bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RHIANNON MACOM AND JOSEPH HORZEMPA, Dept of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV 26074. Anti-Bioterror Vaccine: Utilization of Francisella tularensis LVS to Generate a Plague/ Tularemia Vaccine
Authors: Macom Rhiannon Virginia , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis and Yersinia pestis are bacteria that are classified as potential bioterrorism agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  A vaccine that is capable of producing protective immunity against multiple bioterror agents would be especially desirable.  Therefore, the goal of this research is to create a vaccine that will produce immunity to both F. tularensis and Y. pestis.  We are generating a construct in which the coding region for Tul4 (an immunodominant protein of F. tularensis) is linked to OmpA (a protective antigen of Y. pestis) under the control of a robust F. tularensis promoter.  This construct will be expressed in F. tularensis Live Vaccine Strain.  Patients who have been immunized with this strain show robust immunological memory (over three decades post-vaccination).  After confirming expression of the chimeric Tul4-OmpA protein, mice will be immunized with the recombinant LVS strain and then subsequently challenged with both F. tularensis and Y. pestis to determine the efficacy of the vaccine strain.  This research could lead to the generation and utilization of a bivalent vaccine targeting two possible bioterror agents; the strategy for vaccine construction could potentially be applied toward protection against other pathogens.
Update on the West Virginia Herpetological Atlas
Authors: Pauley Thomas K. , Watson Mark Brian
Published: May 2022

Herpetological studies in West Virginia began with Dr. A. M. Reese, a vertebrate zoologist at West Virginia University from 1907 to 1946.  One of his students, Dr. N.B. Green, became the first curator of the state collection located at Marshall University.  Other early herpetologists who contributed to our knowledge of herpetology in the state include Mr. M. Graham Netting, Mr. Neil D. Richmond, Professor Maurice Books, and Dr. Albert H. Wright.  During the nearly 90 years of herpetological studies in West Virginia, numerous undergraduate and graduate students have contributed greatly to the state’s collection and our knowledge of amphibians and reptiles in the state.  Presently, there are 49 species of amphibians and 41 species of reptiles known to occur in West Virginia.  The atlas will contain information from approximately 70,000 records including those of the authors, Dr. N.B. Green, and others who search for and study amphibians and reptiles in the state.  It will also include records from the state amphibian and reptile collection housed at Marshall University (nearly 15,000 specimens) and West Virginia specimens present in all major museums.  In this presentation, we will discuss species with the least amount of data and areas of the state with the least number of records.
Growth response to surface mine reclamation in West Virginia
Authors: Nunez Demian , Lesser Mark
Published: May 2022

Surface mining in West Virginia has a long history of erasing or damaging arboreal and limnetic ecosystems in the state. In addition to altering the topography of the land, runoff from surface mines causes a host of long term effects on the environment even years after mining activities have ceased. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is caused by weathering sulfide minerals such as pyrite that have been exposed to the elements from mining activity. AMD lowers the pH of soil and water and introduces dissolved heavy metals that are harmful to life and the environment. These metals include aluminum that is known to especially harmful to plant root development and subsequent growth. Trees growing in AMD contaminated watersheds have been shown to suffer decreased growth and species richness compared to those growing in uncontaminated systems. Sites suffering from AMD are often subjected to remediation efforts by environmental agencies such as the DEP, though the efficacy of some common remediation practices is not well understood.We cored trees growing in proximity to old surface mines reclaimed by the DEP at different times over the past 20 years to establish a chronology of growth through stages of contamination and remediation. Five mines were chosen for the study. Two of them had not experienced any remediation efforts, while the other three completed abatement in 1996, 1997, and 2010. Results did not show an improvement in tree growth post remediation, suggesting that DEP abatement practices are ineffective long-term in terms of impacts on vegetation health.
Spinal strength and range of motion in adults with scoliosis.
Authors: Bradley-Popovich Greg , Henson Kristy , Olachea Joshua David
Published: May 2022

GREG BRADLEY-POPOVICH, School of Exercise Science & Athletic Training, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, 26201, KRISTY HENSON, Department of Biology & Environmental Science, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, 26201, and JOSHUA OLACHEA, School of Exercise Science & Athletic Training, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, 26201. Spinal strength and range of motion in adults with scoliosis.Scoliosis often occurs during adolescence for unknown reasons. While little is known about how the curvature impacts spinal function in youth, even less is understood about the lasting ramifications once these patients become adults.    The purpose of this study is to describe functional characteristics of adults who developed scoliosis in their youth. Twenty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 42.6 (sd = 16.5); 82.1% female) with scoliosis were referred to and evaluated in an out-patient orthopedic physical therapy clinic specializing in spine care. We measured trunk strength and range of motion (ROM), while documenting other identifying characteristics such as age, gender, curve severity, pain, and curve stability. Truncal strength and ROM in the sagittal and transverse planes were measured on MedX spinal dynamometers.    Data reveal 70.4% of patients reported spinal pain at intake, and 76.2% demonstrated a clinically significant strength imbalance in torso rotation. Relative to norms, torsional weakness in at least one direction occurred in 90.9% of patients, and 45.8% of patients exhibited trunk rotation ROM restriction in at least one direction.    Adults with scoliosis present with variable amounts of truncal strength and ROM imbalance and deficits, the identification of which may be used to guide exercise prescription.
Analysis of disinfectant wipe effectiveness – an introductory microbiology lab?
Authors: Hunter Matthew , Roof Steven
Published: May 2022

