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Title: Differences in situational perception moderated by presence (absence) of others.
Creator: Brown, Nicolas A., Serfass, David G., Sherman, Ryne A., Graduate College
Date Issued: 2013-04-12
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361277
Subject Headings: Situations, Psychology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neuropsychological correlates of emotion regulation in women with HIV: an ERP study.
Creator: McIntosh, Roger C., Graduate College
Date Issued: 2012-03-30
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3342403
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effect of parasite infection on reproductive potential of bony fish.
Creator: Young, Joy M., Whittington, Jim, Graduate College, Hughes, Colin
Abstract/Description: Accurate predictions of population growth, including reproduction, are vital for the effective management of fisheries. However, factors effecting reproductive potential in boney fishes are not entirely understood. In several species of fish, parasite infection has been associated with decreased fecundity including fewer and smaller eggs, shortened spawning season, and decreased larval survival. We examined the effect of parasite infection and life history parameters on egg quality of 40...
Show moreAccurate predictions of population growth, including reproduction, are vital for the effective management of fisheries. However, factors effecting reproductive potential in boney fishes are not entirely understood. In several species of fish, parasite infection has been associated with decreased fecundity including fewer and smaller eggs, shortened spawning season, and decreased larval survival. We examined the effect of parasite infection and life history parameters on egg quality of 40 spawning capable female common snook, Centropomus undecimalis, collected from 3 inlets on the Atlantic coast of Florida in the summer of 2013. Egg quality was measured as fatty acid DHA, PI, and EPA composition of eggs. Six major taxons of parasites were identified: Cestoda 1 adult, 68 trypanorhyncha larvae, Copepoda 1 Lernae sp., 62 Lernanthropus sp., Digenea 1 adult, Monogenea 1 adult, Nematoda 861 Contracecum sp., and Pentastomida 36 Sebekia sp.. In addition, dead parasites of unknown taxa 262 total were counted. Parasite infracommunities were described as total number of live parasites per individual, total number of dead parasites per individual, the Shannon Wiener Index H as a measure of diversity, and the Berger-Parker Index BPI as a measure of numerical dominance. Total number of dead parasites and BPI had a significant, negative effect on percent composition of DHA of eggs. Individuals with higher amounts of dead parasites 20 were predicted to drop below a 13 DHA composition threshold needed for hatching and larval success.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005174
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Changes in Ant Species Distribution on Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.
Creator: Balkaran, Kavita, Wetterer, James K., Graduate College, Romais, Danielle K., Balkaran, Michael, Balkaran, Deavica
Abstract/Description: Invasive predaceous ants can cause chaos in their new habitats by competing for resources, increasing or decreasing preys or predators, and even threatening the next generation of offsprings. The red imported fire ant RIFA, Solenopsis invicta is a generalist, omnivorous exotic ant from South America. It has been causing ecological, agricultural, and economical havoc in the USA and other parts of the world. Solenopsis invicta preys on pipped eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and...
Show moreInvasive predaceous ants can cause chaos in their new habitats by competing for resources, increasing or decreasing preys or predators, and even threatening the next generation of offsprings. The red imported fire ant RIFA, Solenopsis invicta is a generalist, omnivorous exotic ant from South America. It has been causing ecological, agricultural, and economical havoc in the USA and other parts of the world. Solenopsis invicta preys on pipped eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles and they are also found on sea turtle nesting beaches. We hypothesized that there will be a change in the fire ant species distribution at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge SPNWR after the first follow-up survey done in 2010, and at Jack Bay after the baseline study in 2011; both nesting beaches are in St Croix, US Virgin Islands. Baited index cards with tuna were set out for approximately two hours then ants were collected in separate marked bags. They were frozen then preserved in ethanol and finally identified. Solenopsis invicta was the most common exotic species at SPNWR. It was significantly more abundant p0.02 than the other fire ant species, Solenopsis geminata which was more abundant in both the 2010 survey and the baseline survey in 2006 at SPNWR. Neither of the fire ant species was found at Jack Bay. This increase in RIFA can become a serious threat to the next generation of sea turtles if its abundance continues to increase at SPNWR.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005135
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Defying the Feminized Scale: Women Weighing in on Eating Problems from Cyberspace.
