College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Chemistry

9648

Oceanic fluxes from proglacial and deglacial watersheds in Western Greenland

Scientists use sediments from the ocean to establish the timing of the formation and retreat of glaciers far into the past. My research focuses on improving our understanding of this sediment record by studying how water chemistry varies in modern glacial systems. Chemical weathering near the Greenland Ice Sheet occurs in nonglacial and proglacial watersheds. Nonglacial watersheds develop on older terrains and derive water from rain and snow, while the young proglacial watersheds derive their water from the glacial ice. These watersheds provide equal amounts of water to the ocean in western Greenland, but have different exposure histories that should result in distinct water chemistry. I will present surface water chemistry from proglacial and nonglacial watersheds along a transect from the coast to the Greenland Ice Sheet. All watersheds show evidence of carbonate weathering, though the influence decreases with age of watershed and distance from the ice sheet. Toward the coast, older nonglacial watersheds show evidence of silicate weathering, as the easily dissolved carbonate has already been weathered. However, near the headwaters of the proglacial watershed silicate weathering occurs at levels greater than the oldest nonglacial watersheds. Silicate weathering is important from a climate change perspective because it can reduce the amount carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. These findings indicate that these two types of watersheds provide a distinct chemical signature to the ocean and have distinct impacts on climate change. These factors are likely to change as the relative importance of proglacial and nonglacial watersheds changes with the advance and retreat of glaciers due to climate change. (Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level: 15.7)

9645

Staphylococcus aureus NOS mediates endogenous oxidative stress and promotes proper metabolic function

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of a variety of deadly infections. Many S. aureus strains are extremely resistant to antibiotic treatment & the immune system, making effective resolution of these infections a major clinical challenge. Its success as a pathogen is due, in part, to its highly-adaptive and diverse metabolism. Optimal growth of S. aureus relies on aerobic respiration, which produces energy for cellular processes. At the same time, aerobic respiration naturally produces damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore it is important that this bacterium be able to tightly regulate the balance between energy production and oxidative damage. To this end, this research study seeks to uncover the mechanism by which the S. aureus nitric oxide synthase (saNOS) enzyme regulates cellular respiration and metabolism. It has been shown by our research and others that saNOS confers resistance of S. aureus to oxidative stress, certain antibiotics, and virulence in animal models of infection. Therefore, a better understanding of how saNOS regulates S. aureus metabolism and cell physiology may uncover novel therapeutic targets or treatment strategies against this deadly pathogen. (Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level: 13.4)

9643

The influence of diffuse recharge and intruding river water on oxygen and nitrate concentrations at two karst springs

Florida's springs allow us direct access to study the aquifer that supplies most of Florida's drinking water. The water quality and ecological health of these springs has undergone a decline. High nitrate and low oxygen levels have been identified as potential drivers of this ecological decline. My research focuses on how nitrate and oxygen levels in the spring are altered by changing rainfall patterns. I will be presenting data that examines how nitrate and oxygen levels changed during drought conditions (2011-2012) and during periods of heavy rainfall (2012-2014). We found that drought periods decreased both oxygen and nitrate levels, and that heavy rainfall increased both oxygen and nitrate levels at the springs. Although increased rainfall is necessary to maintain water levels in the aquifer, this rainfall will increase nitrate contamination problems in the aquifer. Understanding how changing environmental conditions alter nitrate and oxygen levels enables better management decisions to be made about our limited water resources. (Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level: 14.7)

9640

Foreshadowing Digital Media: Lotte Reiniger, Animation, and Media Innovation

As a girl, animation pioneer Charlotte “Lotte” Reiniger (1899-1981) absorbed the artform of silhouettes, transforming it in order to tell stories in the new medium of film. Reiniger created the earliest existing animated feature film and first silhouette film in history. This paper will examine facets of the aesthetics and innovations she and her team developed to create her fairytale films. The paper describes how Reiniger’s work, begun during the Weimer Republic, set the stage for the software applications used in digital media of the 21st century. In doing so, the lack of recognition for her groundbreaking technological innovations is examined, as well as the deficiency of scholarly work about her important contributions to film history and to the history of women in film. Finally, a case is made for a reexamination and recontextualization of Reiniger’s work in light of its continued vividness, influence, and importance in mass media history. (Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level: 16)

9629

Exercise Training Evokes Mitochondrial Adaptations and Attenuates Age-Associated Testicular Atrophy in Aged Fischer-344 Rats

