fas-online abstracts 2015

Abstracts of the 78th Annual Meeting of the Florida Academy of Sciences Indian River State College-Fort Pierce, Florida

7-8 March 2014 Copyright © 2014 Florida Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved

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This document is an edited version of the FAS 2014 Program Book. All abstracts will be published in a supplemental issue of the 2014 Florida Scientist (Volume 77, Supp. 1), and will also be posted on the FAS abstracts website found at www.floridaacademyofsciences.org. Send questions or comments to Kelli Zargiel, FAS Program Chair ([email protected])

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AUTHOR INDEX . . . . . . . . 51

PLE: Plenary Address . . . . . . . . 1

BNQ: Banquet Addresses . . . . . . . 2

AGR: Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources . . . . . 2

AOS: Atmospheric & Oceanographic Sciences . . . . . 7

BIO: Biological Sciences . . . . . . . . 11

CMS: Computer/Mathematical Sciences . . . . . . 33

ENG: Engineering Sciences . . . . . . . 36

ENV: Environmental Chemistry & Chemical Sciences . . . . 36

MED: Medical Sciences . . . . . . . . 40

PSS: Physics & Space Sciences . . . . . . . 44

RES: Florida Committee on Rare and Endangered Species . . . . 45

TCH: Science Teaching . . . . . . . . 46

SOC: Social Sciences . . . . . . . . 48

URB: Urban and Regional Planning . . . . . . 48

Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . 49

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PLENARY ADDRESS PLE-01 Helping Scientists Share: How Do We Change the Culture of Science Presentations? R. TANKERSLEY, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology. 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne Florida, 32901.Scientists aren’t known for their ability to captivate audiences. But, it’s not their fault! Scientists receive extensive training in “doing science”, not “sharing science”. Thus, within academia and the research community, there is a growing interest in improving the communication skills of scientists, especially their ability to communicate the substance and importance of research to general audiences. What is needed to change the culture of science presentations? How can we better prepare scientist to design and deliver presentations that engage audiences and communicate science concepts more clearly? How do we make “sharing science” an integral part of the education and training scientists receive? The presentation will highlight recent efforts by Florida’s Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE Florida) to transform scientists’ communication practices and to provide opportunities for scientists to connect with different audiences and broaden the impact of their research.



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BANQUET ADDRESS BNQ-01 Converting Inedible Biomass into Fuel Ethanol and Chemicals. LONNIE O. INGRAM, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Box 110700, Gainesville, FL 32611. Inedible, woody biomass (lignocellulose) biomass represents a potential source of carbohydrates (cellulose and hemicellulose) for microbial fermentation into fuels and chemicals for plastics. Steam pretreatment with dilute mineral acids serves as an efficient approach to depolymerize hemicellulose and enhance cellulose digestion with enzymes. However, side products (furfural, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, acetate, phenolics, and others) formed during pretreatment inhibit microbial growth and retard fermentation. Potential engineering solutions to this problem (separation of hemicellulose hydrolysate, counter-current-washing of fibers, and mitigation of toxins) add complexity and increase cost. The level of inhibitors produced during acid pretreatment is affected by the severity of conditions and the choice of acid. Weaker acids such as phosphoric acid produce lower levels of toxic side products and reduce the need for exotic metal alloys. Since mineral acids are not consumed by the pretreatment process, the higher cost of phosphoric acid as compared to sulfuric acid could be offset in part by recovery and reuse as a dilute fertilizer when crops are nearby. Recent progress has been made in the development of more robust E. coli-based biocatalyst with increased resistance to dilute acid hydrolysates. Using this biocatalyst and phosphoric acid pretreatment, we have been able to co-ferment sugarcane bagasse hemicellulose hydrolysate and enzyme-hydrolyzed cellulose in a single vessel using a variation of the simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation process (SScF). Hexose and pentose sugars from phosphoric acid pretreated sugarcane bagasse were fermented in a single vessel, eliminating process steps for solid–liquid separation and sugar cleanup. After pretreatment, a liquefaction step (L) with cellulase enzymes was included to improve mixing and saccharification (L + SScF), analogous to a corn ethanol process. Bagasse slurries containing 10% and 14% dry weight (fiber plus solubles) were tested using pretreatment temperatures of 160–190 C (1% phosphoric acid, 10 min). Enzymatic saccharification and inhibitor production both increased with pretreatment temperature. The highest yield (0.27 g ethanol/g dry bagasse) was 82 gal ethanol per dry ton of bagasse using this L+SScF process. This process is currently being scaled up in the UF Stan Mayfield Biorefinery Pilot Plant in collaboration with Buckeye Technologies (Ga Pacific).

AGR = AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES AGR-01 Ant Lions: A tool for teaching middle-grades biology. D.A. PICK (1), S.P.ARTHURS (2), and P.B.AVERY (1). (1) Division of Plant Industry, University of Florida, Ft. Pierce, FL, 34945. (2) Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Apopka, FL, 32703. A framework for using ant lions to teach elementary through high-school biology, and how to avoid possible pitfalls is introduced. When used as a traditional biology lab the goals of this experiment are to: 1) observe and consider the feeding habits of ant lions in context of behavioral ecology and entomology, 2) learn about predator based biological control 3) learn how environmental conditions change the behavior of their inhabitants by examining the relationship between soil density and the critical angle of repose, and 4) have students gain hands-on experience with experimental design. Advantages of using ant lions are their relative ease of acquisition, and that they do not require IRB approval for experimentation because they are an invertebrate life form. The striking geometry of the conical ant lion pits easily leads to discussions about radius, diameter, and π producing a healthy association of biology with sound mathematical measurement and calculation. In upper grades, ant lion labs can be used to teach hypothesis testing and chi-square analysis. Teaching experimental design and the scientific method is facilitated by the easy to see samples, replicates, treatments, and trials of this hands-on lab. AGR-02 Tropical Sod Webworm Herpetogramma phaeopteralis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). N. TOFANGSAZI (1), R.H. CHERRY (2) and S.P. ARTHURS (1). (1) Mid Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Apopka, FL 32703.(2) Everglades Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Belle Glade, FL 33430. Herpetogramma phaeopteralis is an important turfgrass pest in Florida and there is a need for effective alternative management strategies. We evaluated larval development on five artificial diets and at six temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 32.5, 35 ± 1˚C) on St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze). Only larvae fed St. Augustine grass and soy-wheat germ diets completed their lifecycles. Two linear (common and second order polynomial) and three nonlinear (Briere-1, Briere-2, and Lactin-2) models were used to explain the relationship between temperature and e and H. phaeopteralis development. We also investigated the use of microbial control agents, entomopathogenic nematodes, as potential tools to manage the damaging larval stages of H. phaeopteralis. We evaluated the pathogenicity of Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. megidis and H. indica against different larval sizes of tropical sod webworm. All nematode species were pathogenic to H. phaeopteralis in the laboratory, but S. carpocapsae caused the highest mortality.



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Insecticides are commonly used against a wide range of turfpests, including H. phaeopteralis. However limited information is available on relative toxicity of current insecticides against this pest. We evaluated lethal and residual activity of chemical compounds amongst several classes against H. phaeopteralis larvae in the laboratory and field conditions. Understanding the seasonal biology of this species is critical for timing pesticide or bio-insecticide applications and for developing a successful IPM program. Therefore, the final research objective is to identify the sex pheromone of H. phaeopteralis.

AGR-03 Performance of Chrysoperla rufilabris Burmeister (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) feeding on eggs and first instars of Microtheca ochroloma Stål (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). A. NIÑO and R. CAVE. Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 S Rock Rd, Ft. Pierce, FL 34945. The production of crucifer vegetables on organic farms has been highly affected by the presence of the yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma. The use of generalist predators present in Florida might help organic farmers to reduce the economic impact of this pest on their crops. The green lacewing Chrysoperla rufilabris has been observed preying on M. ochroloma, but no studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this predator and the suitability of M. ochroloma as prey for C. rufilabris. This study evaluated the killing rate, developmental time, and mortality of C. rufilabris when offered eggs and larvae of M. ochroloma at 10, 15, 20, or 25oC and assessed prey preference among eggs and first instars of M. ochroloma and green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, nymphs. For the prey preference study, equal numbers of each prey type were offered and the number of prey killed within 24h was counted. The mean number of prey killed daily increased from 8.4 eggs and 4.0 larvae at 15oC to 18.6 eggs and 10.2 larvae at 25oC. Mean developmental time decreased from 75.5 d and 54.0 d at 15oC to 26.6 d and 21.4d at 25oC when fed eggs and larvae, respectively. Predator survivorship was reduced by 80% at 15oC; no larvae survived at 10oC. The predator showed a 5.2-fold preference for aphids over M. ochroloma eggs and larvae.

AGR-04 Potential distribution of Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus (Sri Lankan Weevil) in North America. A.S. NEAL, R.D. CAVE and R.R. DIAZ. Entomology & Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Indian River REC, 2199 S. Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34945. Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus Marshall, the Sri Lankan weevil, is a serious plant pest with a wide range of hosts. First identified in the United States on Citrus sp. in Pompano Beach, Broward County, Florida on 15 September 2000, this weevil has over 150 different host plant species including fruits, nuts, vegetables, and ornamentals. It was detected in 12 counties in Florida by May 2006. Historical data from 2000-2012 obtained from the Division of Plant Industry’s field agent submissions was entered into DIVA-GIS, a computer program for mapping and geographic data analysis. The BIOCLIM tool within this program predicted the potential distribution of Sri Lankan weevil in North America. Cold tolerance data was obtained and correlated with DIVA-GIS predictions. This computer program has been used to predict the potential distribution of invasive species which can provide valuable information to assist Extension agents and pest management professionals in evaluating control strategies. AGR-05 Alternative application of plant growth regulators to optimize rooting in citrus. E.F. COCHRANE (1), E.W. STOVER (2), S.B.WILSON (1). Indian River Research and Education Center(1), University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL. 34945 and United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, United States Horticultural Research Laboratory (2), Fort Pierce, FL 34945. Fourteen apical cuttings (~ 15cm) were collected from 2-3 year old citrus rootstock varieties US 812 and Carrizo Citrange. Each cutting was stripped of all but 2 leaves, and dipped for 20 minutes in one of 3 treatment rooting solutions of standard MS media with 20g/L sucrose, 0.5mg/L NAA, 5mg/L IBA, and 0.05mg/L spermidine. Treatment A consisted of rooting solution without sucrose, treatment B without spermidine, and treatment C included both spermidine and sucrose. A 4th set of cuttings was dipped in DI water as a control. The cuttings were first stuck in conical containers filled with damp, steam sterilized sand and then 5ml of rooting solution or water control was applied near the base of each cutting. Plastic bags were placed over each cutting and secured with a rubber band. Rooting data was collected once a week for 8 weeks. Rooting solution was reapplied each week. All plants were kept in controlled greenhouse conditions for the duration of the experiment. Overall, US 812 exhibited no rooting response to any of the treatment conditions. Carrizo rooted best in Treatment A (no sucrose), showing 57 % rooting success by week 4 and 71% by week 8. Using the same treatments, the effect of wounding will be examined in future experiments.



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AGR-06 Evaluation of potential biopesticides for mitigating the spread of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) using pre-shipping treatments on ornamental plants. L. F. ARISTIZABAL (1), P. B. AVERY (2), V. KUMAR (2), J. H. CALWELL (2), C. L. MCKENZIE (3), and L. S. OSBORNE (1). (1) University of Florida, IFAS, Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Apopka, FL 32703, USA. (2) University of Florida, IFAS, Indian River Research and Education Center, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA. (3) USDA-ARS, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Ft Pierce, FL 34945, USA. The ornamental plant industry plays an important role in the economy of Florida and other States. However, invasive insect pests such as the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyodidae) are spreading through the shipping of plants and is affecting different crops including vegetables, cereals, fruits, and ornamentals. Potential bio-pesticides such as commercial soaps, natural oils, and two commercial entomopathogenic fungi: Preferal® (Isaria fumosorosea Apopka Strain 97), and Botanigard® (Beauveria bassiana Strain GHA) were evaluated using pre-shipping treatments on ornamentals in order to prevent the dispersion of whitefly from Florida to other States. Clean Mentha sp. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) potted plants were infested by exposure to whitefly adults for a 6 day period. Then, adult whiteflies were removed and the number of eggs and immature stages counted on individual plants. The plants were submerged in a solution (dip application) for 60 seconds using different products. Then the plants, after dry, were placed into a shipping environment inside boxes (darkness for 24 or 48 h at 20 °C) (15 individual plants/box) used by commercial nurseries. Insect assessments were conducted at 3, 7, and 14 days after shipping in order to count the whitefly population (eggs, immature stages, and adults). Eleven trials were conducted with 6 repetitions per treatment. Botanigard® applied alone, Natural Oil® mixed with Preferal®, and Natural Oil® mixed with Botanigard® caused high mortality of whitefly population 84.48% ± 9.3; 83.77% ± 5.9, and 87.6%± 4.6 respectively. Reduction of the whitefly population by Preferal®, Natural Oil® and Publix soap was 62.2% ± 14.5, 56.05% ± 13.4 and 19.85% ± 15.2, respectively. Botanigard®, and Natural Oil® mixed with either fungal product appear to show potential as bioinsecticides for mitigating the spread of whitefly on ornamental plants when shipped to different places. AGR-07 Biological control of the yellowmargined leaf beetle using Podisus maculiventris (Say) in field-release trials. P.B. AVERY, E. TAPIA, A. NIÑO and R.D. CAVE. Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL 34945. Field experiments conducted in 2013 on organic farms in both Vero Beach and Indiantown, FL, assessed augmentative releases of the predatory spined soldier bug (SSB), Podisus maculiventris, on populations of the yellowmargined leaf beetle feeding on bok choy crops. The trials had three treatments: First release of 1) three SSB per plant; 2) six SSB per plant; and 3) no SSB. Treatments were replicated with 6 plots of 12 plants each using a randomized complete block design. Because a native population of the yellowmargined leaf beetle (YMLB) larvae was not present in the plots, 10 first instars were placed on each of twelve plants per plot at Vero Beach. Three weeks post-release, the same quantities of predators and YMLB first instars were released again, except now only on two different plants in each plot which were evaluated for the duration. At Indiantown, 6 and 12 SSB were released on all plants in treatments 1 and 2, respectively; no YMLB larvae were released because the native population was already quite high. Plants were monitored weekly for numbers of YMLB and SSB life stages present. At the end of the trial, each plant was rated for percent leaf damage using an index. Overall, augmentative releases of the predators lowered the incidence of YMLB larvae compared to no release, if the YMLB population was not too high. Plants on the Vero Beach farm that received predators, suffered significantly less damage than plants without predators. However at Indiantown, differences in damage ratings among treatments were not as clear due to the very high infestation of the beetle population. A second field trial assessing augmentative releases of the spined soldier bug on experimental plots of bok choy crops on these two organic farms will begin in February - March 2014. AGR-08 Development of simulated landscape soil runoff boxes for examining effects of environmental influences and management practices on stormwater runoff and leachate. B.J. PEARSON and R.C. BEESON, JR. Department of Environmental Horticulture, Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 2725 S. Binion Rd., Apopka, FL 32703. Despite well-established relationships between urban stormwater runoff and water quality degradation, few studies have examined influences of landscape management practices on disturbed urban soil hydrology and nutrient discharge. Confounding variables found in landscapes may be responsible for the lack of available data. To tease out relationships among these variables, soil runoff boxes with individual volumes of 208 L were developed and backfilled with representative soils of newly constructed urban landscapes in Central Florida, and placed within an open sided greenhouse. Surface runoff and leachate were collected independently for each box. Soil moisture within each runoff box was managed independently using a time domain transmissometry sensor connected to a datalogger and two remote relay controllers. Simulated precipitation was applied using a unique overhead irrigation system at three historical rates of 2.5, 5.1, and 7.6 cm hr-1. Environmental and landscape management practice treatments were imposed in order to evaluate the effect on stormwater runoff and leachate volume and nutrient concentrations. Soil runoff boxes provide an effective method to examine disturbed urban soil hydrology and nutrient discharge.



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AGR-09 Comparative genomics of Ralstonia solanacearum: looking for cool virulence factors. A.M. BOCSANCZY(1), J. C. HUGUET-TAPIA(2), D. J. NORMAN.(1). (1) Dept. of Plant Pathology, Univ. of Florida, IFAS-MREC, 2725 S. Binion Rd. Apopka, FL 32703.(2) Dept. of Plant Pathology, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. Ralstonia solanacearum is a pathogen that causes bacterial wilt, a soil-borne plant disease which affects more than 200 plant species including economically important crops such as tomato, potato and tobacco. R. solanacearum is a species complex with endemic populations in the Southern United States. These bacterial populations in the south have never been able to establish themselves in temperate climates. A subgroup of R. solanacearum referred to as R3B2, is cold tolerant and able to infect potato and tomato plants at low temperatures. Although R3B2 strains have been accidentally introduced a number of times into the US, so far APHIS eradication has always been successful, and populations were not established. R3B2 strains have been designated as “select agent” under the Agriculture Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 due to their threat to US food security. Several strains that belong to R1B1 (Phylotype II B/sequevar 4) group established in Southern US are able to cause disease at low temperatures in tomato and in less extent in potato. In previous work we identified proteins that potentially can contribute to virulence at low temperature of P673, a cool virulent strain in this group and the R3B2 UW551 strain by a comparative proteomics approach with strains that are not cold tolerant. These proteins were present in all strains compared. The objective of this study is to identify genes present in genomes of cool virulent strains and absent in strains non pathogenic at low temperatures by using a genomics approach. We sequenced and annotated the genomes of P673 and P597 a cool-virulent and cool-avirulent strain respectively. Currently we are assembling both genomes using closely related strains as references and we plan to compare the sequences with other sequenced genomes focusing on regions that code for temperature dependent virulence factors. AGR-10 Expanding RNA interference (RNAi) for multi-pest management. W.B.HUNTER (1), E.ANDRADE (2), E.STOVER (1), J.D. EVANS (3). (1) USDA,ARS, U.S.Hort.Res.Lab, 2001 S. Rock Rd., Ft.Pierce, FL 34945.(2)Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa-Labex USA.(3)USDA,ARS, Bee Research Lab, Beltsville MD. 20705. Devastation by the plant-infecting bacteria, C. Liberibacter asiaticus that causes Huanglongbing, or Citrus Greening Disease, which ruins fruit quality, reduces yield, and results in tree death causing the loss of millions of dollars and jobs has prompted interest in new insect pest management strategies, such as RNA interference, RNAi. Citrus trees have several important Hemiptera insect pests, ie. The Asian Citrus Psyllid, ACP, Diaphorina citri; vector of the bacterial pathogen of Citrus Greening; the glassy-winged sharpshooter, GWSS, Homalodisca vitripennis, vector of the plant-infecting Xylella fastidiosa bacterium, and the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricidus, vector of citrus tristeza virus. Current management techniques require heavy insecticide use, which kills both pests and beneficial insects. RNAi is a natural, immune, cellular, defense mechanism that allows the cell to recognize and cleave dsRNA, thus preventing viral proteins from being made. Researchers have figured out how to use this natural RNAi mechanism, which occurs in plants, insects and animals, to target the biology of these insects in a highly specific manner which is safe for other insects and animals. Thus RNAi has become of great interest worldwide to address problem in agriculture as well as human medicine. Discussed is the design of a single specific double-stranded RNA for the potential management of more than one insect pest at a time, while still maintaining specificity to protect beneficial insects, like honey bees. Psyllids, leafhoppers, and aphids were provided access to citrus seedlings treated with dsRNA, which targeted a conserved region of a specific messenger RNA transcript. The resulting RNAi effect was able to reduce the survival of the 3 targeted pest insects, while remaining safe for honey bees which ingested the dsRNA in a sucrose solution. The bee feeding bioassay evaluated 40 bees fed dsRNA plus a control non-insect dsRNA- for green fluorescent protein. Emerging adult bees, which remain in the hive for 2 weeks, were marked with colored paint, fed dsRNA, and returned to the hive for 12 days to monitor mortality under normal conditions. There was no significant bee mortality between control, water, and dsRNA fed bees. The results suggests that RNAi strategies can be designed to multiple pest targets while remaining safe for honey bees. Thus RNAi may provide a new, safer means for insect pest management.

AGR Posters AGR-P01 Non-transgenic RNAi technology to control insects on citrus. E. ANDRADE (1), W.B.HUNTER (2), D.G.HALL(2), C.RIBERIO (1), J.F.ASTUA (1) Brazilian Agriclutural Research Corporation, Embrapa-Labex USA; (2) USDA,ARS, U.S. Hort. Research Lab, Fort Pierce,FL 34945. A non-transgenic delivery method was evaluated to apply RNA interference strategies aimed at stopping the spread of citrus greening disease. The disease is caused by a bacterium, that’s transmitted by the insect, Asian Citrus Psyllid. RNAi approaches, depend on the natural cellular processes that function as a “gene silencer”, being triggered by double-stranded RNA, dsRNA, resulting in disruption of the corresponding messenger RNA thereby preventing protein production. We designed dsRNA molecules, based on the specific gene sequences in two citrus pest insects, psyllids and leafhoppers and demonstrated that dsRNA will cause increased insect mortality. The dsRNA



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was administered in solution to plant cuttings, to be absorbed and circulate into the plant vascular system. Once the insects fed on the test plants, they ingest the dsRNA, which goes into the cells, triggering the RNAi process. We observed insect mortality beginning on the fifth day after feeding on treated plants. The mortality rate varied between 46-90% in accordance to the specific transcript target selected. The results obtained in this research shows there is potential to build a strategy based upon RNAi for insect pest management against the Asian citrus psyllid and glassy-winged sharpshooter in citrus crops. AGR-P02 Implementing an Integrated Pest Management Program for Coffee Berry Borer in a Specialty Coffee Plantation in Colombia. L. F. ARISTIZABAL (1), O. LARA (2), and S. P. ARTHURS (1). (1) University of Florida/IFAS, Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Apopka, FL 32703, USA. (2). Inverisones Perla S. A. Owners, Neiva, Huila, Colombia. The coffee berry borer (CBB) Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is one of the most serious pest in coffee plantations worldwide. Efforts to establishing an integrated pest management (IPM) program for control CBB in “La Virginia” farm, producer of specialty coffee, with 110-ha coffee plantation located in Algeciras, Huila, Colombia. Farm staff, scouts for monitoring, and harvests workers were training about how to control the CBB. The training program focused on establish a monitoring plan to reduce chemical insecticides and improving the use of biological – base insecticide (Beauveria bassiana), cultural practices such as efficiently recollection of mature, overripe, and raisin berries to eliminate the CBB habitats, and finally on postharvest practices to control CBB adults by using screening on coffee process areas (silos and pulp pits). After three years period the results showed an adoption of the IPM program, reduction of the chemical insecticides, increase of biological control, improving in the efficiency of recollection, reduction of CBB damage, reduction of IPM program costs, and increase the proportion of parchment coffee sold as specialty. The quality of parchment coffee increased (insect damage was 2.3% in 2002 and passed to 0.7% in 2004). In addition, the proportion of harvest sold as high quality ‘Specialty coffee” increased from 50% to 86% over the same period of time. AGR-P03 Developing a sustainable management program for the rugose spiraling whitefly in south Florida. A.W. FRANCIS (1), B. THRELKELD (1), and P.B. AVERY (2). (1) Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, 7930 Pruitt Research Center Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34945 (2) UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34945. The rugose spiraling whitefly is a recently introduced exotic pest that affects numerous ornamental and landscape plants in south Florida. This pest excretes copious amounts of honeydew and black soot mold builds up on the plant, surrounding vegetation, and the aesthetic damage to pools, cars, homes, etc., is very concerning. Present activities to mitigate the effects of this whitefly include surveys to collect, identify, and document native beneficial insects attacking the pest, evaluating ornamental and landscape plants that are suitable to mass rear the whitefly and its natural enemies, and investigating the efficacy of candidate species that have shown some promise to suppress whitefly populations. If successful, we expect to halt the expansion of the rugose spiraling whitefly, which has spread from Monroe and Miami-Dade to counties as far north as Brevard on the east and Pinellas on the western side of the state. AGR-P04 cDNA Cloning and Characterization of Flavanone 3’ Hydroxylase (F3H) Gene From Muscadine Grapes. J.HALL (1), A.ANANGA (1), V. GEORGIEV(1), J. OCHIENG (2), and V. TSOLOVA(1). (1) Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, College of Agriculture and Food Science, Florida A&M University, 6505 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee Fl 32317, USA. (2) Faculties of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 29053 Nairobi, 00625 Kenya. Flavanoids are key antioxidants that produce natural byproducts such as anthocyanin, proanthocyandin, and flavanoid pigments. Flavanone 3’ Hydroxylase (F3’H) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of flavonols, anthocyanindins, and proanthocyanindins. In this study we report the cloning, and characterization of F3’H gene. The full length cDNA of F3’H from Vitis rondutifolia (designated as VrF3’H) was isolated and characterized. The full length cDNA of VrF3’H had an open reading frame (ORF) of 1092 bp encoding 364 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 40.8kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.60. Comparative and in silico analyses revealed that VrF3’H has extensive homology with F3’H from other plant species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that VrF3’H belongs to the Vitis F3’H cluster and it is much closer to Vitis vinifera. Realtime-PCR (RT-PCR) analyses of VrF3’H transcripts showed that the VrF3’H was abundantly expressed in the red cells of physiologically mature red berries and not expressed in the skins of the green berries. We cloned the F3’H gene from the Muscadine grape for the first time and the sequence was deposited at the NCBI database (Gene Bank Accession no. KF040970). This study will provide further resources for the use of functional genomics to improve the production of various nutraceuticals (healthy compounds) from Muscadine grapes.



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AGR-P05 Ecological Restoration Of Cogongrass (Imperata Cylindrica L) Infested Pine Plantation Following Imazapyr Herbicide Application. L.D. REID (1), O.U. ONOKPISE (1) and R.S. GRAGG (2). (1) Agronomy, Forestry and Natural Resources Conservation, College of Agriculture and Food Science, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida 32307, (2) School of the Environment, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida 32307. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica L) is one of the most invasive species in Florida and other Gulf Coast States and poses a major problem on forested lands, natural habitats, rights-of-way interstate highways. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of cogongrass after imazapyr herbicide application. Following the application of herbicideto cogongrass sites, native grass species (Muhly grass, Broomsedge, Switch grass and Citrus Maidencane) were transplanted into the treated areas two and a half months after herbicide application. The native grass species were allowed to grow in the treated plots and their performance was evaluated three months after planting to see how they react to residual herbicide which may be present in the soil and also to see the effects on the pine trees. The re-growth of cogongrass was also evaluated three months after treatment. Results showed that the herbicide application reduced growth and rhizome extension of cogongrass. The native grass species survival was evident in the field, with broomsedge, switch grass and maidencane showing the highest numbers of survival. The herbicide was very effective in killing the cogongrass. Cogongrass population decreased by about 70-98% following the application of imazapyr. Thus, imazapyr herbicide application maybe a means of control that could impact the invasiveness of cogongrass, while the native grass species genotypes which show tolerance to the herbicide could be used for ecological restoration these sites. AGR-P06 Trap Design For Plecia Nearctica (Diptera: Bibionidae). N. TOFANGSAZI (1), R.H. CHERRY (2) and S.P. ARTHURS (1). (1) Mid Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Apopka, FL 32703. (2) Everglades Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Belle Glade, FL 33430. The invasive range of the lovebug, Plecia nearctica Hardy (Diptera: Bibionidae), includes Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and the southeastern U.S.A., with a current distribution extending to all states bordering the Gulf of Mexico as well as Georgia and North and South Carolina (Denmark et al. 2010). In such areas, this insect is well known for its biannual flight periods, where large numbers of day-flying adults swarming alongside roadways are a nuisance for motorists, due to the splattering of flies on vehicles. We previously reported that the floral compound phenylacetaldehyde (PAA) and bright yellow or white color were attractive to both sexes of adult lovebugs, P. nearctica Hardy (Arthurs et al. 2013). The next step is to optimize a trap design that would allow researchers and pest control specialists to capture large numbers of lovebugs during the flight season of this insect.

