bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disease affects carotenoid-based turtle coloration and may function as a condition-dependent indicator trait.
Authors: Steffen John , Webster Dominik , Webster Dominik
Published: May 2022

Carotenoids are photo-accessory pigments found in plants that provide animals with integumentary color as well as a variety of immunological benefits. Carotenoids that are deposited in the feather or skin to adverstise color must ultimately be obtained, ingested, absorbed and delivered to an integumentary site. However, carotenoids that serve immune functions cannot be used for integumentary display. As a result, carotenoid-based feather and skin color often indicates condition-dependent (i.e. immunological) phenotypic information because the pigments must be use for one or the other—but not both—roles. Support for the condition-dependent and sexually selective role of carotenoid-based turtle spots and stripes is equivocal. Here we show that carotenoid ingestion—and carotenoid-based color—is affected by Emydomyces testavorans fungal infection on the carapace, indicating that stripe and spot color could advertise immunological health altered by fungal infection and function as a condition-dependent indicator trait. This adds to other indirect evidence that painted turtle stripe and color may serve as sexually selective role.
Effects of CHD8 mutations on the intestinal dysmotility and peristalsis rate in a larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of autism
Authors: Ali Syed Monis , Burgess Harold , Burgess Harold , Burgess Harold , Walters James William
Published: May 2022

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the fastest-growing disorders in America today. While ASD is primarily known as a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior, comorbidities like constipation from restrictive gut movement also exist. Our work explores gut motility and quantifies the difference in the rate of flow of food in the gut and the smooth muscle movement. Many genes have been associated with ASD our lab is focused on CHD8 as it is one of the prevalent mutated genes. CHD8 is a chromatin helicase involves in brain development and nerve cells, which affects communication and proliferation. To study the CHD8 mutation, we are using Zebrafish to model Autism Disorder. With an intestinal transit assay, 7 days post-fertilization larvae are fed with a diet containing fluorescent beads for 1.5 hours and imaged it for five different time points over the next 24hours. With videography, we blindly recorded the larvae for 5 min at one frame/sec and capture the peristaltic events in the gut. Intestinal measurements of regions of interest were quantified for peristalsis timing and sequence. Larvae were then genotyped. 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.
Data mining of solar panel data to analyze the effects of different metals in producing photocurrent
Authors: Janes Madison , Baur Matthias , Hossain Mahmood , Harvey Erica
Published: May 2022

Solar panels are photosensitive devices that generate electric current by being exposed to radiant power. The “Solar Army” research group at FSU’s Department of Chemistry has been collecting solar panel data. These data consist of readings from plates that contain oxides of various metallic elements. Each of these plates is represented by a 6x6 grid of cells, where the leftmost and rightmost cells are known as standards -- typically containing copper and iron respectively. The original data has been preprocessed to represent the data for one of the 6x6 cells of a plate with one data record, including the type of electric lead used, the amount of photocurrent, and the amount of fifteen different metals present on the cell. The goal of this work was to analyze the effects different metals in generating photo current so that the effectiveness of the solar panels can be improved. We used the data mining tool Weka to preprocess and apply class association rules (CAR) mining to discover the combination metals that can produce different intensities of photo current. We also applied quantitative association rule mining to determine if the quantity of metals present can affect the photo current. These test results may be important not only to the Solar Army research group, but also to manufactures and scientists attempting to increase the effectiveness of solar panels.
Transcriptome Response of genes mitigating Reactive Oxygen Species in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae during dietary lipid absorption.
Authors: Walters Elizabeth Anne , Hubbard Gabriella , Sáez Ráez Paula , Schmieta Thomas , Walters James William
Published: May 2022

The Mediterranean diet is associated with higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as lower incidences of cardiac disease and colon cancer (1). Due the presence of multiple double bonds, PUFAs such as alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), are thought to generate fewer harmful metabolites, specifically the Reactive Oxidative Species (ROS). Conversely, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) may lead to relatively increased ROS. In this study we compare two high-fat diets: the MUFA diet containing oleic acid (1 mM C18:1 plus 1 mM cholesterol) and the PUFA diet containing ALA  (1 mM C18:3 plus 1 mM cholesterol). We compared gene expression from the dissected intestines of six days post-fertilization zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae after feeding the PUFA and MUFA diets for 3 hours. We measured ROS response indirectly via the increased expression of ROS response genes (GSTO1, GSR, and cyp1a). Our preliminary results show upregulation of the ROS response genes GSTO1, GSR, and cyp1a in the presence of MUFA and await further replicates to become significant. . These data support the hypothesis that dietary fatty acid saturation plays a role in oxidative stress within enterocytes. In the future we plan to measure ROS responsiveness directly via respirometry. 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 and the McNair Scholars Program.
The conservation concern of Faxonius sp. (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from the Lower Tennessee-Beech subbasin.
Authors: Delekta Emmy M , Loughman Zachary J , Williams Bronwyn W
Published: May 2022

