bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Instrumentation standardization and reproducibility to support hands-on solar energy research
Authors: Starcovic Sarah Ann , Knowlton Shannon , Knowlton Shannon , Gillo Kendra , Gillo Kendra , Harvey Erica , Harvey Erica 
Published: May 2022

Solar hydrogen fuel generation through water splitting is the ultimate goal of a nationwide solar energy research initiative called the Solar Army. A fluorescence-based device called HARPOON 1.0 is currently used in the Solar Army to test oxygen-generating capabilities of mixed-metal oxide samples and identify samples that might catalyze water splitting. The West Virginia Brigade of the Solar Army, including First2 Network and high school students, is developing HARPOON 2.0. Less-complicated, cheaper, and more classroom-friendly, HARPOON 2.0 allows students as young as middle school to carry out real solar energy research. A suspension of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in sodium hydroxide nucleates the formation of oxygen bubbles above the metal oxide samples. The bubbles are visualized using scattered white light. Progress towards standardization and reproducibility of results obtained from diverse users and samples will be reported. This research was made possible by Fairmont State University College of Science and Technology and NASA WV Space Grant Consortium.
OpiA, a Type Six Secretion System Substrate, localizes to the cell pole and plays a role in bacterial growth and viability in Francisella tularensis LVS.
Authors: Cantlay Stuart , Haggerty Kristen , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is an intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of tularemia. The F. tularensis type six secretion system (T6SS) is required for a number of host-pathogen interactions including phagolysosomal escape and invasion of erythrocytes. One known effector of the T6SS, OpiA, has recently been shown to be a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase. To investigate the role of OpiA in erythrocyte invasion, we constructed an opiA-null mutant in the live vaccine strain, F. tularensis LVS. OpiA was not required for erythrocyte invasion, however, deletion of opiA affected growth of F. tularensis LVS in broth cultures in a medium-dependent manner. We also found that opiA influenced cell size, gentamicin sensitivity, bacterial viability, and the lipid content of F. tularensis. A fluorescently tagged OpiA (OpiA-EmGFP) accumulated at the cell poles of F. tularensis which is consistent with the location of the T6SS. However, OpiA-EmGFP also exhibited a highly dynamic localization and this fusion protein was detected in erythrocytes and THP-1 cells in vitro further supporting that OpiA is secreted. Similar to previous reports using F. novicida, our data demonstrated that opiA had a minimal effect on intracellular replication of F. tularensis in host immune cells in vitro. However, THP-1 cells infected with the opiA mutant produced modestly (but significantly) higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α compared to these host cells infected with wild-type bacteria. Together, our results support previous observations that implicate opiA in infection and virulence, but also reveal an additional role for opiA central to the biology of F. tularensis bacteria. (This research was made possible by NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium Training Grant #NNX15A101H and by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence).
Role of FTL_1306 (dipA) in Francisella tularensis susceptibility to resazomycins.
Authors: Souder Kendall , Whaby Michael , Hickman Jennifer , Scmitt Deanna , Primerano Donald , Denvir James 
Published: May 2022

The CDC classifies Francisella tularensis as a Category A bioterrorism agent. Due to the risk of potential release of antibiotic-resistant F. tularensis strains, new therapeutics against F. tularensis must be developed. Resazomycins are resazurin (Rz)-based compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity against F. tularensis and other gram-negative bacteria. The action of resazomycins is not well understood, but potential targets of the antibiotic were identified in a high throughput screen for Rz-resistant isolates. The dipA (FTL_1306) gene was identified as mutated in half of the 48 Rz-resistant (RZR) strains sequenced. To further investigate the role of dipA in Rz susceptibility, we introduced a wild-type copy of dipA into select RZR isolates (RZR1, 5, 43, and 46) that contain dipA mutations. The dipA gene was amplified by PCR from wild-type F. tularensis and cloned into the F. tularensis shuttle vector pABST to generate a construct (pABST-dipA) in which dipA will be constitutively expressed under control of the groEL promoter. The pABST-dipA plasmid was mobilized into each of the selected RZR isolates by electroporation. The resulting RZR dipA-complemented strains were cultivated on chocolate agar containing 10xMIC of Rz to determine their susceptibility to resazomycins. Preliminary results suggest that expression of wild-type dipA in the RZR mutants did not restore sensitivity to Rz indicating dipA may not play a role in Rz susceptibility. Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate the contribution of dipA to the bactericidal action of resazomycins.
Investigation of potential dominant negative dipA mutants in susceptibility of Francisella tularensis to resazomycins.
Authors: Stack Janelle Marie , Jarrett Adam , Schmitt Deanna 
Published: May 2022

Multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a significant threat to global public health. According to the CDC, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result. The development of new antibiotics is necessary to combat this public health crisis. Recently, we identified a novel family of compounds, resazomycins, which exhibit antimicrobial activity against select Gram-negative bacteria such as Francisella tularensis. The mode of action of resazomycins is not well understood, but through a screen for Rz-resistant (RZR) isolates of F. tularensis, one gene, dipA, was identified to be mutated in half of the strains that were sequenced. Complementation with wild-type dipA did not restore sensitivity to Rz in the RZR isolates, suggesting dipA does not play a role in Rz susceptibility or mutant dipA may be exhibiting a dominant negative effect. To explore the latter possibility, the dipA gene was amplified by PCR from spontaneous Rz mutants Rzr43 and Rzr46 and cloned into the F. tularensis shuttle vector pABST. These recombinant plasmids were then introduced into wild-type LVS. Upon confirmation of the successful introduction of each dipA allele into LVS, the resulting strains were then cultivated on chocolate agar containing Rz to determine their susceptibility to resazomycins. Preliminary results suggest that expression of mutant dipA in LVS did not confer resistance to Rz indicating dipA may not play a role in Rz susceptibility. Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate the contribution of dipA to the bactericidal action of resazomycins.
Scientific method for improvement and student success: Plan-Do-Study-Act.
Authors: Harvey Erica , Heatherly Sue Ann , Starcovic Sarah , Knowlton Shannon 
Published: May 2022

Are you curious what STEM students find to be barriers to their own success? Do you have anything in your courses or research laboratory environments that you would like to improve? In this hands-on session you will learn how to use the basic principles of improvement science, specifically a branch called Networked Improvement Communities (NIC), to identify ideas that you think might produce the improvement you seek. You will be guided through setting up a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to test your change idea on a rapid timescale in your own local environment. The First2 Network (https://first2network.org) is a growing statewide alliance that aims to improve student success and retention in STEM fields, using the NIC framework. First-generation and other underrepresented students are at the center of the work, and current undergraduates involved in First2 will help lead this session. We invite all students at the conference to join in and share their own experiences and perspectives with faculty members during this session. First2 Network, a National Science Foundation INCLUDES Alliance, is supported by NSF award numbers HRD-1834569, 1834575, 1834586, 1834595, and 1834601.
Optimizing a micro-fluidic slide for in vivo imaging of larval Zebrafish.
Authors: Parnell Dakota James , Orell Jesse Reed , Ali Syed Monis , Walters James William 
Published: May 2022

Larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) are optically transparent at six- and seven-days post fertilization (dpf) which makes them useful research models for the study of metabolic and physiological processes. Previous methods to image zebrafish were limited to embryogenesis and early larval stages. Our goal was to design a novel micro-fluidic slide for mounting zebrafish that greatly extends the duration of time for in vivo imaging of zebrafish larvae that are six to seven days post fertilization (dpf). The ideal mounting slide will have channels to provide media exchange, nourishment, and/or drug treatments and channels to remove waste and flush the system of previous test conditions. We had a microfluidic slide manufactured to our specifications. Initial testing revealed that the larval bed was too large. To optimize our previous prototype, we used the Zeiss Discovery V8 microscope to recalculate our measurements for the larvae bed. We have now re-imaged five each of six dpf larvae and five each of seven dpf larvae in order to adjust the measurements to the new average larval size. 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
Mechanism of apoptosis induced by actinomycin D in upper aerodigestive tract cancers
Authors: Adeluola Adeoluwa Ayodeji , Amin A.R.M Ruhul , Long Timothy E. 
Published: May 2022

Upper aerodigestive tract cancers (i.e., oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and lungs) are one of the most prevalent and leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Drug resistance is a big challenge for successfully treating these cancers. Recent studies have shown that combining low-dose actinomycin D with existing therapies is a promising strategy to overcome resistance. The development of these treatment strategies however requires an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of resistance and drug action. This study aimed to identify the mechanism of actinomycin D-induced apoptosis in aerodigestive tract cancers. We determined the IC50 of actinomycin D which spanned between 0.027-3.72 ng/ml in a range of aerodigestive tract cancer cell lines using the SRB assay. Subsequently, we conducted apoptosis assays using the Annexin V-PE staining. FlowJo was used to quantify apoptosis. We found that actinomycin D induced apoptosis of all cell lines tested, but the sensitivity varies between cell lines. Mechanistic studies revealed that actinomycin D time- and dose-dependently increased the expression of p53 and its downstream targets p21 and Puma in cells expressing wild-type p53. Interestingly, ablation of p53 expression using shRNA decreased the expression of p21 and Puma in A549 cell line and p21 in H460 cell line. Moreover, ablation of p53 significantly protected cells from actinomycin D-induced apoptosis (p < 0.0001). Summarily, our data revealed that actinomycin D induced p53-dependent apoptosis of cells expressing wild-type p53. Since actinomycin D also induced apoptosis of cells expressing mutant p53 or lacking p53, future studies will explore the mechanism of p53-independent apoptosis.
Quantification of Formaldehyde in Hair Creams Using Chromogenic Methods
Authors: Quesenberry Ariel 
Published: May 2022

