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- 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
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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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005137
- 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
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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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005150
- 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
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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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005145
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Integrated Modeling Approach for Energy Alternatives and Green House Gas Mitigation Assessment in the State of Florida.
- Creator
- Thakkar, Kuntal, Ghenai, Chaouki, Graduate College
- Abstract/Description
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The International Panel on Climate Change IPCC suggests that by the end of the year 2050, the overall GHG emission has to be reduced by 50-80 of the emission level of year 2000. At the same time to meet the energy demand worldwide the energy supplies must double by 2050 World Energy Council. This research proposed a methodology to mitigate the climate change problems and to reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources through an integrated modeling approach.
An integrated modeling tool...
Show moreThe International Panel on Climate Change IPCC suggests that by the end of the year 2050, the overall GHG emission has to be reduced by 50-80 of the emission level of year 2000. At the same time to meet the energy demand worldwide the energy supplies must double by 2050 World Energy Council. This research proposed a methodology to mitigate the climate change problems and to reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources through an integrated modeling approach.
An integrated modeling tool was used in this study to 1 track energy consumption, production, and resource extraction, 2 track greenhouse gases emissions and 3 analyze emissions for local and regional air pollutions.
The model was used in this study for short and long term energy and GHG emissions reduction analysis for the state of Florida. The integrated modeling methodology will help to evaluate the alternative energy scenarios and examine emissions-reduction strategies.
The mitigation scenarios have been designed to describe the future energy strategies. They consist of various demand and supply side scenarios.
One of the GHG mitigation scenarios is crafted by taking into account the available renewable resources potential for power generation in the state of Florida to compare and analyze the GHG reduction measure against “Business As Usual” and “Florida State Policy” scenario.
Two more “integrated” scenarios, “Electrification” and “Efficiency and Lifestyle” are crafted through combination of various mitigation scenarios to assess the cumulative impact of the reduction measures such as technological changes and energy efficiency and conservation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005170
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Quantum isotropy and dynamical quantum symmetry reduction.
- Creator
- Hogan, Matthew, Beetle, Christopher, Engle, Jonathan S., Graduate College, Mendonca, P.
- Abstract/Description
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We give a diffeomorphism and gauge covariant condition equivalent to homogeneity and isotropy which can be quantized, yielding a definition of a diffeomorphism-invariant, homogeneous isotropic sector of loop quantum gravity without fixing a graph. We then specialize this condition to Bianchi I cosmologies, in which case it becomes a condition for isotropy. We show how, by quantizing and imposing this condition in Bianchi I loop quantum cosmology, one exactly recovers isotropic loop quantum...
Show moreWe give a diffeomorphism and gauge covariant condition equivalent to homogeneity and isotropy which can be quantized, yielding a definition of a diffeomorphism-invariant, homogeneous isotropic sector of loop quantum gravity without fixing a graph. We then specialize this condition to Bianchi I cosmologies, in which case it becomes a condition for isotropy. We show how, by quantizing and imposing this condition in Bianchi I loop quantum cosmology, one exactly recovers isotropic loop quantum cosmology, including the usual ‘improved dynamics.’ We will also discuss how this reduction sheds light on which operator ordering to use when defining operators corresponding to directional Hubble rates, expansion, and shear quantities relevant for discussing the resolution of the initial singularity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005821
- 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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005135
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Fire ants in sea-turtle nesting areas: A distribution survey of invasive ants in Boca Raton, FL.
- Creator
- Romais, Danielle K., Wetterer, James K., Markwith, Scott, Graduate College
- Abstract/Description
-
The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is native to South America and was introduced to Alabama in the 1930s. This predatory species rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, causing serious ecological and economic impacts. Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants also swarm into sea turtle nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. This study is part of a...
