bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenomics in Asarum section Hexastylis: serial innovations in floral form spawned from two geographically-widespread species.
Authors: Sinn Brandon T. , Daragan Christina , Freudenstein John V. , Barrett Craig F. 
Published: May 2022

Asarum section Hexastylis (Aristolochiaceae), is a group of flowering plants endemic to the southeastern United States whose variable floral morphologies and overlapping distributions have long caused taxonomic confusion. Individual species distributions range from the entirety of the southeastern US to only a single gorge. The flowers of section Hexastylis species, to various degrees, appear to have converged on a basidiomycete-like morphology and are putatively pollinated by fungus gnats. Earlier attempts to resolve species boundaries and the evolution of floral traits in the group with commonly-used phylogenetic markers have largely been uninformative at the lowest taxonomic levels. To uncover species-level relationships, we sequenced thousands of regions dispersed throughout the nuclear genome using Double-Digestion Restriction Enzyme-Associated DNA Sequencing. Data matrices were assembled using the Pyrad pipeline. Phylogenomic inference was conducted under both maximum likelihood and coalescent frameworks. Sequencing was conducted for 97 individuals, representing all taxa in section Hexastylis. Phylogenomic inference recover two major diversification events within section Hexastylis. Phyletic grades of a geographically-widespread, paraphyletic progenitor species have repeatedly spawned geographically-restricted derivative species with novel floral shapes. Recovered phylogenetic relationships evidence parallel evolution of similar calyx tube shapes, suggesting the operation of geographically partitioned adaptive pressures, most likely associated with fungus gnat pollination. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (DEB-1406732) and a William Chambers Coker Fellowship from Highlands Biological Station.
Bilateral internal thoracic arteries emerging distal to the anterior scalene muscles: Implications in coronary artery bypass grafting.
Authors: Bertus Brooke E. , ZDILLA MATTHEW J , LAMBERT H. WAYNE 
Published: May 2022

The internal thoracic artery (ITA) usually arises from the first-part of the subclavian artery. However, various anatomic origins of this vessel have been reported. In this study, routine cadaveric dissection of a 98-year-old white female who died of congestive heart failure, revealed a bilateral variation of the internal thoracic artery. The ITA, on both the left and right sides, arose at the lateral boundary of the first rib from the terminal portion of the subclavian artery and the initial portion of the axillary artery. Due to its patency, location, and long-term positive clinical outcomes, the internal thoracic artery is routinely used as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABGs). With more than 400,000 CABGs being performed in the United States each year, knowledge of this vessel's anatomy is immensely important. Recognition of the presented variant may help to avoid confusion during surgery, prolonged procedure times, and downstream complications. The aim of this study is to describe an ITA anatomic variant and to elucidate its clinical significance.
Growth of Community-Acquired MRSA strain USA300 Multi-drug Transporter Mutants is inhibited by Extracts of Tyrol Knapweed, Centaurea nigrescens.
Authors: Lasko Kyra P. , Lasko Kyra P. , Robinson Kathryn D. , Robinson Kathryn D. 
Published: May 2022

