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Title: DIRECT AND INDIRECT PATHWAYS FROM LONELINESS TO PEER EXPERIENCES.
Creator: Altman, Robert L., Laursen, Brett, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Loneliness is a common experience for many people (Rubenstein et al., 1979) and most lonely individuals experience a variety of comorbid disorders (Heinrich & Gullone, 2006). Adolescent loneliness is particularly problematic, due to the rapid changes that take place in the peer social world (Laursen & Hartl, 2013). Prior evidence ties loneliness to low group status and victimization (Asher & Paquette, 2003), but we do not fully understand the transmission mechanisms. A full longitudinal...
Show moreLoneliness is a common experience for many people (Rubenstein et al., 1979) and most lonely individuals experience a variety of comorbid disorders (Heinrich & Gullone, 2006). Adolescent loneliness is particularly problematic, due to the rapid changes that take place in the peer social world (Laursen & Hartl, 2013). Prior evidence ties loneliness to low group status and victimization (Asher & Paquette, 2003), but we do not fully understand the transmission mechanisms. A full longitudinal mediation design (Fritz & MacKinnon, 2012) was used to test the hypotheses that social withdrawal mediates the association from loneliness to changes in peer status and peer difficulties victimization among adolescents. Results indicated that the longitudinal associations between loneliness and peer outcomes were mediated by social withdrawal. Successful engagement with peers is vital to navigating the complex social world of adolescence, thus the results provide an impetus for aiding lonely adolescents in improving their social connections.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013590
Subject Headings: Loneliness, Loneliness in adolescence
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: 2D AND 3D SHAPE VARIATION AMONG ELASMOBRANCH OLFACTORY ROSETTES.
Creator: Clark, Aubrey E., Porter, Marianne E., Meredith, Tricia L., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The functional impacts of olfactory rosette variation in elasmobranchs is unresolved. Our goal was to quantify rosette morphology and shape from 14 species using dissections, phylogenetic comparisons, and microCT imaging. We hypothesized that lamellar count and rosette shape (fineness ratio) would not scale with animal size, but internal rosette size variables must scale positively. We found that fineness ratio and lamellar counts varied significantly among species, and were positively...
Show moreThe functional impacts of olfactory rosette variation in elasmobranchs is unresolved. Our goal was to quantify rosette morphology and shape from 14 species using dissections, phylogenetic comparisons, and microCT imaging. We hypothesized that lamellar count and rosette shape (fineness ratio) would not scale with animal size, but internal rosette size variables must scale positively. We found that fineness ratio and lamellar counts varied significantly among species, and were positively correlated. The first two principal components of the pPCA explained 82% of the variation, with fineness ratio and lamellar count contributing the most. There were no significant differences between rosette structure or volume when comparing dissected values to in situ values obtained using diceCT. Based on our results, we hypothesize that variations in rosette shape and morphology will impact hydrodynamics and optimize odorant detection, and these data can be used to create 3D models for future hydrodynamic studies.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013591
Subject Headings: Elasmobranchs, Olfactory sensors, Morphology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION AND SPECTRAL CHARACTERISTICS OF VISUAL WORKING MEMORY IN THE MONKEY FRONTOPARIETAL NETWORK.
Creator: Conklin, Bryan, Alexander, William, Florida Atlantic University, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Working memory is a mental workspace which utilizes short and long-term memory to maintain and manipulate information. It is crucial in enabling cognitive control and is largely controlled by interactions within and between frontal and parietal cortices. Recent work has identified visual nonspatial, spatial, and visuospatial working memory spectral characteristics of the local field potential through simultaneous recordings from various areas across the monkey frontoparietal network. However,...
Show moreWorking memory is a mental workspace which utilizes short and long-term memory to maintain and manipulate information. It is crucial in enabling cognitive control and is largely controlled by interactions within and between frontal and parietal cortices. Recent work has identified visual nonspatial, spatial, and visuospatial working memory spectral characteristics of the local field potential through simultaneous recordings from various areas across the monkey frontoparietal network. However, the reports are minimal in number, and there is no clear narrative tying together the heterogenous functionality of the characteristics. Here, a new spectral model of monkey visual working memory is proposed to address these shortcomings. It highlights functional roles for low, mid, and high frequency bands. Next, the organization of structural connectivity which gives rise to these spectral characteristics is investigated. A new binary association matrix representing connections in the frontoparietal network is proposed. A graph theoretic analysis on the matrix found that a 3-node dynamical relaying M9 motif was a fundamental building block of the network. It is optimally structured for the synchrony found in the spectral model. The network was also found to have a small-world architecture, which confers the integration and specialization of function required by visual working memory. Afterwards, three hypotheses generated by the spectral model are tested on non-spatial data. The low and mid band hypotheses were supported by evidence, while the high band hypothesized activity was not observed. This adds credibility to the roles identified in the model for the low and mid band and identifies a need for further investigation of the high band role. Finally, opportunities to expand the spectral model, analyze the M9 motif, and further test the model are explored. In the future, the spectral model could evolve to apply its predictions to humans in the pursuit of treatments for neurological disorders.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013584
Subject Headings: Memory, Short-Term, Working memory, Monkeys, Graph theory
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE EFFECTS OF WILLOW SHRUB ENCROACHMENT ON SOIL ORGANIC CARBON STORAGE IN A SOUTH FLORIDA HERBACEOUS WETLAND.
