bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CATHERINE MORRIS, Dept. of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV 25304, and MARK B. WATSON, Dept. of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV 25304. Impacts of Microstegium vimineum invasion on central West Virginia native plants.
Authors: Morris Catherine Grace , Watson Mark 
Published: May 2022

Around the world natural ecosystems are being challenged and altered by invasive species. In particular, invasions of non-native grasses have a substantial impact on the population of native plant species. This study investigated the detrimental effects of an invasive grass, Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) on native plant species in central WV. M. vimineum is an emerging invasive species in the eastern United States. This stiltgrass is most abundant in highly disturbed areas such as trails and roadsides. Certain environmental conditions, forest feature, and soil conditions promote the growth and spread of the invasive grass. M. vimineum effects the soil and tree growth where it invades. While there is substantial information regarding the ecology and spread of M. vimineum, limited research has been done to determine the effects of the invasion on native plant communities. Study plots (30 plots (0.5m2)) were randomly selected in disturbed, moderately disturbed, and undisturbed locations. Canopy cover was measured at each location. The stems of M. vimineum counted and the native plant species were identified and quantified. The relationship between land disturbance and stem count was determined. Stem count of M. vimineum was highest in the moderately disturbed area with the lowest average native plant species richness. The second highest stem count was in the disturbed location which had the highest species richness but the lowest diversity. A negative correlation was found between stem count and species richness throughout all plots.
Decreased Chlamydia muridarum genital infection and improved immune response in a β2-Adrenergic Receptor Knockout Mouse Stress Model
Authors: Crenshaw Raenel P , Belay Tesfaye 
Published: May 2022

Chlamydia genital infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis shows a high prevalence in low socioeconomic populations; however, whether stress is associated with the high prevalence of infection is not known. During chronic stress conditions, the interaction of beta2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) with norepinephrine (NE) is known to suppress the immune system in humans and animal models. However, the mechanism of suppression that leads to chlamydia infection is not well known. This study aims to measure the susceptibility of mice and cytokine production of a β2-AR knockout (KO) during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection. Stressed and non-stressed C57BL/6J wildtype (WT) and β2-AR gene KO mice will be infected with C. muridarum intravaginally post 21-day stressing period. Swabbing of mice at the 3-day interval for 42 days will be performed to determine C. muridarum counts and isolation. Moreover, splenic CD4+ T cells, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells at day 7 post-infection will be performed for immune response analysis by ELISA. We hypothesize that the deficiency of β2-AR leads to significantly less C. muridarum shedding from the genital tract of stressed KO and leads to an increase and decrease in the production of protective and suppressive cytokines, respectively. We anticipate results obtained will align with our central hypothesis that stressed WT mice have increased C. muridarum shedding of genital tracts and increased production of protective cytokines in stressed β2-AR KO, suggesting the importance of stress in β2-AR stimulation.
Relation of Vitamin D and UV Data with Homicide/ Suicide Rates in States North/ South of the Mason- Dixon Line
Authors: Antolock Lauryn Marie , Allen Cam'Ron , Henson Kristy 
Published: May 2022

In the body, vitamin D plays a large role in cell growth, neurological, muscular, bone, and immune functions. Sunlight is our body’s most effective means of synthesizing vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with depression, seasonal affective disorder, rickets/ osteomalacia, and a cascade of other metabolic issues. Vitamin D deficiency is caused by biocultural variables. In this study, we examined death certificate data from multiple states in 1931, during The Great Depression, using the Mason-Dixon line to categorize these states into North and South. From the selected states, we recorded age, sex, and ancestry of individuals who died by suicides/homicides in 1931. We compared this data with the average UV Index of each state. These data were then compared to determine if there was a potential correlation between UV index and suicide/ homicide rate. Preliminary results show there is a significant difference in UV index of northern and southern states.
Insight into Francisella tularensis-erythrocyte interactions
Authors: D'Cunha Luke , Cantlay Stuart , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is a pathogenic gram-negative bacterium that enters human red blood cells (RBCs). Previous investigations suggest that invasion of RBCs helps F. tularensis survive in the gut of arthropods – a transmission vector of this bacterium leading to colonization. Since tularemia is a zoonotic infection, humans are not the primary host of F. tularensis. Therefore, we sought to investigate whether F. tularensis was capable of invading RBCs of other animals. Using the gentamicin protection assay, we discovered that while F. tularensis could enter sheep and chicken erythrocytes, bovine RBCs did not support invasion. Because of previous studies published by our lab, and due to intrinsic differences between human and bovine erythrocyte surface protein Band 3, we hypothesized that RBC membrane protein Band 3 is required for invasion. We used anti-band 3 Fab fragments to physically block the Band 3 RBC surface protein and investigated how that impacted F. tularensis invasion. Here, we provide preliminary evidence suggesting that F. tularensis uses Band 3 to enter human RBCs. This study was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (1R15HL147135) and an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (P20GM103434), which funds WV-INBRE program.
Efficacy of a combined lecture/laboratory model for student performance and engagement in introductory chemistry courses.
Authors: Brothers Scott Michael , Reilly Lisa Marie 
Published: May 2022