Crayfishes are among the most imperiled freshwater taxa in North America with nearly 50% of US species at some level of conservation concern. The southern Appalachian Mountains of the US are home to the greatest crayfish diversity in the world. In the fall of 2019, the West Liberty University Crayfish Conservation Laboratory conducted surveys in the Lower Tennessee-Beech subbasin. Within the Indian Creek watershed, Faxonius sp. was found which we believe is an evolutionary significant unit (ESU) based on genetic and morphological data. Data is currently being compiled and analyzed with NatureServe’s Conservation Rank Calculator to determine the degree of imperilment of Faxonius sp. However, field surveys of the Indian Creek watershed and surrounding areas indicate Faxonius sp. has a narrow range and is not locally abundant. We believe that habitat competition from F. compressus and F. durelli has forced Faxonius sp. into headwaters of the Indian Creek watershed. Thus, Faxonius sp. is a punitive taxon in need of immediate conservation attention.
Comparing Virtual and Face-to-face Forensic Science Labs
Authors: Thompson Caroline , Henson Kristy
Published: May 2022

CAROLINE THOMPSON, Dept of Forensic Science, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV, 26554, and KRISTY HENSON, Dept of Forensic Science, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV, 26554. Comparing Virtual and Face-to-face Forensic Science Labs.   Due to Covid-19 and the recent demands for virtual options, this project was designed to investigate potential forensic science online resources and virtual labs and compare these to similar in-person classroom experiences, specifically with regard to student performance on assessments and student perceptions about learning. This project is being conducted by teaching middle schoolers, both in person and virtually, and comparing the different environments. Two virtual software programs are being compared; Learn Engine’s Diablo Highway and Cengage’s virtual forensic science lab. In addition, surveys have been given to participating students for them to provide feedback about the methods. This research found that students who were taught fully in person produced an average test score of 76.67% and lab assignment averages of 83.33% on glass fracture and hand writing analysis lessons; when the students were taught using Learn Engine Virtual on their own, they received an average quiz score of 81% and average lab score of 76% on blood typing and fingerprint comparison lessons; when students worked on Learn Engine virtual lessons with a teacher present, their average quiz score was 72.9% and the average lab score was 86.78% on hair analysis and DNA analysis lessons. The preliminary data suggests that teaching virtually obtains comparable results to teaching in person.
Blood spatter impact accuracy on nonporous surfaces and how it affects criminal investigation updated
Authors: Whitlatch Cassandra Danielle
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this research was to test the validity of the Bathazard equation (sinθ = (W/L) on nonporous, passive, blood-spattered surfaces. The Bathazard equation was formulated and tested solely on porous surfaces. Nonporous and porous surfaces have different properties and react differently affecting the size and shape of the blood spatter. To test the validity of the Bathazard equation, I tested passive drops of blood from average female and male fingertip heights at 90̊, 60̊, and 45̊ angles on porous and nonporous surfaces. Blood drop height and width were measured after immediate impact and again after an hour. An hour was selected because it is the average time from a crime being committed until it is investigated by police in West Virginia. Results show that the angle variation of the porous standards did not typically yield accurate impact angles when using the Bathazard equation. Nonporous surfaces did not yield accurate impact angles for any test using the Bathazard equation. The Bathazard equation is not a suitable formula to use when analyzing passive blood spatter on nonporous surfaces because it yields inaccurate results of blood evidence in criminal cases.
Analysis of Chelodina mccordi from the Audubon Zoo, New Orleans
Authors: Taylor Kaitlyn , Sanclemente Justin , Garrison Nicole , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

Chelodina mccordi is a small freshwater turtle native to the islands of Roti and Timor in Indonesia. They are considered critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List due primarily to habitat loss and overcollection. Current conservation efforts aim to breed and release them into existing native populations to improve genetic pool quality and heterozygosity, although captive populations are extremely limited. Our study aims to determine the level of relatedness between six C. mccordi individuals held at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. Genetic markers indicate which individuals are siblings; this information will allow the Zoo to efficiently manage turtle breeding pairs to yield desired genetic diversity. DNA was extracted from each sample (n=6) and the nuclear marker R35x1 (RNA fingerprint protein 35, exon 1) was amplified. PCR product was sequenced using Sanger sequencing and 1,060 base pairs were recovered after assembly, multiple sequence alignment, and trimming. Across the entire alignment, individuals differed at only 4 sites with no clear pattern of relatedness. Based on these results, there is not enough variation in the exon region that was sequenced to confidently confirm the sibling status. Future directions of this project will involve sequencing a more variable intron region or using a Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method, if necessary. This research was carried out with financial support from the West Liberty University Biology and Zoo Science department.
NSF S-STEM Project Initiation: Supporting Undergraduate Cohorts of Career-Ready Engineering and Science Scholars (SUCCESS) Project at WVU Tech
Authors: Hatipoglu Kenan , Rai Sanish , Panta Yogendra
Published: May 2022