Show moreThe red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is native to South America and was introduced to Alabama in the 1930s. This predatory species rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, causing serious ecological and economic impacts. Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants also swarm into sea turtle nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. This study is part of a larger research that aimed to survey the distribution of ants at a sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida and St. Croix, USVI. This particular study was conducted in Boca Raton, Florida. Besides providing a baseline dataset on ant species distribution in the area, this study also aimed at validating the survey methodology by finding consistency in the distribution over multiple days surveyed. The results indicate that, although more detailed surveys would produce more thorough results, we can state that the methodology is consistent in determining species distribution.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005851
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- N-terminal truncated cardiac TnI improves cardiac function in vivo and rescues restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Creator
- Jean-Charles, Pierre-Yves, Li, Yuejin, Nan, Changlong, Chen, Guozhen, Feng, H., Huang, Xupei, Jin, J.P., Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2011-04-08
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164515
- Subject Headings
- Cardiac arrest, Troponin --diagnostic use, Transgenic mice
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Land of Contrast: Osteological Analysis of Human Remains From Salango, Ecuador and a Comparison of Paleopathologies Between Coastal and Highland Sites in Ecuador.
- Creator
- Van Voorhis, Laura, Broadfield, Douglas C., Graduate College, Martinez, Valentina L.
- Abstract/Description
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New data on human skeletal remains from Site 35 in Salango, Ecuador is combined with existing data presented by Jastremski 2006 to compile a more comprehensive report about the health conditions of the people from this locale. Site 35, which is associated with the Manteno culture that flourished in the Integration period from A.D. 500 – 1532, has been determined to comprise a singular population that is represented by a minimum of 27 individuals.
In addition to more comprehensive conclusions...
Show moreNew data on human skeletal remains from Site 35 in Salango, Ecuador is combined with existing data presented by Jastremski 2006 to compile a more comprehensive report about the health conditions of the people from this locale. Site 35, which is associated with the Manteno culture that flourished in the Integration period from A.D. 500 – 1532, has been determined to comprise a singular population that is represented by a minimum of 27 individuals.
In addition to more comprehensive conclusions about Site 35, this thesis uses the compiled data from Site 35 in an extended comparison of health among prehistoric sites from six additional sites to observe general trends over time and across geography. Through an in-depth analysis of six distinct health traits, it can be concluded that the most dramatic trend observed across time was a decline in the overall quality of health.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005171
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Dose-dependent arrhythmia and cardiac dysfunction in restrictive cardiomyopathy mice due to troponin mutations.
- Creator
- Li, Yuejin, Jean-Charles, Pierre-Yves, Nan, Changlong, Chen, Guozhen, Graduate College, Huang, Xupei
- Date Issued
- 2011-04-08
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164611
- Subject Headings
- Arrhythmia --drug therapy, Heart failure, Proteomics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- New paternity analyses may confound current population models for loggerhead sea turtles (caretta caretta).
- Creator
- Lasala, Jacob, Harrison, J. S., Williams, K., Frick, M, Rostal, D. C., Wyneken, Jeanette, Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-12
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361944
- Subject Headings
- Loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, Polyandry, Population Dynamics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Climate change impacts on the secondary metabolite production in Caribbean coral reef sponges.
- Creator
- Vansach, Tifanie, Duckworth, Alan R., Hard, M., Stubler, A., West, Lyndon, Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2011-04-08
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164802
- Subject Headings
- Climatic changes --Environmental aspects, Metabolism, Sponges --Caribbean Sea
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Diet and foraging ecology of diamondback terrapins (malaclemys terrapin) in Everglades National Park, FL.
- Creator
- Denton, Mathew, Demopoulos, Amanda W. J., Hart, Kristen, Oleinik, Anton E., Baldwin, John D., Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-12
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361924
- Subject Headings
- Diamondback terrapin--Ecology--United States, Malaclemys terrapin, Everglades National Park (Fla.)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Neurodynamic predictions of musical tonality.
