bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Acid Mine Drainage on Plant Community Structure in the Central Appalachians
Authors: Clark Kyle , Lesser Mark
Published: May 2022

Acid mine drainage (AMD), is one of the major environmental complications in West Virginia. AMD occurs when abandoned mines leak heavy metals into streams and rivers. AMD leaches into the groundwater, which in turn may have implications on plant community composition and health. Five abandoned mine sites in Tucker County West Virginia were identified and all necessary permissions to conduct research at the sites were obtained. Sites were chosen based on remediation activities ranging from completely reclaimed to unreclaimed. Field work consisted of laying out two transects radiating outwards approximately 200 meters from a highwall. Along each transect two plots were established. Within each plot all mature trees were identified and soil pH was measured. Water samples were collected to find an estimate of iron concentration. Measures of species composition, diversity, and richness were calculated and modelled against soil properties.Data suggests that the effects of groundwater contamination did not have a negative impact on community composition, diversity, and within species performance. Community composition was predicted to shift from dominance of low pH tolerant species to less tolerant species, and within species performance was expected to rise with distance from mine. Data shows no significant differences between soil pH, species richness and diversity. This study was important for understanding which tree species are able to inhabit acidic soils and if there were any differences with soil pH of mine that has been reclaimed and one that is not.
Extent and Spatial Distribution of Marcellus Wells in West Virginia
Authors: Gay Lyndsee Lee , Gazal Rico M
Published: May 2022

Marcellus shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock that is part of the formation of a rock unit from the Devonian age. The Devonian age is roughly 390 million years old. This which shows a significant age for the Marcellus shale as well. The Marcellus shale was formed millions of years ago when the mud from the Devonian age sea hardened as it was deposited on the oxygen deprived sea floor. Because much of the United States was covered by oceans 390 million years ago, what is now West Virginia has a significant amount of Marcellus shale underneath its surface. Marcellus shale is very rich in organic materials and has been considered the major source of natural gas produced in the Appalachian Basin to this date.   The shale formation in West Virginia is around 6,000 feet deep and the various gas fields are believed to contain more than 50 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas. The oil and gas business has boomed in this state over the years due to this excellent source of natural gas. Using spatial analysis in Geographic Information System, the location and extent of Marcellus wells will be determined. This study will use spatial data from WV Geological and Economic Survey, WV Department of Environmental Protection and WV GIS Technical Center. Maps of the entire state will be created to show the range of productive wells and the environmental factors that could possibly be affected as a result of constructing and maintaining the wells.
Optimizing the reaction conditions for the anti-Markovnikov hydrobromination of alkenes.
Authors: Weaver Kelly , Evans Kevin L.
Published: May 2022

The addition of hydrobromic acid to an alkene is a fundamental organic reaction with unsymmetrical alkenes yielding two products, Markovnikov and anti-Markovnikov alkyl bromide.  Both of these products can theoretically be produced from either the electrophilic addition mechanism or the radical mechanism. The electrophilic addition mechanism produces predominately the Markovnikov alkyl bromide while the radical mechanism produces predominately the anti-Markovnikov alkyl bromide. The overall objective of this research is to develop a novel synthesis of the anti-Markovnikov alkyl bromide through a radical mechanism from the in situ generation of hydrobromic acid from phosphorus tribromide and water. Results from 1-octene and undecylenic acid show a strong correlation between the volume of the solvent and the percent anti-Markovnikov alkyl bromide produced. For 1-octene a stir time of 24 hours is preferable over 2 hours to improve the percent yield of alkyl bromides. Additional stir time beyond 24 hours was not beneficial as the percent yields remained comparable.  While stir times of both 2 and 24 hours had comparable percent yields for undecylenic acid, the stir time of 24 hours had a stronger correlation between the volume of solvent and the percent conversion to the anti-Markovnikov alkyl bromide. This procedure appears to be a viable synthesis of the anti-Markovnikov alkyl bromide, but additional trials with other alkenes need to be performed.
Novel combined airbrush/silkscreen method for finding catalysts to yield hydrogen fuel through solar energy
Authors: Cuccaro Dominique Colleen , Harvey Erica , Greenham Jeff , Kingston Mike , Bowers Jordyn
Published: May 2022

Could you imagine how much better our world would be if all our fuel was derived from solar energy and water? Our goal with The Solar Army is to find catalysts that will speed up the process of splitting water with sunlight to yield hydrogen fuel. We report on results from a novel airbrush/silkscreen technique that theoretically prepares all ratios of three metal oxides on each glass sample plate. Three aqueous metal nitrate salt solutions are prepared with a thickening agent, polyethylene glycol (PEG). The process we have developed consists of using an airbrush to spray metal salt solutions through a silk screen imprinted with a triangle-shaped gradient pattern. We rotate the triangle with each airbrush spray of a different metal solution, resulting in a different solution being sprayed from each triangle corner. This technique prepares all the possible ratios of the three metals through the varying triangle gradients, allowing us to test combinations much more efficiently.  Six sample plates have been fired (to convert the layered metal nitrates to mixed metal oxides) and scanned for photoactivity.    Support was provided from the College of Science and Technology at Fairmont State University, the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium, and Learning Options, Inc., through a STEAM Power WV grant from the WV Division of Culture and History.
Identification and Analysis of Wild Yeasts for the Purpose of Brewing Craft Beer
Authors: Healy James A , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

