bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Description of Broadband Hisses produced by Princisia vanWaerbecki.
Authors: Conley Ruth A. , Pidcock Elisha , George Sherice 
Published: May 2022

Roaches of Tribe Gromphadorhini hiss during courtship and agonistic interactions. During agonistic interactions, hisses can convey an opponent’s fighting ability, aggression level, and can establish dominance based on hiss frequency components (Clark and Moore, 1995). Courtship songs have been described as hisses in G. portentosa (Fraser and Nelson 1984) and as narrow band whistles in Elliptorhina chopardi (Suere and Aubin 2006) and Aleuropoda insignis (Comer and Conley 2016; Kanneh and Conley, 2013). In G. portentosa, those which did not hiss did not mate. Here we describe hisses of Princisia vanwaerebeki, which bear similarities & differences to those of G. portentosa and may indicate that properties of hisses are important for species recognition and mate choice. In this study, 10 male-female pairs of Princisia vanwaerebeki were audio-video recorded in a sound insulated booth during social behaviors, including courtship. Four pairs out of the 10 were observed as having successfully copulated. While a diversity of hisses were recorded, many hisses were found to be Broadband Noise (BBN). In this report, we focus on Broadband Noise (BBN) and Band-Limited Noise (BLN), some with frequency-modulated (FM) features. We measured duration, bandwidth, dominant frequency, and entropy. The sounds were categorized based on similar features throughout the sound (simple) or a change in features over time (compound). Most simple sounds were BBN. Compound sounds were primarily either a BLN-BBN or FM-BBN-FM. The FM-BBN-FM of the P. vanwaerebeki is similar to that of G. portentosa. Unique features to P. vanwaerebeki include the BLN-BBN and BBN with multiple distinct dominant frequencies. This research was funded in part by a NASA Undergraduate Research Consortium of West Virginia Space Grant.
E. coli in the Ohio River and its Tributaries
Authors: Huff Emily Taylor , Wood James 
Published: May 2022

Escherichia coli(E. coli)is a bacterium found in the lower intestines of warm-blooded animals. The presence of E. coli in streams indicates that feces of warm-blooded animals are present and causes water to become cloudy with an unpleasant odor. High concentrations of E. coli are a health concern because it is an indicator that pathogenic bacteria and viruses may also be existing. The US Environmental Protection Agency sets a maximum safe limit of 235 colony forming units (cfu) for recreational water usage, but concentrations of E. coli can change rapidly with environmental conditions. We sought to investigate trends of E. coli concentrations in the Ohio River and Wheeling Creek, a tributary to the Ohio River because both are increasingly being utilized for recreational activities. We collected water samples weekly at two sites on the Ohio River, five sites on Wheeling Creek, and three sites on tributaries of Wheeling Creek between September 27, 2018, and December 27, 2018. In total, we collected 128 samples that were analyzed for E. coli using the IDEXX Colilert System. We have found that the concentrations ranged from 25 to 2,400 colonies of E. coli, and only 43 readings (32.8%) were below the EPA safe standard for recreational usage. The Ohio River and tributaries of Wheeling Creek tended to have lower concentrations of E. coli than Wheeling Creek itself. As the temperature declined in December E. coli concentrations decreased likely driven by the bacteria only being able to survive in waters 4°C and warmer.
Enhanced in vivo zebrafish larvae imaging using a novel micro-fluidic mounting technique.
Authors: Ali Syed , Walters James William 
Published: May 2022

