bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Active Learning Pedagogies to Foster Teaching and Learning Environment
Authors: Panta Yogendra M , Hatipoglu Kenan 
Published: May 2022

At West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech), we implemented “active learning environment” in multiple undergraduate courses to engage the students for the improvement of their problem solving skills. Last year, we presented about “demonstration based learning environment” in “Fluid Mechanics” course which was well-received by the students. Students were engaged in several classroom activities including demonstration and semester projects. Visualization based activities create curiosity and thus motivate students greatly. Similar to “demonstration based learning environment”, implementation of “active learning environment” foster the teaching and learning process “by doing” in the class. Two types of activities were mainly implemented. One, students in a teams were provided opportunities to assemble kits and test the theoretical concepts. Students assembled the supplied engineering kits, test and record data, compare model-prototype to relate with real-world applications. These activities created a fun learning environment and also promoted student engagements and curiosities. Students were credited with grade points for participating in such activities which also helped to boost students’ presence in the class. Two students were asked to form a team and work on problem solving in the class every week. Student teams’ work then summarized on the board and discussed in the classroom. Instructor then debriefed the classwork activity to highlight on the purpose and the summary of that specific teamwork activity.Both active learning pedagogies created positive learning environment in the class. Students’ assessments and end-of-the-semester classroom survey reveal the effectiveness of the active learning pedagogies.
Enhancement of latent fingerprints on the adhesive side of tapes using various methods.
Authors: Tyler Kevanna Nicole 
Published: May 2022

Fingerprints are well known to be an important aspect of a criminal investigation due to their ability to identify an individual. Today, there are numerous methods to enhancing latent fingerprints. Some of these methods were performed on the adhesive side of various types of tapes in order to determine which method produced the greatest print development. The methods used were: dusting using various powders, small particle reagent (SPR), crystal violet, and cyanoacrylate fuming. Only two of the techniques used preformed well across a majority of the tapes. Even though all of the techniques did not preform well on all of the tapes they gave some valuable information that could be used to better results. The most successful techniques were the cyanoacrylate fuming and crystal violet. Both of these methods developed prints that were detailed with superior contrast compared to the other methods performed. Even though both techniques were superior, the cyanoacrylate fuming developed the higher quality prints. The cyanoacrylate fuming performed greatest when fumed with water for humidity followed by a dusting of fingerprint powder. These two methods were both simple to perform and were completed within a timely manner. Overall, the cyanoacrylate fuming could be preformed more efficiently because multiple prints could be developed at one time.
Instrumental Analysis of Methyl Salicylate
Authors: Pizana Mikhaela , Price Haley , Cole Jacquelyn 
Published: May 2022

Methyl salicylate is formed via a simple esterification reaction between methanol and salicylic acid. This reaction has several variables which we are studying to determine the best method for synthesizing methyl salicylate in the lab setting. We are using both a chemical standard and a naturally derived essential oil for comparison.
Efficacy of Resazomycins Against LolDF-Expressing Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Kitts Jaclyn 
Published: May 2022

A growing number of human pathogens are becoming resistant to most common antibiotics. Each year, antibiotic-resistant infections are responsible for 23,000 deaths in the United States and billions of dollars in health care costs. To prevent the loss of additional lives from once “curable” diseases, new antibiotics must be developed. We recently identified a novel family of resazurin-based compounds, resazomycins, which exhibit antimicrobial activity against Francisella tularensis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in vitro and in vivo. A common feature of both these bacteria 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. My project focuses on characterizing the efficacy of two resazomycins, resazurin (Rz) and resorufin pentyl ether (RPE), against three different bacterial strains: Acinetobacter baumanii, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Chromobacterium violaceum. These bacterial species are human pathogens known to be multi-drug resistant and primarily infect immunocompromised individuals. Using the agar dilution antibiotic susceptibility test, we have determined that A. baumanii and M. catarrhalis are resistant to resazomycins, while C. violaceumis susceptible. These data suggest that LolDF may not be the sole target of resazomycins. Further investigation is needed to determine the precise mechanism of action of resazomycins. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence)
Sampling and testing for Fe, Cu and Pb using atomic absorption spectroscopy in Coal Run Hollow stream.
Authors: Scanlon Matthew , THOMPSON CAROLINE 
Published: May 2022

This poster focuses on the development of sampling and testing techniques for heavy metals in Coal run Hollow; a small stream running through Fairmont WV that has been heavily polluted in the past. The stream is on its way to recovery but continues to have issues. As part of the recovery process we are developing methods to monitor the concentrations of metals such as Fe, Cu and Pb in the stream using atomic absorption spectroscopy. This includes sampling procedures and testing protocols that include calibration curves, standard addition methods and pre-concentration of samples.
Trainability of functional deficits in adults with scoliosis.
Authors: Stevenski Madison , Popovich Greg E , Henson Kristy 
Published: May 2022