A significant amount of research has been conducted to show that exposure to the colorless gas formaldehyde can lead to a variety of unwanted side effects. Many hair products, such as the Brazilian Blowout claim to be “formaldehyde-free”, however, when these products are used, studies have shown that formaldehyde is being released into the air and therefore exposing the user to an unknown concentration of formaldehyde. Using a quantitative, colorimetric method, the concentration of formaldehyde in a sample was determined. First, chromotropic acid and sulfuric acid were mixed with known concentrations of formaldehyde on a thin-layer chromatograph (TLC) plate to create a standard curve. The color density of the violet spots developed during the process were assessed using ImageJ software. Once the color density of the known standards is determined, the method will be repeated to determine if various hair creams that claim to be “formaldehyde-free” contain any formaldehyde or not. Also, hair creams will be heated up to see if formaldehyde can be produced.
The effect of high sugar diet on adipokine expression in 3T3-L1 cells and weight in mice
Authors: Tetteh-Quarshie Samuel , Jones Cynthia B 
Published: May 2022

One of the major contributing factors to the prevalence of obesity in United States is the Western Diet, characterized by consumption of high fat and high simple sugars. Even though the issue of obesity has become a national interest, few studies have explored the relationship of high sugary diets (HSD) and obesity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of HSD on weight gain and adipokine expression in adipose tissues. 3T3-L1 cells were cultured and differentiated in recommended differentiation medium supplemented with stock sugar solutions. Lipid accumulation was quantified with Oil Red O assay. Total RNA was isolated, first strand cDNA synthesized, and qRT-PCR performed. C57BL/6 male mice were fed normal rodent chow and water with the following sugar-sweetened beverages: fructose (10% solution), glucose (10% solution) and a combined fructose/glucose (55% fructose and 45% glucose for a 10% solution) for 16 weeks. Animal weights were recorded and water solutions were measured and replaced every two days. The in vitro data showed significant increase in lipogenesis for fructose/glucose as compared to the control. Pro-inflammatory adipokine expression of 3T3-L1 cells is significantly increased by two-fold when exposed to fructose/glucose solution. HSD-fed mice exhibited an addictive behavior with a significant increase in fructose/glucose water consumption, and weight gain. While all HSD-fed mice consumed more water and gained weight over time, the fructose/glucose and glucose groups substantially consumed more water which resulted in major weight gain. Understanding the deleterious effects of over consumption of HSD is paramount to avoiding obesity-related diseases and disorders.
Water Quality Monitoring for the Central Appalachian Coalfields Crayfish
Authors: De Vries Caitlin 
Published: May 2022

Primary economic drivers over the years in the central Appalachian coalfields include coal mining, timbering, fossil fuel extraction, and all-terrain vehicle tourism. These industries cause impacts such as sedimentation, elimination of headwater streams (resulting from valley fills), destruction of riparian vegetation, and increased physiochemical pollution in montane streams. As a result of this significant habitat destruction, two species of endemic crayfishes, Cambarus callainus and Cambarus veteranus, were both federally listed in April 2016. This study will sample 12 selected sites – four degraded streams, four medium-impacted streams, and four reference condition streams – within the coalfields region of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. Sampling will occur for one year, alternating monthly between two sets of six sites. General crayfish sampling will occur at each site to document the crayfish community present. Water quality monitoring will be split into four categories: long-term, point-source, photometer, and water samples analyzed for heavy metal content. Understanding the chemical composition of the target species’ habitat will enable us to properly and efficiently aid C. callainus and C. veteranus conservation efforts.
Establishing a model for studying the effects of maternal hyperthyroidism in utero.
Authors: Dwiggins Andrea , Racine Holly 
Published: May 2022

