bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Analysis of Monopyle (Gesneriaceae) from Central America
Authors: Huffman Carrie , Keene Jeremy
Published: May 2022

There are currently six species and one variety of Monopyle Benth. described for Central America.  The largest percentage of taxa are reported from premontane to montane forests in Panama and Costa Rica from 300 – 1300 m.  Monopyle puberula Morton and Monopyle maxonii Morton are the most widely distributed in this region with the other species being endemic to narrow geographic areas.  Systematic studies towards a revision of Monopyle have revealed four distinct new species for the region that were commonly lumped within Monopyle macrocarpa Benth.  Morphological assessment of Monopyle macrocarpa from the region show that this taxon, however, does not occur in Central America and is restricted to northern Peru.  Recent studies I have completed show an additional three species exist in Central America.  The newly discovered species can be distinguished by a suite of characters including petiole length, density of pubescence, corolla shape coupled with color, and calyx shape. Ongoing molecular and morphological studies in the genus will be used to confirm the relationships of the species to other taxa in the genus and tribe.
Recent Progress towards a Predictive Scenario of a Methane-Air-Coal Dust Fire in a Mining Passage
Authors: Demir Sinan , Akkerman Vyacheslav
Published: May 2022

The (coal) mining industry historically has ones of the highest occupational fatality and injury rates for employees. This is an exceptional concern for West Virginia, where a large portion of the state economy is based on mines. In this respect, accidental methane-dusty explosions and fires belong to the most dangerous coalmining disasters because they may cause injuries and deaths of personnel as well as a destruction of costly equipment. As a result, a fundamental physical understanding of the combustion processes in the premixed methane/air/coal-dust environment is critically needed. The present investigation is a step in this direction. Specifically, the key stages and characteristics of the premixed flame evolution in a typical mining passage, such as the flame propagation velocities, acceleration rates and run-up distances, are scrutinized by means of the analytical endeavors, with a particular focus on the dynamics of an expanding flamefront and on flame acceleration due to a “finger”-like shape of the flamefront. As a result, the “expanding” and “finger” flame acceleration scenarios are combined into a unified analytical formulation. Both the two-dimensional planar and cylindrical-axisymmetric geometries are considered. Starting with an incompressible formulation, we subsequently extend the analysis to account for gas compressibility, because the latter inevitably becomes substantial as soon as the flame spreading velocity starts approaching the sound threshold. Finally, the incompressible and compressible approaches are compared, with the detailed parametric study performed for various lean and rich methane/air/coal-dust mixtures.
Fluid Power Activities in College-Level Fluid Mechanics Teaching
Authors: Panta Yogendra M , Hatipoglu Kenan
Published: May 2022

At West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech), we implemented “demonstration based learning environment” in “Fluid Mechanics” course to engage the students in hands-on learning activities. Over the past semester, we made students engaged in several classroom activities including classroom demonstration and semester projects.Demonstration activities can be accomplished in fluid mechanics class using simple syringes filled with a fluid such as air or water. This can simulate the cylinders filled with fluid as cylinders acting pneumatically or hydraulically. These activities not only create a fun learning environment but also foster more student engagements and curiosities.To introduce any new topic, we first orchestrated some demonstrations with the fluid power kits. Then we encouraged students’ participation for assembling, testing, and finally proving the concept.  Fluid Power kits including excavator, lifter, cherry picker, robot arm, and clamp were assembled in the classroom. We noticed that students were understanding numerous fluid mechanics concepts including fluid flow, pressure, compressibility, force, energy, pipe losses. These fundamental concepts help to learn governing principles of fluid mechanics including Bernoulli’s principle, continuity, momentum, and energy equations. We had good class discussions and brainstorming in each demonstration. Students chose semester projects to expand their fluid concepts into greater details. Students assembled the supplied fluid power kits, test and record data, compare model-prototype to relate with real-world applications. Students’ assessments and classroom survey reveal the effectiveness of active learning in classroom and in projects.
Dynamic interactions between lipid droplets and mitochondria during lipid absorption In intestinal enterocytes of zebrafish.
Authors: Compton Gregory Tyler , Walters James W
Published: May 2022