The SUCCESS project was recently funded by NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM). Our project aims to increase student persistence in STEM fields at West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) over its 5-year duration. Our project provides scholarships with varieties of student support services to the participant students to the program.  Not only our support service includes faculty/technical expert from industry/ peer mentoring but also offer some exciting opportunities including cohort shared living and academic experiences; undergraduate research experiences; career exploration; and participation in discipline-specific conferences. Initially, we plan to sponsor for 20 full-time undergraduate students “Scholars” who will pursue bachelor’s degrees either in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) or in Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS). The so-called Scholars will be ideally selected as academically talented, low-income, full-time first-time freshmen through a rigorous selection process. To build a business mindset, the Scholars will be supported/encouraged to choose a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies. By connecting Scholars to professional mentors, the project will enhance partnerships between STEM programs and local industries in the state.   The project website was built, and applications will be accepted until May 1st, 2021. We are recruiting our first cohort of Scholars for the fall semester of 2021. We hope to update the project progress annually to the WV community at WVAS Annual Meetings. This project is funded by NSF DUE S-STEM Program from 2021-2026.
Assessment of snail communities in fragmented habitats
Authors: McClelland Emma , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

Forest fragmentation is an increasing commonality with the continued rise in disturbances from extractive industries and various anthropogenic activities. While research has observed negative effects of fragmentation such as ecotones, the impact on specific organisms is unknown. Sites were selected in three forests that have been fragmented by power lines, three forests fragmented by pipelines, and three primarily undisturbed forests to assess snail communities. Beginning at the edge of the disturbance, every 25, 50, 75, and 100m into the forest, two 1m2 quadrats were sampled on each side. Environmental data was collected along with snails visible to the naked eye; leaf litter was placed in bags and sieved for microsnails. Abundance and species richness were highest among the control sites, followed by power line rights-of-way. Since power lines have been around longer than pipelines, hypotheses conclude that snail communities need substantial time to repopulate fragmented forests. Species richness may never completely recover due to generalist and/or invasive species overtaking and outcompeting native species in these disturbed habitats. Surprisingly, environmental factors such as vegetation heterogeneity, soil temperature, and canopy cover showed no significant correlations with snail abundance or species richness. Besides site type, the driving force behind snail abundance and species richness appears to be distance from disturbance. Species richness significantly increased with distance from the disturbance. While abundance was not significant given distance from the disturbance, there was a clear observable trend. More sites should be sampled in the future as trends may likely display significance with more available data.
Advancements in the Understanding of Appalachian Primary Burrowing Crayfish Ecology and Habitat Usage with a Focus on Cambarus monongalensis
Authors: Davis Destinee Austin , Whitson Taylor Ross , Krochmal James , Diehl Kaine , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

Primary burrowing crayfish life history and ecology is largely due to their cryptic habitat preferences. Cambarus monongalensis, arguably the most charismatic of all crayfishes, lacks basic life history and habitat data because of the aforementioned obstacles. This study seeks to determine the life history and ecological preferences of populations of C. monongalensis in the northern panhandle of West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania with notes on its natural history. Life history data will include form change and reproductive patterns including juvenile size of departure from the maternal burrow. Habitat data were collected using external burrow morphology and burrow locations within a standardized area collected seasonally to determine the preferences and cyclical patterns of crayfishes. With these data, the conservation of this species, and others that follow a similar life history strategy, is possible
Contribution of Francisella tularensis FTL_1306 (dipA) in resazomycin susceptibility
Authors: Souder Kendall , Whaby Michael , Hickman Jennifer , Primerano Donald , Denvir James , Schmitt Deanna
Published: May 2022

The CDC classifies Francisella tularensis as a Category A bioterrorism agent. Due to the growing global threat of antibiotic resistant bacteria, novel therapeutics against F. tularensis must be developed.  Resazomycins are resazurin (Rz)-based compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity against F. tularensis and other gram-negative bacteria. The action of resazomycins is not well understood, but potential targets of the antibiotic were identified in a high throughput screen for Rz-resistant isolates. The dipA (FTL_1306) gene was identified as mutated in half of the 48 Rz-resistant (RZR) strains sequenced. To further investigate the role of dipA in Rz susceptibility, we introduced a wild-type copy of dipA into select RZR isolates (RZR1, 5, 43, and 46) that contain dipA mutations. The dipA gene was amplified by PCR from wild-type F. tularensis and cloned into the F. tularensis shuttle vector pABST to generate a construct (pABST-dipA) in which dipA will be constitutively expressed under control of the groEL promoter. The pABST-dipA plasmid was mobilized into each of the selected RZR isolates by electroporation. Western blotting indicated that expression of wild-type dipA was restored in RZR strains with the introduction of the pABST-dipA construct. The MIC of resazurin for the resulting RZR dipA-complemented strains was equivalent to that wild-type F. tularensis and significantly different from resistant mutants. Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate the contribution of dipA to the bactericidal action of resazomycins.
Effects of a Radiation Therapy on Tumor Growth: Analysis in Comparison to Experimental Data
Authors: Burner Katey , Wang Qing
Published: May 2022

