bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing and Observing Trends in Water Chemistry Data of the Upper Ohio River Watershed
Authors: Miller Haley , Wood James
Published: May 2022

The Upper Ohio River watershed has been a major industrial region since the late 1800s.  The historical impacts have resulted in poor water quality in the tributaries to the Ohio River.  Today, many of the tributaries are used for recreational purposes and the Ohio River is used for municipal drinking water.  Public health concerns provided motivation for increased monitoring of chemical components in the water.  To improve the local water quality, water chemistry of the tributaries needs to be investigated to identify trends, primary stressors, and longitudinal changes in water quality.  Since February of 2018, 321 samples have been taken in the Upper Ohio River watershed recording conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and water/ air temperature.  Conductivity at the mouth of the tributaries, Short Creek (mean = 856.3, SE = 100.0) and Wheeling Creek (mean = 409.3, SE = 14.9), have been consistently higher than the Ohio River mainstem (mean = 283.2, SE = 8.9).  The mean conductivity for Short Creek increased longitudinally towards the mouth (R2 = 0.4).  Whereas, the mean conductivity for Wheeling Creek remained fairly constant between upstream and downstream sites (R2 = 0.1).  Though the mean conductivity of the Ohio River is lower than its tributaries, there is concern that the poor water quality of Short Creek and Wheeling Creek may be detrimental to the Ohio River’s health.
Developing Virtual Reality Software to Graph 3-D Curves with Applications in College Level Mathematics Education.
Authors: Crutchley Brian , Bowers Melvin Louis , Anthony Parker , Miller Jason Rafe
Published: May 2022

Virtual Reality (VR) is a potentially augmentative technology for classroom learning. We speculate that 3D visualization of solutions to mathematical equations would be assistive in a college level calculus course. To test our hypothesis, we built a VR system using commercially available hardware and software. We implemented visualizations of solutions to equations from textbooks used in calculus classes at Shepherd University, where we are in the process of demonstrating the system to mathematics professors and recording their reactions using a survey. So far, three of three professors reported that they would support the system’s use in the classroom. We hope to add features such as projections of curves onto any plane, and we hope to test the system in a classroom setting.
Utilizing the Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain as a novel vaccine platform against the Ebola Virus
Authors: Pyles Gage Michael , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

GAGE PYLES and JOSEPH HORZEMPA, Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV. Utilizing the Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain as a novel vaccine platform against the Ebola Virus.Francisella tularensis and the Ebola Virus (EBOV) are classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as Category A select agents for their potential use in bioterrorism. The F. tularensis Live Vaccine Strain (LVS) has been shown to provide over 30 years of protective immunity against F. tularensis, while for EBOV there remains no clinically approved protective vaccine. Due to the immunogenic properties of LVS, we propose that LVS may be a promising vaccine platform, of which recombinant strains may be able to confer protection against both F. tularensis and other pathogenic microbes such as EBOV. To test this, a fusion protein consisting of the glycoprotein of EBOV (GP) and LpnA (an immunodominant outer-membrane lipoprotein of F. tularensis) has been created. This newly generated chimeric protein (LpnA-GP) will ultimately be expressed in LVS, and the efficacy of this strain as a vaccine against both pathogens will be determined.
Cold-induced stress alters the dynamics of T helper 1 and T helper 2 cytokine production in a mouse model during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection.
Authors: Brown Gezelle , Belay Tesfaye
Published: May 2022

Chlamydia caused by Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of bacterial STDs worldwide and the USA. Although there are more clinical and epidemiological studies of chlamydia genital infection, the effect of stress on chlamydia disease is not well explored. Previous results from our lab show that cold-induced stress results in increased intensity of chlamydia genital infection in mice; however, the mechanisms are unknown. Thelper 1(Th1) is known to be protective against chlamydia, whereas Th2 leads to infection.  However, the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 during exposure to cold stress is not well understood. Several studies show GATA-3 and T-bet are associated with Th1 and Th2 cytokine production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cold water on the activity off Th1 and Th2 during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection. We hypothesized that cold stress alters the differentiation and variation in gene expression profile of transcription factors and cytokine productions in T cells. T cells isolated from the genital tract were proliferated for 48 h incubated at 37OC and 5% CO2. The mRNA levels and detection of cytokines in culture supernatants was determined by quantitative real time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Our results showed increased IL-4 production, which was associated with upregulated expression of transcription factor GATA-3. In contrast, decreased gamma interferon production was associated with decreased T-bet gene expression in T cells. Based on this data, cold stress modulates the dynamics of signature Th1 and Th2 cytokine productions that are regulated by expression of GATA-3 and T-bet.  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.
Using digitized Native American skeletal remains to conduct osteological analyses.
Authors: Guydish Melissa
Published: May 2022

