bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
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.
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])
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.
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
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.
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.
Analyzing and Observing Trends in Water Chemistry Data of the Upper Ohio River Watershed
Authors: Miller Haley , Wood James 
Published: May 2022

The Upper Ohio River watershed has been a major industrial region since the late 1800s. The historical impacts have resulted in poor water quality in the tributaries to the Ohio River. Today, many of the tributaries are used for recreational purposes and the Ohio River is used for municipal drinking water. Public health concerns provided motivation for increased monitoring of chemical components in the water. To improve the local water quality, water chemistry of the tributaries needs to be investigated to identify trends, primary stressors, and longitudinal changes in water quality. Since February of 2018, 321 samples have been taken in the Upper Ohio River watershed recording conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and water/ air temperature. Conductivity at the mouth of the tributaries, Short Creek (mean = 856.3, SE = 100.0) and Wheeling Creek (mean = 409.3, SE = 14.9), have been consistently higher than the Ohio River mainstem (mean = 283.2, SE = 8.9). The mean conductivity for Short Creek increased longitudinally towards the mouth (R2 = 0.4). Whereas, the mean conductivity for Wheeling Creek remained fairly constant between upstream and downstream sites (R2 = 0.1). Though the mean conductivity of the Ohio River is lower than its tributaries, there is concern that the poor water quality of Short Creek and Wheeling Creek may be detrimental to the Ohio River’s health.