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the most common and effective cancer treatment options. Due to the need for radiation therapy, research on optimizing the effectiveness of RT is critical. Mathematical modeling and computer simulations provide powerful tools to investigate potential optimal dosage and timing for tumor control. In this work, we have developed a mathematical model using a system of impulsive ordinary differential equations (IODE) to describe how RT interacts with other major players of the tumor microenvironment. Analysis was conducted for  the tumor model coupled with experimental data. Future work includes analyzing ways to maximize the effects of RT using computer simulations and experimental data. The objective of this study was to develop a platform to improve cancer management by manipulating dose and fractionation schedules of RT. This study is supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
Scientific method for improvement and student success: Plan-Do-Study-Act.
Authors: Heatherly Sue Ann , Harvey Erica
Published: May 2022

Are you curious what STEM students find to be barriers to their own success?  Do you have anything in your courses or research laboratory environments that you would like to improve?  In this hands-on session you will learn how to use the basic principles of improvement science, specifically a branch called Networked Improvement Communities (NIC), to identify ideas that you think might produce the improvement you seek.  You will be guided through setting up a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to test your change idea on a rapid timescale in your own local environment.    The First2 Network (https://first2network.org) is a growing statewide alliance that aims to improve student success and retention in STEM fields, using the NIC framework.  First-generation and other underrepresented students are at the center of the work, and we invite all students at the conference to join in and share their own experiences and perspectives with faculty members during this session.   First2 Network, a National Science Foundation INCLUDES Alliance, is supported by NSF award numbers HRD-1834569, 1834575, 1834586, 1834595, and 1834601.
Liver damage in a mouse model of methamphetamine overdose.
Authors: Hambuchen Michael , Stevens Travis , Findley David , Brazeau Daniel
Published: May 2022

Currently, the incidence of death due to methamphetamine (METH) overdose is increasing rapidly in the US. Liver damage is a consequence of METH overdose. Our objective was to produce acute METH-induced hepatotoxicity observable by the clinical serum biomarker alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

   In this study, 9 week old male CD-1 IGS mice (n=6-7/group) were administered 0 (saline), 10, or 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal (ip) METH every 2 hours for a total of 4 doses. One day after the first METH dose, mice were weighed and 30 minutes of spontaneous locomotor activity was measured. Immediately afterward, serum was collected for the determination of ALT.

   Both the 10 and 20 mg/kg METH regimens increased animal stress as measured by a significant reduction in spontaneous locomotor activity and weight loss (p<.05), but there were no significant differences between the two doses. While the 10 mg/kg regimen did not produce any significant elevations in ALT compared to saline control, the 20 mg/kg METH regimen significantly increased ALT compared to both saline and the 10 mg/kg METH regimen (p<.05).

   In conclusion, this 20 mg/kg METH overdose regimen produced acute hepatotoxicity in mice. It will be used in the future development of pharmacotherapies protective against METH-induced liver damage.
Deletion of FTL_0671 to determine the role of this gene in erythrocyte invasion by Francisella tularensis
Authors: Elle Roberts  , Joseph Horzempa
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease tularemia.  During infection, F. tularensis bacteria invade erythrocytes, a phenomenon that enhances the colonization of ticks after a blood meal.  To gain insight into the mechanism of erythrocyte invasion, we hypothesized that transcription of bacterial genes important in red blood cell invasion would increase upon exposure to these host cells. An RNA-seq analysis revealed that transcription of 7% of F. tularensis genes increased when in the presence of erythrocytes. Of these, we identified three putative transcriptional regulators, namely FTL_0671, FTL_1199, and FTL_1665.  The goal of this work was to determine the role of FTL_0671 in erythrocyte invasion by F. tularensis LVS.  After successfully generating a  DFTL_0671 strain by homologous recombination, we tested the ability of this mutant to invade erythrocytes using a gentamicin protection assay.  As seemingly more    DFTL_0671 bacteria invaded red blood cells than wild-type LVS, this preliminary experiment suggested that FTL_0671 may restrict erythrocyte invasion.  In addition to being a potential transcriptional regulator, FTL_0671 is homologous to PanK, a protein required for CoA biosynthesis in some bacteria.  To determine whether FTL_0671 functioned in this capacity, LVS or  DFTL_0671 was cultured in a chemically defined medium, devoid of CoA.  In this experiment, DFTL_0671 did not exhibit diminished growth, suggesting that either FTL_0671 does not encode an enzyme required for CoA biosynthesis, or that F. tularensis can utilize an alternative pathway to synthesize this critical coenzyme.
Evaluation of the use of AMD sludge as soil amendment
Authors: Rodrigues Silva Amanda , Watters Brady , Hopkinson Leslie , Quaranta John
Published: May 2022

The treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) involves chemical treatments to raise pH and precipitate solubilized metals. The byproduct of this process is an AMD sludge precipitate, and its management and disposal are a continuous environmental concern.  This study evaluated the application of AMD sludge as a soil amendment to support vegetation establishment. A small-scale growth study was completed with six treatments composed by different percentages of topsoil and AMD sludge:  i) 100% topsoil (100T), ii) 10% sludge, and 90% topsoil (10S90T), iii) 20% sludge and 80% topsoil (20S80T), iv) 30% sludge and 70% topsoil (30S70T), v) 40% sludge and 60% topsoil (40S60T), and vi) 50% sludge and 50% topsoil (50S50T). Four replications of each treatment were considered.  Ground cover was monitored weekly for nine weeks (September 29, 2021 – December 2, 2021). Stem length and biomass were measured. Non-parametric testing analyzed differences in ground cover, stem height, and biomass. Ground cover ranged from 14.6% to 70.1% across all treatments at the end of the study period. The 100% topsoil treatment had the greatest median ground cover (=60.6%); however, no statistical differences were determined among the 100T, 20S80T, 30S70T, 40S60T, and 50S50T treatments.   Biomass ranged from 1.41 to 6.22 g, and average stem length varied from 3.6 to 5.3 cm.  These preliminary results suggest AMD sludge may be considered for land application as an alternative means of disposal. Generally, treatments with greater amounts of sludge performed better than those with lower sludge amounts. Additional testing at field scale is needed.
Responses of belowground multitrophic interactions under warming climate conditions.
Authors: Nelson Logan , Reid Matthew
Published: May 2022

Belowground interactions among plants and soil organisms are complex. Plant roots form associations with mutualists, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), while also interacting with soil fauna that may feed on plant roots and fungal hyphae. Each of these interactions is likely to be affected by a warming climate, and community-level responses may not always be evident. We investigated the growth responses of the perennial C4 grass Panicum virgatum and a generalist AMF mutualist Rhizophagus intraradices to increased air temperature and addition of herbivorous nematodes (Pratylenchus penetrans). We conducted a 2x2 factorial experiment, where we manipulated air temperature (ambient vs. warm) and nematode addition (presence vs. absence). While neither air temperature nor nematode addition had any effect on aboveground plant biomass, warmer temperatures reduced plant belowground biomass by 48.5%, and nematode addition reduced belowground plant biomass by 40.9%. Nematode addition reduced the length of extraradical hyphae (ERH) in the soil by 65.8%, while warmer temperature had no effect on ERH length. Levels of AMF colonization in the roots differed significantly based on the interaction of nematode addition and temperature. Under ambient temperature conditions, nematode addition reduced root colonization levels by 38.1%. However, under warming conditions, nematode addition resulted in increased root colonization levels by 25.9%, indicating potential greater reliance by the plant on its AMF mutualist. Overall, these results suggest complex responses of multitrophic interactions to warming temperatures. Given Panicum virgatum is a cellulosic bioenergy crop, our results highlight the potential effects on plant growth and belowground carbon storage.
The role of Cxcl12b and axon projection in the zebrafish habenula.
Authors: Horn Alicia
Published: May 2022

The habenula is a brain region that is conserved in all vertebrates. It plays a role in regulating emotion-related behaviors such as anxiety, fear, punishment versus reward, depression, and addiction. The habenula has also been implicated in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorders. Earlier studies indicate that chemokine signaling is required for the habenular axons to project in the correct direction, towards the midbrain. Chemokines are small cytokines, or signaling proteins, secreted by cells. A major role of chemokines is to act as a chemoattractant in guiding the migration of cells. The two chemokine signals present in the habenular region are Cxcl12a and Cxcl12b. Mutations in Cxcl12a have been shown to produce an axon phenotype however, the role of Cxcl12b in habenular axon projection has yet to be determined. Additionally, previous publications suggest that cxcl12a and cxcl12b may be expressed in non-overlapping domains in this area and may have unique functions in this process. We plan to perform an RNA in situ hybridization to determine if cxcl12a and cxcl12b co-express in the habenular region. To test if Cxcl12b is essential for habenular axon projection, we will overexpress cxcl12b in zebrafish embryos carrying a transgenic marker for habenular neurons. We will visualize the habenular axons in larvae 5 days post fertilization using fluorescent microscopy and score the images based on previously published methods. We hypothesize that if Cxcl12b is overexpressed then habenular axons will project in the wrong direction, towards the forebrain. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence; NIH WV INBRE Grant#)
The Effect of Efflux Pumps and Oxidative Stress on Neisseria gonorrhoeae Susceptibility to Resazomycins
Authors: Gibson Jordan Faith , Young Emily , Schmitt Deanna , Rice Justin
Published: May 2022