Determining the effectiveness of chemical germicides is a common laboratory exercise used in introductory microbiology course and examines the ability of disinfectants to kill 100% of a test organism.  To make this more challenging for students we wanted a more quantitative approach and to make it more interesting we wanted to use commonly available disinfectant wipes.   The goal was to develop and test a simple, inexpensive procedure that could be used in an introductory microbiology lab to quantitate the effectiveness of antibacterial wipes.   Overnight cultures of S. epidermidis were spotted on glass slides and allowed to dry.  Disinfectant wipes were placed over a small rubber stopper and used to “wipe” the slide by rotating 90 degrees with moderate pressure. After wiping the slide 100 µl of sterile water was applied to the slide, and immediately 50 µl was removed and serially diluted to determine the number of bacteria recovered from the slide.  Multiple serial dilutions were tried to find a replicable procedure suitable for lab curriculum. Overall, the methods used showed results with rather inconclusive data and the techniques used to date would not be suitable for an introductory microbiology laboratory.
The Depths of Commonly Grafted Costal Cartilages for Use in Facial Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Lynch Hannah
Published: May 2022

Reconstructive surgery commonly employs grafted costal cartilages, but the appropriate cartilage to select is often a question of the volume of material necessary to shape the graft.  However, there is little information regarding the depth (superficial-to-deep) of commonly grafted costal cartilages.  Therefore, this cadaveric study sought to determine the average depth of the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th costal cartilages since these are the most commonly grafted cartilages. The cartilages were analyzed from medial, lateral, and intermediate locations, revealing that the thickest cartilage is found at the medial portion of the 6th cartilage while the thinnest cartilage is found at the medial aspect of the 8th cartilage.  Average depth did not differ between cartilages near each respective rib, but the average thickness differed greatly near the sternum.  Results support the assumption that any location along the 6th costal cartilage has, on average, a greater depth than any part of the 5th, 7th, or 8th cartilages.
Effects of diet on growth rates in Aleuropoda insignis.
Authors: Conley Ruth A.
Published: May 2022

Aleuropoda insignis are a species of Madagascar Hissing Cockroach that typically live in colonies with males generating courtship calls (whistles or ‘hisses’, Comer & Conley 2016).  Variability in individual courtship songs may be a factor in sexual selection within and between species of hissing cockroaches.  Diet may influence effects of sexual selection since individuals in sparse populations may have to travel longer distances to find mates and may grow to a larger size (Kasumovic  & Andrade 2006).  To observe effects of diet on growth rates, Aleuropoda insignis were isolated from birth and put on one of three distinct diets.  Ten individuals were fed a grain-based commercial cricket food, ten individuals were fed a corn-based commercial dog food and ten individuals were fed certified organic grain/corn/soybean-based human-grade food.  Since social isolation may affect growth rate (simulating a sparse population), some animals were maintained in a colony and the growth rate of a representative sample individuals from the colony was calculated.  Growth rate was calculated as the change in the area of the animals’ body over the number of days, measured from photographs.  The data suggest a growth spurt at about 12 weeks of age across all diets.  The average growth rate was lower for the corn-based dog food diet, but not significant (p<0.17); however a larger sample size may provide a significant difference.  Differences in growth rates (or size) between colonial versus isolated animals may be insignificant since colonial species should not have to travel far to find mates.  This work was funded in part by the Research Challenge Fund through a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Division of Science and Research
Development of a captive rearing protocol for two federally listed Central Appalachian crayfish species: Can it be done?
Authors: Delekta Emmy Michaela , Sadecky Nicole , Hern Tyler , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

Recently the USFWS listed two crayfishes, Cambarus callainus and Cambarus veteranus as threatened and endangered respectively. As part of the listing process, recovery of both species is now of paramount importance if the obligations of the ESA are to be met. Crayfish propagation under human care has been promoted as a critical action needed for the recovery of both species. While several aquaculture techniques have been developed for lentic living Procambarus species, methodologies specific to lentic living Cambarus species do not exists. We sought to begin the process of developing a captive rearing protocol for endangered Cambarus crayfishes by investigating forage type and its impact on growth. Cambarus chasmodactylus, an ecological equivalent for both imperiled crayfishes was used as a surrogate taxa. Ovigerous females were collected from the wild, and juveniles raised individually in PVC domiciles  at the National Fish Hatchery at White Sulphur Springs West Virginia and fed commercial trout chow or blood worms, with growth tracked overtime via photographic measurements. Initial results indicate survival potential was high, and growth was strongly correlated with bloodworm diet over trout chow.
anti-Markovnikov Hydrobromination of Alkenes
Authors: Evans Tara S , Evans Kevin L
Published: May 2022

