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Articles 1 - 30 of 116
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Depaul Digest
DePaul Magazine
College of Education Professor Jason Goulah fosters hope, happiness and global citizenship through DePaul’s Institute for Daisaku Ikeda Studies in Education. Associate Journalism Professor Jill Hopke shares how to talk about climate change. News briefs from DePaul’s 10 colleges and schools: Occupational Therapy Standardized Patient Program, Financial Planning Certificate program, Business Education in Technology and Analytics Hub, Racial Justice Initiative, Teacher Quality Partnership grant, Intimate Partner Violence and Brain Injury collaboration, School of Music Career Closet, Sports Photojournalism course, DePaul Migration Collaborative’s Solutions Lab, Inclusive Screenwriting courses. New appointments: School of Music Dean John Milbauer, College of Education Dean Jennifer …
Comparisons Of Above- And Below-Ground Carbon Storage In A Northeastern Illinois Urban Forest Following Rhamnus Cathartica And Fraxinus Spp. Removal, River Sanchez-Dudik, Elene Drosos
Comparisons Of Above- And Below-Ground Carbon Storage In A Northeastern Illinois Urban Forest Following Rhamnus Cathartica And Fraxinus Spp. Removal, River Sanchez-Dudik, Elene Drosos
DePaul Discoveries
This study focused on quantifying potential differences in ecosystem services (carbon storage, soil organic matter, macroarthropod density) in a small, partially restored urban forest in order to determine if common buckthorn and standing dead ash removal effects can be detected while restoration is on-going. We calculated aboveground carbon storage (tons/total area) using whole tree biomass equations and compared this to i-Tree Canopy estimations. We collected SOM through loss-on-ignition and collected macroinvertebrates by pitfall trapping to determine differences along transects. Aboveground carbon storage, soil organic matter, and macroinvertebrate total results for this study were found to be statistically not significant, indicating …
The Influence Of Vehicular Traffic And Land Use Typology On The Spatial Patterns And Concentrations Of Soil Lead (Pb) In The Uptown Community Area Of Chicago, Andreas 'Dre' Harris
The Influence Of Vehicular Traffic And Land Use Typology On The Spatial Patterns And Concentrations Of Soil Lead (Pb) In The Uptown Community Area Of Chicago, Andreas 'Dre' Harris
DePaul Discoveries
Lead (Pb) is a harmful element whose presence threatens the well-being of living organisms and their environments. There are higher concentrations and an increased risk of Pb exposure in areas that provide fewer natural pathways for Pb to accumulate into. In urban areas, the soil is one of the most common and available environmental sinks for Pb accumulation. This study examines the total soil Pb concentrations in relation to land-use types and average daily traffic volumes (cars/day) in each census tract in the Uptown Community Area of Chicago. This study provides insight into how land use and traffic volume may …
Understanding The Effect Of Ranching On Quercus Brandegeei Recruitment In The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve, Xavier O. Espinoza
Understanding The Effect Of Ranching On Quercus Brandegeei Recruitment In The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve, Xavier O. Espinoza
DePaul Discoveries
In this study, we attempt to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for Quercus brandegeei’s observed lack of regeneration by identifying which animal species (wild and domesticated) most frequently were observed eating, passing by, or searching for seeds and seedlings. We established 10 paired plots (10 enclosed and 10 immediately outside enclosures) and positioned one motion-activated camera in each plot to observe animal visitations to Quercus brandegeei individuals over the course of several months (October 2019 – March 2020). No seeds and seedlings survived outside of enclosed areas at the end of the study based on their absence. Very …
Depaul Discoveries Volume 12 Cover Art, Katherine Petralia
Depaul Discoveries Volume 12 Cover Art, Katherine Petralia
DePaul Discoveries
No abstract provided.
An Analysis Of Lichen Presence On Quercus And Non-Quercus In Chicagoland Area, Shelby Johnson
An Analysis Of Lichen Presence On Quercus And Non-Quercus In Chicagoland Area, Shelby Johnson
DePaul Discoveries
Both anthropogenic change and the spread of invasive species have led to changes in urban and forest tree diversity. Oak rust, acute oak decline, and emerald ash borer have all had a detrimental effect on tree species in the Chicagoland area. Quercus species are well known habitats for lichen species including Physcia millegrana, Physcia stellaris, Punctelia rudecta, Flavoparmelia caperata, Xanthomendosa, and Candeleria concolor. Due to the decrease in the traditional Quercus habitats for lichen and the increase in nonnative and nontraditional tree species being introduced, particularly in cities, this study aimed to compare the number and diversity of …
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.