Aging has been shown to lead to a loss in testicular function and also infertility. Evidence suggests that dysregulation of mitochondria, a key cellular organelle, is a potential contributing factor to this condition. However, the extent of mitochondrial decline that occurs with aging and the effect of exercise training in the testes is currently unknown. We sought to evaluate the effects of aging and exercise on key regulatory pathways involved in mitochondrial function and organelle biogenesis. Young (6 months) and old (24 months) male Fischer-344 rats were separated into either a non-exercise trained group or a chronic exercise trained group. Animals that were in the exercise trained group were treadmill run for 10 weeks for 1 hour/day for 5 days/week. Testes were removed and immediately frozen for subsequent biochemical analyses. Our results suggest that age-induced testicular atrophy (i.e. loss in mass) is not attributable to mitochondrial bioenergetics. Additionally, exercise training appear to suppress age-associated testicular atrophy partially due to beneficial mitochondrial adaptations. This data has several implications since it suggests that physical activity can suppress age-induced testicular atrophy and may be a successful research avenue to pursue for the treatment of age-induced testicular atrophy and male infertility. (Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level: 15.3)

9599

Chronic Idiopathic Fatigue in Older Adults is Linked to Mitochondrial Dysregulation in Skeletal Muscle

Aging has been associated with chronic fatigue that can be caused by a number of different medical conditions. However, many older adults experience chronic fatigue that is not due to any underlying conditions, and has been termed “idiopathic fatigue.” Mitochondria are cellular organelles involved in energy homeostasis in a number of tissues, but are especially abundant in skeletal muscle. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to a number of disease states and aging, and it is unknown if mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to idiopathic fatigue. Thus, the purpose of this project is to determine whether mitochondria play a role in the chronic idiopathic fatigue of sedentary older adults who have no other medical conditions. Patients were excluded if having any underlying medical conditions, which could contribute to fatigue, and were categorized as fatigued and non-fatigued based on a 13-item questionnaire. We measured mitochondrial content and expression levels of various proteins involved in mitochondrial function from quadriceps tissues of screened patients. We found that fatigued subjects have reduced mitochondrial content and mitochondrial regulatory protein levels compared to control subjects. Our data suggests that chronic fatigue is linked to skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction not caused by differences in physical activity. Therefore, aerobic exercise, which increases muscle mitochondrial content and function, may be a viable therapeutic intervention to treat older, chronically fatigued adults. (Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level: 17.9)

9598

Attending the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) conference will vastly enhance my professional development. My anticipated graduation date is December 2014 and I am currently looking for jobs as a “medical writer.” This is a very exciting career path that I need additional exposure to and experience in to get job placements. This conference will serve many purposes for my professional development; 1) obtain an outstanding educational experience by listening to top writers in the field discuss important topics germane to the medical writing field; 2) networking with various individuals and organizations to enhance my chances for post-graduation job placement; and 3) attending workshops that will allow me to obtain certificates, which will boost my skill-set and thus enhance my resume. At the end of the conference, I hope to have successfully completed the workshops to obtain the “essential skills certification,” which is an extremely valuable certificate to obtain for my professional development. This certification sets the stage to complete further certifications through self-study modules over the course of my career. The field of “medical writing” is rather unknown in most sectors. I have recently visited the career resources center here at UF to learn more about this path and was unable to find much information. I have had numerous interactions now with career resources. The main individual I have met with is Matthew Cowley, M.Ed. Upon my return from the conference, I intend to set-up a debriefing with Mr. Cowley and explain to him many of the insights I gain from this meeting. Therefore, this will give the career resource center a better understanding of this career path and thus allowing them to adequately advise students who wish to pursue this line of work.

9596

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - Psychology

"Despite a significant decline in US smoking prevalence since the 1960s, 1 in 5 deaths are still attributed to smoking. Developing more innovative and effective treatments remains a major public health priority to aid the millions of smokers who attempt to quit unsuccessfully each year. In two studies, we evaluated whether an Internet-based smoking cessation program would promote smoking abstinence and whether participants would find it acceptable. Participants tracked and submitted their smoking levels twice per day using carbon monoxide (CO) meters and a study website. In addition to receiving educational information, participants made a monetary deposit of their choosing, which they could earn back for meeting individualized smoking goals. Following a monitoring phase, participants attempted to gradually reduce their smoking across 4 days and to completely abstain for the remaining 10 days of the study. Eight smokers participated in Study 1. During the reducing and abstaining phases, 15% and 53% of the samples were negative for recent smoking compared to 1% during the monitoring phase. Average ratings of treatment acceptability were favorable across all components as well. Study 1 suggests that an online monetary deposit contract system is a feasible, acceptable, and efficacious intervention to promote smoking abstinence. Abstinence rates were similar to previous deposit studies but slightly lower than traditional contingency management treatments. In Study 2, participants selected a family member or peer who agreed to support them in their quit attempt. Supporters could track participant’s smoking progress and offer encouragement on an online forum. In addition, supporters were asked to pledge support for the smoker by matching his/her monetary deposit, which the smoker could earn for meeting treatment goals. Study 2 is ongoing but available data will be presented.