In this study, student success metrics using a combined lecture/laboratory “atoms-first” approach will be compared to traditional teaching models in which lecture and laboratory are separate courses with separate meeting times. This model was piloted earlier with the introductory course CHEM 108, Forensic Chemistry, which demonstrated increased student engagement due to daily rather than weekly laboratory activities. A curricular change was implemented in the CHEM 101 course, General Chemistry I, in the Fall of 2016. This model included new experimental and computational modules incorporated around the course material each week in addition to changing to an “atoms-first,” structural model rather than a “stoichiometry-first” mathematical model over the first few chapters of the course. Hands-on molecular modeling assignments have been included along with the curricular changes, which have allowed students to better visualize atomic and molecular structure. Evidence for the efficacy of these newly-developed assignments is shown in the results of exams primarily covering topics of structure and bonding, which are used as a tool of quantitative assessment between traditional lecture and combined lecture/laboratory models. In the traditional lecture model, the average exam score for this learning outcome was 65.8% (N = 45), whereas for the combined lecture/laboratory model, the average exam score is 71.2% (N = 64). Additional student learning outcomes results for both General Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry will be discussed, and changes in performance and engagement will be outlined.
Genetic and Morphological Consequences of Inter-haplogroup Hybridization in Faxonius virilis
Authors: Krochmal James 
Published: May 2022

Faxonius virilis were sampled from native population and introduced populations within a narrow range of the South Saskatchewan River in southern Alberta. We hypothesize that introduced Great Lake F. virilis has hybridized with native prairie F. virilis. Tissue samples were taken for genetics, multiple specimens were collected to compare geometric morphometrics between the two known species and the hybrids. COI and GAPDH along with microsatellite markers show distinction within the grouping. The importance of this study is to identify populations of hybrids for future management plans.
Life History of the Rock Crayfish (Cambarus carinirostris)
Authors: Loughman Mitchel Collin 
Published: May 2022

Crayfish are the third most imperiled organism in the United States and reach their peak global endemism in the Appalachians mountains. Crayfish are not only vital ecosystem engineers, but also keystone species that hold aquatic communities together. Despite this, life history data for these creatures is sorely lacking. As of 2013 only 42 of the 347 species (12%) of the crayfish in the U.S. and Canada have published life history studies, and only 9 of the 97 species (9%) in the genus Cambarus have published life history studies (Moore, et al. 2013). Cambarus carinirostris is a widespread secondary burrowing crayfish with an unknown life history. Herein this project we plan to conduct a full and precise life history study on this species that can be utilized for various conservation implications as well as serve as a surrogate for a secondary burrowing crayfish that needs immediate conservation actions. Moore, M. J., Distefano, R. J., & Larson, E. R. (2013). An assessment of life-history studies for USA and Canadian crayfishes: Identifying biases and knowledge gaps to improve conservation and management. Freshwater Science, 32(4), 1276–1287. https://doi.org/10.1899/12-158.1
Integrating co-requisite math for STEM student success.
Authors: Walck Lindsey , Smith Amanda , Harvey Erica 
Published: May 2022

Gateway math courses can be a major hurdle for students to get over in order to continue on with their majors, especially STEM majors. Previously, students could have taken up to four semesters of remedial math before being able to place into the first gateway math course needed for their major. With Math Support, students no longer have to take those remedial courses; the remediation is built in to the course in addition to the regular level content. These co-requisite courses allow students to start into their major courses much sooner than in the past, therefore allowing them to stay on track in their major and finish successfully. Attendees will be given an overview of Math Support at Fairmont State. Developmental math courses have been replaced with co-requisite and accelerated learning models. All students can now progress through gateway courses within their first year, regardless of test scores. Gateway courses are offered with additional support to aid students in learning and understanding and fill in any gaps. Fairmont State was one the first colleges in WV to offer these services at full-scale. Initial data reports show students who took a Math Support course completed the course successfully at the same rate as students in non-support courses. More data will be reported.
Exploring rheological properties of chitosan gel and antimicrobial activities of 5-FU against diabetic wound pathogens
Authors: Tetteh-Quarshie Samuel , Jones Cynthia , Long Timothy 
Published: May 2022