Western diets are abundant in fats and cholesterol that are absorbed during lipid absorption in intestinal enterocytes. However, much remains unknown about the energetic mechanisms regulating dietary lipid processing within intestinal enterocytes. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the dynamic interaction of lipid droplets and mitochondria during lipid absorption in these cells. Prior studies have shown that larvae fed a high fat diet undergo lipid droplet biogenesis. We hypothesized that the process of lipid droplet formation would increase mitochondrial appositions with lipid droplets in enterocytes. We fed larvae a 5% egg yolk diet and prepared them for transmission electron microscopy.  Images were analyzed for mitochondria and lipid droplet size, number, and apposition events for 11 time points at one hour intervals. Our preliminary data show that the overall number of mitochondria in the cell during lipid absorption decreased during the first 4 hour points while the average size of the mitochondria increased. The data support the hypothesis that the decreasing number and increase in overall size of mitochondria is directly associated with fusion of smaller mitochondria. Also, the data collected support the hypothesis that lipid droplet formation increases mitochondrial apposition events. To measure the dynamic nature of the lipid droplet and mitochondria interactions the fed zebrafish larvae were fixed in an Epon mold and cut into sections using an ultra-microtome. Sections from the anterior intestine were imaged using transmission electron microscopy. Lipid droplet and mitochondrial dynamics were quantified using NIH ImageJ.   Acknowledgements: Supported by NIH Grant 2P20GM1.343_14 P1500699 to the West Virginia IDEA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
Premixed Flame Pulsations in Obstructed Channels with both Ends Open
Authors: Cathreno Amanda Jane , Adebiyi Abdulafeez , Akkerman V'Yacheslav
Published: May 2022

Prior research indicated extremely fast acceleration, with potential detonation triggering, of premixed flames propagating in semi-open obstructed pipes (a pipe filled with a combustible premixture is open at one end; ignition occurs at the closed end such that a flame spreads towards the opening). However, industrial applications oftentimes have both ends open, with ignition occurring at one of them. The latter configuration constitutes the focus of our work. Specifically, flame propagation through a comb-shaped array of obstacles in a pipe with both ends open is studied by solving two-dimensional fully-compressible hydrodynamic and combustion equations with Arrhenius chemical kinetics. The blockage ratios BR=1/3, 1/2, 2/3 (with respect to the pipe radius) are considered, with oscillations of the burning rate observed in all cases. The oscillations are nonlinear but periodic; being steady for BR=2/3, 1/2, they slightly damp for BR=1/3. Increase in the BR facilitates nonlinearity and promotes the oscillation period but reduces the average burning rate. These oscillations can be treated as fluctuations around a quasi-steady solution, being thereby in agreement with recent experiments and modelling of flames in open obstructed pipes that yielded steady flame propagation prior to an onset of flame acceleration. Overall, a conceptual difference between open (oscillations) and semi-open (acceleration) obstructed pipes is identified. It is presumably attributed to the fact that, in a semi-open pipe, the entire fame-generated jet flow is pushed towards a single opening, whereas with both ends open this jet flow is distributed between two flows, towards both openings, thereby weakening flame spreading.  Keywords: premixed flames, oscillating flames, equi-diffusive flames, obstructed channels, computational simulation, fire safety.Acknowledgements: This work is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the CAREER Award #1554254 (V.A.)
Putative Sensory Structures Associated with the Food Canal of Hybomitra difficilis (Diptera: Tabanidae).
Authors: Setser Emily , Joy James E.
Published: May 2022

The feeding tube of Hybomitra difficilis is made up of a short distal vestibule followed by a food canal that leads to the cibarium; the two regions demarcated by the vestibule/food canal junction. Two pairs of sensilla were consistently observed in the vestibular walls, the first pair of basiconic design in the mid-vestibular region, and the latter pair of setiform design at the base of the vestibule. Numbers of setiform sensilla in the food canal varied from 31 to 69 (mean = 48.15; ± 1 SD = 10.02), and were aggregated in the distal and distal median regions of the food canal. This aggregation was significant (X 2 = 241.49; P < 0.0001), leading to rejection of the null hypothesis that setiform sensilla were evenly distributed throughout the length of the food canal.Two basiconic sensilla were observed in the food canal of every fly examined. While basiconic sensilla varied in position (i.e., distance) from the vestibule/food canal junction, they were significantly aggregated (X 2 = 14.42; P < 0.0024) in the two median sections of the distal canal region, thus leading to the rejection of Ho that basiconic sensilla were evenly distributed in subdivisions (i.e., sections) of the distal canal region.
Whitebark Pine Extract Augments Immune Responses that Diminish Bacterial Infection
Authors: Jacobs MacKenzie Lynn
Published: May 2022

MACKENZIE JACOBS, ELLIOT COLLINS, ROGER SEEBER, AND JOSEPH HORZEMPA, Department of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, West Liberty, WV 26074. Whitebark Pine Extract Augments Immune Responses that Diminish Bacterial InfectionFrancisella tularensis is a highly infectious bacterium that causes tularemia. Currently, there are no legal treatments in the United States.  Because of the highly infectious nature of F. tularensis, this organism can be used in bioterrorism. Therefore, to counteract this potential threat, development and discovery of novel treatments is highly desired.  During human infection, F. tularensis replicates in phagocytic cells of the immune system such as monocytes and macrophages.  Through a high throughput screen, we previously identified that Whitebark Pine extract (Pinus albicaulis) inhibited replication F. tularensis within monocytes.  Bio-assay guided fractionation was used to isolate the compounds responsible for the aforementioned activity.  Here, Galleria mellonella larvae were infected with F. tularensis LVS (an attenuated type B strain) and were treated with fractions of the Whitebark Pine extract.  Infected larvae treated with one such fraction (referred to as Pa-9) exhibited significant survival compared to the mock-treated insects.  Similar results were observed in chicken embryos infected with F. tularensis LVS that had been treated with Pa-9 suggesting that this fraction contained the active compound.  To determine whether Whitebark Pine Extracts were directly antibacterial, an antibiotic disk-diffusion assay was used. None of the fractions tested inhibited the growth of bacteria outside the context of infection, indicating that this extract does not contain traditional antibiotic compounds.  Further separation of Pa-9 produced four fractions, and testing of these fractions is ongoing.
Development of a Captive Rearing Protocol for Threatened & Endangered Appalachian Crayfish
Authors: Vopal Christopher , Delekta Emmy , McKinney Matthew , Loughman Zachary
Published: May 2022