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an excellent model organism for whole animal studies of metabolic disease. The larval zebrafish are optically transparent allowing for direct cell-level observation of physiological processes within living animals. Traditional methods of live-mounting zebrafish maintain larvae for only short durations preventing the in-depth analysis of organ processes. This project is to develop a novel microfluidic mounting technique for zebrafish larvae that extends survival and observation times. Attributes of an ideal micro-fluidic slide include: channels which allow media exchange, nourishment, drug delivery, and waste removal. We first determined a survival baseline of 20±7 minutes using the “lean-to” mounting method we previously developed. We then made a prototype using a Discotech Wafer Dicer and mounted 6 days post fertilization larvae. Larvae were placed under a coverslip and embryo media containing phenol red was used demonstrate show fluid exchange. Further testing included long duration larval mounting in this first prototype. We found that larval survival time increased 117±45 minutes. A subsequent prototype was made in collaboration with Marshall University’s, Molecular Biosensor and Imaging Center. SolidWorks was used for 3D modeling and a dolomite Fluidic Factory 3D printing system was used to print slides. We compared the three mounting techniques and determined the statistical significance of the difference between the mean durations with a students T-test. Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence
. Deficiency in beta2 adrenergic receptor in mice leads to decreased Chlamydia muridarum shedding in genital tract.
Authors: Hartwell Amber , Belay Tesfaye 
Published: May 2022

Chlamydia caused by Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial STD that causes pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility, especially in childbearing women. We have shown that stressing mice in cold water for 5 minutes daily for 21 days leads to increased production of stress hormones. It is known that beta2 adrenergic receptor (b2-AR) as a ligand to norepinephrine hormone is shown to regulate immune function in mice. However, the effect and mechanism of b2-AR on chlamydia infection is not well known. The purpose of the study was to examine the susceptibility of a b2-AR knock out model to Chlamydia muridarum genital infection. We hypothesized that deficiency in b2-AR leads i) a decreased C. muridarum shedding from the genital tract of stressed mice; ii) increased gene expression of protective cytokines in the genital tract during infection. Mouse cervico-vaginal swabbing at 3-day intervals for 28 days was performed. C. muridarum was isolated from genital swabs in McCoy tissue culture according to standard methods, and inclusion bodies were visualized and counted after staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled, anti-chlamydial antibody. Quantitative real time PCR and ELISA methods, respectively, were used to measure cytokine mRNA expressions and secretions from genital tract lysates. Results showed no significance differences between stressed and non-stressed of IFU/ml. Moreover, no significant gene expression of b-AR subsets in stressed and non-stressed mice was observed. Interestingly, up-regulation of interferon gamma was observed in stressed compared to non-stressed suggesting that mice lacking b2 adrenergic receptor have reverted to protective cytokine production to decrease infection. 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.
Preparation of functionalized polystyrene foams for arsenic removal
Authors: Winders Hollee , Mader Jordan 
Published: May 2022

Clean water is a luxury that is not readily available everywhere, like it is here in the United States. Arsenic contamination in water is a problem for many across the world. Long-term exposure of arsenic can lead to serious health issues, including cancer and even death. High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) functionalized polystyrene foam is a possible solution to this problem. This research focused on optimizing the thioacetate substitution step ofsynthetic processes to form a foam for effectively and efficiently removing arsenic from water.
The ability of VBNC F. tularensis to replicate within THP-1 cells.
Authors: Cunningham Carly , Cantlay Stuart , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

CARLY CUNNINGHAM, STUART CANTLAY, AND JOSEPH HORZEMPA, Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV USA. The ability of VBNC F. tularensis to replicate within THP-1 cells. Francisella tularensis, a gram-negative coccobacillus is the causative agent of tularemia, a potentially fatal zoonotic disease. Under laboratory conditions, F. tularensis enters a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. VBNC is a state of dormancy bacteria enter during stressful conditions and can have implications for persistence and pathogenicity. Our first aim is to use molecular cloning to create recombinant fluorescent proteins for cell wall and division proteins in F. tularensis. Fusions to FtsZ, MreB and RodA will be generated and used to analyse the localization of these proteins during the transition into the VBNC state. Our second aim is to investigate the effects of transition into the VBNC state on pathogenicity. To test this, we will use microscopy to analyze fluorescently labelled F. tularensis during infection of THP-1 cells. THP-1 cells are a spontaneously immortalized monocyte-like cell line, derived from the peripheral blood of a childhood case of acute monocytic leukemia. THP-1 cells are a model for mammalian blood monocytes that provide protection against infection by gram negative bacteria. Our hypothesis is that VBNC F. tularensis will be able to interact with THP-1 cells in an in vitro infection assay. Further, the ability of VBNC F. tularensis to replicate within THP-1 cells will be analyzed. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence).
JIAXUAN HU, The Linsly School, Wheeling, WV, 26003. Waste motor oil inhibits Pandorina algae growth but has little effect on Chlorella and Chlamydomonas algal cultures.
Authors: Hu Jiaxuan Lydia 
Published: May 2022