The recent surge in the number of breweries across the United States, and the world, has increased competition and forced brewers to find unique flavors and styles.  Many brewers are relying on local yeast to differentiate themselves from macrobreweries.  The objective of this study will be to isolate, identify, and analyze wild yeasts from West Virginia and the surrounding areas that can be standardized for brewing beer.  To enrich for yeast, a general growth medium (yeast peptone dextrose [YPD] broth) was exposed to air, tree bark, and a swab from a two-toed sloth from the Good Zoo at Oglebay.  Cultures were then plated on solid media containing antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth.  Colonies resembling the desired morphology were isolated on YPD plates containing bromoscresol green to differentiate yeast species.  Current investigations involve identification of the yeasts through sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region between the large and small subunit ribosomal RNA genes.  Multiple assays will be conducted to confirm specific sugar utilization, alcohol fermentation, and alcohol tolerance.  A sensory panel will be formed to evaluate aroma, taste, feel, and other associated characteristics.  These qualities will be analyzed after fermenting beer wort.  Finally, isolated yeasts will subjected to continuous cultivation in wort to evaluate brewing consistency over a long period of time.   This investigation will provide us with novel yeast strains that have potential for use in the brewing industry.
Analysis of gunshot residue (GSR) transfer to various items
Authors: Collins Megan , Flood Mark
Published: May 2022

MEGAN COLLINS and MARK FLOOD, Forensic Science Program, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554.  Analysis of gunshot residue (GSR) transfer to various items.The purpose of this research was to determine if the secondary transfer of gunshot residue, or GSR, to non-porous items such as a cellphone or doorknob was detectable with a field testing kit. To test this, three different guns, a handgun, shotgun, and an automatic rifle were fired, each by a different person to ensure there was no cross contamination between the guns. The shooters then touched one of four items. These items, a key, a cellphone, a doorknob, and a pair of sunglasses, were swabbed and tested for GSR using a field kit that utilized a diphenylamine and sulfuric acid solution to test for nitrates and a sodium rhodizonate solution to test for the metals commonly found in GSR, primarily lead and barium. A control was also done, where the diphenylamine/sulfuric acid and sodium rhodizonate solutions were applied to an alcohol swab that had not come into any contact with GSR. Three of the four items had fairly consistent GSR transfer that was detectable with the field kit. The key gave mostly negative results, which was probably due to the size of the key.  In conclusion, the GSR field kits were mostly successful in the detection of the secondary transfer of GSR. However, it seemed as though a larger concentration of GSR was needed on the shooters hands in order for enough to be transferred and detected.  Future research should be conducted to determine if different ammunition types would result in different amounts of GSR.
Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Geographic Information Systems
Authors: James Logan Chandler , Cordova Daniel
Published: May 2022

Geographic Information System (GIS) imaging is an important advancement in data imaging and projection of environmental variables. Traditionally, GIS images were collected with first-hand methods that required individuals to be present at the location being surveyed. Research was conducted to compare traditional surveying methods with newer Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) surveying. With the implementation of UAVs, GIS imaging and surveying can be done remotely from a safe location providing extremely accurate and more efficient projections than previous methods.
A Behavioral Index for investigating female preference in Aleuropoda insignis, the flat-horned hissing cockroach
Authors: Conley Ruth A.
Published: May 2022

Aleuropoda insignis, the flat-horned hissing cockroach, make whistling noises during courtship.  Comer & Conley (2016) showed these animals display variation in the form of different syllables, which have features of whistles.  Elliptorhina chopardi  also make whistling courtship songs (Sueur & Aubin, 2006) along with several other species of Tribe Gromphadorhini, which are known for hissing sounds used in courtship and agonistic communication (Nelson & Fraser, 1980).  Sexual selection may be the foundation for species-specific courtship calls since several other species of hissing cockroaches are present in Madagascar.  Females may show more interest in or be more likely to respond to specific syllables or songs, forming the basis for species identification.  To begin to examine female preference for species-specific courtship calls, we placed virgin males and females in a behavioral chamber and made audiovisual recordings of behavior.  We created a behavioral index based on sampling behaviors observed during successful courtship, which had been previously described by Robinson & Conley (2015).  This behavioral index includes proximity of animals to one another, antenna-tapping, antennation, and body orientation & position with certain behaviors scored as 1-3 depending on specific criteria for ‘intensity’.  We compared behavioral indices of females for trials categorized as successful courtship (song with copulation), unsuccessful courtship (song with no copulation) and no courtship.  Behavioral indices were highest for successful courtship and lowest for no courtship indicating the usefulness of this index for studying female preference for song types and or sexual selection involved in species isolation.
Historical and Current Distribution of Western Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Primary Burrowing Crayfishes: a Century of Change or Stasis?
Authors: Scott Katie , Dillard Zachary Wade , Sadecky Nicole Marie , Lieb David , Loughman Zachary James
Published: May 2022