AOS = ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANOGRAPHIC SCIENCES AOS-01 Mesozooplankton populations in the Northern Indian River Lagoon (Florida) in the wake of recent Harmful Algal Blooms. H.G. KOLB, L.H. SWEAT, and K.B. JOHNSON. Florida Institute of Technology, Marine and Environmental Systems, 150 W. Univ. Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. Following the 2011 Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Superbloom, a broad search of causes is being conducted including an ongoing monitoring of mesozooplankton populations (153-µm mesh catch) throughout the Northern IRL system. Mesozooplankton are being studied as potential top-down regulators of the nuisance phytoplankton populations. Monitoring is conducted through fortnightly sampling of replicate tows (n=4) of key sites residing within the IRL near Titusville, the Mosquito Lagoon, and the Banana River. Settled plankton volumes will be spatially and temporally compared for these sites from July 2013 through March 2014. In addition to differences in volume, qualitative differences in the type of mesozooplankton dominating different IRL regions will be discussed. AOS-02 Phototaxis of copepods in relation to derived habitat. X.MA and K. JOHNSON. Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. We are testing the phototactic responses of a variety of copepods from different ancestries and habitats. Our Derived Sensitivity Hypothesis (DSH) states that the sensitivity of copepod photoresponses should match both the available light spectrum and the light intensity in their habitats. Pelagic and demersal copepods from the orders of Harpacticoida and Calanoida are being chosen to examine photoresponses under different light conditions. According to the DSH, pelagic copepods living near the surface should have positive phototaxis and respond to a broad range of color spectra (wavelengths); demersal copepods may exhibit negative photoresponses or respond to a relatively narrow range of wavelengths. By testing copepods from the orders Harpacticoida and Calanoida, groups that have adapted to largely different habitats, it is hoped that the role of evolutionary history can be contrasted with that of the modern or derived habitat.



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AOS-03 A reexamination of diatom attachment: new observations on roughness-driven composition of benthic diatom communities in the Indian River Lagoon. L.H. SWEAT and K.B. JOHNSON. Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. Benthic diatoms are a major component of biofilms that form on surfaces submerged in marine environments. Roughness of the underlying substratum affects the settlement of both diatoms and subsequent macrofouling colonizers. This study reports the effects of roughness on diatom communities established in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) on acrylic panels with a range of surface roughnesses. Smoother substrata exhibited higher cell density, species richness, and diversity. Twenty-three of 58 species were found either exclusively or more abundantly on the smooth surfaces compared to one or both roughened treatments. The results suggest a greater ability of benthic diatoms to recruit and colonize smooth surfaces, likely explained by a higher degree of contact between the cells and the surface. Newly published details on the relationship between surface roughness and diatom community composition will be discussed, highlighting some common IRL benthic diatom species as examples. AOS-04 Diatom Community Structure on In-service Ship Hulls. K. ZARGIEL, A. KOKA, and G. SWAIN. Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne FL, 32901. There are only a few studies that have been published on the settlement of diatoms to ship hulls (Callow 1986, Woods et al. 1986). More data is needed to better understand the interactions of diatoms with the coating systems and also the environmental conditions that they experience while a ship is underway. This study investigated the diatom community structure on two cruise ships with the same cruise cycles, one coated with an antifouling system and the other coated with a fouling release system. Samples were collected during dry docking in horizontal and vertical zonation along the ship hull, including niche and damaged areas of the hull. The fouling diatoms Achnanthes, Amphora, and Navicula were the most common genera regardless of horizontal ship zonation. Other genera were abundant, but the presence was more dependent on the ship zonation. Navicula was present at all depths along the ship hull, and dominated the biofilms collected along the flats or underside of the hull. Samples collected from damaged areas of the ship hull showed the community composition to be similar to undamaged areas but to have a larger diatom abundance. Diatom fouling on the niche areas differed from that of the surrounding ship hull. Additionally, diatom richness was greater on the ship coating with the fouling release system, including the identification of several new genera to the biofouling literature: Lampriscus and Thalassiophysa. These results are the first to describe diatom community composition on in-service ship hulls coated with fouling release systems. These newer classes of coatings appear to have a larger diatom community compared to the copper based antifouling systems, with new diatom genera, which have the ability to stick to ship hulls and withstand hydrodynamic forces, creating the potential for new problematic species in biofilm fouling. AOS-05 Temporal variation of benthic communities and water quality data at a static immersion test platform north of Sebastian Inlet in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. K. LIEBERMAN, K. ZARGIEL, and G. SWAIN. Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901. Recruitment and progression in benthic communities are affected by variations in environmental parameters. This study examines monthly variances in water quality and recruitment of benthic organisms on 30 x 30 cm PVC panels at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) static immersion test platform 5 km north of Sebastian Inlet. Data have been collected since June 2009 and trends have been observed between water quality changes and benthic community structure. Understanding the affects of water quality on recruitment is important for identifying indicator species and the ecological assessment of benthic communities and more specifically the Indian River Lagoon. AOS-06 The influence of mesh size on the development of fouling communities on non-toxic surface. D. DALRYMPLE, A. STEPHENS, E. RALSTON, K. LIEBERMAN, and G. SWAIN. Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne FL, 32901. The testing of fouling release ship hull coatings requires the use of fish exclusion nets to prevent the removal of fouling by predation and grazing. This research investigated the effect of mesh size on biofouling growth and community structure. Panels coated with Intersleek 900, a fouling release standard, were randomly assigned to one of three different mesh sizes or a non-caged control. Visual assessment of fouling was performed bi-weekly over a two month period. Significant differences were found in the percent cover of specific biofouling organisms and community structure. These results highlight the importance of mesh size selection for fish exclusion cages during static immersion testing of fouling release coatings. AOS-07 The effect of frequent cleaning and grooming of a biocide free silicone antifouling coating on fouling community structure. E. RALSTON and G. SWAIN. Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, Florida Institute of



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Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne FL, 32901. Ship and boat hulls are often cleaned or proactively groomed to maintain them free of fouling and in a hydrodynamically smooth and efficient condition. Disturbance has been identified as a major driver of fouling community structure. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of frequent cleaning and grooming on fouling community structure and to determine how effective each method is at removing fouling from a commercial fouling release ship hull coating. Panels were divided into four treatments: cleaned (all fouling removed weekly), groomed (wiped weekly with a sponge using a consistent normal force), and ungroomed, which had been previously immersed, and a set of four replicates that had never been immersed (new). Visual assessments were performed weekly. Treatment was found to affect the composition, richness, evenness and diversity of fouling communities. Differences among the treatments were found for total macrofouling cover and cover of specific taxa including hydroids, encrusting bryozoans, barnacles and sponges. Cleaning and grooming differed in their capacity to remove fouling that recruited to surfaces. Cleaned surfaces had no cover after treatment whereas groomed surfaces often had macrofouling remaining. AOS-08 Real-time circulation/elevation forecasts for the Indian River Lagoon. A.L.KLEDZIK, R.J. WEAVER, J. TODD. Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, College of Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, Florida, 32901. The recent adaptation of an ADCIRC model system has provided new capabilities for predicting circulation patterns and sea surface elevations within the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) region. A NWS COMET project spawned the development of the ADCIRC model system for the Brevard County region of the IRL; which used modified WRF wind fields and pressure data to produce simulated forecasts of the IRL corresponding to the Hurricane Sandy time period. Results from the NWS COMET project of velocities and sea surface elevations suggest that there are unique locations within the IRL that demonstrate nodal behavior (areas with little to no change in elevation coupled with significant flow). Using the ADCIRC Surge Guidance System (ASGS), an automated package allowing for the prediction of circulation based on either NAM or NHC forecast wind products, a suite of 3.5 day forecast simulations ran during the spring, summer, and early fall of 2013 producing a collection of simulated water elevations and current velocities for the IRL. The present study examines the real-time forecast data for significant Nor’easter storm events that may have been captured, and seeks to compare the ASGS results with the results found from the Hurricane Sandy simulations. We hypothesize that similar water level response occurs upon excitement by a north-east wind. The analysis of wind events with comparable strength, duration and direction will refine our understanding of flow and sea surface elevation within the IRL. Broader impacts of model output include gauging flow between basins, larvae transport prediction, and region susceptibility to wind driven flooding and wave action. Further research is intended to validate the model through the deployment of current profilers in regions of interest. AOS-09 Florida’s Rising Sea Level. G.A. MAUL, Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne Florida 32901. The geological record shows that global sea level has been rising for the last 20,000+ years at rates ranging from 1-10 mm/year, and has submerged Florida’s pre-Holocene coast by over 120 meters. The instrumental record was started in Key West in 1845 (America’s longest instrumental sea level record), but had many gaps until 1913, after which it is continuous; the rate of rise is 2.3±0.1 mm/year (0.75±0.07 feet per century), and is quite steady. Observations by tide gauges such as at Key West are termed relative sea level because the measurement is the combination of eustatic sea level change, vertical land movement (Florida’s vertical land movement is 0 to +1 mm/year), currents, wind, barometric pressure, tides, etc. For the ensemble of all near century-long Florida records (Pensacola [2.2 mm/year], Cedar Key [1.9 mm/year], St. Petersburg [2.5 mm/year], Key West [2.3 mm/year], Miami Beach [2.2 mm/year], Mayport [2.4 mm/year], and Fernandina Beach [2.2 mm/year]) the average rate of rise is 2.3±0.2 mm/year. At Key West during 1913-2012, the coefficient of determination for the linear fit is r2=0.8892, for a logarithmic fit it is r2=0.8891, and for a second-order polynomial it is r2=0.8893. Thus there is no statistically significant evidence of accelerated sea level rise in Florida over the past century. Guidance for estimating future sea level from NOAA and from the US Army Corps of Engineers relies on using projections of global sea level adapted to a local site; such federal criteria for Florida would place sea level in 2100 anywhere from 0.25 to 2.0 meters (0.8-6.6 feet) above the present level; IPCC projections are between 0.28 – 1.0 meters (0.9-3.3 feet) by 2100. Choosing the correct curve is the next challenge, but should be constrained within the context that global sea level rose about 10 mm/year during the maximum deglaciation 18,000-8,000 years before the present. AOS-10 Florida Environs In Situ Sea Surface Temperature Trends. A.K. NICKERSON and G.A. MAUL. Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne Florida 32901. Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) from COADS (Combined Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set) for the



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environs of Florida, including the Gulf of Mexico, were investigated for the period 1960-2012. Annual average SSTs were calculated for each one-degree latitude by one-degree longitude box from the COADS monthly values. Trends were calculated by linear least squares for all 179 COADS boxes using the annual averages; the mean and standard deviation trend of the ensemble of 179 boxes is +0.43 ± 0.84 ºC per century. Thirty nine (39) of the 179 boxes had NDBC (NOAA National Data Buoy Center) buoys; the rest did not. Boxes with buoys were compared to juxtaposed boxes without buoys to ascertain if the buoy sampling system led to differences in SST trends. For the 39 boxes with buoys, the mean trend was +0.50 ± 1.16 °C/century; for the 39 juxtaposed boxes without buoys it was +0.58 ± 0.93 °C/century; for the remaining 140 boxes the statistics were +0.41 ± 0.73 ºC/century. From a T-test between the mean trend in buoyed boxes and non-buoyed boxes it was determined that there is no statistically significant difference in sea surface temperature trends between boxes with NDBC buoys and juxtaposed boxes without buoys. The coefficient of determination between the 39 pairs of buoyed boxes versus non-buoyed boxes, however, had R2=0.09 revealing that there is little relationship between them. AOS-11 Modeling El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO): Interplay of memory and delayed-action effects. D. QUESADA, School of Science, Technology and Engineering Management, St. Thomas University, 16401 NW 37 Ave. Miami Gardens, FL 33054. ENSO is one of the most important dynamical processes impacting the weather conditions in many parts of the World. It involves a right tuning of the ocean-atmosphere interaction as well as the teleconnection with other global oscillations as the Maddean-Julian Oscillation (MJO), and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The prediction of ENSO and its periodicities is still a challenge for Global Circulation Models (GCM) as well as Regional Meso-scale Models (RMM). Several alternative approaches based on toy mathematical models have been adopted within the scientific community in order to understand basic mechanisms leading to the appearance of ENSO and its periodicities. In this sense, the Delayed Action Oscillator (DAO) has played a central role. Even though such a model has been capable to describe some general features of ENSO, it is unable to reproduce others. Motivated by these facts, the author has extended the DAO model by incorporating memory effects in addition to a cubic non-linear dissipative and delayed action terms. Such a model is referred as the DAOM, DAO model with memory. Solutions of the later were obtained for different combination of parameters as well as were investigated for sensitivity to constant heating and periodic noise. It is noteworthy that constant heating is a surrogate of global warming, while the periodic noise might account for periodic noisy changes due to solar cycle variability. Comparison with ENSO index history and predictions from NOAA is carried on.

AOS Posters AOS-P01 The effects of grooming on the recruitment of macrofouling to damaged silicone fouling release surfaces. K. LIEBERMAN, E. RALSTON, A. STEPHENS, and G. SWAIN. Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. Silicone fouling release systems are now being applied as biocide free coatings to commercial ships. They function by reducing the adhesion strength of organisms to the surface, but under certain operational conditions they may become fouled. One method being developed to prevent fouling is by the use of proactive gentle cleaning (grooming). Silicone coating systems are also weak and therefore easily damaged. These damaged areas foul readily. This study investigated the effect of mechanical damage on coating performance and how proactive grooming may slow macrofouling recruitment to those damaged areas. A total of 28 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) panels cut to 10 cm by 20 cm were used giving 4 replicates of 7 treatments including controls. Test panels were coated with a three-part silicone fouling release system (epoxy, tie-coat, and top-coat respectively). The test panels were artificially damaged to two widths (0.3 cm and 1.3 cm) and to different depths exposing the tie-coat and epoxy layers of the coating system. The damage area was 18.75 percent of the total surface area. The panels were groomed weekly using a handheld rotating brush and assessed visually (ASTM 6990) monthly. The results demonstrated that organisms preferentially recruit to damaged areas on silicone coating systems. Grooming slows but does not inhibit recruitment of fouling to damaged areas. AOS-P02 Connectivity of reef fishes between mangroves and coral reefs in Broward County, Florida. J. SAVARO (1), A. HIRONS (2), D. KERSTETTER (1), and T. SUTTON (1). (1) Nova Southeastern University, Oceanographic Center, 8000 N. Ocean Dr., Dania Beach, FL 33004, (2) Nova Southeastern University, Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL 33314. Many ecological and recreationally important species of marine fishes use the mangrove ecosystem for foraging, protection, spawning and as a nursery habitat. This study examined the ontogenetic migration and trophic connectivity of reef fishes in Broward County, Florida to develop a better understanding of energy flow between the local mangrove and coral reef ecosystems. Four species of reef fishes – grey snapper Lutjanus griseus, bluestriped grunt Haemulon sciurus, yellowfin mojarra Gerres cinereus, and great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda – were collected both from mangrove sites located adjacent to Port Everglades and coral reef sites located nearby offshore of



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Port Everglades in Broward County. All species were analyzed using 13C and 15N ratios from muscle tissues and 18O and 13C ratios from otoliths to evaluate ontogenetic migrations, foraging, and occupation within the mangrove and reef sites. Preliminary d18O and d13C otolith data indicated mangroves to be more enriched than offshore reef habitats. Food sources found in the mangroves are expected to be more enriched in 13C and 15N due to more recycling of nutrients. This study will help clarify the relative importance of the various habitats essential for early life-history stages of reef fishes. AOS-P03 The Indian River Lagoon Research Institute: Integrating Scientists, Engineers, and Educators to Improve and Sustain Lagoon Health. L.H. SWEAT, K.A. ZARGIEL, K.B. JOHNSON, and R.J. WEAVER. Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, 150 West University. Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901. Today’s problems in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) have evolved through a complex set of interrelated issues that have led to the decline of lagoon health. The Indian River Lagoon Research Institute (IRLRI) was recently established at the Florida Institute of Technology with the mission to develop and implement sustainable solutions for the revitalization and maintenance of the IRL. A group of more than 20 faculty members with decades of scientific research experience in the IRL have come together to improve understanding and develop solutions in the following areas: muck and nutrients, lagoon flow, nutrient reduction, sediment loading, ecosystem recovery, policy and management, and engineering technologies. Part of the mission of the IRLRI also includes outreach and education to help the community and lagoon stakeholders understand the importance of IRL problems and their role in creating solutions. The IRLRI is striving to collaborate with numerous institutions and agencies along the lagoon with the common goal of improving the IRL system.

AOS-P04 Ocean 180 Video Challenge: Turning Research Papers into Digital Stories. M. WATSON (1), M. BUCKLEY (2), L. DIEDERICK (3), J. WINDSOR (1), and R. TANKERSLEY (1). (1) Department of Marine and Environmental Systems, College of Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901, (2) COSEE Florida, Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, (3) Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, 701 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949. Ocean scientists conduct exciting, ground-breaking research that addresses many of world’s greatest challenges. Yet, far too often the importance, meaning and implications of their discoveries are never shared with non-scientists. Recognizing the need for scientists to communicate more effectively with the general public, the Florida Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE Florida) saw an opportunity to connect the two through video. In the fall 2013, COSEE Florida launched the Ocean 180 Video Challenge to tap into the competitive spirit of scientists and inspire them to share their discoveries with the public. Scientists from US-based institutions were encouraged to submit 180 second videos summarizing the important findings of a recent peer-reviewed paper and highlighting the relevance, meaning, and implications of the research to persons outside their discipline. Videos were initially screened by science/communication experts, yet the winners were selected by middle school students from around the world. The presentation will review the outcomes and lessons learned from the competition and describe plans to utilize the videos for professional development/ training and educational purposes.

BIO = BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

BIO-01 Spatial-temporal overlap and resource partitioning in larval fish assemblages of the northern Indian River Lagoon. M.J. SONNEFELD, E.A. REYIER, R.G. TURINGAN. Department of Biological Sciences, 150 West University Blvd, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901. The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) has one of the most diverse fish assemblages in North America; it contains over 400 species of fish. Not only does it serve as an important nursery, but also as a breeding ground for many species. While there has been much research on the interactions and distribution of adult fishes in the IRL, little is known about how the ichthyoplankton community is structured spatially and temporally. Most importantly, how these spatial-temporal interactions influence the assemblage has not been fully addressed. It has been previously shown that seasonal variation in larval assemblages occurs and there is little variation across years. The goal of this study is to address three questions to better understand the variation in the larval fish assemblage: 1) Does the larval fish assemblage in the northern IRL change spatially and temporally? 2) What are the environmental factors that drive the spatial and temporal variation in the larval fish assemblage? 3) What are the plausible biological mechanisms that drive the spatial and temporal variation in the larval fish assemblage of the northern IRL? To address these questions bi-weekly ichthyoplankton tows were collected between the southern Mosquito Lagoon and the southern Banana River from August 2002 to July 2004. The abundances of 60 species of larval fishes were compared spatially and temporally using ANOSIM. The CCA examined the correspondence between fish abundance and six environmental variables. The potential partitioning of resources across species through the use of Hurlbert’s Index was established. Seasonal shifts in the environmental drivers



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of the assemblage occurred and a large amount of spatial-temporal overlap in the larval fishes, but little to no potential for interspecific competition of available resources. BIO-02 Linking Floodplain Forest Community Structure with Environmental Factors Using Multivariate Analysis: A Case Study of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. M. HEDGEPETH, South Florida Water Management District, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL,33406, The North Fork of the St. Lucie River has been highly impacted by stabilization of St. Lucie Inlet, dredging and straightening of the river channel, placement of berms in the floodplain, and digging of many drainage canals. In a 2009 floodplain vegetation study, we identified and enumerated 16 canopy, 40 shrub and 76 groundcover species. Six major forest types were identified including uplands, hydric hammock, bottomland hardwood, fresh and saltwater swamps, and marsh. The floodplain forest appeared to be relatively young with an influx of white mangrove in tidal swamp areas and older specimens of oaks and cabbage palms on the berms. Mixed communities of hammock and bottomland hardwood species were most prevalent due to poor hydrological conditions behind the berms. Using Canonical Correspondence Analysis, we were able to group vegetative species by salt tolerance and soil moisture preference to provide guidance for future floodplain hydrological restoration work. BIO-03 Computer simulation of green fluorescent protein dynamics. T.M. ADAMS. College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, 140 7th Ave S, St Petersburg, FL 33701. Using computer simulations, the configuration of this protein was completed using a Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) software and is now currently being tested for determination of energy minimization states. The current model showed that three amino acid sequences found in the center of the protein are responsible for emitting light. Future research will hope to simulate the entire light-emitting process. BIO-04 The role of HoxB13 in scarless wound healing process. A. GIOSEFFI. Biology Deparment, Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL, 34981. Homeobox gene, HoxB13 has been reported to play a role in the process of scarless wound healing. This process is only seen during the first two trimesters of development in human. Compared with adult skin, HoxB13 is found to be differentially expressed in fetal skin and substantially down regulated in fetal wounds. The most compelling study came from the HOXB13 knockout mice where the cutaneous wound healing is fetal like with reduced scar formation. Here we investigated the mechanism of action of HOXB13 in wound healing process using Rat Epithelial Keratinocyte (REK). This rat epidermal keratinocyte (REK) line exhibits histodifferentiation that is nearly identical to the native epidermis when cultured at air-liquid interface, thus selected as our epidermal differentiation model. We first investigated subcellular location of HOXB13 in REK cells using GFP-HOXB13 fusion protein and found HOXB13 is a nuclear protein. We then proceeded to study the effect of HOXB13 expression on REK epidermal differentiation and found epidermal cell proliferation is decreased, apoptosis increased, and excessive terminal differentiation observed. Scratch wound assays are being performed to probe the effect of HOXB13 on REK cell migration activity. Our preliminary results suggest that Hoxb13 functions to promote epidermal differentiation, a critical process for skin regeneration. Detailed results will be presented. BIO-05 Primary neuronal cultures from the brainstem of adult zebrafish: a novel in vitro tool to study axonal growth across inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. D. DIAZ MARTIN (1), R. PIERRE (1), I. CHACON RIVERO (1), F.S. SHABAZZ (1), K. VAJN (2), A. TAPANES-CASTILLO (1), M. OUDEGA (2), J.A. PLUNKETT (1). (1) St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, FL 33054. (2) University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. In the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), axons fail to regenerate after injury due to the presence of inhibitory molecules such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). In contrast, adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) are capable of CNS axon regeneration. Specific populations of brainstem neurons can regenerate axons beyond a spinal cord lesion despite the presence of CSPGs. To investigate the axonal growth response of zebrafish brainstem neurons to CSPGs, we developed and characterized a novel, primary culture system. We hypothesized that brainstem neurons would respond distinctively to CSPGs in vitro. Our data demonstrate that one population was inhibited, while others had the ability to grow on or extend neurite-like processes across CSPGs. To further explore genes involved in overcoming inhibitory environments, we have also begun to investigate the effects of a pre-conditioning spinal cord injury (SCI) on axonal outgrowth in vitro. Data indicate that pre-conditioned brainstem neurons extend neurites into CSPG areas at a higher frequency than control neurons from uninjured fish. We hypothesize that a pre-conditioning SCI lesion enriches the expression profiles of genes involved in overcoming inhibitory environments within descending brainstem neurons. Our hypothesis is that the ability or disability of a neurite to grow across CSPGs is intrinsic to the neuron and likely involves unique sets of axon growth-related genes. Furthermore, we have extended our studies through the use of cell culture well inserts to further exploit our versatile model



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system. These inserts, which effectively isolate cell bodies from neuronal processes, will allow us to compare gene expression in axons versus cell bodies of brainstem neurons cultured under different conditions, including exposure to different substrates, cell types, and pre-conditioning injuries. (Funded by U.S. Department of Defense W81XWH-11-1-0645 awarded to J.A. Plunkett). BIO-06 The effects of calcium on patient's oral bacteria who have moderate periodontal disease. H. KLERK and I. DUFFY. Department of Math and Science, Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52, Saint Leo, FL, 33574. It is generally accepted by dentists that smokers have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease in contrast to nonsmokers. Studies have shown that smokers have elevated levels of calcium in their saliva when compared to non-smokers. It is hypothesized that elevated levels of calcium in a periodontal patient’s saliva will increase the number of periodontal associated bacteria. The purpose of this study is to determine what effect, if any; elevated levels of calcium may have on the microbial environment of periodontal associated bacteria. This study uses quantitative RT-PCR to identify and quantify species of bacteria that are commonly found in patients with periodontal disease. Along with typing and quantifying the bacteria present, the levels of calcium in the saliva of the volunteers are measured with a calcium sensitive electrode. Volunteers were selected for this experiment to include smokers with moderate periodontal disease, non-smokers with periodontal disease, and non-smokers who do not have periodontal disease. BIO-07 Understanding the dynamic interactions between Halimeda opuntia and the bacterial community associated with the crustose coralline alga Hydrolithon boergesenii. S.J. HARRISON, L.J. HOUK, J.M. SNEED, and V.J. PAUL. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949. Algal overgrowth on Caribbean coral reefs may have far reaching impacts on coral reef dynamics, including on benthic bacterial communities, which have been shown to play an important role in the recruitment of reef-building corals. Understanding the mechanisms of these algal-bacterial interactions may illuminate how algal growth can influence ecological interactions on coral reefs. This three part study explores the impact of the chemically rich, green macroalga Halimeda opuntia on marine bacteria isolated from the crustose coralline alga Hydrolithon boergesenii. Field experiments, in which live H. boergesenii and its natural assemblage of bacteria were exposed to live H. opuntia, showed that there was a significant change in the CCA-associated bacterial communities in the presence of the alga. We hypothesize that this shift in the CCA-associated bacterial assemblage stems from the presence of bioactive compounds produced by H. opuntia. To better understand this interaction, we isolated bacteria from the surface of H. boergesenii and measured the growth of the individual strains exposed to live H. opuntia and to extracts from H. opuntia, including both surface and bulk extracts at natural concentrations. BIO-08 Teetering on the edge? Evaluation of nutrient enrichment in the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, Florida Keys. L. GREEN and B. LAPOINTE. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US Highway 1, Ft. Pierce, FL, 34982. The intertidal and subtidal seagrass habitat within the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge (GWHNWR) provides critical ecosystem services and functions as an important conservation area for hundreds of species of invertebrates, fish, sea turtles and wading birds. Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment, resulting in phytoplankton and macroalgal blooms, has long been established as a major contributor of seagrass decline worldwide. However, despite evidence of nutrient enrichment, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for nutrients have not been established for the Keys. To inform TMDL implementation, numeric nutrient criteria (NNC) were established throughout Florida in 2012. In 2012-2013, we collected water column nutrients, macroalgal tissue nutrients, chlorophyll-a as well as estimates of seagrass epiphyte cover. We collected samples from Howe Key, Water Keys and Upper Harbor Key seasonally over a one year period. We also quantified Thalassium testudinum tissue nutrients in one season. We found that annual total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations slightly exceeded the NNC for the Back Bay and Back Shelf sections. Furthermore, elevations in nitrogen and phosphorus during winter coincided with epiphyte blooms documented in winter and the following spring. We did not find evidence of corresponding increased chlorophyll-a concentrations, nor did our values exceed the NNC for chlorophyll-a. However, combined with previously collected data at Upper Harbor Key, our work suggested that the GWHNWR may have been on the tipping point of eutrophication. If nutrient enrichment increases to the Keys then a system already on the edge may find itself in crisis. BIO-09 To seed or not to seed, that is the question: seagrass distribution and abundance within the IRL. A.M. KESSLER and D. HANISAK. HBOI-Marine Biology, Florida Atlantic University 5600 U.S. 1 North, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946. Seagrasses are fully submersed, marine angiosperms that provide crucial ecological functions. Yet, seagrass communities in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, and elsewhere have been in decline as a result of point and non-point source pollution. The major factor in seagrass decline in the IRL can be associated with the degradation of water quality, which has been influenced by human urbanization. Monitoring projects, restoration, and inquiries into the resilience of these declining