Conducting osteological analyses on human skeletal material enhances our knowledge of these remains. Photos and descriptions are insufficient when communicating the wear, pathology, variation, or nuances of native populations. There are numerous laws, regulations, and financial dilemmas hindering our ability to further research human skeletal remains at a deeper level. Unfortunately, smaller institutions frequently find sophisticated imaging tools to be cost-prohibitive. Photographs lack sufficient detail when attempting to capture and convey an accurate representation of the unique structure, markings, and degenerationof human skeletal remains. Integrating new technology and techniques into this field has the potential to solve these dilemmas. CT scanning and file extracting creates virtual three-dimensional models and stores the information for future study. This removes the time limit surrounding this research (due to mandatory repatriation), allowing for thorough skeletal analyses, and gives us access to the remains at all times. To assess this methodology, we conducted complete osteological analyses on three CT replicated human skeletal remains of three individuals uncovered during the archaeological excavation in Cabell County, West Virginia. In previous studies we analyzed the accuracy of the digital data by comparing physical human remains to the digitized versions. We hypothesized that the digital replicas are sufficient and allow a complete osteological analysis of the human skeletal material.
Validation of the antimicrobial activity of Nymphaea odorata extract.
Authors: Voellinger Jada Michelle , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

We previously screened a library of nearly 4000 extracts of plants, marine life, and fungi from the National Center for Natural Product Research to identify compounds that exhibited antimicrobial activity.  From this screen, Nymphaea odorata (Fragrant Water Lily) extract significantly inhibited the growth of Burkholderia cepacia (an opportunistic pathogen frequently associated with drug resistance).  The objective of this project is to validate the antimicrobial activity exhibited N. odorata, extract and to isolate and identify the compound(s) responsible for this activity.  For this project we conducted ethanol extractions on three different parts of the plant: the rhizome, roots, and stems. These antimicrobial properties of these extracts will be determined using two different drug resistant bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  Here, we will utilize both disk diffusion and time-to-kill assays to determine the presence of antimicrobial compounds.
Alteration in MAPK/ERK and Akt signaling following exposure to sublethal silver nanoparticles in cultured adult neural stem cells
Authors: Spitzer Nadja
Published: May 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), an emerging environmental contaminant, have been developed as antimicrobials, biosensors, and for other applications in products ranging from medical devices to consumer goods including toothpaste, socks, and appliances. AgNPs, particularly in consumer goods, can be shed off during use and ingested or inhaled, leading to bioaccumulation in tissues including brain. While they are effectively used for their antimicrobial properties, they also have negative effects on mammalian cells, even at low concentrations of 1µg/mL. We previously found that low-level AgNPs disrupt cytoskeletal function, leading to formation of f-actin inclusions and disrupting neurite dynamics. These effects are partially mediated by interaction with the β-catenin intracellular signaling pathway. Here, we investigate interactions of AgNPs with two other intracellular signaling pathways, MAPK/ERK and Akt, both of which are involved in regulation of neuronal cell differentiation. Specific pharmacological inhibitors of these pathways, in combination with AgNPs, are applied to cultured adult neural stem cells that provide a model for brain cells. Fluorescent labeling and time-lapse microscopy are used to assess disruption of f-actin dynamics and changes in neurite extension. Preliminary data indicate that AgNPs may inhibit both the MAPK/ERK and the Akt intracellular signaling pathways, and thereby induce formation of f-actin inclusions and disrupt neurite dynamics during differentiation. This work will help us to understand chronic effects of low-level AgNP exposure from consumer goods on brain cell function. Our work in neural stem cells is especially applicable to children, whose brains are still developing and therefore depend on neural stem cell function. This material is based upon work supported by NSF Award# 1553667.
Comparison of microbial respiration and carbon loss in the upper Ohio River and selected tributaries in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia
Authors: McClelland Emma , Wood James
Published: May 2022

Stream microorganisms can drive ecosystem processes, such as carbon cycling; however, changes in water chemistry can slow down or speed up the rate that carbon moves through the ecosystem. When microorganisms respire, inorganic carbon is released back into the system. In this study, we investigated the influence of water chemistry on microbial respiration and the breakdown of organic matter using two types of standardized substrates: labile cellulose sponge and recalcitrant red oak wood veneer. The rate of breakdown of these substrates correlated positively with increasing microbial respiration rates. Water chemistry data was used to assess for correlation with the microbial respiration rates. Specific conductance (SPC) was found to be a significant predictor model of microbial respiration rates; as SPC increased, microbial respiration rates increased.  These correlations could provide us with new ways to predict the effects of stressors on multiple aspects of aquatic ecosystems, such as carbon cycling.
Pollinator Gardens and Generated Insect Activity
Authors: Cutlip Katherine
Published: May 2022

