bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community-level Physiological Profile, Cellulose and Lignin Degradation of the Microbial Assemblages Associated with Epifagus virginiana
Authors: Evans Desiree L. , Lafferty Jasmine M. , Jimenez Aida E, 
Published: May 2022

Epifagus virginana is a holoparsite whose only host is the American Beech tree, Fagus grandifolia. Currently, little is known about the specific mechanism used by Epifagus to colonize the tree. It is thought that lignin-like or lignin degradation by-products are needed to signal the colonization process for other members of Orobanchaceae. Knowing that microbial communities that inhabit eukaryotic hosts can influence their function and development, we aimed to describe the microbial community structure of Epifagus, in particular the communities inhabiting the haustorium, (the organ used to parasitize). Using community-level physiological profiling as well as selective culture media, we found that microbial communities in Epifagus haustorium were active and diverse and structurally similar to those from adjacent bulk soil in Fall (MRPP A= -0.004, p=0.509), but different in Summer (MRPP A= 0.169, p=0.003). We also examined the cellulose and lignin degrading capacity of these microbial communities for their possible role in facilitating Epifagus colonization. We found that a larger number of endophytic isolates showed lignolytic activity compared to the haustorium associated microorganisms (HAMs). Finally, we were able to isolate bacterial isolates that use cellulose as their only carbon source. Altogether these findings lead us to further hypothesize that microbes associated with the haustorium could be involved in the production of the lignin-like haustorium inducing factors that are thought to facilitate the parasitism of other parasitic plants. These are, to our knowledge, the first published descriptions of the microorganisms inhabiting this holoparasite.
Modeling the effect of a combinatorial anti-CTLA antibody and radiation therapy on metastatic lung cancer.
Authors: Kouadio Jean-Emmanuel , Wang Qing 
Published: May 2022

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is an inhibitory receptor that is upregulated after T-cell activation, and transmits signals that suppress T-cell activation and proliferation through the depletion of CD8+ T cells. Antibodies targeting CTLA-4 can selectively deplete regulatory T cells by antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity mechanisms. However, anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy as a single treatment is limited on effectiveness to fight against immunogenic diseases like metastatic cancers. Radiation therapy (RT) on the other hand is a longstanding pillar of cancer treatment, historically utilized to treat a discrete target and provide local tumor control. Recent preclinical studies demonstrated that RT is synergistic with anti-CTLA antibody and induces systemic anti-tumor responses. In order to better understand the effect of the combination therapy on metastatic lung cancer, we developed a mathematical model using a system of impulsive differential equations. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive simulation platform to improve cancer management by manipulating dose and fractionation schedule of RT and dose and timing for the anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy. This study is supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
Isothermal measurements of a Langmuir monolayer of a non-polar fluorocarbon chain molecule.
Authors: Sheetz Nicholas , Li Mengyang , Smith Clayton 
Published: May 2022

Traditionally Langmuir monolayers and lipids bilayers (including cell membranes) on water interfaces are made of amphiphilic molecules with both polar hydrophilic and non-polar hydrophobic parts. It has been discovered that non-polar fluorocarbon chain molecules without the polar hydrophilic part, F(CF2)20F, can also form Langmuir monolayers on water. Here we report the surface pressure vs. area isotherm measurements of a F(CF2)20F film on water, which show the film’s maximum compression modulus (greatest resistance to lateral compression) at about 30 Å2/molecule, independent of the compression speed, like the Langmuir monolayers of long chain saturated fatty acids do. The cross-section area of the fluorocarbon chain is 28.1 Å2 in 3-D crystalline F(CF2)20F. Our measurements confirm the formation of a Langmuir monolayer by F(CF2)20F, a non-polar fluorocarbon chain molecule. We observed a general trend that greater the lateral compression speed, lower the maximum compression modulus, lower the resistance to lateral compression.Nicholas Sheetz and Clayton Smith are grateful to financial support from the National Science Foundation through the SOARS Research Fellowship at Shepherd University.
A Multi-Cloud Environment for Relational Database Services: Design and Prototyping
Authors: Liao Weidong , Boone Jacob 
Published: May 2022

In recent years, cloud computing has emerged as a rapidly growing and disruptive technology in both academic research and industry. In this poster, we first describe cloud computing architecture and cloud computing applications. Then we discuss potential issues and considerations regarding to reliability, availability and affordability that comes along with cloud computing. With this background, we then present our design of a multi-cloud environment that could potentially deliver a highly reliable and highly available cloud computing environment. The multi-cloud environment may also help reduce cost of cloud usage. We finally describe the implementation of a multi-cloud prototype for cloud-based relational database services.
Gene Expression of Transcription factors and Secretion of Cytokines in Co-culturing of Dendritic Cells and Naïve T cells in Stressed AHCC-fed Mice Courtney Rolen1, Elisha Martin1, Rajnish Sahu2Tesfaye Belay1, 1Bluefield State College, Bluefield, WV; 2Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL.
Authors: Rolen Courtney 
Published: May 2022