Waste oil is a toxic substance which contains heavy metal ions such as Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and Zn.2+ It primarily consists of aliphatic hydrocarbons, di-aromatic hydrocarbons, and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons. Each year, large quantities leak onto roadways and drain into nearby bodies of water, where it may harm native green algae. This experiment evaluated the effects four concentrations of used motor oil have on the growth of three species of unicellular algae -- Pandorina, Chlorella, and Chlamydomonas -- when grown in lab culture. The experimental design consisted of three species of algae, four concentrations of oil, and six replicates (3x4x6 =72 culture tubes). Identical test tubes containing algal medium were inoculated with algae, provided with paper disks with distinct amounts of oil, and cultured for 11 days. Algal growth was measured by recording absorbance of the culture tube when transferred into a spectrophotometer. Since statistical analysis cannot be performed on absorbance data in a decimal or proportion form, a standard curve was made by removing samples from culture tubes of known absorbance to determine the algae colony count per milliliter with a hemocytometer under 100x magnification. T-tests revealed higher concentrations of oil significantly reduced Pandorina growth when compared with the control. On the other hand, Chlorella and Chlamydomonas growth was relatively unaffected by oil. A literature review showed that Chlorella and Chlamydomonas to be relatively tolerant of hydrocarbon pollution. Perhaps specific toxins in used motor oil poison certain metabolic pathways that allow for unusual motility in Pandorina colonies.
Initial testing and adaptation of a new method for measuring oxygen evolution from mixed metal oxides.
Authors: Starcovic Sarah Ann , Boyce Isaac , Andersen Kaylee , LaNeve Lindsey , Ruza Ashley , Moore Allison , Harvey Erica 
Published: May 2022

SARAH STARCOVIC, ISAAC BOYCE, KAYLEE ANDERSEN, LINDSEY LANEVE, ASHLEY RUZA, ALLISON MOORE, and ERICA HARVEY, Dept. of Natural Sciences, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV, 26554. Initial testing and adaptation of a new method for measuring oxygen evolution from mixed metal oxides. The oxygen generating capacity of mixed metal oxides deposited on a conductive glass sample plate is currently tested in our lab with a fluorescence-based device called HARPOON (Heterogeneous Anodes Rapidly Perused for Oxygen Evolution), developed and disseminated as part of the nationwide Solar Army research initiative. The research goal of the Solar Army is to find metal oxide combinations that speed up the splitting of water, with the ultimate goal of creating a device for solar hydrogen fuel generation. If a new metal oxide combination is more effective at oxygen generation than the internal standards included on every sample, this may indicate a promising catalyst. A recent literature paper outlined a new method to test for oxygen evolution that could potentially make our research and outreach significantly easier. A sample plate to be tested for oxygen evolution is placed in a suspension of TiO2nanoparticles in an electrolyte. As a voltage is applied and oxygen is produced at the surface of the metal oxides, oxygen gas bubbles are nucleated by the TiO2and visualized by light scattering. This work reports on the initial testing and adaptation of the literature method to our undergraduate laboratory setting. A preliminary comparison of results obtained from HARPOON and HARPOON 2.0 will be presented, along with an analysis of the pros and cons of the two methods. This research has been supported by the Fairmont State University College of Science and Technology as well as the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium.
Modeling detergent applications using molecular dynamics
Authors: Rutherford Rebecca , Johnston Jack , Harvey Erica , Mertz Blake 
Published: May 2022