Neonicotinoids are a common pesticide that have harmful effects on pollinators, contributing to their global population decline. Studies have suggested neonicotinoids are more harmful on native bee populations than on European honey bees. The majority of food crop pollination is not provided by European honey bees, however, but by native wild bee populations; specifically, mason (genus Osmia) and bumble bees (genus Bombus). To help sustain and increase local pollinator populations, a pollinator garden was installed using plants native to West Virginia. While the focus of plant pollination is primarily concerning the order Hymenoptera (bees and wasps), this focus neglects other common pollinating invertebrates in the orders Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Diptera (flies), and Coleoptera (beetles). Though their pollination capabilities are not as abundant as native bees, they are still an integral part of a garden’s pollination process. We included a variety of plants with varying colors, blood times, and pollinator needs to ensure the largest pollinator attraction possible. One insect hotel has been installed to provide natural housing materials for solitary bees, butterflies and various beneficial insects like lady bugs and lacewings. Non-pollinating invertebrates have a beneficial impact on keeping gardens pest free from detrimental insects. Our goal is to increase pollinators and beneficial insect populations; benefiting both the garden and the native pollinators. We hope to educate students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors on the benefits of installing their own native plant pollinator gardens as well as raise awareness of the growing issue of worldwide food production and the effects of pesticides on local insect populations.
Immunostimulatory Activity of Dillapiole Isolated from Fennel Root
Authors: Collins Elliot , Schmitt Deanna , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensisis a highly infectious bacterium that causes the disease, tularemia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified F. tularensisas a category A bioterror agent due to its virulence and ease of aerosolization. The intentional release of a resistant strain of F. tularensis could be devastating. Consequently, there is a need for novel treatments effective against F. tularensis infections. We previously tested a cataloged natural compound library for inhibition growth of a fluorescent F. tularensis strain (LVS/pTC3D) during infection of THP-1 monocyte cells. From this analysis, we identified nine extracts that only limited bacterial replication in the presence of these host cells.  One of the most promising extracts for the inhibition of F. tularensis during infection was from Fennel. Using bioassay guided fractionation, the Fennel extract was separated until a pure compound was isolated and identified using NMR and mass spectrometry.  The active compound was determined to be dillapiole, an allylbenzene that has previously been extracted from several plant species. We sought to determine whether dillapiole would be effective at diminishing disease caused by other infectious bacteria, such as the opportunistic pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii.  Therefore, wax worms infected with A. baumannii were treated with dillapiole or were mock treated. Wax worm larvae treated with dillapiole exhibited significant survival compared to the control-treated insects. We are currently investigating the mechanism of activity of dillapiole, a compound that could have potential as a novel immunostimulatory therapeutic.
Modeling the effect of a combinatorial anti-CTLA antibody and radiation therapy on metastatic melanoma
Authors: Kouadio Jean-Emmanuel , Wang Qing
Published: May 2022

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is an inhibitory receptor that is upregulated after T-cell activation, and transmits signals that suppress T-cell activation and proliferation. Antibodies targeting CTLA-4 can selectively deplete regulatory T cells by antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity mechanisms.  Radiation therapy (RT) on the other hand is a longstanding pillar of cancer treatment, historically utilized to treat a discrete target and provide local tumor control. Recent preclinical studies demonstrated that RT is synergistic with anti-CTLA antibody and induces systemic anti-tumor responses. In order to better understand the effect of the combination therapy on metastatic melanoma, we developed a multi-scale mechanistic model using a system of impulsive differential equations. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive simulation platform to improve cancer management by manipulating dose and fractionation schedule of RT in the combination therapy. The project was supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
Fatal and Behavioral Effects that Household Cleaners Pose to Pets
Authors: Snedegar Steven , Arnett Heather
Published: May 2022

