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Title: "Tiger Stripe" Phenomena in Indian River Lagoon Dolphins.
Creator: Stevens, Jessie, Lum, Bryanna, Blocker, Cameron, Ferch, Molly, Mazzoil, Marilyn S., Reif, John S., Murdoch, M. Elizabeth, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: A previously undescribed skin abnormality, which we refer to as “tiger stripes,” has been identified in Indian River Lagoon bottlenose dolphins through photo-identification surveys. The condition presents as parallel stripes on the ventral and lateral aspects on the torso of the dolphin with varying length and depth. The condition may be indicative of rapid weight loss, similar to human "stretch marks”, debilitating illnesses resulting in emaciation or a result of starvation due to lack of...
Show moreA previously undescribed skin abnormality, which we refer to as “tiger stripes,” has been identified in Indian River Lagoon bottlenose dolphins through photo-identification surveys. The condition presents as parallel stripes on the ventral and lateral aspects on the torso of the dolphin with varying length and depth. The condition may be indicative of rapid weight loss, similar to human "stretch marks”, debilitating illnesses resulting in emaciation or a result of starvation due to lack of prey. Goals of this study were to determine if tiger stripes are: (1) a marker of rapid weight loss, (2) more prevalent in post-partum females, and to (3) examine the spatial and temporal distribution in the IRL. Preliminary findings indicate that tiger striping is a useful marker suggestive of rapid weight loss. The next phase of research is to determine if the condition can be utilized as a pre-mortem marker of emaciation in IRL dolphins.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005212
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparative survey of Gopherus polyphemus hemoparasites in two differing South Florida habitats.
Creator: Cooney, Brian, Elhassani, Dana, Frazier, Evelyn, Caruso, Joseph P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species which affects the biodiversity that shares its burrow. Habitat fragmentation has led to a decline in populations within southeastern ranges. Haemogregarina (intracellular parasites) have been identified in the blood of gopher tortoises, possibly due to the lack of prescribed fires which are known to kill ticks. However, little is known about their health significance. Two study sites, Blazing Star Preserve (BSP), and Pine Jog...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species which affects the biodiversity that shares its burrow. Habitat fragmentation has led to a decline in populations within southeastern ranges. Haemogregarina (intracellular parasites) have been identified in the blood of gopher tortoises, possibly due to the lack of prescribed fires which are known to kill ticks. However, little is known about their health significance. Two study sites, Blazing Star Preserve (BSP), and Pine Jog Preserve (PJP), differ in their management. The goal of this study is: (1) determine, if any, haemogregarina parasitemia levels of the gopher tortoise population in each site and (2) detect any additional hemoparasite species. We hypothesize that paristemia will be higher in BSP due to increased overcrowding and lack of prescribed fires. This study will benefit current conservation and management practices for gopher tortoises and provide a baseline study for intracellular parasites.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005182
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Cross-Lingustic Analysis of Language Effects on Personality Measures in Spanish-English Bilinguals.
Creator: Gonzalez, Katherine, Velez-Uribe, Idaly, Rosselli, Monica, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The Big Five inventory is a 44-item scale that classifies participants based on five dimensions of personality with versions available in English and Spanish. Previous studies have found differences in BFI dimensions of Spanish-English bilinguals. We asked if Spanish-English bilinguals described themselves differently when answering in different languages. The present study investigated how Spanish-English bilinguals are classified when answering the BFI in both languages. In a cross...
Show moreThe Big Five inventory is a 44-item scale that classifies participants based on five dimensions of personality with versions available in English and Spanish. Previous studies have found differences in BFI dimensions of Spanish-English bilinguals. We asked if Spanish-English bilinguals described themselves differently when answering in different languages. The present study investigated how Spanish-English bilinguals are classified when answering the BFI in both languages. In a cross-linguistic design, we assessed a sample of Spanish-English bilinguals. We hypothesized that we would find that bilinguals would score significantly different in both languages in the dimensions of extraversion and conscientiousness, with English scores being expected to be significantly higher than Spanish scores. Results revealed significantly different scores in Spanish and English in all five dimensions of the BFI. These results emphasize the issue of language in psychological evaluations, with the possibility of language dependence skewing the results for bilingual patients.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005193
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Agnosia.
