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Title: Mechanisms that generate resource pulses and drive wading bird nesting in a fluctuating wetland.
Creator: Botson, Bryan A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Variation in the seasonal water level fluctuations of tropical and subtropical wetlands controls the production and concentration of aquatic fauna that support breeding wading birds. However, little is known about how particular components of the annual hydrologic cycle affect processes that control food availability and reproduction. This thesis identifies specific mechanisms responsible for transforming wet season prey standing stock into dry season prey concentrations, links landscape...
Show moreVariation in the seasonal water level fluctuations of tropical and subtropical wetlands controls the production and concentration of aquatic fauna that support breeding wading birds. However, little is known about how particular components of the annual hydrologic cycle affect processes that control food availability and reproduction. This thesis identifies specific mechanisms responsible for transforming wet season prey standing stock into dry season prey concentrations, links landscape hydrological patterns to wading bird nesting, and presents a predictive model of Wood Stork nesting. I examined the supoort for several a priori hypotheses of factors affecting wading bird prey concentrations and wading bird nest effort. Factors affecting the concentration and vulnerability of prey were important for transferring secondary production to higher trophic levels. Receding water levels, microtopographic variation, and high standing stocks of prey were critical for generating pulses of food availabiltiy to meet the high energy requirements of breeding predatory birds.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358281
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology, Restoration ecology, Wood stork, Habitat, Predation (Biology), Water birds, Habitat
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mechanisms of protection against ischemic damage in the heart.
Creator: Moench, Ian, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Heart disease including ischemic heart disease is the highest contributor to death and morbidity in the western world. The studies presented were conducted to determine possible pathways of protection of the heart against ischemia/reperfusion. We employed adenovirus mediated over-expression of Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) in primary neonatal rat cardiac myocytes to determine the effect of this enzyme in protecting against hypoxia/reoxygenation. Cells transfected with MsrA encoding...
Show moreHeart disease including ischemic heart disease is the highest contributor to death and morbidity in the western world. The studies presented were conducted to determine possible pathways of protection of the heart against ischemia/reperfusion. We employed adenovirus mediated over-expression of Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) in primary neonatal rat cardiac myocytes to determine the effect of this enzyme in protecting against hypoxia/reoxygenation. Cells transfected with MsrA encoding adenovirus and subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation exhibited a 45% decrease in apoptosis as compared to controls. Likewise total cell death as determined by levels of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) release was dramatically decreased by MsrA overexpression. The initial hypothesis that led to our testing sulindac was based on the fact that the S epimer of sulindac was a substrate for MsrA and that this compound might function as a catalytic anti-oxidant based on a reaction cycle that involved reductio n to sulindac sulfide followed by oxidation back to sulindac. To test this we examined the protective effect of sulindac in hypoxia re-oxygenation in both cardiac myocytes in culture and using a Langendorff model of myocardial ischemia. Using this model of myocardial ischemia we showed that pre-incubation of hearts with sulindac, or the S and R epimers of sulindac resulted in protection against cell death. We present several lines of evidence that the protective effect of sulindac is not dependent on the Msr enzyme system nor does it involve the well established role of sulindac as a Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor. Numerous signaling pathways have been implicated in myocardial protective mechanisms, many of which require fluctuations in ROS levels as initiators or mediators., Sulindac shows very good potential as a preconditioning agent that could induce tissue protection against oxidative damage.Blocking of preconditioning pathways by administration of the PKC blocker chelerythine abrogated the ischemic protection afforded by sulindac. Secondly, an end-effector of preconditioning, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS),was found to be induced by greater than 5 fold after 48 h prior feeding sulindac.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186291
Subject Headings: Biochemical markers, Diagnostic use, Cardiovascular system, Diseases, Diagnosis, Heart, Diseases, Molecular aspects, Medical care, Quality control, Coronary heart disease, Prevention, Apoptosis, Myocardial infarction, Prevention
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) and aging in the anoxia-tolerant freshwater turtle (Trachemys scripta).
Creator: Bruce, Lynsey Erin., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The enzyme Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) repairs oxidized proteins, and may act as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), making it a potential therapeutic target for age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The anoxia-tolerant turtle offers a unique model to observe the effects of oxidative stress on a system that maintains neuronal function following anoxia and reoxygenation, and that ages without senescence. MsrA is present in both the mitochondria and cytosol, with protein...