Steven Snedegar, Dept of Biology, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV, 25304, and Heather Arnett, Dept of Biology, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV, 25304. Fatal and Behavioral Effects that Household Cleaners Pose to Pets. Frequent cleaning of a household is necessary to maintain sanitation; however, houses are not well ventilated and cleaning products may contain eye, skin, and respiratory irritants. Pets spend the majority of their time on the floor of the home, so they are potentially at risk of chemical exposure by cleaning products up to two times per week. These irritants may affect pets due to their paws walking on surfaces, and them licking themselves clean; this makes it easy for pets to ingest chemicals. Gryllodes sigillatus (cricket) were used as a model organism to mimic the behavior that a pet would exhibit such as walking and resting. The crickets were exposed for five days to low, medium and high concentrations of the cleaner, Formula 409.  Food accumulation was measured, and crickets with no exposure to Formula 409 consumed the least amount of food.  Activity levels were measured for ten minutes, and the crickets from the control group experience the highest increase of activity.  Death rate was measured, and there were no fatalities throughout the experiment.  ANOVA was utilized to determine a difference in means, if a difference was found, a Tukey test was used.  Unaccumulated biomass was found significant with chemical concentration (F(3,24)=14.7, p<0.001).  For Unaccumulated biomass, Concentration 0% was significant with 25%(t(3,24)=5.69, p<0.001), 50% (t(3,24)=4.94, p<0.001),  and 100% (t(3,24)=5.56, p<0.001).  Activity change was significant with chemical concentration (F(3,24)=3.23, p=0.04). The only significant difference was between 0% and 50% concentration (t(3,24)=-2.86, p-0.04).
The Role of FTL_1228 in Erythrocyte Invasion by Francisella tularensis
Authors: Macom Rhiannon Virginia , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a gram-negative bacterium and is the causative agent of tularemia- a disease more commonly known as ‘rabbit fever’.  This microbe is extremely virulent as inhalation of fewer than ten bacteria can lead to a lethal infection.  During infection, F. tularensis replicates in cells of the immune system, such as macrophages, as well as other non-phagocytes such as epithelial cells and hepatocytes.  Moreover, this bacterium has been shown to invade erythrocytes – a process that enhances colonization of ticks (a major disease vector).  Our laboratory previously showed that a locus encoding a hypothetical gene, FTL_1228, was induced in the presence of erythrocytes.  Therefore, we hypothesized that this gene may be responsible for invasion of these host cells. In this study, we mutated FTL_1228 of F. tularensis LVS and studies are ongoing to determine the role of this gene in erythrocyte invasion.
THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS ALCOHOL DOSAGES ON NEURAL VESICLE PACKAGING AND GABA RECEPTORS.
Authors: Anthony Bruce , McIntosh Thomas
Published: May 2022

Abusive alcohol consumption has negative effects on proliferation, differentiation and migration of neuronal stem cell in both fetal development and adult neural plasticity.  IN both cases, loss of neurons and astrocytes alters synaptic transmission in dopaminergic and GABAergic synapses within the limbic system.   This is particularly evident within areas of the amygdala and nuclear accumbens.  It is known that alcohol causes an imbalance between GABA and glutamate-NMDA transmission, and could cause altered levels of neurotransmitter reuptake or insensitivity to regular GABA levels. In this study, the effects of binge and chronic alcohol exposure to neuronal stem cell were observed. We examined synaptic vesicle packaging and GABAergic receptors on fully differentiated neurons. E14 Rat Cortical Stem Cells were grown, and differentiated, then exposed to alcohol in various doses. The expected results were to observe alterations in the density of synaptic vesicles, and an alteration in GABAergic receptor expression. These results would suggest that both chronic and binge drinking of alcohol causes alterations in synaptic transmission as well as neuron numbers.
Expressional changes in amino acid glutamate transporters: 2 and 3, in the presence of plague severities in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Anthony Bruce , Murphy Caitlin
Published: May 2022

The primary goal of this experiment was to determine if there was a correlation between the expression of EAAT-2 and EAAT-3 in the glutamate reuptake pathway in astrocytes and the production of plaques associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Since both the EAAT-2 and EAAT-3 transporter proteins are involved in glutamate transport under normal pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neuron signaling, then altered expression of either EAAT-2 or EAAT-3 can have catastrophic effects on the functions of neurons in the brain.  In Alzheimer’s Disease it is believed that there is an under expression of both EAAT-2 and EAAT-3 which in turn effects the glutamate transport pathway by preventing glutamate uptake and causing synaptic suppression.  Accumulation of extracellular glutamate can cause neurodegeneration and allow for the reduction of glutamine needed by the presynaptic neuron. We anticipated an inverse correlation between the expression of both EAAT-2 and EAAT-3 and the formation of plaques, revealing that the expression of EAAT-2 and EAAT-3 is decreased most in patients with severe Alzheimer’s Disease.
Neuroprotective effects of creatine treatment on the differentiation of E14 rat cortical stem cells and expression of GABA-ergic neurons.
Authors: Anthony Bruce , Casingal Nicholas
Published: May 2022

Along with the promotion of muscle growth and recovery, it has been observed that the supplement, creatine, also contains neuroprotective properties that aid in the developmental process of neuronal cells by increasing developmental competency in early differentiation.  In clinical research, addiction treatments are beginning to introduce dietary supplements such as Creatine for patients in early recovery to improve recovery abstinence.  Research has shown that supplemental Creatine induces higher cerebral phosphocreatine levels which could help with improved neuron connectivity.  In order to examine the neuroprotective effects of Creatine, E14 rat cortical stem cells were differentiated and treated with different dosages of alcohol and creatine.  Alcohol was used as a negative control in order to compare the differentiation and expression of GABAergic neurons associated with alcohol exposure and neuronal protection from Creative.  We anticipate that Creatine acts as a neuroprotective agent in GABAergic neurons treated with alcohol
Antimicrobial Activity Found in Appalachian Moss
Authors: Braunlich June , Lafantasie Jordge , Huggins Luke G.
Published: May 2022