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seagrass communities have been initiated due to the detrimental effects of human-caused and environmental sources. Therefore, a small-scale monitoring project was conducted throughout the central IRL, using traditional transect methods in order to observe trends based on spatial gradients, water depth, seagrass bed length, sparseness, and abundance, and any factor that might be affecting the growth and distribution of these seagrasses. A second component of the study incorporates observations on seagrass reproduction and recovery potential from environmental stressors via seed development and germination. In terms of percent coverage, shoot counts, canopy height, and overall transect length, the Southern sites had higher averages for almost every species of seagrass and for totals of all species compared to the Northern sites. Throughout the ten sites that were monitored, a seed bank was identified as being present. However, the abundance of seeds found was smaller than that found according to many other studies dealing with seed banks. Further inquiries into both aspects of the study would allow for a better understanding of the distribution, abundance, and relationships between seagrass beds, seed bank characteristics, and the surrounding environment. BIO-10 Twenty years of benthic monitoring in Tampa Bay: 1993-2012. D. J. KARLEN, T. L. DIX, B. K. GOETTING, S. E. MARKHAM, K.W.CAMPBELL and J M. JERNIGAN. Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, 3629 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619. The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County has been conducting benthic monitoring in Tampa Bay since 1993. The monitoring program was initiated by the Tampa Bay National Estuary Program as part of the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for Tampa Bay. The monitoring program incorporates a stratified random design in which Tampa Bay is divided into seven geographical segments and each segment is overlaid with a sampling grid. A randomly generated sampling point is selected within each grid cell. Samples are collected annually during the late summer using a Young-modified Van Veen grab (sampling area =0.04m2). Field sampling is done in cooperation with Manatee and Pinellas counties. Over the twenty year period 1993-2012 a total of 1,572 samples were processed and over 1,600 benthic macroinvertebrate taxa were identified. The benthic community structure was variable from year to year and there were differences between bay segments. Physical factors that most strongly influenced the community structure were salinity and sediment composition. There was a spatial trend of increasing species richness from the upper to lower segments of the bay which corresponded to increasing salinity and decreasing % silt+clay content. Temporal changes were also correlated with salinity with lower diversity and changes in species composition being observed in lower salinity years. BIO-11 Thermal preferences and critical temperatures of invasive lionfish complex (Pterois volitans/P. miles). B.D. BARKER (1), A.Z. HORODYSKY (2), and D.W. KERSTETTER (1). (1) Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, 8000 N. Ocean Dr., Dania Beach, FL 33004; (2) Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Hampton University, 100 E. Queen St., Hampton, VA 23668. Temperature preference and limits were determined for locally captured, juvenile lionfish at four different acclimation temperatures (13°C, 20°C, 25 °C and 32°C). Temperature preferences were evaluated using an automated shuttlebox system that presents temperature stimuli in a subject-driven fashion. The shuttlebox system circulates two temperatures of water within a dumbbell-shaped tank, maintaining a difference of 3°C between sides. Movement of the subject to the “warm” tank increased temperature stimulus; movements to the “cold” side decreased temperature stimuli in both tanks (maintaining the 3°C differential). Subjects move between hot and cold sides, behaviorally thermoregulating within preferred temperature ranges. Critical thermal methodology was used to determine the CTmin and CTmax of the fish, with loss of equilibrium as the endpoint. Temperature was increased or decreased by 0.33°C per minute until the end point was reached. Thermal tolerance polygons will provide a visual representation to the lower and upper thermal avoidance temperatures of the invasive lionfish, delineating the preferred thermal range of the species. A species’ thermal preference and tolerance are important mechanistic drivers affecting behavior and geographic distribution and thus are relevant to fisheries management. Thermal preference data could assist lionfish population management in pinpointing abundance hotspots, allowing removal efforts to be more efficient. Thermal tolerance describes the range in which lionfish can survive, and how this range changes with acclimation temperature. Due to increasing ocean temperatures, the current range of the invasive lionfish could expand geographically into higher latitudes, similar to expectations for native tropical fishes, with unknown implications for ecosystem processes. BIO-12 Effects of heat treatment on gene expression of several heat shock proteins in two strawberry cultivars. R.A. BROWN (1), H. WANG (2), and W.W. TURECHEK (2). (1) Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 32981, (2) USDA-ARS, United States Horticulture Research Laboratory, 2001 S. Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34945. Xanthomonas fragariae is a bacterium that causes angular leaf spot (ALS) in strawberry. ALS primarily affects the foliage, however the bacterium can move systemically through the plant’s vascular bundle. Heat treatment has been shown to be an effective method for reducing systemic pathogens but the



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process often has adverse effects on plant health. Research has shown that a brief heat treatment at lower temperature prior to the main heat treatment can induce heat shock proteins in plants, which serve to protect the plant from damage when treated at higher temperatures. The objective of this study was to determine the gene expression of ten heat shock protein (HSP) genes in two strawberry cultivars (Festival and Ventana) known to have differential tolerance to heat. These HSP genes include: Hsf-1 (2 genes), Hsp90 (1 gene), Hsp70 (2 genes) and sHsps (5 genes). Strawberry plants were heat treated at 37 �C for one hour to induce the heat shock response. Total RNA was extracted from the treated plants and a set of control plants and qRT-PCR was used to determine the gene expression of the ten target genes encoding HSPs. Results showed that several HSP genes (one Hsf-1 and three sHsp) were up-regulated at a significantly higher fold in Festival but only one gene, sHsp15.96, was expressed at significantly higher fold in Ventana (P<0.05). Results of this study have identified candidate genes that may confer heat tolerance in strawberry which may be useful for selecting heat tolerant plants in breeding programs. However, additional research should quantify HSPs induced by heat treatment at the protein level and confirm functions of these genes through “knock out”/overexpression studies. BIO-13 RNAi based silencing of a DNA repair gene to induce UV sensitivity in Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. N. AUNG, A. SCHULTHEIS AND D. STOCK. Department of Biology, Stetson University, 421 N. Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32723. Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector of infectious diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Yellow fevers. As the mosquito has acquired resistance to traditionally used chemical pesticides, finding new ways to control the mosquito is necessary. Since the mosquito is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, UV radiation from the sun can be a reliable source to control the mosquito. In this experiment, we showed that the mosquito possesses Ercc1 gene that plays important role in nucleotide excision repair. Deficiency of the gene in humans results in photosensitivity. Therefore, we hypothesized that down regulation of the gene will make A. aegypti larvae sensitive to UV radiation from the sun. Such down regulation is achieved by feeding the mosquito larvae with E. coli strain HT115 (DE3) transformed with L4440 plasmid containing A. aegypti Ercc1 insert producing double stranded RNA of the gene. As the mosquito larvae feed on Ercc1 dsRNA, RNA interference (RNAi) effect lowers Ercc1 expression in the mosquito larvae. We showed that A. aegypti larvae with down-regulated Ercc1 expression are highly sensitive to UV radiation. Therefore we believe that bacteria mediated feeding method of dsRNA can become a sustainable and economical way to control A. aegypti mosquito. (The research was supported by Stetson Undergraduate Research Education Grant and Raymond beyond the Classroom Grant). BIO-14 A Study on the Specificity of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus Detection Methods. C.R. NEWCOME. Department of Biology. Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981. In the quest to culture Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), contaminating bacteria seemed to be the only successful thing cultured, despite many efforts. These cultures produced positive outcomes for Las according to the real time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization results. This study has been conducted to see if the primers and probes used to detect Las also detect other bacteria present. It is significant to determine if any other bacteria are infecting the citrus, as well as Las, contributing to the overall effects of the disease. To test this hypothesis, this experiment was designed to perform the detection methods currently used in detecting Las on various common bacteria. Through the use of polymerase chain reaction (conventional and real-time) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), it can be determined if the Las primers and probes specifically amplify only the target Las bacteria DNA. The assays included real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using the Li primers and fluorescence in situ hybridization that targets the Las 16S rRNA gene using newly designed probes. The bacteria studied included Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Xanthomonas axonopodis, and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria were chosen not only because cultures are readily available, but also because they are abundant in the environment in which citrus greening is occurring. This study has shown that the Li primers for qPCR are specific to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and did not amplify any other bacteria DNA. The FISH probes hybridized to Bacillus subtilis and to Staphylococcus aureus. This indicates further investigating must be done if one requires a more specific detection method. (Project supported by Mark Hilf, PhD at the USDA). BIO-15 Oryzalin-induced polyploidy in diploid Hippeastrum cultivars. L. DE SOUZA (1), J.J. STERVIL (1), L. CORNELIO (1), A. MEEROW (2), D.P. MAUL(1). (1) St. Thomas University, School of Science, Technology and Engineering Management, 16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054. (2) USDA-ARS-SHRS, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158. Hippeastrum (amaryllis), a bulbous ornamental plant of economic importance because of its vibrant flower colors and large-sized blossoms, are mostly tetraploid hybrids. Diploid interspecific hybrids are good candidates for introducing novel traits in tetraploid commercial cultivars. In order to overcome cross-fertilization barriers between the two ploidy levels, as well as overcome self-incompatibility at the diploid level, it is necessary to first induce tetraploidy in diploid Hippeastrum plants. One procedure to induce chromosome doubling consists on exposing tissues to



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antimitotic agents, such as oryzalin (3,5-dinitro-n-n-dipropylsulfanilamide). In this study, we tested the response of secondary multiplication bulblet explants of a diploid Hippeastrum cultivar to 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 0.2% oryzalin at various exposure periods for poliploidy induction. After 14 weeks in culture, plantlets derived from treated bulblets were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine their ploidy level. Our results showed tetraploidy induction in Hippeastrum with 0.2% oryzalin after 4 or 7 days of exposure. Various mixoploids were produced in all treatments. This study provides a new methodology for chromosome doubling in Hippeastrum that may be used in selected cultivars and possibly extrapolated to other ornamental flower bulbs. BIO-16 The Influence of HIDE Overexpression on M1/M2 Activation States in RAW Cells. JES. ROBINSON (1,2), D. LEE (1), K. NASH (1), and I. DUFFY (2). (1) Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, 4001 E. Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33613. (2) Department of Math and Sciences, Saint Leo University, 33701 S.R. 52, Saint Leo, FL 33574. Macrophages are key mediators of the inflammatory response and are implicated in a diverse number of diseases. Macrophages may take on varying phenotypes indicative of their environment and the macrophage function. In classical activation (M1), macrophage phagocytic and proinflammatory properties make them important in destroying pathogens directly as well as stimulating other leukocytes to aid in the immune response. Alternative activation (M2) states may serve to fight larger pathogens, remodel the extracellular matrix, repair damaged cells/tissues or regulate inflammation via cytokines and chemokines. Given the essential role of macrophages, some diseases are believed to be agitated or caused, at least in part, by aberrant activation states. For example, one hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease purports the refusal of the immune system to revert macrophages from an M1-proinflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory M2 state. Recent microarray data has implicated, among others, a novel protein, HIDE-1, that may play a role in regulating an M1 phenotype, specifically in the mouse hippocampus. Here we present data generated from the overexpression of a HIDE-1-containing expression vector in RAW 264.7 cells. Effects of the expression of HIDE-1 in those cells, following inducement of either M1 or M2, was examined using RT- qPCR and western blot analysis. (Research funded by the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Tampa, FL 33613 and Saint Leo University, Saint Leo, FL 33574) BIO-17 A whale of a tale: rod monochromacy in the balaenid whale retina. L.E. SCHWEIKERT (1), M.S. GRACE (1), J.I. FASICK (2). (1) Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, (2) Department of Biological Science, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Until now, it was believed that vision in all mammals occurs through “duplex” retinae containing both rod and cone photoreceptors, the signals from which are processed through cone- and/or rod-specific retinal interneuron pathways. Recent investigations, however, have determined that several cetacean families possess mutations in their single long-wavelength sensitive (LWS) cone opsin gene likely resulting in a condition unique among mammals known as rod monochromacy. Natural and artificial loss-of-function mutations in mammalian opsin genes are reported to cause massive photoreceptor loss and large-scale remodeling of the mammalian retina. Here we investigated the cellular organization of the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) retina to determine how this unprecedented functional loss of an entire mammalian photoreceptor class affects light signaling pathways in the retina. Sequencing was performed for cDNA derived from cone opsin mRNA in balaenid whales. Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and anti-opsin immunofluorescence were used to characterize retinal architecture and to determine the photoreceptor types in B. mysticetus. In addition, bipolar cell immunofluorescence (against PKC-α and recoverin) was used to identify bipolar cell types in the B. mysticetus retina. Genetic analyses indicates the severe truncation of the single cone opsin (long-wavelength-sensitive) mRNA in the B. mysticetus retina, indicating loss of cone cell function, but maintenance of a non-photosensitive, opsin-expressing cone-like cell in the retina. Immunofluorescence, histological and ultrastructural analyses indicate the complete loss of LWS cone outer segments in the balaenid whale retina, suggesting the total loss of cone-based photoreception, but maintenance of cone soma and cone bipolar cells. These findings show for the first time a rod-monochromatic mammalian retina, and suggest that despite the loss of cone-mediated photoreception, the associated cone signaling machinery may be functionally maintained for multi-channel rod-based signaling in balaenid whales. (Funding provided by the National Marine Fisheries Service and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship) BIO-18 Retinal Mapping of Rod and Cone Photoreceptors in two Western Atlantic Seahorses: Hippocampus erectus and H. reidi. L.A. KING and J. LIN. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901. Seahorses (Hippocampus) are members of the Syngnathidae family are in great need



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of conservation because of overexploitation (due to traditional medicine, aquarium trade, and curios), habitat loss (seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs), and accidental bycatch (crab traps) (Koldewey and Martin-Smith, 2009). As a result of the high demand for wild caught seahorses all Hippocampus species are listed on the IUCN red list and the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix II (Rosa et al., 2005). Seahorse aquaculture has been established as a way to relieve the pressures of wild caught populations. Seahorse aquaculture, however, has experienced problems with juvenile survival due to disease and appropriate diet (Koldewey and Martin-Smith, 2010). Like other teleost fish, how seahorses perceive its environment is vital for prey capture, predator avoidance, and mate selection (Levine and MacNichol, 1982). Seahorses are known to be a visual predator (waiting for their prey items to pass by in water currents); however, little is known about the visual system, in particular the retina of the seahorse. This study uses anti-opsin immunofluorescence to look at rod and cone photoreceptor distribution and abundance within the retina of two important aquarium species, the lined seahorse (H. erectus) and the long snout seahorse (H. reidi) at different developmental stages (3 juvenile and 1 adult). The objective of this study is to determine whether photoreceptor distribution/abundance changes with age and differ between the two species. Preliminary results reveal that newly released fry are rod dominated, but cone abundance increases with age. BIO-19 Temporal changes in retinal architecture of the Atlantic tarpon, Megalops atlanticus. K.L. KOPPERUD and M.S. GRACE. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. Biological clocks and the rhythms they produce are fundamental to eukaryotic life, allowing organisms to anticipate change in their environments. While many physiological and behavioral life processes may change in direct response to external influence, most also change over time because of internal timekeeping mechanisms – biological clocks. Extensive research has defined the anatomical locations and molecular make-up of clocks in people and some lab animals, and we know much about how circadian rhythms become synchronized to the daily light-dark cycle, but we understand very little about the functional utility of clocks and rhythms in the natural world. Therefore, the aims of my research are to elucidate biological rhythms of visual function in an ecologically and economically important marine fish, to identify how these rhythms develop over time, and to determine how changing visual function may support survival of marine fish in a changing environment. The fish being studied, the Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), is one of the most sought-after game fish on Earth. Tarpon are exceptional models for studying how retinal structure and function adjust to a changing light environment because they undergo particularly dramatic shifts in ecological niche as they mature from larvae to adults. These habitat shifts are accompanied by similarly dramatic alterations in retinal photoreceptor cell type and distribution. Further, there is evidence that rod and cone photoreceptor cells actually reposition within the retina in response to light availability and/or an internal biological clock (a phenomenon called “retinomotor movements”). Elucidating the mechanisms of change in retinal architecture and function will help us to define the roles of endogenous clocks in driving the retinal rhythms of retinomotor movements. This work is ultimately aimed not only at a better understanding of vision generally, but also at the conservation of important marine species in the face of continuing, rapid coastal development and climate change. (Funding provided by Florida Institute of Technology) BIO-20 Experimental hybridization between two genera of subtropical sea urchins in Tampa Bay:Arbacia punctulata and Lytechinus variegatus. E.M. MEADOWS and S. A. RICE. Department of Biology, University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. Two genera of subtropical sea urchins, Arbacia punctulata and Lytechinus variegatus are local to the Tampa Bay area. The urchin A. punctulata is typically found in deep coastal waters in the Gulf of Mexico, and the urchin L. variegatus typically inhabits the inshore sea grass beds of Tampa Bay. A. punctulata has recently expanded its range to include the shallow coastal waters of Tampa Bay and now overlaps that of the urchin L. variegatus. The two species broadcast spawn during the same season and hybrid embryos, both L. variegatus sperm with A. punctulata eggs and A. punctulata sperm with L. variegatus eggs, have been generated and raised in the laboratory up to the pluteus larval stage. In order to determine if the two genera are hybridizing in the field, specimens from Tampa Bay have been collected, acclimated to lab conditions, spawned, and the morphometrics of the larvae from four crosses, including two within species crosses used as controls and the two experimental hybrid crosses, have been examined at both the light and electron microscopy level. BIO-20 Setal morphology of grooming appendages of the spider crab, Libinia dubia. A. LAVELLE, J. JEDLIKA, J. WORTHAM. University of Tampa, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Department of Biology, 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33606. In crustaceans, grooming behaviors decrease fouling by removing debris from the exoskeleton and



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internal body structures and these grooming behaviors improve respiration, sensory reception, movement, and reproduction. Spider crabs are a unique group of crustaceans because they decorate themselves with materials from their environment such as sponges, sea grasses, and sediment by attaching these materials to setae located on their carapace and legs. This behavior leads to the crab “not looking like a crab”, being camouflaged, and avoiding predation. Grooming may be of extra importance to these spider crabs as the setae need to be maintained and free of fouling. No documentation is in the literature about the morphology of the grooming appendages and the setal structures that likely aid in removal of fouling. The types of grooming appendages examined were the first periopods (first walking legs), the first, second, and third maxillipeds (mouthparts), and the first, second, and third epipods attached to respective maxillipeds (gill cleaning devices) in the lateral, medial, internal, and external regions. All appendages were taken through normal SEM preparations and then observed in a JEOL JSM-35 microscope. The objective of project was to describe the setal morphologies of these grooming appendages and determine if the crab has different grooming morphology from other decapods. We hypothesized that the spider crab will have elaborate setal morphology for cleaning setae used for decorations as well as cleaning inside of the gill chamber as a result of the high likelihood that materials foul the gills. Types of setae found on the grooming structures included many varieties of serrate setae and pappose setae. (Funding provided by University of Tampa Honor’s Program and College of Natural and Health Sciences, technical assistance provided by Dr. Stanley Rice and Erin Meadows) BIO-21 Grooming behavior in spider crab, Libinia dubia. J. JEDLICKA and J. WORTHAM. College of Natural and Health Sciences, University of Tampa, 401 West Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. Grooming behaviors reduce the amount of fouling material, such as bacteria, epibionts, algae, or sediment. Fouling is the accumulation of these materials on the outside and/or inside the body structures. In crustaceans like decapods, grooming is typically focused around respiratory structures and vital sensory structures. The joints in crustaceans are also necessary to keep clean because of the constant motion associated with the different appendages. The behavior and quality of fouling was examined for the crustacean spider crab, Libinia dubia, which is known to decorate their bodies by attaching foreign material from the environment to setae on their exoskeleton. Four observational studies were performed to look at how the frequency and duration of grooming behaviors may vary in the absence and presence of another conspecific individual. The four experiments were performed: isolation (behavioral; N=142), together in a tank separated by a screen (social; N=30), and in physical contact with another crab (agonistic; N=45) with each of the three experiments lasting for a 30 min. time period. In the 24 hour experiment (N=20), crabs were isolated and observed every half hour for 24 hours. Grooming behaviors documented were the appendages used to groom, groomed body areas (are they in areas where the setae used in decoration are located), type of grooming behavior (pick, brush, or scrape) and a time budget for grooming (the percentage of time spent grooming). Grooming was observed to be predominantly from third maxilliped (outer mouthpart) and left and right claws. Individuals in the behavioral experiment were generally observed to have a higher grooming time budget while the presence of another individual overall decreased grooming because of the occurrence of other primary actions (e.g. fighting, displaying). These primary actions take priority over grooming actions which makes grooming appear to be a secondary action that occurs when primary actions are absent. BIO-22 Stomach Contents of Invasive Pike Killifish (Belonesox belizanus) from a Tidal Creek in Tampa Bay. K.M. ROBERTSON and M.G. MCRAE. Department of Biology, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL 33606. A stomach content analysis of invasive Pike Killifish (Belonesox belizanus) was performed on specimens collected in a tidal creek on the eastern edge of Tampa Bay. The Pike Killifish was introduced to southern Florida in the 1950’s and became established in the Tampa Bay watershed by 1994. Fish were collected from North and South Archie Creek by using cast nets and seines. Measurements were taken on each collected fish, and their stomach contents were weighed, dried, and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Prey availability in Archie Creek was also analyzed so that prey selectivity could be ascertained. An analysis of the prey selected by Pike Killifish in Tampa Bay can provide insight as to how they may be impacting estuarine ecosystems at the northern edge of their invasive range. BIO-23 Thermal independence of feeding kinematics in the pike killifish, Belonesox belizanus. J. BURNETT (1), T. SLOAN (1), J. KERFOOT (2), and R. TURINGAN (1). (1) Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. (2) Department of Biological Sciences, Union University, 1050 Union University Dr, Jackson, TN 38305. The alarming, rapid spread of tropical invasive species toward higher latitudes has underscored the urgent need to understand their biology and ecology. The major, negative consequences of invasive species for the stability of native communities are rooted from the well-known traits of invasive species, including their ability to (1) alter food web dynamics, (2) compete for limited food resources, and (3) eat native flora and fauna. What is missing in contemporary invasive-species research is information that advances our understanding of how environmental temperature affects the allometric relationship between body size and environmental temperature through ontogeny. This study was



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designed to address the following questions: (1) How do kinematic variables scale with body size through ontogeny in the pike killifish?; and (2) Do pike killifish modulate their prey capture kinematics according to environmental temperature? Duration and timing of kinematic events scale with body size and ontogenetic stage in pike killifish. Environmental temperature has little, insignificant effects on the prey-capture performance of pike killifish. It is hypothesized that the ability of pike killifish, Belonesox belizanus to spread its range of distribution in Florida is enhanced by the thermal independence of its prey-capture kinematics and behavior. BIO-24 Body-size specific response of feeding performance to temperature in the invasive lionfish, Pterois volitans. B.J. BEMENT, K.L. CHAPMAN, R.G. TURINGAN. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. The ability of an exotic species to establish invasive populations depends on its possession of the physiological and behavioral traits appropriate to survive in an invaded ecosystem. It is well known that environmental factors, such as temperature, influence organismal performance, especially in poikilotherms like marine fishes. With the continuing spread of the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans) northerly into cooler waters, it is imperative to address questions regarding the ability of invasive lionfish to perform tasks at different temperatures. Although it is known that the capacity of an invasive species to thrive is dependent on its ability to effectively capture prey, little is known about the integrated effects of body size and temperature on feeding performance in invasive species, such as lionfish. Thirteen lionfish, divided into three size classes, were collected from a Florida population and fed live Gambusia spp. while being filmed using high-speed video. A frame-by-frame analysis of gape, hyoid depression, cranial rotation, and jaw displacement was conducted and compared among size-classes and temperature regime. The effect of temperature on performance throughout the expansive and compressive phases of feeding was quantified by calculating area under the curve, average distance velocity, average angular velocity, and Q10 temperature coefficients for individual profiles. By modeling temperature effects on feeding performance in different sizes of lionfish, we are able to gain insight into the magnitude and variation of temperature effects on prey capture performance. BIO-25 Do male house crickets (Acheta domesticus) communicate honestly to females? K. LIVINGSTON, V. ARBOLEDA, T. AZIMI, G. CHAVEZ, P. CORKRAN, R. EUGENE, F. FRECH, K. IRGASHEVA, S. MONREAL, A. ROBERTI, N. ROBLES, R. SALTERS, A. SMITH, D. SOSA, B. SUAREZ-VEGA, B. TELUSMA, A. WATSON and M.P. ROBINSON. Department of Biology, Barry University, 11300 NE 2 Ave, Miami Shores FL 33161. Sexual selection theory predicts that females should prefer mates that have better genes because their offspring will inherit those genes and be more successful. In many species males signal to potential mates and females use that signal to their mates. This creates a potential conflict. Females are under pressure to respond to honest signals (i.e., those that carry reliable information) and ignore dishonest signals. Males, however, should produce signals that convince females to mate regardless of the male’s actual quality (i.e., all males produce similar signals with some being dishonest). Signaling systems persist despite this conflict, because many signals are apparently too costly to be cheated by low-quality males and thus the signals remain honest. We are examining the relationship between the quality (i.e., degree of symmetry) of male house crickets (Acheta domesticus) and their courtship vocalizations to determine if this is an honest signal. In theory, symmetry indicates developmental stability (i.e., better genes) and symmetrical mates should be preferred. Previous results have indicated that symmetry in male house crickets is positively correlated with increased immune function. We recorded and analyzed the vocalizations of males. In addition, we took various morphometric measurements of the males including weight and measurements of the wing and legs. We then used these measurements to calculate fluctuating asymmetry. We will discuss the signal’s relationship with symmetry and its potential for use by females in mate choice. (Funding was provided by the NIH-NIGMS MBRS RISE: R25 GM059244 award to Barry University.) BIO-26 Biological characteristics of fishes in MPAs and fished reefs: implications for the evolution of fishing-induced traits. R.Y.FIDLER and R.G. TURINGAN. Dept. of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. In addition to reducing population size, size-selective fishing pressure causes directional shifts in body size toward the predominance of smaller and early maturing individuals in exploited populations. Small, early-maturing fish exhibit significantly reduced reproductive output, and therefore, reduced fitness. By eliminating fishing pressure within their boundaries, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are expected to ameliorate the adverse effects of fishing. Although previous studies have repeatedly shown significantly higher fish density and biomass within MPAs compared to adjacent fished reefs, little attention has been given to the evolutionary implications of MPAs. In an attempt to advance our understanding of the evolutionary implications of MPAs, this study was designed to address the following question: Does MPA protection promote changes in the associations among fish age, length, and sexual maturity towards faster growth, later maturation, and increases in overall fish health? Field-collections of Chlorurus sordidus revealed a significant increase in growth rate of individuals within MPAs, theoretically resulting in increased fitness. Although not