Creator: Dell, Jessica Ann, Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Storing almost a third of the global soil carbon pool, wetlands are an essential component of the carbon cycle, and carbon-rich peat soil accumulates when carbon input through primary productivity exceeds output through decomposition. However, woody shrub encroachment in herbaceous wetlands can alter soil carbon processes, potentially diminishing stored carbon. To examine the effects of shrub encroachment on soil carbon, I compared soil carbon input through litterfall and fine root production...
Show moreStoring almost a third of the global soil carbon pool, wetlands are an essential component of the carbon cycle, and carbon-rich peat soil accumulates when carbon input through primary productivity exceeds output through decomposition. However, woody shrub encroachment in herbaceous wetlands can alter soil carbon processes, potentially diminishing stored carbon. To examine the effects of shrub encroachment on soil carbon, I compared soil carbon input through litterfall and fine root production, output through decomposition, and below-canopy microclimate conditions between Carolina willow shrub (Salix caroliniana) and herbaceous sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) in the Blue Cypress Marsh Conservation Area (BCMCA), FL. To assess the level of production and its response to water level, I compared aboveground green biomass by measuring normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and photosynthetic stress by measuring photochemical reflectance index (PRI) between sawgrass and willow. I collected willow litterfall using litter traps and measured sawgrass and willow fine root production with fine root ingrowth bags. Litter decomposition was measured with decomposition bags deployed using a reciprocal litter placement design at BCMCA and incubated in a greenhouse to examine the effects of char and water level on decomposition. Above and belowground microclimate conditions were measured using sensors installed within sawgrass and willow canopies. Despite experiencing more photosynthetic stress, willow produced more green biomass than sawgrass. However, willow produced fewer fine roots than sawgrass and these roots were deeper within the soil. Willow litter decomposed faster even though sawgrass decomposition increased under drier conditions. Compared to the sawgrass canopy, the willow canopy had greater light availability, lower evaporative demand plus warmer and drier soils; however, litter decomposition did not differ between the canopies. These results suggest that willow encroachment can reduce the amount and alter the distribution of carbon within an herbaceous wetland, likely resulting in a net loss of soil carbon. Although willow encroachment may increase aboveground biomass carbon stocks, these stocks will likely be offset by a loss of soil carbon due to reduced fine root production and increased decomposition. Therefore, the transition from herbaceous wetland to shrub wetland will likely result in a loss of stored soil carbon.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013621
Subject Headings: Wetlands, Blue Cypress Water Management Area (Fla), Carbon cycle (Biogeochemistry), Soils
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: POPULATION LIMITATIONS OF THE FLORIDA APPLE SNAIL (POMACEA PALUDOSA).
Creator: Drumheller, Danielle, Dorn, Nathan, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: In this thesis I examined factors limiting population success of apple snails (Pomacea spp.) in Florida wetlands. First, I examined effects of summertime hydropattern in replicated wetlands on reproduction and juvenile growth. Annual reproductive effort of Florida apple snails (Pomacea paludosa) and the invasive apple snail P. maculata under was not affected by deeper water in the summer. When juvenile P. paludosa were forced to grow in reportedly favorable and relatively deeper summertime...