Show moreThe enzyme Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) repairs oxidized proteins, and may act as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), making it a potential therapeutic target for age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The anoxia-tolerant turtle offers a unique model to observe the effects of oxidative stress on a system that maintains neuronal function following anoxia and reoxygenation, and that ages without senescence. MsrA is present in both the mitochondria and cytosol, with protein levels increasing respectively 3- and 4-fold over 4 hours of anoxia, and remaining 2-fold higher than basal upon reoxygenation. MsrA was knocked down in neuronally-enriched cell cultures via RNAi transfection. Propidium iodide staining showed no significant cell death during anoxia, but this increased 7-fold upon reoxygenation, suggesting a role for MsrA in ROS suppression during reperfusion. This is the first report in any system of MsrA transcript and protein levels being regulated by oxygen levels.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2683139
Subject Headings: Oxidation-reduction reaction, Proteins, Chemical modification, Turtles, Physiology, Oxygen, Physiological effect, Aging, Molecular aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Methionine sulfoxide reductase deficiency leads to mitochondrial dysfunction in Drosophila melanogaster.
Creator: Verriotto, Jennifer., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Mitochondria are a major source of reactive oxygen species and are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction, methionine oxidation, and oxidative stress are thought to play a role in both the aging process and several neurodegenerative diseases. Two major classes of methionine sulfoxide reductases, designated MsrA and MsrB are enzymes that function to repair the enatiomers of methionine sulfoxide, met-(o)-S and met-(o)- R, respectively. This study focuses on the...
Show moreMitochondria are a major source of reactive oxygen species and are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction, methionine oxidation, and oxidative stress are thought to play a role in both the aging process and several neurodegenerative diseases. Two major classes of methionine sulfoxide reductases, designated MsrA and MsrB are enzymes that function to repair the enatiomers of methionine sulfoxide, met-(o)-S and met-(o)- R, respectively. This study focuses on the effect of Msr deficiencies on mitochondrial function by utilizing mutant alleles of MsrA and MsrB. The data show that loss of only one form of Msr in the mitochondria does not completely impair the function of the mitochondria. However, loss of both Msr proteins within the mitochondria leads to an increased ROS production and a diminished energy output of the mitochondria. These results support the hypothesis that Msr plays a key role in proper mitochondrial function.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174310
Subject Headings: Oxidation-reduction reaction, Proteins, Chemical modification, Genetic regulation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neuroprotection during anoxic-stress in Drosophila melanogaster: the role of PKG pathway on protection of function and survival.
Creator: Benasayag Meszaros, Raquel, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Anoxia is characterized by an absence of oxygen supply to a tissue (Dawson- Scully et al., 2010). Unlike humans, Drosophila melanogaster is an organism that can survive low oxygen levels for hours without showing any pathology (Lutz et al., 2003) Under anoxia, the fruit fly loses locomotive activity, resulting in an anoxic coma (Haddad et al., 1997). In this study we investigate the influence of five variables for anoxic tolerance in adult Drosophila: 1) anoxic environment (gas vs. drowning),...
Show moreAnoxia is characterized by an absence of oxygen supply to a tissue (Dawson- Scully et al., 2010). Unlike humans, Drosophila melanogaster is an organism that can survive low oxygen levels for hours without showing any pathology (Lutz et al., 2003) Under anoxia, the fruit fly loses locomotive activity, resulting in an anoxic coma (Haddad et al., 1997). In this study we investigate the influence of five variables for anoxic tolerance in adult Drosophila: 1) anoxic environment (gas vs. drowning), 2) anoxia duration, 3) temperature (cold [3ÀC] or room temperature [21ÀC]), 4) age (young 2-9 days and old 35-39 days), and 5) PKG variation. Tolerance to anoxia is measured by the time of recovery and survival of the fruit fly from the anoxic coma. The results from this study show that short stress, low temperature, young age, and low PKG activity increased anoxic tolerance. Our findings will lay the foundation to investigate different variables, genes or pharmacological compounds that can modulate neuronal anoxic tolerance.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3360743
Subject Headings: Protein kinases, Oxidativie stress, Prevention, Oxidativie stress, Ecophysiology, Drosophila melanogaster, Life cycles
Format: Document (PDF)

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

Title: Novel molecular targets for genistein in prostate cancer cells.
Creator: Merchant, Kendra T., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Prostate cancer is the most common form of non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths within the United States. The five year survival rate has increased from 69% to 99% over the last 25 years for the local and regional disease, but has remained fairly low (approximately 34%) for the advanced disease. Therefore, current research is aimed at finding complementary or alternative treatments that will specifically target components of the signal transduction, cell-cycle and...