As antibiotic resistance continues to pose more of a threat everyday, the search for new sources leads researchers to the world of plants. Much investigation has gone into various plants, but a lot remains unknown of mosses. What is known is that they contain exciting secondary metabolites that allow them to survive in the presence of pathogens and other environmental stressors. Scientists are now exploring the potential use of moss in the pharmaceutical world by testing these metabolites against a number of bacteria. The purpose of this experiment was to analyze the antibacterial properties of two moss species collected in the Appalachian area. Methanol extractions were performed on the moss species Entodon seductrix and Thuidium delicatulum. The extractions were plated against three bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. This allowed for the observation of their antibacterial activity. Results showed that both moss species presented zones of inhibition against the three bacterial species. This concurs with other literature. Determining the antimicrobial activity of plants, specifically moss, through extracts and antibacterial assays could potentially lead researchers to a further understanding of the metabolic processes of the secondary metabolites or a new antibiotic source.
Lyme disease distribution in Appalachia, 2010 - 2017
Authors: Wilson Nora Linzy , Bjorgo-Thorne Kim
Published: May 2022

We looked at the distribution of Lyme disease cases in Appalachia in order to find any hotspots for the disease, and track how the disease has spread and grown geographically over time. We collected Lyme disease distribution data between the years of 2010 and 2017, and monitored and recorded the changes in the disease distribution by state over that period of time. Using GIS technology to create maps and compile information pertaining to the distribution of Lyme disease in Appalachian states, we created visual representations of the growth in reported cases of Lyme disease and the change in distribution of the disease over time. Collecting distribution data is very important to the environmental field as well as the medical field. From a medical perspective, keeping a log of the reported cases of an infectious zoonotic disease such as Lyme disease can help medical professionals keep an eye on where the disease is most prevalent and where the most treatment is potentially needed.
Creating Python Algorithms to Mimic R Functions from the R Stats Package
Authors: Doza Luisely , Miller Jason Rafe
Published: May 2022

While R and Python are the most used languages within Data Analytics, the differences between them are becoming less polarized as it is now possible to complete the same tasks using both. A Python library developed from analyzing original R source code would help users cross-reference between both platforms. To design the Python algorithms, pseudocode was produced from registering the source code of different R stats functions. A Python test case was generated that would input result textfiles from both scripts and strive to output 0 differences to check for compatibility. So far, several R functions were able to be mimicked and there is still continued work being done to expand the scripts. We hope to later integrate the R and Python scripts into a web application to better display the results.
First2 Network at Fairmont State University
Authors: Beck Lance Michael
Published: May 2022

First2 Network is an organization that focuses on underrepresented students in college. These underrepresented STEM students in First2 are first generation, persons of color, LGBTQIA+, Appalachian, low income, or financially disabled. First2 helps these students by increasing their likelihood of graduation by allowing students to do hands-on research with faculty, receive a stipend, and attend conferences at around the state. First2 also offers immersion programs throughout West Virginia. The immersive programs are available to high school seniors who plan on attending college and fit into one or more of the underrepresented groups. The immersive program places students on college campuses to conduct two-weeks of hands-on research and receive an educational stipend for their hard work. Upon completion of the immersive program students are eligible to become First2 Scholars. These scholars conduct research throughout the academic year, create lasting friendships, and attend scholarly conferences. The First2 initiative is beneficial for all underrepresented STEM students and a great opportunity.
Using mammalian skulls to enhance undergraduate research on skeletal trauma in a forensic anthropology course.
Authors: Henson Kristy
Published: May 2022