The rates of infection by community-acquired multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) have risen dramatically over fifteen years in the United States. CA-MRSA is responsible for rapidly progressive diseases, including necrotizing pneumonia, severe sepsis, and necrotizing fasciitis. Consequently, novel antibacterial strategies are needed to combat the rising antibiotic resistance seen in CA-MRSA strains. The USA300 CA-MRSA strain has been mutagenized using the Bursa aurealis transposon to create the Nebraska Transposon Mutant Library (NTML). We have screened the 1920 non-essential, defined transposon insertions in the NTML for strains that are either susceptible or resistant to methanol extracts of Centaurea nigrescens (CnME) leaves and flowers. 30 strains containing mutations affecting transporter proteins were identified as having either significant resistance or susceptibility to Centaurea extract. Insertions in two different drug efflux transporter families have been identified. The EmrB/QacA drug resistance transporter subfamily is a multi-drug efflux pump responsible for the export of toxic molecules from bacteria and yeast. The ABC transporters are involved in drug import and export. These results confirm the effectiveness of the screen as a means for identifying drug-resistance genes affected by the C. nigrescens methanolic extract and suggest a role for drug efflux proteins in the resistance of S. aureus CA-MRSA to antibacterial plant metabolites. Current work is focused on determining the effect of CnME on the expression of selected drug-resistance transporters via qRT-PCR.
Screening of Natural Product Library for the Discovery of Novel Antibiotics that target Monocytic Leukemia Cells.
Authors: Hancher Kayla Michelle , Schmitt Deanna , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Leukemia is the leading cause of death in children. The discovery of effective cancer therapies is imperative to combat this deadly disease. The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) has comprised a library of over 4,000 organic extracts derived from plants, fungi, marine, and algae species with potential anti-cancer properties. In partnership with NCNPR, we have developed a rapid and effective method for screening large quantities of these organic compounds for anti-cancer efficacy against THP-1 cells (a monocytic leukemia cell line). A microtiter-based AlamarBlue Assay was used to identify extracts that reduced the viability of the THP-1 cells. For this assay, THP-1 cells were treated with an extract from the NCNPR library and were incubated at 37˚C, 5% CO2 for 24 hours. Subsequently, resazurin was incubated for an additional 24 hours. Change to a red color was an indicator of viability. Cells treated with extracts that produced little to no color change were identified as leads. 149 lead extracts have been further evaluated for toxicity to HeLa cells (a cervical cancer cell line) to determine whether these compounds may be more broadly applicable. Further testing among Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cells to narrow down those extracts cytotoxic to non-cancerous mammalian cells.
Biologically Inspired Optimization Solutions for Homeostatic Maintenance
Authors: Liao Weidong , Ratledge Anthony 
Published: May 2022

Anthony Ratledge, Weidong Liao (Faculty Advisor), Department of Computer Science, Mathematics and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. Biologically Inspired Optimization Solutions for Homeostatic Maintenance Optimization when applied in computer science refers to implementation of methods to solve problems more efficiently: to realize the most cost effective or highest achievable performance from a computing system. Traditional computation is done primarily through serial processing; one process after another is done, and so on. It is highly inefficient when dealing with complex factors, such as nonlinear computation, multi-objective functions, or nondeterministic variables. Researchers and scientists have found inspiration for such optimization problems in nature and developed an entire design philosophy called biologically inspired computing. This poster discusses optimization with an emphasis on homeostatic maintenance, which involves adapting internal systems to regulate a consistent state in response to the external stimuli of the environment. In nature, this is an automatic, ongoing process accomplished by the peripheral nervous system through reflexes. This presentation will explore several different biologically inspired optimization software solutions in two rather broad categories: non-swarm intelligence-based algorithms and swarm intelligence-based algorithms. It will then delve into the construction of artificial neural networks as a proposed optimization solution, which features both hardware and software considerations, ultimately to argue in favor of one swarm intelligence implementation for homeostatic maintenance, with experimental support. Finally, this poster presentation will propose a swarm optimization implementation into an artificial neural network to achieve homeostatic maintenance.
. Evaluation of Chlamydia muridarum lung infection in beta-2 adrenergic receptor knock out in a male mouse model.
Authors: Phillips Kiersten , Belay Tesfaye 
Published: May 2022