Cold-induced stress is known to inhibit the activity of immune cells and has been shown to cause different expression of cytokine profiles during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection. Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is a mushroom extract known to modulate the immune system, the mechanism is not well known. The purpose of this study was to investigate if AHCC feeding to stressed mice would affect the pattern of surface marker expression of transcription factors and CD4+ T cell cytokines. We hypothesized that AHCC feeding to stressed mice decreases the expression and secretion of GATA-3 and IL-4 in stressed mice compared to PBS-fed stressed mice. We used magnet enrichment protocols to isolate DCs from bone marrow and naïve T cells from the spleen. Naive T cells and matured DCs were co-cultured for 24 and 48 hours. A quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA were used to determine gene expression and secretion of cytokines, respectively. Our data show downregulation of transcription factor GATA-3 in AHCC-fed mice (-0.45 ) and upregulation of GATA-3 in PBS-fed stressed mice (+1.5). In contrast, transcription factors T-bet was upregulated in stress AHCC-fed (0.9) and non-stressed (+2.0) during infection. Moreover, non-stressed (+2.9) and AHCC-fed (+1.85) mice showed a significant upregulation of T-bet during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection. Increased secretion of IL-12 and IFN-g and decreased secretion of IL-4 and IL-23 was observed in AHCC-fed mice compared to PBS-fed mice. Overall, our results show that AHCC-feeding leads to the restoration of the function of the protective immune system against chlamydia genital infection. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence and NIH Grant P20GM103434 awarded to Bluefield State College).
Effects of the biocide triclosan on multiple life stages of ferns Onoclea sensibilis and Osmunda claytoniana
Authors: Watson Mark Brian , Blackmon Morgan , Williams Devon Skye , Wyatt Autumn 
Published: May 2022

The chemical triclosan is an antibacterial agent that was used in many consumer products, such as soaps, lotions, toothpaste, cosmetics and other personal care products. Triclosan passes through the processes of wastewater treatment plants and ultimately contaminates rivers and other waterways. The soil is also contaminated using wastewater sludge or biosolids as fertilizer on agricultural and reclamation land projects. Triclosan has been shown to inhibit seed germination, growth rate, and development in wide variety of plants including many crop plants. Aquatic algae are particularly sensitive to low levels of triclosan. The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the effects of triclosan on the life cycle of the sensitive fern (Osmunda claytoniana), and the royal fern (Onoclea sensibilis). The use of ferns in this study is important because they share a phylogenetic link between algae and higher plants. Ferns also have a distinct heteromorphic life cycle that lends itself to examining the effects of environmental chemicals on different aspects of plant development. Spores were germinated, grown to gametophyte stage and then allowed to produce sporophytes in the presence of concentrations of triclosan measured in contaminated agricultural lands. Triclosan was found to inhibit spore germination, gametophyte growth and alter sporophyte development.
WVNCC innovative technology use benefits physiology instructions during Covid-19 pandemic.
Authors: Omelchenko-Comer Natalia , CORBIN CHRISTOPHER , MONTGOMERY SCOTT 
Published: May 2022

Inquiry based collaborative learning is a vital asset of modern physiology curriculum. Application of this approach is severely impacted by Covid-19 pandemic when face-to-face physiology laboratories must be modified to comply with needs of social distancing. Introduction of a new technology may mitigate some impact, but it is associated with adding to the complexity of educational activities and may interfere with the proper social dynamic of the classroom. WVNCC team designed a new learning environment, employed, and assessed use of a new technology in our biology laboratory in Weirton Campus. Originally, during a typical physiology lab, each student operated IWorx physiology stations using a personal computer. The progress of the work was not easily shared with the other students or instructor in the classroom, especially when social distancing was maintained. A new educational environment allowed for an on-demand connection to a large screen monitor for all classroom computers and was achieved using a wireless Polycom Pano content sharing and wireless presentation system (Polycom, San Jose, CA). In a survey, students indicated that the provided equipment is seamlessly incorporated into the lesson and encourages active engagement. Eighty percent agreed that the new technology makes it easier to ensure that social distancing is maintained during collaborative learning. The innovative learning layout presented here allows for prompt guidance, effective collaboration between students, appropriate assessment of student performance. Our design idea and technical solution can be modified for various laboratories and be used during and after Covid-19 pandemic.
The analysis of the antimicrobial properties of copper alloys compared to stainless steel using a readily accessible procedure
Authors: Laya Rylee , Roof Steven , Flood Mark , Popovich Greg 
Published: May 2022