9594

Ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry for the molecular-level characterization of dissolved organic nitrogen in human-influenced streams

Nitrogen is an important nutrient for living things, but too much nitrogen in streams and lakes is a good example of "too much of a good thing." Excess nitrogen in a water body can fuel harmful algal blooms, like the red tides that sometimes plague Florida's Gulf Coast waters. Dissolved organic nitrogen is one type of nitrogen that can cause this problem. We have important knowledge gaps concerning the chemical makeup of dissolved organic nitrogen, especially in human-dominated landscapes such as urban and heavily farmed areas. With more knowledge about the chemical makeup of dissolved organic nitrogen we can devise better management strategies for watersheds so we can get better at preventing harmful algal blooms. This research uses advanced analytical tools (ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry) to identify the chemical composition of dissolved organic nitrogen from an urban stream and from an agricultural stream. We compare the chemical composition of dissolved organic nitrogen in the two streams, make recommendations for managing nitrogen in the streams, and report on the advantages of using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry to do so. One thing that makes this research unique is the use of high-resolution mass spectrometry, an advanced and relatively new tool for analyzing dissolved organic nitrogen. This tool is currently recognized as the only tool for obtaining molecular-level information about dissolved organic nitrogen. (Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level: 16.4)

9591

Fine-scale vulnerability assessment of flooding and storm surge hazard in coastal community – a case study in Sarasota, Florida

"The coastal area provides valuable amenities, such as beautiful landscapes and comfortable weather. These amenities result in high housing prices and population densities in coastal communities. Conversely, coastal areas have dynamic environments: wind, tidal and wave action constantly affect coastlines and the tropical cyclone occasionally impact near-shore areas with storm surge and rainfall, which can cause damage to properties and result in losses of human life. The vulnerability assessment, which integrates social-economic, physical and hazard characteristics together, is one of the methods for researchers and planners to identify possible damage of hazards. With the improvement of geospatial technologies, it is possible to assess vulnerability at much more detailed/finer scale. That is, at an individual property or neighborhood level.

This study aims to assess vulnerability of flooding and storm surge hazard in Sarasota, Florida. For the social economy characteristic, 2005 sale records were collected to build a hedonic model. A hedonic model is based on multi-regression analysis with housing characteristics as explanatory variables, and housing prices as the dependent variable. It was then applied to predict housing prices. The hedonic model result shows the strong relationship between coastal amenities and housing prices, which lead to extreme high predicted values of properties on the front side of a beach or lagoon.

The predicted housing values were then combined with physical characteristics, which is surface elevation data, and hazard characteristics: flooding and storm surge data. These data layers were then integrated into software: Hazus. Hazus is developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to integrate above mentioned geospatial dataset for assessing vulnerability and calculating economic losses. The initial overlapping of data layers shows the high-price properties located near beaches and lagoons are more vulnerable to storm surge and flooding hazards. This analysis can assist housing buyers and local policy makers to mitigate damage and minimize the economic losses of hazards. (Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level: 17)"