Creator: Baugh, Arely B., Graduate College
Abstract/Description: Eating problems – compulsive eating, bulimia, and anorexia – have acquired a complicated symbolic significance that threatens the efficiency of prevention and treatments for such ailments. General and professional conceptualizations of “eating disorders” presume a very narrow and homogenous group of women i.e. young, white, middle-class, and heterosexual victims of a “culture of thinness” and other psychological and psychiatric pathologies Gremillion, 2003; Magnusson & Marecek, 2012; Menassa,...
Show moreEating problems – compulsive eating, bulimia, and anorexia – have acquired a complicated symbolic significance that threatens the efficiency of prevention and treatments for such ailments. General and professional conceptualizations of “eating disorders” presume a very narrow and homogenous group of women i.e. young, white, middle-class, and heterosexual victims of a “culture of thinness” and other psychological and psychiatric pathologies Gremillion, 2003; Magnusson & Marecek, 2012; Menassa, 2004. Consequently, professional discourse, research, and treatment of “eating disorders” neglect and often dismiss the realities of Other women; i.e., minority women, women in other countries, working-class and poor women, older women, and queer women Nasser, Katzman, & Gordon, 2001; Orbach, 1998; Thompson, 1994. Using a critical feminist psychological approach, together with the stories of women “beyond the margins” of “eating disorders,” this study seeks to 1 dispel the damaging myths and stereotypes about eating problems, 2 uncover their embedded connections to systems of racist, sexist, imperialist, patriarchal, and class oppression, and 3 argue that by including all women’s experiences and their contextual interrelations through different systems of oppressions, we can accomplish a better, more complete and unbiased understanding of these ubiquitous and complex methods of coping that could guide the development of more efficient preventative and recovery treatments.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005136
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Characterizing Immune Cells of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.
Creator: Bible, Brittany, Zeng, Menghua, Graduate College, Tamjidi, Saba, Bossart, Gregory D., Nouri-Shirazi, Mahyar
Abstract/Description: Background: Marine mammals are ideal sentinel species for human health due to exposure to the same oceans and consumption of the same foods. There have been many studies which demonstrate that wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are exposed to high levels of contaminants which lead to a suppressed immune system and are therefore more susceptible to opportunistic infections, many of which are zoonotic diseases. However, nearly no research has been done on determining defects in the immune cell...
Show moreBackground: Marine mammals are ideal sentinel species for human health due to exposure to the same oceans and consumption of the same foods. There have been many studies which demonstrate that wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are exposed to high levels of contaminants which lead to a suppressed immune system and are therefore more susceptible to opportunistic infections, many of which are zoonotic diseases. However, nearly no research has been done on determining defects in the immune cell population of dolphins, especially Dendritic Cells DCs that are essential for initiating an immune response. Hypothesis: We hypothesize phenotypic and functional differences in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells PBMC, including DC precursors, of wild dolphins as compared to managed dolphins. Methods: Specifically in this study, we have used terrestrial-specific antibodies and growth factors to characterize immune cells in PBMC and to generate monocyte-derived DCs. Results: We have identified cross-reactive terrestrial antibodies that could detect immune cell subsets within PBMC, including B cells, T cells, NK cells, monocytes and APCs. Interestingly, using these antibodies we found significant changes in immune cell subsets within PBMC of wild and managed dolphins. Finally among the terrestrial DC growth factors tested we found rat GM-CSF and IL-4 generated DCs expressing higher levels of CD11c, CD14, CD40, CD80, CD86, MHC I and MHC II. Conclusion: Our findings allow us to further study defects in the immune cells, especially DCs, in response to environmental contaminants.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005137
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Is Reflective Functioning a Mediating Factor in Secure Relationships between Parents and Children and can it prevent juvenile crime?.
Creator: Boklaga, Susan, Frain, Michael, Graduate College, Jones, Nancy Aaron
Abstract/Description: Memories of early relationships and attachments are coded into the brain as an internal working model These models include expectations, appraisals, and rules for processing or excluding information that remain throughout development. The process is also known as Mentalization and involves the child developing the capacity to correctly interpret the behavioral cues of others through use of reflective functioning. Children with secure attachments develop the capacity to mentalize and develop...