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significant, other promising relationships among length, age and sexual maturity between MPAs and fished reefs towards higher fitness within reserves were also present. Additionally, there was no difference in condition factor between fish in MPAs and fished reefs, indicating that differences in these relationships are the direct result of the cessation of fishing and not disparities in habitat quality. BIO-27 Thermal response of prey-capture kinematics in teleost fishes departs from physiological expectations. T.J. SLOAN and R.G. TURINGAN. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. Univ. Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. As poikilotherms, the physiological performance of fishes is expected to reach optimum levels at a narrow temperature range. As a consequence of the direct effects of environmental temperature on the contractile properties of skeletal muscle, it is expected that the rate of motion in muscle-driven mechanisms doubles for every 10°C change in ambient temperature (i.e., Q10=2.0). This study examined the variation in Q10s of prey-capture kinematic velocities among cyprinodontiform, scorpaeniform and perciform species, as well as among a size series of cyprinodontiform and scorpaeniform fishes, in an attempt to address the question, “How does temperature affect whole-organism performance in teleost fishes?” Size-corrected Q10s for gape, hyoid, lower-jaw displacement, and cranial rotation velocities in fish feeding at 20°C and 30°C ranged from 0.56 to 1.44 in all three species. Intraspecific analyses revealed that the Q10s for the same kinematic variables were 1.0-1.50 in pike killifish (17-101mm SL) and 1.02-1.40 in lionfish (36-107mm SL). These results indicate that prey-capture performance remains largely unaffected by temperature at both interspecific and intraspecific levels of investigation. In the light of the climate-change phenomenon, it is imperative that we advance our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie whole-organism performance in different temperature regimes. BIO-28 Does decreased pH negatively impact the embryonic development, hatching success, and larval morphology of the Florida stone crab, Menippe mercenaria? P.M. GRAVINESE and R.A. TANKERSLEY. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. Elevated atmospheric CO2 is causing the pH of surface waters to decline at an unprecedented rate. Determining an organism’s sensitivity to reductions in pH will enable predictions of the impact of ocean acidification on the organism’s ecology and physiology. We used the stone crab, Menippe mercenaria, to evaluate the effects of low ocean pH on embryonic development, hatching success, and larval morphology. Ovigerous females with early stage embryos were placed in one of two pH treatments (control = 8.1, experimental = 7.5) until larval hatching (~ 2 weeks). A subset of embryos were removed from the sponge of females and photographed daily to compare the developmental stage and egg volume during the incubation period. Similarly, hatching success was determined by isolating a cluster of eggs just prior to hatching and calculating the number of successful larvae released within an hour after hatching. Following hatching, morphological features, including carapace width, carapace height, spination, and total body length of zoeae from both treatments were compared. Under high acidification, larval development was slightly slower, resulting in a two day delay in the time to hatching. Low pH conditions also resulted in a slight, yet significant decrease in mean egg volume (by 14%) and mean hatching success (by 27%) when compared to control conditions. Larvae from the low pH treatment also had significantly shorter lateral spines and larger carapace height than those under control conditions. Our results indicate future ocean pH scenarios could impact stone crab larval supply and survival through reduced hatching success and increased larval predation due to morphological deformities, which reduce the size of protective spines. (Research funded by Mote Protect Our Reef Grants) BIO-29 Metamorphic competency and the cost of delayed metamorphosis in the American horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus. S.M. KRONSTADT and R.A. TANKERSLEY. Department of Biology, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. Many marine and estuarine arthropods exhibit a complex life cycle that includes a planktonic larval phase and benthic juvenile and adult stages. Chemical and structural cues associated with juvenile habitats often induce settlement and metamorphosis, thereby shortening the duration of the larval phase. Metamorphosis can be triggered after larvae reach ‘competency’, or the developmental ability to metamorphose. Time to metamorphosis (TTM) by competent trilobite larvae of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus is reduced in the presence of chemical exudates or odors from several sources associated with nursery habitats, including conspecifics. We investigated two research questions: (1) when do L. polyphemus larvae become competent? and (2) does delayed metamorphosis impact the post-metamorphic growth and survival of juvenile crabs? Competency was determined by measuring TTM of trilobite larvae exposed to a known inducer of metamorphosis (conspecific exudate) either immediately following hatching (0 days) or at fixed intervals (delays) of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-hatching. Exposure to conspecific odor before 7 days following hatching had little effect on TTM. Yet, metamorphosis in the delayed treatments occurred within 1-5 days following exposure to the inducer, suggesting competency occurs 7-10 days post-hatch. However, delayed metamorphosis had no apparent impact on early benthic juveniles. Survivorship, growth, and molting rates were similar for crabs that either molted at the beginning of the



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competency period or were forced to delay metamorphosis by 14-21 days. Absence of negative post-metamorphic effects on juvenile crabs suggests that the ability to delay metamorphosis may be adaptive in L. polyphemus since it would likely increase the probability of larvae locating suitable nursery habitats. BIO-30 Mode of forking in astrophytons (Echinodermata; Ophiuroidea). N.W. BECKER and R.L. TURNER. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901. The arm vertebrae of basketstars articulate by central condyles and 4 muscles. Most vertebrae are bilaterally symmetrical, containing a pair of dorsal and a pair of ventral muscle fossae on each articulation surface in addition to dorsal and ventral grooves to accommodate radial nerves and part of the arm coelom. How does branching alter this symmetry and modify the vertebrae at a fork and the first vertebrae of the two branches? Fork and adjacent vertebrae of the basketstar Gorgonocephalus eucnemis were examined under scanning electron microscopy to compare their articular surfaces. Proximal faces of fork vertebrae are indistinguishable from those of vertebrae in adjacent non-branching sections (brachitaxes), whereas distal faces have 2 condyles and 8 fossae, consistent with the need to accommodate 2 distal brachitaxes. Between the condyles, the fork vertebra extends as a rostrum, strongly offsetting the articular surfaces and defining the angle of branching. The dorsal and ventral grooves split into a Y-shape. Vertebrae immediately distal to the fork vertebra have smaller adaxial fossae than abaxial fossae. The asymmetry is less pronounced on the distal surface, and symmetry is progressively restored over the next few vertebrae. Asymmetry is most likely imposed by the acute angle of branching. The presence of fork vertebrae and asymmetric articular surfaces in disarticulated skeletons should signal the basketstar morphology in fossil strata. BIO-31 Morphology of chitinous bristles of the eastern surf chiton, Ceratozona squalida. M. D. CURTIS, P. W. CONNELLY, AND R. L. TURNER. Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Biological Sciences, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901. Little is known about the structural differences and possible function of chitinous bristles that protrude from the girdles of chitons of the family Mopaliidae. Bristles of Ceratozona squalida were compared to those of previously studied mopaliids through visual examination and scanning electron microscopy. Bristles and girdle sections were examined for spicules, central medulla, bi-layered cortex, neural elements, and papillae that have been reported in other mopaliids. Bristles of C. squalida are composed of a network of longitudinal chitinous fibers with no evidence of a central medulla or bi-layered cortex. Neural elements (dendritic bundles of sensory neurons, axons, and sensory cells) are absent in the bristles of C. squalida. The only internal structure of the bristles of C. squalida is the longitudinal fibers. Calcareous spicules are absent from the bristles of C. squalida but are present in the girdle papillae. Bristles of C. squalida predominantly arise from follicles in pairs, with one round bristle nestled within a longer, more ovate bristle. Bristles of other mopaliids are hypothesized to reduce desiccation and prevent predation. While it appears that some mopaliids might achieve these outcomes via tactile reception and mechanical protection, bristles of C. squalida would have to secure these benefits through non-tactile means. Bristles of C. squalida are regularly covered in a dense overgrowth of algal and invertebrate epibionts. It is likely that the functions of the non-sensory bristles in C. squalida and other mopaliids are to prevent desiccation and predation by attracting epibionts, which moisten and camouflage the chiton. BIO-32 Variation in scaling of the feeding mechanism through ontogeny between larval and post-larval fishes. E.A. DAWSON, M.J. SONNEFELD, R.G. TURINGAN. Department of Biological Sciences, 150 West University Blvd, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901. Our ability to understand the ontogeny of functional morphological diversity benefits from the comparison of the scaling of key metrics of functional morphology among life-history stages of fish. This study attempts to contribute to our understanding of the origins of functional morphological diversity by comparing the trajectories of growth in key components of the suction-feeding mechanism in teleost fishes through ontogeny. Growth trajectories will be generated in larval, juvenile and adult fishes. Scaling coefficients (growth rate) of the Suction Index (SI), as well as key components of SI, including the physiological cross-sectional area of the epaxialis muscle and the mechanical advantage of the neurocranial rotation mechanism will be compared among species with contrasting adult ecologies. The following hypotheses will be tested. (1) In fish larvae, scaling of functional morphology will not differ among species. (2) In juvenile and adult fish, scaling of functional morphology will differ among species. (3) Variation in scaling of juvenile and adult fish among species will be consistent with the feeding mode of each species. It is conceivable that the divergence in growth rate of functional morphological traits through ontogeny contributes to the formation of organismal diversity. BIO-33 Effects of group size on behavior in the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) under captive conditions. B. BALDRICA, L. SHEA. N.K.P. HO. Florida Institute of Technology, Vero Beach Marine Laboratory, 805 46th Place East, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Seahorses are found in tropical to temperate waters all over the world. Morphologically, seahorses possess a horse-like head, and in terms of parental care, male seahorses possess a brood pouch to carry eggs. Prior to receiving eggs, seahorses engage in courtship behaviors which consists of daily greetings to establish a bond with its



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potential mate and synchronize reproductive readiness. Some of these elaborate courtship behaviors include swimming in unison and changing body color. The goal of this study was to observe seahorse courtship behavior in different group sizes to see if seahorses will court with the same individual in the presence of another mate. Sexually mature lined seahorses (Hippocampus erectus) all of which had never mated, were purchased from two Florida breeding facilities. Seahorse pairs of equal size were then allocated into one of the three treatments: one male: one female, two males: two females, and three males: three females, with each treatment size held in separate 110 liter tanks. Each seahorse was identified using colored tags and their courtship behaviors were recorded for twenty-five days. The recordings were then reviewed and the mating behaviors were quantified using JWatcher software. The results from this study will aid in optimizing production and animal welfare for seahorse breeding programs. BIO-34 Seahorse tango: Two Western Atlantic seahorse species (Hippocampus erectus and Hippocampus reidi) produce hybrid offspring in captivity. J.A. PEREZ, N.K.P. HO, L.F.C. HO. Florida Institute of Technology, Biological Sciences, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. The lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, and the longsnout seahorse, H. reidi, are two of three species of seahorse native to the western Atlantic Ocean. Both of these species adapt well to captive conditions and are a commonly housed together in captivity in home aquaria as well as public institutions. Since both of these species are commonly kept together in captivity, the chances of recording a hybridization event are plausible. At the Florida Institute of Technology, H. reidi and H. erectus broodstock were housed together and the coupling of these two species was documented. Viable offspring were produced and the offspring were raised to adulthood. The purpose of this study was to use meristics, the quantifiable traits that identify fish species, to extract information about the phenotypic characteristics of the hybrids and compare them to their parental species. The dorsal and pectoral fin ray counts, number of tail and trunk rings, and snout lengths ratios were measured for the hybrids and their parental species. Three specimens of the hybrid and the parental species were chosen at random on 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 days post released and then euthanized. These specimens were then examined under a microscope and were photographed against a grid background. The measurements of the specific meristics were done using photography software. Since the distribution ranges of H. reidi and H. erectus overlap in the Caribbean Sea, it is possible for wild animals to hybridize. The results of this study may assist seahorse biologists in identifying possible wild caught hybrid specimens or hybrids produced in captivity. BIO-35 Modulating growth trajectories of the feeding mechanism in sympatric species may contribute to functional morphological diversity in teleost fishes. R.G. TURINGAN, R.G., J.E. KENYON, and J.M. SHENKER. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32901. The quest into the advancement of our understanding of organismal diversity has inspired our renewed interest in investigating the developmental and molecular bases of functional morphological diversity. In this study, we attempt to contribute to our understanding of the origins of functional morphological diversity by comparing the trajectories of growth in key components of the suction-feeding mechanism in teleost fishes through ontogeny. Growth trajectories were generated in larval, juvenile and adult fish ranging in size from 3.0 to 210.0 mm. We derived the scaling coefficients (growth rate) of the Suction Index (SI), as well as key components of SI including the physiological cross-sectional area of the epaxialis muscle and the mechanical advantage of the neurocranial rotation mechanism. We compared the stage-specific growth rate of these performance metrics between the suction-feeding bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, and the durophagous redear, Lepomis microlophus. In all fishes, SI and its morphological determinants scaled positively with body size. At the larval through the juvenile stages, growth rates of these metrics were statistically similar in both species. However, in bluegill, SI growth rate in late juvenile- to adult-stage was at least seven times faster than that of the larval- to early juvenile-stage. SI growth rate remained the same in both larval and adult stages of development in redear. SI growth rate in the late juvenile- to adult-stage was about three times faster in bluegill than in redear. Results suggest that the divergence in growth rate of functional morphological traits contributes to the formation of organismal diversity. BIO-RES-01 (see also RES Section)

Five-year manatee census and behavioral analysis in the Harbor Branch channel utilizing photo-identification techniques. C.F. ROBINSON. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Dr., Jupiter, FL 33458. Despite anecdotal accounts of manatees aggregating in the channel of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI), it was not until 2009 that the manatees were studied. Land-based observation and photo-identification techniques have been used



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over the past five years to accrue data on the manatees. From this data, it was determined that a resident population of manatees frequents the HBOI channel, particularly in the winter months and at the Westernmost Basin. Photographs were compared to the state Manatee Photo-identification System database and multiple matches were found, signifying some manatees are migrants. The main observed behaviors – resting, maintaining body warmth, and mating – indicate that the Harbor Branch channel is an important habitat for the manatees. Knowing this area is crucial for the manatees year-round, actions can be taken to create a more ideal habitat for the manatees, such as solar-powered heat in the cold winter. (Research funded by the Link Foundation, Binghamton, NY 13902, and Florida Specialty License Plate). BIO-RES-02 (see also RES Section)

Habitat preference of the Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli). L.J. BARTH, J.S. REHAGE, M. ROSS, and J. DIAMOND. Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199. The Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli) is an endangered subspecies threatened by habitat loss and novel predators. Although most of their remaining habitat on Key Largo is protected by state and federal authorities, nearby urbanization prevents further expansion. However, if the habitat preferences of woodrats were better understood, then managers may be able to create higher quality habitat to support a larger population in the existing limited area, and thus helping with recovery efforts. Past research efforts, largely based on live-trapping, have produced conflicting ideas regarding woodrat habitat preference. But they are known to build stick nests throughout their territories, and research with other Neotoma species shows that nest distribution can be representative of habitat preference. Line transect surveys were used to document and map prospective nest sites, and later remote cameras were set up outside nests to assess occupancy rates. Using nest distribution and nest occupancy rates, we can determine if woodrat presence is related to factors like fine-scale forest structure, forest age, nest substrate, or proximity to abandoned roads. Preliminary results suggest that nest distribution is associated with artificial nest substrate (man-made materials) and abandoned roads. (Research funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) BIO-RES-03 (see also RES Section) Demographic survey of Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) at the Abacoa Greenway. T. SANO and J.A. MOORE. Department of Biology, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Drive. Jupiter, FL 33458. The Abacoa Greenway reserve is a 9-hectare land that houses over 85 individual tortoises. The Greenway was a reserve initially used for the relocation of gopher tortoises. We wanted to investigate the demographics of the gopher tortoise population and their burrow distributions. Recent guidelines state that the minimum viable population is 250 individuals that reside in minimum of which is 100 hectares. The Abacoa reserve according to guidelines is considered to be a support population. A support population is a population with less than 250 individuals living in an area less than 100 hectares and can be further improved towards minimum viable population status with extensive land management. Our findings so far show that 14.3% of the population is sub-adult ages which would increase recruitment for the population. We have also found that the tortoises in the reserve are showing signs of maturity characterized by narrow growth rings starting at the age of 8 or 9 years old. This is much younger compared to populations found further north. We hypothesize that this is due to the latitudinal climate effects and warm winters allowing year-round foraging. For the gopher tortoise burrow distributions on our site, we found that many tortoises are creating new burrows on the periphery of the reserve. We hypothesize that this is due to the overgrowth of the vegetation in the reserve. A reduction mowing of the reserve will be needed soon based upon the findings from a previous study. (Funding provided by Florida Atlantic University) BIO-RES-04 (see also RES Section)

Ingestion of fossil seashells, stones, and small mammal bones by gravid gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in South Florida. J.A. MOORE (1) and A. DORNBURG (2). (1) Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Dr., Jupiter, FL 33458, (2) Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520 U.S.A. Instances of vertebrates supplementing their diet through the ingestion of gastroliths have been observed or documented in numerous organisms including birds, crocodiles, and dinosaurs. While not uncommon, this behavior can be motivated by a wide range of factors that include endoparasite removal, stomach cleaning, or calcium supplementation during eggshell formation. As plant based diets are often mineral deficient, the use of gastroliths as calcium supplements may play an important role in the reproductive biology of egg-laying herbivorous reptiles. While gravid females of some species of herbivorous reptiles have been shown to seek out calcareous gastroliths, the occurrence or prevalence of gastroliths in gravid females remains unknown for many species. Using field observations and radiographs we document the occurrence of gastrolith ingestion by gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), an herbivorous species of testudinoid turtles. Gastroliths documented spanned fossil seashells, calcareous stones, and carnivore feces containing vertebrate bones. The prevalence of gastroliths were significantly different between gravid versus non-gravid



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tortoises. We suggest this behavior is a means of supplementing calcium intake during eggshell formation and may play a part in the female reproductive biology of this species.

BIO Posters BIO-P1 Isolation and identification of feather degrading bacteria from pink swan feathers. H. APULI, K. WORSHAM, M. LOWENBERG, S. BOWEN, and T. D’ELIA. Department of Biological Sciences, Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida 34981. Over the past decade, an alarming number of Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) have developed pink coloration on their feathers; a condition termed Pink Feather Syndrome. Overtime, the pink feathers become degraded, and the swans may die. This is the first report to analyze the bacterial community associated with the pink feathers, and to determine which species are capable of growing on and degrading swan feathers. Swans with pink feathers were identified in sample sites in Florida and Minnesota. White and pink feathers were collected from these swans, along with soil and water from the sample site. A total of 23 bacteria that produced pink to red colonies were isolated from these samples by culturing on tryptic soy agar at 22°C. Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes identified a diverse assemblage of bacteria with high identity to bacteria isolated from feathers, water and soil. Several species of Deinococcus, Brevundimonas, Rhodococcus and Kocuria were among the identified isolates. Further characterization found that 19 of the isolated bacteria were capable of using feathers as a carbon source, as indicated by growth on feather meal agar (FMA). Isolates that grew on FMA were then assayed to detect keratinase activity by culturing on dry milk agar (DMA). Only 3 of the isolates that grew on the FMA also displayed proteolytic activity consistent with feather degradation when cultured on DMA. One of these isolates (HA-01), which originated from a pink feather, was identified as Deinococcus sp (99% identity). Nine additional Deinococcus isolates were collected from feathers, and several members of this genus have known keratinolytic activity. Keratin is a very stable protein, and is often degraded through the synergistic work of multiple enzymes produced from a diverse microbial community. These results show that degradation of swan feathers is also facilitated by a diverse composition of bacteria capable of growing on feathers and producing proteolytic damage to feather keratin. BIO-P2 Somatic embryogenesis in Theobroma cacao accessions from the USDA-ARS-SHRS. C. AREVALO (1), J.J. STERVIL (1), D. KUHN (2), O. GUTIERREZ (2), D.P. MAUL(1). (1) St. Thomas University, School of Science, Technology and Engineering Management, 16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054. (2) USDA-ARS-SHRS, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158. Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is a widely consumed agricultural crop around the world due to its importance in the production of chocolate and confectionary products. Genetic improvement of cacao has been difficult because of its long reproductive cycle and narrow genetic base which increases its vulnerability to pests and pathogens. The USDA-ARS-Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in Miami, FL hosts a germplasm collection of cacao. Their breeding program aims at identifying and improving genotypes of high yield and high resistance to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. Somatic embryogenesis, a tissue culture technique in which an embryo is generated from somatic cells, provides a system of clonal propagation of selected genotypes to plant breeders. In cacao, flower staminoides have been found to be the most responsive explant to somatic embryogenesis conditions. Induction and embryo development media that induce somatic embryos in various genotypes have been reported. Secondary somatic embryogenesis, in which somatic embryo sections are used as explants for the production of more somatic embryos has also been reported in cacao as a method to increase their number. In this study, we report the use of an established somatic embryogenesis protocol to determine the response of various cacao genotypes to both primary and secondary somatic embryogenesis conditions. Our results show a differential response in somatic embryogenesis for the genotypes tested. This study represents a first step toward cloning cacao genotypes with desirable genetic traits for the USDA breeding program. BIO-P3 The role of central nervous system stem cells in adult zebrafish neuron axon regeneration. A. BADILLO (1), A. HERNANDEZ (1), A. LORENZO GONZALEZ (1), A. CARTAGENA (1), L. YUT (1), F.S. SHABAZZ (1), K. VAJN (2), A. TAPANES-CASTILLO (1), M. OUDEGA (2), J.A. PLUNKETT (1). (1) St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, FL 33054, (2) University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Although post-embryonic neurogenesis is limited in the mammalian brain, zebrafish (Danio rerio) retain multiple proliferative neurogenic and stem cell niches throughout adult life. The focus of our research is to study how CNS injury affects the induction of neurogenic progenitor cell fates in the adult zebrafish brain. It has been well documented that in contrast to mammals, adult zebrafish recover functionally from a complete spinal cord transection injury. Damaged axons deriving from specific neuronal populations within the brainstem are able to regenerate across and beyond a spinal cord transection site. We hypothesize that spinal cord injury will induce an endogenous, quiescent population of brainstem progenitor cells that act to integrate and



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enable the regenerative response seen following spinal cord injury in the fish. We are currently examining regenerative brainstem regions for nestin stem cell marker expression pre- and post-injury. Prior to injury, nestin immunoreactivity was observed near ventricular areas, as well as in ventral brainstem regions, which contain nuclei from descending brainstem projection neurons. An increase in Nestin immunoreactivity was also observed in similar brainstem regions following spinal cord injury. We are currently analyzing Nestin expression surrounding retrograde labeled descending brainstem neurons capable of axon regeneration following spinal cord injury. Furthermore, we are preparing a nestin mRNA DIG-labeled probe to validate the nestin antibody data. Data from these Nestin expression studies will allow us to better study the role of stem cells in CNS axon regeneration. (Funded by U.S. Department of Defense W81XWH-11-1-0645 awarded to J.A. Plunkett). BIO-P4 Pathogenic Vibrio bacteria in the Indian River Lagoon and their potential threat to human health. G.BARBARITE and P.MCCARTHY. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US1 N. Ft. Pierce, FL 34946. Vibrio bacteria are emerging pathogens responsible for 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the United States annually. Infections are directly linked to the marine environment and are acquired through contaminated seafood or aquatic injuries. Florida has the highest national incidence of vibriosis, with 20% of its cases reported from the Indian River Lagoon region. This study is the first to document the presence of V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae in the Lagoon, creating a baseline for future monitoring. A combination of cultivation and molecular techniques will be used to evaluate local hotspots, seasonality, source associations and virulence. Preliminary findings suggest an important health concern for recreational users, specifically fishermen. Broader impacts include educating the public, medical care providers, and managing agencies of potential hazards in order to promote awareness, prevent exposure and reduce illness BIO-P5 Using an engineered Trojan horse to kill nematodes. O. BRACHO, C. MANCHERY, C. BLANAR and R.P. SMITH. Division of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314.Infections due to parasitic nematodes result in nearly 125000 deaths annually. Strikingly, this rate remains nearly unchanged in the past 50 years likely owing to the fact that treatment options are either inefficient or inaccessible. Prior to infecting humans, most parasitic nematodes begin as larvae where they feed nearly exclusively on bacteria. This unique property may offer an opportunity to develop new biological control agents with the use of synthetic biology. In this study, we aim to develop gene circuit components that may be used to engineer Escherichia coli to act as a biological control agent of the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We independently characterize two genetic modules: an attraction module and a killing module. The attraction module consists of genes that produce acylhomoserine lactones, which serve as natural attractants of C. elegans. The killing module consists of an inducible promoter that drives the expression of a toxin gene, cry5B. We independently characterize the response of C. elegans to each of these modules towards the ultimate goal of implementing and optimizing the function of both modules together in a single strain of E. coli. As such, our study establishes a quantitative framework for using these modules, and ultimately engineered bacteria, as a robust biocontrol agent for nematodes. BIO-P6 Bacterial Diversity of the Wastewater Outfalls, Reefs, and Inlets of Broward County. A. CAMPBELL (1), C. SINIGALLIANO (2), J. FLEISCHER (3) and J. V. LOPEZ (1,3). (1) Nova Southeastern University, Oceanographic Center, Dania Beach, FL 33008, (2) NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Miami, FL 33149, (3) Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL 33004. We applied culture-independent, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, “454” DNA pyrosequencing, to characterize the microbial communities associated with near shore seawater in Broward County, FL. These waters flow over coral reef communities, which are part of the Florida reef tract, and are close to shore where bathers frequent. 38 total samples were taken from 6 distinct locales-the Port Everglades and Hillsboro Inlets, Hollywood and Broward wastewater outfalls, and the associated reef waters-over the course of one year. Tagged 16S rRNA amplicons were used to generate longitudinal taxonomic profiles of marine bacteria and archaea for one year. 236,322 quality-checked rRNA sequences, with an average length of 250 base pairs, were generated. Abundant taxa among these samples include Prochlorococcus, the families Rhodobacteraceae and Flavobacteriaceae, and Candidatus Portiera, an insect endosymbiont. Inlet sequences were found to be significantly different from the outfall and reef communities. Unifrac analysis showed a significant clustering pattern among the inlet samples compared to intermixing of the outfall and reef samples. Rare classes of microbes, such as Lentisphaearae, and Ternericutes_Mollicutes were found in higher numbers at the inlet sites. Planctomycetes were higher at the reef sites, and Bacteroidetes were higher at the outfall sites. A significant seasonal difference was found using ANOSIM, but depth showed no significant difference. Precipitation before and after most sampling days was low, suggesting little to no terrestrial runoff before or during the sampling days. (Project supported in part by the Batchelor Foundation awarded to Alexandra Campbell)