Crayfish are the third most threatened taxa worldwide. In 2016, two Appalachian endemic species were federally listed by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service: Cambarus callainus (Big Sandy Crayfish) and Cambarus veteranus (Guyandotte River Crayfish), which are listed as threatened and endangered respectively. Both species were listed due to limited and declining ranges caused by various anthropogenic activities, especially those causing stream sedimentation. Captive propagation can be used as a tool for crayfish conservation by helping to restore the native range of a species or improving their fecundity within their current range. Over a ten week period 120 young-of-the-year (YOY) Cambarus chasmodactylus (New River Crayfish), a surrogate species for C. callainus and  C. veteranus, were raised in individual cells to compare (1) growth and (2) survival on two different diets. They were fed every other day, with half (60) raised on trout diet pellets (TD) and the other half raised on blood worms (BW). Results showed that the YOY grew more on BW (17.3% growth) than TD (13.6% growth), and there was increased survival with BW (84.5% survival) versus TD (70.5% survival). These findings may be due in part to the fact that blood worms are easier for the crayfish to eat and may have increased nutritional value over  TD. This study suggest a BW diet is more effective in captive rearing of crayfishes than TD, and future studies should explore additional dietary needs.
The Viable but Non-Culturable State of Francisella tularensis
Authors: Cunningham Kailee , Pancake Jacob
Published: May 2022

Tularemia is a zoonotic infection caused by the Category A biodefense agent Francisella tularensis.  This bacterium is maintained in small mammals such as rabbits but has also been isolated from the soil, natural water systems, and domestic water supplies.  Previous data has shown that F. tularensis can enter into a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state where the bacterium cannot be cultivated by traditional methods, yet the bacterium is alive and maintains a measurable level of metabolic activity.  Since most conventional diagnostic tests depend upon cultivation of the bacteria, VBNC bacteria are a serious threat to public health.  Therefore, understanding how VBNC F. tularensis survive and persist in the environment and how they can be resuscitated back to an easily-detected, culturable form is of utmost clinical importance.  The focus of our project is determining culture conditions that cause F. tularensis to enter into the VBNC state in the laboratory setting.  We have tested various parameters including pH, temperature, and starvation as potential VBNC inducers. Culturability was measured by growth of F. tularensis on chocolate agar while viability was measured using a LIVE/DEAD fluorescent staining kit. To date, all conditions tested that have reduced the culturability of F. tularensis have also been associated with decreased viability. Current experimentation has focused on whether prolonged incubation of F. tularensis at mammalian body temperature will stimulate the bacteria to enter the VBNC state.  In the future, we plan to utilize laboratory-generated VBNC F.tularensis to determine which genes are expressed during this state that mediate survival.
Seeking antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Authors: High Daryll , Roof Steven
Published: May 2022

Antibiotics are routinely used as growth promoters in livestock where they help animals gain weight faster or use less food to gain weight.  Since any use of antibiotics is known to increase antibiotic resistance we wanted to see if an increase in antibiotic resistance organisms could be detected using simple microbiological techniques, with an eye toward using this in an introductory microbiology lab course.  Saliva samples were taken weekly from an isolated group of cattle before and after the addition of a chlortetracycline containing feed supplement to their diet.  Samples were serially diluted and plated onto TSA and TSA + tetracycline agar plates.  Antibiotic resistant bacteria were isolated from day 1 and their numbers remained relatively consistent throughout the trial.  The proportion of antibiotic resistant organisms increased markedly following the addition of the medicated supplement.  Potential applications in a microbiology course will be discussed.
Deep Learning in Natural Language Processing
Authors: Neterer Jacob Russell , Guzide Osman
Published: May 2022

The recent leap in the development of deep learning has opened the door to more advanced assistance in natural language processing. In this paper, a rough outline of how the process of deep learning functions, how it relates to natural language processing, and examples of deep learning will all be discussed.
Method Development for the Determination of Octopamine in Insect Hemolymph by HPLC with Electrochemical Detection.
Authors: Badley Sierra , Montenegro Josue , DiLella Dan , Conley Ruth
Published: May 2022

