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Title: Biomonitoring of hypoxia and sulfide stress in three sub-tropical seagrasses.
Creator: Irwin, Connor., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Hypoxia and sulfide exposure, increased using glucose, are considered major environmental stressors in seagrass communities. Quantum efficiency, total soluble protein and catalase activity were quantified to evaluate the applicability of each of these bioindicators to detect environmental stress in three tropical seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum (Banks ex Kèoenig), Halodule wrightii (Ascherson) and Syringodium filiforme (Kuetz). Hypoxia + sulfide treatments significantly decreased the...
Show moreHypoxia and sulfide exposure, increased using glucose, are considered major environmental stressors in seagrass communities. Quantum efficiency, total soluble protein and catalase activity were quantified to evaluate the applicability of each of these bioindicators to detect environmental stress in three tropical seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum (Banks ex Kèoenig), Halodule wrightii (Ascherson) and Syringodium filiforme (Kuetz). Hypoxia + sulfide treatments significantly decreased the quantum efficiency of all three species, but showed no response in protein and catalase activity. Although no treatment effect was found, catalase activity was enhanced in T. testudinum leaves and H. wrightii roots relative to other tissues, while S. filiforme showed no location-specific catalase activity. These results indicate that quantum efficiency is a more sensitive indicator than protein and catalase activity to hypoxia and sulfide stress in seagrasses.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2976445
Subject Headings: Plant physiology, Environmental management, Seagrasses, Habitat, Environmental aspects, Sulfites, Physiological effect, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The chemistry of Briareum asbestinum.
Creator: Rondeau, Melody D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Briareum asbestinum, a soft coral, is a rich source of diterpenoid natural products. The secondary metabolites of B. asbestinum fall into four classes : asbestinins, briarellins, briareolate esters, and briaranes. Briareolate esters have been shown to possess biological activity and were previously only reported from Tobago. Our group recently isolated briareolate esters from a specimen collected off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida. To determine whether location has an impact on the...
Show moreBriareum asbestinum, a soft coral, is a rich source of diterpenoid natural products. The secondary metabolites of B. asbestinum fall into four classes : asbestinins, briarellins, briareolate esters, and briaranes. Briareolate esters have been shown to possess biological activity and were previously only reported from Tobago. Our group recently isolated briareolate esters from a specimen collected off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida. To determine whether location has an impact on the chemistry produced by the organism, a method to discern between chemotypes was sought. Several techniques including thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and sclerite analysis were employed, with NMR being the most successful method. By utilizing both 1H and COSY NMR experiments, it is possible to differentiate between the chemotypes of B. asbestinum. Application of this method allowed analysis of chemical variability with respect to location.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355882
Subject Headings: Heterocyclic compounds, Synthesis, Coral reef ecology, Marine organisms, Environmental aspects, Biochemical markers
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effect of external pH on cyanobacterial pigment expression.
Creator: West, Maria., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Cyanobacteria are classified as alkalophiles despite their preferential uptake of the acidic form of dissolved inorganic carbon. Long term impacts of external pH on the expression of photosynthetic and structural pigments in Schizothrix calcicola were investigated as potential contributing factors to this phenomenon. More robust cell walls in S. calcicola at pH
Show moreCyanobacteria are classified as alkalophiles despite their preferential uptake of the acidic form of dissolved inorganic carbon. Long term impacts of external pH on the expression of photosynthetic and structural pigments in Schizothrix calcicola were investigated as potential contributing factors to this phenomenon. More robust cell walls in S. calcicola at pH <7 are suggested by significantly greater expression of myxoxanthophylls. Direct and indirect physiological costs of altering cell walls may contribute to S. calcicola's depressed growth at acidic pH. Comparison of chlorophylls expression suggests that alkaline rather than neutral external pH is only beneficial for S. calcicola growth in absence of nutrient limitation. While the cyanobacterial biomarker ratio of chlorophylls to echinenone was stable across the pertinent pH range of 6-8, other pigment ratios in S. calcicola were affected by pH with an approximately two week lag between the change of pH and the corresponding change of pigment expression.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2795335
Subject Headings: Environmental toxicology, Cyanobacteria, Environmental aspects, Ecosystem management, Vegetation dynamics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of a severe winter on invasive green iguanas (Iguana iguana).
