bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison and delimitation of the Monopyle bilsaensis ined. complex within Ecuador
Authors: Radabaugh Kylee Marie , Keene Jeremy 
Published: May 2022

KYLEE RADABAUGH, Dept. of Science & Mathematics, Glenville State College, Glenville, WV 26351, and JEREMY KEENE, Dept. of Science & Mathematics, Glenville State College, Glenville, WV 26351. Comparison and delimitation of the Monopyle bilsaensis ined. complex within Ecuador. Monopyle is a genus of herbaceous plants in the family Gesneriaceae. The genus is distributed from Central into northern South America. Recent studies for a revision of the genus have revealed many species complexes that require more in-depth study. Monopyle bilsaensis ined. a new species discovered in northern Ecuador near the Bilsa Biological Station is part of a species complex that has been difficult to delimit. It appears that the species is hybridizing with two other nearby species Monopyle ecuadorensis and Monopyle communis ined. The extensive hybridization between the species has made morphological separation very tedious. In order to separate these species, I am currently using a molecular phylogenetic approach that utilizes both nuclear and chloroplast gene regions to compare the species. The objectives of this research are to study the morphological and molecular characteristics of Monopyle found in Ecuador with special emphasis given to the species complex. A comparison of all the taxa will provide insight into the overall evolution of the group in the area. Future studies of this complex will include a phenetic analysis of taxonomically useful characters to confirm morphological differences in the group.
Inhibition of lipoprotein sorting in Francisella tularensis: a potential target of resazomycins, a novel family of antibiotics.
Authors: Hammond Stephanie , Sindeldecker Devin , Hickman Jennifer , Schmitt Deanna 
Published: May 2022

Tularemia is a potentially fatal illness caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Inhalation of less than 10 bacteria results in an acute pneumonia with an associated mortality rate of 30-60% if left untreated. Due to the potential use of F. tularensis as a weapon of bioterrorism and development of antibiotic resistance, new antibiotics are being sought against this pathogen. We have identified a novel family of resazurin-based compounds named resazomycins which exhibit antimicrobial activity against F. tularensis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In order to proceed with in vivo testing of resazomycins, their mechanism of action must be determined. A recent study has shown that while F. tularensis and N. gonorrhoeae are taxonomically distinct from one another, they share a similar lipoprotein sorting system, LolDF. This complex differs from the LolCDE sorting complex commonly found in other Gram negative bacteria which indicates this system may be a target of resazomycins. To determine whether resazurin inhibits the function of LolDF we will express the genes that encode for the E. coli lipoprotein sorting system (lolCDE) in F. tularensis to see if we can confer resistance to resazurin. Experimentation thus far has proven to be unsuccessful in trying to generate this construct since overexpression of lolCDE in E. coli is lethal. To limit expression of these genes until the plasmid has been transferred into F. tularensis, we will explore different inducible expression systems. Future investigations will focus on cloning the E. coli lolCDE genes into a Francisella shuttle vector containing a tetracycline-regulatable promoter.
Evaluation of teaching intervention on student perceptions of environment
Authors: Malcomb Emma , Bjorgo-Thorne Kim 
Published: May 2022

Students are exposed to scientific principles such climate change and sustainability during a typical general education environmental science course. The purpose of this research is to examine the change in student perceptions of climate change, ozone depletion, and sustainability following a pedagogical intervention. There were 20 students in the 2016 study, each of whom took a pre- and post-class survey, completed an interview, and participated in a targeted intervention regarding climate change. Student interviews were scored based on declared confidence. When asked about climate change, students reported that they were 68% confident in their understanding (mode =50%). Student confidence in their understanding of ozone depletion was 62% (mode = 50%). Student confidence in their understanding of sustainability was 66% (mode = 75%). Students were asked how often family and friends influenced their understanding of environmental issues. Interestingly, 50% of respondents indicated that there was no influence of friends/family, and 50% said there was an influence of friends/family on their perceptions. When asked about their influence from television, 55% of students indicated that television or news sources shaped their view on environmental issues. Less than half of the students (48%) claimed to be influenced by social media. A comparison of pre- and post-survey data indicate that student confidence increases following the intervention (p <0.05). In conclusion, student perceptions of climate change, ozone depletion, and sustainability can be addressed using an intervention, but care must be taken to continually reinforce correct perceptions. WVWC IRB Approval # WVWC 2017-005.
Investigation of the antibacterial activity of herbal leaves, extracts, and essential oils.
Authors: Studer Samantha , Clark Skye , Robertson Laura 
Published: May 2022