An HPLC method has been developed for the quantification of octopamine in insect hemolymph. The samples were collected in a syringe preloaded with formic acid as an anticoagulant and with DHBA (3,4-Dihydroxybenzylamine hydrobromide) as an internal standard.  Proteins were removed by centrifuging with a 10K Da filter.  The eluent was an aqueous 0.05 M citrate buffer (pH= 5.7) mixed that included an ion pairing reagent and mixed with 5-10% methanol. A C18 column and electrochemical detection was used. With this method, the amines can be detected at picogram levels. The major challenge in the analysis is that there are hundreds of compounds in a typical biological fluid and, in some cases, another electro-active species will co-elute with the amine of interest. Adjusting the pH, the percentage methanol, and the amount and type of ion pairing reagent had a very significant effect on the retention times.  The measured octopamine level varied from 30 to 600 pg. of octopamine per mg. of hemolymph.
Solving Ordinary Differential Equations in Java.
Authors: Cadle Morgan , Miller Jason Rafe
Published: May 2022

Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) are equations containing multivariate derivatives of one or more function with respect to a single independent variable. ODEs are components of mathematical models used in biology, chemistry and physics. Solving ODEs can be lengthy and difficult. We investigated the complexity challenges of developing Java programs that solve ODEs within the context of undergraduate study. We evaluated the relative difficulty of writing a program in plain Java, using a Java library specific to ODEs, and solving the equations without programming. This study could help students and instructors find new ways to explore the complexity of ODE problems and generate new methods for solving them with computers.
Utilization of Francisella tularensis LVS to Generate a Plague/ Tularemia Vaccine
Authors: Macom Rhiannon Virginia , Horzempa Joseph
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis and Yersinia pestis are bacteria that are classified as potential bioterrorism agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  A vaccine that can produce a protective immunity against multiple agents of bioterror would be especially desirable.  Therefore, the overall goal of this research is to create a vaccine that will produce immunity to both Y. pestis and F. tularensis.  We generated a construct in which the coding region for Tul4 (an immunodominant protein of F. tularensis) is linked to OmpA (a protective antigen of Y. pestis) under the control of a robust F. tularensis promoter.  This construct was constructed in E. coli and was subsequently mobilized to F. tularensis LVS (Live Vaccine Strain).  Patients who have been immunized with LVS show an immunological memory of over three decades post-vaccination, so we predict that a similarly lengthy response will be exhibited against the Y. pestis antigen.  The expression of the chimeric Tul4-OmpA protein is currently being verified through western blotting.   After confirmation, mice will be immunized with this recombinant LVS strain then subsequently challenged with both F. tularensis and Y. pestis to determine the efficacy of the recombinant vaccine.  This research will provide information on how to protect against two possible bioterror agents and may even be applied to other bacteria. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence and a grant from the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium [NNX10AK62H])
Diquat Dibromide-induced cellular and developmental abnormalities in the pond snail Lymnaea palustris: Analysis of calcium dysregulation and cytoskeletal targets.
Authors: Plautz Carol Zygar , Jalil Amaris
Published: May 2022

Diquat dibromide (DD), an active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, is known to elicit oxidative stress in plant tissues leading to lipoperoxidation and apoptotic cell death. While exposure to DD has been demonstrated to cause ROS formation in animal tissues as well, its dose-dependent effects have been minimally characterized. Using embryos of the model organism Lymnaea palustris, we observe and quantify DD-induced effects including increased mortality, abnormal motility, heartrate arrhythmias, impaired shell formation in juvenile snails, and cellular dissociation using real-time imaging, heartrate assessment, and immunohistochemistry of cytoskeletal proteins. We have also demonstrated that calcium regulation is compromised in the presence of DD, causing a myriad of developmental and cytoskeletal defects, some of which are lessened by antioxidants. We suspect that the observed calcium dysregulation induced by high concentrations of DD (≥ 44.4 µg/L) may be one of the initial steps leading to the establishment of an intracellular positive feedback loop of ROS formation in the mitochondria and calcium release from the SER, leading to calcium efflux and apoptotic cell death. At low concentrations of DD (≤ 28 µg/L), however, apoptotic cell death does not occur, though cytoskeletal elements and calcium regulation are clearly impaired, suggesting that ROS formation may not occur at low DD concentrations and that the observed phenotypes result from ion dysregulation and disruption of cytoskeletal elements which negatively affect motility and heartrate. Ongoing research is being conducted to delineate the effects of DD on embryonic cytoskeletal elements.
Crayfishes of the Potomac River Basin in West Virginia
Authors: Sykes Audrey Michelle
Published: May 2022