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains underscores the need for novel antimicrobials against this pathogen. Resazomycins, derivatives of resazurin (Rz), have shown robust antimicrobial activity against N. gonorrhoeae (Ng) in vitro. In vivo, however, resazomycins exhibit limited efficacy in a mouse model of gonorrhea.  Previous experiments have shown that N. gonorrhoeae is more resistant to resazurin at oxygen levels comparable to those seen in host tissue (2%). We hypothesized this difference in susceptibility at low oxygen compared to atmospheric oxygen (~20%) was due to altered activity of multi-drug efflux pumps. To test this, we screened a selection of N. gonorrhoeae mutants that do not express or overexpress either the MtrCDE or NorM efflux pumps for Rz susceptibility.  Overexpression of MtrCDE resulted in increased resistance to Rz at both 2% and ~20% oxygen suggesting resazurin may be a substrate of this efflux pump.  Loss of expression of either MtrCDE or NorM had no effect on the increased resistance of N. gonorrhoeae to resazurin at low oxygen. We next sought to determine whether the increased susceptibility of Rz at 20% oxygen is due to oxidative stress. To test this, we measured the susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae to Rz in the presence and absence of the antioxidants, cysteine HCl and glutathione, at 20% oxygen. In the presence of cysteine HCl or glutathione, multiple N. gonorrhoeae strains had a higher Rz MIC at 20% oxygen. Here, we have shown oxygen concentration affects N. gonorrhoeae susceptibility to Rz due to increased oxidative stress.
Identification and characterization of fungi isolated from a cheese cave in the Eastern United States
Authors: Banks Alex , Behrmann Emily , Robertson Laura
Published: May 2022

Fungal spores are ubiquitous; however, the species vary, depending upon the environment and usage.  This study investigates the culturable fungi found in the built environment of a cheese cave.  Using three different media, viable fungi were captured from a cheese cave in the Eastern United States.  Captured fungi were isolated and putative species identified by sequencing the ITS region of rRNA (DNA barcode).  In addition, two control fungi were identified by DNA barcode: a commercial strain used for cheese-making and a strain commonly used in the teaching lab where this study was conducted.  Due to insufficient sequence variability within the ITS region, the 31 isolated fungal strains plus two control strains were identified to genus or species complex, but could not be resolved to species. Three genera were identified: Cladosporium (4 isolates), Scopulariopsis (1 isolate), and Penicillium (26 isolates, plus both control strains).  Most isolates, including the commercial cheese-making strain, belong to a group of Penicillium species that cannot be distinguished by ITS sequence (Penicillium fuscoglaucum, Penicillium palitans, Penicillium commune, Penicillium caseifulvum).  The growth of a representative sample of the cheese-cave fungal isolates was assessed on milk agar, salted milk agar, and malt extract agar. The commercial cheese-making strain exhibits more robust growth on milk-based media (similar to cheese) compared to malt extract agar, correlating with the use in cheese production and indicating characteristic traits of domestication.
Use of Heliopsis and Epilobium extract to test for reduced viability of Francisella tularensis
Authors: Theresa Evangelista  , Joseph Horzempa  , Elle Roberts
Published: May 2022

THERESA EVANGELISTA & JOSEPH HORZEMPA, Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, 26074. Use of Heliopsis and Epilobium extract to test for reduced viability of Francisella tularensis.

 

Through a collaboration with the National Center for Natural Products Research, we identified multiple extracts from plants that exhibited novel antimicrobial activity.  These extracts led to reduced viability of the pathogenic bacterium, Francisella tularensis during an in vitro infection but did not alter bacterial viability in the absence of host cells.  Therefore, rather than inhibiting a central biological pathway of bacteria, these extracts either functioned through immune activation or dampening virulence factor expression of F. tularensis.  Two of these extracts were obtained from plants of the genera Heliopsis and Epilobium. In this work, we sought to validate and extend the previous findings.  Future experimentation will utilize bio-assay-guided fractionation to isolate and identify the compounds responsible for the previously observed antimicrobial activity.  In addition, we will conduct mechanistic studies to determine whether the responsible compound activates host cells or downregulates virulence gene expression of F. tularensis.
Investigating the antimicrobial activity of a crude leaf extract derived from Piper species.
Authors: Dodson Autumn Grace
Published: May 2022

A growing number of human pathogens are becoming resistant to most common antibiotics. Each year, antibiotic-resistant infections are responsible for 35,000 deaths in the United States and billions of dollars in health care costs. This problem is magnified by the fact that very few new antibiotic therapies have been developed and approved for human use in recent years. Historically, plants and other products found in nature have served as essential sources for the discovery of novel antibacterial agents. Piper species are aromatic plants whose secondary metabolites have been shown to have wide ranging human health effects including anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory activity. In collaboration with Dr. Claudia Ospina at Inter American University of Puerto Rico, we generated a crude chemical extract from Piper leaves and will be assessing the antimicrobial activity of this extract against a broad range of bacterial species known to exhibit multidrug resistance. Future studies will involve isolating the active compounds (and/or fractions) from the Piper crude extract using column chromatography and/or HPLC. The pure compounds will be characterized using different spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, IR and MS.  We anticipate isolating and identifying several bioactive compounds from the crude Piper leaf extract that exhibit antimicrobial activity.
Biocultural conditions and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in skeletal remains
Authors: Henson Kristy
Published: May 2022

