bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypo-virulent Cryphonectria parasitica and distribution/infection factors in southern Appalachia.
Authors: Winters Michael , Naylor Annika , LaFantasie Jordana , Thomas-VanGundy Melissa
Published: May 2022

Prior to its decline and functional extinction due to an invasive blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) in the early 20th century, the American chestnut was a key dominant tree species in most eastern deciduous forests. The infection mechanism, and associated factors affecting rates of infection, must be understood if a hybrid chestnut species is to be reintroduced within native range tree stands.  The focus of our work was on on the blight fungus itself.  Our objectives were to: 1) determine the possibility of hypo-virulent (or less infectious) strains of the fungus being present at our research site, 2) identify factors correlated with infection rates at the site, and 3) examine possible connections between infection and chestnut mortality rates and factors like chestnut type, family, and site location. We sampled each of four types of chestnut (Pure American/Chinese and two hybrids [B3F2 and B3F3]) at the St. George research site where we characterized cankers and tree environment in addition to culturing canker samples under lab conditions.  We did not find evidence of hypo-virulent strains of the chestnut blight at the research site, which could be attributed to hypo-virulent fungus having relatively low success rates due to inhibited sporulation. There was no significant relationship between chestnut species/lineage and infection/mortality rates.  This research could inform the development and success of hybrids used in the reintroduction of American chestnut in the future.
Analysis of the effects of drugs and alcohol on neuronal stem cell differentiation.
Authors: Shelton Lauren Nicole , Anthony Bruce
Published: May 2022

Drug and alcohol abuse lead to neuronal cell loss and altered CNS plasticity that effects one’s ability to understand and learn new information, as well as restructure pathways important in abstinence based recovery processes.  Plasticity relies, in part, on stem cells in several regions of the adult brain that expand, migrate, differentiate and establish new neurons and supportive glial cells.  Previous studies suggest that drugs of abuse, including alcohol, methamphetamine and opioids reduce the number of stem cells and affect migration and differentiation processes. Our study examined differentiation of E14 rat neuronal stem cell differentiation after drug insult. In this study, differentiated neuronal stem cells were exposed to single doses of alcohol, methamphetamine, and DAMGO (opioid agonist) to recreate the effects of adult substance abuse.  We examined cells, after 5 days, to determine differentiation processes and cell numbers.  Synaptogyrin-1 antibody was used to determine neuronal connectivity, and Glutamine Receptor Type 1 antibody was used to determine glutamate neurotransmission.  Cells were also stained for synaptic vesicle expression.  We show substantial cell loss with alterations in vesicle packaging and synaptic cleft formation.  Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434.
Internet of Intelligent Things and Applications
Authors: Parrett Levi , Liao Weidong
Published: May 2022

Levi Parrett, Department of CME, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, and Weidong Liao (Faculty Advisor), Department of CME, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. Internet of Intelligent Things and ApplicationsIn this poster, we will describe various aspects of the Internet of Intelligent Things network as to how it would most effectively be developed in the area pertaining to healthcare treatment and care for patients in the hopes that this system could be an promising technology to be advanced in providing speedy treatment unlike some situations within the treatment from various offices. Healthcare is to be assumed to include many fields of medicinal sciences as well as their associated treatment sector or profession. The IIOT will therefore be a system to support the measurement and analysis of large, or many data sets as part of the analysis of the explored aspects of the network. This poster also discusses the utilization of swarm intelligence in the field of Internet of Intelligence Things in the context of healthcare.
Spin-Labeling of Proteins via Genetically Encoded Unnatural Amino Acids
Authors: MCNIELL JEFFREY
Published: May 2022

Some of the major challenges of protein structure elucidation are proteins that do not crystallize well for x-ray studies and one that give overly convoluted NMR spectra. One way of resolving this issue is through the addition of radical spin-labels for study via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). This is usually done through disulfide linkages between a nitroxide spin-label and a cysteine residue of a protein, which allows for continuous wave and pulse EPR measurements. A wealth of information about the system is gained to provide structural insights. However, this requires one to remove native cysteines, which can significantly alter the overall structure and function of the protein. In this investigation, we use the unnatural amino acid, p-azido-phenylalanine, and an alkyne spin probe to “click” our probe to the model protein, T4 lysozyme. This ensures minimal structural perturbation, and allows this method to be used in proteins with native cysteines and disulfide bonds. Through our studies, we observed that this method works, but requires further refinement, and that it is also superior to the cysteine-based method due to the rigidity of the “click” bond, which gives more accurate measurements. Through further study, we hope to expand this method to more complex systems, and streamline a process for quick and easy unnatural protein labeling which will allow researchers to more easily study protein structure and dynamics.
The Analysis of DNA Damage and Cell Loss due to Alcohol and Opiate Drug Exposure on Undifferentiated Stem Cells.
Authors: Thomas Connor Levi
Published: May 2022

In Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), alcohol promotes mental and physical alterations accredited to vicissitudes in the proliferation, differentiation, migration, and cell death in cells within the developing neural crest.  Studies show that oxidative stress and changes in cellular proliferation (S-Phase) in these cells plays a role in single and double stranded DNA breaks, leading to a heightened amount of apoptosis in exposed stem cell populations. Opiate drug abuse is common across the world, but the cellular impact is poorly understood. The way that opiate drugs affect the neural crest cells may relate to the alcohol induced apoptotic pathway. It is thought that dose may play a role in the magnitude of the cell loss from alcohol, opiate drugs may also follow this standard. Our hypothesis is that alcohol and opiate drug induced DNA damage is similar and causes an overall increased amount of apoptosis among cell populations. We used a comet assay to analyze the type and extent of DNA damage, caused by single doses of alcohol, methamphetamine, and DAMGO (opioid agonist). We show increased cell losses and heightened amounts of single and double stranded DNA breaks. Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434.
HALEY K. MCGUFFIN and GREG E. POPOVICH, Dept of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, 26201. Losing 100 pounds: case-study analysis of the implementation of hypercaloric “cheat” meals to facilitate progressive weight loss.
Authors: McGuffin Haley K
Published: May 2022

Many weight-loss strategies employ the use of systematic refeeding, commonly referred to as “cheat” meals.  This approach may be used to prevent stagnation or to re-initiate weight loss once a plateau has been reached.  It is believed that cheat meals improve adherence and maintain metabolic rate.  The purpose of this case study was to determine the effect of cheat meals on prolonged weight loss while avoiding stagnation on a hypocaloric diet.  The subject was a 38-year-old sedentary female (weighing 300 lbs at a height of 5’2”, with an unremarkable medical history.  We compared average weekly weight loss with the weight loss experienced after consuming cheat meals.  She lost an average of 2.38 pounds per week and a total of 117.9 pounds in 74 weeks.  The weeks when she followed the guidelines of her diet but did not observe meaningful loss were interpreted as reaching a sticking point.  In this instance, she would implement a cheat meal to re-initiate progress.  A common cheat meal consisted of primarily an increase in carbohydrates above her recommended 1,000-1,245 daily calorie intake.  Hypercaloric meals cause an acute but transient increase in body weight in the following days.  During the next 3-4 days after the refeeding, she frequently experienced a new low in body weight.  Preliminary results indicate that cheat meals continued the weight loss trend by permitting adherence and presumably maintaining metabolic rate.
Treatment strategy for responders in a combinatorial OXP and IL12 therapy based on a calibrated cancer model
Authors: GIANNINY DALLAS , Wang Zhijun , Wang Qing , Klinke DAVID J.
Published: May 2022

When used in combination, the chemotherapy drug Oxaliplatin (OXP) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) have shown to be effective in eliminating pre-existing liver metastatic colorectal cancer in a murine model. To explore the effects of various treatment strategies on tumor control, we conducted simulation experiments based on a calibrated mathematical model using ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The experiments presented in this work focused on treatment effects of a group of responders who survived two treatment cycles of combined OXP and IL12 therapy and responded well to the third treatment cycle using the same treatment protocol. Our model simulations suggest that it may be possible for responders to reduce the strength of IL-12 in the current combination therapy with minimal impact on efficacy and in addition, increased OXP dose in the combination treatment results in reduced tumor burden for responders. Furthermore, our model demonstrates diminishing returns beyond four treatment cycles. The results of this model could provide potential directions for researchers to construct more efficient and effective treatment regimens for human patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.  This project was supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
Influence of Non-Equidiffusivity and Boundary Conditions on Finger Flame Acceleration
Authors: Alkhabbaz Mohammed
Published: May 2022

MOHAMMED ALKHABBAZ and V’YACHESLAV AKKERMAN, Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505. Influence of Fuel Nonequidiffusivity and Wall Boundary Conditions on Finger Flame Acceleration in Pipes  Among the mechanisms of premixed flame acceleration in pipes, finger flame acceleration (FFA) experiences the following scenario: an initially hemispherical flame embryo, ignited at a closed end of a tube or a channel with one end open, at its centerline, eventually acquires a convex, finger-like shape. This is accompanied by powerful acceleration, which lasts until the flame skirt contacts a sidewall of a pipe, and is followed by flame deceleration and formation of a concave, tulip flame. Previous theoretical studies of FFA employed conventional simplifying assumptions – such as equidiffusive (Le=1) combustion and ideally slip, adiabatic walls – which are not the cases in the practical reality. In contrast, the present work investigates the impacts of the Lewis number, Le, and various wall boundary conditions on FFA. The study is performed by means of the computational simulations of combustion equations, with fully-compressible hydrodynamics, transport properties and Arrhenius chemical kinetics. Evolutions of the major flame parameters, such as the locus and velocity of the flame tip as well as the flame surface area, are observed. It is shown that Le>1 flames are intrinsically thickened and thereby propagate slightly slower than equidiffusive ones, however the effect is minor. In contrast, Le<1 flames propagate faster due to the onset of the diffusional-thermal instability. As for the wall conditions, various mechanistic (slip/nonslip) and thermal (adiabatic/isothermal) boundaries are employed and compared. Unlike other acceleration mechanisms, such as that due to wall friction, it appears that sidewalls provide a minor impact on FFA, presumably, because this acceleration occurs mainly far from the walls.
Re-defining burrowing crayfish in a new way using morphometrics.
Authors: Delekta Emmy
Published: May 2022