Show moreMemories of early relationships and attachments are coded into the brain as an internal working model These models include expectations, appraisals, and rules for processing or excluding information that remain throughout development. The process is also known as Mentalization and involves the child developing the capacity to correctly interpret the behavioral cues of others through use of reflective functioning. Children with secure attachments develop the capacity to mentalize and develop minimal psychopathology that follows them into adulthood. Insecure attachments in children are consequential due to the parent’s failure to incorporate their own reflective functioning capabilities into their child rearing practices which results in ineffective parenting.
Possible consequential long term effects include: child and adult psychopathology, learning difficulties, and overall societal decline as children repeat the negative trajectories of their parents due to the failure of the parent and child to effectively use their reflective functioning abilities. These children are high risk to develop adult personality disorders, particularly Borderline Personality Disorder

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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005138
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Sea Level Rise Misconceptions in Broward County, FL.
Creator: Bolter, Keren P., Hindle, Tobin, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: Global climate change stressors downscale to specific local vulnerabilities, thus requiring tailored adaptation strategies. Southeast Florida is uniquely vulnerable in terms of exposure to sea level rise due to low-lying porous limestone geology, high-valued coastal properties, treasured ecosystems, and dense populations at risk. Coastal populations are particularly at risk due to erosion, inundation and storm surge, but interior populations are also susceptible to rising water tables and...
Show moreGlobal climate change stressors downscale to specific local vulnerabilities, thus requiring tailored adaptation strategies. Southeast Florida is uniquely vulnerable in terms of exposure to sea level rise due to low-lying porous limestone geology, high-valued coastal properties, treasured ecosystems, and dense populations at risk. Coastal populations are particularly at risk due to erosion, inundation and storm surge, but interior populations are also susceptible to rising water tables and extended periods of inundation amplified by SLR. Robust SLR adaptation options require significant economic costs that people may not be willing to pay for if they do not understand their real risk. If perceived risk does not adequately line up with actual risk, the necessary strategies may not be implemented.
This study aims to compare perceived risk to actual risk to sea level rise in Broward County, FL. Perceived risk of residents, measured via an online survey, was layered over actual risk in terms of flooding, storm surge, and loss of property. Using GIS, a coastal vulnerability index was constructed for the actual risk, and principal component analysis identified the key factors influencing perceived risk. Results show where risk is underestimated, realistic, or overestimated, quantified both spatially and demographically. The concerns of residents are misaligned with the true vulnerability on many impacts, while others were very accurately understood. There are many opportunities for resilience that require preparation and adaptation. The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging that it exists. Where should outreach be targeted for increasing awareness?
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005139
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Overactive Behavior, Peer Rejection, and Interactive Play in Head Start Preschoolers School Readiness Moderates Social Outcomes.
Creator: Bortman, Gilly, Laursen, Brett, Graduate College, Bulotsky-Shearer, Rebecca J.
Abstract/Description: Theorists and researchers have emphasized the importance of interactive peer play for children’s social-emotional and cognitive development. Children from low socioeconomic backgrounds are at increased risk for social-emotional and cognitive difficulties. Therefore, it is important to determine the causes of interactive peer play, particularly in a high-risk sample of Head Start preschoolers. Overactive behavior at the beginning of the preschool year has been shown to negatively predict...
Show moreTheorists and researchers have emphasized the importance of interactive peer play for children’s social-emotional and cognitive development. Children from low socioeconomic backgrounds are at increased risk for social-emotional and cognitive difficulties. Therefore, it is important to determine the causes of interactive peer play, particularly in a high-risk sample of Head Start preschoolers. Overactive behavior at the beginning of the preschool year has been shown to negatively predict changes in interactive play between the beginning and end of the preschool year. However, possible mechanisms of this association have been underexplored. The main purpose of this study will be to determine whether peer rejection mediates the association between overactive behavior and changes in interactive play and whether mediation is conditional on children’s school readiness. If it is found that moderated mediation exists for overactive children with low school readiness, children who present both of these characteristics at the beginning of the preschool year should be provided with preventative support.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005140
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Human/Non-Human Primate Interface in Dania Beach, Florida.