Show moreIn this thesis I examined factors limiting population success of apple snails (Pomacea spp.) in Florida wetlands. First, I examined effects of summertime hydropattern in replicated wetlands on reproduction and juvenile growth. Annual reproductive effort of Florida apple snails (Pomacea paludosa) and the invasive apple snail P. maculata under was not affected by deeper water in the summer. When juvenile P. paludosa were forced to grow in reportedly favorable and relatively deeper summertime depths survival was high between treatments and growth was unaffected. In the other chapter I examined interactions between the two snails with a series of observations and experiments. I examined historical data on the assemblages and found that P. paludosa were locally extinguished in one of the wetlands within six years of invasion by P. maculata. Two field experiments gave conflicting results about the importance of interspecific inhibition of P. paludosa by the invasive snail, but in either case resource reduction could not be demonstrated. Lab exposure to P. maculata chemical cues strongly inhibited P. paludosa growth, although P. paludosa did not behaviorally avoid mucus of P. maculata. In mesocosms Pomacea paludosa growth was reduced with increasing exposure to adult P. maculata waterborne cues, and the results suggest that contact with mucus at a low exposure may even have a greater inhibiting effect. This interspecific direct chemical growth inhibition was novel for gastropods, but could be more generally important, and its potential impacts to P. paludosa populations should be explored further.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013593
Subject Headings: Florida applesnail, Pomacea paludosa, Snail populations
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: PHOSPHORUS SEQUESTRATION AND BIOREMEDIATION: PHOSPHORUS-31 NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY.
Creator: Duersch, Bobby G., Louda, J. William, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Eutrophication is an increase in primary plant nutrients (Nitrogen [N] and Phosphorus [P]) in oceans, estuaries and lakes. The consequences of eutrophication are harmful algal blooms (HABs), resulting in algal toxin production and the depletion of oxygen as the extensive biomass decays. P is often the limiting nutrient and is viewed as a significant environmental problem. Most of the excess P that enters aquatic ecosystems originates from anthropogenic sources such as fertilizers, sewage,...
Show moreEutrophication is an increase in primary plant nutrients (Nitrogen [N] and Phosphorus [P]) in oceans, estuaries and lakes. The consequences of eutrophication are harmful algal blooms (HABs), resulting in algal toxin production and the depletion of oxygen as the extensive biomass decays. P is often the limiting nutrient and is viewed as a significant environmental problem. Most of the excess P that enters aquatic ecosystems originates from anthropogenic sources such as fertilizers, sewage, animal wastes, compost, crop residues, and wastewater. Over time, one of the main reservoirs of P becomes organic P (Po). We investigated the chemical nature and dynamics of P in cyanobacteria, horse manure, stormwater treatment areas, and rice fields. To better understand the chemical nature of P, the identification of specific P compounds was required, which was achieved through 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We investigated how paramagnetic metals and quadrupolar nuclei cause severe line broadening, peak shifts, and decreased the signal to noise ratio. Results revealed that certain Po forms are readily bioavailable to Microcystis aeruginosa. Additionally, the potential heterotrophic use of the organic portion (e.g., glucose, glycerol) of these P compounds are indicated for the growth and persistence of Microcystis aeruginosa. We showed that the cultivation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) had been found to effectively reduce P from agrarian soil and water through plant uptake and, therefore, minimizing downstream eutrophication. Soil, water, sugarcane, and rice plants at two different stages were analyzed for twelve different elements. Finally, we examined how a “relic” agrarian ditch in Stormwater Treatment Area 1 East (STA-1E) can be used for the retention and sequestration of P and other nutrients. The STAs were established to capture P from agricultural and other sources before reaching the Everglades. Retained P is primarily stored in the wetland soils and sediments, generated through a collection of interrelated physical, chemical, and biological processes.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013594
Subject Headings: Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Eutrophication, Phosphorus--Environmental aspects, Bioremediation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ANNIHILATORS AND A + B RINGS.
Creator: Epstein, Alexandra Nicole, Klingler, Lee, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: A + B rings are constructed from a ring A and nonempty set of prime ideals of A. Initially, these rings were created to provide examples of reduced rings which satisfy certain annihilator conditions. We describe precisely when A + B rings have these properties, based on the ring A and set of prime ideals of A. We continue by giving necessary and su cient conditions for A + B rings to have various other properties. We also consider annihilators in the context of frames of ideals of reduced rings.
Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013588
Subject Headings: Rings (Algebra)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: WORLD HERITAGE SITES: EXPLORING VULNERABILITY VIA ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND POLICY INITIATIVES.
Creator: Feliciano, Patricia Eileen, Mitsova, Diana, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: This research examines historic preservation, sustainability, and environmental hazards in the face of climate change in reference to World Heritage Sites; particularly focusing on the question: Can UNESCO World Heritage Sites be conserved and protected in the face of climate change and environmental hazards? There are 1,121 World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO and are categorized as cultural, natural, or a mix of both. The majority of these sites are at risk from different environmental...