All crayfish worldwide can be defined as one of the three types of burrower. However, burrowing types were created using behavior and habitat. Geometric morphometrics via landmarks can be used to determine similarities and differences between burrowing types. It is hypothesized that multiple genera that fall under one type of burrower will have a closer correlation to each other in terms of body shape. The findings could possibly be used as another parameter in the determination of a burrowing type but may also give some insight into the evolution of crayfishes.In this study, eight species were chosen from the West Liberty University Crayfish Conservation Lab collection. There were two tertiary burrowing species, and three secondary burrowing species, and one unknown burrowing species chosen. Of the tertiary, secondary, and unknown burrowing species, 30 specimens were chosen of each. Ten form-I males, ten form-II males, and ten females served as representatives of each species. Two primary burrowing species were also chosen. Representing these species were five form-I males, five form-II males, and five females. Every individual crayfish had a photograph taken of the cephalothorax and was catalogued. Images were then used to create a .tps file to be landmarked in the program TPSDig 232. Fifteen landmarks were chosen across the cephalothorax. The data was then analyzed using a principal component analysis and a canonical variate analysis.
Next Generation Sequencing Analysis and Map-based Cloning of RALF Insensitive Arabidopsis thaliana Lines.
Authors: Quigley Ryan , Gilkerson Jonathan
Published: May 2022

The Rapid Alkalinization Factor (RALF) peptide family plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. It belongs to a group of related peptide hormones found across the plant kingdom. RALF induces the alkalinization of the apoplast which triggers a signaling cascade that inhibits cell root elongation and growth, however the full mechanism of action is unknown. In this project, a forward-genetics screen was used to identify EMS-mutagenized lines of Arabidopsis thaliana (Ler-0) that were resistant to AtRALF1-induced root growth arrest. 14 of these RALF-resistant mutant (RRM) lines were then re-sequenced using Illumina next generation sequencing technologies in order to find causative mutations and potential mapping polymorphisms. The line RRM30 was found to have 572 exonic SNPs after its genome was mapped to the reference and analyzed with the program Geneious. These SNPs were then used to create a set of dCAPS mapping-markers for a bulked-segregant analysis of RRM30. Many of these markers have been tested and confirmed to be unique to RRM30 using PCR genotyping experiments and gel electrophoresis. Future examination of the bulked-segregant analysis should narrow down the causative mutation in this line and help identify genes required for a RALF response. The causative mutation will be confirmed with an allelism test to knockout lines of A. thaliana in this gene. Identification of genes required for this response will shed more light on the mechanism of growth inhibition by RALF.
The Life History and Observational Notes On Cambarus robustus
Authors: Myers Gregory Allen
Published: May 2022

Crayfishes are the third most imperiled taxa in North America and are valuable keystone species in freshwater ecosystems. Cambarus veteranus is a narrow endemic in West Virginia recently listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service as endangered. Cambarus robustus is a common species of crayfish that’s closely related to C. veteranus, making it a suitable surrogate for investigations into the life history of C. veteranus. From June 2016 to July 2017, a collection of thirty individual C. robustus was made monthly. Gender, reproductive form, and life history observations were recorded for each individual, and morphometric data was taken (TCL, AbL, AbW, ChL, PaW). When ovigerous females were encountered they were placed in 80% EtOH and taken back to the lab where eggs were counted. A single ovigerous female was collected with a full load of eggs (n=94). Male C. robustus reached sexual maturity at 30.8mm TCL, and females reached sexual maturity at 37.3. Brooding females were always found in runs, beneath large slabs embedded in gravel. The results of this study will be useful for future life history studies of Cambarus, including imperiled taxa such as C. veteranus.
Application of various shear stress calculation methods with respect to different bridge abutment lengths
Authors: Lee Jun Seon , Hong Seung Ho
Published: May 2022

When a bridge abutment occupies a significant part of the channel width, the water surface elevation in the upstream of the bridge rises in comparison to that which would occur without the bridge, and this phenomenon is called backwater effect.  Due to the backwater in the bridge approach section, several of bed shear stress estimation methods shows an inaccurate result because approach uniform flow might not be assumed depending on the degree of backwater amount. Thus, in this laboratory study, seven widely used shear stress formulas are applied in the bridge approach section subjected to the backwater according to the abutment length, and the results are compared for their validation. For the detailed velocity and turbulence measurements, 3D downlooking Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) was used and three different lengths of bridge abutment were constructed in the laboratory to simulate various degree of backwater effect for shear stress calculation in the approach section. The experimental comparison shows that the methods using Reynolds stress and Turbulence Kinetic Energy concept were the most suitable of calculating shear stress in the approach section under severe backwater condition. For other methods leading to inaccurate estimations, the calibrating coefficient is suggeste
Containment of a Cryptosporidium serpentis outbreak in a snake collection - A case study
Authors: Johanson Sarah Jane , Guthrie Kinsey , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