Creator: Broemel, Erin T., Williams, Deborah, Graduate College, Detwiler, Kate M.
Abstract/Description: The frequency of interactions between humans and non-human primates has risen in past decades due to the loss of primate habitat. Many primates now live within human habitats, raising questions about how humans interact with and affect primates. Dania Beach, Florida provides an unusual opportunity to study the dynamics of human interactions with a population of introduced primates. We examined the effect of human behavior on three groups of green vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus, through...
Show moreThe frequency of interactions between humans and non-human primates has risen in past decades due to the loss of primate habitat. Many primates now live within human habitats, raising questions about how humans interact with and affect primates. Dania Beach, Florida provides an unusual opportunity to study the dynamics of human interactions with a population of introduced primates. We examined the effect of human behavior on three groups of green vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus, through behavioral observations conducted from January-February 2014. North Group A, located on business property, is provisioned 3x daily with nutrient dense fruits and nuts. These monkeys are habituated to human presence and appear to benefit from positive interactions with humans. North Group B, located within mangrove forest near businesses, is provisioned 2x daily with fruits, and restaurant food 2x weekly. This group is less habituated than North Group A, and avoids human contact outside of provisioning. In contrast, South Group C is situated within a residential area and has a history of being trapped since 1993. They are minimally provisioned, and rely on human food items from trash. South Group C exhibits defensive and aggressive behaviors towards humans. These results suggest that primates living in this group experience a negative human relationship, which may lead to an increase in stress levels. Additional exploration into the Dania Beach human/non-human primate interface is required to better understand the potential link between negative human interactions and primate proximity to residential areas.

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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005141
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Evolution of Brand Strategy.
Creator: Cherniavsky, Vanessa, Jolly, Ishraaj, Graduate College, Smith, Allen E.
Abstract/Description: This paper is an exploration of how the definition of an experience has changed over time and the impact this change has had on experiential marketing and branding. In the literature, there are numerous implications as to what this morphing definition means to businesses and how businesses should react in order to stay competitive in a society that is hyper stimulated. Research into what defines an experience and the impact this definition has on business is vital because in order for...
Show moreThis paper is an exploration of how the definition of an experience has changed over time and the impact this change has had on experiential marketing and branding. In the literature, there are numerous implications as to what this morphing definition means to businesses and how businesses should react in order to stay competitive in a society that is hyper stimulated. Research into what defines an experience and the impact this definition has on business is vital because in order for businesses to offer innovative experiences they need to understand what an experience is and the role it plays in the success of their organization. Furthermore, a deep understanding of what comprises an experience and how to manipulate those elements to create a unique and targeted experience are tools a company could use to reinvent itself, change its brand meaning, and rewrite its marketing strategy.
The evolution of marketing and branding has taken an exponential leap since technology changed the way society functions. A wide breadth of literature is dedicated to virtual experiences and internet based branding and marketing advances. In addition to virtual experiences, this paper will also explore the success of experience based brands such as Disney and Lexus. The implications of this success have gone beyond name brands and into niche markets. Finally, the paper will explore the implications these findings have for managers. Our hypothesis is that marketing and delivering a complete experience is more vital in the modern business world than it used to be.

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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005142
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of the Relationship Enhancement® Program on Social Skills, Empathy and Social Support for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Creator: Cunningham, Ali, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: An important area of research is emerging for adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders ASD with respect to the challenges they face in their social relationships. Social relationships include those that are romantic in nature such as dating, cohabitation and marriage. Researchers suggest that engaging in a healthy and happy romantic relationship has many physical and mental health benefits that contribute to improved quality of life. This study used a quasi-experimental group design to...
Show moreAn important area of research is emerging for adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders ASD with respect to the challenges they face in their social relationships. Social relationships include those that are romantic in nature such as dating, cohabitation and marriage. Researchers suggest that engaging in a healthy and happy romantic relationship has many physical and mental health benefits that contribute to improved quality of life. This study used a quasi-experimental group design to explore the effects of psychoeducation for adults with ASD. Study participants were assigned to one of two group conditions. One group received the Relationship Enhancement®RE program and the other received RE with supplements targeting specific social skills. Social skills, empathy and social support were measured pre and post intervention for participants both within and between groups.