Alkyl bromides are key intermediates in many multi-step organic syntheses and are commonly synthesized from the hydrobromination of alkenes. While both the Markovnikov and anti-Markovnikov product can theoretically be produced from either the electrophilic addition mechanism or the radical mechanism, the electrophilic addition mechanism produces predominately the Markovnikov product while the radical mechanism mainly produces the anti-Markovnikov product. The regiochemistry of this reaction is controlled by the absence or presence of radicals. The addition of UV radiation or peroxide results in radical formation which yields predominately the anti-Markovnikov product. To improve the synthesis of the anti-Markovnikov product, conditions need to be modified to favor the production of radicals over carbocations. The objective of this research is to develop an efficient synthesis of the anti-Markovnikov alkyl bromides by generating hydrobromic acid from the in situ hydrolysis of phosphorous tribromide with water. Increasing the amount of phosphorous tribromide increases both the percent conversion and percent yield of the anti-Markovnikov alkyl bromide from both 1-octene and undecylenic acid. Based on the data, 1-octene is consumed within 2 hours with percent conversion greater than 80% anti-Markovnikov product when an excess of phosphorus tribromide is used. A minimum ratio of 1.6 mmol of hydrobromic acid to undecylenic acid consumes all of the alkene with percent yields ranging from 80-100%.
Role of Francisella tularensis PhoH-Like Protein in Erythrocyte Invasion and Pathogenesis
Authors: Haggerty Kristen , Schmitt Deanna , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is the cause of the disease tularemia. This bacterium usually infects the host via arthropod bites. F. tularensis is able to invade mammalian erythrocytes which increases tick colonization following a blood meal. We hypothesized that bacterial genes involved in erythrocyte invasion would be upregulated in the presence of red blood cells. mRNA profiling experiments revealed that FTL_0885 was one of the most highly induced genes in the presence of erythrocytes.  We initially attempted to generate deletion and disruption mutants of FTL_0885.  However, these attempts were unsuccessful likely due to the proximity FTL_0885 to a neighboring essential gene.  A transposon insertion mutation was available in the homolog to FTL_0885 in a related bacterium, F. novicida.  F. novicida is not a human pathogen and its ability to invade erythrocytes is poorly characterized.  Therefore, we are reconstructing this mutation in the F. tularensis LVS background so that we may study the effects of this gene on erythrocyte invasion.  Also, because erythrocytes may contain cues important for pathogenesis, we also were interested in determining whether the FTL_0885 mutant is attenuated. To test this, the mutant bacteria will be evaluated for their ability to replicate in host macrophages in vitro.  In addition, the chicken embryo infection model will be used to evaluate in vivo pathogenesis.
The Role of FOX-1 in FASD.
Authors: Quinones Tristan , Anthony Bruce
Published: May 2022

It is well-known that abusive alcohol exposure in humans induces a wide range of defects including changes to the heart, liver renal function and central nervous system (CNS).  In the CNS, repetitive exposure reduces stem cell and neuron numbers and function, in turn reducing the potential for neuroplasticity and altering limbic system signaling.  Alcohol-exposed neuronal stem cells, show reduced proliferation and survival through cell cycle mis-regulation and induced cell death.  Both the G1-S and the G2-M checkpoints are disrupted through variations in cyclin/cyclin dependent kinase activities. Our lab has demonstrated increased expression of transcription factor E2F1, CDK4/6, and retinoblastoma (Rb) which accelerates G1-S phase transition and inducing premature DNA synthesis. This acceleration into replication can induce apoptosis or hinder the success of the G2-M phase transition. FOXM1 has been demonstrated to regulate a set of genes that are mainly involved in regulating progression of G2-M phase. However, its mechanism and interaction with other proteins is unclear. Therefore, it was hypothesized that FOX-1 is notably upregulated in alcohol induced cells. This upregulation could potentially affect interactions with key regulatory protein that monitor DNA integrity and induce cell death.  We examine FOXM1 expression through western blot and immunohistochemistry to determine the extent of mis-regulation. Our results indicate expressional and possible functional changes in FOX1 and potential regulation changes by RB that may induce apoptosis in alcohol induced neuronal stem cells.
Diversity of Monopyle within Columbia
Authors: Coombs Sara Brook , Keene Jeremy L
Published: May 2022