As antibiotic-resistance in bacterial pathogens becomes more prevalent, there is an increasing need for alternative treatments for bacterial infections. This study used disk-diffusion assays to investigate the ability of leaves, leaf extracts, and essential oils from a variety of herbs to inhibit growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus cereus. Bacterial growth was not inhibited by leaves or leaf extracts (in 95% ethanol) from eucalyptus, thyme, rosemary, chocolate mint, sage, lemongrass, lemon balm, or lavender. Bacterial growth was not inhibited by commercial essential oils from peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, lavender, or rosemary. Essential oils from lemongrass and from thyme inhibited growth of the Gram-positive bacterial species S. epidermidis and B. cereus. The essential oil of thyme inhibited growth of E. coli; however, the essential oil of lemongrass did not inhibit growth of the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli.
Evaluation of habitat characteristics associated with Podostemum ceratophyllum Michx. (Hornleaf riverweed), a foundation species in eastern North American rivers
Authors: Canfield Samuel Ansley 
Published: May 2022

Podostemum ceratophyllum Michx. (Podostemaceae) is the only macrophyte within the genus that inhabits mid-order montane and piedmont rivers in eastern North America. Podostemum is considered a “foundation species” because the plant strongly influences benthic habitat structure and function by increasing habitat heterogeneity for macroinvertebrates and fishes, contributing to food webs, and sequestering water column nutrients. The conservation status of Podostemum remains data deficient in many states (e.g. WV, PA), but some states, such as CT, KY, MA, ME, NY, and OH, classify Podostemum as threatened, endangered, or of special concern. Over the past 35 years, there has been documented local decline and extirpation of Podostemum in NH, VT, VA, and PA. The decline of Podostemum has been postulated to be the result of stream degradation, including excessive sedimentation, flow and water chemistry alteration, and nutrient enrichment. However, because no study has specifically investigated stream water physiochemical properties or environmental stressors associated with Podostemum, there is currently no reliable way to predict how water quality impacts the plant. The proposed study includes two primary objectives. The first objective is to determine the physiochemical and physical habitat characteristics conducive to the growth and survival of Podostemum. The second is to model the distribution and possible decline of Podostemum based on historical records and field surveys. Physiochemical and habitat surveys will be conducted in West Virginia mid-order rivers and will be analyzed using logistic regression modeling. The outcomes of this research will be put towards an updated conservation strategy for this foundation species.
Susceptibility of Brucella ovis to resazurin and resorufin pentyl ether.
Authors: Rawson Amy L. , Schmitt Deanna M. 
Published: May 2022

Antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s biggest threats to public health. In the United States alone, there are approximately 2 million new cases of antibiotic-resistant infections annually resulting in 23,000 deaths and billions of dollars in healthcare related costs. The development of new antibiotics is essential to prevent the loss of additional lives from once “curable” diseases. We recently identified a novel family of resazurin-based compounds, resazomycins, which exhibit antimicrobial activity against F. tularensis and N. gonorrhoeae in vitro and in vivo. A common feature of both these bacterial species is possession of a unique lipoprotein sorting system, LolDF. To investigate the relationship between LolDF and susceptibility to resazomycins, we propose performing antibiotic susceptibility testing on a diverse collection of medically important LolDF-possessing bacterial strains. This study focuses on characterizing the efficacy of two resazomycins, resazurin (Rz) and resorufin pentyl ether (RPE), against Brucella ovis. B.ovis infects sheep causing a clinical or subclinical disease characterized by epididymitis and orchitis resulting in reduced fertility in rams. Additionally, B. ovis is occasionally linked with placentitis and abortions in ewes and increased perinatal mortality in lambs. Its significant impact on ram fertility causes a critical economic impact on sheep-producing regions globally. We are currently working to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Rz and RPE against B. ovis and if these antibiotics are effective at killing this bacterium within eukaryotic cells.
Testing metal oxides for potential as photoelectrocatalysts using SEAL.
Authors: Porter CJ , Cogar Roger , Harvey Erica 
Published: May 2022

The Solar Army’s mission is to find an alternative fuel source that will replace the burning of fossil fuels. The desired fuel is hydrogen gas, obtained from the reaction of water and sunlight. This reaction happens naturally but needs to be much faster in order to make an abundant source of hydrogen gas. The Solar Army is searching for metal oxides that can act as photoelectrocatalysts to speed up this reaction. Metal oxide sample spots are prepared on glass plates and tested using SEAL (Solar Energy Activity Lab). The plates are coated with FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide) and are conductive. Metal oxides are baked onto the plate and illuminated with an LED array (SEAL) of 64 “tiny suns” that shine through the plate. Relative photocurrent is measured as the light hits each metal oxide sample spot in turn. Metal oxide combinations that show higher photocurrent than copper oxide and iron oxide standards included on each plate are considered to show initial promise for photoelectrocatalytic activity. Our research consisted of using SEAL to test plates prepared at outreach events, and uploading the results into an online database. None of the plates we tested had metal oxides that performed better than the standards. Identifying metal oxide combinations that do not show promise allows future researchers to focus attention on different combinations. This portion of the Solar Army research is supported by funding from the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium, and the College of Science and Technology at Fairmont State University.
Vaccine development for protection against both Tularemia and Ebola
Authors: Pyles Gage Michael 
Published: May 2022