Monitoring Personal Exposure To Air Quality Gradients While Biking On An Elevated Urban Trail, Gavin D. Salas
Monitoring Personal Exposure To Air Quality Gradients While Biking On An Elevated Urban Trail, Gavin D. Salas
DePaul Discoveries
Air pollution is a major global health concern, specifically as it relates to the human exposome. The EPA criteria pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and NOx can have severe impacts on respiratory and cardiovascular health, particularly in populations with chronic illnesses such as asthma, those facing economic hardships and individuals who frequently spend time outdoors, such as bicyclists and runners. To understand the impact of air pollution on human health, it is essential to assess personal exposure. This study aimed to investigate personal exposure to air pollution levels while biking along …
Stratospheric Effects On Uv, Speed Of Sound, Pressure, And Temperature, Joshua V. Chis, Joana Diaz, Brianna E. Ortiz, Imani G. Robertson, Jelani A. Shadd
Stratospheric Effects On Uv, Speed Of Sound, Pressure, And Temperature, Joshua V. Chis, Joana Diaz, Brianna E. Ortiz, Imani G. Robertson, Jelani A. Shadd
DePaul Discoveries
The atmosphere is composed of several layers, each with its own distinct environment varying in temperature, pressure, and levels of UV radiation. Quantifying these varying parameters proves to be useful in understanding atmospheric composition in greater detail. Variance in the composition of the atmosphere allows for the study of the evolution of physical phenomena at different altitudes. Our group quantified this variance using a high-altitude weather balloon and designed an experimental method to observe the nature of sound propagation through varying altitudes. The goal was to develop an altitude-dependent model of the speed of sound by using an open-air, microcontroller-based …
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 …
Effects Of Elevated Co2 Concentrations And Elevated Temperatures On Isoprene Emissions Of Rhamnus Cathartica (European Buckthorn), Quercus Rubra (Red Oak) And Quercus Michauxii (Swamp Chestnut Oak), Janet G. Núñez
DePaul Discoveries
Tropospheric ozone is a ground-level pollutant and is produced from primary air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While many VOCs are anthropogenic, isoprene is emitted from certain species of plants and reacts with nitrogen oxides to form ozone. Previous studies have found that isoprene can be suppressed by CO2, but such suppression can be reduced under conditions of increased temperature. However, this pattern is not seen in all plants capable of emitting isoprene. The focus of this is study is to determine if similar patterns are present in the invasive tree species of buckthorn …
Atmospheric Phosphorus Deposition Into A Fresh Water Wetland: Prairie Wolf Slough Restored Wetland, Isaac B. Daitzchman
Atmospheric Phosphorus Deposition Into A Fresh Water Wetland: Prairie Wolf Slough Restored Wetland, Isaac B. Daitzchman
DePaul Discoveries
Phosphorus is a major element needed for plant growth. Excess phosphorus from agricultural runoff and urban stormwater can enter waterways, resulting in growth of toxic algal blooms that are deleterious to local fauna. One way to remove phosphorus is by diverting agricultural and urban runoff into wetlands. One such wetland is Prairie Wolf Slough (PWS), located in north suburban Chicago, IL. Stormwater enters PWS through an inlet channel and exits through an outlet pipe into the Chicago River. A 16-year study documented that a significantly greater mass of phosphorus leaves PWS than enters through the inlet. This study accounted for …
Synthesis Of Triaminopyrimidine Derivatives For Inhibition Of Inflammatory Caspases, Marianna C. Haddad, Caitlin Karver
Synthesis Of Triaminopyrimidine Derivatives For Inhibition Of Inflammatory Caspases, Marianna C. Haddad, Caitlin Karver
DePaul Discoveries
Caspases are cysteine-dependent aspartic proteases whose functions are connected to different mechanisms of cell death and inflammation. As caspase-1 plays a significant role in the immune response, its activity has been of interest as a target for inhibitor development as its inhibition will reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in inflammatory diseases, thus minimizing the symptoms that arise and serving as a possible therapeutic approach. Prior work discovered a family of potent inhibitors of caspase-1 with a common triaminopyrimidine scaffold. To further explore structure-activity relationship profiles of potential inhibitors of caspase-1, two different syntheses were attempted to create two new …
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.