Vitamin D directly influences blood-calcium homeostasis and skeletal health. Individuals who do not have enough vitamin D do not have adequate blood calcium levels leading to a cascade of metabolic deficiencies and health problems, including bone diseases like rickets and osteomalacia. My Ph.D. focuses on the extent and impact of vitamin D deficiency in the recent historic past in the United States. I examined fifty skeletons from the Hamann-Todd Collection at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for the presence or absence of vitamin D deficiency. Biocultural variables can affect one’s likelihood of being vitamin D deficient. To determine which variable(s) these individuals may be subjected to I used morgue records and death certificates to search Ancestry and FamilySearch for genealogical data for these individuals. Preliminary results show that vitamin D deficiency was present in 24% of the sample. Death certificate data was available for 100% of the sample and 100% of the individuals died in Ohio.
Characterization of two predicted lipid metabolism genes (FTL_1569 and FTL_1570) in the intracellular pathogen, Francisella tularensis LVS
Authors: Rachelle Patterson
Published: May 2022

Many species of bacteria enter a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state when exposed to stressful conditions. Since cells in the VBNC state can only be resuscitated under favorable conditions, this acts as an adaptive strategy that allows for long-term survival of bacteria in unfavorable environments. The ability to enter the VBNC state may be advantageous for bacteria, but it poses a risk to human health. Francisella tularensis,transitions rapidly and spontaneously to the VBNC state, giving it the potential to be an excellent model organism for the study of this phenomenon. Although dormant, these cells are still biologically active, and can stimulate cytokine production and interact with host cells. Microscopic observations reveal that changes in cell morphology are coincident with the VBNC state. To characterize these morphological changes, fluorescence microscopy using membrane lipid (acridine orange 10-nonyl bromide) staining has been used and these experiments suggest that lipid metabolism may be important for the transition into the VBNC state. To investigate further, genetic mutants have been constructed of two genes, FTL_1569 (phosphoglycolate phosphatase) and FTL_1570 (Phospholipase D family protein) which are predicted to be involved in lipid metabolism. Gentamicin protection assays with immune cells and red blood cells have been conducted to investigate the role of these genes in virulence of F. tularensis. Our preliminary results suggest that lipid metabolism may play roles in both persistence and in infection of F. tularensis. (This work was supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence).
Characterizing Peristalsis during a High-Fat Meal compared to a Low-Fat Meal in Zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio).
Authors: Parnell Dakota James , Orell Jesse , Ali Syed , Russell Chandler , Walters James
Published: May 2022

Obesity is a far too common issue in the Appalachian region. Because larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) are optically transparent up to fourteen days post fertilization (dpf) and have high synteny with humans, it makes them ideal research models to study biological responses that include metabolic and physiological processes. The intestines perform a wave like, autoregulated, continuous series of muscular contractions and relaxations called peristalsis to push food through the digestive system. Diets spiked with fluorescent polystyrene beads were used to visualize consumption of the diet to determine an optimal feeding period. Once determined, seven-dpf larvae were fed two different diets, visualizing which diet causes the most peristaltic movement. One diet was prepared with high fat contents and another with low fat contents. The larvae were fed for 3 hours at 20 minutes apart to ensure all larvae fed for the same period before being imaged. Each diet was fed to 25 larvae to allow a good sample size in analysis. Using the Zeiss Discovery V8 microscope, an image sequence was captured at 1 image per second for 5 minutes. For analysis, using NIH Image J and RStudio, we are recording pixel movement through 5 different regions of interest (ROI) in the intestinal tract of the fed larvae. For the experimental data, pixel movement will represent peristaltic movement between different diets. Analysis has yet to be concluded, but we expect the results to show that the larvae being fed the high fat diet will have a higher rate of peristaltic movement.
STEM resource compilations for West Virginia.
Authors: Harvey Erica , Revels Josh , Thompson Beth , White Deana , White Josh , Klose Erika
Published: May 2022