Creator: Fentanes, Joshua, Mecoli, Maria, Angel, Nevin, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Developmental Agnosia is a disease where the patient is not able to recognize sensory information. It is normally caused by trauma to the brain involved in perception and memory. The three major categories of agnosia are visual, auditory, and somatosensory“The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks is about a woman named Madeleine J. She was 60 years old in 1980 and was submitted to St. Benedict’s hospital. She was not only blind but she had cerebral palsy as well. She had...
Show moreDevelopmental Agnosia is a disease where the patient is not able to recognize sensory information. It is normally caused by trauma to the brain involved in perception and memory. The three major categories of agnosia are visual, auditory, and somatosensory“The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks is about a woman named Madeleine J. She was 60 years old in 1980 and was submitted to St. Benedict’s hospital. She was not only blind but she had cerebral palsy as well. She had referred to her hands as useless. She could identify light, touch, pain, temperature, and passive movement in her fingers. On the other hand, she had no perception. She was unable to identify anything that was put into her hands
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005185
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Analyzing Changes in Salinity and Evaporation on Water Quality.
Creator: Causey, Annie, Lemos, Renata, Goordeen, Avion, Selch, Donna, Abbott, Cara J., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The evaporation of water in the ocean can lead to hyper salinity caused by the extra substances left behind during the process. The Florida bay is surrounded by the Florida loop current and the Florida Keys, its salinity reading has been recorded as high as 70 ppt, double the normal capacity of seawater. The bay salinity depends on the amount of fresh water released from the Everglades and the magnitude of water outputted to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the ratio...
Show moreThe evaporation of water in the ocean can lead to hyper salinity caused by the extra substances left behind during the process. The Florida bay is surrounded by the Florida loop current and the Florida Keys, its salinity reading has been recorded as high as 70 ppt, double the normal capacity of seawater. The bay salinity depends on the amount of fresh water released from the Everglades and the magnitude of water outputted to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the ratio between the amount of water evaporated and the amount of precipitates left in the remaining water pool. For this research nine saltwater treatments from 0 to 40 ppt in increments of 5 ppt were constructed to examine how evaporation rates are affected by varying salinities. During this study, data were collected from each of the nine treatments before and after evaporation. The data recorded included salinity readings, pH levels and volume of water evaporated. The analyses of this data will determine the relationship between salinity levels and evaporation rates.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005180
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Bacterial Community Analysis of Soil Samples Beneath Decomposing Sus scrofa Carcasses.
Creator: Brown, Spencer, Ebanks, Ryan, Frazier, Evelyn, Caruso, Joseph P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The post-mortem interval (PMI) is the time elapsed from the time of death until the discovery of a decomposing body, which forensic scientists utilize to decipher how and when a death occurred. Much of decomposition is attributable to bacterial activity. Identifying a net change in bacterial composition throughout the PMI of a decomposing carcass helps to explain the mechanism of decomposition. Carcasses of four feral swine were placed in cages in direct sunlight, whereby soil samples were...
Show moreThe post-mortem interval (PMI) is the time elapsed from the time of death until the discovery of a decomposing body, which forensic scientists utilize to decipher how and when a death occurred. Much of decomposition is attributable to bacterial activity. Identifying a net change in bacterial composition throughout the PMI of a decomposing carcass helps to explain the mechanism of decomposition. Carcasses of four feral swine were placed in cages in direct sunlight, whereby soil samples were taken prior to and following seven days of decomposition. Bacterial DNA was then isolated from the soil samples and amplified via polymerase-chain reaction. Further metagenomic analysis was conducted by an outside agency using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) amplicon sequencing to determine the composition of the bacterial community. A relationship between the stages of decomposition and the anatomy of bacterial communities involved was determined, which helps to elucidate the process of decomposition.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005178
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Baseline Study for the Identification of Intestinal Parasites in Gopher Tortoises Found in Blazing Star and Pine Jog.