Astacological efforts in Pennsylvania have increased over the past decade. In particular, the distribution and conservation standing of WPA burrowing crayfish represents the greatest void in knowledge regarding the states crayfish fauna. To rectify this situation, burrowing crayfish surveys were initiated across WPA in 2014/2015 using Ortmann’s (1906) historical records as a guide. Of the 61 historic sites that were resampled, 19.6% maintained burrowing crayfish populations. Of the 57 new sites that were sampled, 71.9% supported burrowing crayfish populations. Overall burrowing crayfish were detected at 44.9% of the 118 sites sampled.  Ortmann documented Cambarus dubius, Cambarus monongalensis, and Cambarus thomai in WPA. All three species were found during our surveys, with each species allied to a physiographic region, and found in the general area that Ortmann discovered them in a century prior. Urbanization had a negative effect on burrowing crayfish’s over the past century, and greenspaces proved to be important islands of habitation in the presence of urbanization. Overall our survey results indicate that all three species are currently stable in Pennsylvania.
Effects of ethanol treatment time on bacterial recovery
Authors: Blankenship Holly Nicole , Roof Steven
Published: May 2022

95% Ethanol is commonly found to be one of the main active ingredients in most alcohol wipes, which are commonly used to disinfect the skin before a vaccination. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of contact time on the recovery of bacteria from a surface. Overnight cultures of E. coli were spotted glass slides and allowed to dry. Filter paper squares saturated with 95% ethanol were applied to the bacterial spots for varying amounts of time (10, 20, 40 and 80 seconds). After removing the filter paper 100 ul of sterile water was applied to the slide, and immediately 50 ul was removed and serially diluted to determine the number of bacteria recovered from the slide. As expected majority of the results showed that the eighty-second ethanol exposure time had the lowest number of bacterial colonies recovered. Unexpectedly, the water control (sterile water on filter paper) had an even lower number bacterial of colonies recovered when compared to the ethanol treatments. Overall, the trials performed with water were the most effective at reducing the number of bacteria recovered.
Bioinformatics review of alcohol exposed neuronal stem cells and transcription factor consensus sequences in cell cycle progression genes.
Authors: Winkie Mason , Anthony Bruce
Published: May 2022

Previous studies from microarray analysis of neuronal stem cells exposed to moderate levels of alcohol suggested that alterations in proliferation and induced apoptosis may well be associated with a distinct set of transcription factors and associated consensus sequences in key gene sets responsible for G1/S phase progression and DNA synthesis. The objective of the study was to gather existing information on the Fox1, E2F1, DP-1, DP-2, DP-3, AP-1, and SP-1 transcription factors and examine their interaction with the promoter regions of genes involved in cell cycle progression through a bioinformatics approach. To complete this review, data was compiled using the Unipro UGENE program. Using this program, the promoter regions of genes of interest were aligned with the known DNA consensus sequences targeted by the transcription factors. Based on the alignments – or lack thereof – conclusions were drawn as to which transcription factors exert influence on controlling proper cell cycle progression. Data showed interactions among several of the transcription factors with the multiple regions in the promoter regions of almost all the examined genes. Based on the discovered consensus sequences and their influence on the expression rates of genes necessary for cell cycle progression, this study provides plausible evidence of transcription factors worth targeting for controlling specific genes in cell cycle progression.
Alcohol induced changes in E2F1/DP1 and Retinoblastoma binding in neural stem cells contributes to FASD phenotype.
Authors: Gookin Avery , Anthony Bruce
Published: May 2022

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability. Children born with FASD suffer from a spectrum of, central nervous system damage, and characteristic abnormal facial features. Many of the phenotypic changes are associated with loss of cellular proliferation.  Our previous studies suggest that changes in G1/S phase transition are responsible for this proliferative reduction and may well induce cell losses.  Previous western and micro-array analysis demonstrated alcohol-induced increases in expression of E2F1, DP-1, RB, Cyclin D1 and CDK4/6.  Under normal growth, conditions the transcriptional dimer E2F-1/DP-1 induces expression of many genes needed for proper DNA synthesis.  This dimer is downregulated by binding of retinoblastoma (RB) to E2F1, and activation of S-Phase is marked by phosphorylation of Rb and subsequent release of E2F1.   Although overexpression of several genes associated with proper G1/S phase progression suggests a mechanism for FASD loss of proliferation and cell numbers, it was important to confirm the functional significance of changes in protein levels.  This set of experiments examined the changes in Rb/E2F1/DP1 protein-protein binding interactions and western analysis.  We demonstrate alcohol-induced changes in protein interactions between E2F1 and RB that help to define a mechanism for proliferative changes and induced cell losses associated with neuronal stem cells in FASD. By define the mechanism associated with many FASD phenotypes we can better address treatment strategies.
Characteristics of octanol/water partitioning with acetaminophen.
Authors: Weekley Jim , Flood Mark , Hickman Angel
Published: May 2022