Cryptosporidium is a parasitic apicomplexid that causes respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses across many vertebrate species. Infections in mammals and birds rarely prove fatal in healthy adult animals. However, in reptiles, the infection will most likely become lethal. Specific to snakes, Cryptosporidium serpentis infects the gastrointestinal tract and causes hypertrophy of the mucosa of the stomach resulting in the inability to pass food down the gastrointestinal tract. Disease pathology is known, but a proven cure for this disease in snakes still remains unknown. When infections arise, most zoological institutions rely heavily on quarantining and euthanasia to deal with this highly contagious and lethal disease. On December 1, 2018, a case of the disease was confirmed within the West Liberty University Zoo Science Snake Collection. To maintain the health and safety of the collection and prevent further spread of disease, major steps were taken through sanitation practices and fecal testing to track disease outbreak back to a case 0. Herein, we report individual snakes that had Cryptosporidium spores present but were ultimately able to pass the infection and return to a disease-free state. Therefore, evidence exists within this collection that a particular clade of snakes may prove to be more disease resistant than others. We also report an active strategy to isolate diseased individuals and contain a Cryptosporidium infection outbreak in a large snake collection.
The Effects of Roundup and its Chemical Constituents on Learning and Long-Term Memory Consolidation in Lymnaea palustris
Authors: Robinson Aaron F , Nolan Colleen J , Plautz Carol Zygar
Published: May 2022

Environmental contamination from herbicide use is a prevalent problem. Roundup is a widely used herbicide that consists of two active ingredients: Glyphosate and Diquat Dibromide (DD). Previous work has shown that these compounds have negative impacts on development, fecundity, and other processes. We analyzed the effects of chronic exposure to Roundup, Glyphosate, and DD on learning and memory in the pond snail, Lymnaea palustris.   L. palustris was treated with Roundup, Glyphosate, or DD for 1-2 weeks. Snails were operantly conditioned according to standard procedures. The results indicated that at concentrations of Roundup and DD legally allowed in human drinking water for a 1-week treatment, learning was not inhibited; however, memory formation was impaired.  At the same concentration for 2 weeks, or at a 5-fold higher concentration for 1- and 2-week treatments, both learning and memory are significantly impaired. A 1-week treatment with Glyphosate impairs memory but not learning.   Western Blot analysis was conducted to detect changes in Protein Kinase C (PKC) abundance, which has been shown to be linked to learning and memory. Previous work in our laboratory has shown a positive correlation between the abundance of PKC and memory consolidation in control snails; this increase is abolished upon exposure to Roundup or its constituents.   Our findings suggest that Roundup and its constituents have damaging effects on learning and memory in invertebrates. Similar effects may occur in vertebrates because of the high level of conservation of learning and memory processes across species.
Determining the role of the pilD gene in Francisella tularensis susceptibility to resazomycins.
Authors: Pancake Jacob , Schmitt Deanna
Published: May 2022

Antimicrobial resistant strains (AMRs) of bacteria have become such a severe worldwide issue that the United Nations General assembly met in 2016 to discuss the topic of AMRs. Due to the increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant strains, new therapeutics against AMRs must be developed.  Resazomycins are resazurin-based compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity against F. tularensis as well as other Gram-negative bacteria including N. gonorrheae. The mode of action of these antibiotics is not understood.  Approximately half of forty-eight resazurin-resistant F. tularensis isolates had a mutation in the genes FTL_0959 (pilD) and FTL_1306 (dipA). The objective of this project is to determine how pilD affects F. tularensis susceptibility to resazomycins. In F. tularensis, pilD encodes for the cytoplasmic membrane peptidase responsible for processing the prepilin subunits in type IV pilin assembly proteins. We are currently working to generate a pilD null deletion mutant using standard molecular genetic techniques. We will first confirm the sensitivity of the pilD deletion mutant to resazomycins. Understanding the role of pilD in resazomycin susceptibility would facilitate further development of these compounds as potential treatments for tularemia and gonorrhea.
Hickman Run, Fairmont, WV stream quality assessment
Authors: Jordan Emily , Flood Mark , Bragg Mike , DeGroot Stephanie
Published: May 2022