Hands-on activities are favored learning techniques in STEM fields. In forensic anthropology courses, some of the content is hands-on but frequently is passive. Students typically observe bones, trauma, and post mortem intervals but rarely have the opportunity for active techniques such as reconstruction. It is unwarranted to demolish human remains to teach skeletal reconstruction, and digital reconstruction is challenging due to 3D technology’s steep learning curve, but this information is important for students wishing to pursue careers in skeletal identification. The purpose of this pilot project was to incorporate other mammalian skeletons in place of humans and create an in-class research project relevant to forensic anthropology. Three deer skulls were acquired from local hunters. The specimens were thawed, skinned, flensed, and skeletonized using dermestid beetles. Skulls were inflicted with random trauma and presented to the students. In groups of two, students reconstructed their skull and identified all skeletal trauma, then presented a research poster to the class. Students answered survey questions at the end of the semester to assess their learning experience with 100% feeling they were more competent in the field of forensic anthropology. Pre and post-exams showed that 50% of the students demonstrated a 7% grade increase.
Compound Isolated from Fennel Dampens Virulence Factor Expression of Francisella tularensis
Authors: Collins Elliot
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a highly infectious bacterium that causes the disease, tularemia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified F. tularensis as a category A bioterror agent due to its virulence and ease of aerosolization. The intentional release of a resistant strain of F. tularensis could be devastating. Consequently, there is a need for novel treatments effective against F. tularensis infections. We previously tested a cataloged natural compound library for inhibition growth of a fluorescent F. tularensis strain (LVS/pTC3D) during infection of THP-1 monocyte cells. From this analysis, we identified nine extracts that only limited bacterial replication in the presence of these host cells.  One of the most promising extracts for the inhibition of F. tularensis during infection was from Fennel. Using bioassay guided fractionation, the Fennel extract was separated until a pure compound was isolated and identified using NMR and mass spectrometry. We sought to determine whether the compound would be effective at diminishing disease caused by other infectious bacteria, such as the opportunistic pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii.  Therefore, wax worms infected with A. baumannii were treated with the compound or were mock treated.  Wax worm larvae treated with the compound exhibited significant survival compared to the control-treated insects. To investigate the mechanism of action, RNA-seq was conducted on F. tularensis incubated in the presence of the compound. These samples compared to bacteria treated with vehicle-alone showed a significant decrease in virulence factor expression – specifically genes under the control of the master virulence regulators MglA and SspA. Currently, we are working to validate this finding with other methods.
A “scuttled saurian”?: A lower jaw bone of Tylosaurus kansasensis (Squamata: Mosasauridae) with an embedded tooth reexamined using CT scanning
Authors: Van Vranken Nathan E. , Gardner Nicholas M.
Published: May 2022

Mosasaurs are a group of extinct large-bodied obligatory aquatic reptiles known from Late Cretaceous marine localities around the world, including the inland sea of North America. The behavior of these well-known reptiles has been discussed and suggest that many of the species were prone to intraspecific combat and highly popularized with explosive predation-focused narratives.Using computed tomography (CT) we examined a splenial (a lower jaw element) belonging to a young mosasaur. The splenial was collected from the Smoky Hill Chalk Member of the Niobrara Formation (Late Coniacian, Late Cretaceous), on the border of Ness and Trego counties. It is referable as Tylosaurus based on general morphology and specifically referable to Tylosaurus kansasensis based on locality data. This individual was originally hypothesized to have been killed by a larger mosasaur based on the presence of a tooth embedded in the splenial.However, examination of the CT scans suggests an alternative scenario for the tooth’s placement, suggesting the tooth may have been placed there through either diagenetic processes or post-mortem scavenging. We stress the importance of being cautious in interpreting behavior in the fossil record. Additionally, we note the need for better descriptions and illustrations of individual bones of the mosasaur skull in future scientific studies, which are sorely lacking at present.
Analysis of Stable Isotopes for Cambarus carinirostris, Cambarus robustus, and Faxonius obscurus in Kings Creek.
Authors: Miller Haley
Published: May 2022

Crayfish, being ecosystem engineers, are essential parts of ecosystems.  They are perceived as omnivorous benthic organisms and opportunistic feeders.  The goal of this study is to understand the trophic position of three species of crayfish (Cambarus carinirostris, Cambarus robustus, and Faxonius obscurus) in Kings Creek, a stream in Northern West Virginia.  Since no two species can share the same niche space in nature, we are inspired to question how these crayfish are partitioned in the stream.  Community structure and interspecific trophic relegation can be analyzed using the stable isotopes, Carbon-13 and Nitrogen-15.  These isotopes are necessary to construct the trophic dynamics of Kings Creek.  The higher the δC13 and δN15 signatures are, the higher an organism sits trophically.  This study aims to determine how the crayfish are oriented trophically within the community and intraspecifically through development.  In addition to representative species for each tropic level, ten of each crayfish species were collected and frozen for at least 48 hours.  All samples were prepared accordingly and sent to the University of Georgia’s Stable Isotope Ecology Laboratory to be processed and analyzed.  Our analyses show that C. carinirostris, C. robustus, and F. obscurus are independent of one another in the food web indicating diet partitioning.  Out of the three species, F. obscurus held the highest trophic position indicating it feeds off a different food source.
Determining the Role of Francisella lipoprotein A (FlpA) in Francisella tularensis Susceptibility to Resazomycins.
Authors: Rice Morgan , Taeff Noah , Hickman Jennifer , Primerano Donald , Denvir James , Schmitt Deanna
Published: May 2022