Vaccine development for protection against both Tularemia and Ebola: Gage Pyles and Joseph Horzempa. Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WVThe Ebola Virus (EBOV) and Francisella tularensis (the causative agent of tularemia) are classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as Category A select agents because of their potential for use in bioterrorism. The development of a vaccine against both pathogens could therefore substantially increase our preparedness against bioterror. The overall goal of this research is to develop a vaccine that could combat both EBOV and F. tularensis. We are in the process of generating a fusion protein consisting of GP (the glycoprotein of EBOV) and Tul4 (an immunodominant outer-membrane lipoprotein of F. tularensis). This newly generated chimeric protein (Tul4-GP) will ultimately be expressed in F. tularensis LVS (Live Vaccine Strain). Patients previously immunized with this strain show an immunological memory of over 30 years after being vaccinated. Following transfer into F. tularensis LVS, expression of Tul4-GP will be confirmed and the efficacy of this strain as a vaccine against both pathogens will be determined.
Differential effects of endocannabinoid modulation of gastric inflammation following exposure to ethanol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Authors: Aliff Hunter Lee , Eckard Matthew L. , Trexler Kristen R. , Kinsey Steven G. , Silvestri Emily 
Published: May 2022

The endogenous cannabinoid system possesses several potential targets to reduce gastric inflammatory states, including gastric hemorrhages (i.e., gastric ulcers), which can pose serious health risks in certain populations (e.g., elderly or chronically ill). Of particular interest is the endocannabinoid ligand, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) arachidonoylglycerol, which has shown some promise as a potential therapeutic target in reducing gastric hemorrhages through cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) activation. While effective, increases in endogenous 2-AG are only possible through the use of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors, which carry a host of side effects that have hindered their use in human populations. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) offer an alternative approach to enhance CB1 receptor function for therapeutic gain. In the present study, both a MAGL inhibitors, JZL184, and a PAM, ZCZ011, were used to attempt to attenuate gastric hemorrhage formation in two models of hemorrhage induction. On the morning of the assay, mice were administered either Vehicle (1:1:18; ethanol:Cremophor:saline), JZL184 (40 mg/kg), or ZCZ (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg) followed two hours later by hemorrhage induction using ethanol or Diclofenac. Either 1 h (ethanol) or 6 h (Diclofenac) later, stomachs were harvested and hemorrhage size was quantified. Finally, stomachs were evaluated for myeloperoxidase (MPO), a byproduct of neutrophils used as a proxy measure of inflammation, via ELISA. These data suggest that ethanol or diclofenac can induce gastric hemorrhage, in accordance with previous literature, and that CB1 activation may alter hemorrhage induction.
Modeling the Transport of Manganese through Packed and Undisturbed Soil Columns
Authors: Mizia Ryan Matthew , O'Dell David 
Published: May 2022

Naturally occurring manganese compounds are fairly insoluble; however, these forms can be converted to more soluble forms through disturbances by water, resulting in manganese deposits and transport through surrounding soils. The primary objectives of this research were to determine the predictive capabilities for manganese transport, using the one-dimension convection-dispersion equation in both packed and undisturbed soil columns. This was completed through batch equilibration studies, along with experiments that monitored the concentration of manganese in leachate from the column. With this data, the model was then evaluated by comparing observed manganese concentrations with predicted concentrations as a function of time and distance. These experiments were also used to determine the effectiveness of not only the one-dimension convection-dispersion equation, but also the accuracy of the input parameters determined for the model.
In Vitro Effects of Mushroom Extracts on Brain Tumor Cells
Authors: Gharib Oddai 
Published: May 2022