Creator: Shanker, Rachel, Haizlett, Kent, Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Caruso, Joseph P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations are diminishing in South Florida due to habitat fragmentation in urban sites. As a keystone species, gopher tortoises have important ecological roles. The goal of this study was to establish a baseline of intestinal parasites in two South Florida populations. One population resides in a fragmented and non-fire maintained site, Blazing Star, and the other in a fire maintained site, Pine Jog. Fire is a natural factor in these habitats reducing...
Show moreGopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations are diminishing in South Florida due to habitat fragmentation in urban sites. As a keystone species, gopher tortoises have important ecological roles. The goal of this study was to establish a baseline of intestinal parasites in two South Florida populations. One population resides in a fragmented and non-fire maintained site, Blazing Star, and the other in a fire maintained site, Pine Jog. Fire is a natural factor in these habitats reducing canopy cover and killing parasite eggs. The lack of fire in Blazing Star can lead to overgrowth of vegetation, forcing tortoises to crowd where lower vegetation is found. We hypothesize that tortoises from Blazing Star will have a higher degree of intestinal parasites, when compared to those from Pine Jog due to potential crowding. Data is currently being collected, and may provide insight to improve future management and conservation practices.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005209
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Levels of Tension in Relation to Video Use in Therapy Lessons.
Creator: Garcia, Lizbeth, Pena, Gabriel, Perez, Raiza, Peluso, Paul R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Through video recording, clinicians have the ability to further analyze their clients, being provided with micro and macro expressions, vocal cues and body language. The objective of the research is to test whether the size and positioning of a video camera affects the client’s levels of tension while under surveillance and simultaneously receiving therapy. By utilizing contrasting recording methods, it is predicted that the client will feel more comfortable in front of an inconspicuous, wall...
Show moreThrough video recording, clinicians have the ability to further analyze their clients, being provided with micro and macro expressions, vocal cues and body language. The objective of the research is to test whether the size and positioning of a video camera affects the client’s levels of tension while under surveillance and simultaneously receiving therapy. By utilizing contrasting recording methods, it is predicted that the client will feel more comfortable in front of an inconspicuous, wall-mounted camera as opposed to the tripod-mounted camera. The results of this research have the potential to revolutionize the methods used by the therapy and counseling community to further analyze their clients as well as psychotherapeutic methods. Data will be collected from a total of four clients’ fourth sessions in order to rule out anxiety experienced as a result of adjusting to a new therapeutic relationship or other factors inherent to a therapeutic session.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005189
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mapping Habitats of Lionfish in Fort Lauderdale.
Creator: Hermit, Kathryn, Selch, Donna, Zhang, Caiyun, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The canal system of South Florida has become a new distributive focus for the invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans). Lionfish are considered a pest here, having up to 18 venomous spines that can inflict pain if stepped on or handled. These fish also eat a variety of juvenile species affecting the commercial and recreational fishing industry. The canal system in south Florida is also a center for recreational activities. Water land cover information will aid in species removal by offering...
Show moreThe canal system of South Florida has become a new distributive focus for the invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans). Lionfish are considered a pest here, having up to 18 venomous spines that can inflict pain if stepped on or handled. These fish also eat a variety of juvenile species affecting the commercial and recreational fishing industry. The canal system in south Florida is also a center for recreational activities. Water land cover information will aid in species removal by offering species information to areas with a high percent of water land cover and who are more likely to come into contact with Lionfish. This research, comparing classification techniques to map water land cover, is the first step to mitigate the stronghold the lionfish have in South Florida. Once mapped, species information can then be distributed to residents that have close proximity to danger zones.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005196
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Saving the Earth From Becoming Like Venus.
Creator: Fahmy, Andrew, Holman, Mirya R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: This research discusses how a cap and trade policy could be established in the US to reduce greenhouse emissions in order to avoid the expected disastrous consequences that these emissions might have on our planet. Cap and trade potentially embodies an effective political compromise that helps protect our planet as well as ensure economic prosperity. Cap and trade sets a limit on greenhouse emissions while allowing business to trade their emissions under free market rules. Cap and trade has...