The molecular dynamics group at Fairmont State University models detergent systems with interdisciplinary applications. Simulations currently underway include octane interacting with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in aqueous solution as well as micelle formation in systems of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and chloride (CTAB and CTAC, respectively). The simulation of octane and SDS in aqueous solution is designed to model the process of washing away grease with a detergent commonly found in dish soap. It is intended for use as a web-based educational tool to provide a dynamic visualization of micelle formation, e.g. in freshman chemistry classes. CTAB was chosen as a target because of literature evidence that low concentrations of the detergent cause a 100-fold increase in fluorescence of a small organic molecule. This organic molecule is a localized photosensitizer, which is useful in improving photodynamic light therapy that is currently being used as treatment for some cancers. Bromide ion parameters were adapted from the well parameterized chloride ion in the CHARMM forcefield; the comparison is interesting because CTAC and CTAB are known to have different aggregation numbers. Initial simulation results indicate that micelle formation from a random assembly of detergent molecules (n=20-130) occurs rapidly for both species. This research has been supported by the Fairmont State University College of Science and Technology as well as the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium.
An alternative approach to describe flame acceleration in micro-tubes due to wall friction.
Authors: Kareem Lateef Adewale 
Published: May 2022

Among various existing analytical models proposed to describe flame acceleration (FA) and deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT), none accounts for all distinctive stages of the FA and DDT processes. To overcome 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 equation for an axial flow in a cylindrical tube, we set the pressure gradient to be proportional to the radial component of a velocity function and then absorbed the driving force into the temporal component of the resulting velocity differential equation. This leads to a model with two unknown parameters (coming from the temporal and radial component of the velocity function). Since the chemistry of the combustion is not considered in the model, these two parameters were computed by nonlinear fitting of the model to the experimental measurement showing good agreement between the model and the experiments.
The Determination of the Expression of Amino Acid Glutamate Transporters: 2 and 3, in the Presence of Plague Severities in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Anthony Bruce , Murphy Caitlin E 
Published: May 2022

The primary goal of this experiment was to determine if there was a correlation between the expression of EAAT-2 and EAAT-3 in the glutamate reuptake pathway in astrocytes and the production of plaques associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Since both the EAAT-2 and EAAT-3 transporter proteins are involved in glutamate transport under normal pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neuron signaling, then altered expression of either EAAT-2 or EAAT-3 can have catastrophic effects on the functions of neurons in the brain. In Alzheimer’s Disease it is believed that there is an under expression of both EAAT-2 and EAAT-3 which in turn effects the glutamate transport pathway by preventing glutamate uptake and causing synaptic suppression. Accumulation of extracellular glutamate can cause neurodegeneration and allow for the reduction of glutamine needed by the presynaptic neuron. We anticipated an inverse correlation between the expression of both EAAT-2 and EAAT-3 and the formation of plaques, revealing that the expression of EAAT-2 and EAAT-3 is decreased most in patients with severe Alzheimer’s Disease.
The effect of various alcohol dosages on neural vesicle packaging and GABA receptor expression
Authors: Anthony Bruce , McIntosh Thomas 
Published: May 2022

Abusive alcohol consumption has negative effects on proliferation, differentiation and migration of neuronal stem cell in both fetal development and adult neural plasticity. IN both cases, loss of neurons and astrocytes alters synaptic transmission in dopaminergic and GABAergic synapses within the limbic system. This is particularly evident within areas of the amygdala and nuclear accumbens. It is known that alcohol causes an imbalance between GABA and glutamate-NMDA transmission, and could cause altered levels of neurotransmitter reuptake or insensitivity to regular GABA levels. In this study, the effects of binge and chronic alcohol exposure to neuronal stem cell were observed. We examined synaptic vesicle packaging and GABAergic receptors on fully differentiated neurons. E14 Rat Cortical Stem Cells were grown, and differentiated, then exposed to alcohol in various doses. The expected results were to observe alterations in the density of synaptic vesicles and an alteration in GABAergic receptor expression. These results would suggest that both chronic and binge drinking of alcohol causes alterations in synaptic transmission as well as neuron numbers.
Connecting the ticks- highways as potential corridors for Lyme transmission
Authors: Hicks Ebonie T , Bjorgo-Thorne Kimberly A 
Published: May 2022