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BIO-P7 Stomach Contents of Gulf Killifish (Fundulus grandis) and Striped Mojarra (Eugerres plumieri) from a Tidal Creek Ecosystem in Tampa Bay. A. CLIFT and M.MCRAE. Department of Biology, University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. A stomach content analysis of Gulf Killifish (Fundulus grandis) and Striped Mojarra (Eugerres plumieri) was performed on the populations in a tidal creek located on the eastern edge of Tampa Bay. Specimens were collected from North and South Archie Creek and were preserved in 10% formalin. After dissection, stomachs and their contents were dried and weighed, and contents were identified. Percent composition, percent occurrence, and an index of relative importance were calculated for each fish species. Palaemonetes pugio was the main prey species consumed by Gulf Killifish. Analyses of Striped Mojarra stomach contents are ongoing. Future work will investigate the degree of dietary overlap between both native species, as well as with the invasive Pike Killifish (Belonesox belazanus) which will provide insights as to trophic partitioning that may be taking place among carnivorous fishes in Tampa Bay’s tidal creeks. BIO-P8 Variation in feeding-morphospace between pre- and post-metamorphic marine fishes. C.D. CONWAY, M.J. SONNEFELD, R.G. TURINGAN. Department of Biological Sciences, 150 W University Blvd, Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL 32901. Over five decades of research on post-metamorphic (i.e., juvenile- and adult-life history stages) fishes have resulted in our understanding of the diversity and evolution of fish-feeding systems. In contrast, we have a limited understanding of the feeding systems in pre-metamorphic (i.e., post-hatch larva stage) fishes. This study attempts to contribute to our understanding of the ontogeny of diversity in fish-feeding systems by contrasting the morphospace occupied by marine-fish larvae and conspecific post-larvae. Suction Index (SI), as well as key components of SI, including the physiological cross-sectional area of the epaxialis muscle and the mechanical advantage of the neurocranial rotation mechanism will be measured from fish larvae and post-larvae, and then subjected to a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) to generate the feeding morphospace. Factor loadings in the PCA will be used to identify which of the functional-morphological characters contribute to the variation in morphospace between the two life-history stages. It is hypothesized that the functional-morphological determinants of feeding performance, as well as the pattern of morphology-performance relationships in juvenile and adult fishes may be different from those of larval conspecifics. BIO-P9 The effect of Andrograholide on human fibrosarcoma cancer. E.DAVIS. Biology Department, Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL, 34981. Andrographolide is a bioactive component of Andrographis paniculata, a plant used for centuries in Asian traditional medicine. It has been tested as an anti-cancer chemotherapy agent in China. In vitro, this compound has been shown to have anticancer activity on many cancer cell lines. Here we have investigated its effect on a highly invasive human fibrosarcoma cell line, HT1080. Using MTT assay, we found that andrograholide exhibited cyto-toxic activity on HT1080 cells at micromolar concentration range. Using scratch wound and transwell migration assays, we have examined the effect of Andrographolide on HT1080 migration. Results will be presented. BIO-P10 Chloroplast Isolation of Sabal Palms. S. DIAZ, M. MADURO, H. RIVERA, J. VERA, S. RITTER and A.J. LEON. Miami Dade College North Campus Department of Biology, Health and Wellness, 11380 NW 27th AVE, Miami, FL, 33167. Commonly known as palmetto palms, Sabal genus’ members thrive in Florida’s subtropical climate, even though the majority of these palms are not native to Florida. Home to approximately 2,000 different species of palms, Miami Dade College North Campus’ Palmetum provided a large variety of Sabal to work with. The focus of this study is to identify the differences in the gene that encodes for the large subunit of the enzyme rubisco (ribulose biphosphate carboxylase) between Sabal palms. Due to palms’ characteristically fibrous leaves, optimization of chloroplast isolation was required because many protocols used plants that have fleshy leaves. Chloroplasts were isolated from four different species of Sabal palm (S. mexicanus, S.domingensis, S. mauritiiformis, and S. yappa) using volumes of two solutions, 0.2 M sorbitol and 0.2 M sucrose. Volumes of sorbitol and sucrose ranged from 20 ml to 100 ml. Data showed that the absorbance of chlorophyll using sucrose peaked at 40 ml with an average A652 of 1.385 and an average concentration of 3.85mg/mL of chloroplasts, with a gradual decrease in absorbance when using 80 ml and 100 ml. A similar trend was observed with 0.2M sorbitol; chlorophyll absorbance peaked at 40 ml with an average A652 of 1.086 and an average concentration of 3.02mg/mL of chloroplasts, and gradually decreased when using 80 ml and 100 ml. BIO-P11 Dietary preference and gill raker morphology of Albula sp. cf. vulpes in the Indian River Lagoon, Fl. M.C DRAGHETTI and J.M SHENKER. Department of Biology, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. Univ. Blvd, Melbourne, Fl 32901. Bonefishes support very valuable recreational fisheries in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean Islands, and around the Gulf of Mexico. Recent genetic research has shown that the well-known Albula vulpes is actually a multi-species complex, with at least 3 morphologically similar species of bonefishes co-occurring throughout the region. In fall 2012, large



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numbers of juvenile bonefish were found for the first time in the middle Indian River Lagoon, far north of their typical habitat. Genetic analysis identified these fish as the as-yet undescribed Albula sp. cf. vulpes. Little is known about the feeding habits, behavior, or ecology of any juvenile species of bonefish. Gut content analyses of the juvenile Albula sp. cf. vulpes from the Indian River Lagoon showed that these 29–105 mm juveniles fed primarily on benthic harpacticoid copepods and opportunistically on larger invertebrates such as mysids, cumaceans and cirriped larvae. Unusual gill raker morphology appears to influence their ability to winnow their prey from sandy substrate. Hypotheses about the reason for the occurrence of juvenile bonefish outside their traditional habitat include natural recruitment variability, variation in thermal regimes, and loss of sea grass in the Indian River Lagoon. BIO-P12 Detection of arsenic in DNA and proteins of Halomonas GFAJ-1 bacterium. N. FAY. Stetson University, Department of Biology, 421 N. Woodland Blvd, Deland, FL 32723. Halomonas GFAJ-1 strain, an extremophile in Halomonadaceae, was discovered in Mono Lake, California. Mono Lake has a high natural arsenic concentration and is hypersaline and alkaline in nature, which demonstrates that this bacterium can tolerate elevated arsenic concentrations. Felisia Wolfe-Simon et al. published an article stating that this bacterium was able to substitute arsenic for phosphorus in its DNA in order to sustain growth. However, whether GFAJ-1 bacterium is able to incorporate arsenic into its DNA is still challenged. I hypothesized that arsenic was incorporated in the DNA and proteins of this bacterium in the presence of elevated arsenic concentrations. To determine if GFAJ-1 bacterium was substituting arsenic for phosphorus in its DNA and proteins a two-part experiment was conducted. I grew the bacterium in media with varying arsenic concentrations. First, optical density was determined every 3 days for 2 weeks. There was a decrease in growth for the first 3 days, but an increase in growth for the remainder of the experiment. Second, I extracted cellular DNA and proteins individually and conducted an arsenic test on each substance using a DigiPAsS Digital Portable Arsenic System. I found arsenic associated with both DNA and proteins. From this I concluded that the GFAJ-1 bacteria are able to withstand survival in varying arsenic concentrations once they adapt to their environment. We have attempted electrophoresis to determine if the arsenic is associated with specific proteins in the cell. Further experimentation is needed to determine if arsenic is incorporated or attached to the DNA. (Funding provided by Stetson University Department of Biology and the Dean of Arts and Sciences) BIO-P13 Garden based learning project with elementary school students. T GALI. Department of Biology, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314. Nova Southeastern University students will be working in collaboration with local elementary school students to provide the students an environment for integrated learning. We are working with Manatee Bay Elementary School, in Weston, Florida; to build a Florida native garden on the school site, where-in a Florida heritage museum will be located. Manatee Bay Elementary School is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Magnet Program, which gives students the opportunity to enroll in an applied science program to inspire and motivate them to be creative and take what is taught in classes and apply them to real life. This project will focus on creating a program that will help better integrate scientific education through a collaborative, hands-on learning program. Working with the students in the garden will provide a fun, interactive learning environment. The students will have carefree exploration of the natural world that occurs rarely in today's era of indoor living, while developing a wide range of academic and social skills. Such a program can promote science literacy and social skills, while enhancing an awareness of the link between plants and everyday life. Concepts such as photosynthesis, respiration, basic math, plants and environment native to Florida, and the anatomy of a plant will be taught. They will also be taught how to keep a scientific journal and record their observations. We will investigate the effects of such a learning program by creating pre and post activity assessment questionnaires that will be administered to the students. These assessments will help us understand if a hands-on learning environment encourages students to become involved and helps them better understand theoretical information being taught in the classroom. BIO-P14 A comparison of two commonly used oyster reef restoration methods. E. HOOGKAMP(1), A. PULCINI (1), V. ENCOMIO (2). (1) Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL. 34981, (2) Florida Oceanographic Society, 890 NE Ocean Blvd. Stuart, FL 34996. Community-based oyster reef restoration programs have grown across coastal states in the USA. Two commonly used methods for oyster reef construction in community-based programs are mesh bags filled with shell (shell bags) or mats with oyster shell directly affixed to them (oyster mats). Both of these methods have been employed in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) with success, but in geographically disparate, not common, areas in the IRL. What also remains to be determined, is which method is the most successful, or if site conditions may dictate a preference for one method over the other. Furthermore, it is not known if differences in reef architecture inherent in these two approaches might result in differences in oyster reef metrics and thus, potentially reef function and ecosystem services. In this experiment we compared communities (species richness, species’ abundances, total organism abundance) between oyster reefs constructed from shell bags and oyster mats. One m2 shell bag and oyster mat reefs (n=3 per



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site) were placed side-by-side at an upstream and downstream site within the St. Lucie River. Despite adverse water quality conditions and a short time period (two weeks) allowed for reef colonization, patterns of abundance varied significantly between reef types. Results showed that site and reef type had significant effects (p<0.05) on the number of species and abundances of the dominant animals (amphipods and mud crabs [sp. Eurypanopeus depressus]) found on both reef types. In general, total abundance of organisms, and numbers of amphipods and mud crabs were significantly greater on oyster mats vs. shell bags. Total number of species was significantly greater at the upstream site, while amphipods were found in greater abundances downstream. Differences in colonization of reef types may be due to physical differences in reef structure (interstitial space, sedimentation, reef height, etc.). (Project supported in part by COSEE Florida and the National Estuary Program/Community Restoration Partnership Program). BIO-P15 Indirect impacts of cyanobacteria on coral recruitment through the production of antibacterial compounds. L.J. HOUK, S.J. HARRISON, J.M. SNEED, and V.J. PAUL. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, 701 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949. Coral reefs have been experiencing a drastic shift toward algal dominance for decades. Many of these macroalgae and cyanobacteria are chemically rich and are known to produce compounds with a variety of ecological activities including antibacterial properties. We hypothesize that these chemical defenses may impact bacterial communities found on coral reefs, including those bacteria important to the recruitment processes of reef building corals, and thus shift reef dynamics. This study explored the potential impacts of ecologically relevant cyanobacteria on bacterial communities associated with crustose coralline algae (CCA) by exposing bacterial strains isolated from CCA to natural concentrations of cyanobacterial extracts and measuring the growth over 48 hours. Crude extracts from the cyanobacteria Symploca sp. and Okeania lorea collected from Caribbean reefs were found to inhibit the growth of a diverse set of CCA-associated bacteria. These extracts were purified to isolate and characterize discrete bioactive compounds. BIO-P16 Histological analysis investigating the Macondo oil spill's impact on Crassostrea virginica. J.H. HWANG, T. CHUNG, and D. ROOPNARINE. Nova Southeastern University, Division of Math, Science, and Technology, 3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314. The Macondo oil spill occurred in 2010 due to the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig. Its discharge covered a vast area of the northern Gulf of Mexico. This study examined the toxic effects of this event on the gill epithelia of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. The hypothesis was that the toxic chemicals found in the petroleum caused metaplasia in the oysters’ gill epithelia. Crassostrea virginica is an excellent species to observe due to the anatomical structure, the gill, which allows it to bring in water along with food, and filter out any debris harmful to the oyster. The specimens were collected from Grand Isle, Louisiana; Dauphin Island, Alabama; and Apalachicola Bay, Florida. The control specimens were from Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. The specimens collected in the years 2010-2013 were tested utilizing histological techniques to analyze the gill epithelia. The results have shown that metaplasia has occurred. Metaplasia is a temporary alteration in the tissue and studies have shown that such an alteration can occur due to environmental stresses. This mechanism protects against abrasion. Owing to this disruption of function, the oysters fail to filter out any detritus that could possibly be harmful to them. This study will continue with an increase in sample size. BIO-P17 Aggregation Condition for Lysozyme Amyloid Fibers, Amorphous Aggregates, and Fibrous Hydrogels. B. LI (1), L. COLE BURNETT (2), S. LI (1), R. WANG(1), L. CUI (1), and S. XU (1). (1) Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL, 32901(2) Department of Chemical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. Protein aggregates, including amyloid fibers and amorphous aggregates, are found in brain tissues of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease patients. To gain insight about the mechanism of amyloid fiber and amorphous aggregate formation, we constructed 3-dimensional isothermal transformation diagrams (ITDs) to illustrate the effect of pH, protein concentration, and incubation time on the formation of the various lysozyme aggregates. Atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fast performance liquid chromatography (FPLC), and Thioflavin T binding assays were performed for the characterization of the aggregate samples. We found that: 1) Fibrils and fibrous hydrogels form at low pH, 2.5 to 3.5, while amorphous aggregates form at higher pHs, 4.0 to 6.0. Fibers and amorphous aggregates co-exist at pH 4.0. 2) Physical agitation and high protein concentration promote lysozyme aggregation. 3) FPLC reveals soluble aggregates, presumably short fibers or colloidal spheres, present in the fibrous samples. The 3-dimensional ITDs provide a clear picture of the relation between incubation conditions and aggregate morphologies. BIO-P18 In vivo and in vitro molecular biology techniques to study central nervous system axon growth and regeneration in adult zebrafish. A. LORENZO GONZALEZ (1), A. VALLS (1), F.S. SHABAZZ (1), K. VAJN (2), A. TAPANES-CASTILLO (1), M. OUDEGA (2), J.A. PLUNKETT (1). (1) St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, FL 33054,



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(2) University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. It has been well documented that the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) can regenerate axons after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). Through applied molecular biology and in vivo as well as in vitro studies, we are investigating the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. We established a primary culture system of adult zebrafish brainstem cells to analyze how brainstem neurons respond to chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), and the CSPG Neurocan in particular. In mammals, CSPGs are axon growth inhibitory proteins. We cloned, transfected, and are currently purifying a Myc-tagged zebrafish Neurocan B (Myc-NcanB) protein to use as a substrate in our brainstem culture system. Preliminary data indicated that neurons responded similarly to CSPGs and Myc-NcanB. One population of neurons was inhibited by the CSPG or Myc-NcanB substrate, while other populations had the ability to grow on or extend neurite-like processes across the CSPG or Myc-NcanB substrate. In addition, we are performing gene expression knockdown studies, utilizing antisense morpholinos, to study the effect of the putative CSPG receptor, protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPsigma (Ptprsa), on neurite outgrowth. We hypothesize that decreasing Ptprsa levels will increase the number of neurites growing on or crossing into CSPG areas. Lastly, we are performing gene expression studies in vivo to evaluate the role of stem cells in spinal cord injury repair. We are preparing a mRNA DIG-labeled probe against the stem cell marker, nestin, to examine nestin gene expression pre- and post-spinal cord injury in the adult brainstem. These data will then be compared to immunocytochemistry data obtained with a Nestin antibody. (Funded by U.S. Department of Defense W81XWH-11-1-0645 awarded to J.A. Plunkett). BIO-P19 Effects of Caffeine on C2C12 Myoblast Differentiation. C.R. NEWCOME and L. LI. Department of Biology, Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981. During pregnancy, caffeine is known to pass through the placenta and reach the fetus. Whether caffeine has adverse effects on fetus development remains to be controversial. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concluded in 2010 that caffeine consumption is safe up to 200 mg per day in pregnant women. Here we examine the effects of caffeine on myotube differentiation using a myoblast cell line, C2C12. We induced C2C12 myoblast cell differentiation in the presence of various concentrations of caffeine. Using our high content imaging system, we followed myotube formation for seven days by measuring length and breadth of myotubes. The expression of myogenic makers, MyoD and myogenin are typically analyzed using in situ immunostaining. Our preliminary data indicated that at millimolar concentrations, caffeine inhibited C2C12 myoblast differentiation by reducing myogenic fusion, thus generating shorter myotubes than control cells. BIO-P20 Molecular characterization and in silico expression analysis of a MYB gene family in muscadinia grapes (Muscadinia rotundifolia). L. OGLESBY, A. ANANGA, V. GIORGEV, and V. M. TSOLOVA. College of Agriculture and Food Science, Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, Florida A&M University, 6505 Mahan Drive Tallahassee, FL 32317.Anthocyanins are the major color pigments in plants. The color of red grapes is fundamentally triggered by the release of anthocyanins from the skin of grape berries. Elucidating transcriptional regulatory networks in muscadine grapes is vital to understanding the molecular and biochemical processes in the flavonoid biosynthesis. To understand anthocyanin biosynthesis mechanism in muscadine grapes, the cDNAs encoding MybA1, MybA2, and MybA3 was isolated from cDNA libraries prepared from skin tissues of muscadine (Muscadinia rotundifolia). Research has determined their structures, functions, and evolution in Arabidopsis, and rice. However, these transcription factors have not been studied in muscadine grapes, and no genome sequence is yet available. In this study, we have identified MybA1, MybA2, and MybA3 gene sequences from muscadine grapes and confirmed their putative MYB proteins. The putative homologues will also be assigned in V. vinifera, and V. amurensis based on the phylogenetic tree. Tissue-specific expression pattern analyses have also been used to confirm the predicted homologues. Amino acid sequences of the cDNAs shows high homology to the sequences from related plants. Transcript expressions of MybA1, MybA2, and MybA3 genes are abundant in the red skins cultivars, confirming that these genes have major roles in determination of muscadine skin color. The outcome of this research will not only contribute to understanding of the color variation in muscadine grape berries, which is correlated with the evolutional events occurring in the MYB gene family of grapes, but it will also strengthen functional genomic studies in North American native grapes. BIO-P21 Particulate matter as a driver of antibiotic resistance. D.A. PANDYA, P. DOTY, A. PATEL, S. GAO and R. P. SMITH. Division of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314. It is becoming increasingly recognized that particulate matter in the atmosphere is a significant global health threat and environmental concern. When carbon-based compounds, such as fossil fuels, are burned they often release polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which constitute as major components of particulate matter. Previous studies have indicated that many PAHs are carcinogenic in mammalian cells and have mutagenic potential in microorganisms such as bacteria. However, the consequences of such mutations in bacteria remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we examine the ability of selected organic compounds commonly found in particulate matter to generate antibiotic resistant bacteria. We



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have observed that separate treatment with the organic compounds 1-nitropyrene, benzo(a)pyrene, pyrene and 2-nitrofluorene can significantly increase the frequency of Escherichia coli that is resistant to rifampicin and kanamycin. Furthermore, we observed that treatment with two of these compounds together increases the frequency of rifampicin resistant bacteria near linearly. Finally we found that rifampicin resistant bacteria obtained after treatment with 1-nitropyrene or 2- nitrofluorene can resist rifampicin up to the solubility level of rifampicin in growth medium. Overall, our study presents evidence that ubiquitous organic compounds may serve to increase the rate at which antibiotic resistance evolves in the environment. BIO-P22 The effects of temperature on the feeding performance of northern and southern populations of bluegill sunfish, Lepomis microchirus. Y. PANG (1), J. HANSELMAN (2), C. FAVATA (2), T. SLOAN (1), and R. TURINGAN (1). (1) Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. Univ. Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. (2) Department of Biology, Westfield State University, 577 Western Ave, Westfield, MA 01086. The ability of an individual to perform a certain task (e.g., prey capture) driven by a temperature-dependent process (e.g., rate of contraction of buccal-expansion muscles) is constrained by the reduction in biological rates as a consequence of decrease in environmental temperature. Environmental temperature has a profound influence on the fish’s ability to successfully accomplish relevant tasks such as swimming, feeding, mating, and escaping from predators. The expression of temperature-induced changes in fish-muscle physiology varies according to different temporal scales (e.g., seasonal or developmental) and levels of organization (i.e., from molecular to organismal to ecosystem). Seasonal temperature change may induce modifications of muscle properties, allowing fish to acclimate to the new ambient temperature and drive plastic responses that mitigate temperature effects on whole-organismal performance. In an attempt to advance our understanding of how acclimation contributes to the mitigation of temperature-induced effects on performance, this study was designed to compare the prey-capture performance of bluegill sunfish, Lepomis microchirus, adapted to two contrasting ecosystems: western Massachusetts and central Florida. Overlapping size class of fish in both allopatric populations were filmed in a common experimental room at Florida Institute of Technology using high-speed video while feeding on pieces of earthworm, Lumbricus, at 20° C, 25° C, and 30° C to compare prey-capture kinematics among temperatures and between populations. In the initial phase of prey-capture, kinematics is independent of temperature, whereas, the kinematics of the compressive phase of the feeding event is more variable and appeared to be temperature dependent. The disparate effects of temperature on different

components of feeding are extremely interesting and warrant further investigations. BIO-P23 In vitro rooting of wild potato genotypes using indole butyric acid. R. PICHEL (1), C.G.MERINO MENDEZ (2), D.P.MAUL. (1) St. Thomas University, School of Science, Technology and Engineering Management, 16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054. (2) Universidad Cayetano Heredia, Genome Research Unit. Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porres, Lima 31, Peru. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L), a member of the Solanaceae family, is one of the most responsive crops to tissue culture techniques, which is used as a long-term conservation method in important genotypes. Due to their genetic diversity, wild potato genotypes carry traits that may someday be used to breed more nutritious, disease-resistant commercial varieties; hence, they are of particular importance to potato breeding programs. Wild potato genotypes were found to produce a poor rooting system in tissue culture. In vitro root formation is commonly stimulated by plant growth regulators known as auxins. In this study, potatoes from three accessions that do not easily form roots in basic nutrient media were micropropagated in nutrient media supplemented with the auxin indole butyric acid (IBA). IBA concentrations of 0, 0.5, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/L for a period of four weeks were tested to determine the best treatment for in vitro rooting. Differential rooting response with IBA was observed. All three genotypes tested formed a vigorous root system with either 0.5 or 0.1 mg/L IBA. This study is a first step towards the development of an efficient method for the micropropagation and in vitro conservation of wild potato genotypes. BIO-P24 Fire regime in El Valle de Atón, Panama during the last 120 ka. C. SHADIK, G. CARDENES, and M. BUSH. Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Biological Sciences, 150 W. University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. The presence of charcoal in lake sediment samples can be used to recreate the history of fires in an area over time. In the present study, a sediment core of 55m taken from El Valle de Atón in western Panama (8º 35´ 55.3´´N/80º 8´15.3´´W, 594 masl) was used to establish the fire regime over the past 120 ka. Microscopic charcoal analysis of 322 samples (taken about every 5cm, 0.5 cm3 per sample) was carried out in the sediment core using standard procedures. Charcoal frequency and concentration for this lake were found to be very low for most of the time frame analyzed. The predominance of low or zero values in the studied core suggests moist climate conditions and/or small amounts of biofuel in the area. However, in the upper part of the core, corresponding with the Holocene there is an increase in fire in the area. This change can be related to



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more warm and humid conditions during the Holocene, which is a condition that has been extensively documented around the world. BIO-P25 The modeling and simulation of the blue light photoreceptor Cryptochrome, to determine its structure, function, and biological importance. L.HARDY, J KNOX, and R STEPHENS. University of South Florida St. Petersburg, Department of Biological Science. 140 7th Ave S, St Petersburg, FL 33701. Cryptochrome is characterized by an α/β domain, helical domain, chromophore, and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Several different programs including Visual Molecular Dynamic (VMD) , Modeller, and VPython were used to model Cryptochrome. The structure was obtained through Protein Data Bank using the PDB ID (4GU5) . Ex. Length [Å]Angles [°]a = 72.75α = 90.00 b = 122.32β = 114.92 c = 75.03γ = 90.00 . The modeling process included finding/filling missing residues, creating a structural model, and simulating environmental stressors to see how the model works. The model was found to be structurally sound, however, the two cofactors: FAD and chromophore have not been added to the model. A regression statistical analysis was used to model the time step and total kinetic energy of the created model. Understanding the Cryptochrome protein structurally and functionally is currently being studied for its biological importance and role in circadian rhythms. BIO-P26 Nucleotide excision repair of UV induced DNA damage detected in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. M. SUZUKI and D. A. STOCK. Stetson University. 421 N. Woodland Blvd. Deland, FL 32723. Photosynthetic organisms are constantly exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sunlight. UVR can damage the DNA of a living organism by joining the adjacent pyrimidine bases. This damage can interfere with the nucleotide metabolism of the organism. One of the ways to repair such damage is by nucleotide excision repair (NER). NER excises the DNA strand containing pyrimidine dimers and replaces the gap with intact nucleotides using the undamaged strand as a template. I hypothesized that NER is present in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a facultative autotrophic unicellular alga, and leads to increased cell survival. I radiated C. reinhardtii with sublethal dose of UVR and permitted the cells to perform NER in the dark for various increasing periods of time. Additionally, I hypothesized that increasing amount of pyrimidine dimers from high level of UVR will lead to increased amount of DNA fragmentation when digested with T4 pyrimidine dimer restriction endonuclease. The hypothesis was supported by using gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA fragmentation after varying periods of NER. I found that fragments became longer as NER increased. Thirdly, I hypothesized that after UVR incorporation of 5-bromouridine into DNA would increase as NER increases. I measured the quantity of 5-bromouracil in the DNA of the damaged cells as NER increased by analyzing the fluorescence emitted by 5-bromodeoxyuridine tagged with fluorescent-labeled anti 5-bromodeoxyuridine antibody. (Funding provided by Stetson Univ. Dept. of Biology) BIO-P27 Quantification of zebrafish swimming behavior in order to determine the effect of gene knockdown on functional recovery after spinal cord injury. H. TORRES (1), I. ISER (1), F.S. SHABAZZ (1), K. VAJN (2), A. TAPANES-CASTILLO (1), M. OUDEGA (2), J.A. PLUNKETT (1). (1) St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, FL 33054, (2) University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Unlike mammals, adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) recover from a complete spinal cord injury (SCI). The absence of functional restoration in the injured mammalian spinal cord is partly due to the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) family of axon growth inhibitory molecules. Recently, a receptor for CSPG proteins, called receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPσ), was identified. Mammalian studies have demonstrated that reducing PTPσ levels increases the growth response of axons neurons in vivo and in vitro. We have previously shown that PTPσ mRNA is present in adult zebrafish CNS. Our objective is to determine the effect of reducing PTPσ levels on functional recovery after spinal cord injury in adult zebrafish. We hypothesize that knocking down PTPσ protein levels, through the use of antisense morpholinos, will improve recovery. To determine the extent of functional recovery in PTPσ and control morpholino treated animals, we are performing a quantitative analysis of the distance swam by zebrafish using video-tracking and Image J computer software. We have obtained baseline measurements on the distance swam by injured, wild-type adult zebrafish at different time points after spinal cord injury. We are beginning to analyze the distance swam by injured, morpholino treated zebrafish. (Funded by U.S. Department of Defense W81XWH-11-1-0645 awarded to J.A. Plunkett). BIO-P28 Irrigation regime comparison for summer harvest of Allium wakegi using a drip irrigation system. C. VAZQUEZ, J. MISDRAJI, S. RAMOS, D.P. MAUL. St. Thomas University, School of Science, Technology and Engineering Management, 16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054. Allium wakegi, commonly known as scallions or green onions, are perennial bulbous plants that grow to 12-18 inches tall and are mainly propagated by bulb cuttings. They require frequent and uniform irrigation near the surface of the soil because 90 percent of the roots grow in the upper 20 cm. There is little research on drip irrigation on green onions. Taking advantage of their harvest time, from 45 to 65