Show moreThis research discusses how a cap and trade policy could be established in the US to reduce greenhouse emissions in order to avoid the expected disastrous consequences that these emissions might have on our planet. Cap and trade potentially embodies an effective political compromise that helps protect our planet as well as ensure economic prosperity. Cap and trade sets a limit on greenhouse emissions while allowing business to trade their emissions under free market rules. Cap and trade has been successfully implemented both internationally in Europe, as well as domestically in California. This project looks at implementing a similar model nationally which might lead to advantageous breakthroughs in reducing greenhouse emissions. Moreover, the project discusses the political feasibility and alternative policy pathways and measures that can be taken to pass this policy on a national level.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005184
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Scalable Synthesis of 18-Crown-6 Based Lariat Ethers and Their Evaluation as Catalysts in Ester Hydolyosis.
Creator: Suresh, Vallabh, Jana, Susovan, Lepore, Salvatore D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The syntheses of various Lariat crown ethers including several not previously reported and their efficient purification are presented. The synthesis route brings together reactions from a variety of previous works leading to a robust and generalized approach to these C-pivot lariats. The main steps are condensation of functionalized diols with penta-ethylene glycol ditosylate in the presence of potassium as a templating cation. Purification of the final products was achieved without...
Show moreThe syntheses of various Lariat crown ethers including several not previously reported and their efficient purification are presented. The synthesis route brings together reactions from a variety of previous works leading to a robust and generalized approach to these C-pivot lariats. The main steps are condensation of functionalized diols with penta-ethylene glycol ditosylate in the presence of potassium as a templating cation. Purification of the final products was achieved without chromatography by forming crown ether complexes with potassium nitrate followed by their precipitation. The catalytic activity of these lariat ethers in the hydrolysis of carboxylic esters was explored.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005213
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Simulation and Construction of a Maxwell Coil.
Creator: Padron, Andrea, Cheng, Wen-Chung, Sorge, Korey D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The Maxwell Coil is a collection of different sized current-carrying rings that, when placed in a specific arrangement, produces a uniquely uniform magnetic field. We have composed numerical representations of this coil arrangement using Microsoft Excel and visual simulations using Mathematica to study the uniformity of the magnetic field produced by the Maxwell Coil. We also construct a physical Maxwell coil using 3D printing and traditional electronic components and compare results of field...
Show moreThe Maxwell Coil is a collection of different sized current-carrying rings that, when placed in a specific arrangement, produces a uniquely uniform magnetic field. We have composed numerical representations of this coil arrangement using Microsoft Excel and visual simulations using Mathematica to study the uniformity of the magnetic field produced by the Maxwell Coil. We also construct a physical Maxwell coil using 3D printing and traditional electronic components and compare results of field uniformity with those of the numerical simulations. We find that the Maxwell coil provides the benefit of both high uniformity in field and high mechanical accessibility to that field. These properties allow us to better study special properties of this field experimentally.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005205
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Synthesis of Complex Polycyclic Scaffolds Incorporating α-Amino Esters.
Creator: Zorc, Stephen A., Samanta, Shyam S., Roche, Stéphane P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: In order to keep up with the high demand for biologically active molecules, chemists devised several synthetic strategies to access novel chemical spaces. The two main strategies to construct new scaffolds are to revisit underexploited or forgotten reactions or to devise new transformations. We are exploring a unique and underexploited reaction, the Himbert–Henn cycloaddition, to produce complex molecular scaffolds in a single step (strategy 1). In a second novel approach, we are modifying...
Show moreIn order to keep up with the high demand for biologically active molecules, chemists devised several synthetic strategies to access novel chemical spaces. The two main strategies to construct new scaffolds are to revisit underexploited or forgotten reactions or to devise new transformations. We are exploring a unique and underexploited reaction, the Himbert–Henn cycloaddition, to produce complex molecular scaffolds in a single step (strategy 1). In a second novel approach, we are modifying the Hantzsch 4-component reaction (4CR) by incorporating an α-amino ester residue to construct new molecules (strategy 2). Both of these reactions have great potential to synthesize novel and chiral molecules from proteinogenic α-amino esters. These unprecedented and complex polycyclic molecules have potential application in medicinal chemistry and natural product synthesis. 4-aza-podophyllotoxins obtained by the Hantzsch-4CR have been proven to be potent as anti-leukemia, anti-colon cancer, and vascular disrupting agents (with nanomolar activity).