Oddai Gharib, Alnairouz Katrib, and Gerald Hankins, Department of Biology, West Virginia State University, Institute, WV 25112. In Vitro Effects of Mushroom Extracts on Brain Tumor Cells Glioblastomas are tumors that arise from astrocytes which are supportive cells of the brain. The cells of these tumors rapidly invade normal brain making these tumors highly malignant. Treatment is difficult and glioblastomas are usually fatal. Meningiomas arise from the meninges that surround the central nervous system. Although most meningiomas are benign they can still be dangerous. Further, there is no effective chemotherapy for meningiomas. Researchers are interested on how natural products, including extracts of particular species of mushrooms, can affect the number of viable tumor cells. The research objective was to evaluate the effects of Boletus edulis mushroom, a native West Virginia species, on the proliferation/survival of glioblastoma and meningioma cells, focusing on the number of viable cells. The mushroom extract was obtained by extracting ground mushroom with methanol and water. The extract was separated from insoluble solids by filtration. Then, the solvents were removed by rotary evaporation the dissolved at different concentrations in cell culture media to treat the cancer cells. Results with CH157MN meningioma cells were variable and inconclusive. Interestingly, after treating the A172 glioblastoma cells with both low and high concentrations of Boletus edulis mushroom extract; the number of cells increased with increasing concentration of treatment. This indicates that the extract may contain specific compounds responsible for increasing the cell proliferation or inhibiting apoptosis (programmed cell death). If further experiments support these observations, the extracts or compounds from them may be of potential use in preventing apoptosis in conditions such as stroke or traumatic brain injury.
The characterization of F. tularensis-mosquito interactions following acquisition of these bacteria from nectar.
Authors: Starkey Kole Alan 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is disseminated in nature by biting arthropods such as mosquitoes. Although mosquitoes have caused significant tularemia outbreaks, these insects are merely considered as mechanical vectors of F. tularensis. One possible explanation for mosquitoes being a prominent, mechanical vector is that these insects feed on flower nectar between blood meals, allowing for transmission of F. tularensis between mosquitoes. Others have reported that nectar is largely antimicrobial, partly due to the high osmolarity and presence of antimicrobial compounds in this plant material. However, it was previously shown that F. tularensis can survive in flower nectar, suggesting that these bacteria are capable of resisting the aforementioned antimicrobial factors. It was also demonstrated that mosquitoes are capable of transferring F. tularensis bacteria from one source of nectar to another. The purpose of this study was to further characterize F. tularensis-mosquito interactions following acquisition of the bacteria from nectar. Fluorescence microscopy indicated the presence of F. tularensis on the mouth-parts of mosquitoes that fed from inoculated sucrose solutions suggesting that feeding may contribute to colonization in the insects. It was also investigated whether the presence of leucine, an amino acid associated with certain types of nectar, influenced the survival of F. tularensis. We also developed microscopy techniques to visualize the bacterial colonization sites on the mosquitoes. These results further elucidate factors influencing plant-insect-bacterial interactions that may facilitate transmission of a pathogenic microbe.
Differences among Chestnut Hybrids and Their Litter Fauna
Authors: Naylor Annika , Winters Michael , LaFantasie Jordana , Thomas-VanGundy Melissa 
Published: May 2022

The composition of soil is determined by plants and their organic waste that has been broken down and recycled throughout the ecosystem. This process is controlled by bugs within the soil, called litter fauna. The analysis of litter fauna under the American Chestnut tree species gives details on the effects of that plant on the environment. The American chestnut has been functionally extinct since the introduction of the Chinese Chestnut blight to America in 1910’s. The American Chestnut used to dominate ecosystems and drive industry related to timber and nut harvest. Hybridization of the different American and Chinese Chestnut tree species has changed their morphology over the years in attempts to create a blight resistant hybrid. Scientists are unaware of the effects of the absence of American chestnuts and the emergence of pollinated hybrids on soil type and presence of litter fauna. Litter fauna diversity and population can help distinguish the health of an ecosystem therefore I hypothesized that abundance of individuals of non-Acarina taxa differs among hybrid tree types. Litter was collected under American Chestnut trees, Chinese Chestnut and two of their hybrids. The fauna was extracted using a Berlese funnel and analyzed. I concluded that there is no functional difference in non-Acarina fauna samples among the hybrids and their pure-bred counterparts. This indicates that the reintroduction of American Chestnuts and their hybrids into the ecosystem will not negatively affect the soil and its litter fauna.
3044738842
Authors: Quinones Tristan , Anthony Bruce 
Published: May 2022

TRISTAN QUINONES and Bruce ANTHONY, Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon WV, 26201.Effects of Alcohol Induced Misregulation of the Cell Cycle in Embryonic Derived Neuronal Stem Cells. A Model of Addiction and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. It is well-known that addiction has become a nation-wide epidemic. Exposure in humans induces a wide range of defects, many of which are associated with alterations to neuronal stem cells in the central nervous system (CNS). In the CNS, repetitive exposure reduces stem cell numbers and the potential for neuroplasticity and altering limbic system signaling. Alcohol and drug-exposed neuronal stem cells show extreme reduction in both proliferation and survival through cell cycle misregulation and induced cell death. Both the G1-S and G2-M checkpoints are disrupted through variations in cyclin/cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) activities. Our lab has demonstrated an alcohol induced increased expression of transcription factor E2F1, CDK4/6, and retinoblastoma (Rb), which, accelerates G1-S phase transition and induces premature DNA synthesis. This acceleration in G1/S phase control seems to trigger an early exit from late G1 phase, inducing early DNA replication and altering patterns of chromosomal packaging. This likely contributes to a >40% cell losses from repetitive alcohol exposure (binge drinking). Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434.