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Articles 1 - 30 of 38
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Depaul Discoveries Volume 12 Cover Art, Katherine Petralia
Depaul Discoveries Volume 12 Cover Art, Katherine Petralia
DePaul Discoveries
No abstract provided.
Development Of A 16s Reference Library For Edna Metabarcoding The Freshwater Fishes Of Western Ecuador., Hannah M. Willis, Olivia G. Schweikart, Windsor E. Aguirre
Development Of A 16s Reference Library For Edna Metabarcoding The Freshwater Fishes Of Western Ecuador., Hannah M. Willis, Olivia G. Schweikart, Windsor E. Aguirre
DePaul Discoveries
This project examines the use of the 16S locus to amplify neotropical freshwater fishes native to Western Ecuador in a newly created 16S reference library for DNA barcoding and eDNA metabarcoding applications. Among the orders Characiformes, Siluriformes, Cichliformes, Gobiiformes, Cryprinodontiformes, Gymnotiformes, and Perciformes, a compendium of 105 specimens were sequenced, with 43 representing new 16S sequences previously unavailable on Genbank.
What's In Your Soil? A Comparative Assessment Of Total Lead In Soils In Southwest Side And North Side Chicago Communities, Jennifer Garcia
What's In Your Soil? A Comparative Assessment Of Total Lead In Soils In Southwest Side And North Side Chicago Communities, Jennifer Garcia
DePaul Discoveries
In Chicago, city officials continue to locate polluting industries in predominately Black and Hispanic/Latinx neighborhoods. Lower income families are disproportionately exposed to greater amounts of toxic chemicals such as lead (Pb). While the City of Chicago focuses its effort in removing industrial sites from the North Side, a predominately white community area, sources of industrial pollution are more likely to be found in communities of color. Due to the prevalent sources of Pb on the Southwest side, residential soil is often highly disturbed and contaminated. Pb is a serious neurotoxin, and ingestion or inhalation of Pb contaminated soil and dust …
Optimization Of Dye Molecules For Use In Studying Inflammatory Caspase Enzymes, Josiah D. Stewart, Phasu Sirinit
Optimization Of Dye Molecules For Use In Studying Inflammatory Caspase Enzymes, Josiah D. Stewart, Phasu Sirinit
DePaul Discoveries
Inflammatory caspases are important enzymes in the initial immune response to pathogens. A common method of studying caspase activity is through the use of fluorogenic assays, in which the cleavage of a substrate by an enzyme results in the emission of fluorescence. Fluorogenic assays require the use of fluorophores: molecules that will fluoresce upon the cleavage of a substrate. Different fluorophores have different characteristics, and these characteristics can be analyzed in order to determine which fluorophores will be most suitable for activity assays. Two commercially available fluorophores were compared for use in fluorogenic assays of inflammatory caspases: MCA and EDANS. …
Depaul Discoveries Volume 11 Cover Art, Dina Khdair
Depaul Discoveries Volume 11 Cover Art, Dina Khdair
DePaul Discoveries
No abstract provided.
Triangulation And Finite Element Method For A Variational Problem Inspired By Medical Imaging, Tim Komperda, Enrico Au-Yeung
Triangulation And Finite Element Method For A Variational Problem Inspired By Medical Imaging, Tim Komperda, Enrico Au-Yeung
DePaul Discoveries
We implement the finite element method to solve a variational problem that is inspired by medical imaging. In our application, the domain of the image does not need to be a rectangle and can contain a cavity in the middle. The standard approach to solve a variational problem involves formulating the problem as a partial differential equation. Instead, we solve the variational problem directly, using only techniques available to anyone familiar with vector calculus. As part of the computation, we also explore how triangulation is a useful tool in the process.
Insignificant Impacts Of Covid-19 Stay-At-Home Orders On Chicago Air Quality, Adam W.T. Steffeck
Insignificant Impacts Of Covid-19 Stay-At-Home Orders On Chicago Air Quality, Adam W.T. Steffeck
DePaul Discoveries
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of air quality improvements around the world resulting from the stay-at-home orders were widespread. However, for Chicago, no significant air quality improvements occurred despite large reductions in private vehicle transportation due to the lack of commuters. The city of Chicago is a nexus for long-haul transportation by trucks and trains, which did not decrease during the pandemic. These transportation sources use mostly diesel fuel engines and emit NOX, a precursor to tropospheric ozone, and PM2.5, both of which are harmful air pollutants. Using open access EPA air quality …
Depaul Discoveries Volume 10 Cover Art, Nicolette Listenbee
Depaul Discoveries Volume 10 Cover Art, Nicolette Listenbee
DePaul Discoveries
No abstract provided.