Antibiotic resistance is one of the top threats to global public health. In the United States, over two million people each year are infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria which results in approximately 23,000 deaths. The development of new antibiotics is essential to combat this crisis and prevent the loss of additional lives. Our laboratory discovered that resazurin exhibits antimicrobial activity against a select family of Gram-negative bacteria including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Helicobacter pylori, and Francisella tularensis. Resazurin and derivatives of this compound, resazomycins, can kill N. gonorrhoeae and F. tularensis in broth culture and inside host cells. One resazomycin, resorufin pentyl ether, reduces vaginal colonization by N. gonorrhoeae in a mouse model of infection. To identify potential targets of resazomycins, we performed a high throughput screen to select for resazurin-resistant F. tularensis isolates and performed whole genome sequencing on each isolate. Multiple F. tularensis isolates had a mutation in the gene FTL_0073 which encodes for Francisella lipoprotein A (FlpA). We hypothesized that this protein could be a target of resazomycins or may play a role in uptake of these antibiotics. To address these hypotheses, we generated a flpA disruption mutant. First, we evaluated the susceptibility of the flpA mutant to resazomycins and preliminary data indicates this mutant is resistant. Next, we will test the flpA mutant for changes in outer membrane composition and defects in uptake of resazomycins. Understanding the role of flpA in resazomycin susceptibility would facilitate further development of these compounds as potential treatments for tularemia and gonorrhea.
Summer research camp experience for success in STEM
Authors: Rai Sanish
Published: May 2022

West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) will host a summer research camp in its campus at Beckley, WV with support from First2 Network. The camp will host 10 first-generation college students and other underrepresented students in STEM from July 19 to August 1. Students will reside in the university dorm for the two weeks and will be actively be involved in research, learn about the university, the local society and other important aspects of the university. Students interested in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer or Electrical engineering will work with faculty and student mentors on selected projects and present their results at the end. These students will work in developing programs or apps in virtual or augmented reality, inventory management, and computer-assisted optimization of solar cells.This is a valuable opportunity for the students as well as the university to understand the expectation of the students and to learn how to motivate students for retention. IRB approved and First2Network evaluated surveys will be collected from the students, mentors, and faculties to measure their experience with the camp. The project results and student understanding during this period will also be evaluated. This experience and the survey results will help us design our university program in a way that can help all the diverse students to succeed and advance in a STEM career.The students will be contacted later to check if the experience helped them in their university life and if there were any suggestions for improvement.
A look into HSTA student success initiatives directed at increasing college persistence and success among at-risk students.
Authors: Kuhn Summer Lea
Published: May 2022

Health Sciences and Technology Academy (HSTA) is a network of after-school STEM clubs for 9th-12th graders in West Virginia (WV). This program encourages underrepresented students to pursue undergraduate and graduate college degrees, thus increasing the number of health practitioners and advocates in the underserved communities of rural WV. HSTA is a four-year college pipeline program for high school students who are selected to participate based on program criteria. Many HSTA students experience at-risk factors that impact college persistence and success, such as minority background, financially disadvantaged family, and/or first-generation college student. HSTA’s curriculum consists of seven core elements: reward, recreation, relationships, research, relevance, rigor, and repetition that are delivered in an after-school club environment, through community-based research studies, and during summer camp immersion experiences. Data will show this influences student success at the high school and college level. For example, the HSTA curriculum plays a key role in retaining HSTA students. Another program initiative is the in-state college waiver awarded to students who complete the program. Initiatives continue through college, such as campus-based alumni associations with focuses on high school mentoring and providing peer to peer mentoring for each other. In addition, our sister program Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) provides an incoming college freshmen experience as well as a graduate school preparation program. Results and discussion can provide ideas and resources to other pipeline and collegiate programs seeking to increase college persistence and success among at-risk students.
Skeletal Weathering on Remains Frozen for Different Time Intervals.
Authors: Prince Jonathan Ryan , Henson Kristy
Published: May 2022

JONATHAN PRINCE, Department of Natural Science, Forensic Science Program, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV, 26554, and KRISTY HENSON, Department of Natural Science, Forensic Science Program, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV, 26554. Skeletal weathering on remains frozen for different time intervals.When an individual is frozen after death post mortem interval data can be misleading. The decomposition process is affected and accurate time of death reading is unlikely. Many medical examiners rely on soft tissue temperatures or stage of decomposition to determine when someone died and this information can be altered when freezing a body. The objective of this study was to examine skeletal weathering patterns that result from being frozen allowing us to develop a time interval scale to determine how long a body was frozen. A sample of mammalian long bones (arms and legs) and flat bones (ribs) were placed in a -20°C standard deep freezer within four hours of death. The long and flat bones were frozen for two weeks, one month, two months, and three months. After freezing the bones were thawed, flensed, and placed in a dermestid beetle tank to remove all soft tissue. When the soft tissue was removed bones were placed in a soapy ammonia bath to kill the beetles and allow for a detailed skeletal analysis. Preliminary results show no skeletal weathering on flat bones frozen up to 3 months and sufficient longitudinal fracturing on long bones frozen for three months.This research was made possible by NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, Training Grant #NNX15AI01H
Computational Study of Pressurized Oxy-fuel Combustion of a Multi-phase Medium comprised of Methane (Fluid) and Pulverized Coal (Solid)
Authors: Pokharel Ansan , Islas Montero Alain , Udochukwu Gideon , Akkerman V’yacheslav
Published: May 2022