Creator: Campbell, Ashley B., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is an herbivorous lizard native to South America and is invasive in south Florida. The severe weather in January 2010 negatively impacted many species and significantly reduced the green iguana population, specifically adult females and juveniles of both sexes. Fifteen adult iguanas from two locations in Palm Beach County were tagged and had blood drawn for blood chemistry and HPLC steroid hormone analysis. Individuals were tracked for home range/territory...
Show moreThe green iguana (Iguana iguana) is an herbivorous lizard native to South America and is invasive in south Florida. The severe weather in January 2010 negatively impacted many species and significantly reduced the green iguana population, specifically adult females and juveniles of both sexes. Fifteen adult iguanas from two locations in Palm Beach County were tagged and had blood drawn for blood chemistry and HPLC steroid hormone analysis. Individuals were tracked for home range/territory analysis and behavioral observations. Blood chemistry values of cold-stunned individuals showed abnormal values similar to those reported in cold-stunned sea turtles. Territoriality and breeding behaviors, including nesting and head-bob displays, decreased or ceased during the following months. Steroid hormone concentrations were detected by HPLC and were not consistent with results from RIA studies in the literature.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174507
Subject Headings: Weather, Environmental aspects, Adaptation (Biology), Climate changes, Environmental aspects, Conservation biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining the relationship between urban green space and sustainable cities.
Creator: Bloise, Gillian., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Urban green space plays a vital role in the stability of the environment. Green spaces are increasingly becoming an integral part of the efforts to promote sustainability because of the different areas of benefits they provide. Sustainable city ranking systems were used to identify the most sustainable urban extents within the US. Landsat TM 4-5 imagery and textural classification are used as techniques in identifying, classifying and analyzing urban green spaces within nineteen urban extents...
Show moreUrban green space plays a vital role in the stability of the environment. Green spaces are increasingly becoming an integral part of the efforts to promote sustainability because of the different areas of benefits they provide. Sustainable city ranking systems were used to identify the most sustainable urban extents within the US. Landsat TM 4-5 imagery and textural classification are used as techniques in identifying, classifying and analyzing urban green spaces within nineteen urban extents. Patch analyst was used to analyze the location, structure and fragmentation green spaces within each urban extent. The aim is to determine to what degree urban green spaces can be considered to be an integral part of the sustainability of sustainable urban extents across the US and ascertain whether or not more sustainable urban extents do have more urban green spaces. The results of the study have shown that urban extents that are ranked highly v on sustainable ranking systems do not necessarily have to have large proportion of green spaces. Results have also shown that urban extents that are ranked high on sustainable rankings will not necessarily be affected by increase in population or decrease in urban green space. Finally human modified green spaces have simple geometric shapes compared to natural unaltered green spaces that have more complex geometric shapes.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3360771
Subject Headings: City planning, Environmental aspects, Urbanization, Environmental aspects, Urban ecology (Sociology), Human ecology, Sustainable development, Urban beautification
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The impacts of harmful algal blooms on a Florida reef fish community.
Creator: Baumberger, Rex E., Jr., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Biology
Abstract/Description: Coral reefs worldwide are threatened by many environmental disturbances including harmful algal blooms (HABs) which have been increasing on Florida coasts over the past decade. Research has mainly focused on HAB identification, percent cover and other effects on the benthos but the relationship of HABs with upper trophic levels has received less attention. To study this relationship, a two-year investigation on a 10-m deep reef off of Hallandale Beach, was conducted. Stationary fish census...
Show moreCoral reefs worldwide are threatened by many environmental disturbances including harmful algal blooms (HABs) which have been increasing on Florida coasts over the past decade. Research has mainly focused on HAB identification, percent cover and other effects on the benthos but the relationship of HABs with upper trophic levels has received less attention. To study this relationship, a two-year investigation on a 10-m deep reef off of Hallandale Beach, was conducted. Stationary fish census coupled with benthic transect videos were conducted quarterly between April 2005-July 2007. A significant correlation between Lyngbya sp. blooms and alterations in fish assemblages was observed. Lyngbya had a negative interaction with fish species and abundance; additionally, HAB sample periods were significantly different from low algal abundance periods. Blooms of Dictyota sp. had no measurable relationship with the fish assemblage indicating HABs may have variable impacts on fishes depending on family, species and chemistry of the algae.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186286
Subject Headings: Toxic algae, Environmental aspects, Algal blooms, Environmental aspects, Water quality biological assessment, Coral reef ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Intra and interspecies association patterns of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and the effects of demographic changes following two major hurricanes.