Hickman Run stream needs rehabilitation because of pollution coming from various sources. Stream health was assessed through sampling of 10 different sites along Hickman Run stream, which drains into the Monongahela river. Chemical data was collected such as temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen in addition to biological testing for coliform bacteria and the collection of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Conductivity measurements did not exceed 400 mg/L on days there were no precipitation. pH was between 6-9 at all sites except for sites 1-4 on one test day where there was active precipitation. Dissolved oxygen measured above 3 ppm at all sites. Fecal coliform count was at or below 200 fecal coliforms per 100 mL of H2O at all sites except for the furthest site downstream. On a test day in January 2019, all sites but 1 and 4 were above the fecal coliform threshold. On a test day in February 2019, all sites were below the fecal coliform threshold. 15 aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected, identified and assessed for pollutant tolerance using the Hilsenhoff Family Biotic Index. Overall, Hickman Run stream is in good condition at this time and does not need rehabilitation. This research was funded by a FSU NASA WV Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate Affiliate Fellowship grant.
A Description of Broadband Hisses produced by Princisia vanWaerbecki.
Authors: Conley Ruth A. , Pidcock Elisha , George Sherice
Published: May 2022

Roaches of Tribe Gromphadorhini hiss during courtship and agonistic interactions. During agonistic interactions, hisses can convey an opponent’s fighting ability, aggression level, and can establish dominance based on hiss frequency components (Clark and Moore, 1995). Courtship songs have been described as hisses in G. portentosa (Fraser and Nelson 1984) and as narrow band whistles in Elliptorhina chopardi (Suere and Aubin 2006) and Aleuropoda insignis (Comer and Conley 2016; Kanneh and Conley, 2013). In G. portentosa, those which did not hiss did not mate.  Here we describe hisses of Princisia vanwaerebeki, which bear similarities & differences to those of G. portentosa and may indicate that properties of hisses are important for species recognition and mate choice.  In this study, 10 male-female pairs of Princisia vanwaerebeki  were audio-video recorded in a sound insulated booth during social behaviors, including courtship. Four pairs out of the 10 were observed as having successfully copulated. While a diversity of hisses were recorded, many hisses were found to be Broadband Noise (BBN). In this report, we focus on Broadband Noise (BBN) and Band-Limited Noise (BLN), some with frequency-modulated (FM) features. We measured duration, bandwidth, dominant frequency, and entropy. The sounds were categorized based on similar features throughout the sound (simple) or a change in features over time (compound).  Most simple sounds were BBN. Compound sounds were primarily either a BLN-BBN or FM-BBN-FM.  The FM-BBN-FM of the P. vanwaerebeki is similar to that of G. portentosa. Unique features to P. vanwaerebeki include the BLN-BBN and BBN with multiple distinct dominant frequencies.  This research was funded in part by a NASA Undergraduate Research Consortium of West Virginia Space Grant.
E. coli in the Ohio River and its Tributaries
Authors: Huff Emily Taylor , Wood James
Published: May 2022

Escherichia coli(E. coli)is a bacterium found in the lower intestines of warm-blooded animals. The presence of E. coli in streams indicates that feces of warm-blooded animals are present and causes water to become cloudy with an unpleasant odor. High concentrations of E. coli are a health concern because it is an indicator that pathogenic bacteria and viruses may also be existing. The US Environmental Protection Agency sets a maximum safe limit of 235 colony forming units (cfu) for recreational water usage, but concentrations of E. coli can change rapidly with environmental conditions. We sought to investigate trends of E. coli concentrations in the Ohio River and Wheeling Creek, a tributary to the Ohio River because both are increasingly being utilized for recreational activities. We collected water samples weekly at two sites on the Ohio River, five sites on Wheeling Creek, and three sites on tributaries of Wheeling Creek between September 27, 2018, and December 27, 2018. In total, we collected 128 samples that were analyzed for E. coli using the IDEXX Colilert System. We have found that the concentrations ranged from 25 to 2,400 colonies of E. coli, and only 43 readings (32.8%) were below the EPA safe standard for recreational usage. The Ohio River and tributaries of Wheeling Creek tended to have lower concentrations of E. coli than Wheeling Creek itself. As the temperature declined in December E. coli concentrations decreased likely driven by the bacteria only being able to survive in waters 4°C and warmer.
Differential Expression of Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 in a High Fat diet versus a Low Fat diet.
Authors: Price Heather , Walters Elizabeth , Walters James William
Published: May 2022

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 is a mitochondrial-associated gene that regulates gluconeogenesis from acetyl coA fatty acids, working in conjunction with the citric acid cycle. The objective of this experiment was to assess the differential expression of PCK1 in larvae zebrafish which were fed a diet of cholesterol. The chosen gene was found due to its association with a list of 57 different genes which were retrieved from an RNAseq experiment performed by Elizabeth Walters at Bluefield State College. These genes were subsequently mapped using Cytoscape and the network was extended by means of other available databases. We found that PCK1 is predicted to be linked to this network and we hypothesize that PCK1 will be up-regulated in a high fat diet. For the experiment, the model organism, larval zebrafish, were fed three dietary challenges. 2% BSA was used as a negative control, while a diet of 2% BSA and Oleic Acid, and 2% BSA, Oleic Acid and Cholesterol were also created. Feedings were staggered and dissections were performed to extract the intestinal cells so that they were processed through RNA extraction to assess the differential gene expression. RT-PCR remains to be performed on the pellets retrieved from the RNA extraction process which are stored at -80°C. Once this process is completed, the data will be analyzed to prove or disprove the hypothesis which has been presented for this experiment. Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
Enhanced in vivo zebrafish larvae imaging using a novel micro-fluidic mounting technique.
Authors: Ali Syed , Walters James William
Published: May 2022