Significant differences were found in the assessment of participants in both groups, as measured by t-tests and effect sizes in the variables of social skills t37-2.28-2.72, p.028-.029, η2.122 and empathy t37-2.31, p.027, η2.123. These differences indicate that all participants, in both groups improved in social skills and empathy from pre to post treatment. No significant differences were found among all group participants for the variable of social support. There were no significant differences between groups for the three variables measured p0.05. Overall, these results provide support for the use of RE and the targeted supplements to increase social skills and empathy among adults with ASD who are interested in engaging in romantic relationships.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005143
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Environmental Restoration and Water Circulation Improvement of the Guachinanga Channel, San Jose Lagoon, PR.
Creator: Dougherty, Rebecca R., Hague, Erin, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: Urbanization has increased over the last 50+ years around the San José Lagoon, San Juan, Puerto Rico significantly degrading the Lagoon’s ecosystem. The nutrient and sediment loading has caused excessive vegetative growth along the Caño Martín Peña and Guachinanga Channel due to encroachment of infrastructure along the banks of the eastern portion of the river combined with increased nutrient and sediment loading from untreated sewage and stormwater runoff. This has resulted in decreased...
Show moreUrbanization has increased over the last 50+ years around the San José Lagoon, San Juan, Puerto Rico significantly degrading the Lagoon’s ecosystem. The nutrient and sediment loading has caused excessive vegetative growth along the Caño Martín Peña and Guachinanga Channel due to encroachment of infrastructure along the banks of the eastern portion of the river combined with increased nutrient and sediment loading from untreated sewage and stormwater runoff. This has resulted in decreased tidal exchange between San Juan Bay and San José Lagoon, and around Guachinanga Islet. The restoration plan seeks to 1) restore the habitat on Guachinanga Islet by removing a vegetated land bridge used by non-native species that access the Islet and potentially impact native populations, and 2) improve water quality by removing sediment, debris and vegetation to allow flushing in the Guachinanga Channel, around the Islet and adjacent Caño Martín Peña 3) dispose of the comprised dredged resources in a beneficial use manner. An innovative dredge process seeks to address the logistical challenges of the project area. The resulting beneficial use skate and recreational park seeks partnering opportunities of the various social, ecological and health initiatives of the adjacent Caño Martín Peña restoration plan.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005144
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparative survey of hemoparasites in two south Florida gopher tortoise populations.
Creator: Elhassani, Dana, Caruso, Joseph P., Graduate College, Frazier, Evelyn
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened keystone species of the Southeastern United States. Increasing urban encroachment and tortoise translocation increases the risk of disease transmission. Prior work at Florida Atlantic University suggested resident gopher tortoises had high tick burdens. To investigate ticks as potential disease vectors, two sites were examined. The Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP); managed by mowing and herbicides and Jonathan Dickinson...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened keystone species of the Southeastern United States. Increasing urban encroachment and tortoise translocation increases the risk of disease transmission. Prior work at Florida Atlantic University suggested resident gopher tortoises had high tick burdens. To investigate ticks as potential disease vectors, two sites were examined. The Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP); managed by mowing and herbicides and Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP); managed by fire. We hypothesized that gopher tortoises in the FAUP will be infected by heavier hemoparasite loads, potentially causing anemia, when compared to JDSP. To detect hemoparasites, blood was collected from tortoises at FAUP and JDSP. Blood smears revealed intracellular parasites and inclusions at both sites. Packed cell volumes were done to assess whether tortoises were anemic; results found tortoises were not anemic during that sampling period. This study will provide baseline data for blood-borne infections in two south Florida gopher tortoise populations.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005145
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Sparse Representation Classification of Dolphin Whistles Using Gabor Wavelets.
Creator: Esfahanian, Mahdi, Zhuang, Hanqi, Graduate College, Erdol, Nurgun
Abstract/Description: This research presents a novel approach to categorize dolphin whistles into various types. Most accurate methods to identify dolphin whistles are tedious and not robust, especially in the presence of ocean noise. One of the biggest challenges of dolphin whistle extraction is the coexistence of short-time duration wide-band echo clicks with the whistles. In this research, a subspace of select orientation parameters of the 2D Gabor wavelet frames is utilized to enhance or suppress signals by...