The high level of endemism displayed by native crayfish taxa, in addition to the recognized displacement abilities of nonindigenous crayfish such as Faxonius virilis and Procambarus acutus represents a serious threat to indigenous crayfish populations. Other major conservation threats to native crayfish fauna in the eastern portion of West Virginia include land development and land-use practices. The goal of this study was to compare recent and historical species distributions and assess conservation standings of native and nonindigenous crayfishes of the Potomac River Basin in West Virginia. Between June and October of 2007 historical and semi-randomly selected sites were sampled throughout the basin.  Abundance was determined by catch per unit effort (CPUE) for ten seine hauls.  Morphometric data including total carapace length, propodus length, and palm length were recorded in millimeters for each species. Life history parameters were determined from collections made during the study. Native species collected included Cambarus bartonii, Cambarus carinirostris, and Faxonius obscurus. Introduced species collected included Faxonius virilis and Procambarus zonangulus. C. bartoni was present in the Cacapon, North Branch Potomac, Potomac Direct Drains, and South Branch Potomac. F. obscurus was absent from Potomac Direct Drains, and C. carinirostris was only present in the South Branch Potomac. F. virilis and P. zonangulus were only present in Potomac Direct Drains. Though F. limosus was reported in 1989, no specimens were recovered during over the course of this survey, which indicates possible extirpation from the West Virginia portion of its range.
Using digitized Native American skeletal remains to conduct osteological analyses.
Authors: Guydish Melissa , Henson Kristy
Published: May 2022

Conducting osteological analyses on human skeletal material enhances our knowledge of these remains. Photos and descriptions are insufficient when communicating the wear, pathology, variation, or nuances of native populations. There are numerous laws, regulations, and financial dilemmas hindering our ability to further research human skeletal remains. Unfortunately, smaller institutions frequently find sophisticated imaging tools to be cost-prohibitive. Photographs lack sufficient detail when attempting to capture and convey an accurate representation of the unique structure, markings, and degenerationof human skeletal remains. Integrating new technology and techniques into this field has the potential to solve these dilemmas. CT scanning and file extracting creates virtual three-dimensional models and stores the information for future study. This removes the time limit surrounding this research (due to mandatory repatriation) and allows for thorough skeletal analyses. To assess this methodology, we conducted complete osteological analyses on two CT replicated human skeletal remains of two individuals uncovered during the archaeological excavation in Cabell County, West Virginia. In previous studies we analyzed the accuracy of the digital data by comparing physical human remains to the digitized versions. We hypothesized that the digital replicas allow a complete osteological analysis of the human skeletal material. Data were collected using human remains digitized on a GE VCT Medical CT scanner. The CT data were extracted into a 3D digital file for analysis while using the Standards for Data Collection from Human Skeletal Remains. Results show we can indicate identification of fundamental skeletal anatomy with all skeletal landmarks and basic osteometric measurements.
Analysis of GABA receptor expression in differentiated embryonic neuronal stem cells after treatment with opioids, methamphetamine, and alcohol
Authors: Stewart Sydney Taylor , Anthony Bruce
Published: May 2022

Analysis of GABA receptor expression in differentiated embryonic neuronal stem cells after treatment with opioids, methamphetamine, and alcohol. During normal CNS plasticity, neuronal stem cells assist in recovery of damage to neurons as well as induce strengthening of neurological pathways. Drugs of abuse have been shown to reduce overall stem cell numbers and may inhibit proper plastic.  This suggests that abstinence recovery from drug abuse would be slowed or inhibited by this stem cell impact. In this study, we treated stem cells, either before or after differentiation, with single doses of u-opioid agonist (DAMGO), methamphetamine, or alcohol. We examined changes in GABA expression and cell type differentiation to determine the extent of change to cellular numbers and specific GABA expression. Changes suggest that alteration may affect neuroplasticity and long-term recovery for addictions.  Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434.
Utilizing Environmental DNA to Assess Fish Community Composition of the West Run Watershed, Monongalia County, WV
Authors: Williams Michelle
Published: May 2022

