient to confer protection of neuronal function during acute hyperthermia. Using the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) preparation, calcium imaging techniques were combined with pharmacological and genetic manipulations to test the hypothesis that alterations in ion channel conductance via endogenous mechanisms regulating the cellular response to high temperature stress alter neuronal function. Expression of foraging RNAi to inhibit PKG expression in neurons or glia demonstrated protection of function during acute hyperthermia measured behaviorally through the extension of locomotor function. This extension of function with the tissue-specific inhibition of PKG was also confirmed at the cellular level using the genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI), GCaMP3, to image calcium dynamics at the NMJ, where preparations expressing foraging RNAi could continue to elicit changes in calcium dynamics in response to stimulation. Over the course of this study, the mechanism underlying a novel glial calcium wave in the peripheral nervous system was characterized in order to elucidate glia’s role in the protection of neuronal function during acute hyperthermia.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013026
Subject Headings: Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases, Neuroprotection, Hyperthermia, Heat shock proteins, Drosophila melanogaster
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neuroprotection During Acute Oxidative Stress: Role of the PKG Pathway and Identification of Novel Neuromodulatory Agents Using Drosophila Melanogaster.
Creator: Caplan, Stacee Lee, Dawson-Scully, Ken, Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Oxidant stress and injury is inherent in many human diseases such as ischemic vascular and respiratory diseases, heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, perinatal and placental insufficiencies, diabetes, cancer, and numerous psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Finding novel therapeutics to combat the deleterious effects of oxidative stress is critical to create better therapeutic strategies for many conditions that have few treatment options. This study used the anoxia-tolerant...
Show moreOxidant stress and injury is inherent in many human diseases such as ischemic vascular and respiratory diseases, heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, perinatal and placental insufficiencies, diabetes, cancer, and numerous psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Finding novel therapeutics to combat the deleterious effects of oxidative stress is critical to create better therapeutic strategies for many conditions that have few treatment options. This study used the anoxia-tolerant fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to investigate endogenous cellular protection mechanisms and potential interactions to determine their ability to regulate synaptic functional tolerance and cell survival during acute oxidative stress. The Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) was used to analyze synaptic transmission and specific motor axon contributions. Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells were used to assess viability. Acute oxidative stress was induced using p harmacological paradigms that generate physiologically relevant oxidant species: mitochondrial superoxide production induced by sodium azide (NaN3) and hydroxyl radical formation via hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). A combination of genetic and pharmacological approaches were used to explore the hypothesis that endogenous protection mechanisms control cellular responses to stress by manipulating ion channel conductance and neurotransmission. Furthermore, this study analyzed a group of marine natural products, pseudopterosins, to identify compounds capable of modulating synaptic transmission during acute oxidative stress and potential novel neuromodulatory agents.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004487, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004487
Subject Headings: Drosophila melanogaster -- Life cycles, Oxidative stress -- Ecophysiology, Oxidative stress -- Prevention, Protein kinases, Proteins -- Chemical modification
Format: Document (PDF)

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