Diabetic skin wound is a common complication that occurs in about 15% of diabetic patients and often requires prolonged hospitalization. Diabetic wounds are slow to heal and last for weeks, making it difficult to be manage in clinical settings. Chitosan (CS) gel has become a focus of attention in delivering therapeutics such as antimicrobial agents to site of action in diabetic wounds without negative side effects. The objective of this study was to explore rheological properties of CS gel and determine the therapeutic effects of 5-FU against common diabetic wound pathogens.
Chitosan gel (2% w/w) was prepared in serial dilutions of 5-FU. Stability, antimicrobial activities, and rheological properties (flow behavior and oscillatory sweep tests) of 5-FU-CS gels were analyzed.
2% CS gel demonstrated a shear thinning behavior with a flow index < 1. The gel displayed weak gel-like properties with storage modulus values (G') less than loss modulus values (G''). Stability (pH) was maintained after three weeks of storage at 4-8oC and 20-25oC. Unlike E. coli, 5-FU and 5-FU-CS gel significantly inhibited MRSA and RN1 growth. Drug-free CS gel had no growth inhibition against MRSA, RN1 or E. coli. The MIC for 5- FU against MRSA, RN1, and E. coli were 0.5μg/mL, 0.5μg/mL, and 8.0μg/mL, respectively.
CS was successfully formulated into non-Newtonian gel with shear thinning properties. The gel was viscous and less elastic. 5-FU-CS gel was stable at both room and cold temperatures after three weeks of storage, with antimicrobial activities against MRSA and RN1 at low concentrations, and against E. coli at higher concentrations.
Understanding rheological properties of CS would enhance its utilization as a drug delivery vehicle for diabetic wounds given its biodegradable, biocompatible, and biological properties.
Engineering Design and Path Planning Implementation for Autonomous Rover
Authors: Little John , Workman Nathaniel , Spiggle Zachary , Teigeler Davis , Hester Davian , Liao Weidong 
Published: May 2022

The objective of the study is to provide undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct research and engineering design in the area of autonomous robotics. The engineering design aspect of the project involved the reengineering of a powered wheelchair and the design of electrical, electronic, and software interfaces. Application of path planning algorithms took the form of a modified A* implementation for indoor autonomous travel, and a PixHawk autopilot system for outdoor autonomous navigation.
The testing of the modified A* algorithm was conducted by using the hallways of Shepherd University as a real-world representation of the rover’s virtual map. The rover’s internal understanding of the map was an outline of the local space and required the robot to respond to the unknown objects in the environment to appropriately navigate from its starting point to the endpoint. The goal of the outdoor autonomous navigation was to implement GPS-based navigation in a large open area like a parking lot without any obstacles.
The initial findings are that the engineering design for the rover is a success and that it initially shows the capability of receiving and responding to autonomous navigation cues. This project remains ongoing and will continue to be available to future computer science and engineering students at Shepherd University who are interested in autonomous robotics design and research.

Funding and support for this project are provided by JLG Industries, Inc., Professor Jason Miller, and Prof. Weidong Liao of Shepherd University’s CME Department.
Evaluating bat diversity and activity in developed and undeveloped locations of West Virginia’s northern panhandle
Authors: Purks Julia , Barber Diana 
Published: May 2022

Bat populations are declining due to habitat loss and the spread of the deadly fungal pathogen, white-nose syndrome. Increased studies of bat populations and their diversity are necessary to ensure their survival. Bat diversity and activity levels are understudied in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. For our study, sixteen sites were selected (four in each county: Ohio, Brooke, Hancock and Marshall). Using mobile ultrasonic bat detectors, bat calls were detected from different species at each location while walking a 1-kilometer transect after sunset. In addition, stationary recorders were placed in all four counties over the summer and in a subset of the counties during the fall and spring. Our null hypothesis suggests that sites/transects will not show any statistical difference of bat diversity in developed or undeveloped locations of West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. Our alternative hypothesis formulates that bat diversity will be statistically different between developed and undeveloped transects. Results from the summer transects show a significant difference between activity in developed and undeveloped sites (p = 0.008433). Sites were, and still are, being evaluated based on the number of species recorded at each site.
Validation of a Novel Microfluidic Platform by Imaging Diet Uptake in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae.
Authors: Orell Jesse Reed , Parnell Dakota , Russell Chandler , Walters James 
Published: May 2022