The family Gesneriaceae is a group of herbaceous tropical plants that are identified generically by their attractive flowers. They are also well known for their variation in form and physical characteristics. The largest genus within the subtribe Gloxiniinae is Monopyle.  Monopyle includes around one hundred species spanning from South America to Guatemala. The classification of species within Monopyle of Columbia needs further review to insure that species properly delimited. My research focuses on the description of Monopyle campanulata.  This species will be compared to other species within this region using both morphological and molecular methods. The use of morphological characteristics such as petiole length, density of pubescence, corolla shape coupled with color, and calyx shape differences allow me to compare the phenotype of each species for separation. In addition to this, molecular studies will be performed to provide a separate objective dataset to insure the morphological differences are valid.  These procedures will also allow me to identify any hybridization or cryptic speciation.
Effects of Seed Depth Emergence on Corn, Wheat, Lima, and Rapeseeds
Authors: Bright Cortney , Cook Rachel , Huggins Pamela
Published: May 2022

When planting seeds for agricultural purposes, there is usually a range as to what depth the seed should be planted and if it will affect emergence. The objective of this study was to determine if the depth a seed is planted will have an impact on the emergence time, shoot length, root length, and subsoil shoot length. Corn, Lima, Wheat, and Rapeseeds were planted on the surface, at the low and high end of their optimum depth, and double the optimum depth. The seeds were kept moist and under 40-watt fluorescence F4T12 plant light. After the seed emerged, the time was recorded and the shoots were measured for 7 days. They were dug up from the soil and the sub-soil shoot was measured as well as the roots. I hypothesized that seed depth will have a direct correlation to emergence time as well as height of the shoots. Based on the results, there was a trend between the time it took the seeds to emerged and the depth the seeds were planted indicating it took longer for seeds to emerge when planted at deeper depths. There was a direct correlation to the depth of seed and the shoot height for each seed type. Some seeds did better than others at each depth. There was no correlation between root length and seed depth. Based on this data we can accept the hypothesis that that seed depth will have a direct correlation to emergence time as well as the height of the shoots.
The Utilization of Resazomycins in a Tularemia Infection Model.
Authors: Blackwell Colin Michael , Schmitt Deanna , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a highly pathogenic bacterium that causes the disease tularemia.  The pneumonic form of this disease is often lethal without treatment.  This bacterium has been categorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a Category A Select Agent.  Therefore, the development of novel therapeutics is essential to prepare society against potential bioterrorism.  We previously showed that the compound resazurin exhibits antimicrobial activity against F. tularensis in vitro.  The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of resazurin-based antibiotics (resazomycins) in vivo.  Therefore, we infected chicken embryos to model tularemia (this is an established surrogate for mammalian tularemia).  Chicken embryos treated with resazurin and the reduced form of this compound, resorufin, did not show enhanced survival compared to the control-treatment groups.  This indicated that although effective in vitro, these compounds were being inactivated in vivo.  A separate study from our laboratory revealed that serum proteins can bind and inactivate resazurin and resorufin.  Modification of this compound to pentoxyresorufin (RPE) resulted in a resazomycin with efficacy in the presence of serum proteins.  Therefore, chicken embryos were infected with F. tularensis LVS (live vaccine strain) and were treated with various doses of RPE or a vehicle.  Results showed that various doses of RPE significantly enhanced the survival of the infected chicken embryos compared to those treated with the vehicle.  This study indicates that resazomycins have potential for the treatment of tularemia.
Different Trends of Premixed Flame Propagation in Obstructed Channels with both Ends Open
Authors: ADEBIYI ABDULAFEEZ AKINOLA , Cathreno Amanda , Akkerman V’yacheslav
Published: May 2022

Premixed flames accelerate extremely fast and may even trigger a detonation when propagating in semi-open obstructed channels (here one end of a channel is closed; the flame is ignited at the closed end and propagates towards the open one). However, industrial pipes often have both ends open, with a flame ignited at one the ends. The present work is devoted to this configuration. Specifically, premixed flame propagation through a comb-shaped array of obstacles, in-built in a two-dimensional (2D) channel of half-width R with both ends open, is studied by solving fully-compressible hydrodynamic and combustion equations with Arrhenius chemical kinetics. The channels of half-widths R/Lf = 12, 24, 36 (Lf is the thermal flame thickness) are considered, with various blockage ratios, α = 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, for each R. It is found that in the relatively narrow channels, R/Lf =12 and 24, the instantaneous total burning rate oscillates with time for all α considered, with the oscillation period and amplitude varying with R and α. In fact, such an oscillating regime resembles that observed previously in unobstructed channels with both ends open. The oscillations can potentially be treated as fluctuations around a quasi-steady solution. In contrast, in a wider channel, R/Lf = 36, the oscillations are terminated soon, followed by flame acceleration, which is weaker (though similar) to that in semi-open channels. The results support the recent experiment, modelling and theory yielding steady or quasi-steady flame propagation prior to the onset of flame acceleration in obstructed pipes with both ends open.
Effect of Non-Uniform Coal Dust Distribution in a Gaseous-Dusty Premixed Environment on Flame Acceleration due to Wall Friction
Authors: Demir Sinan , Sezer Hayri , Bush Torli , Akkerman Vyacheslav
Published: May 2022