9583

Evaluation of two emergency procedures to treat severe escape behavior

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit problematic behavior in the form of aggression, self-injury, and/or property destruction. A significant proportion of the time, such behavior is maintained by escape. For example, children might learn that instructional activities stop when they display aggression; they then learn to escape by engaging in aggression. Not only do these behaviors reduce the ability of individuals to learn new skills, they also put individuals at risk for serious harm to themselves or others and increase the likelihood of restraint or institutionalization. Behavior analysts must develop treatments that will reduce these behaviors quickly and substantially in emergency situations. The goal of this project is to compare two emergency procedures to a “business-as-usual” treatment to determine the more effective procedure for eliminating the behavior in the short term. With the business-as-usual treatment, differential negative reinforcement (DNR), individuals are provided with a break if they comply with demands and are physically guided to work through demands when problematic behavior occurs. With instructional fading, no demands are placed on the individuals initially so they have no reason to engage in problematic behavior. After some time, the amount of work required is slowly and systematically increased. With differential positive reinforcement (DPR), a small edible item or other preferred item is provided in exchange for compliance with instructions. All three of these procedures have been shown to be effective at reducing problematic behavior maintained by escape to some extent. That being said, instructional fading and DPR have not been directly compared to DNR to evaluate whether those emergency procedures are best for reducing behavior immediately and to a greater extent in the short term. We will compare a group of individuals who receive DNR to a group who receives these emergency procedures to treat escape behavior. (Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level: 16.9)

9576

Evaluating the Energy Savings Effects of a Utility Demand-Side Management Program Using a Difference-in-Difference Coarsened Exact Matching Approach

"The paper estimates the energy savings effects of a Demand-side Management (DSM) program, specifically Gainesville Regional Utility's (GRU) high efficiency central Air Conditioner (AC) rebate program in which GRU offer incentives to its customers to replace their old, low efficiency AC unit with a high-efficiency model. While various models: engineering and econometric, have been used to estimate energy savings, these approaches often lead to bias in the estimated energy savings. This is because the unobserved characteristics of program participants that affects their probability of participation in the program may also be correlated with their energy consumption. The proposed model uses consumers’ billing information, housing appraisal information, and census tract information to estimate energy savings in a way that reduces bias and accurately disentangle the energy savings effects of a DSM program from the effects of weather on energy consumption. The new method is semi-parametric and thus relaxes some assumptions of the previous methods of calculating energy savings.

First, we estimate the effects of GRU’s 2009 high-efficiency AC program on annual energy consumption. Second since the main reason for DSM program is to reduce peak-period consumption, we disaggregated the energy savings effects of the program into summer-peak effects, winter-peak effects, and non-peak months effects. The preliminary results show substantial annual energy savings of the high efficiency AC program. Also, while the program has high effects on summer-peak and non-peak months consumption, it has no significant effects on winter peak consumption. Again by following the group of people who participated in the rebate program in 2009 for two years after the program, we show that there are no statistically significant rebound effect (Rebound occurs when DSM program participation result in a decline in participants energy cost so that participants increase their thermostat setting or other energy use levels, thereby decreasing energy savings).

9557

"I am the chair and commentator for a roundtable entitled ""Unsilencing Hispaniola's Histories: Precedents and Possibilities"" at the Oral History Association Annual Meeting. I will also be attending workshops and panels on oral history methodology, digitization, and campus-based oral history projects. Below is the panel description. I organized the session and invited the presenters.

On 1 January 1804, Jean-Jacques Dessalines gave a short speech in Kreyòl before giving the stage to his secretary, Louis F. Boisrond-Tonnerre, who read in French the Declaration of Independence. We know almost nothing about the content of Dessalines’s speech; it is the printed text in French that remains. The ceremony symbolizes the legacies of slavery and colonialism and the oral/print dichotomy that resonate throughout Haiti’s and the Dominican Republic’s histories. While attempts at collecting oral histories date to as early as the 1820s, few current historians of the region incorporate oral history research. This roundtable seeks to address this absence, discuss the challenges, and highlight the work of emerging scholars in the field.

Beginning during the revolutionary era, Mobley demonstrates the relevancy of oral history research for colonial subjects. She uses oral histories from Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to trace the experiences of Central Africans who rarely entered the colonial archive. Joseph’s research in Haiti also examines groups in motions, specifically the small but active Haitian Jewish community. Lara moves our discussion across the border to the Dominican Republic and the contested processes of democratization following the assassination of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Combining archival sources and oral histories, she illuminates how campesinos, labor union leaders, and political activists struggled to create democracy in the 1960s. Payton returns our discussion to Haiti with her own project of collecting oral histories directly after the 2010 earthquake. Payton’s interviews, as well as the other three projects, illuminate the valuable space oral history research in Hispaniola provides for those voices the archive frequently silences. Moreover, Payton’s work suggests new possibilities for recording, preserving, and sharing these histories through digital oral history projects." Upon returning, I intend to write a brief synopsis of the research, professional techniques, training, or instructions I received during the course of the conference related to the field or industry of my studies and post them on the GSC Interdisciplinary Website to share with the University of Florida student body as a whole