Show moreProstate cancer is the most common form of non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths within the United States. The five year survival rate has increased from 69% to 99% over the last 25 years for the local and regional disease, but has remained fairly low (approximately 34%) for the advanced disease. Therefore, current research is aimed at finding complementary or alternative treatments that will specifically target components of the signal transduction, cell-cycle and apoptosis pathways to induce cell death, with little or no toxic side effects to the patient. In this study we investigated the effect of genistein on expression levels of genes involved in these pathways. Genistein is a (4 , 5 , 7-trihydroxyisoflavone) is a major isoflavone constituent of soy that has been shown to inhibit growth proliferation and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. The mechanism of genistein-induced cell death and potential molecular targets for genistein in LNCaP prostate cancer c ells was investigated using several techniques. The chemosensitivity of genistein towards the prostate cancer cells was investigated using the ATP and MTS assays and apoptosis induction was determined using apoptosis and caspase assays. Several molecular targets were also identified using cDNA microarray and RT-PCR analysis. Our results revealed that genistein induces cell death in a time and dose-dependent manner and regulates expression levels of several genes involved in carcinogenesis and immunogenicity. Several cell cycle genes were down-regulated, including the mitotic kinesins, cyclins and cyclin dependent kinases, indicating that genistein is able to halt cell cycle progression through the regulation of genes involved in this process., Several members of the Bcl-2 family which are involved in apoptosis were also affected and a number of genes involved in immunogenicity were up-regulated including the DefB1 and HLA membrane receptors. The results of this study provide evidence of genistein's ability to inhibit growth proliferation and induce apoptosis and indicates its potential as an adjuvant in chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/192986
Subject Headings: Prostate, Cancer, Adjuvant treatment, Prostate, Cancer, Molecular aspects, Apoptosis, Molecular aspects, Phytochemicals, Physiological effect, Cellular signal transduction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Taxonomy and ecology of the deep-pelagic fish family Melamphaidae, with emphasis on interactions with a mid-ocean ridge system.
Creator: Bartow, Kyle Allen., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Much of the world's oceans lie below a depth of 200 meters, but very little is known about the creatures that inhabit these deep-sea environments. The deep-sea fish family Melamphaidae (Stephanoberyciformes) is one such example of an understudied group of fishes. Samples from the MAR-ECO (www.mar-eco.no) project represent one of the largest melamphaid collections, providing an ideal opportunity to gain information on this important, but understudied, family of fishes. The key to the family...
Show moreMuch of the world's oceans lie below a depth of 200 meters, but very little is known about the creatures that inhabit these deep-sea environments. The deep-sea fish family Melamphaidae (Stephanoberyciformes) is one such example of an understudied group of fishes. Samples from the MAR-ECO (www.mar-eco.no) project represent one of the largest melamphaid collections, providing an ideal opportunity to gain information on this important, but understudied, family of fishes. The key to the family presented here is the first updated, comprehensive key since those produced by Ebeling and Weed (1963) and Keene (1987). Samples from the 2004 MAR-ECO cruise and the U.S. National Museum of Natural History provided an opportunity to review two possible new species, the Scopelogadus mizolepis subspecies, and a Poromitra crassiceps species complex. Results show that Scopeloberyx americanus and Melamphaes indicoides are new species, while the two subspecies of Scopelogadus mizolepis are most likely o nly one species and the Poromitra crassiceps complex is actually several different species of Poromitra. Data collected from the MAR-ECO cruise provided an opportunity to study the distribution, reproductive characteristics and trophic ecology of the family Melamphaidae along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Cluster analysis showed that there are five distinct groups of melamphaid fishes along the MAR. This analysis also supported the initial observation that the melamphaid assemblage changes between the northern and southern edges of an anti-cyclonic anomaly that could be indicative of a warm-core ring. Analysis of the reproductive characteristics of the melamphaid assemblage revealed that many of the female fishes have a high gonadosomatic index (GSI) consistent with values found for other species of deep-sea fishes during their spawning seasons., This may indicate that melamphaids use this ridge as a spawning ground. Diets of the melamphaid fishes were composed primarily of ostracods, a mphipods, copepods and euphausiids. Scopelogadus was the only genus shown to have a high percent of gelatinous prey in their digestive system, while Melamphaes had the highest concentration of chaetognaths. This work presents data on the ecology and taxonomy of the family Melamphaidae and provides a strong base for any future work on this biomass-dominant family of fishes.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2867331
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine biology, Marine ecology, Deep-sea biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Influence of sex hormones and genetic predisposition in dry eye in Sjèogren's syndrome: a new clue to the immunopathogenesis of dry eye disease.