Octanol and water partitioning is the mixture of two solvents to determine a chemical substance’s partitioning coefficient. The calculation of the partitioning coefficient allows for the determination of how hydrophobic or hydrophilic the chemical is. This then allows for the estimation of how the drug reacts within the body. The objective of this experiment was to determine the partitioning coefficient of acetaminophen in an octanol and water mixture. A set amount of acetaminophen was dissolved into distilled water at room temperature, then this solution was used to make a 1:1 ratio of water to octanol for partitioning. This mixture was spun for twenty four hours, then the absorbance was measured by UV-Vis (known as the Shake-flask method) and mass spectrometry. Based on the results, the acetaminophen showed an absorbance in the expected range, and a relatively low partitioning coefficient, which showed that the chemical substance had higher qualities of being hydrophilic. The hypothesis of this experiment was that if acetaminophen was added to an octanol/water solution, the acetaminophen would be most absorbed in the hydrophilic layer. Based on the results, this hypothesis can be accepted.
The Wolbachia infection frequency of insects in central West Virginia
Authors: Wentzel Maren , Sawyer Sara
Published: May 2022

Wolbachia is a bacterial endosymbiont that infects the reproductive tissue of Arthropods, particularly insects. Itis transmitted primarily through the ova cytoplasm, alters the reproductive success of its host and thus a suspected driver of evolution and speciation. The frequency of infection in insects around the world suggest an equilibrium has been reached with rates ranging from 20% to 65%. We are investigating the infection frequency with Wolbachia in arthropods in central West Virginia to compare to infection in other locations. Insects were from wooded and meadow areas of the Glenville State College Campus, and Lewis County in the Stonewall Jackson Lake area, fixed in 95% ethanol and identified to species. To determine if an insect was infected with Wolbachia, DNA was extracted and PCR performed using Wolbachia-specific primers. Species sampled to date represent 9 of 16 target orders of Class Insecta, as well as 4 orders from Phylum Arthropoda. To date, 58 of 102 insects tested have demonstrated Wolbachia infection. This puts the infection rate of tested samples at approximately 56%.  To get a clearer understanding of the infection rate in this area, we intend to sample additional insects and add additional orders.  Determining the infection frequency in this area is an important step in understanding the impact of Wolbachia on the insects of West Virginia.
Dynamics and Morphology of Premixed Flame Propagation in Channels: Effects of the Lewis Number and Thermal Boundary Conditions
Authors: Reddy Shetty Swathi , Demir Sinan , V'yacheslav Akkerman
Published: May 2022

Equidiffusive combustion is a model, which is widely employed in analytical and computational studies, including those on premixed flame acceleration. However, realistic combustible mixtures are oftentimes far from the stoichiometry, being thereby strongly non-equidiffusive and thus requiring extra analyses. The present work addresses this demand by means of the computational simulations of the basic fully-compressible hydrodynamic and combustion equations. Specifically, here we focus on the non-equidiffusive flames at various thermal boundary conditions, including adiabatic or isothermal walls of the channels. A detailed parametric study is performed, with the key parameters of the problem being the Lewis number, Le, taken in the range 0.2 ≤ Le ≤ 2.0, the thermal expansion factor Θ, being 5 ≤ Θ ≤ 8, and the flame propagation Reynolds number, Re = R/PrLf, where Lf is the thermal flame thickness and Pr the Prandtl number. We used Re in the range 5 ≤ Re ≤ 30. It is shown that while Θ ~ 8 flames tend to accelerate exponentially in channel with adiabatic, nonslip walls; acceleration moderates to a linear trend for Θ ~ 5. Moreover, with the isothermal walls, acceleration moderates (with hot walls) or even terminates (with cold walls). Furthermore, it is found that a non-unity Le influences the flame dynamics notably in both adiabatic and isothermal channels. Namely, Le < 1 flames get extra strong corrugation and thereby spread much faster than equidiffusive ones. In contrast, Le > 1 flames are thickened and propagate slower.
Using zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae to compare the activation threshold of cholesterol uptake in diets supplemented with alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) or oleic acid (C18:1).
Authors: Doud Joshua Scott , Walters James W
Published: May 2022