Creator: Elliser, Cindy Rogers., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Demographic changes, through immigration/emigration (or death) can affect the social and community structure of a population. This study reports on the effects of demographic changes following 2 intense hurricanes on two sympatric delphinid species: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis. Thirty percent of the bottlenose population was lost after the hurricanes, with an influx of roughly the same number of immigrants. The stable...
Show moreDemographic changes, through immigration/emigration (or death) can affect the social and community structure of a population. This study reports on the effects of demographic changes following 2 intense hurricanes on two sympatric delphinid species: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis. Thirty percent of the bottlenose population was lost after the hurricanes, with an influx of roughly the same number of immigrants. The stable community split into two cohesive units. Preferences in association in relation to reproductive status and sex remained. Immigrants assimilated well into the population, especially males. There is a conflict of interest between resident males and females in accepting immigrants and often females find more resistance than males. Long-term analysis of spotted dolphins revealed a community structure defined by long-term site fidelity, natal philopatry of both sexes and three social clusters., Female associations were influenced by reproductive status and social familiarity within clusters. Males formed long-term alliances and shorter-term coalitions. Some movement between clusters occurred. Alliance formation crystallized in adulthood. Mating strategies and sex were the primary factors shaping social structure. Thirty-six percent of the spotted dolphin population was lost after the hurricanes with no influx of immigrants. The spotted dolphin community differed little from long-term analysis, including definitive social clusters and sex preferences. Social cohesion increased within units and across age classes. Some juveniles had associations of alliance level. Loss of individuals resulted in subtle changes in social structure. Interspecies associations reveal striking differences in association patterns between species. Group sizes and re-sightings of spotted dolphins were larger than for bottlenose dolphins, particularly for aggressive encounters., Male alliances and coalitions were prevalent for spotted dolphins, but not for bottlenose dolphins. After the hurricanes lower re-sighting and group sizes for spotted dolphin males and less aggressive behavior documented, indicates a re-structuring period of relationships between the species. This study shows that environmental variations may alter the structure of mammal societies through demographic upheaval and survival of populations may depend on their social structure and the social adaptability of the species.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1927313
Subject Headings: Social behavior in animals, Dolphins, Geographical distribution, Population genetics, Weather, Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Isolation of briareolate esters from Briareum asbestinum.
Creator: Meginley, Rian J., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: The gorgonian Briareum asbestinum is widely studied because it possesses highly oxygenated novel structures, many of which exhibit useful biological activities. Recently, two new briarane diterpenoids, briareolate esters J and K, together with two known briareolate esters have been isolated from a specimen of Briareum asbestinum collected off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida. The method used was a 96-well plate real-time cell electronic sensing (RT-CES) system to discover compounds that...
Show moreThe gorgonian Briareum asbestinum is widely studied because it possesses highly oxygenated novel structures, many of which exhibit useful biological activities. Recently, two new briarane diterpenoids, briareolate esters J and K, together with two known briareolate esters have been isolated from a specimen of Briareum asbestinum collected off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida. The method used was a 96-well plate real-time cell electronic sensing (RT-CES) system to discover compounds that impact human embryonic stem cell growth. The compounds were isolated using reversed phase polystyrene divinylbenzene chromatographic support HP20ss followed by normal phased HPLC using a luna silica column. The structures of the compounds were established though the interpretation of spectroscopic data. Activity testing was conducted against hESCs (BG02) with briareolate ester J showing no inhibition activity and briareolate ester K showing mild activity with an EC50 value of 25 (So(BM. These results confirm that the exact confirmation and existence of the (E,Z)-dienone is related to the activity that was observed with the previously isolated briareolate esters L and M.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360959
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine organisms, Environmental aspects, Marine natural products, Bioactive compounds
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A methodology to assess the feasibility for light rail transit in a low to medium density environment via geographic information systems and image interpretation.