Creator: Mostafa, Safinaz, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Sjèogren's syndrome (S) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by ocular and oral dryness and primarily affects post menopausal women. In the present study we investigated the time course of lymphocytic infiltration, apoptosis, caspase-3 activity and different cytokines levels in the lacrimal glands of both genetically predisposed and control mice to elucidate immunopathological mechanism leading to dry eye. The results of our experiments showed that ovariectomy accelerated...
Show moreSjèogren's syndrome (S) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by ocular and oral dryness and primarily affects post menopausal women. In the present study we investigated the time course of lymphocytic infiltration, apoptosis, caspase-3 activity and different cytokines levels in the lacrimal glands of both genetically predisposed and control mice to elucidate immunopathological mechanism leading to dry eye. The results of our experiments showed that ovariectomy accelerated pathological findings of SS by increasing lympocytic infiltration, cytokine production, lacrimal gland cell death and cleaved caspase-3 activity, and these effects were more pronounced and persistent in the genetically predisposed mouse model of SS. In addition, we observed that lymphocytic infiltration occurred earlier compared to apoptosis which may perpetuate immune mediated destruction of lacrimal epithelial cells. Furthermore, treatment with physioloigical doses of 17-B Estradiol (E2) or DIhydrotestosterone (DHT) prevented all these pathological events observed after ovariectomy.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3353086
Subject Headings: Dry eye syndromes, Immunological aspects, Sjèogren's syndrome, Immunological aspects, Disease susceptibility, Human genome, Medical genetics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Protective mechanism of Sulindac against animal model of ischemic stroke.
Creator: Modi, Jigar P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The Effect of Sulindac was studied on an animal model of ischemic stroke. Sulindac, a non steroid anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) could protect cell death due to hypoxia/reoxygenation. This drug was given 2 days before and 24 hrs after ischemia until animals were sacrificed on 3rd or 11th day. Infarct size was measured for these animals. Sulindac induced Hsp 27 in ischemic penumbra and core on Day 3 & 11 with uncoated nylon suture which shows its cell-survival and anti-apoptotic activity. Also...
Show moreThe Effect of Sulindac was studied on an animal model of ischemic stroke. Sulindac, a non steroid anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) could protect cell death due to hypoxia/reoxygenation. This drug was given 2 days before and 24 hrs after ischemia until animals were sacrificed on 3rd or 11th day. Infarct size was measured for these animals. Sulindac induced Hsp 27 in ischemic penumbra and core on Day 3 & 11 with uncoated nylon suture which shows its cell-survival and anti-apoptotic activity. Also, it increased expression of cell survival markers such as Akt, Bcl2 & Grp 78 in ischemic penumbra and core. With silicon suture it reduced expression of Hsp 27 in ischemic penumbra and core, alleviating cell stress and having pro-survival and anti-stress effects. In conclusion sulindac may have excellent potential as neuro protective agent against oxidative stress in cerebral ischemia.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3333056
Subject Headings: Apoptosis, Biochemical markers, Diagnostic use, Oxidation reduction reaction, Cerebral ischemia, Prevention
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of genetic population structure, promiscuity, and paternity in free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, in the Bahamas.
Creator: Green, Michelle L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: This study investigated a resident community of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on Little Bahama Bank (LBB) in the Bahamas utilizing a noninvasive molecular approach. Genetic template material was collected and extracted from fecal material of S. frontalis. Fine-scale population structure was found within LBB according to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites (Fst = 0.25317, P
Show moreThis study investigated a resident community of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on Little Bahama Bank (LBB) in the Bahamas utilizing a noninvasive molecular approach. Genetic template material was collected and extracted from fecal material of S. frontalis. Fine-scale population structure was found within LBB according to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites (Fst = 0.25317, P < 0.0001 and Fst = 0.04491, P < 0.0001, respectively). Three main social clusters (North, Central, South/Roam) exist on LBB and all clusters were found to be genetically distinct according to microsatellite analyses. Mitochondrial haplotypes revealed North and South/Roam were not differentiated, but Central was different from both. When separated by sex, males were less genetically structured than females. Males showed no evidence of structure according to Ost or Rst., Females of all clusters were differentiated according to microsatellites whereas mtDNA revealed the same pattern in females as was seen for the total population. The structuring patterns of the sexes clearly indicate a pattern of male dispersal and female philopatry for the LBB population. Genetic investigation of mating revealed patterns in the mating system of S. frontalis on LBB. Genotypes of females and offspring were analyzed and revealed that more than two males were required to explain the progeny arrays, indicating promiscuous mating among females. In addition, paternity assessment assigned seven males as fathers to ten of 29 mother-calf pairs. A pattern of reproductive skew according to age was revealed because reproductively successful males were in the oldest age class at the estimated time of conception of the calves., Patterns in social cluster mating revealed that males from the Central cluster sired offspring with females from both the Central and North clusters, while Roaming males sired offspring with South and Central females indicating that males mate within their social cluster or with females from the next closest cluster. The study has important implications for cetacean research, specifically delphinids. Fine-scale population structure and mating patterns of male and female S. frontalis were revealed through noninvasive methodology presenting a valuable genetic framework with which to support ongoing investigations of life history, behavior, communication and social structure.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/58004
Subject Headings: Dolphins, Social behavior in animals, Population genetics, Atlantic spotted dolphin, Dolphins, Geographical distribution
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Anterograde trophic signaling in the olfactory system: neurotrophin-3 expressed by olfactory sensory neurons is transported to target bulb neurons in adult mice.