Show moreThis research examines historic preservation, sustainability, and environmental hazards in the face of climate change in reference to World Heritage Sites; particularly focusing on the question: Can UNESCO World Heritage Sites be conserved and protected in the face of climate change and environmental hazards? There are 1,121 World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO and are categorized as cultural, natural, or a mix of both. The majority of these sites are at risk from different environmental hazards that could threaten their existence or long-term survival; however, policy initiatives can mitigate some of these impacts. It was discovered that every continental region, with the exception of Oceania, had a site considered to be the most vulnerable. There were 27 sites deemed most vulnerable, only 2.4% of the World Heritage Sites. Most of these sites were located along the Pacific Coasts of Asia, and both North and South America.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013605
Subject Headings: World Heritage sites, Environmental hazards, Historic preservation, Cultural resources management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE IMPACT OF DESCRIBING ACTORS AND ACTIONS ON SOURCE MEMORY.
Creator: Frank, Colin S., Kersten, Alan, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: This research is a first step towards investigating the impact verbal descriptions can have on an individual’s memory for actors performing actions. Previous research has found that verbal descriptions of mugshot-esque, face stimuli can have either a facilitative or inhibitory effect on later recognition. The current study implemented the Person Action Conjunction (PAC) test, along with three separate groups where participants provided descriptions of actions, features of the actors, and...
Show moreThis research is a first step towards investigating the impact verbal descriptions can have on an individual’s memory for actors performing actions. Previous research has found that verbal descriptions of mugshot-esque, face stimuli can have either a facilitative or inhibitory effect on later recognition. The current study implemented the Person Action Conjunction (PAC) test, along with three separate groups where participants provided descriptions of actions, features of the actors, and holistic attributes of the actors. The results demonstrated that the description group impacted the attention placed on either the action or actor, causing participants to remember those described elements more. Furthermore, it was found that accurately recalling descriptions provided at encoding was significantly and positively correlated with recognition performance. Further research is necessary with different control conditions before an impact of verbal description on the memory for actors and actions can be known.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013635
Subject Headings: Memory, Recognition
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CHARACTERIZING THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LIVING CELLS THROUGH MICROFLUIDIC IMPEDANCE SENSING.
Creator: Galpayage, Dona Kalpani Nisansala Udeni, Lau, Andy W.C., Du, Sarah E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Physics, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research is to explore and investigate the biophysical properties of living cells using microfluidics based electrical impedance sensing (EIS) technique. It provides a non-invasive approach to detect label-free biological markers in the regulation of cellular activities even at a molecular level. We specifically focus on the development, testing, and theoretical modeling of electrical impedance spectroscopy for neuroblastoma cells and endothelial cells. First, we...
Show moreThe purpose of this research is to explore and investigate the biophysical properties of living cells using microfluidics based electrical impedance sensing (EIS) technique. It provides a non-invasive approach to detect label-free biological markers in the regulation of cellular activities even at a molecular level. We specifically focus on the development, testing, and theoretical modeling of electrical impedance spectroscopy for neuroblastoma cells and endothelial cells. First, we demonstrate that the EIS technique can be used to monitor the progressive mitochondrial fission/fusion modification in genetically modified human neuroblastoma cell lines. Our results characterize quantitatively the abnormal mitochondrial dynamics through the variations in cytoplasm conductivity. Secondly, we employ a real time EIS method to determine the biophysical properties of the junctions which join one endothelial cell with one another in a monolayer of endothelial cells. In particular, we examine the role of the protein, c-MYC oncogene, in the barrier function. Our results show that the downregulation of c-MYC oncogene enhances the endothelial barrier dysfunction associated with inflammation. Finally, we measure and find that the electrical admittance (the reciprocal of the impedance) of the monolayer of endothelial cellular networks exhibits an anomalous power law of the form, Y ∝ ωα, over a wide range of frequency, with the value of the exponent, α, depending on the severity of the inflammation. We attribute the power law to the changes of the intercellular electric permeability between neighboring endothelial cells. Thus, the inflammation gives rise to relatively smaller values of α compared to that of the no-inflammation group. Furthermore, we propose a simple percolation model of a large R-C network to confirm the emergent of power law scaling behavior of the complex admittance, suggesting that the endothelial network behaves as a complex microstructural network and its electrical properties may be simulated by a large R-C network.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013595
Subject Headings: Microfluidics, Impedance spectroscopy, Cells
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DEVELOPING A DEEP LEARNING PIPELINE TO AUTOMATICALLY ANNOTATE GOLD PARTICLES IN IMMUNOELECTRON MICROSCOPY IMAGES.