Chlamydia genital infection is the most frequent bacterial STD across the world caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Studies on Chlmaydia muridarum infection of male mice with through pulmonary routes have been reported. Growing evidence shows chronic stress suppresses the immune that leads to infection. Stimulation of beta2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) is known to create an immune response through its known ligand, norepinephrine. We have shown that norepinephrine is released when mice are exposed to cold water stress, but its interaction with β2-AR during chlamydia lung infection is not known. The purpose of this project was to determine the susceptibility of β2-AR knock out male mice to Chlamydial muridarum lung infection. We hypothesized that deficiency in 2-AR leads i) a decreased C. muridarum shedding in the lung of male mice; ii) increased gene expression and production of protective cytokines during lung infection. In our preliminary experiments, we seeded 70 mM-filtered lung lysate to monolayers of McCoy tissue culture following standard methods. After 32 h of infection and staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled, anti-chlamydial antibody. Inclusion forming units/ml were not determined because cell debris covered monolayers we were able to visualize and count inclusion bodies in monolayers. To improve results, 30 mM-filtered lung lysate will be seeded to monolayers of McCoy tissue culture following standard methods. Gene expression and production of protective cytokines during lung infection is underway. We expect that stressed and non-stressed β2-AR knockout male mice will have about the same IFUs/ml in the lungs because of the lack of β2-AR gene expression. 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.
Deployment of E-Learning modules to foster entrepreneurial mindset among engineering students at WVU Tech
Authors: Hatipoglu Kenan , Panta Yogendra 
Published: May 2022

“E-Learning Module- Applying Systems Thinking to Solve Complex Problems” were deployed at West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among engineering students. This E-Learning Module were applied to an elective electrical engineering course “EE 493X Alternative Energy Resources” in fall of 2017 to develop a skill set to solve complex problems by applying system thinking. The implementation of Applying Systems Thinking to Solve Complex Problems help realize students to think out of the engineering classroom box and be mindful of the entrepreneurial environment. The module is bundled up with a number of learning outcomes provided by the KEEN. The modules’ supplementary resources were guided by the instructor in the class and then made accessible to the students through blackboard. Students reviewed the online contents of the module and then spent their time to complete module activities. Instructor debriefed the classwork activity to highlight on the purpose and the summary of that specific activity. These activities created a very interactive and an effective learning environment advancing student engagements, curiosities, and maximize the learning. Overall, students effectively utilized the module materials for defining system, systems architecture, and system engineering, identify alternative distributed power generation system architectures, decomposing alternative distributed power generation system hierarchy to at least four levels and defining/addressing future integrated power systems from various perspectives, including technical feasibility, value, risk, and societal impact. In the future, the module is planned to be deployed in other courses.
Localization of the key cell division determinant FtsZ in Francisella tularensis.
Authors: Cantlay Stuart , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is a highly infectious gram-negative bacterium capable of replicating within macrophages, leukocytes, dendritic cells and epithelial cells. In addition, F. tularensis also invades erythrocytes. FtsZ, a homologue of eukaryotic tubulin, is an essential cell division protein in almost all bacteria. Polymerization of FtsZ into a contractile ring is a critical first step in division and the FtsZ ring acts in recruiting the cell wall synthesis machinery to the nascent septum. We have generated a recombinant fusion of ftsZftto emgfp (Emerald Green Fluorescent Protein) which can be expressed, in trans, under its presumed native promotor or a strong Francisella promoter (pGRP). As expected, FtsZft-Emgfp can be seen localizing as rings in F. tularensis. Our aim is to utilize fluorescently tagged FtsZ to investigate replication of F. tularensis in a range of in vitro host cell invasion assays and as a marker for viability to study the morphological and physiological differentiation of F. tularensis as it transitions into a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. (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).
Using Dermestid Beetles to Enhance Forensic Science Curriculum
Authors: Lowdermilk Kiersten Marie , Henson Kristy 
Published: May 2022