- Creator
- Flaig, Nicole, Kim, Ji Chul, Krumhansl, Carol, Large, Edward W., Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-12
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361928
- Subject Headings
- Music, Tonality, Complex systems and interdisciplinary science
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Berth scheduling in container terminals: a proactive approach to address uncertainties in arrival and handling times.
- Creator
- Portal Palomo, Maria I., Ghenai, Chaouki, Kaisar, Evangelos I., Golias, M. M., Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-12
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361341
- Subject Headings
- Container terminals, Container terminals Management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in vivo substrates in left ventricle remodeling process.
- Creator
- Tokmina-Roszyk, Dorota, Iyer, R.P., Lindsey, M.L., Graduate College, Fields, Gregg B.
- Abstract/Description
-
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 MMP-9 is involved in the early stages of wound healing, including the inflammatory reaction that follows myocardial infarction and neovascularization. However, its overexpression in the infarct zone leads to deleterious effects. Understanding MMP-9 function and modulation of its activity provides an opportunity to prevent excessive remodeling of the left ventricle. To assess the role of MMP-9 in remodeling process we employed a broad search of in vivo substrates....
Show moreMatrix metalloproteinase-9 MMP-9 is involved in the early stages of wound healing, including the inflammatory reaction that follows myocardial infarction and neovascularization. However, its overexpression in the infarct zone leads to deleterious effects. Understanding MMP-9 function and modulation of its activity provides an opportunity to prevent excessive remodeling of the left ventricle. To assess the role of MMP-9 in remodeling process we employed a broad search of in vivo substrates. Based on comparative analysis of MMP-9 null and wild type mice, several peptides mimicking putative substrates were synthesized. The cleavage sites in the substrates were identified using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Peptide mapping studies revealed MMP-9 cleavage sites in several proteins, potential biomarkers of excessive remodeling. Specifically, osteopontin, thrombospondin and C-terminal telopeptide regions of type I collagen were susceptible to proteolysis by MMP-9. The best target for MMP-9 was fibronectin, which has multiple cleavage sites in its sequence. In addition to in vivo substrate screening, a selective triple-helical peptide inhibitor MMP- 9i has been designed, synthesized, and utilized as an MMP-9 probe. The sequence of inhibitor was derived from the known MMP-9 substrate type V collagen. In the MMP-9i construct, the G~V scissile bond has been replaced with phosphinate moiety that mimics the transition state of hydrolysis but cannot be cleaved. MMP-9i's effect on MMP-9 activity in serum was tested in a mouse model. The administration of MMP-9i resulted in 30 loss of MMP-9 activity suggesting that MMP-9i can be utilized to regulate activity of MMP-9 in vivo.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005917
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Visual wavelength discrimination by the loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta.
- Creator
- Young, Morgan, Salmon, Michael, Forward, Richard B., Jr., Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2011-04-08
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164729
- Subject Headings
- Loggerhead turtle, Spectral sensitivity, Phototaxis
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The effects of POSS surface treatment on the interlaminar property of marine composites.
- Creator
- Powell, Felicia M., Granata, Richard D., Hosur, Mahesh, Mahfuz, Hassan, Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2011-04-08
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164682
- Subject Headings
- Composite materials --Delamination, Fibrous composites, Polymers --Effect of radiation on
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Systems Identification and Control of an Autonomous Amphibious Vehicle: Experimental Testing & Control Model Validation for an Autonomous Cargo Transport Navy Vehicle.
- Creator
- Marquardt, Joseph G., von Ellenrieder, Karl, Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2011-04-08
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3172438
- Subject Headings
- Motor vehicles, Amphibious--United States, Water waves, Sea-power --United States
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Using clusters of population vulnerability to determine hurricane shelter locations a GIS based investigation of Broward county Florida.
- Creator
- Prasad, Shivangi, Esnard, Ann-Margaret, Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2011-04-08
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164766
- Subject Headings
- Hurricane protection, Geographic information systems, Broward County (Fla.) --Population
- Format
- Document (PDF)