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an excellent model organism for whole animal studies of metabolic disease. The larval zebrafish are optically transparent allowing for direct cell-level observation of physiological processes within living animals. Traditional methods of live-mounting zebrafish maintain larvae for only short durations preventing the in-depth analysis of organ processes. This project is to develop a novel microfluidic mounting technique for zebrafish larvae that extends survival and observation times. Attributes of an ideal micro-fluidic slide include: channels which allow media exchange, nourishment, drug delivery, and waste removal. We first determined a survival baseline of 20±7 minutes using the “lean-to” mounting method we previously developed. We then made a prototype using a Discotech Wafer Dicer and mounted 6 days post fertilization larvae. Larvae were placed under a coverslip and embryo media containing phenol red was used demonstrate show fluid exchange. Further testing included long duration larval mounting in this first prototype. We found that larval survival time increased 117±45 minutes. A subsequent prototype was made in collaboration with Marshall University’s, Molecular Biosensor and Imaging Center. SolidWorks was used for 3D modeling and a dolomite Fluidic Factory 3D printing system was used to print slides. We compared the three mounting techniques and determined the statistical significance of the difference between the mean durations with a students T-test. Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence
Sequencing of an npc1L1 mutation in larval zebrafish.
Authors: Walters James William , Smith Jordan
Published: May 2022

How the intestinal absorption of lipids impact dyslipidemias such as obesity and diabetes is currently under debate. NPC1L1 is a critical transport protein in enterocyte cholesterol absorption. To understand the mechanism of intestinal NPC1L1 uptake within the enterocyte, we are creating a npc1l1 -/- (knockout) line in zebrafish. We hypothesize that the npc1l1 -/- larval zebrafish will show reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption when challenged to a high fat diet compared to wild type larvae. To do this, we are screening two genomic mutations within the NPC1L1 sequence. These zebrafish lines were obtained from the Zebrafish International Resource Center. We have amplified the DNA fragments containing the mutation. We will then sequence the DNA fragments at the Marshall Genomics Core. Sequences from point mutations will be compared with wild type sequences. Identified carriers of the mutation will be outcrossed to eliminate background mutations and intercrossed to breed for homozygous carriers. This work was supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence and NIH Grant P20GM103434 awarded to Bluefield State College.
. Deficiency in beta2 adrenergic receptor in mice leads to decreased Chlamydia muridarum shedding in genital tract.
Authors: Hartwell Amber , Belay Tesfaye
Published: May 2022

Chlamydia caused by Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial STD that causes pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility, especially in childbearing women. We have shown that stressing mice in cold water for 5 minutes daily for 21 days leads to increased production of stress hormones. It is known that beta2 adrenergic receptor (b2-AR) as a ligand to norepinephrine hormone is shown to regulate immune function in mice. However, the effect and mechanism of b2-AR on chlamydia infection is not well known. The purpose of the study was to examine the susceptibility of a b2-AR knock out model to Chlamydia muridarum genital infection. We hypothesized that deficiency in b2-AR leads i) a decreased C. muridarum shedding from the genital tract of stressed mice; ii) increased gene expression of protective cytokines in the genital tract during infection. Mouse cervico-vaginal swabbing at 3-day intervals for 28 days was performed. C. muridarum was isolated from genital swabs in McCoy tissue culture according to standard methods, and inclusion bodies were visualized and counted after staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled, anti-chlamydial antibody.  Quantitative real time PCR and ELISA methods, respectively, were used to measure cytokine mRNA expressions and secretions from genital tract lysates. Results showed no significance differences between stressed and non-stressed of IFU/ml. Moreover, no significant gene expression of b-AR subsets in stressed and non-stressed mice was observed. Interestingly, up-regulation of interferon gamma was observed in stressed compared to non-stressed suggesting that mice lacking b2 adrenergic receptor have reverted to protective cytokine production to decrease infection. This work was supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence and NIH Grant P20GM103434 awarded to Bluefield State College.
The Relationship Between Alocohol Consumption and Myers-Briggs Personality Types.
Authors: Casto Amanda
Published: May 2022

The objective of the study was to explore links between Myers-Briggs personality types and alcohol consumption in college students. Seventy-one student participants completed a form of the Myers-Briggs personality test online and then answered demographic questions, including their Myers-Briggs personality type. Finally, participants completed a six item survey of alcohol use produced by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. An independent-samples t test showed that extroverts drank almost significantly less than the introverts in their lifetime [t(67)=1.989,p=.051]. Also, ESFJ (M=19.50) types drank close to significantly [t(67)=-.435,p=.665] more alcoholic beverages in their lifetimes than ESFP (M=3.00) types. A repeated measures test was run for the middle two Myers-Briggs letters, gender, and all six questions and none showed a significant F ratio. I concluded that I may not have been able to find any statistical significances with such a small sample size since I was not able to get adequate-sized samples of all 16 personality types. Also, it could be because the Myers-Briggs personality types are too broad and two people with the same personality type could be very different. Perhaps future research exploring links between personality characteristics and alcohol use should focus on more precise trait measures of personality, rather than on personality types.
Preparation of functionalized polystyrene foams for arsenic removal
Authors: Winders Hollee , Mader Jordan
Published: May 2022