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days, a comparison study of efficient irrigation for summer harvest of A. wakegi was conducted at the Saint Thomas University (STU) organic garden. The objective of this study was to test if a drip irrigation system is a feasible system of irrigation for green onions at a non-commercial scale. More importantly this study aimed to find the efficient amount of water necessary to grow green onions during the summer, where rain is prevalent in South Florida. Three plots set to deliver three different irrigation regimes through drip irrigation in a raised bed were designed and implemented. Each plot contained 96 bulbs; the amount of water from drip irrigation was set by manipulating the number of drip tubing outlets in each plot. Biometric measurements for plant growth consisted on counting the number of leaves and measuring the length of the longest leaf on each plant. Rainfall water was measured daily to include in the data. Our results showed that green onions grew the most with a daily regime of approximately 160 mL water/plant twice a day. In addition, we determined that drip irrigation is a feasible system for growing green onions in the summer in South Florida. This study is a good step in determining best choices in plant types and irrigation practices in organic gardens around the STU location. (Funding provided by the USDA-HSI Florida Caribbean Consortium for Agricultural Education grant) BIO-P29 Immunoglobulin D (IgD) in the North American red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta). Z. VINCENTE. Biology Department, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431. Since Trachemys scripta is used as a model for several human diseases, it important to determine the Immunologobulin isotypes of this species. Recent work (Ohta and Flajnik, 2006) showed Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is evolutionarily more ancient than known previously but IgD seems to be distributed less uniformly across species than IgM, the most ancient antibody known. Using several Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods, a Chinese group reported IgD in Chinese soft-shelled turtles Pelodiscus sinensis (Xu et al, 2009). Turtles represent an ancient and diverse evolutionary group, with terrestrial, freshwater and marine members, so there is no guarantee all turtle species will have IgD. The importance of this project will help establish whether all turtles have IgD and if not, why T. scripta lacks this Immunoglobulin. This, in turn, may shed further light the evolution of immune responses in lower vertebrates and on turtle evolution, as well. Specifically, I will make a partial cDNA library from T. scripta spleen by total RNA extraction and doing reverse-transcriptase PCR on RNA with degenerate primers (spleen tissue has already been harvested); and do conventional PCR on T. scripta spleen partial cDNA library with IgD-specific primers, using gene-sequences reported from the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis; and test PCR results from II above, by Agarose gel electrophoresis to demonstrate IgD presence or absence. I may also do several other methods to more definitively determine whether IgD actually exists in T. scripta, including SDS-PAGE, Western Blots and Immunohistochemical studies on T. scripta spleen cells. These will use materials already prepared by the turtle immunology group. BIO-P30 The evolution of maternal investment strategies in two species of Caribbean corals. J. STONE. Biology Department, University of South Florida St. Petersburg 140 7th Ave S, St Petersburg, FL 33701. Hermatypic, or reef building corals, can be found in warm, shallow, and low nutrient waters that receive plenty of sunshine. Out of all the different breeding strategies hermaphroditic broadcasting and brooding is the most common. Favia fragum is a brooder that releases about 12,000 planulae in the course of a year while its cousin, Montastrea annularis, a broadcaster, releases approximately 2 billion eggs in the course of a year. Egg quantity and quality was plotted to determine the risk management strategy used by the two species.. We conclude that predators are a far greater threat to offspring survival than starvation. However, starvation has had more of an effect in the development of F.fragum BIO-RES-P01 (see also RES Section)

The frequency of manatee mortality before and after implementation of the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act (FMSA). K.M. CUCINOTTA (1) B. DIXON (2) D. LAMBRIGHT (3). Dept of Environmental Science, Policy, and Geography, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. This study illustrates the frequency of manatee mortality in Brevard and Lee counties before and after the implementation of the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 (FMSA). I used ArcGIS to illustrate manatee sightings and mortalities from vessel collisions during the 5-year periods before and after each county applied the FMSA. Data were collected from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and county boater registration records. The number of reported manatee deaths from vessel collisions was higher in Brevard and Lee counties during the 5-year period after FMSA slow zones became effective than before the FMSA. For example, in Brevard County during the five year period before the FMSA zones 3,903 manatees were sighted while 53 were reported killed. In the five years after, 3,710 manatees were sighted, and 64 manatees were reported killed. Meanwhile, boater registration numbers were consistently increasing. The comparison of sightings and collisions to boater registration statistics suggests a possible relationship between the number of boats and the number of manatee boat-related deaths. This study supports the need for more research on the FMSA’s effectiveness.



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CMS = COMPUTER/MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

CMS-SOC-01 (see also SOC Section) Your parents were right (“The world is not fair!”): The Gini coefficient and global income inequality. J.R.

MONTAGUE. Department of Biology, Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33161. My light-hearted title masks the very serious nature of questions about national wealth, economic fairness, and social justice. The Gini coefficient is a measure of variability among income earners; it was developed in 1912 by the Italian statistician Corraldo Gini (1884-1965). The Gini coefficient ranges in value from a theoretically low of 0.0 (in a group in which each earner has the same income as every other earner) up to a theoretically high of 1.00 (in a group in which only a single earner has an income). Thus, the lower the Gini coefficient, the lower the variability among earners (hence, the more equitable the sharing). In data available for 142 nations, Sweden had the world’s lowest Gini coefficient (23.0, i.e., the most equitable nation), while Lesotho in Southern Africa had the world’s highest (63.2, i.e., the least equitable nation). Even the most equitable nation is not perfectly equitable (“The world is not fair!” says the parent). The U.S. had a coefficient of 45.0, which lies above the global median value of 38. Using data collected from the World Bank and the U.S. CIA Factbook, I analyzed the relationships between Gini and various demographic and economic measures. Gini was positively and significantly correlated with annual population growth rate, infant mortality rate, rate of increase in per capita GDP ($/year), % of population in poverty, and the % employment-to-population ratio (15+ years in age). Gini was negatively and significantly correlated with per capita GDP ($/year), and % adult literacy. National strategies to reduce income inequality should include policies to: (1) stabilize the rates of growth for both population size and GDP; (2) decrease infant mortality rate and the poverty rate; and (3) increase adult literacy. Easier said than done. CMS-ENG-01 (see also ENG Section) Sustained digital learning management systems for quality educational improvements. D. BESSETTE (1), S.L. BURTON (1), and M.E. DAWSON (2). (1) National Graduate School of Quality Systems Management, 186 Jones Road, Falmouth, MA 02540 (2) Jones International University, 9697 East Mineral Avenue, Centennial, Colorado, 80112. Learning management systems (LMS) are vital to learning environments and particularly in distance education. The use of learning management operations is typically based upon the needs of universities and colleges, however, educational tools are driven by learner-centered demands, e-learning, m-learning, and cost. Faculty, students, and administrators can all adapt to these technological changes if they are exposed to user-friendly platforms and software geared towards learner-centered outcomes. These quality improvements in operations need to be sustainable, as they will encounter transitions due to system and software enhancements over time. This paper will explore course delivery in the 21st century as it relates to e-learning and m-learning. Practitioners and academicians will gain knowledge regarding strategic planning learning management system upgrades. Further, the researchers will explore and provide understanding on forward thinking to address development and delivery for 21st century technology. Process improvements are achieved from adaptions that lead to performance outcomes in education. The highest performance can be achieved with quality driven process improvement sustainable plans that are tied in to the performance, organization philosophy, and the andragogic learning style. Together, these quality paths can return value creation for learners, faculty, and administrators back to where it should sit- under the educational strategy framework. CMS-ENG-02 (see also ENG Section) Lowering production cost through measures of quality. H. DAWSON and A. CHLEBOWSKI. National Graduate School of Quality Management, 186 Jones Road Falmouth, MA 02540. The objective of the project focused on the reduction, and/ or possible elimination, of the steadily rising scrap costs, that is currently preventing organization A to keep its set profit margin. The short term goal was to assist organization A with a 20% cost reduction from $531,614.16 year to date in 2012 to $425,291.33 by December 2013. In 2012, organization A’s primary location’s scrap cost rose to $562,948.19, which significantly impacted internal set profit margin. With the utilization of Quality tools like the root cause problem solving (RCPS) technique, the Ishikawa chart, six sigma DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) method, benchmarking, and value stream mapping we were able to propose process improvements that will allow the organization to meet its financial goals. Researching root causes and various potential ways to reduce these costs and raise the profit margin, will not only allow organization A to find more efficient options to manufacture filter products with a lower scrap rate, but it will also ultimately aid in achieving the goal of becoming a world market leader in water filtration product manufacturing. The key areas of our research were concentrated on poor equipment performance, time delays, lean processes, Quality Control and Quality Cost.



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CMS-ENG-03 (see also ENG Section) Engineering higher education: a leading model that guides mobile technology to be in virtual classrooms for academics. D. BESSETTE, K. BROWN-JACKSON, and S.L. BURTON. National Graduate School of Quality Systems Management, 186 Jones Road, Falmouth, MA 02540. A visionary leadership of education has been currently transformed by mobile devices with educational purposes. These purposes lead to drastic changes that often occur with internal and formation structures of academic programs. These changes lead to prosperous students that are able to obtain these changes and modify their learning spectrum for a new era. Within the new era, careers and jobs are changing due to technical and financial advances that require these new skills. Mobile technology is the new face of education by a basis of relative institutions that believe in advances for career, educational, and personal purposes. These devices are created specifically for educational learning, such that more students are able to learn studies that they never could before. This will also help generate new students from locations the institution was not able to gain students from in the past. The purpose of this study is to engage topics about the virtual classroom and discuss a model that entices new possibilities that are in relative manner to measurements for academics. The focus will be based from research that is specifically centered for virtual learning. Areas of interest will be mainly distance learning, engineering virtual classrooms, modifying institutional programs, and marketing and enrollment procedures. These items will assure research that bases its methods on higher educational leaning set towards institutional awareness of advanced technology for academics. The outcomes of this model will create modified ideas and methods that are currently used in the academic setting. The research is based on current information that is sufficient and bases a majority of information related to academic integrity and purpose. Its methods are created to assist faculty and students better understand how creative measures can assist and engage the institution with technical advances for virtual classroom. CMS-01 Evaluating peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) Using MediLinks. T.A. RICARD (1), G.H. RICARD (2). (1) Department of Mathematics and Sciences, Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52, Saint Leo, FL 33574, (2) Division of Health, Wellness and Sports Technology, Hillsborough Community College, 4001 Tampa Bay Boulevard, Tampa FL 33614. The determination of flow measurements is crucial in detecting and evaluating obstructive airway disease. The most common flow rates used are those presented during a forced vital capacity exhalation. The peak flow achieved during this process is the Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). Typically, the peak rate measurement is compared to an estimated value of PEFR, which is determined based on the age, height and gender of the patient. The equations proposed by Nunn and Gregg can be used to estimate a patient's expected PEFR. These equations estimate the PEFR in a two-step process, in which logarithmic and exponential terms are to be evaluated. MediLinks is a clinical software package that combines charting, documentation, reporting, scheduling, orders, etc.. The software also provides the basic arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, to assist with simple clinical calculations. The Nunn-Gregg equations cannot be evaluated directly using these elementary functions, because of the presence of the logarithmic and exponential terms. In order to allow evaluation of the PEFR equations using MediLinks, these equations must be transformed into a format that can be calculated using only basic arithmetic operations. A popular technique used in the fields of science, engineering and mathematics is that of curve fitting. This method gives algebraic equations that approximate a given function within a specified range. Each of the Nunn-Gregg equations was approximated in this manner with a goal of attaining values within 1% of those given by the original equations. The result is an easily obtainable and accurate PEFR estimate from software that is not mathematically equipped to provide these answers directly. CMS-02 Future of Virtual Worlds: Designing Virtual Worlds for Military Scenario Planning and Training. M.E. DAWSON (1) D.I. BESSETTE (2), J. D. ABRAMSON (3) and M. OMAR (4). (1) Walden University, 100 Washington Ave S #900, Minneapolis, MN 55401. (2) The National Graduate School of Quality Management, 184 Jones Rd, Falmouth, MA 02540. (3) Stratford University, 555 S. Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452. (4) Nawroz University, Tenahi، Duhok, Iraq. With the continual rise of virtual words environments such as OpenSimulator (OpenSim) and Second Life (SL) have the ability to be used for positive or negative gains in military warfare in the areas of training (Dawson, 2011). For example, a terrorist could create a virtual representation of a building by using publicly available drafting plans. This virtual representation would serve as scenario based training for terrorists. Additionally this would allow for terrorists of different cells or groups to communicate freely. Policing the virtual worlds may become a necessity to maintain national security. The U.S. Army is currently implementing a program known as Military Open Simulator Enterprise Strategy (MOSES). MOSES runs on OpenSim and is moving towards a Common Access Card (CAC) enabled environment for secure and encrypted communications.



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CMS-03 Outstanding unsolved problems in analytic number theory. L. MARKOV. Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Barry University, 11300 NE Second Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161. We shall present methods and techniques from the Analytic Theory of Numbers with the aim of introducing a set of fascinating unsolved problems of primary importance in the field. Both the historical perspective as well as most recent developments will be emphasized throughout. The presentation will be accessible to a wide scientific audience, but familiarity with calculus techniques including infinite series and improper integrals will be a plus for a full appreciation of the ideas under discussion. CMS-04 Online K-12 education enhancements: measuring the effectiveness of implementing the edubuntu linux operating systems in grades 6th – 8th middle school for educational purposes through desktop virtualization. S. WILLIAMS (1) and M.E. DAWSON (2). (1) Colorado Technical University, Colorado Springs,4435 N Chestnut St., Colorado Springs, CO 80907, (2) Jones International University, 9697 East Mineral Avenue,Centennial, Colorado, 80112. This research approach will measure the overall effectiveness of implementing the Edubuntu Linux based Operating System (OS) for educational purposes in grades 6th – 8th middle schools through desktop virtualization. Grades 6th – 8th middle schools are faced with the challenges of outdated technologies, and limited resources, as there is a disproportionate amount of hardware, software and printer devices for the students. The possibilities of using virtualization for online and on ground environments could change the face of education in not just K-12 but higher education as well. CMS-05 Technology learning environments in a virtual sandbox. M. DAWSON and J. KING. College of Graduate Studies, Alabama A&M University, P.O. Box 429, Normal, AL, 35762. Management Information Systems (MIS), Information Technology (IT), and computer science students need a better way to replicate learning environments. This is important as technology changes at a fast pace. More importantly there has to be a method to quickly replicate environments that match industry standards, professors' research labs, and other environments. Software applications such as Oracle Virtual Box, or VMware Player can provide the learning environment in a virtual sandbox. Professors can develop a Virtual Machine (VM) with all the coding examples, system configurations, test scripts, and more for students to work from for the entire course. This VM can be stored in a number of places with the ability to use any VM player at work, home, or at the institution. Gone are the days of institutions needing multiple labs for specialized software or different Operating Systems (OS). CMS-06 Online Educational Incident Response Training: Virtual Worlds as a Cost Effective Tool for Homeland and Cyber Security. J. ABRAMSON, M. DAWSON, and D. BESSETTE. Department of Computer Science, Post University, 800 Country Club Road, Waterbury, CT, 06708. Critical incident leadership and planning is an important topic in the field of homeland security. Within this field are many challenges. For the purposes of this forum only two shall be discussed. The two challenges related to critical incident leadership and planning is the ability to learn in a simulated environment and funding. The first challenge surrounds learning as there is a significant cost associated in providing a real life scenarios where employees can learn. Employees need to understand how they should react in a simulated process to ensure that they can perform in the real event. This simulated scenario also allows an independent group to measure the effectiveness of the incident response manager. An inexpensive and effective method to do this would be through the utilization of Second Life (SL). SL is one of the most popular virtual world provides a unique and secure teaching and learning environment for instructors and students. This learning environment could be designed to be private for a specific response group or incident where each avatar assigned to a unique name could include the name of group name that the individual is belong to. The second issue, which surrounds funding, directly correlates with the capabilities and readiness to respond to a group. To properly correct this one would need to find a method to assign funding needs to risks or events that are most likely to occur.

CMS Posters

CMS-P01 The effectives of a vibrotactile belt in comparison to audio cues in blind waypoint navigation. G.M. SAAD (1), A.M. JIMENEZ (1) and R. JIMENEZ (2). (1) Biology Department, (2) Math and Computer Sciences Department, Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161. Tactons are tactile cues which work in conjunction with a



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vibrotactile device that is placed on the body and mechanically produces sensations on the skin surface. This allows the sense of touch to be used in Human Computer Interaction (HCI). Vibrotactile devices can be used as an effective instrument in waypoint navigation (Peilot and Boll, 2010). Vibrotactile devices have also been shown to be an effective navigational device for the blind (Brewster, 2004). Determining the most effective tacton parameters, device configuration, and body loci of device placement for optimum waypoint navigation is an ongoing pursuit. To this end, a vest/belt prototype that has been designed to ensure optimum tacton placement for each individual using anatomical landmarks will be presented. The design, construction, and experimentation of a vibrotactile belt with 4 low- or 4 high-frequency vibrotactile devices placed symmetrically across the abdominal area will be presented; as well as the optimum placement for speed and accuracy of participant response to specific cues. The responses will be compared to audio communication achieved via a cell phone and headset, while tactile communication will occur via wireless vibrotactile controller and a computer.

ENG = ENGINEERING SCIENCES

(See CMS-ENG, page 33)

ENV = ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES

ENV-01 The distribution of iron in Bithlo, Florida drinking water. J. HUDGINS, N. LAMBERT, and J.R. BUTLER. Adventist University of Health Sciences, Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, 671 Winyah Dr, Orlando, FL 32803. Bithlo, Florida is an unincorporated town in Orange County (pop. ~8,200, 2012 US Census). Bithlo does not have a public water suply; private wells provide drinking water. For some time, Bithlo residents had been complaining about their water. These complaints covered problems including dry wells, cloudiness, staining, and “metallic” taste. Because of Bithlo residents’ complaints about their drinking water, in early 2012 (January to June), the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) for Orange County conducted 262 drinking-water quality tests at 232 residences. “Metallic” taste and staining indicate iron. We thus hypothesize iron is a prevalent constituent of Bithlo drinking water. The EPA considers iron a secondary contaminant (aesthetic, cosmetic, technical) and has set a standard of 0.3mg/L. We created a spatial database of all water-quality records by address. We geocoded the addresses and selected all records where iron was tested. Iron was tested for 203 times at 197 separate addresses. These tests represent treated (N=123) and non-treated (N=80) wells. Iron in treated water averaged 0.93mg/L, or three times the 2° standard, whereas iron in untreated samples averaged 3.85mg/L—over 10 times the 2° standard. Surface interpolation of untreated iron-containing drinking-water point data (ArcGIS10.1, Kriging) indicates that >90% of the Bithlo study area has high iron levels (>2mg/L). The average adult contains from 3-5g of iron, and loses and gains 1-2mg per day (Andrews 1999). Humans absorb both organic (heme) and inorganic (Fe2+, Fe3+) iron and have no iron excretion mechanism (Andrews 1999). High physiologic iron concentrations are associated with fatigue, arthralgia, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and cardiomyopathy (Andrews 1999). Estimates indicate that up to 10% of the population is at risk of hereditary hemochromatosis (inability to restrict iron absorption) (Andrews 1999). In Bithlo even treated wells averaged three times the 2° standard. Thus, chronic iron overload, especially for carriers of hemochromatosis, could be a significant health concern for Bithlo residents. (Funding provided by Adventist University of Health Sciences) ENV-02 What’s in your bivalve? An assessment of Persistent organic pollutants in Tampa Bay, fl. J.T. BASSO (1), H.A. ALEGRIA (1), F.M. JAWARD (2), S.P. GEIGER (3) and C.F. MEINDL (1). (1) Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Geography, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, 140 7th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA. (2) Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. (3) Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, St. Petersburg, FL, USA. There has been much interest in the scientific community in understanding the fate and transport of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment. Sentinel species have been employed in determining the fate of POPs. Bivalves are especially susceptible to bioaccumulation of these pollutants due to their considerable lipid content, their filter feeding characteristics, and their sessile nature. Bivalves are therefore useful in helping to identify pollutants in aquatic environments, especially at point source pollution locations. Concentrations of two types of persistent organic pollutants - polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) - were measured in bivalves in Tampa Bay waters. Based on total weight of wet tissue, PCBs found in local bivalves ranged from 0.04 to 11.22pg/g, and PBDEs in those same bivalves ranged from 0.13 to 25.93pg/g, suggesting that there were possibly high levels of these POPs in Tampa Bay waters. The highest POP quantity was 25.93pg/g, for the BDE-99 congener, observed in visceral Perna viridis tissue.



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ENV-03 Antibiotic resistance in bacteria following the sewage outfalls of Bermuda.A ALKER. Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences. 17 Biological Station, St. George’s GE 01, Bermuda and Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Dr., Jupiter, FL 33458. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an ominous problem occurring around the world, which has the potential to threaten the way that the medical field manages bacterial infections. In Bermuda, there is no municipal wastewater treatment plant. Therefore, about 4.3x106 L of untreated sewage is released into the ocean approximately 800 meters offshore by two outfalls daily. Such high bacterial diversity per volume of water may lead to greater instances of horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistant genes. Water samples were collected from 12 sample sites: the outfalls, offshore sites, and onshore beach sites near the outfalls. Water samples were analyzed for the presence of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on all purified isolates and the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index was determined for all the isolates. More S. aureus isolates had high MAR indexes, than did Enterococcus and E. coli isolates. The high incidences of isolates with high MAR indexes indicate that these isolates originate form a source where antibiotics are heavily used. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of one MRSA isolate. Seventeen Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE) were identified. On each sampling day, isolates from one of the outfalls were found to have identical antibiotic susceptibility profiles as isolates of the same bacterial species isolated from a nearby offshore site and/or nearby recreational beach site. These observations along with the presence of bacterial isolates with high MAR indexes at the recreational beach sites indicate that these isolates are originating from the outfall. ENV-04 Removal of aqueous naproxen by Octolig® and metalloligs. M. F. JAQUIER and D. F. MARTIN. Institute for Environmental Studies, Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620. Removal of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) from wastewater has become an increasingly pressing concern. Octolig® (polyethylenediimines covalently attached to silica gel) can be used for the quantitative removal of aqueous pharmaceuticals present in anionic form as most APIs are designed to have high solubility in accordance with the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. Previous work has indicated the pKa of the pharmaceutical is a good indicator of likely success. Metalloligs were synthesized from the reaction of transition metal ions and Octolig® in an effort to increase the uptake of target APIs taking advantage of hydroxide counter ions or redox properties of the coordinated metals. ENV-05 Sulfur binding energy shifts in ZnS and CdS nanowires made from 1-adamantanethiol L.C. FERNANDEZ-TORRES. School of Science, Technology and Engineering Management, St. Thomas University 16401 NW 37 Ave, Miami Gardens FL 33054 A novel synthetic route using adamantanethiol achieved zinc sulfide and cadmium sulfide nanowires with interesting properties at significantly more benign chemical conditions. The process utilizes water and/or ethanol as the main solvents, and 1-adamantanethiol as a novel sulfur source and growth modifier. The key step in the controlled reduction of these nanostructures is the temperature-controlled hydrolysis of the mild base hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA). Nanowires of ZnS and CdS were produced using 1-adamantanethiol. These nanostructures have been characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS spectra of cadmium sulfide (and zinc sulfide) using adamantanethiol as sulfur source revealed a dramatic binding energy shift of the sulfur 2s peak. This shift is explained in terms of the bonding environment associated with sulfur atoms in the nanowire structure. (Project supported by DOE-STEM TRAC grant P03C110190 awarded to St. Thomas University) ENV-06 Endocrine-disrupting compounds: exploring solutions to environmental pollution. M.M. COOK (1) and L. HARDY (2). (1) College of Marine Science, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, 140 7th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, (2) Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Florida, 140 7th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. The presence of estrogenic endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the environment has become a major topic in marine pollution. EDCs are found at low concentrations throughout the environment, but even low concentrations can negatively affect terrestrial or aquatic wildlife. The effects of EDCs on wildlife have been well documented. In mitigating the environmental impact of EDCs, two things become very important: 1. Techniques for removing EDC pollutants from water and 2. Tools for determining the molecular basis of endocrine disruption. Here we will describe a removal technique called electrocoagulation (EC). We will then examine the value in utilizing computer models to determine the structural features of EDCs that become so important in binding to an endocrine receptor. ENV-07 Treatment of 1,2-dichloropropane Using Zero-Valent Metallic Reducing Agents and Chromatographic Analysis of Degradation Byproducts. P.M. COLE and E.K. EDWARDS. Industrial/Environmental Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, Florida, 32816. 1,2-dichloropropane (1,2-



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DCP) is a colorless, flammable solvent that has been used in insecticides, and more recently in degreasers and dry-cleaning fluids. 1 1,2-DCP belongs to a class of compounds called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and it is very mobile in the environment. Testing has shown tumor growth in the livers of animals upon exposure to 1,2-DCP, warranting its human carcinogen classification by the Environmental Protection Agency. Other known hazards of this substance include damage to the kidneys, liver and brain. Since 1,2-DCP presents health risks to humans, a method for degrading the compound to less harmful compounds is desired and is therefore the aim of this project. Data is presented on a comparison of several degradation methods including treatment with zero-valent magnesium (ZVMg) in acidified ethanol, emulsified zero-valent magnesium (EZVMg) and polymer stabilized zero-valent magnesium (PSZVMg). Gas chromatography is used for analysis of 1,2-DCP and its degradation byproducts. The benefits and challenges of headspace solid phase micro-extraction and automated headspace analysis are also compared. ENV-08 Quantifying Everglades peat using geospatial techniques and historical data. T. W. DRESCHEL and S. M. HOHNER. South Florida Water Management District, 3301 Gun Club Road, MSC: 4352, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. The Florida Everglades is a patterned peatland which once covered about 1.1 million hectares (2.7 million acres) of south Florida and now covers approximately 0.6 million hectares (1.5 million acres). The peat of the Everglades is formed from sawgrass or other aquatic plant material that has accumulated over millennia, with decomposition limited by inundation. Drainage for agricultural and urban development has had a significant impact on the amount of peat currently present in the Everglades. In this study, we utilized spatial data sets developed for the Everglades surfaces. The South Florida Topography Project provided the data for current peat surface. The predrainage Everglades surface was obtained from the South Florida Water Management District’s Natural Systems Regional Simulation Model. The bedrock surface was constructed using a bedrock map of the Everglades region published by Garald Parker and his colleagues in 1955. We used these surfaces to calculate the original volume of peat present in the Everglades and the current volume of peat in the Everglades. We then projected regional soils values for bulk density and carbon content using USEPA R-EMAP data, evaluated various geospatial techniques for applicability and used these volumes and the R-EMAP data to calculate the mass and carbon content of the predrainage and current volumes of peat in the Everglades. The predrainage Everglades was about 1.1 million hectares in size and contained on the order of 20 billion cubic meters of peat, massing 3 billion metric tons. The current Everglades is about 6 hundred thousand hectares in size and contains on the order of 5 billion cubic meters of peat, massing 500 million metric tons. ENV-09 Concentration of soil nutrients: Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus in soil surrounding pond apple, Annona glabra, in a cypress-pond apple swamp in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Boynton Beach, Florida. I. GEORGE. Palm Beach Atlantic University. 900 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401. The Everglades is considered to be very sensitive towards eutrophication, mainly due to phosphorus runoff from neighboring urban and agricultural areas. The northern portion of the Everglades mainly consists of three Water Conservation Areas. Water Conservation Area-1, the northernmost area, includes the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and contains a small amount of cypress strands on its eastern periphery, along with numerous pond apples (Annona glabra). This study was conducted in order to determine nutrient concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the soil of a cypress-pond apple swamp in the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Soil core samples were collected from three sites in January, April, and November 2013. During each sampling event, soil cores were collected to a depth of 30 cm and were analyzed for nutrient concentrations at depths of 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm. These samples were then compared to determine if there are any seasonal differences in the concentration of phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon. Analysis of most current data shows a concentration gradient for phosphorus and carbon; as depth increases concentration decreases. Analysis of data also showed an increase in nutrient concentration from January to April for carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations. November data is not yet available from laboratory analysis. (Funding through: Palm Beach Atlantic University Quality Initiative Grant: Carolanne Brown; Research Assistance SFWMD Chemical Lab: Manohardeep Josan; and Katherine Harvey).