Correlation Effects On Intramolecular C-H...Oh And O-H...O Hydrogen Bond Interactions In Azelaic Acid: An Ab Initio Study, Sabina Kalata, Alina Huang, Ruben Parra
Correlation Effects On Intramolecular C-H...Oh And O-H...O Hydrogen Bond Interactions In Azelaic Acid: An Ab Initio Study, Sabina Kalata, Alina Huang, Ruben Parra
DePaul Discoveries
Electron correlation effects on both conventional, O-H…O, and nonconventional, C-H…O, intramolecular hydrogen bonds present in a selected azelaic acid folded conformation were evaluated ab initio using HF and MP2 methodologies. The relative strength of the hydrogen bonds was examined through different indicators derived from geometry, vibrational frequencies, and electron density along the hydrogen bond path. The HF method results in weaker O-H…O and C-H…O hydrogen bonds when compared with the corresponding results using the MP2 method. Additionally, the stability of the folded azelaic conformation is found to depend on the level of theory used. Accordingly, the zero-point corrected energies of …
High Altitude Ballooning As A Platform For Measuring Ozone Uptake Over Agricultural Landscapes, Thomas Sykora, Mark Potosnak
High Altitude Ballooning As A Platform For Measuring Ozone Uptake Over Agricultural Landscapes, Thomas Sykora, Mark Potosnak
DePaul Discoveries
Measuring plant health is a key aspect in maximizing crop outputs. One often overlooked risk to crop fields is damage caused by stomatal ozone uptake; measuring this uptake is an important tool in understanding crop losses. Traditional methods for measuring plant ozone uptake are prohibitively expensive and rely on equipment that cannot easily be moved. Here, we propose high-altitude weather ballooning as a cost-effective alternative for measuring ozone uptake on a regional (~10 km) spatial scale. Ozonesounde data was obtained with weather balloons launched from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research station in Boulder, Colorado. This data was then …
Interspersed Denuded Zone (Idz): How Patchy Leaf Litter Dynamics In A Buckthorn-Invaded Urban Woodland Can Affect Microarthropod Species Richness, Angela Stenberg
Interspersed Denuded Zone (Idz): How Patchy Leaf Litter Dynamics In A Buckthorn-Invaded Urban Woodland Can Affect Microarthropod Species Richness, Angela Stenberg
DePaul Discoveries
Biodiversity loss may serve as a key diagnostic of the Anthropocene. An important driver of this loss is by means of invasive species. In this study of a forest preserve in Chicago, Illinois we examined Interspersed Denuded Zones (IDZs for short), which are areas of patchy leaf litter in invaded forests caused in this case by the rapid decomposition of litter from buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). We characterized the leaf litter mass in IDZs and enumerated litter-inhabiting microarthropod populations. We found that plots of high buckthorn density are associated with IDZs: there was significantly less leaf litter mass in …
Population Structure Analysis Of The Endangered Oak Quercus Brandegeei, Carolyn Brinckwirth
Population Structure Analysis Of The Endangered Oak Quercus Brandegeei, Carolyn Brinckwirth
DePaul Discoveries
As humans continue to impact landscapes and ecosystems throughout the entire world, many plant and animal species have faced major changes in their environments. The rare endemic oak, Quercus brandegeei, is one such endangered species located in the Sierra La Laguna mountains of Baja California Sur, Mexico. This tree occurs solely on the ephemeral riverbeds of the mountains, which are inundated seasonally by hurricane waters. It is important to understand the fundamental characteristics, like spatial distribution, of Q. brandegeei in order to develop restorative management practices to protect this tree against extinction. Determining the geographic distribution of a species …
A Life Cycle Assessment Of Hospital Food Waste: A Model For Large Scale Commercial Impact Reduction, Demeri E. Amodeo, Christie Klimas
A Life Cycle Assessment Of Hospital Food Waste: A Model For Large Scale Commercial Impact Reduction, Demeri E. Amodeo, Christie Klimas
DePaul Discoveries
Current commercial landfill diversion techniques typically focus on recycling, but this method can be environmentally costly when compared scenarios involving the implementation of composting or waste reduction within large facilites. A life cycle assessment (LCA) can be used to provide better information on the environmental impact of different landfill diversion strategies. In this LCA, the impacts of individiual products were quantified in terms of global warming potential, which provides comparable impact categories for analysis. This study gathered information from previous literature about plant-based and omnivorous diets to simulate what the possible impact would be for a city, like Chicago, to …
Modeling Reproduction Influencers Of An Endangered Oak, Camila Cortez
Modeling Reproduction Influencers Of An Endangered Oak, Camila Cortez
DePaul Discoveries
The endemic oak, Quercus brandegeei has been labeled as endangered by the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species due to its limited genetic diversity and lack of regeneration. The oak (Quercus) species is a keystone species in many parts of the world and has been facing various challenges to their survival (Westwood 2017) making efforts to support and protect endemic oaks all the more ecologically and socially imperative. There are challenges to identifying threats as there are many unknown characteristics of Q. brandegeei’s biology that are essential to carrying out conservation efforts. To develop a greater understanding of …
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.
Spring 2021
Scientia
From the Dean: A Decade of Purpose and Progress; Lab Notes: Alumna Wins Gordon Bell Special Prize, New Scholarships, Vaccination Site Volunteers; Women in Science Lecture, National Institutes of Health Grants, "Unequal Cities" Research; All Hands on Deck: Inspired pandemic approaches showcase interdisciplinary acumen in action; Unlocking Potential: Christopher Beasley thinks psychology is key to academic transformation for the formerly incarcerated; Puzzle Master: Bridget Tenner goes to pieces solving problems in cutting-edge mathematics
Lab Notes
Scientia
Paleo Showcase; Expert Opinions; School of Nursing Director Appointed; EPISTEM Porject; CSH Honors Award Recipients; Diversity Fellowship
Research Focus: Depaul’S Tree Whisperer
Research Focus: Depaul’S Tree Whisperer
Scientia
Jalene LaMontagne, a population ecologist and associate professor of biological sciences in DePaul's College of Science and Health, is researching mast seeding of white spruce and the seed cones they produce across the 3,000-mile span of North America to understand the patter of tree behavior along the ecological dipole.
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 …