bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the antimicrobial activity of Nymphaea odorata extract.
Authors: Voellinger Jada Michelle 
Published: May 2022

We previously screened a library of nearly 4000 extracts of plants, marine life, and fungi from the National Center for Natural Product Research to identify compounds that exhibited antimicrobial activity. From this screen, Nymphaea odorata (Fragrant Water Lily) extract significantly inhibited the growth of Burkholderia cepacia (an opportunistic pathogen frequently associated with drug resistance). The objective of this project is to validate the antimicrobial activity exhibited N. odorata, extract and to isolate and identify the compound(s) responsible for this activity. For this project we conducted ethanol extractions on three different parts of the plant: the rhizome, roots, and stems. These antimicrobial properties of these extracts will be determined using two different drug resistant bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here, we will utilize both disk diffusion and time-to-kill assays to determine the presence of antimicrobial compounds. The results from the first round of tests showed that the extracts were not inhibiting the growth of these bacteria, so the extract concentration was increased for subsequent investigations. Moreover, the gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus was also tested for susceptibility.
A New Approach to Quantify Flame Acceleration due to Wall Friction in a Micro-Slit.
Authors: Kareem Lateef Adewale 
Published: May 2022

Various analytical models have been developed to describe velocity profile for flame acceleration (FA) and deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT), but none accounts for observed acceleration to constant velocity seen in case of micro gaps (in which the flow stays laminar even at speed of sound). To fill such a gap, here we propose an alternative model, which is based on the first physical principles and agrees with the experimental finding that FA is subsequently replaced by steady flame propagation. Starting with the Navier-stokes for a radial flow between two flat plates, we set the pressure gradient to be proportional to the vertical component of a velocity function, split the resulting differential equation in velocity into the vertical and temporal component, and then absorbed the driving force into the temporal component equation. The unknown parameters were computed by using nonlinear optimization to fit the model to the experimental measurement showing good agreement between the model and the experiments.
Increasing trends in Lyme borreliosis reported from Upshur County WV
Authors: Duncan Kyra , Sal Melanie , Bjorgo-Thorne Kim 
Published: May 2022

Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is the most commonly contracted tick-borne disease in America. It is transmitted by hard-bodied ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of the genus Ixodes, specifically I. scapularis in the eastern United States and I. pacificus in the western United States. Borreliosis is caused by the spirochaete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. In 2018, 398 confirmed or probable cases of Lyme borreliosis were reported in 40 West Virginia counties, compared to a total of 772 total confirmed/probable cases of Lyme borreliosis from 2000-2010 (annual range 17-200 cases). In order to test population dynamics of different tick species and Borrelia infection prevalence of I. scapularis, 747 individual tick samples of three different species (I. scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) were collected in and around Upshur County, West Virginia via flagging and dragging methods, and from veterinarians and groomers in Upshur County. After identification, the DNA was extracted from the samples. PCR and gel electrophoresis were used to test for B. burgdorferi presence in the ticks. 1.7% of the 147 ticks tested were positive for B. burgdorferi infection. 3.4% of the ticks tested displayed an unidentified positive band. Lyme borreliosis is now found in most WV counties and is considered endemic in the state. Upshur and surrounding counties, once comparatively free of Lyme borreliosis cases, are now reporting multiple cases per year. Future research will include isolating and identifying this band as well as testing for Rickettsial diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
The Role of FTL_1229 during Infection and Erythrocyte Invasion by Francisella tularensis.
Authors: Myers Jennifer Rose , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a gram-negative bacterium that causes the disease, tularemia. Due to the highly infectious nature of F. tularensis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified this bacterium as a category A bioterrorism agent. To combat this threat, understanding the pathogenesis of F. tularensis is necessary. FTL_1229 encodes a protein homologous to the ATP binding protein portion of an ABC transporter. This gene is of interest because its expression is induced in the presence of human red blood cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that FTL_1229 may be involved during invasion of these host cells. However, we and others have produced evidence that this gene is essential which means that producing a null mutation is unfeasible. Therefore, we utilized a Tet-responsive promoter system to control expression of FTL_1229 in trans and are attempting to delete the chromosomal copy of this gene. By modulating expression of FTL_1229, we will be able to evaluate the role of this gene in erythrocyte invasion and during infection. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence and funding from the WV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.14.13] and NIH grant 1R15HL147135-01 and This research was made possible by NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, Training Grant # NNX15AI01H.).
Application of ACUE module "Embedding Career Guidance Into Your Course" at WVU Tech
Authors: Panta Yogendra M , Hatipoglu Kenan 
Published: May 2022