Identification of species composition is one of initial steps to undertaking the assessment of overall ecosystem biodiversity and health. An accurate and efficient evaluation method for obtaining the means for identification can be difficult to pinpoint, and traditional invasive methods (i.e., electroshocking, nets or traps), can potentially inflict injury, and can have low detection rates. Through the collection of environmental DNA (eDNA), a variety of organisms can be detected noninvasively. For the present study we analyzed community composition of freshwater streams from the West Run Watershed (Monongalia County, WV).  We employed, eDNA filtration capturing methods in the field with chloroform-isomyl alcohol extractions in the laboratory. Small fragments 12s and 16s mitochondrial RNA regions were amplified and sequenced using conventional PCR (cPCR) methods in conjunction with next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in order to assess headwater stream community composition.
Tick Collection and Identification Methods
Authors: DeMarco Jimmy , Bertocci Chaise , Adkins Wyatt , Bjorgo-Thorne Kimberly A.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of our project was to develop a locally valid method for tick sampling, and identification by using microscopic photographs. The pilot study started in August 2017 and continued through March 2018.  The pilot study was structured around six goals including tick identification methods, tick biology, tick identification, sampling/ preservation techniques and tick collection methods suitable for West Virginia. The initial sampling method proposed was via drag sampling, as it is the standard method for obtaining ticks of all three life stages. Drag methods proved ineffective in the Fall of 2017, a factor we attribute to the uncommonly low rainfall level. Research indicates tick activity peaks during conditions of increased precipitation, which we did not experience. Instead of drag methods, we switched to another common approach which involves extraction of ticks from white- tailed deer carcasses. Ticks burrowed in deer carcasses were extracted using forceps to prevent contamination and/or damage. Ticks were obtained from 16 sites across four separate counties.  Each of these counties has a recorded instance of Lyme disease. The majority of the samples collected were blacklegged (Ixodes scapularis) and brown dog (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) ticks. Our sample of ticks were then photographed under a microscope and then categorized in a spreadsheet.
Tick surveillance and identification in Upshur County, WV
Authors: Adkins Wyatt H , Bertocci Chaise C , DeMarco James L , Bjorgo-Thorne Kimberly A.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of our project was to develop a locally valid method for tick sampling, and identification by using microscopic photographs. The pilot study started in August 2017 and continued through March 2018.  The pilot study was structured around six goals including tick identification methods, tick biology, tick identification, sampling/ preservation techniques and tick collection methods suitable for West Virginia. The initial sampling method proposed was via drag sampling, as it is the standard method for obtaining ticks of all three life stages. Drag methods proved ineffective in the Fall of 2017, a factor we attribute to the uncommonly low rainfall level. Research indicates tick activity peaks during conditions of increased precipitation, which we did not experience. Instead of drag methods, we switched to another common approach which involves extraction of ticks from white- tailed deer carcasses. Ticks burrowed in deer carcasses were extracted using forceps to prevent contamination and/or damage. Ticks were obtained from 16 sites across four separate counties.  Each of these counties has a recorded instance of Lyme disease. The majority of tick samples collected were blacklegged (Ixodes scapularis) and brown dog (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) ticks. The results of our study indicate that blacklegged and brown dog ticks are common species in Upshur and Fayette counties.  The ticks we obtained are also part of a Lyme disease sentinel program also at WVWC.
Blood Octopamine levels affiliated with righting and exploration behaviors in Gromphadorhina portentosa, a Madagascar hissing cockroach
Authors: Lott Allison M. , Badley Sierra , Conley Ruth A.
Published: May 2022

Many animals exhibit behavioral syndromes, a collection of correlated behaviors across various contexts.  Risk acceptance (aka Shy-Bold syndrome) is affiliated with aggressiveness and has been shown to be present among male Madagascar Hissing cockroaches, Gromphadorhina portentosa (Mishra 2011, Logue et al 2009, 2011).  We used behavioral assays developed for G. portentosa to observe behavioral syndromes in both male and female G. portentosa as well as to explore the possible role of octopamine, a neuromodulator, in risk acceptance.    Octopamine (OA) is a neurohormone involved in modulating many behaviors including feeding & aggression in insects and crustaceans.  High levels of OA are affiliated with aggression (crickets, Stevenson 2005) as well as submissiveness (lobster, Livingston 1980).  OA  injections into G. portentosa cause a submissive-like stance, decreased activity, and increased hissing (Conley & Baird 2011).   We used HPLC to measure blood OA levels of animals tested for behavioral syndromes (ie. shyness vs boldness) using the time to right themselves after a flip onto their back and the area covered while exploring a novel environment.  Animals with lowest OA levels were fastest to right themselves; however not all animals with low OA levels were fast at righting.  At present, we see no relationship between exploration and OA level with our current behavioral assay and OA detection methods.  These experiments provide evidence that female G. portentosa also possess behavioral syndromes for these behaviors.   These results are useful in designing further behavioral assays concerning octopamine’s behavioral effects; further refinement of HPLC detection methods will also be useful. This work was funded in part by the Research Challenge Fund through a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Division of Science and Research
Software development for data analysis using multiple-curve graphs through excel spreadsheets
Authors: YAO YITIAN , Wang Zhijun , Wang Qing , Klinke DAVID J.
Published: May 2022

Data analysis plays an essential in research involving large simulation and experimental data. The graphs that generated by data collections can be convenient and helpful for researchers to analyze the trend of samples. However, spending large amount of time on handling and graphing data collections can carry the concentration away from the researchers. This study focuses on programming a software application with simple user interface to handle data and generate graph in Excel Spreadsheets. For instance: transferring 300 data sets from .txt files to Excel workbooks, then pick X% (dynamic percentage according to user input) confidence section points and median value for each group of files to generate three curves with discrete data points. Human can repeat this task 10 times within a short period of time, but the work become tedious when there are hundreds of folders containing thousands of data files. Therefore, generating graphs using programming method can dramatically improve the efficiency of work. In addition, human can easily make some mistakes after working on plenty of repetitive task. The method of developing software can greatly increase the accuracy of data transferring and analysis. This project was supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence and the Research Challenge Fund through a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Division of Science and Research.
Anti-tumor activity of Organometallic Compounds
Authors: Maskey Abha , Molnar Sharon , Hankins Gerald
Published: May 2022