Creator: Liu, Huan, Guthrie, Kathleen M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The adult rodent olfactory system provides an excellent model for the study of the developing nervous system due to its constant integration of new neurons and establishment of new synapses throughout life. This allows for adaptive structural responses to sensory experience that continuously shape functional circuits to fit the behavioral needs of the animal. The cellular mechanisms underlying the anatomical plasticity of the adult olfactory system are not well understood, but neurotrophins,...
Show moreThe adult rodent olfactory system provides an excellent model for the study of the developing nervous system due to its constant integration of new neurons and establishment of new synapses throughout life. This allows for adaptive structural responses to sensory experience that continuously shape functional circuits to fit the behavioral needs of the animal. The cellular mechanisms underlying the anatomical plasticity of the adult olfactory system are not well understood, but neurotrophins, long recognized as crucial to the early development of neuronal circuits, are attractive candidate molecules in this capacity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), two members of the neurotrophin family, have received attention in terms of their anatomical distribution and physiological functions in the olfactory system.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004255
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Anticancer ativities of topotecan-genistein combination in prostate cancer cells.
Creator: Hörmann, Vanessa P., Kumi-Diaka, James, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men aged 40-55. Genistein isoflavone (4', 5', 7-trihydroxyisoflavone) is a dietary phytochemical with demonstrated anti-tumor activities in a variety of cancers. Topotecan Hydrochloride (Hycamtin) is an FDA-approved chemotherapy drug, primarily used for secondary treatment of ovarian,cervical and small cell lung cancers. This study was to demonstrate the potential anticancer activities and synergy of topotecan-genistein combination in...
Show moreProstate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men aged 40-55. Genistein isoflavone (4', 5', 7-trihydroxyisoflavone) is a dietary phytochemical with demonstrated anti-tumor activities in a variety of cancers. Topotecan Hydrochloride (Hycamtin) is an FDA-approved chemotherapy drug, primarily used for secondary treatment of ovarian,cervical and small cell lung cancers. This study was to demonstrate the potential anticancer activities and synergy of topotecan-genistein combination in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. The potential efficacy and mechanism of topotecan/genistein-induced cell death was investigated... Results: The overall data indicated that i) both genistein and topotecan induce cellular death in LNCaP cells, ii) topotecan-genistein combination was significantly more efficacious in reducing LNCaP cell viabiligy compared to either genistein or topotecan alone, iii) in all cases, cell death was primarily through apoptosis, via the activation of the intrinsic pathway, iv) ROS levels were increased and VEGF expression was diminished significantly with the topotecan-genistein combination treatment, v) genetic analysis of topotecan-genistein treatment groups showed changes in genetic expression levels in pathway specific apoptotic genes.... Conclusion: Treatments involving topotecan-genistein combination may prove to be an attractive alternative phytotherapy of adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358553
Subject Headings: Apoptosis, Molecular aspects, Prostate, Cancer, Adjuvant treatment, Prostate, Cancer, Molecular aspects, Phytochemicals, Physiological effect, Antioxidants, Therapeutic use, Topotecan, Therapeutic use, Genistein, Therapeutic use, Cancer, Chemotherapy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Characterization of SNAG-zinc finger protein (ZFP) transcription factors.
Creator: Chiang, Cindy Chung-Yue., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Transcriptional regulation is an important area of research due to the fact that it leads to gene expression. Transcription factors associated with the regulation can either be activators or repressors of target genes, acting directly or with the aid of other factors. A majority of transcriptional repressors are zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) which bind to specific DNA sequences. The Snail/Gfi (SNAG) domain family, with members such as Slug, Smuc, Snail, and Scratch, are transcriptional...