Creator: Kennard, Dylan., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The world currently has more people living in cities than in rural areas. In the United States this is no exception, and as a result government policy is focusing on the supply of 'green' jobs that help repair and expand its infrastructure in an attempt to help curb non-renewable resource use. The expansion of public transportation throughout the country is one facet of the multi-pronged US government policy. In the tri-county area of South Florida (Palm Beach County, Broward County, and...
Show moreThe world currently has more people living in cities than in rural areas. In the United States this is no exception, and as a result government policy is focusing on the supply of 'green' jobs that help repair and expand its infrastructure in an attempt to help curb non-renewable resource use. The expansion of public transportation throughout the country is one facet of the multi-pronged US government policy. In the tri-county area of South Florida (Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County) a research study known as the South Florida East Coast Corridor Transit Analysis (SFECCTA) entered Phase 2 in January 2009. This study looks at incorporating the FEC freight corridor which transverses the downtown areas of 47 cities into a major North- South commuter system. This system would also supplement the existing commuter Tri- Rail corridor. The proposed methodology in this manuscript attempts to address the issue of providing an adaptable, efficient and convenient public transportation in a low to medium density environment where the automobile is the preferred mode of travel. Emphasis is placed on connecting existing origin and destination locations in and around the greater West Palm Beach metropolitan area in Palm Beach County, FL. The goal of the methodology is to establish potential routes that will connect high amounts of residence to places of social interaction, consumption, employment, and the proposed SFECCTA regional transportation system with Light Rail Transit as the end goal. As a result the proposed corridors focus on creating dedicated and shared right of ways that already exist via the road network. The discussion and conclusion provide methodology successes, improvements, and economic development recommendations.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/369192
Subject Headings: Railroads, Local and light, Environmental aspects, Railroads, Planning, City planning, Environmental aspects, Sustainable development
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Phosphorus limitation in reef macroalgae of South Florida.
Creator: Kehler, Courtney., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Nitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie...
Show moreNitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie>Broward>Martin>Lee counties 2) APA varied temporally with increasing nutrient-rich runoff in the wet season 3) APA varied due to taxonomic division Phaeophyta>Rhodophyta>Chlorophyta 4) Nutrient enrichment experiments demonstrated that increased N-enrichment enhanced P-limitation while increased P decreased P-limitation. These results suggest that high APA observed in carbonate-rich waters of Dade County and low APA in Broward County resulted from high nutrient inputs associated with anthropogenic nutrient pollution.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358598
Subject Headings: Nitrogen, Environmental aspects, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef biology, Marine algae, Physiology, Algal communities, Physiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The social and environmental effects of shrimp mariculture: case studies of two coastal villages in Ecuador.
Creator: Crider, Mary C., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Environmental Sciences
Abstract/Description: Shrimp mariculture expansion in developing countries has been criticized for its ecological destruction and the resulting social conflicts. In Ecuador, shrimp pond development particularly affects rural, coastal communities. This study addresses the environmental and social effects of shrimp farming in two Ecuadorian villages, Muisne and Bunche. Interview and survey responses indicate that locals have an overall negative view of the industry. In some instances, such as increased class...
Show moreShrimp mariculture expansion in developing countries has been criticized for its ecological destruction and the resulting social conflicts. In Ecuador, shrimp pond development particularly affects rural, coastal communities. This study addresses the environmental and social effects of shrimp farming in two Ecuadorian villages, Muisne and Bunche. Interview and survey responses indicate that locals have an overall negative view of the industry. In some instances, such as increased class marginalization through reduced access to subsistence collection areas, shrimp farming directly results in conflict. However, the data also demonstrates that ponds are only one of various stressors on mangrove ecosystems. Furthermore, mariculture provides benefits to the community, including increasing employment opportunities, the local economy, and shrimp availability. In spite of these benefits, local negative perception suggests modifications to existing regulations and educational programs are necessary to minimize impacts and help the community understand the multiple factors affecting their ecosystem and livelihoods.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342043
Subject Headings: Mariculture, Environmental aspects, Mariculture, Social aspects, Mariculture, Economic aspects, Ecosystem management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Toxicity and availability of copper and zinc to queen conch: implications for larval recruitment in the Florida Keys.