KIERSTEN LOWDERMILK Dept of Natural Sciences, Forensic Science Program, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554 and KRISTY HENSON Dept of Natural Sciences, Forensic Science Program, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV 26554 Using dermestid beetles to enhance a forensic science curriculum In order to conduct accurate, expedient skeletal analysis, scientists rely upon dermestid beetles (Dermestidae). These flesh-eating beetles speed up the decomposition processing leaving behind only skeletal remains and ligamental connections. Dermestid beetles are common in museums and scientific research. These beetles perfectly clean the bones minimizing biohazard waste and damage caused by flensing or carrion-eating animals. For this project, I assisted in the colony creation, maintenance, and the incorporation of a dermestid beetle colony in the Fairmont State Forensic Science Program. Courses that regularly utilize dermestid beetle work include forensic anthropology, forensic biology, and forensic taphonomy. Beetles also aid students and faculty in conducting taphonomic research. To prepare specimens for use in forensic science courses I thaw, flense, and place the specimen in the beetle tank. When bones are finished removed from the specimen from the tank and degreased in a warm water and ammonia bath. After degreasing, I prepare the skeletons for the needs of the specific forensic science course. Skeletal prep has included inflicting trauma, whitening and articulating skeletons for morphological comparisons, cleaning up taphonomic projects, and prepping skeletal material for various undergraduate research projects. Dermestid beetles have advanced laboratory and individual research activities in the forensic science program.
The Role of FTL_1228 in Erythrocyte Invasion by Francisella tularensis
Authors: Macom Rhiannon Virginia , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a gram-negative bacterium and is the causative agent of tularemia – a disease commonly referred to as ‘rabbit fever’. This microbe is extremely virulent as inhalation of fewer than ten bacteria can lead to a lethal infection. During infection, F. tularensis replicates in cells of the immune system, such as macrophages, as well as other non-phagocytes such as epithelial cells and hepatocytes. Moreover, this bacterium has been shown to invade erythrocytes – a process that enhances colonization of ticks (a major disease vector). Our laboratory previously showed that a locus encoding a hypothetical gene, FTL_1228, was induced in the presence of erythrocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that this gene may be responsible for invasion of these host cells. In this study, we mutated FTL_1228 of F. tularensis LVS. Studies are ongoing to determine the role of this gene in erythrocyte invasion. Preliminary data shows that a strain containing a disruption mutation of FTL_1228 invades erythrocytes at a higher rate than the wild-type F. tularensis LVS. This may suggest that FTL_1228 suppresses red blood cell invasion.
The effect of the antibiotic Spectramast LC on the growth of E. coli in the rumen of dairy cattle.
Authors: Edgell Gunner 
Published: May 2022

Many microorganisms call the gastrointestinal tract of a cow home. With the growing use of antibiotics in the field of agriculture, it is very important to understand the effects of antibiotics on the microorganisms in the rumen. In this study we examined the effect of the antibiotic Spectramast LC on the indicator bacteria species E. coli. Fresh fecal samples were obtained from Holstein cattle on and off Spectramast LC. Samples were then diluted and placed on Mueller Hinton plates. Blank antibiotic disks were in Spectramast LC and placed in quadrants on the plate, and after 24 and 48 hours the zones of inhibition were measured. Preliminary results indicate a significant effect of Spectramast LC on the growth of E. coli. Implications for cattle health will be discussed.
An Overview of WebAssembly
Authors: Burkhart Nicholas , Liao Weidong , Guzide Osman 
Published: May 2022

In this presentation, we will give an overview of the capabilities of WebAssembly and how it can be employed for further Web development. Traditionally, client side web development mainly makes use of HTML, CSS, JavaScript and JavaScript libraries such as Bootstrap. WebAssembly and Blazor makes it possible to take advantage of comprehension from high level programming languages, such as C#, into the web development environment. There are many benefits that come with using WebAssembly and therefore high level programming languages in client-side Web development, such as ease of development and high performance of web applications. WebAssembly takes advantage of current hardware capabilities to ensure the best speeds possible. Another benefit is that it provides client-side security. This is one of the weaknesses of JavaScript. WebAssembly provides better security than JavaScript by acting as both the backend and frontend. Currently four of the major browsers are supporting WebAssembly: Chrome, Safari, FireFox, and Edge. We envision WebAssembly will gain more popularity in client-side web development in the near future.
Preliminary Analysis of Mark-Recapture Data for an Ongoing Autecological Study of the Northern Watersnake, Nerodia sipedon sipedon, in a West Virginia stream.
Authors: Ringhiser Brian , Loughman Zachary 
Published: May 2022