At WVU Tech (West Virginia University Institute of Technology), we employed a teaching module “Embedding career guidance into your course” developed by ACUE (American College and University Educators). In addition, we presented positive outcomes from the implementation of other ACUE module “Developing students’ career-ready skills” that enhances students’ readiness for professional career upon their graduation. Embedding career guidance into teaching courses relate and equip students’ readiness with the necessary skillsets they need to be successful in their professional career. Through the ACUE module, we learned how to guide students in searching majors, internships/co-op opportunities, and other career options; facilitate opportunities for students to network with alumni and upper-level students; and make a meaningful relevance of course learning outcomes to students’ future goals. Although materials and resource development are still ongoing, we have begun the pilot implementation of this ACUE module into our campus through our primary roles as department- or, program-specific academic advisors. Our first implementation of this module and the outcomes were highly encouraging to be able to provide rich knowledge about myriad of options available selecting elective courses and engineering majors. These interactions with students led to experience their satisfactions in our new approach of advisement that turned to be more effective. We plan to get involved more so that students realize the relevance of course learning outcomes to their future goals.
Sequencing of a npc1L1 mutation in larval zebrafish
Authors: Smith Jordan Marcelle , Walters James William , Walters James William 
Published: May 2022

NPC1L1 transport protein is located in the lumen of the intestines and is critical for cholesterol absorption. The reason why we study NPC1L1 is because cholesterol absorption in the intestines affect obesity and diabetes which is still under investigation. Our goal is to investigate the mechanism by which the protein NPC1L1 absorbs cholesterol we are creating an npc1l1 -/- (knockout) line of zebrafish. We hypothesize that the npc1l1 -/- larval zebrafish will show reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption when feed a high fat diet compared to wild type zebrafish larvae. We are screening two zebrafish lines that carry mutations within the NPC1L1 sequence. These zebrafish lines were obtained from the Zebrafish International Resource Center. Parent fish carrying the mutation are identified by fin clipping, DNA extraction, and DNA sequencing of the potential mutant locus within NPC1L1.After identifying the mutation we will amplify the DNA fragments. The DNA fragments will then be sent off to Marshall Genomics Core for sequencing. The mutation sequence will be compared to a wild type sequence. Then the zebrafish that has been confirmed a carrier will be outcrossed with a wild type to eliminate background mutations and then intercrossed to make a homozygous carrier. This work was supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence and NIH Grant P20GM103434 awarded to Bluefield State College.
Comparison of heart rates measured in supine, prone, and sitting positions.
Authors: Omelchenko-Comer Natalia , Kalb Heather , COHEN LOUELLA , DIGIACINTO CARLEY , GIORDANO EMILY , , GREENE DEEANN , ROBINSON SIERRA , WALLACE DORA , HENDERSON BRYLEE , TAYLOR AUDRIANNA , KNICELY PAYTON 
Published: May 2022

The body position is influencing multiple physiological functions, including blood pressure, lung capacity, and mood. A previous study indicated significant difference in the HR measures in sitting, prone, and supine position if the breathing pace is normalized to the same frequency (Watanabe at al. 2007). The aim of the study was to determine if heart rate is different in sitting, prone, and supine positions under more common circumstances, when the breathing pattern is not unnaturally adjusted. Heart rates were measured for 1 min in 12 male and female healthy volunteers (average age of those was 35.8+/-17.58) after they were instructed to remain in a seated position for 10 min, and then after 5 minutes in prone and supine positions. Participants kept the same posture during HR measures. Average HR in the sitting position recorded in the study was 77.7+/-10.22 beats/min; HR in prone position was 78.5+/-8.32 beats/min; and HR in supine position was 74.8+/-5.61 beats/min. There were no statistically significant differences between group means as determined by one-way ANOVA (F (2,30) = 0.89, p = .42). Our data indicate that the sitting, prone, and supine position have similar effect on HR if breathing pattern is not adjusted. As prone, supine, or sitting positions are commonly accepted by patients undergoing manual therapy, our data may have an important implication for efficient management of such patients. The finding of this study also can be used for development of better treatment strategies of the individuals that are exhibiting various degree of circulatory compromise.
Antibacterial activity in wild fungi collected in Jefferson County, West Virginia
Authors: Hayes David T , Robertson Laura S 
Published: May 2022