The Joint Impact Of Achievement Goals And Familial Relationships On Conduct Problems In Youth, Dannette White, Jocelyn Carter
The Joint Impact Of Achievement Goals And Familial Relationships On Conduct Problems In Youth, Dannette White, Jocelyn Carter
DePaul Discoveries
The current literature examines the influence of family relationship (i.e., cohesion, organization, and support) and achievement goals (i.e., mastery, approach, & avoid) on conduct problems in children and adolescents. Further research is needed to examine these relationships to understand how to strengthen achievement goals and family relationships. Accordingly, the current study examines effects of family relationships and achievement goals on conduct problems, and whether either of the variables can moderate these effects. The researchers examined these relations in a sample of 397 youth ages 12-16 (47% female, 11% male, and 36% who did not specify their gender). Participants and their …
Association Of Neighborhood Disorder And Minority Stress With Depression Among Young Gay And Bisexual Males In Denver And Chicago, Liesl Gonzales, Douglas Bruce
Association Of Neighborhood Disorder And Minority Stress With Depression Among Young Gay And Bisexual Males In Denver And Chicago, Liesl Gonzales, Douglas Bruce
DePaul Discoveries
Excess risk for poor mental health outcomes has been found within sexual minority populations. This study aimed to examine factors that may contribute to depression rates within two populations of YMSM in Denver and Chicago. 100 HIV-positive and 100 HIV-negative YMSM completed a survey regarding demographic information, minority stress (such as same-sex stigma), and perceived neighborhood disorder. Chicago participants reported higher rates of neighborhood disorder, history of incarceration, and being kicked out of a parent’s house, variables predicted to be positively correlated with depression. Surprisingly, it was found that YMSM in Denver were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms …
Sports And The Environment: A Life Cycle Assessment Of Children’S Football And Hockey Equipment, Emma Casey
Sports And The Environment: A Life Cycle Assessment Of Children’S Football And Hockey Equipment, Emma Casey
DePaul Discoveries
Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a technique that can be used to assess the environmental implications associated with all of the stages of a product’s life, including raw material extraction, product creation, transportation, use, and disposal. This process can be used by designers to develop a more sustainable approach to their product or by consumers to become more informed on the environmental impacts of the product they are purchasing. Since the sporting goods industry and its products have significant environmental impact through energy use and emissions, this study aims to analyze the contribution of the life cycle stages of youth hockey …
Depaul Discoveries Volume 9 Cover, Steven Reese
Depaul Discoveries Volume 9 Cover, Steven Reese
DePaul Discoveries
No abstract provided.
Sex-Specific Personalities In The Purple Marsh Crab, Jillian Sterman, Jessica Barton, Panagiota Delmedico, Samantha Sweeney
Sex-Specific Personalities In The Purple Marsh Crab, Jillian Sterman, Jessica Barton, Panagiota Delmedico, Samantha Sweeney
DePaul Discoveries
Animals are considered to possess personalities when individuals differ in behavior, and these differences are consistent between situations. Several studies have identified personalities in diverse groups but less is known about personality variation between the sexes. In this study, we examined variation in two key personality traits (boldness, activity) in female and male purple marsh crabs (Sesarma reticulatum) using a semi-field approach. Specifically, we measured boldness and activity on two consecutive days using the same behavioral assays during each time point. Consistency (personality) was determined using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance based on Spearman correlation coefficients for each behavior. …
A Playful Life Cycle Assessment Of The Environmental Impact Of Children's Toys, Madeline R. Robertson, Christie Klimas
A Playful Life Cycle Assessment Of The Environmental Impact Of Children's Toys, Madeline R. Robertson, Christie Klimas
DePaul Discoveries
Toys aid in children’s progression through developmental stages, yet toy production has an environmental impact. This study is the first comparative life cycle assessment of three children’s toys. A life cycle assessment quantifies the impact of an item in comparable impact categories (i.e. global warming potential in kg CO2 equivalents). In this study, we use open LCA to compare toy impact from production to use. The results indicate that the plastic polybutylene carried the highest impact in terms of global warming potential for our predominantly plastic toy. The addition of a battery to the plush dog increased the toy’s eutrophication …
A Life Cycle Assessment Of Jewelry, Jessica Fernandez, Christie Klimas
A Life Cycle Assessment Of Jewelry, Jessica Fernandez, Christie Klimas
DePaul Discoveries
Jewelry is unique in that it is not a necessity, yet it holds sentimental and material value to the owner. Jewelry sales in the US have increased throughout time, meaning the demand for gold has almost always been increasing, as well. With more than half of the gold mined going towards the production of jewelry, it is the product with the highest demand of the resource. However, mining for the metals to produce a piece of jewelry, specifically gold, has negative consequences on both the environment and the people working in or living near mines. This study is a life …
Depaul Discoveries Volume 8 Cover, Jessica Hughes
Depaul Discoveries Volume 8 Cover, Jessica Hughes
DePaul Discoveries
No abstract provided.