Creator: Jerez, Diego Alejandro, Hahn, William, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Machine learning has been utilized in bio-imaging in recent years, however as it is relatively new and evolving, some researchers who wish to utilize machine learning tools have limited access because of a lack of programming knowledge. In electron microscopy (EM), immunogold labeling is commonly used to identify the target proteins, however the manual annotation of the gold particles in the images is a time-consuming and laborious process. Conventional image processing tools could provide...
Show moreMachine learning has been utilized in bio-imaging in recent years, however as it is relatively new and evolving, some researchers who wish to utilize machine learning tools have limited access because of a lack of programming knowledge. In electron microscopy (EM), immunogold labeling is commonly used to identify the target proteins, however the manual annotation of the gold particles in the images is a time-consuming and laborious process. Conventional image processing tools could provide semi-automated annotation, but those require that users make manual adjustments for every step of the analysis. To create a new high-throughput image analysis tool for immuno-EM, I developed a deep learning pipeline that was designed to deliver a completely automated annotation of immunogold particles in EM images. The program was made accessible for users without prior programming experience and was also expanded to be used on different types of immuno-EM images.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013628
Subject Headings: Electron microscopy, Immunogold labeling, Image analysis, Deep learning
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development of an Innovative Daily QA System for Pencil-Beam Scanning Proton Therapy.
Creator: Kassel, Maxwell, Shang, Charles, Muhammad, Wazir, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Physics, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: In this work, we have developed a robust daily quality assurance (QA) system for pencil-beam scanning (PBS) dosimetry. A novel phantom and multi-PTV PBS plan were used in conjunction with the Sun Nuclear Daily QA3 multichamber detector array to verify output, range, and spot position. The sensitivity to detect change in these parameters with our designed tests was determined empirically. Associated tolerance levels were established based on these sensitivities and guidelines published in...
Show moreIn this work, we have developed a robust daily quality assurance (QA) system for pencil-beam scanning (PBS) dosimetry. A novel phantom and multi-PTV PBS plan were used in conjunction with the Sun Nuclear Daily QA3 multichamber detector array to verify output, range, and spot position. The sensitivity to detect change in these parameters with our designed tests was determined empirically. Associated tolerance levels were established based on these sensitivities and guidelines published in recent American Association of Physics in Medicine (AAPM) task group reports. The output has remained within the 3% tolerance and the range was within ±1mm. Spot position has remained within ±2mm. This daily QA procedure is quick and efficient with the time required for setup and delivery at less than 10 minutes.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013623
Subject Headings: Proton Therapy, Radiation dosimetry, Quality assurance
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: AN EXPLORATION OF THE SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIOECONOMIC DICHOTOMY OF SHRINKING CITIES AND FORMERLY SHRINKING CITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE BACK-TO-THE-CITY MOVEMENT.
Creator: Kittredge, Danielle J., Xie, Zhixiao, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Within the U.S. in recent decades a renewed interest in downtown and city living has become known as the “back-to-the-city movement” and contributed to the stabilization and regrowth of cities that were previously losing population. This trend, however, is not occurring equally and many cities within the U.S. that have been losing population for decades are still continuing to lose population (“shrinking city”). This study seeks to understand what sociodemographic and socioeconomic...
Show moreWithin the U.S. in recent decades a renewed interest in downtown and city living has become known as the “back-to-the-city movement” and contributed to the stabilization and regrowth of cities that were previously losing population. This trend, however, is not occurring equally and many cities within the U.S. that have been losing population for decades are still continuing to lose population (“shrinking city”). This study seeks to understand what sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics are contributing the greatest to the back-to-the-city movement and develop a composite index that can be used to identify if similar trends are beginning to emerge in shrinking cities. Variables identified through various literature for their association with back-to-the-city movement were analyzed through a proportion composition analysis comparing changes in growing versus non-growing census tracts at the city-wide and downtown level of 86 cities within this study. The analysis was conducted for the time periods of 1970 to 2017 and 1990 to 2017. The results justified variables for inclusion in back-to-the-city movement composite index, however, the analysis found some trends differed at the city-wide versus downtown geographic levels resulting in three potential index combinations. The three indices were calculated on census tracts for the 86 cities within this study and the results were decomposed to assess performance of individual variables. The results conclude that areas within some shrinking cities are exhibiting back-to-the-city movement trends, however, additional recommendations are provided for refining the index and methodology.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013618
Subject Headings: Urban planning, Cities, Downtowns
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: GENETIC ANALYSIS AND EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF THE LOMAMI RIVER BLUE MONKEY, CERCOPITHECUS MITIS HEYMANSI, IN THE CENTRAL CONGO BASIN.