Creator: Garr, Amber L., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The presence of heavy metals and other pollutants is detrimental to marine ecosystems. The queen conch, once an important fisheries species in the Florida Keys, has not sufficiently recovered after a 25-year fishery closure. Research has shown high levels of copper and zinc in the gonads and digestive glands of adult conch found in the nearshore waters. Four sites relevant to queen conch larval recruitment were tested in 2010 for the presence of copper and zinc in the water, phytoplankton,...
Show moreThe presence of heavy metals and other pollutants is detrimental to marine ecosystems. The queen conch, once an important fisheries species in the Florida Keys, has not sufficiently recovered after a 25-year fishery closure. Research has shown high levels of copper and zinc in the gonads and digestive glands of adult conch found in the nearshore waters. Four sites relevant to queen conch larval recruitment were tested in 2010 for the presence of copper and zinc in the water, phytoplankton, sediment, and seagrass epiphytes over seven months. Both metals were detected in all sample types and no seasonal or geographical differences were detected. Surface water concentrations from the field were used to conduct acute and chronic toxicity tests on various ages of queen conch larvae and their phytoplankton food source. When zinc concentrations (0-40 (So(Bg/L) similar to those measured in situ were used, there was no significant impact on conch larval survival although some velar lobe de velopment was impaired. However, field concentrations of copper (0-15 (So(Bg/L), which often surpassed water quality standards, negatively impacted growth, survival, and development of the larvae. Chronic exposure to copper, through the water and food, disrupted the metamorphic success of competent larvae and decreased post-metamorphosis survival. Exposure to copper at later life stages increased mortality, suggesting that heavy metals have a negative effect on larval recruitment in localized areas of the Florida Keys. Structural equation modeling revealed that copper and zinc are moving through the systems differently and are best represented by two different models.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342102
Subject Headings: Gastropoda, Habitat, Queen conch, Conservation, Marine invertebrates, Larvae, Trace elements, Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Coral reef ecology (4)	+ -
City planning (2)	+ -
Ecosystem management (2)	+ -
Habitat (2)	+ -
Marine organisms (2)	+ -

Sustainable development (2)	+ -
Weather (2)	+ -
Adaptation (Biology) (1)	+ -
Algal blooms (1)	+ -
Algal communities (1)	+ -
Bioactive compounds (1)	+ -
Biochemical markers (1)	+ -
Climate changes (1)	+ -
Conservation (1)	+ -
Conservation biology (1)	+ -
Coral reef biology (1)	+ -
Cyanobacteria (1)	+ -
Dolphins (1)	+ -
Economic aspects (1)	+ -
Environmental management (1)	+ -
Environmental toxicology (1)	+ -
Gastropoda (1)	+ -
Geographical distribution (1)	+ -
Heterocyclic compounds (1)	+ -
Human ecology (1)	+ -
Larvae (1)	+ -
Mariculture (1)	+ -
Marine algae (1)	+ -
Marine ecology (1)	+ -

Florida (4)	+ -
Atlantic Ocean (1)	+ -
Ecuador (1)	+ -
Florida Keys (1)	+ -

Department of Biological Sciences (4)	+ -
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (3)	+ -
Department of Geosciences (2)	+ -
Baumberger, Rex E., Jr. (1)	+ -
Biology (1)	+ -

Bloise, Gillian. (1)	+ -
Campbell, Ashley B. (1)	+ -
Center for Environmental Studies (1)	+ -
Crider, Mary C. (1)	+ -
Department of Environmental Sciences (1)	+ -
Elliser, Cindy Rogers. (1)	+ -
Garr, Amber L. (1)	+ -
Irwin, Connor. (1)	+ -
Kehler, Courtney. (1)	+ -
Kennard, Dylan. (1)	+ -
Meginley, Rian J. (1)	+ -
Rondeau, Melody D. (1)	+ -
West, Maria. (1)	+ -

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