Show moreThis research presents a novel approach to categorize dolphin whistles into various types. Most accurate methods to identify dolphin whistles are tedious and not robust, especially in the presence of ocean noise. One of the biggest challenges of dolphin whistle extraction is the coexistence of short-time duration wide-band echo clicks with the whistles. In this research, a subspace of select orientation parameters of the 2D Gabor wavelet frames is utilized to enhance or suppress signals by their orientation. The result is a Gabor image that contains a noise free grayscale representation of the fundamental dolphin whistle which is resampled and fed into the Sparse Representation Classifier. The classifier uses the l1 norm to select a match. Experimental studies conducted demonstrate: a a robust technique based on the Gabor wavelet filters in extracting reliable call patterns, and b the superior performance of Sparse Representation Classifier for identifying dolphin whistles by their call type.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005146
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mutations of Cardiac Troponin I cause Restrictive Cardiomyopathy; is cTnI N-terminal deletion an effective rescuing approach ?.
Creator: Getfield, Cecile A., Nan, Changlong, Graduate College, Huang, Xupei
Abstract/Description: Cardiomyopathy is a disorder which affects the heart muscle and causes varied physiological dysfunctions. Restrictive cardiomyopathy RCM is a cardiac muscle disorder in which the left ventricle becomes stiff, due to relaxation impairment. Mutations of the sarcomeric protein cardiac troponin I cTnI gene is found to cause idiopathic RCM. These mutations of cTnI are located in the C-terminus and affect cardiac relaxation. Transgenic mouse models presenting the pathology observed in clinical...
Show moreCardiomyopathy is a disorder which affects the heart muscle and causes varied physiological dysfunctions. Restrictive cardiomyopathy RCM is a cardiac muscle disorder in which the left ventricle becomes stiff, due to relaxation impairment. Mutations of the sarcomeric protein cardiac troponin I cTnI gene is found to cause idiopathic RCM. These mutations of cTnI are located in the C-terminus and affect cardiac relaxation. Transgenic mouse models presenting the pathology observed in clinical patients with RCM have been generated by expressing the mutant cTnI in the heart. RCM-linked mutations increase cardiac myofilament Ca2 sensitivity and promote diastolic dysfunction in the heart. In our laboratory, we have generated double transgenic mice cTnI R193H/ND/KO by crossing the cTnI R193H mice with transgenic cTnI-N terminal truncated mice cTnI-ND. Previous studies using the double transgenic mice showed that ventricular relaxation is enhanced in these mice. This study’s aim is to investigate whether or not the cardiac troponin I N-terminal deletion cTnI-ND corrects the debilitating effects caused by the cTnI R193H high expression in the heart. In doing so, we have first confirmed the genetypes of each experimental group. Echocardiography measurements have been performed on the animals at age 19-21 days. Our data indicate that cTnI R193H/KO showed a significant diastolic dysfunction, whereas the cardiac function in double transgenic mice did not show any difference compared to that in the wild type group, suggesting a functional correction by cTnI-ND in RCM phenotype.

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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005147
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development of an assay system to study Id1, Id2, and Twist transcriptional regulation.
Creator: Ho, Joyce, Munoz, Anna E., Graduate College, Glackin, Carlotta A., Sharp, Sandra B.
Abstract/Description: The helix-loop-helix proteins Id1 and Id2 and the basic HLH transcription factor Twist contribute to the regulation of cell growth and differentiation, and abnormal expression has been correlated with different cancers. Understanding the regulation of their expression may provide insight into their roles in normal and deregulated cell growth and development. This project aimed to develop a luciferase reporter assay system to study transcriptional regulation of Id1, Id2, and Twist in various...