Creator: Larkin-Gero, Emma, Detwiler, Kate M., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Cercopithecus mitis is a polytypic, pan-African guenon species with a complex evolutionary history. The Lomami River Blue Monkey, C. m. heymansi, occurs within the Tshuapa-Lomami-Lualaba (TL2) Conservation Landscape and exhibits high pelage variation. Previous studies have shown discordance between the mitochondrial and Ychromosome gene trees of C. m. heymansi. The objectives were to test the phylogenetic pattern found in the mtDNA tree using a larger sample size of C. m. heymansi, determine...
Show moreCercopithecus mitis is a polytypic, pan-African guenon species with a complex evolutionary history. The Lomami River Blue Monkey, C. m. heymansi, occurs within the Tshuapa-Lomami-Lualaba (TL2) Conservation Landscape and exhibits high pelage variation. Previous studies have shown discordance between the mitochondrial and Ychromosome gene trees of C. m. heymansi. The objectives were to test the phylogenetic pattern found in the mtDNA tree using a larger sample size of C. m. heymansi, determine the genetic diversity of the population, and hypothesize methods of speciation. While many species within the C. mitis radiation depict paraphyly, I determined that C. m. heymansi forms highly supported monophyletic clades in both mtDNA and Ychromosome gene trees. These results suggest that C. m. heymansi is a distinct lineage within the C. mitis radiation. Future genomic analyses are important in resolving the evolutionary history of this population and discerning its taxonomic classification and conservation value.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013609
Subject Headings: Blue monkey, Cercopithecus mitis, Congo River
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: PROTANDRIC SEX CHANGE IN CENTROPOMUS UNDECIMALIS, THE COMMON SNOOK.
Creator: McKenna, Brent, Baldwin, John, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Otolith increment morphology of the protandric hermaphrodite Centropomus undecimalis (snook) was analyzed in relation to age and length for sex specific growth differences to retroactively determine the time of sex change. Growth spurts in the otoliths of female snook, the terminal sex, were identified between ages 4 and 8, corroborating the current understanding of when sex change occurs (between 3 and 8). No such growth increases were identified on the otoliths of male snook, the primary...
Show moreOtolith increment morphology of the protandric hermaphrodite Centropomus undecimalis (snook) was analyzed in relation to age and length for sex specific growth differences to retroactively determine the time of sex change. Growth spurts in the otoliths of female snook, the terminal sex, were identified between ages 4 and 8, corroborating the current understanding of when sex change occurs (between 3 and 8). No such growth increases were identified on the otoliths of male snook, the primary sex. Otolith growth, however, was found to decouple from length, so these growth spurts are not reflected in the length of the fish. This study marks the first time that a distinct growth pattern differentiating the primary and terminal sexes, similar to that seen in the protogynous transitional growth spurt hypothesis, has been identified on the otoliths of a protandric species.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013622
Subject Headings: Snook, Sex change
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE TRIFECTA: A NOVEL COMBINATORIAL THERAPY SPARES IMMUNE CELLS WHILE INDUCING IMMUNOGENIC CELL DEATH IN HUMAN MAMMARY ADENOCARCINOMA AND MOUSE MAMMARY CARCINOMA.
Creator: Motii, Youssef, Hartmann, James X., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: According to U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics, about 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Chemotherapeutics that are used on patients currently often lead to tumor resistance, bone marrow suppression and cachexia. This study evaluated a novel combination of three non-mutagenic compounds for their effectiveness against mammary tumor cells, toxicity towards immune cells, ability to provoke the expression of immunogenic cell death (ICD) markers, and killing...