Dietary omega-3 fatty acids are associated with mitigation of cardiovascular disease factors such as high serum cholesterol. The American diet is low in omega-3 fatty acids, but prevalent in oleic acid (OA) (C18:1). Preliminary data shows a concentration threshold of cholesterol uptake into intestinal enterocytes to be 200 µM in larvae fed oleic acid. We hypothesized that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) will decrease cholesterol uptake as compared to oleic acid. We fed 6-day post fertilization larval zebrafish for 3 hours in increasing concentrations of ALA and fluorescent cholesterol to test the activation threshold of cholesterol uptake with an omega-3 fatty acid (C18:3). Fluorescence within enterocytes will be imaged with a confocal microscope and quantified using NIH ImageJ. Our current results show that 100% of larvae fed the ALA diets expired before imaging as compared to control unfed or 5% egg yolk fed larvae. After the first trial, pH of the diet was tested and brought to 7.3. A second trial was conducted and results were the same as the previous trial.  We are testing alternate administration of the ALA diets to determine the cause of larval death.   Acknowledgements: Supported by NIH Grant 2P20GM1.343_14 P1500699 to the West Virginia IDEA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
The orange spotted cockroach (Blaptica dubia, Serville 1839) is a permissive experimental host for Francisella tularensis
Authors: Eklund Bridget E. , Mahdi Osama , Huntley Jason F. , Collins Elliot , Martin Caleb , Horzempa Joseph , Fisher Nathan A.
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen that causes severe disease in a wide range of host animals, including humans. Well-developed murine models of F. tularensis pathogenesis are available, but they do not meet the needs of all investigators. However, researchers are increasingly turning to insect host systems as a cost-effective alternative that allows greater increased experimental throughput without the regulatory requirements associated with the use of mammals in biomedical research. Unfortunately, the utility of previously-described insect hosts is limited because of temperature restriction, short lifespans, and concerns about the immunological status of insects mass-produced for other purposes. Here, we present a novel host species, the orange spotted (OS) cockroach (Blaptica dubia), that overcomes these limitations and is readily infected by F. tularensis. Intrahemocoel inoculation was accomplished using standard laboratory equipment and lethality was directly proportional to the number of bacteria injected. Progression of infection differed in insects housed at low and high temperatures and F. tularensis mutants lacking key virulence components were attenuated in OS cockroaches. Finally, antibiotics were delivered to infected OS cockroaches by systemic injection and controlled feeding; in the latter case, protection correlated with oral bioavailability in mammals. Collectively, these results demonstrate that this new host system provides investigators with a new tool capable of interrogating F. tularensis virulence and immune evasion in situations where mammalian models are not available or appropriate, such as undirected screens of large mutant libraries.
Implementation of Active Learning Pedagogies to Foster Teaching and Learning Environment
Authors: Panta Yogendra M , Hatipoglu Kenan
Published: May 2022

At West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech), we implemented “active learning environment” in multiple undergraduate courses to engage the students for the improvement of their problem solving skills. Last year, we presented about “demonstration based learning environment” in “Fluid Mechanics” course which was well-received by the students. Students were engaged in several classroom activities including demonstration and semester projects. Visualization based activities create curiosity and thus motivate students greatly. Similar to “demonstration based learning environment”, implementation of “active learning environment” foster the teaching and learning process “by doing” in the class. Two types of activities were mainly implemented. One, students in a teams were provided opportunities to assemble kits and test the theoretical concepts. Students assembled the supplied engineering kits, test and record data, compare model-prototype to relate with real-world applications. These activities created a fun learning environment and also promoted student engagements and curiosities. Students were credited with grade points for participating in such activities which also helped to boost students’ presence in the class. Two students were asked to form a team and work on problem solving in the class every week. Student teams’ work then summarized on the board and discussed in the classroom. Instructor then debriefed the classwork activity to highlight on the purpose and the summary of that specific teamwork activity.Both active learning pedagogies created positive learning environment in the class. Students’ assessments and end-of-the-semester classroom survey reveal the effectiveness of the active learning pedagogies.
Enhancement of latent fingerprints on the adhesive side of tapes using various methods.
Authors: Tyler Kevanna Nicole
Published: May 2022

Fingerprints are well known to be an important aspect of a criminal investigation due to their ability to identify an individual. Today, there are numerous methods to enhancing latent fingerprints. Some of these methods were performed on the adhesive side of various types of tapes in order to determine which method produced the greatest print development. The methods used were: dusting using various powders, small particle reagent (SPR), crystal violet, and cyanoacrylate fuming. Only two of the techniques used preformed well across a majority of the tapes. Even though all of the techniques did not preform well on all of the tapes they gave some valuable information that could be used to better results. The most successful techniques were the cyanoacrylate fuming and crystal violet. Both of these methods developed prints that were detailed with superior contrast compared to the other methods performed. Even though both techniques were superior, the cyanoacrylate fuming developed the higher quality prints. The cyanoacrylate fuming performed greatest when fumed with water for humidity followed by a dusting of fingerprint powder.  These two methods were both simple to perform and were completed within a timely manner. Overall, the cyanoacrylate fuming could be preformed more efficiently because multiple prints could be developed at one time.
Instrumental Analysis of Methyl Salicylate
Authors: Pizana Mikhaela , Price Haley , Cole Jacquelyn
Published: May 2022