United States Population Future Estimates And Long-Term Distribution, Sean P. Brogan
United States Population Future Estimates And Long-Term Distribution, Sean P. Brogan
DePaul Discoveries
The population of the United States has always increased year over year. Even now with decreasing birth rates, the overall population continues to grow when looking at conventional models. The present study specifically examines what would happen to the U.S. population if we were to maintain the current birth and survival rates into the future. By 2050, our research shows that the U.S. population will become much older and cease to grow at all.
Risk Factors Associated With Missed Medical Appointments Among Hiv-Positive Young Men Who Have Sex With Men, Willie Love, Douglas Bruce
Risk Factors Associated With Missed Medical Appointments Among Hiv-Positive Young Men Who Have Sex With Men, Willie Love, Douglas Bruce
DePaul Discoveries
Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are overrepresented in the HIV epidemic in America. Retaining HIV positive YMSM in HIV care is very critical to reduce the overall burden of the HIV epidemic in America. Our study focused on identifying significant risk factors that affects retention in care for YMSM. Missing two or more medical appointments was how we measured retention in care. Using data gathered from ATN 086-106 study. This ATN cross-sectional study provided HIV positive males and females between the ages of 12 and 24 with an extensive questionnaire. The goal of this study was to …
Correlates Of Adherence To Antiretroviral Therapy Among Hiv-Positive Young Men Who Have Sex With Men, Janelle Flores, Douglas Bruce
Correlates Of Adherence To Antiretroviral Therapy Among Hiv-Positive Young Men Who Have Sex With Men, Janelle Flores, Douglas Bruce
DePaul Discoveries
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is important in HIV management. The objective of this study was to analyze the risk factors for non-adherence to ART in HIV-positive young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Data pertaining to possible risk factors for non-adherence was collected from ATN086-106, a study protocol within the Adolescent Trials Network of HIV/AIDS Interventions (ATN). Variables that were significantly associated with non-adherence to ART in bivariate analyses were entered into multivariate logistic regression models to identify correlates of non-adherence to ART. The results indicate that YMSM who used marijuana and methamphetamine and missed medical appointments were …
Depaul Discoveries Volume 7 Cover, Martha Lazarski
Depaul Discoveries Volume 7 Cover, Martha Lazarski
DePaul Discoveries
No abstract provided.
The Mobile Monitoring Of Particulate Matter Through Wearable Sensors And Their Influence On Students' Environmental Attitudes, Joseph M. Abbate
The Mobile Monitoring Of Particulate Matter Through Wearable Sensors And Their Influence On Students' Environmental Attitudes, Joseph M. Abbate
DePaul Discoveries
While we have a comprehensive understanding of air pollutants, and their spatiotemporal characteristics across global, and even regional, scales, we are quite limited in our capacity to monitor neighborhood-scale emissions. The mobile monitoring of air pollution is a growing field, prospectively filling in these gaps while personalizing air quality-based tools and risk assessment. In the present study, we developed wearable sensors for particulate matter (PM); and through a citizen science approach, students of partnering Chicago schools monitored PM concentrations throughout their commutes over a five-day period. While their recorded findings would be used to explore the relationship between PM concentrations …
The Impact Of African American Male Incarceration Rates On The Racial Disparities In Hiv/Aids Rates, Michelle S. Aelion
The Impact Of African American Male Incarceration Rates On The Racial Disparities In Hiv/Aids Rates, Michelle S. Aelion
DePaul Discoveries
In the United States, HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts African Americans and African American communities. The nature of this national health disparity is complex and cannot be explained simply by one factor or an individual’s behavior within a given community. This paper suggests that the disparity in African American male incarceration rates is among the most important factors to consider in the racial disparities of HIV/AIDS rates. Existing studies on relevant subjects were examined and used to create a conceptual model of factors. This model presents an outline of factors during pre-incarceration, incarceration, and post-incarceration that contribute to the racial disparities in …
Alternative Interventions For Children Coping With Chronic Conditions: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Nina M. Pelsi, Kim S. Amer
Alternative Interventions For Children Coping With Chronic Conditions: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Nina M. Pelsi, Kim S. Amer
DePaul Discoveries
Reduction of stressors and anxiety levels in adolescents with chronic illnesses is a critical concept in pediatric health care in America today. The many stressors associated with chronic illness include displaying physical and mental differences, social stigma, financial difficulty, and family stress. These stressors may affect the adolescent’s ability to learn and cope in everyday life. The current research was a critical review of the literature examining studies done with adolescents coping with chronic diseases and illnesses. The aim was to analyze the most efficacious non-pharmacological methods for reducing stressors in adolescents with chronic illness. A critical review of the …
Depaul Discoveries Volume 6 Cover, Amanda Copeland
Depaul Discoveries Volume 6 Cover, Amanda Copeland
DePaul Discoveries
No abstract provided.