Jesse Orell*, Dakota Parnell*, Chandler Russell*, and James Walters, Ph. D*. *Dept of Applied Science and Mathematics, Bluefield State College, Bluefield, WV, 24701. Validation of a Novel Microfluidic Platform by Imaging Diet Uptake in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae.
A functional microfluidic imaging platform allows the study of several conditions such as the effect of diets on metabolism/digestion, drug interactions, and effects of gene mutations on metabolic processes. Extended durations of in vivo larval zebrafish microscopy are lacking, especially in regard to metabolism. We aim to extend the duration of in vivo larval zebrafish microscopy by using a novel microfluidic imaging platform capable of exchanging fluid (entry and exit flow), supplying oxygen, and supplying diets/drugs. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) serve as good research models for microscopy and disease related research. Zebrafish are optically transparent in larval stages and share 70% of genes with humans and 84% of which shared genes are known to be disease related. We first describe the optimal feed time to compare free feeding larval dietary consumption to larvae fed in the microfluidic platform, we imaged seven days post-fertilization (DPF) larvae fed at 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, and 9-hour durations (10 larvae/timepoint, 3 replicates) with a Zeiss Discovery V8 microscope. We used a diet of 5% egg yolk spiked with Fluosphere polystyrene beads (580/605)™ to track the amount of diet consumed. We found the 5-hour timepoint was the best one to measure because fluorescent mean gray value quantified by NIH ImageJ had minor variation, and all larvae had fed. Future experiments will determine if seven DPF larvae will consume food equally in the microfluidic imaging platform environment. If seven DPF larvae feed equally in the microfluidic imaging platform it suggests an improved environment for imaging zebrafish larvae.
Analysis of differential morphology of the anterior fontanelle in an embryonic avian model of induced thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Morais Lindsey , Weekly Daron , Racine Holly 
Published: May 2022

Craniosynostosis (CS) occurs when the cranial sutures of the skull fuse prematurely, and this results in intracranial pressure during development and skull deformities. Maternal hyperthyroidism during embryonic development has been linked to the development of CS. Our lab is currently establishing a model of thyroxine-induced CS to study the mechanism involved in thyroxine-enhanced cranial ossification. Two groups of fertilized chicken eggs were injected with saline or 25 ng T4 into the air cell on embryonic days 11 and 15. Skulls from each group were collected on embryonic days 17 through 19 (n = 17-21 per day). They were fixed in formalin and processed using Alizarin Red whole-mount staining to image and quantify any morphological differences in the ossifying membrane of the anterior fontanelle between the treatment and control groups. We hypothesize that thyroxine exposure will alter skull morphology. Geometric morphometric analysis using MorphoJ was performed to identify shape variation between treatment groups of the fibrous space and ossifying region of the anterior fontanelle. Significance was determined by Procrustes ANOVA. Results demonstrated a significant variation in shape of the fibrous gap between developing sutures on embryonic days 17, 18 and 19 (p<0.05) and a significant variation in the shape of the ossifying region on embryonic days 18 and 19 (p<0.001). In conclusion, we determined our model of induced thyrotoxicosis successfully altered skull morphology visualized in the anterior fontanelle. These findings support that our model is successful in promoting the fusing of the cranial bones with thyroxine exposure in our avian model.
Acknowledgment of NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium (Grant #80NSSC20M0055) and the Genomics Core Facility and WV-INBRE (NIH grant P20GM103434).
Isolation of shogaol from Organic and Processed Ginger for Cancer Related Drug Discovery Research
Authors: Bouldin Hunter , Kim Young 
Published: May 2022

Isolation of shogaol from Organic and Processed Ginger for Cancer Related Drug
Discovery Research Hunter Bouldin and Young B. Kim, Ph. D. Department of Applied
Sciences & Math, School of STEM, Bluefield State College, Bluefield, WV
Natural products define as a chemical compound or substance from plants, fungi, animals, and microorganisms. Within drug discovery research, more than 60% of drugs in industrialized nations are derived from natural products. Among many, capsaicin is one of natural product interest of ours. Many literatures suggested it with anticancer effects and this study is limited by hydrolysis reaction which makes it inactive molecule. However, structurally similar natural product known as shogaol lacks of that amide bond which limits its reactivity toward hydrolysis reaction. Knowing that, we will demonstrate product analysis of shogaol between organic and processed ginger in this meeting and we will also explore various chemical solvents to illustrate optimal condition for isolation of this bio-active natural product. In this poster, we will show our research hypothesis, research outline, and research data. We are hypothesizing that organic ginger will have greater amount of shogaol than processed ginger due to environmental factors and general research outline of this project highlights below: 1) drying your samples, 2) extraction, 3) TLC analysis, 4) silica gel-column purification, and 5) experimental analysis. We will also show both current stage and future direction of this project to achieve meaningful result to accept/not accept our hypothesis. Additionally, this isolated bio-active natural products will be used in future cancer related research in our BSC Drug Discovery Lab.