Show moreTranscriptional regulation is an important area of research due to the fact that it leads to gene expression. Transcription factors associated with the regulation can either be activators or repressors of target genes, acting directly or with the aid of other factors. A majority of transcriptional repressors are zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) which bind to specific DNA sequences. The Snail/Gfi (SNAG) domain family, with members such as Slug, Smuc, Snail, and Scratch, are transcriptional repressors shown to play a role in various diseases such as cancer. The SNAG transcription factors contain a conserved SNAG repression domain and DNA binding domain zinc fingers. The specific DNA sequences to which each SNAG-ZFP binds, as well as a general consensus -TGCACCTGTCCGA, have been determined. Also, putative protein-protein interactions in which the Slug domain participates has been identified via binding assays. All these results contribute to better understanding of SNAG-ZFP functions.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186676
Subject Headings: Zinc-finger proteins, Synthesis, Metalloproteins, Synthesis, Genetic transcription, Regulation, Cellular signal transduction, Gene expression
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Differentiating decomposition rates within the ridge-slough microtopography of the central Florida Everglades.
Creator: Van der Heiden, Sheryl R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The relative rates of detrital decomposition in four vegetation communities within the Everglades' ridge-slough microtopography were evaluated during two trials. Litterbags with community-specific detritus in proportion to each community's composition were put into the four communities; namely, submerged marsh, emergent marsh, short Cladium ridge, and tall Cladium ridge. These litterbags were paired with litterbags containing control leaf litter from Chrysobalanus icaco and Salix caroliniana...
Show moreThe relative rates of detrital decomposition in four vegetation communities within the Everglades' ridge-slough microtopography were evaluated during two trials. Litterbags with community-specific detritus in proportion to each community's composition were put into the four communities; namely, submerged marsh, emergent marsh, short Cladium ridge, and tall Cladium ridge. These litterbags were paired with litterbags containing control leaf litter from Chrysobalanus icaco and Salix caroliniana during the wet and dry season trials, respectively. No regional differences in decomposition were shown, but there were significant differences across communities, attributed to the initial C:N ratio of the detritus, with the fastest decomposition occurring in the deepest submerged marsh followed by emergent marsh, and the shallower ridge communities had equally slower decomposition. Additionally, both controls followed the same pattern. Thus, decomposition contributes to an active self-maintenance mechanism within the vegetation communities which ultimately helps to conserve the ridges and sloughs.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/166456
Subject Headings: Biogeochemistry, Surfaces (Technology), Measurement, Vegatation dynamics, Mathematical models, Wetland ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Constraints of landscape level prey availability on physiological condition and productivity of great egrets and white ibises in the Florida Everglades.
Creator: Herring, Garth, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Life history strategy suggests long lived bird species will adjust their nesting effort according to current conditions, balancing the costs of reproduction with their long-term needs for survival and future reproduction. The habitat conditions that produce these responses may differ between species, even within the same ecosystem, producing different nesting and population trends. I traced the pathway by which food availability influences the physiological condition of pre-breeding great...
Show moreLife history strategy suggests long lived bird species will adjust their nesting effort according to current conditions, balancing the costs of reproduction with their long-term needs for survival and future reproduction. The habitat conditions that produce these responses may differ between species, even within the same ecosystem, producing different nesting and population trends. I traced the pathway by which food availability influences the physiological condition of pre-breeding great egrets and white ibises through to reproductive measures, and the physiological condition of chicks. I focused on these two species with contrasting foraging strategies, in relation to foraging and habitat conditions to maximize the likelihood of application of these results to other wading bird species. Experimental food supplementation and physiology research on white ibis chicks demonstrated that in years with low prey availability white ibis were food limited, with increased levels of stress protein 60 and fecal corticosterone. This is the first study to demonstrate experimentally the response of stress protein 60 to changing levels of food availability. During a year with low prey availability (2007) white ibis adults and chick physiological condition was lower than that of great egrets. During the same year, fledging success was lower for both species (20% for white ibis versus 27% for great egret) but the magnitude of the decrease was particularly severe for the white ibis (76% decline versus 66% decline for the great egret). Results suggest white ibises modify their clutch size during years with poor habitat in accordance with life history traits of a long-lived species, whereas great egrets maintained their clutch size during years with poor habitat., Increasing recession rates, hydrological reversals, and prey densities influenced white ibis, whereas great egrets were most influenced by prey densities and recession rates, with no effect of hydrological reversal. During the same year, fledging success was lower for both species (20% for white ibis versus 27% for great egret) but the magnitude of the decrease was particularly severe for the white ibis (76% decline versus 66% decline for the great egret). Results suggest white ibises modify their clutch size during years with poor habitat in accordance with life history traits of a long-lived species, whereas great egrets maintained their clutch size during years with poor habitat. Increasing recession rates, hydrological reversals, and prey densities influenced white ibis, whereas great egrets were most influenced by prey densities and recession rates, with no effect of hydrological reversals. This study is the first to make the link between landscape hydrology patterns, prey availability, and responses in wading bird nesting. These linkages provide critical insight into how species' nesting patterns could differ given the same time and spatial constraints and how that may be related to long-term nesting trends. This knowledge could ultimately lead to novel predictions about population and community patterns of wetland birds.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77643
Subject Headings: Bird populations, Water birds, Wetland ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparative ecophysiology of bloom-forming macroalgae in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida: Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta), Hypnea musciformis, and Gracilaria tikvahiae (Rhodophyta).