Show moreAccording to U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics, about 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Chemotherapeutics that are used on patients currently often lead to tumor resistance, bone marrow suppression and cachexia. This study evaluated a novel combination of three non-mutagenic compounds for their effectiveness against mammary tumor cells, toxicity towards immune cells, ability to provoke the expression of immunogenic cell death (ICD) markers, and killing in 3D tumor models. Methotrexate (MTX), 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), and wogonin (WGN) were combined at doses well below their EC50 values yet effectively killed human and mouse breast cancer cells. The combination inhibited cancer cell colony formation and induced a high degree of cell death in multiple malignant tumor cell lines. Importantly, the combination did not significantly inhibit the viability of peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), even when employed at 3X the concentration that killed cancer cells. In marked contrast, low-dose doxorubicin, a common therapeutic for breast cancers, significantly decreased PBMC viability and increased the percentage of cell death. Our novel combinatorial therapy (Trifecta) elicited the significant expression of three ICD hallmarks: calreticulin surface expression, ATP secretion, and HMGB-1 release. In all cases, Trifecta elicited an equal or greater degree of ICD-marker expression compared to doxorubicin, a known inducer of ICD. We show significant efficacy of Trifecta against human and mouse mammary 3D tumor models grown in Matrigel® ECM-complex containing culture medium, and reaffirm the marked resistance of tumorspheres towards the conventional chemotherapeutic doxorubicin. The effectiveness of Trifecta in an acceptable surrogate model for mouse studies bodes well for translation of our findings to the clinic. In conclusion, Trifecta has proven highly effective against tumor cells grown either as monolayers or tumorspheres, without significant cytotoxic effects towards proliferating immune cells. Furthermore, treatment with this combination elicits ICD, which has the potential to prime an adaptive immune response against tumor cells and prevent future relapse. The drugs chosen for our combination target metabolic pathways that cancer cells are heavily dependent upon and do not interact with or induce mutations in DNA. These properties place Trifecta at the forefront of developing anticancer therapies.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013606
Subject Headings: Cancer--Treatment, Breast--Cancer, Methotrexate, Deoxyglucose, wogonin
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ADAPTIVE EVOLUTION OF SLEEP LOSS AND ALBINISM THROUGH MUTATIONS IN OCA2 IN ASTYANAX MEXICANUS.
Creator: O'Gorman, Morgan, Keene, Alex, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Adaptation to any environment through the course of its evolution involves the alteration of multiple traits to ensure survival, Astyanax mexicanus is a notable example of this. Some of the most notable differences between the surface and cave populations are loss of pigmentation, decreased sleep, and reduced eyes. 208 surface – cave F2 hybrids were assessed for several morphological and behavioral phenotypes. There were significant differences found between pigmented and albino individuals,...
Show moreAdaptation to any environment through the course of its evolution involves the alteration of multiple traits to ensure survival, Astyanax mexicanus is a notable example of this. Some of the most notable differences between the surface and cave populations are loss of pigmentation, decreased sleep, and reduced eyes. 208 surface – cave F2 hybrids were assessed for several morphological and behavioral phenotypes. There were significant differences found between pigmented and albino individuals, raising the question of a shared genetic basis for these traits. Oculocutaneous albinism 2 (oca2) is a notable contributor to albinism in many species, including A. mexicanus. Surface fish with CRISPR mutations at oca2 confirmed a contribution of oca2 in sleep loss within albino cavefish. Further, it was determined that oca2 is under selection and possibly has a pleiotropic function, which underlies the adaptive evolution of sleep loss and albinism.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013619
Subject Headings: Astyanax mexicanus, Astyanax mexicanus--Evolution, Oculocutaneous albinism type 2
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A STUDY ON THE CLINICAL RELEVANCE OF METALLOPROTEINASE INHIBITION.
Creator: Onwuha-Ekpete, Lillian, Fields, Gregg, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The Metzincins are a superfamily of zinc-dependent endopeptidases associated with the regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Their members include A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTSs), A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases (ADAMs), and the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Metzincins exhibit diverse functions associated with both physiological and pathological states that include the proteolytic degradation of the ECM, regulation of various growth...
Show moreThe Metzincins are a superfamily of zinc-dependent endopeptidases associated with the regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Their members include A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTSs), A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases (ADAMs), and the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Metzincins exhibit diverse functions associated with both physiological and pathological states that include the proteolytic degradation of the ECM, regulation of various growth factors, cell surface receptors, and chemokines, and mediation of biological functions such as extravasation, survival, and proliferation. In pathological conditions such as cancer associated with chronic inflammation and multiple sclerosis associated with neurodegeneration, dysregulation of Metzincin activities are a hallmark of disease progression and severity. Hence, Metzincins are therapeutic targets for various disease states and research into optimal Metzincin inhibitor design is an ongoing exploit.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013615
Subject Headings: Matrix Metalloproteinase 2, Matrix Metalloproteinase 9, T cells, Immunology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: SELECTIVE MODULATION OF SMALL CONDUCTANCE CALCIUM ACTIVATED POTASSIUM CHANNELS IN C57BL/6J MICE RESCUES MEMORY AND ATTENTION DISORDERS IN KETAMINE-INDUCED PSYCHOSIS: A NEW THERAPEUTIC APPROACH.