Modern medicine has been focusing on proving new and alternative chemotherapeutic compounds with high tumor cytotoxicity and reduced side effects to combat drug resistance and improve drug efficacy in cancer treatment. Organometallic compounds have unique physio-chemical properties like structural diversity, ligand exchange, redox and catalytic properties which are now being used to develop potential candidates for cancer therapy. The impressive clinical effectiveness of cisplatin is limited by the significant side effects and emergence of drug resistance. One of the metals showing promise is ruthenium. Ruthenium compounds often have lower cytotoxicity compared to cisplatin and are better tolerated in vivo. RuIII complexes maintain their metallic oxidation state till they reach the tumor, wherein a hypoxic condition is reduced to RuII. Moreover, in many cancer types, iron uptake is upregulated. Ruthenium, being in the same group as iron is transported into the cells by the transferrin receptor which is overexpressed in many tumors. Therefore, the properties of tumors enhance both Ru uptake and toxicity relative to normal tissues. DNA cleavage will lead to cell cycle arrest until the damage is repaired, or if it is too extensive to repair, it will undergo senescence and death that may be either dependent or independent of p53 tumor suppressor gene function. This project is focused on the synthesis, purification, and characterization of monometallic and bimetallic ruthenium compounds and evaluate its effects on glioblastoma, meningioma and pancreatic cell lines to analyze their effect on the proliferation of the tumor cells and their capacity to induce apoptosis.This project was supported by NIH Grants 5P20RR016477 and P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for BioMedical Research Funding.
Numerical Simulation of Oxy-Fuel Premixed Combustion in a Supercritical CO2-diluted Environment.
Authors: ADEBIYI ABDULAFEEZ AKINOLA , KEMENOV KONSTANTIN , AKKERMAN V’YACHESLAV
Published: May 2022

Development of advanced supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) combustors for next-generation gas turbines requires deeper understanding of the dynamics and structure of CO2-diluted flames at supercritical conditions. To address this question, the key parameters of premixed supercritical oxy-methane combustion, such as the velocity, temperature and thickness of the flame front are scrutinized in the present work. The analysis is performed by means of the computational simulation of the combustion equations with fully-compressible hydrodynamics, transport properties (heat conduction, diffusion and viscosity) and one-step Arrhenius chemical kinetics. In addition, the real-gas thermodynamics and molecular properties are incorporated into the reacting-flow Navier-Stokes solver along with the Peng-Robinson equation of state. It is shown that an increase in a CO2-dilution rate makes the flame front thicker and reduces the unstretched laminar flame speed, as compared to that of non-diluted oxy-combustion. Starting with the planar flames, attained by means of the slip boundary conditions at the computational domain, the analysis is subsequently extended to the corrugated flames, produced by non-slip walls of the computational domain. While a corrugated flame front generally propagates faster than the planar one of similar thermal-chemical characteristics, the corrugated flame velocity not only diminishes with the dilution rate, but it also depends on the size/geometry of the combustor.
The prevalence of the accessory infraorbital foramen among sexes: preliminary results.
Authors: McGowan Branigan Leora
Published: May 2022

BRANIGAN L. MCGOWAN, DALTON S. BOLON, Dept of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, 26074, and MATTHEW J ZDILLA, Depts of Natural Sciences & Mathematics and Graduate Health Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, 26074 and Dept of Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine (PALM), West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, 26506. The prevalence of the accessory infraorbital foramen among sexes: preliminary results.The infraorbital foramen is an opening in the maxillary bone below the infraorbital margin of the orbit through which the maxillary nerve travels. The infraorbital foramen is particularly important in nerve block procedures. Occasionally, an accessory infraorbital foramen may be present, complicating nerve block procedures. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of the accessory infraorbital foramen among sexes. A total of 565 crania of known sex were assessed (301 males and 264 females). In the total population, 108 of 565 crania (19.1%) were found to have an accessory IOF. With regard to sex, 66 of 301 males (21.9%) and 42 of 264 females (15.9%) were found to have an accessory IOF. The results of this study underscore the importance of screening for the accessory infraorbital foramen in both males and females prior to infraorbital nerve block.
Analysis of Neuronal Stem Cell Vesicle Packaging After Treatment with Drugs of Abuse.
Authors: Burtner Sabrina Pauline
Published: May 2022

Drugs of abuse reduce neuronal cell numbers in the CNS and alter normal plasticity processes. These changes are accumulative over time and increase with repetitive doses. CNS plasticity allows for the adaptation of nerves to new stimuli and/or cellular loss and damage. The consequence from drug insult are lost neural connections within the brain likely effecting memory and cognition. Addicts increased tolerance and compulsivity are linked to neuroplasticity. Substances such as methamphetamine and opioids have been known to alter the dopamine circuitry in the limbic system by reducing connectivity. We examined the effects on non-differentiated neuronal stem cells when treated with DAMGO (opioid agonist), cocaine, methamphetamine, and alcohol followed with 5 days’ differentiation (Limited differentiation time). Specifically, we see alterations in vehicular packaging and changes in expression of the neurotransmitter GABA. Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434.
Feasibility Analysis of Advanced Rail Energy Generation and Storage Technology Implementation for State of West Virginia
Authors: Hatipoglu Kenan , Panta Yogendra , Bottenfield Gregory
Published: May 2022