Thyroid hormones (THs), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), play a critical role in growth and maintenance in all organ systems. Research suggests that maternal hyperthyroidism is a risk factor for craniosynostosis (CS in infants). CS is characterized by the premature fusion of the cranial sutures, which leads to debilitating side effects. The mechanism of TH-induced CS is obscure. The overall objective of this study is to enhance the knowledge about in utero thyroid-related mechanisms and how they relate to the development of CS. However, a model for study must first be established. It is hypothesized that a dose of T4 between 50 pg and 0.5 ug will induce thyrotoxicosis in an avian model. Fertilized chicken eggs were injected beneath the chorioallantoic membrane with saline and 50pg, 0.5ng, 5.0ng, 50ng and 0.5ug T4. Embryos (N=4-6 per group) were collected at E19. In addition to viability, body and heart mass were recorded. Hyperthyroidism is known to cause a decrease in body mass. Results showed a significant decrease in body mass with 50ng T4 (p<0.001) while maintaining viability (92%). Hyperthyroidism is also known to cause cardiac hypertrophy. Results showed a significant increase in heart to body mass ratio with 50ng T4 (p<0.001). In conclusion, the 50ng T4 is the appropriate dose to maintain viability with accompanied phenotypic changes indicative of thyrotoxicosis. Determining an effective dosage regimen is important for establishing a model for studying the mechanisms of hyperthyroid-induced CS. Supported by the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium (80NSSC20M0055).
Tick Surveillance in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia.
Authors: Prochaska Theresa Ann , Loughman Zachary J 
Published: May 2022

THERESA A. PROCHASKA, Dept. of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, 26074, and ZACHARY J. LOUGHMAN, Dept. of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, 26074. Tick surveillance in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. The number of tick-borne disease cases are increasing each year in West Virginia. Current data on ticks and tick-borne pathogens present in the northern panhandle of West Virginia is limited. To ascertain what is the tick fauna in the northern panhandle, an active surveillance study was conducted in four counties: Marshall, Ohio, Brooke and Hancock counties. Ticks were collected via drag sampling June 2020 through December 2020. 2,365 ticks were collected. Ixodes scapularis (89.2%, n=2,109), Dermacentor variabilis (2.8%, n=66), Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (4.6%, n=109) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (3.4%, n=81) were collected in at least one of the four counties. Haemaphysalis longicornis, not previously found in the northern panhandle, has two new county records in the state of West Virginia. Tick-borne pathogens, including those causing Lyme disease and Tularemia, may be present in associated tick species collected in the northern panhandle. Additional research is being conducted to determine which pathogenic strains are present.
The Role of bone marrow-derived dendritic Cells in a stressed beta2 adrenergic receptor knockout male mice during Chlamydia muridarum lung infection.
Authors: Goins Katelyn Brooke , Belay Tesfaye 
Published: May 2022

Recent studies have shown that Chlamydia muridarum causes a lung infection that resembles pneumonia of C. trachomatis in humans. However, the mechanism(s) of the infection is/are not well defined. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a significant role in protection against Chlamydia genital infections, but their role during stressful conditions is unknown. This study is to examine the role of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in beta2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) knockout (KO) male mice during C. muridarum lung infection. We hypothesized that the lack of β2-AR leads to decreased organ load of C. muridarum in mice lung infection. We also hypothesized that BMDCS from β2-AR KO mice restored the normal function of cytokine production and served as an antigen-presenting activity to CD4+T cells. Stressed and non-stressed C57BL/6J wildtype (WT) and β2-AR gene knockout mice will be infected. Lysates of lungs will be tested for isolation of C. muridarum. Cells will be for Differentiation and proliferation of BMDCs will be performed to detect cytokine production. Results should correspond to our working hypothesis, which includes the lack of (β2-AR) leads to decreased organ load of C. muridarum in lung infection. Results will show significant differences between stressed 2-AR KO and stressed of WT. Moreover, increased protective cytokine production in stressed 2-AR KO compared to decreased cytokines production in stressed WT will be observed. Our findings may suggest that mice lacking b2 AR have reverted to protective cytokine production to reduce infection, and the function of BMDCs as antigen-presenting cells will be restored in KO mice.
Using Machine Learning to Predict Classes of Astronomical Data
Authors: Null Nicolas , Kibler Tyler , Lowe Elizabeth 
Published: May 2022

Machine learning in a nutshell is training a machine using tons of data. The machine will then create a model that it can use to predict future outputs to data that it has not seen before. This can be accomplished using many different approaches. Some are geography based plotting inputs in space and grouping them to predict their outputs. Other machine learning algorithms create complex neural networks which predict the outputs. There are so many ways to solve this problem, and the resulting performance of the model depends on what method and parameters chosen to train it. During our research this semester, we have been working with data on the astronomical object called a pulsar. Pulsars are very far away and are typically discovered by radio telescopes rather than optical telescopes. This means scientists must manually go through all the data received by radio waves to see if they have found a pulsar. Our goal is to train a machine to do that sorting for us. We accomplished this by using a dataset with over 17,000 datapoints that were a mix of pulsar and non-pulsar data. We trained many different machine learning models such as logistic regression, artificial neural networks, K-means, Decision tree (maximizing each one’s parameters) to come up with a model that is over 90% accurate at identifying if a given set of inputs is a pulsar or not. The project is supported by First2 Network and XSEDE Empower grant.