Widespread antibiotic resistance is a public health crisis of global concern. Identification and development of new antibiotics is time-consuming and expensive, and few new antibiotics have been developed in recent years. While the first antibiotic, penicillin, was isolated from fungi, fungi in general are understudied. We are identifying wild-collected fungi, characterizing growth of these fungi, and investigating potential antibacterial activity. Filamentous fungi were isolated from the surface of wild-collected fruiting bodies of Auricularia fuscosuccinea (Jelly Ear), Polyporus squamosus (Dryad’s Saddle), and Loweomyces fractipes. Three isolates were identified to species by DNA barcode: two strains of Mucor nidicola and one strain of Geotrichum klebahnii. Growth of these three strains was assessed on four different culture media: Cherry Sawdust Agar, Dog Food Agar, Malt-Yeast Extract-Peptone Agar, and Potato Dextrose Yeast Agar. The three strains did not grow well on cherry sawdust agar, but grew well on the other three media. The ability to inhibit growth of the bacteria Escherichia coli K-12, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus cereus was assessed for G. klebahnii, the two isolates of M. nidicola, and for six other fungal strains that we isolated previously: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium herquei, Epiccocum nigrum, and three separate isolates of Trichoderma atroviride. Several of the tested strains inhibited growth of the Gram-positive B. cereus.
Investigation of environmental and land use influence on watershed bacterial contamination using E. coli quantification and 16s identification
Authors: O'Connor Abigail , Wood James 
Published: May 2022

Wheeling Creek in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia was monitored for fecal indicator bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). Since Wheeling Creek is used recreationally, elevated fecal coliform levels pose potential human health risks including gastrointestinal or respiratory illness. The current study included 12 sites spanning 18 stream km. For each site, weekly or bi-weekly bacteria samples were collected from the water column and water chemistry parameters were recorded. Seasonal trends in bacterial contamination and correlations with site parameters including rainfall, water chemistry, and land use were recorded. Additionally, monthly water samples from each site were enriched for coliform bacteria, amplified using 16s rRNA primers, and sequenced using Oxford Nanopore’s Flongle technology. Metagenomic analysis was used to determine patterns in the microbial community and note correlations between indicator bacteria and pathogens. Concentration of E. coli regularly exceeded the USEPA recommendation of 235 CFU/100 mL at many sites. Two sites averaged over 3,000 CFU/100 mL, while five sites averaged less than 126 CFU/100 mL. Development in the watershed correlated with E. coli concentration. Within the water chemistry parameters measured, turbidity, rainfall, pH, and temperature were the best predictors of site-level E. coli concentration, while pH, temperature, and percent developed land use were the best predictors of watershed E. coli levels. Collectively, these data can elucidate human health risk and inform remediation efforts in the Wheeling Creek watershed. This research was made possible by NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, NASA Agreement # # 80NSSC20M0055, and the Wheeling Water Pollution Control Dept.
Comparison of Aerobic Digestion and Oxidation Ditch Wastewater Treatment Systems
Authors: Anglin-Irwin Kathryn Marie , Kim Young B. 
Published: May 2022

Wastewater treatment is the process of converting wastewater into water that is suitable to be discharged back into the environment. Proper wastewater treatment is essential in order to ensure the health of the population and the environment. According to a June 2012 USEPA case study in Fairfax County, Virginia, poorly designed/managed wastewater treatment systems lead to the pollution of nearly 900 miles of streams, lakes, and ponds. Due to environmental consequences resulting from poor management, two distinct treatment systems will be explored to observe their efficacy. They are aerobic digestion at Bland Correctional Center and oxidation ditch at Appalachian Detention Center. Both systems are common as they are simple and cost effective.My hypothesis is that aerobic digestion will be the more effective over oxidation ditch, and objective is to determine which is the more effective system. The tests to be performed include carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and E. coli. Once all data from both institutions are collected, it will all be analyzed and compared against current USEPA standards.It is anticipated that the Bland Correctional Center’s aerobic digestion system will have much lower E. coli, TSS, and CBOD readings in their samples because the institution sends samples to Blue Ridge Analytical Environmental Laboratory thrice weekly to ensure compliance to EPA standards, while Appalachian Detention Center only sends samples once monthly. Given the data observed so far, all tests conducted at Bland Correctional Center have proved that the facility is well within compliance of USPEA standards.
Learning to Improve: Early Evaluation of the First2 Network
Authors: Howley Caitlin 
Published: May 2022

The first two years of an undergraduate student’s STEM program of study are particularly treacherous, with roughly half of STEM majors switching to other fields or dropping out entirely after their sophomore year. Moreover, attending a rural high school that was unable to offer higher-level math courses and being a first-generation college student further increase the likelihood of STEM attrition. This presentation will feature evaluation results from the First2 Network’s first two years of operation. Funded by the National Science Foundation, First2 is a collective impact effort to improve STEM persistence among rural, first-generation college students in West Virginia. With students themselves as co-creators of solutions to problems of persistence, core Network activities include iterative testing of improvements to practice, development of a statewide network to support student success, and capacity building to ensure sustainability. Study methods include surveys and interviews, observation of Network activities, document review, social network analysis, and tracking of student progress. Key findings suggest rapid Network expansion, establishment of core processes to support workgroups, provision of Network-wide training in improvement science, and successful facilitation of summer immersive research experiences for targeted students (in-person in 2019 and virtually in 2020). Early outcomes include statistically significant improvements in students’ STEM efficacy and STEM identity following summer immersive experiences, and improved survey scores indicating progress through iterative testing cycles. Early persistence data from participating students is less promising. But since the purpose of the Network is to learn how to help students persist, members continue their efforts to improve.
Vascular Flora of the Yew Mountain Center, Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Authors: Baranski Michael J 
Published: May 2022