Staged pressurized oxy-fuel combustion is an advanced technology to be employed for the combustion and carbon capturing processes. This technology is promising because of relatively low costs, low emissions and high-efficient power generation with exhausting pressurized carbon dioxide. Our computational combustion group at West Virginia University performs a numerical study of a lab-scale SPOC reactor by using the ANSYS Fluent software for steady and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Naiver-Stokes simulations as well as large-eddy simulations aiming to support the experiments on SPOC ongoing at Washington University in St. Louis,. The simulations consider the total power to be 100 kW, varying the inputs from coal and methane, with CO2 being the coal carrier. The ultimate computational goal is to continuously reduce the portion of CH4 and eventually perform the LES of pure coal combustion generating 100 kW without no assistants of CH4. In present work, the numerical analysis involves a two-phase flow, turbulence, heat transfer as well as the flame and particle dynamics. The species transport model with the finite rate/eddy dissipation turbulence-chemistry interaction is used for coal combustion, along with a non-premixed combustion model for coal-CH4 burning. The discrete ordinates model for radiation is employed. Being successful with the RANS for pure coal, we are currently on the transition to the LES of pure coal.
Faculty-Student Engagement Best Practices
Authors: Stauber Renaud Emmanuel
Published: May 2022

RENAUD STAUBER, Dept of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, Davis and Elkins College, WV 26241.  Faculty-Student Engagement Best Practices.A network improvement community associated with the First2 Network is looking at ways to improve faculty-student engagement, particularly as it relates to improving STEM persistence in rural first-generation college students.  In particular, we are evaluating two of the change ideas that have been proposed with the “plan-do-study-act” (PDSA) methodology.  One idea has to do with broadening participation through engagement in the college’s Maker Space.  The other investigates one way to apply Saundra McGuire’s learning skills interventions as outlined in her book “Teach Students How to Learn.”  The results of the first were not encouraging, with fewer than six students participating in weekly workshop sessions.  The second yielded 15% exam grade improvements when compared with the prior year when the interventions were not performed.  In both cases the sample size was too small to be considered statistically meaningful, but the PDSAs provide some anecdotal evidence to be considered by other community members in their own classrooms and as a basis for further iterations of the change ideas.
Modeling the Effects of An Anti-CTLA-4 Antibody Therapy on Metastatic Melanoma.
Authors: Reichert Heidi , Wang Qing
Published: May 2022

CTLA-4 is a co-inhibitory molecule that functions to regulate T cell activation. Antibodies that block the interaction of CTLA-4 with its ligands B7.1 and B7.2 can enhance immune responses, including anti-tumor immunity. CTLA-4 blockade has demonstrated benefits in treatment of metastatic melanoma. Prior research has found that antitumor immunity can be enhanced through the blocking of CLTA-4. More recently, efforts to combine anti-CTLA-4 antibodies with other forms of cancer treatment like radiotherapy and chemotherapy have proven to be successful. This study has thus focused on the modeling and analyzing the effects of anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy on tumor growth using impulsive differential equations and mathematics analysis. This project is supported by the NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
Effect of burner geometry on the morphology and propagation of supercritical, CO2-diluted oxy-methane flames in obstructed channels
Authors: Ogunfuye Samuel Abimbola , Akkerman V'yacheslav , Adebiyi Abdulafeez , Kemenov Konstantin
Published: May 2022

High global demands for energy have promoted innovative research tailored towards exploring novel, more efficient and cleaner power generation. Advanced combustors are a forefront technology being developed in achieving these next-generation energy systems, which can be adapted towards current thermal power plants. One of such promising advanced energy systems technology is utilization of supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2)-diluted oxy-methane combustion. The present study therefore scrutinizes the effect of the burner geometry, in particular, the role of the blockage ratio alpha in the propagation and morphology of a CO2-diluted oxy-methane flame at a supercritical condition in an obstructed channel with 40% CO2-dilution. The computational simulation of the fully-compressible supercritical reacting flow equations is carried out with various blockage ratios,  alpha= 1/2, 1/3, 2/3, at constant pressure and temperature. It is observed that with an increase in α, the flame propagates exponentially matching earlier works at atmospheric conditions. Also, flame acceleration increases with the channel width. For the α = 2/3 case, high magnitude vortices and shock waves were observed thereby collapsing the concave flame structure observed for α = 1/2 and 1/3 cases.