Scoliosis is an understudied diagnosis of a lateral spinal curvature, and is classified with a diagnostic feature of a curve exceeding 10 degrees. Most commonly, there is no known cause and the onset occurs in adolescence. Our laboratory has previously reported on baseline functional data in adults with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The purpose of this follow-up study is to determine the change over time in patients who were treated for scoliosis in an out-patient orthopedic physical therapy clinic. Fourteen patients were treated for an average of 6.75 weeks, resulting in 12 treatments. Patients were assessed for improvements in lumbar strength, rotational strength/symmetry, pain, and functional index (Oswestry questionnaire). Strength and range of motion (ROM) of the trunk were measured and treated on MedX spinal dynamometers. During initial evaluation, 70.4% of the patients expressed spinal pain. Typical pain improved in 72.7% of patients; peak pain was improved in 50% of patients. The perceived functional index demonstrated that 58.3% of patients reported improved function. Initially, patients’ trunk rotation strength was reported at 28.3% below average. Following therapy, patients’ rotation strength improved on the left by 26.7% and 36.4% on the right, bringing strength closer to established norms while improving bilateral strength balance (i.e., reducing strength asymmetry). We conclude that adults with AIS may benefit from specific trunk strengthening interventions that improve strength, strength symmetry, pain, and self-perceived disability.
Duck Potato Extract May Lead to the Inhibition of Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bert Adam Edward , Horzempa Joseph , Seeber Roger 
Published: May 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium that forms biofilms on many surfaces as well as within the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Pseudomonas biofilms are particularly dangerous because these structures protect bacteria from antibiotics and other chemical antimicrobial agents. Therefore, compounds that inhibit biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa are highly desired. In a separate study by our laboratory, we observed that Duck Potato extract (Sagittaria latifolia) exhibited antimicrobial activity on Clostridium perfringens, a pathogenic Gram-positive bacterium. Therefore, duck potato extract was evaluated to determine whether or not it was capable of inhibiting the growth of other pathogenic bacteria. Duck Potato plants were collected, the leaves were removed, and ethanol was used to extract organic compounds. The extracted material was added to a culture of P. aeruginosa. While duck potato extract did not inhibit the growth of this bacterium, a cursory analysis indicated that biofilm production was mitigated. We therefore conducted several microtiter-based biofilm studies to determine whether duck potato extract was capable of inhibiting the formation of Pseudomonas biofilms. Results showed that the Duck Potato extract did not directly kill the bacteria, however, this extract appeared to inhibit the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence).
The Role of FTL_1228 in Erythrocyte Invasion by Francisella tularensis.
Authors: Anderson Dylan Thomas 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause tularemia in mammals through several routes of infection including bites from infected arthropods, through contaminated water or aerosols, and by physical contact with infected animals. Tularemia is a deadly disease with a mortality rate of 60% in untreated cases. Due to the high mortality rate and ease of dissemination, F. tularensis could potentially be used as a bioterrorism agent. During infection, F. tularensis replicates in phagocytic cells of the immune system, such as macrophages. This bacterium also invades erythrocytes, a phenomenon that has recently been shown to increase tick colonization following acquisition of a blood meal. Identifying factors necessary for transmission and pathogenesis of this bacterium could lead to the development of novel therapeutics. We previously hypothesized that bacterial genes that mediate erythrocyte invasion may exhibit increased expression in the presence of these host cells. RNA-seq revealed that among other genes, FTL_1228 was induced in the presence of erythrocytes. FTL_1228 is predicted to encode the iron-sulfur activator complex subunit, SufD, which was previously shown to be a virulence-associated factor. We are currently in the process of generating both a disruption and a deletion mutant to determine the role FTL_1228 in erythrocyte invasion. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence).
Immunocytochemical Analysis of Neuronal Phenotype in Long Term Differentiation of Rodent E14 Neuronal Stem Cells.
Authors: Trent Erick Hunter 
Published: May 2022

Neuronal stem cell models are used to examine alterations in differentiation from various environmental insults. Our interest was to establish a long term analysis of neuronal cell types and the extent of full differentiation of neurons. We examined cellular differentiation profiles, neurotransmitter packaging and neuronal cell types and distribution from 30 day cultures of E14 rat neuronal stem cells. Cell were maintained in a DMEM-F12 basal media supplemented with N21 Max, and 10ug/ml EGF. Cells were induced to differentiate using 10% FBS on days 2 and 7. Cells were feed with new media every 4 days. We determine a distinct profile of differentiation for neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In addition, we see a distinctive pattern of neurotransmitter packaging. Our analysis has allowed us to compare normal differentiation profiles with changes induced from different drugs of abuse and suggest an interpretation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Fetal Drug Exposure Disorders.Research sponsored by WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434.
Evaluating Short Paper Fiber as a Soil Amendment for Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation in West Virginia
Authors: Cyphers Levi , Hopkinson Leslie , Quaranta John 
Published: May 2022