First2 Network, NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC), WV Department of Education (WVDE), and WV Alliance for STEM and the Arts offer compilations of WV STEM resources that serve undergraduate and K12 students, parents, educators, industry, and other STEM stakeholders throughout WV.  Learn how to use and submit events to these resource compilations, and how they are connected.  First2 Network’s WV STEM Hub is a searchable online inventory of West Virginia STEM-related assets, resources and opportunities. The NASA ERC aims to spotlight NASA internships for high school and undergraduate students through the Careers in the Corridor event, and to add industry partners to the WV STEM Hub and WVDE STEM Ecosystem. The main objective is to help develop STEM career pipelines by providing early awareness career explorations for WV students. STEAM Trek is a free web-based, interactive game platform for WV students to explore STEAM content and resources available from organizations, institutions, and individuals from WV and beyond.  A new corridor in the game space is planned, to serve as a virtual Careers in the Corridor event continuously available to the public.
Similarities in habitat and fossil assemblages of three Late Jurassic paleoenvironments and use in inferring presence of undiscovered dinosaur taxa
Authors: Klug Steven , Wood James
Published: May 2022

This literature review seeks to examine the similarities of three Late Jurassic paleoenvironments, the Morrison Formation environment of North America, the Lourinhã Formation environment of Portugal, and the Tendaguru Formation environment of Tanzania, and use these similarities to infer presence of several missing taxa across these ecosystems. A comparison of literature on the habitats, geography, and dinosaur fossil taxa of these environments reveals a high degree of similarity despite wide geographical distribution. These similarities suggest that if one of these environments is missing fossil evidence for a dinosaur taxon with close relatives in the other two environments, the presence of the missing related taxon can be inferred, and that its absence is due to lack of fossilization or discovery. These conclusions are intended to assist in reconstructions of these ancient environments for the purposes of niche occupancy, and not to describe new taxa.
The NSF S-STEM Scholarship Program at Shepherd University
Authors: Wang Qing , DEWITT AMY , GROSS EMILY , LIAO WEIDONG , ADAMS KAREN , MIRDAMADI REZA
Published: May 2022

The Track II NSF S-STEM Program in the CME Department at Shepherd University started in October 2021 and welcomed our first cohort of 8 scholars majoring in computer science, mathematics, data analytics, or engineering in Spring 2022. The overall goal of the program is to increase the number and quality of STEM graduates in the STEM workforce by providing financial, academic, and social support, which enables qualified students to overcome certain barriers that prevent them from meeting their educational and career goals. In this poster, major activities and outcomes of the program since Oct. 2021 are presented. Survey and report results from the last academic year, along with initiatives that increase, retain, and support students in CME fields, are also discussed. This program has been supported by the NSF S-STEM Grant (award No. DUE-2130267).
The Microhabitat Preferences Based on Relative Density and Stream Assessment of Regina septemvittata in a small West Virginia Stream
Authors: Storer Nicoleena , Sanclemente Justin , Ringhiser Brian , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

Regina septemvittata is a slim-bodied water snake in the family Natricidae that is native to the northeastern United States. Being the only species to consume exclusively freshly molted crayfish, R. septemvittata is categorized as a specialist. The selectivity of prey suggests possible other narrow range preferences including refuge and hunting locations. This study is being conducted in the North Fork of Short Creek in Ohio County, WV. In addition, Nerodia sipedon sipedon is also found within the study stream system. N. s. Sipedon is a generalist water snake species that has been shown to be larger and more aggressive than R. septemvittata. Both species are captured throughout their activity period, April - November, starting in 2018. In addition to environmental and morphological data being recorded at the time of collection, qualitative habitat evaluation indexes (QHEI) were recorded at the initiation of the project. QHEI allows for a more standardized evaluation of the quality of the stream system. The combination of the quality of the stream in 100-meter sections of the stream in addition to snake location data can show relative preferences of R. septemvittata throughout the stream system. The current data suggests a greater preference for disturbed habitat as well as a higher frequency of hot spots in the stream as opposed to their generalist counterparts N. s. sipedon.
The Impact of 12 Weeks of Training on Body Composition and Blood Pressure in NCAA football players Division II
Authors: Antill Mychaela , Kolberg Adam , Kolberg Adam , Kennedy Taylor , Dos Santos Julia
Published: May 2022

Football is one of the most popular sports in North America. Because of different position-specific demands, football players require a different skill set highly dependent on their anthropometric characteristics and body composition. Therefore, the goal of the study was to identify the impact of an off-season training program among NCAA football players Division II of different positions on body mass index (BMI), percentage of muscle, and fat. Football players (N=68) were tested at the beginning of the off-season training and at the end of this training period. Percentage of fat and muscle mass, and BMI of players from eight positions (quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back) were assessed. At the beginning of the off-season, BMI of the offensive line and the defensive line was higher than all other positions; however, only the offensive line had a higher body fat percentage and lower muscle mass percentage when compared to the other positions, except the defensive line (p<0.05). There was an increase in the percentage of muscle mass overall (p<0.05) and no difference in the percentage of fat (p=0.053) at the end of the off-season when compared to the beginning. When stratified in positions, the percentage of muscle increased in quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive back, whereas the percentage of fat decreased in running back, wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive back (p<0.05). Thus, the training program applied during the off-season improves body composition and reflects on the performance enhancement of NCAA football players Division II.