Methyl salicylate is formed via a simple esterification reaction between methanol and salicylic acid.  This reaction has several variables which we are studying to determine the best method for synthesizing methyl salicylate in the lab setting.  We are using both a chemical standard and a naturally derived essential oil for comparison.
Efficacy of Resazomycins Against LolDF-Expressing Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Kitts Jaclyn
Published: May 2022

A growing number of human pathogens are becoming resistant to most common antibiotics.  Each year, antibiotic-resistant infections are responsible for 23,000 deaths in the United States and billions of dollars in health care costs.  To prevent the loss of additional lives from once “curable” diseases, new antibiotics must be developed.  We recently identified a novel family of resazurin-based compounds, resazomycins, which exhibit antimicrobial activity against Francisella tularensis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in vitro and in vivo.  A common feature of both these bacteria is possession of a unique lipoprotein sorting system, LolDF.   To investigate the relationship between LolDF and susceptibility to resazomycins, we propose performing antibiotic susceptibility testing on a diverse collection of medically important LolDF-possessing bacterial strains.  My project focuses on characterizing the efficacy of two resazomycins, resazurin (Rz) and resorufin pentyl ether (RPE), against three different bacterial strains: Acinetobacter baumanii, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Chromobacterium violaceum.  These bacterial species are human pathogens known to be multi-drug resistant and primarily infect immunocompromised individuals. Using the agar dilution antibiotic susceptibility test, we have determined that A. baumanii and M. catarrhalis are resistant to resazomycins, while C. violaceumis susceptible.  These data suggest that LolDF may not be the sole target of resazomycins.  Further investigation is needed to determine the precise mechanism of action of resazomycins. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence)
Sampling and testing for Fe, Cu and Pb using atomic absorption spectroscopy in Coal Run Hollow stream.
Authors: Scanlon Matthew , THOMPSON CAROLINE
Published: May 2022

This poster focuses on the development of sampling and testing techniques for heavy metals in Coal run Hollow; a small stream running through Fairmont WV that has been heavily polluted in the past.  The stream is on its way to recovery but continues to have issues.  As part of the recovery process we are developing methods to monitor the concentrations of metals such as Fe, Cu and Pb in the stream using atomic absorption spectroscopy.  This includes sampling procedures and testing protocols that include calibration curves, standard addition methods and pre-concentration of samples.
Rib Pathology in the Tyrannosaurus rex Known as Tinker
Authors: Garton E. Ray
Published: May 2022

The skeleton of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex was discovered in the Cretaceous, Hell Creek Formation badlands of South Dakota in 1998. The skeleton was given the nickname Tinker in honor of its discoverer. This skeleton proved to be one of the most complete juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons yet found. After a lengthy court battle over ownership the bones were assembled, repaired, replaced and mounted into a 7.5-meter skeleton with about 40% original bone with a body size approximately 70% of an adult. The teeth are particularly interesting because they show the same shape and profile of adults. This helped proved that the genus Nanotyrannus was indeed a valid genus and not the juvenile version of Tyrannosaurus rex. The next surprise about Tinker was two broken and headed ribs, the subject of this paper.
Trainability of functional deficits in adults with scoliosis.
Authors: Stevenski Madison , Popovich Greg E , Henson Kristy
Published: May 2022