Maximizing the use of onsite material to create topsoil has the potential to reduce costs for mine reclamation in the eastern United States. This study evaluated the addition of short paper fiber (SPF), a by-product of paper mill processing, to coarse coal refuse (CCR) to aid in vegetation establishment. Vegetation growth in two blends of SPF and CCR (80% CCR with 20% SPF; 60% CCR with 40% SPF) was compared to growth in refuse. Ground cover was monitored weekly, and biomass was measured. The SPF/CCR blends resulted in significantly higher ground cover and biomass than the refuse alone. Therefore, the addition of SPF shows potential to support vegetation establishment in CCR. Ground cover reached the minimum level needed for environmental permit release (70%) for both SPF/CCR blends, but ground cover decreased to below 50% on average by the end of the study. Further study should be completed at a large scale.
Whitebark Pine Extracts Augments Immune Responses that Diminish Bacterial Infection
Authors: Jacobs MacKenzie Lynn 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a highly infectious bacterium that causes tularemia. Currently, there are no legal treatments in the United States. Because of the highly infectious nature of F. tularensis, this organism can be used in bioterrorism. Therefore, to counteract this potential threat, development and discovery of novel treatments is highly desired. During human infection, F. tularensis replicates in phagocytic cells of the immune system such as monocytes and macrophages. Through a high throughput screen, we previously identified that Whitebark Pine extract (Pinus albicaulis) inhibited replication F. tularensis within monocytes. Bio-assay guided fractionation was used to isolate the compounds responsible for the aforementioned activity. Here, Galleria mellonella larvae were infected with F. tularensis LVS (an attenuated type B strain) and were treated with fractions of the Whitebark Pine extract. Infected larvae treated with one such fraction (referred to as Pa-9) exhibited significant survival compared to the mock-treated insects. Similar results were observed in chicken embryos infected with F. tularensis LVS that had been treated with Pa-9 suggesting that this fraction contained the active compound. To determine whether Whitebark Pine Extracts were directly antibacterial, an antibiotic disk-diffusion assay was used. None of the fractions tested inhibited the growth of bacteria outside the context of infection, indicating that this extract does not contain traditional antibiotic compounds. The further separation of Pa-9 and identification of the active compound is ongoing.
HAOCHEN BAI, The Linsly School, Wheeling, WV, 26003. Evaluation of allelopathic effects of suspensions of black walnut (Juglans nigra), Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), and slender speedwell (Veronica filiformis) on seedlings of five species of garden plants (carrot, dandelion, lettuce, collard green and kale).
Authors: BAI Haochen Harry 
Published: May 2022

Plants use different strategies to compete with each other including the allelopathic effect, which helps one plant gain advantage over others by chemically inhibiting their growth. While allelopathic effects of Black Walnut are well-known, the purpose of this study is to also evaluate possible allelopathic effects of two common invasive species, Japanese knotweed and slender speedwell. To determine whether their foliage has allelopathic effects, filtered homogenates of dried leaves of black walnut, Japanese knotweed and slender speedwell were prepared and used as the water source in germination experiments. Seeds of five common garden plants (carrot, dandelion, lettuce, collard green, and kale) were placed in standard germination chambers (layers of paper towels in plastic petri dishes) and measured for germination rate and shoot and root elongation at regular intervals. Black walnut homogenate significantly reduced shoot and root growth (t-tests) of all five species of garden seeds. Japanese knotweed and slender speedwell homogenates did not show a negative effect on any of the garden seeds. In fact, these homogenates significantly enhanced shoot growth (t-tests) when compared to the distilled water control. Thus, the experiment supports the hypothesis that Japanese knotweed and slender speedwell foliage do not contain allelopathic chemicals that inhibit growth of other plant’s seedlings. It is uncertain if the homogenates provided growth-enhancing nutrients not available in the distilled water. The experiment confirms previously published research that determined the allelopathic effects of black walnut extracts. Recent research shows juglone, the growth-inhibiting compound involved, inhibits RNA polyermase II and genetic transcription.
YUNHAN LEI, The Linsly School, Wheeling, WV, 26003. Pre-germination inoculation with 11 species of endomycorrhizal fungi slightly improves early growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds but not that of radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) or beans (Phaseolus vulgaris).
Authors: Lei Yunhan Eve 
Published: May 2022