Advanced Rail Energy Generation and Storage Technology is an alternative concept for utility companies to generate and store energy by using the idea of regenerative braking of the motors used to drive the shuttle-trains. It has the main concept of transporting a continuous flow of masses uphill to create an energy storage and transporting a continuous flow of masses downhill to generate electricity.   This technology provides a deployable solution for grid-scale energy storage. This enables the electric grid to integrate clean and renewable energy while maintaining the reliable and secure electric service necessary. It also provides an energy storage solution that does not rely on water.   The objective of this study is to investigate the ways to implement this technology at West Virginia which has perfect landscape conditions including abandoned coal mines and other possible locations. Software modelling of this technology employing field data obtained from coal mining-related companies, societies and organizations is the main method used in this study for feasibility studies. By using this method, identification of the suitable site(s) / mine(s) for the technology implementation is possible. Another objective of this study is to attract and engage undergraduate students to conduct research on alternative energy resources to find possible solutions on current energy related problems.   This study is a semester long project to be completed at the end of the spring of 2018. Currently, two undergraduate students are working with two faculty advisors as undergraduate researchers.   This project is funded by NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium – Academic Affiliate Research Enhancement Awards 2017-2018.
Evaluating design criteria for high hazard dams in a changing climate
Authors: Sutton Aaron Read , Hopkinson Leslie
Published: May 2022

The 100-year flowrate is an important design criterion for emergency spillways of high hazard dams.  With change in climate, there is the potential for these events to vary in frequency and magnitude.  This work quantified how changes in the 100-year flowrate may affect emergency spillway activation.  Peakflow data were used to analyze changes in the 100-year flowrate.  Reservoir routing was used at a high hazard dam under potential future flow scenarios (-7%, +6%, +12%, +20%, and +30%).  The spillway of the dam was predicted to be reached by approximately a 12% increase in 100-year flow, which was matched and exceeded by historical increases in 100-year flow from unregulated gages of up to 19%.  These results suggest that emergency spillway designs need to consider potential changes in 100-year flow.  This research was supported by the NASA WVSGC Graduate Research Fellowship.
Determination of impairment of Lambert’s Run Stream.
Authors: Kendall Cierra Reillye , Flood Mark , Ciesla John , Nedrow Jim , Murphey Mike
Published: May 2022

Mine drainage has been a serious issue throughout West Virginia due to the large amount of abandoned coal mines.  A recent wave of mine closures is further decreasing the resources for mine drainage treatment, and some of the closed mines may have additional water pollution problems.  Treatment of mine drainage is one of the largest environmental problems the mining industry faces. Therefore, it is a good time to study mine drainage treatment and to become as efficient as possible at it. This research examines the impairment of Lamberts Run and determines ways to improve the quality of the water.  Impairment was determined based on West Virginia water quality standards by collecting stream data upstream and downstream of treatment sites. Collection of stream data included pH, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids, salt, and iron content to determine the effectiveness of the stream remediation that has previously occurred. Water samples from each site were collected and mixed into a Coliscan Easygel plate to determine the amount of coliform bacteria present, which causes harm to surrounding ecosystems.  Benthic macroinvertebrate data was also analyzed for this stream. From the preliminary data collected, it is determined that Lamberts Run remains impaired despite rehabilitation attempts according to WVDEP water quality standards. Future investigation will focus on how to rehabilitate this stream.
Migrating Data from Excel to the Web Using a LAMP Stack
Authors: Foote Emily Bei , Miller Jason Rafe
Published: May 2022

Data held exclusively in a spreadsheet has limited accessibility. Delivering this data via a web application can allow for increased interaction from external users. We sought to expose a dataset collected by the Biology Department at Shepherd University. We speculated that an undergraduate data analytics major could implement a data migration from Excel to the web in the span of one semester. In close collaboration with the stakeholder, a MySQL database was created and normalized, and a prototype was developed using PHP to retrieve records at the request of the user and display the results. Although the application is not yet public, we hope to make it available within the semester. Provided success, we will have demonstrated one way in which research teams can expose their data with minimal investment.
Signal Intelligence (SIGINT)
Authors: Guzide Osman
Published: May 2022

Christopher Foy, Savannah Felix,  Osman Guzide (Faculty Advisor), Department of Computer Science, Mathematics and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. Signal Intelligence (SIGINT)Signals Intelligence is gathering intelligence via communication between people, between electronic devices or both. We now see Signals Intelligence as an old risk that is dynamic and has adjusted to where siphoned passwords and other data theft by utilizing RF waves is possible and occurring very easily. Everyday items like a cell phone can be used as FM receiver to take audio frequency and convert it into a simple textual data. There has been a social and technology change that has caused the two groups to overlap at a great amount.