Creator: Vlaming, Lisa N.A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Macroalgal blooms are responses to nutrient enrichment in shallow seagrass ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Little is known about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) limitation or the importance of morphological/physiological characteristics of bloom-forming macroalgae (Ulva lactuca, Hypnea musciformis, and Gracilaria tikvahiae) in the IRL. We hypothesized: 1) all species would proliferate in nutrient-rich Titusville, 2) opportunistic U. lactuca would dominate, 3) Rapid...
Show moreMacroalgal blooms are responses to nutrient enrichment in shallow seagrass ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Little is known about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) limitation or the importance of morphological/physiological characteristics of bloom-forming macroalgae (Ulva lactuca, Hypnea musciformis, and Gracilaria tikvahiae) in the IRL. We hypothesized: 1) all species would proliferate in nutrient-rich Titusville, 2) opportunistic U. lactuca would dominate, 3) Rapid Light Curves (RLCs) would assess nutrient status, and 4) nutrient concentrations would regulate growth more than N:P ratios. Field studies showed rapid biomass doubling times of 2 days (U. lactuca; November 2012) in urbanized Titusville. RLCs in a guano-enriched island off Big Pine Key (BPK) and Titusville (Ulva spp.) were similar due to P-saturation. Laboratory studies showed three-fold higher RLCs and two-fold faster growth at high nutrient concentrations of N and P. Reductions of both N and P will be required to moderate future blooms.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361257
Subject Headings: Marine algae, Marine algae, Ecophysiology, Marine algae, Adaptation, Algal blooms
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Functional aspects of behavior and morphology in the decorator crab Microphrys Bicornutus (Latreille, 1825) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Mithracidae).
Creator: Salazar, Monique Alexandra, Brooks, W. Randy, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Masking or decorator crabs, conceal themselves partially through camouflage, by selecting or indiscriminately attaching materials from their environment to their exoskeleton. Functional aspects of decorating behavior and morphology in this group have not been documented. Using Microphrys bicornutus as a model species, this dissertation demonstrates clearly that decorating is an advantageous phenotype that has evolved to serve several functions. Decorating is a complex behavior that begins...
Show moreMasking or decorator crabs, conceal themselves partially through camouflage, by selecting or indiscriminately attaching materials from their environment to their exoskeleton. Functional aspects of decorating behavior and morphology in this group have not been documented. Using Microphrys bicornutus as a model species, this dissertation demonstrates clearly that decorating is an advantageous phenotype that has evolved to serve several functions. Decorating is a complex behavior that begins when a crab approaches an algal substrate and results in the attachment of algae to hooked setae on the exoskeleton. Once decorated, crabs remain motionless on the substrate until disturbed or until another behavior is initiated. This was confirmed for M. bicornutus, as crabs spent a significant amount of time feeding, remaining motionless, picking, and walking when compared to decorating. Crabs displayed agonistic behaviors during encounters with conspecifics conspecifics. These included both active aggressive behavior and display behavior. Crabs showed a decrease in motility during these encounters, helping maintain dispersed distributions, thereby decreasing intrsapecific encounters in the field. Trials were done to determine the effect of conspecifics, predators and feeding preferences on algal utilization. M. bicornutus showed a significant decrease in the amount of algae used for decoration in the highest density trials (i.e., 4 and 8 crabs). Agonistic displays and aggressive behavior between these crabs likely affected the time available for decorating. Decorated crabs isolated from an algal substrate were more likely to survive in the presence of either of two sympatric fish predators. Thus, being protected by the algal decoration on their exoskeletons. Trials also showed a parallel between algal consumption and algal materials used for decoration. In addition to its protective function, algae used by M. bicornutus for decoration simultaneously serve as short term food supplies for the crabs. Eleven morphologically complex structures were identified and mapped on the exoskeleton. Hooked setae were the primary structures used to attach algae to the crab’s body. Ten additional setal structures were present, including two novel types of setae. On the basis of location and morphological variation exhibited among these latter structures, a primary sensory function may be inferred.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004056
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Camouflage (Biology), Crabs -- Behavior, Marine ecology, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Fire ants on sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida, USA, and ST. Croix, USVI.