In recent studies, copper’s antimicrobial properties have been studied in hospitals where infections spread from contact with high-touch surfaces are common, oftentimes using high expensive and advanced equipment. While these methods of analysis are not readily available for those in smaller laboratories or in classrooms; this research project aims to analyze copper alloys’ antimicrobial properties compared to stainless steel, using a procedure that can be easily replicated and expanded upon. To test copper alloys’ effectiveness, I first had to collect samples from traditional dumbbells and analyze if microbes were present on the weights. These samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of microbes. For the in-lab part, a ten-fold serial dilution was used to make the number of bacterial colonies present quantifiable; this method used non-pathogenic Escherichia coli. Both the copper and stainless-steel metals were incubated for 15 minutes to mimic the amount of time an individual would spend with a specific weight. After the incubation, the metal pieces were taken out of the solution and dried on a sterile plate for 15 minutes. After the drying period, the metals were placed into PBS baths and immersed for 10 minutes to recover bacteria. After the PBS bath, the ten-fold dilution was performed and then plated and incubated at 37˚C for 24 hours. Once the 24-hour period was over, the colonies on the plates of both the copper and stainless-steel plates were counted, and it was determined that the plates of the copper metal had significantly fewer colonies.
Trophic Partitioning of Cambarus carinirostris, Cambarus robustus, and Faxonius obscurus in Kings Creek, WV by Stable Isotope Analysis
Authors: Miller Haley 
Published: May 2022

The competitive exclusion principle states that no two species can share the same niche in nature. Partitioning among coexisting species occurs through utilization of various food sources or differences in microhabitat preference. The purpose of this study is to assess potential trophic partitioning between Cambarus carinirostris, Cambarus robustus, and Faxonius obscurus, three species of crayfish present in Kings Creek, Weirton, WV. Analysis and comparison of individual carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 isotope signatures were used to establish organic matter transfer pathways and trophic structures in the ecosystem. Representative trophic groups were sampled, spanning from macro-predators (e.g., smallmouth bass) to primary producers (e.g., macrophytes and algae). All samples were analyzed for carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 by the Stable Isotope Ecology Laboratory at the University of Georgia. Interspecific partitioning within the community was identified. Smallmouth bass were top predators and crayfish were the second highest group. Between the three species of crayfish, interspecific partitioning was suggested. The lowest and highest trophic levels were occupied by C. carinirostris and F. obscurus, respectively. In addition, intraspecific partitioning within each crayfish species suggested that juveniles occupy a lower trophic level than adults, potentially signifying ontogenetic dietary shifts. All analyzed data represent the summer season. Winter results are pending and once available, the two seasons will be compared for any differences in trophic structure.
Big Sandy Crayfish (Cambarus callainus) Habitat Affinity in Proximity to Bridges and Assessed via Radio Telemetry
Authors: Dillard Zachary W , Loughman Zachary J 
Published: May 2022

Cambarus callainus (Big Sandy Crayfish) is a federally threatened species endemic to the coalfields of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. Existing datasets involving this species reflect broad/seasonal natural history trends, but conservation managers are still in need of a fine-scale, high resolution understanding of daily microhabitat utilization and movement patterns. The WVDOT has identified multiple locations within C. callainus range where in-stream bridge infrastructure requires complete reconstruction in a timely manner. Construction projects occurring within waterways supporting C. callainus could represent a threat to the crayfish community, but the extent of such effects is currently unknown. To identify potential disruptions to C. callainus populations we aim to determine the extent of site fidelity, peak and minimum activity periods, and preferred microhabitat utilization assessed by radiotracking C. callainus during and after active construction. Collected data will be interpreted to determine further conservation and management practices necessary for protection of C. callainus. Findings will allow organizations such as the WVDOT to move forward with necessary infrastructure projects while mitigating further anthropogenic impact to this vulnerable species.
The Presence and Impacts of Pollutants On Central Appalachian Crayfishes
Authors: Whitson Taylor Ross 
Published: May 2022

Cambarus veteranus and Cambarus callainus are federally endangered and threatened crayfish, that live in the coalfields region of central Appalachia. The dominant industry and land use in this region is coal mining. Currently, the most common form of coal mining in this region is surface mining, also known as mountaintop removal mining. There is a lack of data on the specific impacts of pollutants from mining on crayfish and their congeners. Chemical pollutants along with increased sedimentation from industrial sources are known to cause adverse effects in crustaceans and can even be lethal. It is crucial to better understand how these pollutants are affecting crayfishes inhabiting coalfield streams. This study will assess the bioaccumulation of the metals arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in non-imperiled cambarid crayfish that are being used as surrogate species for C. veteranus and C. callainus by analyzing the hepatopancreas and gill tissues. Physical maladies, such as deformed dactyl and gill melanization, will also be quantified. This data, as well as species abundance at each site, will be analyzed to better understand the effects of mining on crayfish.
Osteological Analysis of Rediscovered Teaching Skeletons at Fairmont State University
Authors: Pettry Alyssa , Bow Jay , Henson Kristy 
Published: May 2022