ENV-10 Nutrients in waters of pond apple (Annona glabra) swamps in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Boynton Beach, Fl. K. BALDOCK. Palm Beach Atlantic University, PO Box 24708, West Palm Beach, FL 33416-4708. The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge was established under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act so that the ever increasing water needs of agriculture and expansion of land for wildlife could be met. The Refuge is part of a large fresh water storage area which was completed around the 1940s and is the only remnant of the Northern Everglades in Palm Beach County, Florida. The Everglades are very swampy and potentially can house pollutants in its swampy waters. The pond apple provides soil anchoring and nutrient uptake, which is important in reducing pollutants such as phosphorous.



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In this study, pore water surrounding the pond apple (Annona glabra) trees was collected seasonally and analyzed for nutrient values of C, N, P. Samples were taken at three different sites located within the refuge on different months throughout the year. We will be able to analyze the nutrient concentrations between sites and seasonally. Previous research shows an increase in phosphorous in water surrounding pond apples from February to July in a study done at Torry Island, Belle Glade, Fl. on pond apples. Data from January and April 2013 show no real increase in nutrients within the surrounding waters seasonally. All values of nutrients are not yet available due to the government shutdown in October/November 2013 resulting in delay of water collection and analysis of nutrients. When all values are received and analyzed we hypothesize that there will be no difference in nutrient concentrations among all the sites seasonally. (Funding through Palm Beach Atlantic University Quality Initiative Grant: Carolanne Brown; SFWMD Chemical Lab: Richard Walker, Meifang Zhou, Manohardeep Josan; PBA: Peggy VanArman). ENV-11 Nutrient analysis (C, N, P) in senescent leaves of pond apple (Annona glabra) in a cypress-pond apple swamp in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, (LNWR), Boynton Beach, Florida. K. HOLLY. Palm Beach Atlantic University, 901 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL. 33401. In this study, the nutrients of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous in senescent pond apple (Annona glabra) leaves from the LNWR were analyzed. The pond apple tree has historically been utilized in Florida to anchor soil and reduce nutrients in agricultural runoff. As part of the government, the LNWR serves as an ideal site for collection due to federally protected status. It was assumed that leaves from selected sites would not be nutrient enriched seasonally. This study can be compared to previous research of pond apple trees (unpublished Torry Island Study) indicating that senescent leaves on Torry Island were nutrient enriched. Due to the government shutdown in October/November 2013, samples collected in November 2013 have not yet been analyzed for nutrient values. Current data appears to indicate that samples are not nutrient enriched and show little seasonal change. It is assumed that completed analysis will support the hypothesis that the senescent pond apple leaves are not nutrient enriched, based on previous historical data. (Funding: PBA Quality Initiative Grant: Carolanne Brown, Marcus Braziel; Chemistry Lab at SFWMD: Meifang Zhou, Manohardeep Josan, Fran Johnson; PBA Faculty/Staff: Faculty Grant Coordinator: Peggy VanArman, Media Specialist: Bob Triplett; LWNR biologist liaison: Marcie Kapsh; editing and statistical analysis: Joel VanArman, Kevin VanArman). ENV-12 Nutrients (C, N, P) in leaves of pond apples (Annona glabra) and surrounding soil and water in a cypress-pond apple swamp in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, (LNWR), Boynton Beach, Florida. P. VANARMAN. Biology Department, Palm Beach Atlantic University, PO Box 24708, West Palm Beach, FL 33416-4708. 561.803.2287.This study was conducted to determine concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in soil, water and pond apple (Annona glabra) leaves in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, (LNWR), Boynton Beach, Florida. The Refuge, established in 1951 as a refuge for migratory birds, was renamed in 1986 after Arthur R. Marshall. Pond apples, crucial components of the historical Everglades, provide valuable wildlife habitat, anchor soil and uptake some polluting nutrients, which then become unavailable for flow into the Everglades ecosystem. As a limiting factor for plant growth, small changes in phosphorus concentrations influence entire communities. It was assumed that nutrient enrichment would not occur in the tested sites of the Refuge, since these areas are not in close proximity to the rim canal or fresh run-off from adjacent farms. Samples of leaves, water and soil were collected in January, April, and November 2013 by a team of three students and one professor. There are few studies available from Lake Okeechobee and other sites within the Everglades ecosystem with which to compare nutrient values. The October 2013 government shutdown resulted in a delay of the November collection, and nutrient and statistical analysis. Values indicate that nutrient concentrations do not vary seasonally or from site to site. When compared to a similar study on Torry Island (Belle Glade, Florida) in 2012, tested samples from the LWNR sites appear to be less nutrient enriched in C, N, and P. In soil, values for phosphorus seemed to be higher at the surface than at depth (to 30 cm). (PBAU Quality Initiative Grant: Carolanne Brown; PBA: Bob Triplett; Chemical Analysis Lab SFWMD: David Struve, Richard Walker, Fran Johnson, Manohardeep Josan, Carlos Coronado-Molina; Refuge biologist Marcie Kapsch; Joel VanArman (editing) and Kevin VanArman (data analysis).)

ENV Posters ENV-P01 Determination of phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations in Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, western Florida Everglades. L.SALLAI and T.SMITH. Ave Maria University, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd, Ave Maria, FL, 34142.The Everglades is North America’s largest subtropical wetlands. To study the changes of algal assemblages it is important to evaluate the phosphorus and nitrogen concentration gradient in natural waters. Many of the studies done on environmental impact of phosphorus/nitrogen were done on the Eastern part of Florida Everglades. Our study is concentrated in the



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Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, western Florida Everglades. In order to explain the effect of phosphorus and different taxonomic levels of algae, it is important to determine the total phosphorus concentration in the natural waters. We sampled two natural ponds with low phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations (18 mg/L and 0.0575 µg/L, respectively). Phosphorus occurs in natural waters and in wastewater almost solely as phosphates. These phosphates arise in natural water from a variety of sources including laundry detergents and agricultural fertilizers. In this study, the total phosphorus concentration was determined by UV-VIS spectrophotometric study of Vanadomolybdophosphoric acid evaluation. Nitrogen is important for the productivity in most terrestrial ecosystems. The nitrogen concentration was determined in the form of ammonia by phenate method using UV-VIS spectrophotometric analysis. Further study involving the correlations between phosphorus/nitrogen will determine the impact of these elements on algal assemblages and their environmental effect in western parts of the Florida Everglades. ENV-P02 Vertical distribution of sulfur within the calcareous algal mats from the Florida Everglades. T.E. SMITH and L. SALLAI. Ave Maria University, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd, Ave Maria, FL, 34142. Floating calcareous algal mat communities are dominated by cyanobacteria (i.e. Phormidium, Oscillatoria, and Lyngbya) are typically from the family Oscillatoriaceae and diatoms in the Florida Everglades’ sloughs and are held together by mucilage. The floating microbial mats are in a high light and high oxygenated environment. We described and measured the vertical distribution and concentration of sulfide and sulfate within the calcareous algal mat. The calcareous algal mat was cultured in a laboratory microcosm. Cores from the microcosm mat were incubated for 24 hours in a ferrous ammonium sulfate agar plates at 55 °C. There were deposits of sulfide within the mat. They were deposited as black bands throughout the mat but in greater concentration in the lower 2/3rd of the mat. The results infer the intensification of the reducing conditions further into the mat. ENV-P03 Analysis of the wild duck eubacterial microbiome using 16S rDNA amplification and ion torrent microbial sequencing. T.A. STRONG (1), K. KARCH (1), S. DOWD (2), D. DIDIER (3), J. MICHEL and J.A. COFFMAN (1). (1) Barry University, Biomedical Sciences, 421 N. 21st Ave, FL 33020, (2) Molecular Research DNA, 503 Clovis Road, Shallowater, TX 79363, (3) Healthy Biome, Larkin Hospital, 5996 SW 70th, Miami, 33143. Wild Ducks are known reservoirs for the pathogen Influenza A so we investigated the possibility that the animal could be a vector for pathogenic bacteria that can cause disease among humans and farm animals. Our study included fecal specimens from the following wild ducks: Anas strepera, Aythya americana, Anas carolinensis and Bucephela albeola. Amplicon pyrosequencing and ion torrent sequencing revealed that the representative bacterial diversity increased with sample size and included known pathogens. We were able to classify the major operational taxonomic units with Fusobacterium mortiferum, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Lactobacillus intermedius, Actinomyces suimastitidis, Campylobacter Canadensis, Enterococcus cecorum, Lactobacillus aviarus, Actimomyces spp., Pseudobutyrivibrio spp. and Helicobacter brantae representing the majority of the eubacterial fecal microbiome. Bacterial species present in the analysis revealed numerous organisms linked to human and animal diseases including septicemia, rat bite fever, pig mastitis, endocarditis, malar masses, genital infections, skin lesions, peritonitis, wound infections, septic arthritis, urocystitis, gastroenteritis and drinking water diseases. In addition, to being known carriers of viral pathogens wild ducks should also be recognized as a potential source of a range of bacterial diseases. The work was funded by the Barry University Faculty Incentive Grant 10-110106 awarded to Dr. Jonathan Coffman.

MEDICAL SCIENCES

MED-01 The role of L-arginine decarboxylase in polyamine synthesis and tau pathology. A.M. DUKE (1), K.R. NASH (1) and D.C. LEE (2). (1) Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Byrd Alzheimer Institute, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, (2) Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; College of Pharmacy, Byrd Alzheimer Institute, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa FL 33620. L-Arginine decarboxylase (ADC) is known as a primary enzyme involved in polyamine synthesis. Polyamines are small molecules that affect a wide spectrum of biological systems. They have the capacity to control ribosomal frameshifting during translation, monitor ion channels and regulate permeability in the central nervous system among other things. Conversion of L-arginine to agmatine by ADC has been previously studied in connection with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and thus may play an essential role in neuronal function. In vivo, agmatine acts as a ligand for imidazoline receptors, the binding of which acts as a control for the release of a host of secondary neurotransmitters. Overall, we aim to identify the role of ADC in models of tau pathology. In order to achieve this we started by cloning the ADC from mRNA extracted from mouse brain tissue. The mRNA was reverse transcribed to generate cDNA for PCR. Primers for ADC



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were designed for the 5’ ATG to the 3’ termination signal. A hemagglutinin (HA) tag sequence was added to the 3’ primer in frame with the ADC sequence for detection of the ADC protein. The cDNA was cloned into a recombinant adeno-associated viral expression vector. ADC sequence was confirmed by DNA sequencing analysis. Protein expression was confirmed by transfection into HEK293 cells followed by western analysis using an anti-HA tag antibody. We are currently examining the effects of over expression of ADC in a number of cell lines that model microglia and neurons. Future experiments will examine the effects of ADC in vivo using viral gene delivery. MED-02 The attenuated Fibroblast Sheath in an experimentally wounded and infected MatTek Epidermal Full Thickness stem cell grown skin model. A.T. MARIASSY (2), D. PACKERT (1), S. DUNHAM (1) and G. PACKERT (1). (1) Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, Florida 33161, (2) NSU, College of Medical Sciences, 3200 S. University Dr., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328. The epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU) is sandwiched between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. A layer of the latter abutting the basement membrane zone (BMZ) is called the attenuated fibroblast sheath (AFS). Fibroblasts of this layer have been associated with local response to injury by cytokines, growth factors, sentinel secretions and participation in pathogenesis of skin lesions. They are pluripotent cells essential to the skin cohesion and defense function. The EMTU in experimentally wounded and infected MatTek Epidermal Full Thickness stem cell grown skin model was examined in this study. Tissue was wounded, infected with Staphylococcus aureus for either 3 or 24 hrs, subjected to nitric oxide or air for 90 minutes and allowed to recover for 72 hrs in a CO2 incubator. Tissues were fixed in formalin, microwave processed, embedded, cut and stained with hematoxilin and eosin. In controls, the AFS consists of 1-3 layers of fibroblasts with fine processes, few extending into the mat of dense fibrils comprising the AFS and the AFS is delineated by a light zone of extracellular matrix (ECM)/BMZ from epithelial cells. Epidermis had distinct intercellular spaces in the spinosum, stratum corneum was occasionally lacy and/or layers were peeling. Infected and treated preparations had thickened AFS, the subjacent matrix showed an increased population of fibroblasts, more numerous cell processes, streaming in the AFS cells was observed into the substantially denser ECM. Early stages of spongiosis were present, keratinocytes acquired perinuclear halos, frank spongiosis and separation of epidermis from dermis, fibroblast apoptosis and connective tissue necrosis was seen. Bacterial colonization consisted of basophilic densely stained masses of S. aureus and associated biofilm materials, evident in both, exposed surfaces and in invaded necrotic ECM. (Funded by NSU faculty grant and DARPA grant BAA 10-55 to G. Packert). MED-03 Finding the optimal antibody antibody dilution for immunohistochemistry by repeated staining of the same tissue section. A.A. SMITH. School of Podiatric Medicine, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL 33161. One can find the optimal antibody dilution for immunohistochemistry by repeatedly staining the same tissue section with the same antibody, doubling the antibody concentration on each round of staining. When the primary antibody is detected by a secondary antibody conjugated to peroxidase via dextrin the primary antibody concentration giving the best staining in the repeated staining sequence is the best concentration for a single staining reaction. When the primary antibody is detected by a secondary antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase via dextrin the concentration giving the best staining in the repeated staining series is one-fourth of the best concentration for a single staining reaction. MED-04 Cardiovascular Responses During a 32 Hour Ultra-Marathon R. STATON, Y. JOSEPH, S.B HAMMER, J.W. AGNEW. Indian River State College, Department of Biological Sciences, 3209 Virginia Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34981. Basic vital signs (temp and blood pressure) and 12 EKG’s were measured on volunteer subjects from the Wild Sebastian 100 Ultra-marathon (n=14). Measurements were taken prior to the race and upon completion of the race. Body temperature was significantly lower at 25 miles (p=0.034) but not at 50 miles. Significant decrease in Standing systolic pressure was found when comparing pre-race with 25 and 50 mile distances (p=0.014, p=0.013) respectively. Standing diastolic pressure was significantly decreased between pre-race compared to 25 mile and 50 mile distances (p=0.009, p=0.014) respectively. Pre-race heart rate data showed an interesting trend - runners who completed the longer distances had a lower resting HR (71, 62.5, 58, 52 BPM) for the 25, 50, 75 and 100 mile distances completed, respectively. P-wave amplitude also showed an interesting trend in the inferior leads (II, aVF, III) compared between 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles, Lead II (229, 167, 136, 39 mv), Lead aVF (209, 131, 97, -34 mv), Lead III (190, 102, 63, -73 mv), respectively. The stress of a 100 mile ultra-marathon has various levels. We found significantly lower temp and blood pressures after the 25 mile distance, likely due to redistribution of blood flow from the core to the extremities. There was no indication of orthostatic hypotension, indicating that the runners were remaining adequately hydrated. Another interesting trend showed when we compared groups of runners by the distance that they completed. The runners who completed the longest distances had the lowest resting heart rates. Other factors examined were EKG changes. We found a trend in which the p-wave amplitude decreased with the longer completed distances. This finding could be indicative of electrolyte imbalances such as hyperkalemia or hypercalcemia. Due



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to our low sample size, many of our findings are just trends; however, these results are intriguing enough to warrant further research in these areas. MED-05 Pain sensation is uncoupled from perceived exertion during an ultra-marathon. J.W. AGNEW, B. L. MARTIN, A.S.A SALIMI AND S.B. HAMMER. Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Ave., Ft. Pierce, FL 34981. The purpose of this study was to investigate subjective measures of pain, perceived exertion, and mood during an ultra-marathon competition. Eleven healthy ultra-marathoners, male and female, volunteered as subjects during an ultra-marathon. Subjects agreed to carry a cell-phone in order to gather subjective pain, exertion and mood data. Pain was assessed on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) with 0 = no pain and 10 = the worse imaginable pain. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed on the Borg 10 point RPE scale: 0 = no exertion and 10 = extreme exertion. Mood was assessed using the Felt Scale (FS): +5 = best mood imaginable; 0 = neutral mood and -5 = the worst of moods. Data was gathered with cell-phone calls at 10 miles, 20 miles and between 20 and 30 miles, with many of the subjects stopping at 25 miles. There was no significant difference noted in RPE with mid-range exertion of 4.2 at 10 miles; 3.9 at 20 miles and 5.1 between 20 and 30 miles (P>0.05). Pain on the VAS, however, was significantly elevated at each section (P<0.05). The mean VAS score was 0.5 at 10 miles; 2.6 at 20 miles and 4.5 between 20 to 30 miles. Mood was not changed during the first part of the race with 4.8 at 10 miles and 4.6 at 20 miles. It was significantly lower, however, between the 20-mile period and the 20 to 30 mile period, dropping to 2.5 (P<0.05). Pain has been uncoupled from the sensory input sensed as effort during the first 30 miles of an ultra-marathon. Mood was seen to deteriorate during the latter stage of this distance. These data suggest that the specific sensations of pain are distinct and uncoupled from the interoceptive input of effort or perceived exertion. Furthermore the elevation of pain and depression of mood are likely factors in the decision to stop exercise – not the perception of exertion. MED-06 How far the periodically forced SIR model accounts for asthma seasonality in South Florida? D. QUESADA, School of Science, Technology and Engineering Management, St. Thomas University, 16401 NW 37 Ave. Miami Gardens, FL 33054. Health data regarding Emergency Department (ED) visits due to asthma in Broward and Miami Dade Counties in South Florida from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2010 were provided by the Florida Asthma Coalition and show a clear seasonality, where the maximum number of cases occur between the months of November and January every year, and a minimum number between May and July. In both cases, a net change above and below the mean for the period is about 38 %, representing statistically significant events. Previous time series and correlation analyses performed by the author resulted in weak to moderate associations with weather parameters as temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and weather indexes combining them. Thermal homeostasis seems to explain variance in the number of cases no more than a 40 %. Nevertheless, indirect associations with temperature and humidity might result from the sensitivity of prospective patients to upper and lower respiratory tract infections due to rhinoviruses and syncytial viruses. Weather conditions in South Florida are favorable for these viruses to proliferate during the later fall and early winter. In this end, a periodically forced SIR model is considered to account for the periodic outbreaks of respiratory infections as triggers of asthma and its further exacerbation. The time series resulting from such a model follows very closely the time series of recorded cases, showing additionally a lagging effect between 3 and 7 days after the cold temperatures are established. The model is solved for two different periodic forcing, a continuous differentiable sine function, and a continuous differentiable nowhere Weierstrass function. Parameter sensitivity and bifurcation diagrams are obtained as well as the stability of critical points. Possible implications for the health management of asthma are discussed.

MED Posters MED-P01 Correlation among CV Perfusion Program Outcomes. C. CERVANTES and D. MOLNAR. College of Health Sciences, Barry University 11300 NE 2nd Ave. Miami Shores, Fla. 33161. The Cardiovascular Perfusionist is a highly skilled, allied health professional educated specifically as a member of the open-heart surgical team. Perfusionists are responsible for the selection, set-up and operation of a mechanical pump commonly referred to as the heart-lung machine. Although the perfusionist’s primary role remains in Cardiovascular Surgery, additional scope of practice includes blood conservation, long-term support for respiratory failure, isolated limb perfusion for the treatment of malignant tumors, transplantation for heart, liver, and lung, and artificial circulatory assist devices. Cardiovascular Perfusionists have evolved from performing as technicians to being recognized and well respected allied health professionals applying their extensive knowledge of cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology and pharmacology with cutting-edge technology in a dynamic medical setting.In the United States, Cardiovascular Perfusion Training Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org). Upon successful completion in a Cardiovascular Perfusion Training Program, the graduate enters the perfusion certification process with the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion



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(ABCP). In order for a Cardiovascular Perfusion Program to maintain its accreditation numerous outcomes are monitored to determine the effectiveness of the program. Outcomes include: Attrition, Job Placement, performance on the National Certification Exams and Graduate/ Employer surveys. A correlational analysis was conducted to evaluate the strength of the positive relationship among outcome measures. In addition time trends in average outcomes were assessed. Basic science scores are positively correlated with clinical application scores, r=.75. Attrition in the program is positively correlated with both basic science scores, r=.82, and clinical application, r=.70. There was a significant increase in basic science scores over time, r=.78, but not for clinical applications. Additionally, a correlational analysis was conducted to evaluate the strength of the positive relationship between graduates’ perception of their preparation and employers’ perception of the graduate’s performance. Students’ perception of their preparation in all three domains was positively correlated. However, employer’s perception of cognitive performance was uncorrelated to performance in the affective or psychomotor domains. MED-P02 Pepsin: The Digestion Enzyme. T. HOLETS. Biology Department, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg FL, 33701. Out of the countless proteins and enzymes in the human body, pepsin is easily one of the most important. Pepsin is a digestive protein found in the stomach. When food is consumed, chief cells in the stomach release the enzyme which cleaves peptide bonds between the hydrophobic amino acids in proteins found in the food. It was the first enzyme to be discovered and identified. Because of its function in digestion, it is important to understand how homeostatic changes in the human body can affect how this enzyme behaves. The aim of this research project is to learn more about how internal temperature changes can influence the structure and function of this integral protein. MED-P03 Nitrite Quantification and Viability testing of MatTek Epidermal Full Thickness stem cell grown skin models post Nitric Oxide Treatment. D. PACKERT, N. SOLOMON and G. PACKERT. Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, Florida 33161. Nitric Oxide (NO) has been shown to have multiple effects in the human body ranging from vasodilatation to antimicrobial properties. Recent studies suggest that NO may have potential use for wound healing. NO, however has a very short half life, and must be indirectly measured using nitrites and nitrates as the source of measurement. Multiple ways of detecting nitrites have been developed, including colorimetric assays and chemilluminesence. The purpose of this study was to use MatTek Epidermal Full Thickness (EFT400) stem cell grown skin models for exposure to NO. The tissues were tested post exposure to quantify nitrites, measure the pH and evaluate tissue viability. Post exposure, one set of tissues was homogenized and samples were tested using Griess reagent test kits, and chemilluminsence to determine amounts of nitrites. This provides information of NO present in tissues post treatment. Separate samples were used in Viability assays (MTT) to determine the effect of the NO treatment on the tissue. The possible effects NO has on tissue viability are discussed. (Funding provided by DARPA grant BAA 10-55 to G. Packert). MED-P04 Evaluation of histological staining techniques for visualization of bacterial biofilm in skin. D. PACKERT, S. ACKBARALI, S. DUNHAM and G. PACKERT. Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, Florida 33161. Biofilms play a significant role in histopathology and are complex structures consisting of bacterial cells embedded in an extracellular matrix that contains polysaccharides, proteins and DNA. The biofilm matrix limits the effectiveness of topical antibiotic treatment in infected wounds and impedes wound healing and immune responses. The purpose of this study was to visualize the biofilm associated extracellular matrix utilizing standard histological techniques. The commercially available MatTek epidermal full thickness skin tissue model (EFT-400) was injured and infected for 24 hours with biofilm forming Staphyloccus aureus. Tissue for paraffin sections was fixed in formalin, microwave-processed and embedded in paraffin. Serial sections cut to 5 microns were stained with Periodic acid Schiff reagent, Calcofluor, modified Congo red/Ziehl carbol fuchsin stain and Feulgen reaction. Stained tissues were evaluated using light and fluorescent microscopy. A detailed analysis of the application of the different staining techniques in demonstration of biofilm associated extracellular matrix revealed that both, carbohydrates and DNA were present. Discussion of the value of each staining technique will be presented. (Funding provided by DARPA grant BAA 10-55 to G. Packert). MED-P05 Characterization of oxygen consumption in neuronal cells expressing mutant alpha-synuclein as a model of Parkinson’s disease. Y. ZHANG (1), S. ZIVKOVIC (1), Y. TA (1), V. DELIC (1), D. LEE (2), and P. C. BRADSHAW (1). (1) Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology. Univ. of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620. (2) Univ. of South Florida College of Pharmacy, Tampa, FL 33612. Parkinson’s disease is one of the most prevalent neurological diseases in the aged population. It is characterized by abnormal protein aggregates, known as Lewy bodies, in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra. The alpha-synuclein protein is the major component of Lewy bodies. As an intrinsically disordered protein, alpha-synuclein has many potential functions, including protection of neurons from apoptotic stimuli.



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Specific mutations in alpha-synuclein cause helical aggregates to form, which interrupt normal cellular activities and cause cell death. Recently, researchers have shown that these mutations are major contributors to the familial form of Parkinson’s disease. Though the exact role of alpha-synuclein remains poorly understood, it is associated with promoting oxidative stress by targeting mitochondria. Our experiments focused on the determination of oxygen consumption as a measure of mitochondrial function in human neuronal cells overexpressing wild-type or mutated forms of the alpha-synuclein gene. The respiratory rates were measured using a Clark type oxygen electrode. The mutated forms overexpressed included alpha-synuclein-A30P, alpha-synuclein-E46K, and alpha-synuclein-A53T. Overexpression of these mutated forms greatly decreased the rate of cell growth and division as compared to controls or cells overexpressing wild-type alpha-synuclein. Overexpression of alpha-synuclein increased the level of the tetrameric form of the protein. Interestingly, although cells overexpressing mutant forms of alpha-synuclein grew much slower than those overexpressing wild-type, they all showed a similar marked reduced in the rate of oxygen consumption. Overexpression of alpha-synuclein also resulted in a higher susceptibility to insult with iron, which is present at increased levels in the substantia nigra region of the brain. In summary, our results suggest that the tetrameric form of alpha-synuclein may be involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and that mutant forms of alpha-synuclein likely require additional non-mitochondrial targets to slow the rate of cell division. We would like to thank the USF Dept. of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology Core Facility for equipment use and technical expertise. This study was supported by the University of South Florida (College of Arts & Sciences, CMM Biology Department) principal investigator startup funds awarded to Dr. Patrick Bradshaw.