While a premixed flame front would consume an unburnt matter with a constant speed SL, such a flame occurs extremely seldom in the reality, where flames are curved and characterized by another velocity, Sw, and it is oftentimes conventionally assumed that the ratio Sw/SL is proportional to the corrugated flame surface area scaled by the planar one. However, the thermal-chemical parameter  SL may experience spatial and temporal variations; in particular, due to the combustible (coal) dust impurities. The present study initiates a systematic investigation of the influence of local variations of the thermal-chemical flame properties on the global flame dynamics. This particular work focuses on the effects of SL-variations on flame acceleration due to wall friction in a gaseous-dusty premixture. Specifically, we performed the computational simulations of the reacting flow equations, with compressible hydrodynamics and combustible coal dust particles incorporated into the original (gaseous) computational platform by replacing an “effective fluid” with the locally-modified, dust-induced flow and flame parameters. Keeping in mind a coalmine passage, we employed a channel with a large aspect ratio. Various spatial distributions of the coal dust concentration are studied, namely: homogenous, linear, cubic and parabolic. As a result, the similarity and differences in the evolutions of the flame shape and velocity have been identified for each distribution. It is shown that the non-uniform distributions may result in an extra distortion or a local stabilization of the flame front, which promotes or reduces the flame surface area, thereby facilitating or moderating flame acceleration due to wall friction.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS OF CAMBARUS VETERANUS FAXON, 1914 (DECAPODA: CAMBARIDAE), AN IMPERILED WEST VIRGINIAN CRAYFISH
Authors: Dillard Zachary Wade , Welsh Stuart A. , Sadecky Nicole M , Scott Rachel K , Loughman Zachary J
Published: May 2022

Cambarus veteranus Faxon, 1914, a narrow endemic crayfish native to the Upper Guyandotte River Basin (UGB) in West Virginia, USA, was petitioned in 2005 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to be listed as endangered, but a status survey was recommended to determine if listing was warranted. During May and June 2015, surveys were undertaken across the UGB to determine the current distribution of the species. A total of 71 sites were sampled, including all streams where the species was previously recorded, as well as semi-randomly selected streams, with 1-9 125 m long sites sampled per wadable stream. Physiochemical and physical habitat data (based on the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index, QHEI) were obtained at each site to determine abiotic factors that were associated with the presence of C. veteranus. Site detection or non-detection of C. veteranus and associated site covariates were modeled using logistic regression to determine covariates associated with the presence of the species. Cambarus veteranus was present in both the Pinnacle Creek and Clear Fork/Laurel Fork watersheds at 10 sites, but it was not observed in the remaining 61 sites. An additive effects model with conductivity and QHEI was selected as the best approximating model. Cambarus veteranus was associated with lower than average UGB conductivity (379 μS) and high (>80) QHEI score. All sites where C. veteranus was not detected had higher conductivity and/or lower QHEI scores.
Effect of dietary cholesterol and fatty acid on transcriptomes of intestinal cells in zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Authors: Francis Elizabeth Anne , Walters James W
Published: May 2022

Absorption of dietary cholesterol into intestinal enterocytes takes place in the presence of other lipids such as triacylglycerides, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and fatty acids. To facilitate transport, non-esterified cholesterol, along with fatty acids and phospholipids, are formed into micelles in the lumen which interact with the brush border of enterocytes. The mechanism by which cholesterol is taken up by enterocytes remains unclear despite the discovery of key proteins involved in regulating cholesterol absorption (NPC1L1, ABCG5, ABCG8). This research investigates changes in gene expression in intestinal enterocytes using a zebrafish model. We fed 6dpf zebrafish larvae diets of a) 1% BSA, b) 1% BSA and 1mM OA, or c) 1% BSA, 1mM OA, and 1mM cholesterol for 3h. Intestinal tissue was dissected for RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis followed by RNA sequencing performed at the Marshall University Genomics Core Facility. Our experimental design allows us to distinguish between genes regulated by a specific dietary fatty acid versus those used when cholesterol is present. By identifying targets that are specifically involved in cholesterol uptake and processing we expect to find molecular targets for drug therapies to lower dietary uptake of cholesterol and hence, its impact on dyslipidemias.   Acknowledgements: Supported by NIH Grant 2P20GM1.343_14 P1500699 to the West Virginia IDEA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
IN PURSUIT OF A FUNCTIONAL PERSONALITY MODEL
Authors: Roxby Joseph , Chaundhry Nisha , Nolan Joseph , Fletcher Tifani , Omelchenko-Comer Natalia
Published: May 2022

The personality of individuals defines their behavioral choices, but how exactly the personality traits are expressed remains uncertain, limiting our ability to create a computable model of a personality and predict behaviors. Here, we proposed a new functional personality model that is based on modern neuroscience advances and defined by four parameters: 1) The hedonic values assigned to different “pleasant” aspects of behavioral outcomes (homeostatic balances, improved social status, et cetera); 2) The aversive values of ”unpleasant” aspects (loss of sexual opportunity, potential of injury, loss of monetary reward, et cetera); 3) Summation parameters: discounting and dissolution parameters for simultaneously processed hedonic/aversive events; and 4) Threshold: the relationship between magnitude of predicted outcome and manifestation of behaviors. We expressed the idea through a mathematical formula, applied it, and at 0.90 power demonstrated that our model has an ability to estimate actual responses (Spearman's Rank-Order correlation = 0.5). Although more research and tuning are needed, we believe that our functional model may eventually allow accurate prediction of human behavior.
The Habitat Preferences of the Data Deficient, Cambarus spicatus
Authors: Aulick Riley W
Published: May 2022