How To Impress: Coordinating A Large Video Data Set For A Collaborative Project, Noah-Kee Marks, Rita Dawod
How To Impress: Coordinating A Large Video Data Set For A Collaborative Project, Noah-Kee Marks, Rita Dawod
DePaul Discoveries
Though many different research methods involve mass quantities of video/audio data, there is little discussion of best practices for organization, especially when the research is collaborative. The guidelines we provide here were created while conducting educational research on the IMPRESS project, an integrated metacognitive program for at risk STEM majors at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Our hope is to encourage large-scale, collaborative research of qualitative video data by using our project as an example and providing enough information for readers to make a judgment on the efficacy of this process for their own projects.
In Search Of Exoplanets, Krzysztof J. Skwirut, Samuel Montag, Kayla Lynch, Justin A. Potvin
In Search Of Exoplanets, Krzysztof J. Skwirut, Samuel Montag, Kayla Lynch, Justin A. Potvin
DePaul Discoveries
Using data archives containing radial-velocity and light intensity information for stars, the DePaul Astrophysics Working Group created MATLAB programs to read and analyze the data in hopes of detecting extrasolar planets. The codes were able to successfully create graphs and obtain orbital periods for potential planets which matched published results. Additional tests were then researched to be used in the future as to confirm new planets.
Generation And Assessment Of Muscular Mutations In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Katie N. Reget
Generation And Assessment Of Muscular Mutations In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Katie N. Reget
DePaul Discoveries
A study of egg laying muscular mutations in C. elegans was conducted over a span of ten weeks. Parent (EGL-19) and wild type (N2) were exposed to mutagenesis and integration mutation techniques to generate genetic and physical different mutants. Overall, four genetic, physical and phenotypically unique worms were generated for the process of mutagenesis. The worms used in the process of integration were found to have shortened life spans, reduced size and decrease numbers of progeny.
Predictors Of Money Spent On Drugs In Substance Users, Simona Ciobotaru
Predictors Of Money Spent On Drugs In Substance Users, Simona Ciobotaru
DePaul Discoveries
Financial need is a major stressor for individuals who are reentering the community after substance abuse and/or incarceration. Family members and friends make up a great majority the support networks from which reentering people can receive financial support. However, that financial support could possibly contribute to drug use when the individual is actively using. The goal of this study was to further understand the implications of material and financial support specifically being transmitted from family members. This study looks at psychosocial predictors in relation to money spent on drugs in the last 30 days of 270 individuals entering substance abuse …
The Effect Of Hydrogen Peroxide On Leishmania Amazonensis Promastigotes, Debra Eluobaju
The Effect Of Hydrogen Peroxide On Leishmania Amazonensis Promastigotes, Debra Eluobaju
DePaul Discoveries
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the parasite Leishmania. The disease causes lesions to the skin and face; when visceral it becomes fatal to its host. Leishmanias are transmitted through the female blood-sucking sand fly into its mammalian host, where it infects macrophages. Within the macrophages, Leishmania differentiates from a motile, rod shaped, nonvirulent promastigotes to a non-motile, spherical shaped, virulent amastigotes. Differentiation is due to the high temperature of the mammalian host body, in addition to the low pH of the macrophage. In vitro, the cells are differentiated in Graces medium (pH 5.3) at 33◦C. I investigated whether …
Knowledge Of Clinical Measures And Healthcare Adherence In Young Gay And Bisexual Men Living With Hiv/Aids, Harry A. Persaud, Douglas Bruce
Knowledge Of Clinical Measures And Healthcare Adherence In Young Gay And Bisexual Men Living With Hiv/Aids, Harry A. Persaud, Douglas Bruce
DePaul Discoveries
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS test results and adherence to healthcare interventions are two important outcomes that reflect proper HIV/AIDS management. This study aimed to determine which demographic and HIV acceptance measures were significantly associated with health literacy and adherence indicators in young MSM. 200 HIV/AIDS positive young MSM completed computer based surveys regarding demographics, HIV/AIDS health literacy indicators, and HIV/AIDS acceptance measures. It was found that young African American MSM, in comparison to young white MSM, had lower odds of knowing both viral load and CD4 measures; health literacy indicators. Further, participants who had a high school diploma were found to …