Clean water is a luxury that is not readily available everywhere, like it is here in the United States. Arsenic contamination in water is a problem for many across the world. Long-term exposure of arsenic can lead to serious health issues, including cancer and even death.  High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) functionalized polystyrene foam is a possible solution to this problem. This research focused on optimizing the thioacetate substitution step ofsynthetic processes to form a foam for effectively and efficiently removing arsenic from water.
The ability of VBNC F. tularensis to replicate within THP-1 cells.
Authors: Cunningham Carly , Cantlay Stuart , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

CARLY CUNNINGHAM, STUART CANTLAY, AND JOSEPH HORZEMPA, Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV USA. The ability of VBNC F. tularensis to replicate within THP-1 cells. Francisella tularensis, a gram-negative coccobacillus is the causative agent of tularemia, a potentially fatal zoonotic disease. Under laboratory conditions, F. tularensis enters a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. VBNC is a state of dormancy bacteria enter during stressful conditions and can have implications for persistence and pathogenicity.   Our first aim is to use molecular cloning to create recombinant fluorescent proteins for cell wall and division proteins in F. tularensis. Fusions to FtsZ, MreB and RodA will be generated and used to analyse the localization of these proteins during the transition into the VBNC state.     Our second aim is to investigate the effects of transition into the VBNC state on pathogenicity. To test this, we will use microscopy to analyze fluorescently labelled F. tularensis during infection of THP-1 cells.  THP-1 cells are a spontaneously immortalized monocyte-like cell line, derived from the peripheral blood of a childhood case of acute monocytic leukemia. THP-1 cells are a model for mammalian blood monocytes that provide protection against infection by gram negative bacteria. Our hypothesis is that VBNC F. tularensis will be able to interact with THP-1 cells in an in vitro infection assay. Further, the ability of VBNC F. tularensis to replicate within THP-1 cells will be analyzed. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence).
JIAXUAN HU, The Linsly School, Wheeling, WV, 26003. Waste motor oil inhibits Pandorina algae growth but has little effect on Chlorella and Chlamydomonas algal cultures.
Authors: Hu Jiaxuan Lydia
Published: May 2022

Waste oil is a toxic substance which contains heavy metal ions such as Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and Zn.2+ It primarily consists of aliphatic hydrocarbons, di-aromatic hydrocarbons, and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons. Each year, large quantities leak onto roadways and drain into nearby bodies of water, where it may harm native green algae. This experiment evaluated the effects four concentrations of used motor oil have on the growth of three species of unicellular algae -- Pandorina, Chlorella, and Chlamydomonas  -- when grown in lab culture. The experimental design consisted of three species of algae, four concentrations of oil, and six replicates (3x4x6 =72 culture tubes). Identical test tubes containing algal medium were inoculated with algae, provided with paper disks with distinct amounts of oil, and cultured for 11 days. Algal growth was measured by recording absorbance of the culture tube when transferred into a spectrophotometer. Since statistical analysis cannot be performed on absorbance data in a decimal or proportion form, a standard curve was made by removing samples from culture tubes of known absorbance to determine the algae colony count per milliliter with a hemocytometer under 100x magnification. T-tests revealed higher concentrations of oil significantly reduced Pandorina growth when compared with the control. On the other hand, Chlorella and Chlamydomonas  growth was relatively unaffected by oil.  A literature review showed that Chlorella and Chlamydomonas to be relatively tolerant of hydrocarbon pollution. Perhaps specific toxins in used motor oil poison certain metabolic pathways that allow for unusual motility in Pandorina colonies.
SARAH MUNORU, The Linsly School, Wheeling, WV, 26003. Effects of glyphosate on symbiotic soil microbes Rhizobium leguminosarum, Streptomyces griseus, Chaetomium globosum and Phycomyces blackesleeanus grown in culture.
Authors: Munoru Sarah
Published: May 2022