The Broad River Spiny crayfish, Cambarus spicatus, is endemic to the Broad River and some of its tributaries. Few life history studies of C. spicatus have caused the IUCN to list it as data deficient. The goal of this study was to determine the impacts of land development on the distribution of C. spicatus. In the summer of the 2017, the West Liberty University Crayfish Conservation Research Lab surveyed the Catawba watershed in North Carolina and the Broad and Saluda watersheds in South Carolina in search of C. spicatus. A standard protocol of ten seine hauls per riffle was implemented in one hundred and twenty-three streams. Dip nets were used in addition to seines to survey the banks of the streams. ArcMap, an application of ArcGIS, was utilized by adding layers such as land cover and a buffer around each collection area which provided land type percentages for each survey site. Six individuals from four sites in North Carolina and one individual from South Carolina were collected out of a total of one-hundred and twenty-three sites.  According to the models, C. spicatus was least likely to be found in areas developed for agriculture and urban development. This study provides strong evidence that land development is negatively impacting C. spicatus distribution. Additional studies are needed throughout the species range to make a final determination that land development has a negative impact on C. spicatus.
Life History of Cambarus veteranus (Guyandotte River Crayfish); an imperiled West Virginia endemic
Authors: Sadecky Nicole Marie , McKinney Matthew , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

Cambarus veteranus Faxon, 1914 (Guyandotte River Crayfish), is an endangered, narrow endemic, residing in just two streams in the southern coalfields of West Virginia. A life history study was initiated for C. veteranus in Clear Fork of the Guyandotte River, Wyoming County, West Virginia to gather basic life history information needed for future conservation efforts. Monthly collections began June 2017 and will continue through June 2018. Two 400-meter stream reaches were designated as life history study sites with two different 100-meter sub-reaches sampled each month. Specimens, regardless of species, were collected, sexed, and molt stage determined. Preliminary results suggest an importance of water temperature on crayfish capture with December yielding considerably higher capture rates of C. veteranus  relative to other species collected. Form I males are ever present and reach their highest density in early winter. Pre-glaired females reached their highest densities in October and December with glaired females present nearly every month. Thus far, a single ovigerous female has been found, bearing just two stage 4 juveniles. A molting event occurred between September and October with pre-molting individuals present in September and freshly molted individuals present in October. Providing life history information for C. veteranus will assist in conservation efforts and possible repatriation of C. veteranus in the future. Additionally, life history information for C. veteranus can be compared to closely related species that are often used as surrogates for C. veteranus in captive rearing studies.
Creating Chemistry Outcomes and Methods of Assessment: A Proposal
Authors: Serafin Juliana , Pauley Beth , Lewis Donna
Published: May 2022

The curriculum at the University of Charleston (UC) is outcomes-based and is rooted in six Liberal Learning Outcomes (LLOs):  Citizenship, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communications, Ethical Practice, and Inquiry.  The LLOs are the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that enable UC graduates to be successful in their careers and beyond.  These LLOs are integrated into the academic programs and students are assessed for competency at multiple levels (Foundational, Midlevel, and Advanced).  In addition to the University-wide LLOs, UC graduates are also assessed on program-specific outcomes at the three levels.   The Chemistry program has previously used a single rubric to evaluate all program outcomes at all levels.  In Fall 2017, the Chemistry program revised the program outcomes as well as the assessment methods.  The program outcomes now emphasize the four competencies needed by Chemistry graduates:  accumulation of conceptual and specific knowledge, working safely in a laboratory to obtain meaningful results, planning experiments and carrying them out to create new knowledge, and analyzing data and communicating findings.  These changes specifically addressed two missing links to the LLOs:  Ethical Practice and Citizenship.   A series of twelve assignments spanning the freshman-to-senior curriculum were designed for the program assessments.  Four new rubrics were created, and two existing rubrics are being used to assess the new outcomes.  The design of these outcomes and assessment tools, current results, and successes and failures are discussed.
Scale Control in Oilfield Applications
Authors: Nagy Thomas Robert
Published: May 2022