PSS = PHYSICS & SPACE SCIENCES PSS-01 Determination of B-Tagging Efficiencies in Simulated Proton-Proton Collisions Recorded by the Compact Muon Solenoid Detector at the Large Hadron Collider. C. IZZI, B. DORNEY, A. OLIVER, M. BAARMAND. Department of Physics and Space Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901. Bottom quarks are present in the final-state of many standard model and beyond the standard model processes. When a quark is produced in a high-energy collision it will generally radiate a series of other particles before forming a bound state known as a hadron through a process called hadronization. This hadron and accompanying shower of radiated particles can be observed as a jet in modern particle detectors. Hadrons composed of bottom quarks are commonly referred to as B hadrons. Due to the long mean-lifetime and large semileptonic branching fraction of B hadrons several algorithms have been developed by the Compact Muon Solenoid Collaboration to detect jets arising from the hadronization and decay of B hadrons. In this work we present the determination of the efficiency of one such algorithm, known as the Combined Secondary Vertex algorithm, as a function of several of the jet's kinematic observable; along with a brief discussion on how these efficiency functions are used in on-going research within the Compact Muon Solenoid Collaboration. PSS-02 Beam Test DAQ and Analysis of Novel Readout Boards for Gas Electron Multiplier Detectors. M. PHIPPS, V. BOHPATKAR, A. ZHANG, J. TWIGGER, M. HOHLMANN. Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Physics and Space Sciences, 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. For three weeks in October 2013, our group recorded about 3 million events with 5 gas electron multiplier (GEM) detectors placed in a beamline at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL). The momentum of the hadron beam ranged from 20-120 GeV/c and was delivered in four second beam spills of about 10,000 events. Our GEM detectors included a meter-long CMS prototype of a board type slated to be installed at CERN during Long Shutdown 2 of the Large Hadron Collider. One of our primary goals was to thoroughly characterize its performance before mass production. Our other focus was on the testing of novel zigzag readout boards that significantly reduce the amount of electronics necessary to read out GEM detectors while maintaining spatial resolution similar to that of traditional Cartesian readout. Achieving these goals required a significant overhaul to our existing DAQ software framework in order to accommodate complex readout geometries and channel circuitry. Results from the beam test will be presented alongside an explanation of the architecture and mapping used to route our data, align our detectors, and perform tracking analysis through all detectors. PSS-03 Characterization of triple-GEM readout structures operated in a test beam at Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory. J. TWIGGER, M. HOHLMANN, V. BHOPATKAR, M. PHIPPS, A. ZHANG. Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Physics and Space Sciences, 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. We describe the design, construction, and commissioning of triple-GEM detectors of varying dimension. We have developed replicable quality control methods for large-scale construction and characterization of detectors equipped with both traditional cartesian and novel zigzag readout patterns. The results of these initial inspections and detector uniformity studies are presented. In order to



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simulate the high-luminosity environments present in experiments such as an Electron Ion Collider our readout boards were irradiated in the hadron beam at FNAL test beam facility. Various detector signal characteristics and results with high-precision tracks such as spatial resolutions are presented PSS-04 Construction and beam test of a full-size GE 1/1 gas electron multiplier (GEM) prototype detector for the CMS muon detector upgrade. V.BHOPATKAR, E. HANSEN, M. PHIPPS, J. TWIGGER, A. ZHANG and M. HOHLMANN. Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Physics and Space Sciences, 150 West University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901. We are contributing to R & D on large triple-GEM detectors for the upgrade of the muon system in the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the CERN LHC. Florida Institute of Technology is developing one of the detector construction sites for this upgrade project. We have successfully built a 1m long GE1/1 prototype III GEM detector and tested it in a hadron beam at Fermi National Accelerator laboratory in different scenarios such as position scan, high voltage scan, at different beam energies and inclination angles. We reported on measured uniformity, efficiency and resolution of the detector. For all sectors of the detector charge uniformity is consistent and efficiency varies from 97-99%. PSS-05 Cost Reduction for Gas Electron Multiplier Detector Readout Boards Using Zigzag Strips. E. STARLING, K. WALTON, A. ZHANG, and M. HOHLMANN. Department of Physics and Space Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901. Signals are gathered in gas electron multiplier (GEM) detectors via printed circuit boards, which in the past were designed using straight strips. However, as larger detectors are being built, more readout strips are required in order to maintain the desired resolution, requiring more amplifier channels and therefore increasing the production cost of the readout board and the overall detector. In order to minimize this cost, we have designed equally-sized readout boards using zigzag strips rather than straight strips, allowing us to significantly reduce the number of strips required. We used Altium Designer 2013 to design and produce several such readout boards, including a 10cmx10cm board, a 30cmx30cm board, and a 1m-long board. Preliminary testing has shown that while spatial resolution suffered slightly, we were successful in our attempts to produce useable boards while reducing the number of required components substantially. Results will be discussed as well as possible further applications of the zigzag-style readout boards. PSS-06 Readout Board Design for Gas Electron Multiplier Detectors for Use in a Proposed Upgrade of the CMS Hadron Calorimeter. E. STARLING, K. WALTON, and M. HOHLMANN. Department of Physics and Space Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901. In the CMS Hadron Calorimeter, due to the lack of a highly segmented readout, particle track reconstruction is not presently possible; only measurements of overall energy depositions can be obtained. In order to detect the physical tracks of the particles and improve energy resolution, a potential calorimeter upgrade has been proposed that utilizes GEM detectors. To this effect, we have designed a printed readout board using Altium Designer 2013 that utilizes a 10cmx10 cm active area with a total of 121 square pads that are read out by a single APV. We have also proposed another design that would use chevron-style pads rather than square ones. This design and future plans will be discussed.

RES = FLORIDA COMMITTEE ON RARE & ENDANGERED SPECIES (See BIO-RES, page 23)

TCH = SCIENCE TEACHING TCH-01 Florida Oceanographic oyster restoration education. V.G. ENCOMIO and E.K. VAN OS. Departments of Research and Education, Florida Oceanographic Society, 890 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996. School children helping with Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) restoration is not a new concept. Along the east coast of the United States there are bagging projects, oyster mat creations and bivalve collections that involve classes and school clubs. However the



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scientific concepts behind those activities are not always part of those programs. The Florida Oceanographic Oyster Restoration Education grant (FL.O.O.R.Ed) allowed the collaboration between the research department and the education department to develop curricula that were in alignment with Florida’s Science Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Grades 9-12. The grant included classroom time as well as field time for monitoring the environmental conditions of historically restored reefs and natural reefs as well as new reef restorations. Eight standards of moderate cognitive complexity and seven standards of high cognitive complexity were written into the curricula illustrating the basic principals of the animal kingdoms, community and population influences and the significance of environmental, genetic and political factors. Curricula for spring and fall were delivered to different classes in two different counties. The spring group created three new reefs in their county and the fall group created two new reefs in theirs. Student comprehension of the standards increased in both the spring semester and during the fall semester. This project was supported by the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program and in part by the National Estuary Program/Community Estuary Partnership. TCH-02 The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Alternative Texts in Teaching Non-majors Environmental Science. M. WRIGHT. State College of Florida, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293. As textbook prices skyrocket, more and more colleges have implemented alternative text initiatives. While the advantages to using original sources are apparent in subjects like history and philosophy, the applicability of open-source type materials in science is questionable. As part of the State College of Florida’s e-text initiative and as course coordinator for Introduction to Environmental Science, I converted this course’s materials from the traditional hard copy textbook to online sources available to all SCF students via the library’s database subscriptions. Several advantages of converting to an alternative text are evident. Students benefit from reduced cost per course. Course instructors can tailor fit the material to meet course performance standards while engaging students through the use of multi-media resources. Additionally, by housing the resources within the library’s web space, students have increased contact with library resources, and increased contact with the librarians themselves (when they need help). The disadvantages to converting to a textbook alternative are not as obvious. Financial aid dependent students bemoan the lost opportunity to sell back books at the end of the semester, adjuncts teaching the course resist learning to use new on-line resources, and the convenience of electronic sources is overshadowed by students’ lack of equipment to access those resources. Additionally, the time involved in gathering the material for the course is extensive, and the lack of supplemental material from publishers such as PowerPoint presentations and test banks can be discouraging. Although the disadvantages are numerous, the reduced cost to students and increased flexibility for instructors make the alternative text initiative an interesting option that should be considered for science courses. TCH-03 Converting a Graduate Anatomy and Physiology Course to the Hybrid Format. T.P. ARNOLD and R.C. CARRASCO. Nova Southeastern University, 3632 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida 33619. A foundational core course for professional studies (entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy and entry level Occupational Therapy Doctorate programs) in the college of health care sciences, neuroanatomy, was redesigned to accomplish a hybrid delivery mode. Hybrid course delivery combines sixteen week, on-line lecture instruction with periodic, face-to-face (on-ground) kinesthetic (lab based) learning and provides an alternative delivery and structure for post- millennial learners. Instruction for this course is packaged into modules with supporting scaffolding including active learning aids, on-line lectures, videos and asynchronous discussions. The lecture materials, lab resources, course management and communications are delivered via a web based platform (Black Board). Assessments in laboratory and “lecture” are accomplished in four, week-end “institutes” incorporating a mix of traditional and virtual kinesthetic experiences including learning matrices, laboratory practica and written exams. Throughout the curricula, the philosophies of Richness, Rigor, Recursion, Relations and Reiterative Reflection are embedded. Following completion by this cohort, student feedback will be collected and evaluated for further course improvement. TCH-04 Integrating Problem-Based Learning into Quantitative Chemical Analysis: Faculty & Student Perspectives. J.K. WILLIAMS. Department of Mathematics & Sciences, Saint Leo University, P.O. Box 6665 Saint Leo, FL. 33574. Quantitative Chemical Analysis is one of the more difficult courses facing undergraduate students due to its heavy emphasis on applied problem solving. This paper discusses how problem-based learning is being used in a small undergraduate liberal arts university and its usefulness in demonstrating elements of strategic thinking used by professional scientists. TCH-05 Active learning techniques for enhancing student success in organic chemistry. J. E. JONES. Saint Leo University 33701 State Road 52, Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665. The Organic Chemistry sequence of courses has shown to be one of the more challenging in the sciences. Many techniques have been introduced and investigated to improve student success in a course that requires a strong understanding and application of unfamiliar concepts. The author was invited to



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participate in the cCWCS Active Learning in Organic Chemistry workshop, a NSF-sponsored workshop in the summer of 2013. Upon participation in the workshop, two active learning approaches were introduced to the Organic Chemistry curriculum at Saint Leo University: clickers and Just-In-Time assignments. Clickers allow an instructor to gauge the understanding of an entire classroom in “real-time.” This approach allows for the correction of misconceptions in the classroom while the material is still new and gives the students an opportunity to gauge their own personal understanding. Just-In-Time assignments are used to introduce a subject to students before coming to lecture, challenging them to think about the topic in a broader sense before encountering the topic in the classroom. The Just-In-Time assignments improve student preparation for lecture. They also allow the instructor to tailor a lecture more towards correcting student misconceptions and misunderstandings rather than introducing elementary concepts. The techniques and methods of implementation of clickers and Just-In-Time assignments will be discussed, as well as, initial student perceptions. (Participation in Active Learning workshop paid for by NSF-cCWCS). TCH-06 Techniques that lead to successful learning in asynchronous online anatomy and physiology lecture and lab courses. C. CARPENTER South University, Health Sciences Program, College of Nursing and Public Health. 9801 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411 and 709 Mall Blvd, Savannah, GA 31406. The convenience of asynchronous online learning has been well established, however student achievement of learning outcomes in these asynchronous environments have not been equally established. Faculty who design individualized student responses which incorporate images, animations, and explanation of complex physiological concepts, improve student comprehension and retention. Examples of the most successful techniques will be demonstrated and discussed. A study comparing quiz scores and final course grades for online courses with and without individualized responses is underway to determine if these techniques provide statistically significant differences in these assessments. TCH-07 Teaching undergraduate research at a non-research orientated institution. D. BELL and I. DUFFY. Department of Math and Science, Saint Leo University, State Road 52, Saint Leo, Florida, 33574. The University Campus of Saint Leo University is a small liberal arts college whose primary focus is on undergraduate education. Every undergraduate student is expected to do a Capstone project. The Capstone project is one or two semesters in length and is intended to be the culminated project to demonstrate the knowledge and experiences gained during the students four year journey at the college. This presents a problem for the biology undergraduate students. Biology undergraduates can choose from three different tracks; general, ecology/environmental or biomedical biology. Each of these tracks have various biology and chemistry required and elective courses with most of them having an associated lab class. However, other than those laboratory classes the students do not receive any specialized training in research techniques. Students are being asked to determine their own research project, do background research on the project and determine a course of action. The students are also required to determine a budget and a timeline for the project. Saint Leo University is a small teaching oriented college, making the budget that each student extremely limited. The timeline for the project is extremely limited as well. The students have never had the opportunity to do any of these tasks in an laboratory or class before. With all of these limitations on the undergraduates preparation for this project, graduating students would then be anticipated to be primed for a potential postgraduate career in research. Here we present the results of a review of graduating students, with an emphasis on how their level of accomplishment in the biology and chemistry lab classes correlate with their grade level in the senior research class. Strategies to improve the success of our students in research will also be discussed

SOC = SOCIAL SCIENCES (See CMS-SOC, page 33)

SOC Posters



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SOC-P01 Neural network modeling of decision-making: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study of the Iowa Gambling Task. C. L. SALNAITIS, L. HARDY, T-B. HUYNH, W. NICKS, S. CURD, and T. EVERY, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, 140 7th Avenue South, St. Petersburg Florida 33701. Decision-making involves choice between two or more alternatives. The purpose of the current study was to develop a neural network model that included neuroimaging as well as behavioral data. Continuous recording of functional near-infrared spectroscopy occurred while forty participants performed the Iowa Gambling Task. The Iowa Gambling Task consists of four decks with differing reward/punishment contingencies. Participants in the task, over the course of 300 trials, have to choose a card from the decks each turn in which they will either be rewarded or penalized for their selection. Decks A and B are considered ‘risky’ or ‘disadvantageous’ because while the initial gains are great, the accumulated losses are greater throughout the course of the study. Decks C and D are considered ‘advantageous’ because the initial rewards are smaller in comparison to decks A and B, but greater over the course of the game due to substantially smaller penalties. A model of choice behavior was developed that postulates the contribution of dorsolateral, ventromedial, and orbital frontal areas in decision-making. The neural network model successfully predicted choice behaviors. The results support research suggesting that decision making primarily requires the involvement of various areas within the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex itself is composed of many functionally distinct subregions, including the dorsolateral PFC, the ventral PFC, and the medial PFC. These areas are functionally linked with subcortical systems such as the limbic system and the amygdala, suggesting that decision-making is not a cold, rational process, but can utilize emotions in the service of decision-making.

URB = URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

URB Posters

URB-P01 Apportioning St. Thomas University Urban and Green Area Using Satellite Imaging. M. KOSYRIKHINA (1), S. McCONNELL (2), J. AREVALO (2), N. AZMOE (2), C. CICERON (1), S. COTIN (1), C. DUVERSEAU (1), S. FINKELSTON (2), S. MERILUS (2), D. MIHOK (2), L. SAUNDERS (1), S. THOMAS (1), D. VALENTIN (1), F. WILLIAMS and A. CIOFFI (1). (1) St. Thomas University, School of Science, Technology and Engineering Management, 16401 NW 37th Ave., Miami Gardens, FL 33056, (2) Miami Dade College, Department of Biology, 11380 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33167. There are multiple personal and social benefits to greenery in urban areas. When such greenery includes a forest climax community, benefits and responsibilities can also increase. St. Thomas University (STU), an urban 120-acre campus in Miami, Florida, houses one of the few remaining Dade County Slash Pine forests in this metropolitan area. A quantitative assessment of the greenery on campus, including its ratio-to-built area can aid the delicate planning of campus expansion. Phase I of this study measured the 2-Dimensional green area and Phase II measured the 3-Dimensional green area on STU. Adding these two measurements and contrasting it to the built area on campus yields an almost 10:1 ratio of greenery versus built area. Considering that STU is within a major residential, commercial, and industrial zone of Miami-Dade County, and considering a heavily-trafficked highway and a commercial airport flank the campus, it behooves all those associated with STU to preserve and promote this very high green-to-grey ratio.

AUTHOR INDEX

ABRAMSON, J 35 ACKBARALI, S. 43 ADAMS, T. 12 AGNEW, J . 41, 42

ALEGRIA, H. 36 ALKER, A. 37 ANANGA, A. 6, 29 ANDRADE, E. 5 ARBOLEDA, V. 19

AREVALO, C. 24 AREVALO, J. 48 ARISTIZABAL, L. 3,6 ARNOLD, T. 46 ASTUA, J. 5



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ARTHURS, S. 2,6,7 AUNG, N. 15 AVERY, P. 2,4,6 AZIMI, T. 19 AZMOE, N. 48 BAARMAND, M. 44 BADILLO, A. 24 BALDOCK, K. 39 BALDRICA, B. 22 BARBARITE, G. 49 BARKER, B. 14 BARTH, L. 23 BASSO, J. 36 BECKER, N. 21 BEESON, R. 4 BELL, D. 47 BEMENT, B. 19 BESSETTE, D. 33,34,35 BLANAR, C. 25 BOCSANCZY, A. 5 BOHPATKAR, V. 44 BOWEN, S. 24 BRACHO, O. 25 BRADSHAW, C. 44 BROWN-JACKSON, S.34 BROWN, R. 14 BUCKLEY, M. 11 BURNETT, J. 18 BURTON, S. 33, 34 BUSH, M. 30 BUTLER, J. 36 CALWELL, J. 4 CAMPBELL, A. 25 CAMPBELL, K. 14 CARDENES, G. 30 CARPENTER, C. 47 CARRASCO, R. 46 CARTAGENA, A. 24 CAVE, R. 3,4 CERVANTES, C. 42 CHACON RIVERO, I. 12 CHAPMAN, K. 19 CHAVEZ, G. 19 CHERRY, R. 2, 7 CHLEBOWSKI, A. 33 CICERON, C. 48 CIOFFI, A. 48 CLIFT, A.26 COCHRANE, E. 3 COFFMAN, J. 40 COLE BURNETT, L. 28 COLE, P.38 CONNELLY, P. 21 CONWAY, C. 26 COOK, M. 37

CORKRAN, P. 19 CORNELIO, L. 15 COTIN, S. 48 CUCINOTTA, K. 32 CUI, L. 28 CURD, S. 48 CURTIS, M. 21 D'ELIA, T. 24 DALRYMPLE, D. 8 DAVIS, E. 26 DAWSON, E. 21 DAWSON, H. 33 DAWSON, M. 33,34,35 DE SOUZA, L. 15 DELIC, V. 44 DIAMOND, J. 23 DIAZ MARTIN, D. 12 DIAZ, R. 3 DIAZ, S. 26 DIDIER, D. 40 DIX, T. 14 DIXON, B. 32 DORNBURG, A. 23 DORNEY, B. 44 DOTY, P. 29 DOWD, S. 40 DRAGHETTI, M. 27 DRESCHEL, T. 38 DUFFY, I. 13, 16, 47 DUKE, A. 40 DUNHAM, S. 41, 43 DUVERSEAU, C. 48 EDWARDS, E. 38 ENCOMIO, V. 27, 46 EUGENE, R. 19 EVANS, J. 5 EVERY, T. 48 FASICK, J. 16 FAVATA, C. 30 FAY, N. 27 FERNANDEZ-TORRES 37 FIDLER, R. 19 FINKELSTON, S. 48 FLEISCHER, J. 25 FRANCIS, A. 6 FRECH F. 19 GALI, T. 27 GAO, S. 29 GEIGER, S. 36 GEORGE, I. 38 GIORGEV, V. 29 GIOSEFFI, A. 12 GOETTING, B. 14 GRACE, M. 16,17 GRAGG, R. 7

GRAVINESE, P. 20 GREEN, L. 13 GUTIERREZ, O. 24 HALL, D. 5 HALL, J. 6 HAMMER, S. 41,42 HANISAK, D. 13 HANSELMAN, J. 30 HANSEN, E. 45 HARDY, L. 31, 37, 48 HARRISON, S. 13, 28 HEDGEPETH, M. 12 HERNANDEZ, A. 24 HIRONS, A. 10 HO, L. 22 HO, N. 22 HOHNER, S. 38 HOLETS, T. 43 HOLHLMANN, M. 45 HOLLY, K. 39 HOOGKAMP, E. 27 HORODYSKY, A. 14 HOUK, L. 13, 28 HUDGINS, J. 36 HUGUET-TAPIA, J. 5 HUNTER, W. 5 HUYNH, T. 48 INGRAM, L. 2 IRGASHEVA, K. 19 ISER, I. 31 IZZI, C. 44 JAQUIER, M. 37 JAWARD, F. 36 JEDLIKA, J. 18 JERNIGAN, J. 14 JIMENEZ, A. 36 JIMENEZ, R. 36 JOHNSON, K. 7,8,11 JONES, J. 47 JOSEPH, Y. 41 KARCH, K. 40 KARLEN, D. 14 KENYON, J. 22 KERFOOT, J. 18 KERSTETTER, D. 10,14 KESSLER, A. 13 KING, J. 35 KING, L. 14 KLEDZIK, A. 9 KLERK, H. 13 KNOX, J. 31 KOKA, A. 8 KOLB, H. 7 KOPPERUD, K. 17 KOSYRIKHINA, M. 48



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KRONSTADT, S. 20 KUHN, D. 24 KUMAR, V. 4 LAMBERT, N. 36 LAMBRIGHT, D. 32 LAPOINTE, B. 13 LARA, O. 6 LAVELLE, A. 18 LEE, D. 16, 40, 44 LEON, A. 26 LI, B. 28 LI, L. 29 LI, S. 28 LIEBERMAN, K. 8, 10 LIN, J. 17 LIVINGSTON, K. 19 LOPEZ, J. 25 LORENZO GONZALEZ, A. 24,29 LOWENBERG, M. 24 MA, X. 7 MADURO, M. 26 MANCHERY, C. 25 MARIASSY, A. 41 MARKHAM, S. 14 MARKOV, L. 35 MARTIN, B. 42 MARTIN, D. 37 MAUL, D. 15,24,30,32 MAUL, G. 9,10 MCCARTHY, P. 25 MCCONNELL, S. 48 MCKENZIE C. 4 MCRAE, M 18, 26 MEADOWS, E. 17 MEEROW, A. 15 MEINDL, C. 36 MERILUS, S. 48 MERINO MENDEZ, C. 30 MICHEL, J. 40 MIHOK, D. 48 MISDRAJI, J. 32 MOLNAR, D. 42 MONREAL, S. 19 MONTAGUE, J. 33 MOORE, J. 23 NASH, K. 16, 40 NEAL, A. 3 NEWCOME, C. 15, 29 NICKERSON, A. 10 NICKS, W. 48 NIÑO, A. 3,4 NORMAN, D. 5 OCHIENG, J. 6 OGLESBY, L. 29

OLIVER, A. 44 OMAR, M. 34 ONOKPISE, O. 7 OSBORNE, L. 4 OUDEGA, M. 12,24,29,30 PACKERT, D. 41,43 PACKERT, G, 41,43 PANDYA, D. 29 PANG, Y. 30 PATEL, A. 29 PAUL, V. 13,28 PEARSON, B. 4 PEREZ, J. 22 PHIPPS, M. 44,45 PICHEL, R. 30 PICK, D. 2 PIERRE, R. 12 PLUNKETT, J. 12, 24, 29,31 PULCINI, A. 27 QUESADA, D. 10.42 RALSTON, E. 8,9,10 RAMOS, S. 32 REHAGE, J. 23 REID, L. 7 REYIER, E. 11 RIBERIO, C. 5 RICARD, G. 34 RICARD, T. 34 RICE, S. 17 RITTER, S. 26 RIVERA, H. 26 ROBERTI, A. 19 ROBERTSON, K. 18 ROBINSON, C. 23 ROBINSON, J. 16 ROBINSON, M. 19 ROBLES, N. 19 ROSS, M. 23 SAAD, G. 36 SALIMI, A. 42 SALLAI, L. 40 SALNAITIS, C. 48 SALTERS, R. 19 SANO, T. 23 SAUNDERS, L. 48 SAVARO, J. 10 SCHULTHEIS, A. 15 SCHWEIKERT, L. 16 SHABAZZ, F. 12,24,29,31 SHADIK, C. 30 SHEA, L. 22 SHENKER, J. 22,27 SINIGALLIANO, C. 25 SLOAN, T. 18,20,30

SMITH, A. 19, 41 SMITH, R. 25, 29 SMITH, T. 40 SNEED, J. 13,28 SOLOMON, N. 43 SONNEFELD, M. 11,21,26 SOSA, D. 19 STARLING, E. 45 STATON, R. 41 STEPHENS, A. 8,10 STEPHENS, R. 31 STERVIL, J. 15,24 STOCK, D. 15,31 STONE, J. 32 STOVER, E. 3,5 STRONG, T. 40 SUAREZ-VEGA, B. 19 SUTTON, T. 10 SUZUKI, M. 31 SWAIN, G. 8,9,10 SWEAT, L. 7,8,11 TA, Y. 44 TANKERSLEY, R. 1,11,20 TAPANES-CASTILLO, A.

12,24,29,31 TAPIA, E. 4 TELUSMA, B. 19 THOMAS, S. 48 THRELKELD, B. 6 TODD, J. 9 TOFANGSAZI, N. 2,7 TORRES, H. 31 TSOLOVA, V. 6,29 TURECHEK, W. 14 TURINGAN, R.

11,18,19,20,21,22,26,30 TURNER, R. 21 TWIGGER, J. 44,45 VAJN, K. 12,24,29,31 VALENTIN, D. 48 VALLS, A. 29 VAN OS, E. 46 VANARMAN, P. 39 VAZQUEZ, C. 32 VERA, J. 26 VINCENTE, Z. 32 WALTON, K. 45 WANG, H. 14,28 WANG, R. 28 WATSON, A. 19 WATSON, M. 11 WEAVER, R. 9,11 WILLIAMS, F. 48 WILLIAMS, J. 46



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WILLIAMS, S. 35 WILSON, S. 3 WINDSOR, J. 11 WORSHAM, K. 24 WORTHAM, J. 18 WRIGHT, M. 46 XU, S. 28 YUT, L. 24 ZARGIEL, K. 8,11 ZHANG, A. 44,45 ZHANG, Y. 44 ZIVKOVIC, S. 44

fas-online abstracts 2015

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