Human skeletal remains are important teaching tools in natural science courses. Many teaching
skeletons at universities tend to be forgotten and stored away as they become damaged and are replaced with plastic models. Today, controversy over the ethical acquisition and treatment of skeletal material directly affects many museums and educational institutions. Skeletons tell us a substantial amount of information about each individual and how they lived, giving us an insight into different populations and lifestyles. An unknown number of teaching skeletons were discovered disarticulated, damaged, and stored in a backroom at Fairmont State University. As we do not know the exact means by which these teaching skeletons were acquired these individuals should be analyzed, repaired, and stored properly. For this project, we determined the minimum number of individuals (MNI) and completed standard osteological analyses for each individual. The MNI discovered was 44 while only 16 had enough bones to complete a standard osteological analysis. Standard osteometric and macroscopic analyses were performed on the individuals using Data Collection Procedures for Forensic Skeletal Material 2.0 and the Modified Istanbul Protocol. Age, sex, ancestry, height, metabolic bone disease, and potential cause of death were determined using standard paleopathological techniques. Preliminary results show that all individuals are over 20 years old, 3 individuals between 20-35 years, 3 between 35-50 years, 2 35+ years, and 6 20+ years old. Two individuals were of indeterminate sex, 3 probably male, and 5 probably female. Nine individuals were of Asian ancestry.
Deletion of FTL_1199 to determine the role of this gene in erythrocyte invasion by Francisella tularensis.
Authors: Delatore III Elio , Roberts Elle , Horzempa Joseph , Cantlay Stuart 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis is a bacterium that induces the zoonotic disease tularemia. In the course of infection, F. tularensis bacteria invade erythrocytes, a phenomenon that heightens the colonization of ticks after a blood meal. To better understand the mechanism of erythrocyte invasion, we hypothesized that transcription of bacterial genes significant in erythrocyte invasion would be upregulated upon exposure to these host cells. An RNA-seq unveiled that transcription of 7% of F. tularensis genes augment when in erythrocyte presence. Of these, we pinpointed three putative transcriptional regulators, namely FTL_0671, FTL_1199, and FTL_1665. The goal was to delete FTL_1199 in F. tularensis LVS. Splicing by overlap extension PCR amplified and duplicated the up and downstream (~500 bp each) regions of the target gene in tandem into a shuttle vector that is insecure within F. tularensis. This newly generated plasmid, pDEL1199, was mobilized inside of F. tularensis by conjugation. Merodiploid strains generated by homologous recombination were isolated and transformed with pGUTS – a stable plasmid that encodes a homing endonuclease (I-SceI) and a kanamycin resistance cassette. Expression of I-SceI within the merodiploid produces a double-stranded break in pDEL1199 that had previously integrated in the chromosome. This breakage resulted in a second recombination that either ensued to wild-type or deletion of FTL_1199 deduced through a PCR. Finally, in DFTL_1199 strains, pGUTS was cured by successive cultivation in the absence of selection followed by replica-plating on chocolate II agar ± kanamycin. Gentamicin protection assays involving F. tularensis DFTL_1199 suggest that FTL_1199 is important in erythrocyte invasion.

(Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence, R15HL14735 from NHLBI, and funds from the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium).
Investigation of crayfish abundance in proximity to bridges, with emphasis on the Threatened Big Sandy crayfish (C. callainus)
Authors: Dillard Zachary Wade , Scott Katie , Loughman Zachary 
Published: May 2022

The Big Sandy Crayfish, Cambarus callainus, is a large-bodied crustacean which inhabits third order streams within the Levisa, Tug, and Russel Fork basins throughout the conjunction of West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky. In 2016, C. callainus was federally designated as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which ushered in long‑needed attention and protection for the species. ESA benefits are broad in scope and highly beneficial to the species persistence and recovery. However, such broad levels of protection necessitate intense levels of scrutiny and regulation for development projects transpiring near confirmed or expected occurrences of protected species. West Virginia as a whole needs updated infrastructure, and this is especially true for the southern coalfields where C. callainus persists. Due to recent surges of funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, West Virginia is set to receive $3.7 billion dollars designated specifically for the repair or replacement of bridges and highways. Many bridges on the docket for maintenance/reconstruction cross streams within C. callainus distribution. Herein, I propose a C. callainus crayfish survey and habitat modeling project to determine whether this species exhibits preference, avoidance, or indifference to those bridge crossings in most dire need of repair or replacement. This project will enable private and public infrastructure entities to more efficiently generate mitigation and harm‑reduction protocols, and will reduce unexpected expenditures related to ESA protections.