A baseline floristic study was conducted on the 500 acre Yew Mountain Center (YMC) in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The YMC is a non-profit educational center providing programs emphasizing Appalachian ecology, culture, and arts, with one of its goals being the development of field research and study opportunities for outside researchers and students. Fieldwork conducted in 2019-2021 resulted in 383 recorded vascular plant taxa, with 25 new additions to the known Pocahontas County flora (possibly as many as 83 total new taxa have been found by the author in the county). The majority of the new additions were not unexpected. Two taxa (Juglans cinerea and Prunus alleghaniensis var. alleghaniensis) are significant occurrences tracked by the West Virginia Natural Heritage Program. Approximately 85% of the taxa are historical natives, as compared to 75% native flora for West Virginia as a whole. The primarily forested YMC harbors a diverse assemblage of Mixed Mesophytic, Mixed Hardwood and Appalachian Oak forest communities that is relatively free of exotic invasive and noxious weed infestations. The study demonstrates how a moderately-intensive examination of a small area can result in a significant increase in floristic knowledge of a region.
Analysis of stomach acid extraction of lead from children’s jewelry
Authors: O'Brien Samantha 
Published: May 2022

Research shows that children in the U..S are being seen in emergency departments for swallowing small objects at an increasing rate, with 7.0% of visits attributed to swallowing jewelry.1 Treatment for lead poisoning occurs when the concentration of lead in blood is 45 μg/dL (450 ppb), however, no level of lead is considered safe2 and the CDC uses 3.5 μg/dL (35 ppb) as a reference as to when a pediatrician should consider “follow-up services” to reduce possible long-term effects.3 This experiment measures the concentration of lead extracted by stomach acid from various samples of children’s jewelry
Simulated stomach acid solution heated to body temperature was used to attempt extraction of lead from children’s jewelry samples that had previously been determined to contain lead in their metal alloy composition. The simulated stomach acid samples were analyzed for lead content using AA spectrophotometry. Preliminary results indicate that while stomach acid does not dissolve jewelry, it is capable of extracting lead, which could lead to lead poisoning depending on the amount of lead extracted and absorbed into a child’s bloodstream should they swallow a piece of jewelry.
Integrating co-requisite math for STEM student success.
Authors: Cutright Lindsey , Amanda M. Smith  , Erica Harvey  
Published: May 2022

Gateway math courses can be a major hurdle for students to get over in order to continue on with their majors, especially STEM majors. Previously, students could have taken up to four semesters of remedial math before being able to place into the first gateway math course needed for their major. With Math Support, students no longer have to take those remedial courses; the remediation is built in to the course in addition to the regular level content. These co-requisite courses allow students to start into their major courses much sooner than in the past, therefore allowing them to stay on track in their major and finish successfully.
Developmental math courses have been replaced with co-requisite and accelerated learning models. All students can now progress through gateway courses within their first year, regardless of test scores. Gateway courses are offered with additional support to aid students in learning and understanding and fill in any gaps. Fairmont State was one the first colleges in WV to offer these services at full-scale. Attendees will be given an overview of Math Support at Fairmont State and how we have adapted our course to meet the changing needs of students as a result of the COVID pandemic. More data will be reported.
The role of three putative transcriptional regulators of Francisella tularensis during replication within host cells
Authors: Cashbaugh Mariah , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a pathogenic bacterium capable of replication within host monocytes and macrophages and is the causative agent of Tularemia. We utilized the attenuated live vaccine strain to model the infection and replication of F. tularensis in the mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. Our lab has previously identified three genes predicted to encode transcriptional regulators that are upregulated in the presence of human blood cells: FTL_0671, FTL_1199, and FTL_1665. The objective of this project is to determine if these genes play a role in the pathogenesis of F. tularensis.
Wild type F. tularensis LVS and mutant bacteria with FTL_0671, FTL_1199, and FTL_1665 gene deletions were constructed and engineered to express an extremely bright variant of Emerald Green Fluorescent Protein (encoded in the plasmid, pKHEG). These strains were used to infect RAW 264.7 macrophages and fluorescence was monitored over time using a plate reader. Our results suggest that FTL_1199 and FTL_1665 are attenuated for intracellular replication indicating that the products of the mutated genes may be important for pathogenesis.