Scoliosis is an understudied diagnosis of a lateral spinal curvature, and is classified with a diagnostic feature of a curve exceeding 10 degrees. Most commonly, there is no known cause and the onset occurs in adolescence. Our laboratory has previously reported on baseline functional data in adults with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The purpose of this follow-up study is to determine the change over time in patients who were treated for scoliosis in an out-patient orthopedic physical therapy clinic.    Fourteen patients were treated for an average of 6.75 weeks, resulting in 12 treatments. Patients were assessed for improvements in lumbar strength, rotational strength/symmetry, pain, and functional index (Oswestry questionnaire). Strength and range of motion (ROM) of the trunk were measured and treated on MedX spinal dynamometers.    During initial evaluation, 70.4% of the patients expressed spinal pain. Typical pain improved in 72.7% of patients; peak pain was improved in 50% of patients. The perceived functional index demonstrated that 58.3% of patients reported improved function. Initially, patients’ trunk rotation strength was reported at 28.3% below average. Following therapy, patients’ rotation strength improved on the left by 26.7% and 36.4% on the right, bringing strength closer to established norms while improving bilateral strength balance (i.e., reducing strength asymmetry).   We conclude that adults with AIS may benefit from specific trunk strengthening interventions that improve strength, strength symmetry, pain, and self-perceived disability.
Duck Potato Extract May Lead to the Inhibition of Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bert Adam Edward , Horzempa Joseph , Seeber Roger
Published: May 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium that forms biofilms on many surfaces as well as within the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Pseudomonas biofilms are particularly dangerous because these structures protect bacteria from antibiotics and other chemical antimicrobial agents. Therefore, compounds that inhibit biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa are highly desired. In a separate study by our laboratory, we observed that Duck Potato extract (Sagittaria latifolia) exhibited antimicrobial activity on Clostridium perfringens, a pathogenic Gram-positive bacterium.  Therefore, duck potato extract was evaluated to determine whether or not it was capable of inhibiting the growth of other pathogenic bacteria. Duck Potato plants were collected, the leaves were removed, and ethanol was used to extract organic compounds. The extracted material was added to a culture of P. aeruginosa.  While duck potato extract did not inhibit the growth of this bacterium, a cursory analysis indicated that biofilm production was mitigated.  We therefore conducted several microtiter-based biofilm studies to determine whether duck potato extract was capable of inhibiting the formation of Pseudomonas biofilms.  Results showed that the Duck Potato extract did not directly kill the bacteria, however, this extract appeared to inhibit the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence).
The Role of FTL_1228 in Erythrocyte Invasion by Francisella tularensis.
Authors: Anderson Dylan Thomas
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause tularemia in mammals through several routes of infection including bites from infected arthropods, through contaminated water or aerosols, and by physical contact with infected animals. Tularemia is a deadly disease with a mortality rate of 60% in untreated cases. Due to the high mortality rate and ease of dissemination, F. tularensis could potentially be used as a bioterrorism agent.  During infection, F. tularensis replicates in phagocytic cells of the immune system, such as macrophages.  This bacterium also invades erythrocytes, a phenomenon that has recently been shown to increase tick colonization following acquisition of a blood meal.  Identifying factors necessary for transmission and pathogenesis of this bacterium could lead to the development of novel therapeutics.  We previously hypothesized that bacterial genes that mediate erythrocyte invasion may exhibit increased expression in the presence of these host cells.  RNA-seq revealed that among other genes, FTL_1228 was induced in the presence of erythrocytes.   FTL_1228 is predicted to encode the iron-sulfur activator complex subunit, SufD, which was previously shown to be a virulence-associated factor. We are currently in the process of generating both a disruption and a deletion mutant to determine the role FTL_1228 in erythrocyte invasion.  (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence).
Immunocytochemical Analysis of Neuronal Phenotype in Long Term Differentiation of Rodent E14 Neuronal Stem Cells.
Authors: Trent Erick Hunter
Published: May 2022

Neuronal stem cell models are used to examine alterations in differentiation from various environmental insults.  Our interest was to establish a long term analysis of neuronal cell types and the extent of full differentiation of neurons.  We examined cellular differentiation profiles, neurotransmitter packaging and neuronal cell types and distribution from 30 day cultures of E14 rat neuronal stem cells.  Cell were maintained in a DMEM-F12 basal media supplemented with N21 Max, and 10ug/ml EGF.  Cells were induced to differentiate using 10% FBS on days 2 and 7.  Cells were feed with new media every 4 days.  We determine a distinct profile of differentiation for neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.  In addition, we see a distinctive pattern of neurotransmitter packaging.  Our analysis has allowed us to compare normal differentiation profiles with changes induced from different drugs of abuse and suggest an interpretation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Fetal Drug Exposure Disorders.Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434.
Distribution and habitat preferences of eastern hellbenders within the Greenbrier River
Authors: Hartley James
Published: May 2022

The eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) is experiencing extensive population declines throughout its native range as a result of habitat loss and degradation associated with widespread anthropogenic activity. Consequently, there is a critical need to conserve and expand remaining populations. One factor currently limiting conservation efforts within West Virginia is a lack of knowledge regarding the extent of their distribution. The overall goal of this study was to better understand distribution and habitat use of eastern hellbenders within the Greenbrier River, WV. Hellbenders are known to occur in the East and West Forks of the Greenbrier River; however, their status within the Greenbrier River main-stem is unknown. Our specific objectives were to: 1) characterize habitat preferences of individuals within targeted sites via traditional survey techniques; and 2) use environmental DNA (eDNA) to sample a larger number of sites to determine their distribution along the Greenbrier River main-stem. Physical surveys yielded three individuals from 17 total sites. Hellbenders within the East and West Forks were observed to occupy sites and focal microhabitats with less fine sediment (i.e., sand and silt). Physical surveys yielded no individuals from the Greenbrier River main-stem. Currently, eDNA collected from the West Fork sites where hellbenders were identified via physical surveys were positive. While, eDNA samples from the main-stem are currently being analyzed and should provide a better understanding of the status of the eastern hellbender within the Greenbrier River.
In Vitro Effects of Coal and Progesterone on Glioblastoma Proliferation and Progestogen Receptor Expression
Authors: Ramey Victoria Gayle , Lopez Edgar , Hankins Gerald
Published: May 2022