Creator: Rice, Claire A., Stackman, Jr. Robert W., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels are expressed throughout brain regions important for long-term memory. They constrain the intrinsic excitability of neurons by enhancing afterhyperpolarization, shape glutamatergic synaptic potentials and limit induction of NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity. Behaviorally, SK channels modulate learning and memory encoding. It is hypothesized that SK channels influence cognitive symptoms of psychosis including executive functioning,...
Show moreSmall conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels are expressed throughout brain regions important for long-term memory. They constrain the intrinsic excitability of neurons by enhancing afterhyperpolarization, shape glutamatergic synaptic potentials and limit induction of NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity. Behaviorally, SK channels modulate learning and memory encoding. It is hypothesized that SK channels influence cognitive symptoms of psychosis including executive functioning, working memory, and selective attention. Theories of psychosis currently posit that symptoms of psychosis are a result of dopaminergic hyperfunction, and glutamatergic dysregulation which can be induced following administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine. Initial experiments confirmed that sub-chronic treatment with KET produced significant impairment of object recognition memory, trace fear memory, and latent inhibition compared to SAL mice. A comparison of ketamine dosing regimens revealed the necessity for sub-chronic/chronic dosing on a consistent schedule with a wash out period, to obtain long-lasting attention and memory impairment. These experiments revealed for the first time that sub-chronic KET treatment elicited a new phenotype in male C57BL/6J mice: audible vocalizations. KET mice emitted audible vocalizations within 10 min of receiving KET injections, and vocalizations were detected up to 30 min after injection. Experiments conducted to determine the efficacy of SK channel agonists and antagonists on SK channels to modulate attention and memory in the ketamineinduced model of psychosis in C57BL/6J mice demonstrated for the first time that the SK2 channel activator, CyPPA, significantly reduced memory impairment and decreased the attention deficit of KET mice. A new method of analysis for trace fear conditioning freezing responses permitted a more accurate measurement of the ability of mice to discriminate the predicted delivery of shock during trace versus CS intervals. The application of the novel analytical method further demonstrated that KET mice failed to accurately discriminate these intervals, due to their impaired attention and acquisition of the trace conditioned response. This study examined the efficacy of SK channel drugs to rescue cognitive impairments in a pharmacological mouse model of schizophrenia. The results indicate that SK2 subunit activators and blockers, may provide a new therapeutic treatment for memory impairment and attention deficits seen in schizophrenic disorders.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013624
Subject Headings: Calcium-activated potassium channels, Calcium-dependent potassium channels, Mice, Ketamine, Psychoses
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Using Low-Cost Multi-Depth Samplers to Characterize the Variability of Specific Conductance in Coastal South Florida Beaches.
Creator: Shaver, Kyle David, Root, Tara, Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: A small body of saline rich water rests in the saturated zone between the foredune and the shoreline at certain beaches. This region is beneath the water table and the top of the fresher groundwater, known as the Upper Saline Plume (USP). The USP is significant because density driven flow and chemical fluxes between freshwater, rainwater, and seawater contribute to biogeochemical processes in the subterranean estuary (Duque et al. 2020). The occurrence of the USP has been observed along...
Show moreA small body of saline rich water rests in the saturated zone between the foredune and the shoreline at certain beaches. This region is beneath the water table and the top of the fresher groundwater, known as the Upper Saline Plume (USP). The USP is significant because density driven flow and chemical fluxes between freshwater, rainwater, and seawater contribute to biogeochemical processes in the subterranean estuary (Duque et al. 2020). The occurrence of the USP has been observed along beaches that have a moderate to gentle slope, fine to medium grain size, and higher wave energy. The goal of this study was to determine if conditions for the presence of USP are consistent throughout different coastal beaches in southeast Florida while mapping the groundwater salinity across the beach. To identify the existence and delimit the boundary interface of the USP in the southeastern coast of Florida, multi–depth samplers were designed, built, and deployed along cross-shore transects at Jupiter and Gulfstream Beaches in Palm Beach County, FL. Groundwater samples were extracted along the transects to measure specific conductance. Although this study did not confirm the existence of the USP in South Florida beaches, an intermediate zone of water that is in-between the specific conductance ranges of relatively freshwater and relatively salty water was identified. Furthermore, the size of this intermediate zone was corresponded with beach slope, showing larger intermediate zones for steeper slopes and vice versa. Finally, temporal changes in the location and morphology of this intermediate zone were also identified in relation to a distinct disturbance event (Hurricane Isaias) which resulted in elevated ocean water levels.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013625
Subject Headings: Beaches--Florida, Freshwater, Seawater, Water resources--Management
Format: Document (PDF)

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