The northern watersnake, Nerodia sipedon, is a natricine ubiquitous across aquatic habitats of the eastern United States. Found as far north as Ontario, as south as Florida, and stretching as far west as Utah, this species is ever-present and often in high abundance. The prevalence of N. sipedon has garnered extensive research, much of which concerns its reproduction. However, thorough, long-term studies, especially within stream ecosystems, are lacking. The purpose of this study is to fill that void, serving as an analysis of data from the first two years of ongoing autecological research on a N. sipedon sipedon population within Short Creek, a rural stream in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. Morphometric, dietary, thermal, habitat and movement data were recorded for each capture, however this analysis primarily focuses on mark-recapture data in an attempt to provide insight towards implementing radio telemetry during future activity seasons. Further research will investigate unanalyzed data, identify hibernacula, and build upon the established data set.
Selective Hydride Addition Reaction in Ester vs. Amide Chemical Functional Group
Authors: Hunt Alyssa Danielle 
Published: May 2022

Cancer is among the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control, there was 599,108 cancer-related deaths in the year 2017. In addition to having a high mortality rate, the cost of cancer care has also continued to climb over the years and is estimated to reach 173 billion in 2020, according to the National Institute of Health. With that being said, more research and studies are needed to be conducted to find a more effective and inexpensive alternative, to contribute to the treatment of cancer. Natural products (NPs) have proven to be promising in drug discovery, particularly in the development of anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, in our research lab, we are interested in contributing to the development of a tripeptide natural product that could be used in oncology therapy. In fact, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the selective hydride addition reaction on those two functional groups which is a part of on-going synthetic NP synthesis of bio-active tripeptide. My senior project is involved with two chemical steps which is 1) Coupling reaction and 2) Hydride additional reaction. Thus far, we have successfully synthesized dipeptide and analytical data such as MS and NMR are presented in this poster with the most current update on this project on the hydride addition reaction. The outcome of this project provides us with the feasibility of possible NP peptide synthesis and a possible anti-cancer relevant analog development.
Age of the subjects alone does not determine the maximal heart rate or the heart rate recovery after exercise
Authors: Omelchenko-Comer Natalia , Kalb Heather , COHEN LOUELLA , DIGIACINTO CARLEY , GIORDANO EMILY , GREENE DEEANN , ROBINSON SIERRA , WALLACE DORA , HENDERSON BRYLEE , KNICELY PAYTON , TAYLOR AUDRIANNA 
Published: May 2022

A decline in the heart muscle strength is a well-recognized aspect of normal aging. Nonetheless, the resting heart rate (HR) in developing adults appears to be unchanged. The aim of this study was to determine if HR recovery after exercise is influenced by age. Healthy male and female volunteers, aged 12-61 years, were divided into two groups. The first group included participants younger than 30 (18.8 +/- 4.15), and the second group included individuals that were older than 30 (50.0 +/- 8.56 years). After resting HR in sitting position was recorded, the participants were asked to perform a basic step platform exercise for 3 minutes at a consistent pace of 14 lifts per minute. The HR was measured again right after the completion of the exercise and one more time 10 minutes post exercise. Resting HR recorded in the study was 77.7+/-10.22 beats/min. We observed 41% increase in HR immediately after the completion of the exercise (p=0.001). Only partial recovery was detected after 10 min of rest as HR remained 13% elevated compared to the resting baseline (p=0.005). Remarkably, there was no significant difference between two age groups in the resting HR, maximal HR, or HR change during recovery period (p>0.05). Our data suggest that the age alone does not define HR parameters measured here. Other contributors, like BMI and physical fitness are discussed. The findings of this study may be used for development of community-based strategies for improvement in health and life quality for increasingly aging population.