Creator: Romais, Danielle K., Wetterer, James K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a South American native introduced in Alabama in the early 20th century. This predatory species has rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, inflicting great ecological and economic damage. For example, Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants swarm into the nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. My thesis...
Show moreThe red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a South American native introduced in Alabama in the early 20th century. This predatory species has rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, inflicting great ecological and economic damage. For example, Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants swarm into the nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. My thesis research aimed to survey the distribution of ants on sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida and St. Croix, USVI, and to evaluate the possible threat of Solenopsis invicta and other predatory ants to sea turtle hatchlings.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004052
Subject Headings: Biological invasions, Fire ants -- Venom -- Physiological effect, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Florida -- Mortality, Sea turtles -- St. Croix -- Mortality, Wildlife conservation -- Florida, Wildlife conservation -- St. Croix
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Food habits of breeding bald eagles (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park.
Creator: Hanson, Matthew, Baldwin, John D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The population of Bald Eagles in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park has declined over the past few decades. It is hypothesized that changes in prey availabilities from alterations to ecosystem conditions have contributed to this decline. Our goals were to document diet and explore how prey availabilities may affect the Bald Eagle. For the 2009 and 2010 breeding seasons we collected prey remains from nest sites and video monitored provisioning of prey. Prey remains consisted of 33 species...
Show moreThe population of Bald Eagles in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park has declined over the past few decades. It is hypothesized that changes in prey availabilities from alterations to ecosystem conditions have contributed to this decline. Our goals were to document diet and explore how prey availabilities may affect the Bald Eagle. For the 2009 and 2010 breeding seasons we collected prey remains from nest sites and video monitored provisioning of prey. Prey remains consisted of 33 species and were compositionally different than prey remains collected prior to ecological changes, suggesting changes in prey availabilities. Also, provisioning rates were significantly lower than Bald Eagles in other North American regions and declined throughout the breeding season. Our results suggest that prey availabilities has affected the food habits of breeding Bald Eagles in Florida Bay, which may be contributing to their decline.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004249
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (428)	+ -
FAU College Collections (49)	+ -

Cellular signal transduction (31)	+ -
Predation (Biology) (30)	+ -
Drosophila melanogaster (17)	+ -
Adaptation (Biology) (16)	+ -
Wetland ecology (14)	+ -

Animal behavior (13)	+ -
Ecology (13)	+ -
Sea turtles (13)	+ -
Gene expression (12)	+ -
Genetic transcription (12)	+ -
Loggerhead turtle (11)	+ -
Physiology (11)	+ -
Marine ecology (10)	+ -
Wildlife conservation (10)	+ -
Habitat (9)	+ -
Physiological effect (9)	+ -
Regulation (9)	+ -
Cellular signal transduction. (8)	+ -
Molecular aspects (8)	+ -
Population genetics (8)	+ -
Proteins (8)	+ -
Social behavior in animals (8)	+ -
Synthesis (8)	+ -
Transcription factors (8)	+ -
Behavior (7)	+ -
Biochemical markers (7)	+ -
Caenorhabditis elegans (7)	+ -
Chemical modification (7)	+ -
Habitat (Ecology) (7)	+ -
Montastraea (7)	+ -

Florida (21)	+ -
Everglades (7)	+ -
Bahamas (5)	+ -
Atlantic Ocean (4)	+ -
Little Bahama Bank (3)	+ -

United States (3)	+ -
Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon) (2)	+ -
Indian River (Lagoon) (2)	+ -
Abandoned farms--Florida--Everglades National Park (1)	+ -
Atlantic Coast (U.S.) (1)	+ -
Behavior (1)	+ -
Canaveral National Seashore (Fla.) (1)	+ -
Coral reef ecology--Florida (1)	+ -
Everglades Region (1)	+ -
Fishes--Florida (1)	+ -
Florida Keys (1)	+ -
Indian River Lagoon Estuary System (1)	+ -
Lake Okeechobee (1)	+ -
Mexico, Gulf of (1)	+ -
Okeechobee, Lake (Fla.) (1)	+ -
Plant succession--Florida--Everglades National Park (1)	+ -
Seminole Indians--Florida (1)	+ -
West Palm Beach (1)	+ -
Wildlife conservation--Florida (1)	+ -
Wildlife management--Florida (1)	+ -

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