Modern agriculture increasingly relies on herbicides, including glyphosate. Glyphosate is a widely used non-selective herbicide that lethally inhibits the shikimate pathway in plants. Glyphosate can reduce organismic biodiversity and deplete soil nutrients. Research shows that glyphosate may inhibit growth in some soil bacteria and fungi, while other microbes use compounds within glyphosate as a growth medium. This experiment examined the effects of glyphosate on symbiotic soil bacteria Rhizobium leguminosarum (an important nitrogen fixer) and Chaetomium globsum, and the fungi Streptomyces griseus and Phycomyces blakesleeanus when grown in culture. Pure cultures were streaked onto appropriate media under sterile conditions. Paper discs containing drops of six concentrations of glyphosate solution (0, 1, 10, 100, 1,000 and 10,000ppm) were placed within petri plate sectors. After seven days “lawns” developed and any zones of inhibition were measured. The bacteria Rhizobium leguminosarum showed greatest sensitivity with wide zones of clearing at concentrations of 10ppm and above (10ppm can be found in soils receiving regular glyphosate application). The endophytic fungus C. globosum was much more tolerant, with inhibition only at 1,000 and 10,000 ppm. Streptomyces griseus and P. blakesleeanus had no zones of clearing except at 10,000 ppm concentration. When glyphosate-saturated paper disks were allowed to dry for 24 hours before use, they resulted in larger zones of clearing than when the drying period was only 30 minutes, suggesting a concentration effect. Further research is needed to determine if the sensitivity shown by R. leguminosarum to glyphosate in lab conditions is also present in farm soils.
Initial testing and adaptation of a new method for measuring oxygen evolution from mixed metal oxides.
Authors: Starcovic Sarah Ann , Boyce Isaac , Andersen Kaylee , LaNeve Lindsey , Ruza Ashley , Moore Allison , Harvey Erica
Published: May 2022

SARAH STARCOVIC, ISAAC BOYCE, KAYLEE ANDERSEN, LINDSEY LANEVE, ASHLEY RUZA, ALLISON MOORE, and ERICA HARVEY, Dept. of Natural Sciences, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV, 26554.  Initial testing and adaptation of a new method for measuring oxygen evolution from mixed metal oxides. The oxygen generating capacity of mixed metal oxides deposited on a conductive glass sample plate is currently tested in our lab with a fluorescence-based device called HARPOON (Heterogeneous Anodes Rapidly Perused for Oxygen Evolution), developed and disseminated as part of the nationwide Solar Army research initiative. The research goal of the Solar Army is to find metal oxide combinations that speed up the splitting of water, with the ultimate goal of creating a device for solar hydrogen fuel generation. If a new metal oxide combination is more effective at oxygen generation than the internal standards included on every sample, this may indicate a promising catalyst.   A recent literature paper outlined a new method to test for oxygen evolution that could potentially make our research and outreach significantly easier. A sample plate to be tested for oxygen evolution is placed in a suspension of TiO2nanoparticles in an electrolyte. As a voltage is applied and oxygen is produced at the surface of the metal oxides, oxygen gas bubbles are nucleated by the TiO2and visualized by light scattering. This work reports on the initial testing and adaptation of the literature method to our undergraduate laboratory setting. A preliminary comparison of results obtained from HARPOON and HARPOON 2.0 will be presented, along with an analysis of the pros and cons of the two methods. This research has been supported by the Fairmont State University College of Science and Technology as well as the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium.
Modeling detergent applications using molecular dynamics
Authors: Rutherford Rebecca , Johnston Jack , Harvey Erica , Mertz Blake
Published: May 2022

The molecular dynamics group at Fairmont State University models detergent systems with interdisciplinary applications. Simulations currently underway include octane interacting with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in aqueous solution as well as micelle formation in systems of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and chloride (CTAB and CTAC, respectively).   The simulation of octane and SDS in aqueous solution is designed to model the process of washing away grease with a detergent commonly found in dish soap. It is intended for use as a web-based educational tool to provide a dynamic visualization of micelle formation, e.g. in freshman chemistry classes.   CTAB was chosen as a target because of literature evidence that low concentrations of the detergent cause a 100-fold increase in fluorescence of a small organic molecule. This organic molecule is a localized photosensitizer, which is useful in improving photodynamic light therapy that is currently being used as treatment for some cancers. Bromide ion parameters were adapted from the well parameterized chloride ion in the CHARMM forcefield; the comparison is interesting because CTAC and CTAB are known to have different aggregation numbers. Initial simulation results indicate that micelle formation from a random assembly of detergent molecules (n=20-130) occurs rapidly for both species.   This research has been supported by the Fairmont State University College of Science and Technology as well as the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium.
An alternative approach to describe flame acceleration in micro-tubes due to wall friction.
Authors: Kareem Lateef Adewale
Published: May 2022

Among various existing analytical models proposed to describe flame acceleration (FA) and deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT), none accounts for all distinctive stages of the FA and DDT processes. To overcome such a gap, here we propose an alternative model, which is based on the first physical principles and agrees with the experimental finding that FA is subsequently replaced by steady flame propagation.    Starting with the Navier-stokes equation for an axial flow in a cylindrical tube, we set the pressure gradient to be proportional to the radial component of a velocity function and then absorbed the driving force into the temporal component of the resulting velocity differential equation. This leads to a model with two unknown parameters (coming from the temporal and radial component of the velocity function). Since the chemistry of the combustion is not considered in the model, these two parameters were computed by nonlinear fitting of the model to the experimental measurement showing good agreement between the model and the experiments.