Mycorrhizal associations of fungi with established and mature plant roots are well-known to benefit the plant. Mycorrhizal fungi, by penetrating into plant’s root cells and increasing their surface area, improve a plant’s absorption of water and mineral nutrients. In return, the fungi absorb carbohydrates from the plant. Less well known are the effects mycorrhizal fungi have on germination and early root growth. Tiny orchid seeds contain low quantities of nutrients and need early contact with mycorrhizal fungi for germination success. This study asks whether inoculation of lettuce, radish and bean seeds improves seed germination or seedling growth, and whether any effect is seed size dependent. Ten groups of seeds of lettuce, radish and beans were treated with a powder consisting of 11 different species of endomycorrizal fungi while ten seeds for each species served as controls. Seeds were placed in plastic petri dishes lined with paper toweling and provided equal amounts of distilled water. All six groups had 100% germination rates, except for 90% germination in the mycorrhizal fungi radish group. In comparing mycorrhizal fungi treatment groups to the control, average root length in lettuce increased by 12% (p=0.15, t-test), but only by 8% (p=0.71, t-test) in radish and 5% (p=0.91, t-test) in beans. Only the effect on lettuce seeds approached statistical significance. A larger trial with more seeds growing longer might yield significant results. Since mycorrhizal fungi treated seeds absorbed water faster and left drier paper toweling, seed coat proteins may be triggered to absorb water faster, aiding germination.
Francisella tularensis expressing TC3D Leader Peptide and Promotor from tdtomato Enhances Fluorescence
Authors: Haggerty Kristen , Cantlay Stuart , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a gram-negative, intracellular pathogen capable of causing infection at a low dose of <10 CFU. For this reason, this bacterium has been classified as a Category A Bioterrorism Agent by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Fluorescence microscopy is a valuable tool that investigators can utilize to study the many interactions between F. tularensis and its host cells. However, in our hands, F. tularensis is only weakly fluorescent when expressing certain fluorescent proteins such as emGFP and BFP using previously described molecular tools. On the other hand, our laboratory previously described robust expression of tdTomato while under the control of the Francisella glucose-repressible promoter (FGRp; this plasmid construct was referred to as pTC3D). However, F. tularensis bacteria were unable to produce robust expression of tdTomato or other fluorescent proteins, such as emGFP, while these genes were under the control of the groE promoter (which is much more robust). Therefore, we analyzed the DNA upstream of tdtomato in pTC3D. Here, we identified an in-frame N-terminal leader peptide that is likely translated with tdTomato potentially producing a stable fusion. The previously identified FGRp sequence alone could not produce robust expression of fluorescent proteins. Moreover, a frame-shift disrupting the coding sequence of the leader peptide resulted in poor fluorescent protein expression. Inclusion of the leader peptide in-frame controlling expression of Emerald GFP, emGFP, under the control of the FGRp, however, resulted in robust green fluorescence suggesting that this domain can be used to stabilize fluorescent proteins in F. tularensis. Application of this new biotechnology will expand our ability to investigate F. tularensis through fluorescence microscopy.
Findings from the first two years of the First2 Network.
Authors: Heatherly Sue Ann , Starcovic Sarah , Rutherford Rebecca , Harvey Erica , Williamson Kathryn , Burt-Kinderman Joanna , Riley Sarah , Howley Caitlin 
Published: May 2022

Nationally, more than half of all college students who declare a major in STEM fields drop out or change their majors in the first two years of post-secondary education. Among first-generation college students in West Virginia this number may approach 70%. The First2 STEM Success Network, an NSF INCLUDES Alliance, is a cross-sector effort aimed at improving the college enrollment rate and success of undergraduate STEM students, with emphasis on rural first-generation students in West Virginia. At the core of our shared vision is the inclusion of students themselves as co-creators of the solutions. First2 is an outgrowth of a two-year pilot project funded by the National Science Foundation in 2016. During the pilot, we began to create and test interventions that address the underlying reasons for attrition in STEM majors, and to develop a preliminary research program to better understand rural first-generation STEM students, a population for which there is scant existing research. We engaged 36 rural first-generation students in some combination of early STEM research experiences, an online discovery-based "principles of research and development" college seminar, a “hometown ambassador” program, and leadership training. We also developed and administered an online survey to an additional 101 first generation students attending West Virginia University and Fairmont State University. This presentation describes the research and evaluation findings from the pilot project and implications for the Network moving forward. The First2 Network Design and Development Pilot Project was supported by National Science Foundation INCLUDES Award No. 1649323.