Show moreThe helix-loop-helix proteins Id1 and Id2 and the basic HLH transcription factor Twist contribute to the regulation of cell growth and differentiation, and abnormal expression has been correlated with different cancers. Understanding the regulation of their expression may provide insight into their roles in normal and deregulated cell growth and development. This project aimed to develop a luciferase reporter assay system to study transcriptional regulation of Id1, Id2, and Twist in various cell lines. Upstream regions for each gene were selected based on sequences conserved across several species, and cloned into a luciferase reporter vector. Id1, Id2, and Twist promoter activity was compared to mRNA accumulation from the corresponding endogenous genes in human breast cancer cell lines BT 549, MCF7, and MDA MB231, and human embryonic kidney cell line HEK 293. Promoter activity and mRNA accumulation were congruent for only some genes in some cell lines. Additional regulatory sequences outside of the cloned regions may be required in some cell lines or regulatory conditions, or transcription vs. degradation rates may differ in different lines. The reporter constructs can be used for studies to determine the contribution of specific sequences and their binding proteins to differences in promoter activity between normal and abnormal cell lines. Such studies should provide insight into the potential roles of these genes in both normal and deregulated cell growth and development.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005148
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A conserved cysteine framework of toxins from Viola tricolor and Conus brunneus characterized in the Drosophila melanogaster Giant Fiber System.
Creator: Hoggard, Mickelene F., Mari, Frank, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: Conotoxins are disulfide rich peptides present in the venom of cone snails, a genus of marine mollusks that prey upon fish, worms, and other mollusks. Conotoxins are promising drugs leads with great prospects in the treatment of diseases and disorders such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Similar compounds can be found in plants; for example, cyclotides, which are cyclic peptides isolated from the Violaceae violet, Rubiaceae coffee, and...
Show moreConotoxins are disulfide rich peptides present in the venom of cone snails, a genus of marine mollusks that prey upon fish, worms, and other mollusks. Conotoxins are promising drugs leads with great prospects in the treatment of diseases and disorders such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Similar compounds can be found in plants; for example, cyclotides, which are cyclic peptides isolated from the Violaceae violet, Rubiaceae coffee, and Cucurbitaceae cucurbit families and they have a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-HIV, uterotonic, and antimicrobial. Cyclotides have a cyclic cysteine knot motif characterized by a cyclic backbone and six conserved cysteine residues that form the three disulfide bridges of the “knot”. This motif provides cyclotides with superior stability against thermal, chemical, and enzymatic degradation; marking them as potential frameworks for peptide drug delivery. Cysteine framework IX conotoxins C-C-C-CXC-C, isolated from the venom of Conus brunneus, contain the same cysteine framework, homologous sequences, and similar 3D structures to cyclotides. Presented are details on the isolation of these conotoxins and cyclotides, from Viola tricolor, and the characterization of their activity in the Drosophila melanogaster Giant Fiber System GFS, which contains GAP, acetylcholine, and glutamate synapses.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005149
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An identification and comparison of intestinal parasites found within Gopherus polyphemus at two differing Southeastern Florida habitats.
Creator: Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Graduate College, Caruso, Joseph P.
Abstract/Description: Gopherus polyphemus is a keystone terrestrial reptile, currently threatened in Florida due to habitat destruction. Overcrowded populations are associated with higher infectious disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite growing evidence they may pose significant health risks. There is a large gopher tortoise population in the fragmented, poorly maintained Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP). A separate Martin County population is...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus is a keystone terrestrial reptile, currently threatened in Florida due to habitat destruction. Overcrowded populations are associated with higher infectious disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite growing evidence they may pose significant health risks. There is a large gopher tortoise population in the fragmented, poorly maintained Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP). A separate Martin County population is at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP) in a higher quality habitat. We hypothesized there would be higher intestinal parasite loads in FAUP tortoises than JDSP tortoises, due to overcrowding. Several methods were used to determine parasite species and infection intensities. Fecal flotations revealed moderate to high Strongyle and Hookworm intensities in FAUP tortoises; in contrast, low Hookworm and moderate Strongyle intensities were seen in JDSP tortoises. Comparing infection intensities to degree of crowding is important to optimize management strategies of these threatened species.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005150
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Age-dependent Neurodegeneration.
Creator: Jia, Kailiang, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: The probability of humans developing neurodegenerative diseases increases as one ages. So the purpose of this study is to use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a genetic model for determining if they develop age-dependent neuronal changes.
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005151
Format: Document (PDF)

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