We investigated the correlation between Lyme disease cases and highway density in Virginia. Our hypothesis was that there would be a relationship between highway density and Lyme disease cases. Highways could provide migration corridors for white-tailed deer as well as white-footed mice, both of which are hosts for the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, the vector of the Lyme bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. We used recorded cases of Lyme disease in Virginia from 2006 and 2016. We then converted the data into GIS databases to examine spatial relationships between the cases of Lyme Disease and highway density. For these purposes, we defined a highway as a Federal or State divided road (e.g., Interstate 81). Our findings show that the number of confirmed Lyme disease cases in Virginia have increased in the last ten-year period according to Virginia Department of Health data. We feel that there is the possibility of correlation between movement of deer and small mammals along highway corridors and the number of confirmed Lyme disease cases. Future research should focus on how permeable highways are to deer migration.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis case report with possible link to nutrition
Authors: Grill Brooke , Landvoigt Maple , Schaper Dina , Flanders Jodi 
Published: May 2022

Leishmaniasis is uncommon in the United States but endemic in impoverished areas with high sandfly populations. In addition, affected areas often lack balanced diets, raising suspicion of a relationship between parasite susceptibility and nutrition1-4. During a medical service trip to the Sacred Valley region of Peru, a young 7-year-old boy presented with a rash, fatigue, and lack of appetite. He also had a history of being bitten by insects while playing outside. He was hospitalized eight weeks prior and diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis (subtype unknown) based on deep tissue biopsy and culture by local doctors. He was subsequently treated for a total of ten days with IV sodium stibogluconate. On presenting to our medical clinic, his diagnosis was verified through observation of a one-inch volcanic appearance with rolled edges and pink ulceration located on his forearm. There was evidence of scabbing and the patient was advised to continue follow-up with his local physicians. It was also noted that the child’s uncle had a similar lesion on his nose, likely being mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. The prevalence of leishmaniasis within this family and association with nutritional deficiencies of the area, raises the possibility of nutrition as a modifying risk factor in this infection1-3. Others have found that high protein diets can increase resistance and resilience to parasites2, 3. Nutritional education and intervention to increase dietary protein has the potential to be a preventive, cost-effective, and realistic means to help reduce leishmaniasis infections in communities with a relatively low protein intake1, 2.
MTT Proliferation Assay
Authors: Anderson Adriana Sue 
Published: May 2022

ADRIANA ANDERSON and MARK FLOOD, Natural Sciences Department, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554. MTT Proliferation Assay.Within the field of forensic toxicology, it is important to understand the effects of chemicals on cells. A proficient method for testing the potential harmful effects is through MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) proliferation assays. The assay is typically used to determine the concentration of eukaryotic cells that are inactivated or killed when exposed to a chemical. This research is designed to create a successful and time restricted MTT proliferation assay method for educational purposes using bacterial cells. Several gram positive and gram negative bacteria were tested for their usefulness in the MTT assay by first diluting growing broth cultures to OD550=0.3. Bacteria were exposed to 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, or Yellow MTT, which then produces formazan in the form of purple crystals. Formazan is then dissolved using an SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) solution. By utilizing a UV-vis spectrophotometer, the A570 correlates with the number of living cells that are actively metabolizing. Background noise was eliminated by subtracting the absorbance of negative control samples containing only broth and MTT. Of the organisms tested to date, the gram positive Enterococcus faecalis and the gram negative Moraxella catarrhalis have shown the best results. The next step in the research is to select several chemicals to treat the cells to determine their toxicity. This research shows that bacteria can be successfully used in the MTT proliferation assay for the purposes of providing a relevant, time efficient, and cost effective lab experience in a forensic toxicology class.