While the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia has a long history in the businesses of coal mining and steel production, advancing technologies have allowed hydraulic fracturing to arise as an effective method for extracting natural gas and oil in this area. Despite the abundance of natural gas deposits in the Marcellus Shale of northern West Virginia, using hydraulic fracturing to extract natural resources is not without its drawbacks. When HF flowback water moves through oilfield pipelines, it is highly saturated with metal cations from bedrock minerals which dissolved in solution during the fracturing process. These cations tend to precipitate out of solution as salts, therefore lining the insides of the pipes with scale and slowing the overall flow rate within the piping system. Since this issue can be very expensive to fix if not dealt with quickly, it is safer to simply avoid the chance of scale altogether by utilizing scale inhibitors. The goal of this experiment was to pre-treat the produced water with an oxidizer (Klear’s organic-based peroxide 4035) to reduce the amount of metals in solution and then proceed to treat with scale inhibitor 5210 to reduce the scaling potential of any remaining metal cations.
Identification of plant extracts with antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria .
Authors: Lubembo Kéren , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Identification of plant extracts with antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria. Kéren Lubembo and Joseph Horzempa. Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WVMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a drug-resistant opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious infections which may lead to sepsis and even death. We previously identified extracts from 10 plants that exhibited antimicrobial activity toward Pseudomonas aeruginosa – another drug-resistant opportunistic pathogen. The goal of this study was to determine if any of these extracts also exhibited antimicrobial activity against MRSA. Here weused a disk diffusion assays to measure antibiotic sensitivity. Of the ten extracts tested, only extracts of Agrimonia gryposepala (tall hairy agrimony) produced measureable zones of inhibition. Vancomycin was used as a positive control and produced robust zones of inhibition (as this antibiotic is known to have antimicrobial activity against MRSA; the negative control [vehicle, ethanol] did not produce zones of inhibition). These data suggest that A. gryposepalaextracts may contain a compound that could have broad applicability toward drug-resistant bacteria whereas all other extracts tested exhibited a narrower spectrum of activity. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence)
A High-Throughput Screen of a Natural Extract Library for the Identification of Novel Antibiotics against Burkholderia cepacia
Authors: Ierulli Joseph Angelo , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Burkholderia cepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that is responsible for infecting many individuals with underlying lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis or chronic granulomatous disease.  B. cepacia is naturally drug resistant to numerous antibiotics; because of this, it is imperative that new antimicrobial agents are developed to combat this bacterium.  Therefore, to potentially identify novel antibiotics that inhibit the growth of B. cepacia, we screened a library of nearly 4000 extracts of plants, marine life, and fungi from the National Center for Natural Product Research. Here, bacteria were cultured in microtiter plates containing a rich bacterial growth medium.  Library extracts were added to each well and optical density (600 nm) was measured at 24 and 48 hours to measure bacterial growth.  After 48 hours, a total of 24 natural products exhibited inhibition of growth similar to that of the antibiotic control, gentamicin. These 24 extracts were then further tested using a disk diffusion assay to validate their antimicrobial efficacy.  (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence)
The role of FTL_1684 during Erythrocyte Invasion by Francisella tularensis.
Authors: Nachtwey Lisa Marie , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent Gram-negative bacterium, which infects numerous cell types of its mammalian host causing the disease tularemia. In addition to invading phagocytes of the human immune system as well as other non-phagocytic cells, F. tularensis is also capable of invading non-endocytic erythrocytes, a feature of tularemia that enhances tick colonization and thereby bacterial transmission. The mechanism by which F. tularensis manipulates erythrocytes for entry is still fairly unknown. Among several genes induced in the presence of erythrocytes was FTL_1684 encoding for a homologue of PrmC found in several distantly related bacterial species. PrmC encodes for a methyltransferase catalyzing the methylation of class I release factors RF1 and RF2 which facilitates effective translational termination of selective genes, many of which are required for pathogenesis.  The effects of the deletion of FTL_1684 on pathogenesis and erythrocyte invasion are currently investigated. Based on potential gene function, it was hypothesized that the ΔFTL_1684 mutant of F. tularensis LVS will be attenuated in its pathogenesis as well as its ability to invade erythrocytes; ineffective translational termination may reduce expression of functional F. tularensis-associated virulence and invasion factors. PrmC homologues were furthermore suggested as novel universal drug targets and drug-mediated inactivation of PrmC as an effective way to not only aid curing tularemia but also prevent further transmission via a tick vector.
The Effect of Chemical Constituents in Roundup on the Steroidogenic Pathway of Lymnaea palustris.
Authors: Plautz Carol Zygar , Nolan Colleen J , Reddy Sneha
Published: May 2022