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005218
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Urban Growth’s Effect on the Florida Everglades.
Creator: Sapienza, Valerie, Holman, Mirya R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Urban growth, also known as urbanization or urban sprawl, is the spreading of metropolitan growth that consumes natural areas, which has many harmful effects on the environment. This study provides information on how urban growth is affecting the Florida Everglades in destructive ways, with a focus on the water in the Everglades. A plethora of water pollutants, such as phosphorous, nitrogen and mercury come directly from human activities associated with urban sprawl. This pollution affects...
Show moreUrban growth, also known as urbanization or urban sprawl, is the spreading of metropolitan growth that consumes natural areas, which has many harmful effects on the environment. This study provides information on how urban growth is affecting the Florida Everglades in destructive ways, with a focus on the water in the Everglades. A plethora of water pollutants, such as phosphorous, nitrogen and mercury come directly from human activities associated with urban sprawl. This pollution affects many parts of the Everglades’ natural ecosystem including sawgrass marshes and mangrove swamps, as well as endangered species, such as, the crocodile and Florida panther. This study also addresses limits on chemical pollution that can be placed by the President through executive orders. Overall, the water pollution in the Everglades is destructive in many ways and can be reduced through executive orders from the President to limit the use of chemicals in urban fringe areas.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005208
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Variation in the Major Histocompatibility Gene is Maintained By Selection Imposed By Infectious Disease.
Creator: Blair, Zizah J., Hughes, Colin, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Major Histocompatibility (MH) genes play critical roles in mounting adaptive immune responses to infectious diseases and parasites. There are two classes of MH genes: Class I and II; Class II can be further divided into Class II A and II B genes, this study focuses on Class IIB. Class II B genes are exceptionally variable in sequence. Leading hypotheses propose that this genetic variation is maintained by selection for resistance to pathogens. Since pathogens are constantly evolving to avoid...
Show moreMajor Histocompatibility (MH) genes play critical roles in mounting adaptive immune responses to infectious diseases and parasites. There are two classes of MH genes: Class I and II; Class II can be further divided into Class II A and II B genes, this study focuses on Class IIB. Class II B genes are exceptionally variable in sequence. Leading hypotheses propose that this genetic variation is maintained by selection for resistance to pathogens. Since pathogens are constantly evolving to avoid detection, and new pathogens regularly enter populations, which MH proteins confer immunity fluctuates over time. This study examines MH Class II B in Centropomus undecimalis, the common Snook. Genes will be sequenced, and their variability quantified using approaches that include: database searches (NCBI), PCR, and sequencing. Sequencing of the MH gene will provide insight on how high polymorphism results from immune responses to infectious pathogens.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005177
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Caruso, Joseph P. (3)	+ -
Frazier, Evelyn (3)	+ -
Holman, Mirya R. (2)	+ -
Selch, Donna (2)	+ -
Abbott, Cara J. (1)	+ -

Angel, Nevin (1)	+ -
Blair, Zizah J. (1)	+ -
Blocker, Cameron (1)	+ -
Brown, Spencer (1)	+ -
Causey, Annie (1)	+ -
Cheng, Wen-Chung (1)	+ -
Cooney, Brian (1)	+ -
Ebanks, Ryan (1)	+ -
Elhassani, Dana (1)	+ -
Fahmy, Andrew (1)	+ -
Fentanes, Joshua (1)	+ -
Ferch, Molly (1)	+ -
Garcia, Lizbeth (1)	+ -
Gonzalez, Katherine (1)	+ -
Goordeen, Avion (1)	+ -
Haizlett, Kent (1)	+ -
Hermit, Kathryn (1)	+ -
Huffman, Jessica (1)	+ -
Hughes, Colin (1)	+ -
Jana, Susovan (1)	+ -
Lemos, Renata (1)	+ -
Lepore, Salvatore D. (1)	+ -
Lum, Bryanna (1)	+ -
Mazzoil, Marilyn S. (1)	+ -

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