Glioma incidence in males is 1.5 times that of females, thus it is suspected that female sex hormones play a protective role against gliomas. Compounds found in water contaminated by extractive industry waste can disrupt hormone mediated signaling. Studies have been done on endocrine disrupting effects on estrogen signaling, but little has been done on their effects on progesterone signaling. Additionally, the focus has been on classical receptors, with almost no investigation of G-protein coupled receptors. Here we investigate the effects of exposure to coal dust on cell proliferation and expression of progestin and adipoQ receptors (PAQRs) in two human glioma cell lines, A172 and U87. Treatments with coal dust and treatments with progesterone were performed. End point RT-PCR demonstrated that A172 cells express PAQR3, PAQR5, and PAQR9. This was the first demonstration of PAQR5 expression in A172 cells. U87 cells express PAQR3, PAQR5, PAQR7, PAQR8, and PAQR9. Real time RT-PCR was performed to determine relative receptor expression per treatment type. U87 cells treated with coal dust showed up-regulation of PAQR8 and PAQR9. A172 cells treated with either progesterone or coal dust showed up-regulation of PAQR9. Proliferation test on A172 showed 20% increase in proliferation in cells treated with coal dust for 24 hours and a 6% increase in cells treated for 48 hours. The U87 cell line showed a 7% increase in proliferation after 24 hours of coal dust treatment, with no statistically significant change for 48-hour treatments. Neither cell line expressed statistically significant changes after progesterone treatment. Supported by NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program award 1458952, the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, and NIH Grants 5P20RR016477 and P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for BioMedical Research Funding.
Evaluating Short Paper Fiber as a Soil Amendment for Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation in West Virginia
Authors: Cyphers Levi , Hopkinson Leslie , Quaranta John
Published: May 2022

Maximizing the use of onsite material to create topsoil has the potential to reduce costs for mine reclamation in the eastern United States.  This study evaluated the addition of short paper fiber (SPF), a by-product of paper mill processing, to coarse coal refuse (CCR) to aid in vegetation establishment.  Vegetation growth in two blends of SPF and CCR (80% CCR with 20% SPF; 60% CCR with 40% SPF) was compared to growth in refuse.  Ground cover was monitored weekly, and biomass was measured.  The SPF/CCR blends resulted in significantly higher ground cover and biomass than the refuse alone.  Therefore, the addition of SPF shows potential to support vegetation establishment in CCR.  Ground cover reached the minimum level needed for environmental permit release (70%) for both SPF/CCR blends, but ground cover decreased to below 50% on average by the end of the study.  Further study should be completed at a large scale.
Spirituality And Self-Compassion Among College Students
Authors: Griffith Emily Rose
Published: May 2022

Relating spirituality to mental health is a difficult task because of the ambiguity of the term spirituality and the many aspects of mental health with which spirituality might interact. The Spiritual Experiences Index aims to measure spiritual maturity across religious and secular forms of spirituality, indicating one’s spiritual openness and if one feels supported by their chosen faith. I used the Spiritual Experiences Index to measure spirituality alongside one strong indicator of good mental health, self-compassion. To measure self-compassion, I used the Self-Compassion Scale, which includes the six subscales Self-Kindness, Self-Judgment, Common Humanity, Isolation, Mindfulness, and Over-Identification. Undergraduate participants completed a survey including the Self-Compassion Scale, the Spiritual Experiences Index, and some demographic information. Spiritual Experience Index scores showed a significantly positive correlation with Self-Compassion Scale scores, and religiously-affiliated participants had significantly higher Spiritual Experiences Index scores than did religiously unaffiliated participants. Female participants scored significantly higher than male participants on the Self-Judgment and Over-Identification subscales of the Self-Compassion Scale, but significantly lower on the Mindfulness subscale. Results confirm the hypothesis about a positive correlation between spirituality scores and level of self-compassion, and further show that those with a religious affiliation scored significantly higher than religiously unaffiliated in spiritual experience. Limitations of this study included its exclusive use of college student participants from a small college in West Virginia. Replications and extensions of this study should include a wider range of participant ages and a more diverse sample.
A Reassessment of the Crayfishes of Pennsylvania's Lake Erie Basin with an Emphasis on Zoogeography, Taxonomy, and Conservation.
Authors: Allison Jr. Patrick Francis , Khan Tanya , Lieb David , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

An investigation is currently underway to reassess the crayfishes of the Lake Erie basin in northwestern Pennsylvania. A total of 54 stream sites were sampled, with a majority of the streams in the basin sampled at least once. Preliminary data have revealed that the most common crayfish species are Cambarus robustus (Big Water Crayfish), Faxonius propinquus (Northern Clearwater Crayfish), and Cambarus carinirostris (Rock Crayfish) respectively. Faxonius obscurus (Allegheny Crayfish) was discovered in one tributary to Elk Creek and a tributary to Lake Erie, not supporting prior belief that F. obscurus was forcing F. propinquus into smaller tributaries. Three additional species, Faxonius immunis (Calico Crayfish), Creaserinus fodiens (Digger Crayfish), and Cambarus spp. were collected via trapping. Procambarus acutus (White River Crayfish), an invasive crayfish species, was also collected via trapping. The presence of such a diverse crayfish fauna is likely due to the postglacial movement via stream and wetland migrations. The Lake Erie basin represents a range overlap for northern and southern crayfish species, and is a unique location within Pennsylvania’s watersheds.