We have investigated the effects of chemical constituents in Roundup on the steroidogenic pathway of Lymnaea palustris.  Roundup, a commonly used herbicide that is found in run offs to streams, lakes, and ponds, contains the chemicals POEA (surfactant), Diquat Dibromide (DD), and Glyphosate.  It has been established that chemical constituents in Roundup such as DD and Glyphosate alter reproduction in aquatic animals.  We tested the effects of Roundup’s active ingredients (DD and Glyphosate) on Lymnaea palustris, the common pond snail.  Specifically, we monitored fecundity and tested whether chronic treatment of snails in DD and Glyphosate would alter estradiol and testosterone concentration levels, thus providing a possible explanation for the altered fecundity.  The snails (n=12 for each group) were placed in 350 mg/L Glyphosate or 14 mg/L DD for 3 weeks.  Testosterone levels were lower in DD groups (p<0.05).  A trend of lower testosterone was also observed in Glyphosate groups (p>0.05).  Estradiol levels were moderately higher in Glyphosate and lower in DD, but these differences were not significant and hormone levels fluctuated over the course of the study.  The fecundity of the DD snails significantly decreased, while fecundity in Glyphosate snails kept pace with controls.  We further analyzed steroidogenic pathway components by conducting Western blot analysis on abundance of aromatase, which converts testosterone into estradiol.  Aromatase levels are typically reduced in DD treated snails but comparable to or higher than controls in Glyphosate treated snails, although levels are highly variable.
A New Flora and Fauna from the Monongahela Group Upper Pennsylvanian of Doddridge County, WV.
Authors: Garton E. Ray , Heck Zack , Benson Sam , Pyle Robert L
Published: May 2022

Siderite and shale nodules from the Monongalia Group Upper Pennsylvanian of Doddridge County, WV have produce a flora and fauna similar to the Mazon Creek, IL Lagerstatte. Hundreds of specimens have yielded a flora of mostly individual pinnules of Neuropteris, Pecopteris and Alethopteris species. A few dozen nodules have yielded a fauna of Paleocaris Order: (Decapoda) an unidentified horseshoe crab (Order: Xiphosura) and some other unidentified but presumed insects. This new locality is stratigraphically higher than the Mazon Creek flora and fauna.
Screening of a Natural Product Library for the Discovery of Novel Leukemia Therapeutics
Authors: Hancher Kayla Michelle , Schmitt Deanna , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Leukemia is the leading cause of death in children. The discovery of effective cancer therapies is imperative to combat this deadly disease. The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) has comprised a library of over 4,000 organic extracts derived from plants, fungi, marine, and algae species with potential anti-cancer properties. In partnership with NCNPR, we have developed a rapid and effective method for screening large quantities of these organic compounds for anti-cancer efficacy against THP-1 cells (a monocytic leukemia cell line). A microtiter-based AlamarBlue Assay was used to identify extracts that reduced the viability of the THP-1 cells.  For this assay, THP-1 cells were treated with an extract from the NCNPR library and were incubated at 37˚C, 5% CO2 for 24 hours. Subsequently, resazurin was and incubated for an additional 24 hours.  Change to a red color was an indicator of viability.  Cells treated with extracts that produced little to no color change were identified as leads.  One hundred forty-nine lead extracts have been further evaluated for toxicity to HeLa cells (a cervical cancer cell line) to determine whether these compounds may be more broadly applicable.
SHArK and SEAL investigations of mixed metal oxides with photoelectrocatalytic potential.
Authors: Ruza Ashley Nicole , Johnson Jessica Michelle , LaNeve Lindsey Marie , Harvey Erica
Published: May 2022

The goal of our research is to find a way to help sunlight separate water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, so hydrogen can be used as a source of energy even when the sun is not shining. Though the water-splitting process occurs naturally, it is very slow. The Solar Army, a nationwide group of researchers, is searching for a safe, inexpensive photoelectrocatalyst, a substance that can speed up the sunlight-driven water splitting reaction. Instruments known as SHArK (Solar Hydrogen Activity research Kit) and SEAL (Solar Energy Activity Lab) were used to test samples containing different ratios and combinations of earth-abundant metal oxides. Ratios and metal oxides were chosen based on previously made samples containing promising results. SHArK and SEAL both test in different ways for photocurrent, an electric current activated by light.  Metal oxide samples that produce substantial photocurrent could potentially be developed as photoelectrocatalysts and help the future of the planet. Our research efforts explored oxide combinations of copper, cobalt, and nickel, and of strontium, chromium, and iron. The ratios of copper, cobalt, and nickel have given null results, while the ratios of strontium, chromium, and iron have continued with positive results.
Analysis of the effect of drugs and alcohol on adult differentiated neuronal stem cells.
Authors: Knight Emily Morgan , Anthony Bruce Charles
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study is to determines the effect of drug and alcohol on the proliferation and differentiation process of neuronal stem cells exposed both before and after induction of differentiation in culture.  In addition, we examine the surviving neuron population for synaptic connections and GABA receptor expression to define gabanergeic functionality.  We previously found that alcohol decreased the overall amount of neuronal stem cells through increased cell death and altered the pattern of differentiation for neurons with little effect on astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.   In this study, differentiated neuronal stem cells were treated with alcohol, methamphetamine, and a synthetic opioid drug, DAMGO, to compare the effects in the cell proliferation and differentiation process after exposure.   After exposure we demonstrate a substantial decrease in neuron differentiation in all tested models. Examination of postsynaptic density of the surviving neurons were examined using Shank3 antibody as a postsynaptic marker.  GABAR1, an inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor, was also examined for alterations in the ability of the cells to communicate within neuron populations. Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434