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Standing at the Back of the Bar
Get PDFStanding at the Back of the Bar is a collection of semi-autobiographical literary pieces, a hybrid of lyrical essays, poetry, and short stories, that are based on life experiences of the author, Lawrance Cuellar. The book begins with stories of the narrator growing up as a gay Latino in the very conservative, West Texas town of Amarillo in the 1960s and 1970s. The narrator describes and expresses the normalized and internalized homophobia and racism he experienced in the city. As the title for the manuscript implies, he is expected to “stand at the back of the bar” in deference to the white patrons at the only gay bar in town. When the AIDS epidemic emerges in the 1980s, the narrator seeks refuge in Austin, Texas, just as the epidemic is exploding in the white gay community. In Austin, the narrator begins to unlearn the discriminatory and destructive messages that were implanted in his belief system. As he joins efforts to prevent the spread of the AIDS virus in the Latinx and people of color communities, he begins to see that the racism that exists in the gay community is affecting the resources available to serve his community. Again, he feels as though his Latinx community and other communities of color are left “standing at the back of bar” because HIV resources are focused only on organizations serving the white gay communities. The legacy of the racism in the gay community that has existed since the 1970s is evidenced today by high incidence of HIV in gay Latinx and Black communities. The lack of attention and resources that these communities needed to fight the disease were kept in the white AIDS service organizations, which were inept at serving the people of color communities. The outcome of this disparity was the demise of community based Latinx and Black AIDS service organizations
Computational Study Of Fluorescent Molecular Probes For The Early Detection Of Alzheimer\u27s Disease
Get PDFAlzheimer\u27s disease is a debilitating brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most prevalent form of dementia and the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. As, researchers have identified biomarkers that can indicate the presence of the disease many years before the first symptoms appear, so there is an opportunity for early detection and treatment follow-ups, which could significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by this disease.This dissertation investigates the relationship between molecular structure and optical properties of donor-bridge-acceptor (DBA) fluorescent molecular probes designed for detecting Amyloid-β and p-Tau protein aggregates characteristic biomarkers of Alzheimer\u27s disease from blood samples. Employing computational methods, including density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), we studied the behavior of excited states and absorption characteristics of these molecular probes. The first focus of our study was to understand the nature of the excited state of DBA fluorescent molecular probes using TD-DFT with implicit solvation methods. The direct correlation between experimental and calculated absorption energies validated the utility and efficacy of our computational approach in accurately capturing electronic and structural changes, and absorption properties. The investigation was complemented by the systematic study of 138 fluorescent molecular probes to identify structure-activity relationships for absorption energies. The influence of different structural modifications was considered, including the linker (bridge), electron-withdrawing, and electron-donating group variation. Furthermore, our exploration of machine learning techniques demonstrates promising capabilities in predicting absorption energies for DBA fluorescent probes. In summary, this dissertation contributes to advancing molecular design strategies for Alzheimer\u27s disease detection by uncovering fundamental principles governing the optical properties of fluorescent probes. The integration of computational methodologies with experimental insights provided valuable guidance for the rational design of these molecular probes. The application of machine learning techniques shows promise in accelerating the screening and optimization of fluorescent probes, advancing efforts toward the early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer\u27s disease
Promoting Social Sustainability: Implementing A Dynamic Stem Driven Framework To Empower Underrepresented Communities In West Texas Schools
Get PDFThis dissertation explores how environmental engineering can utilize STEM education as a strategic tool, enhancing social sustainability and thereby empowering underserved Hispanic communities in West Texas. Responding to significant educational and resource disparities, this research introduces an innovative interdisciplinary framework that combines instruction-initiated resource activation (I2RA), culturally attuned parent engagement (CAPE), and community- centered STEM education (CCSE). This approach uniquely addresses the challenges faced by these communities, integrating environmental solutions with educational advancements to forge a path toward equitable STEM access and achievement.
Additionally, the Elevate and Empower case study exemplifies the practical application of this comprehensive framework, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing STEM education outcomes and narrowing the educational and social divides. Furthermore, this research highlights the framework\u27s potential to catalyze policy-driven change, advocating for continued innovation and collaboration in engineering solutions for social sustainability and community empowerment. Placing environmental engineering at the center of societal progress, this study aims to demonstrate how targeted STEM educational initiatives can lead to significant social and environmental improvements
Invernadero
No full textPrefacio crítico: Las maternidades impuestas en la novela Invernadero. Trabajo creativo: Novela. Título: Invernadero
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Resilience Intervention On College Students\u27 Mental Illness And Subsequent Alcohol Use
Get PDFMental illness and stigma surrounding mental illness are common among college-aged individuals. Alcohol use is also common among college-aged individuals, and often coexists with increased symptoms of mental illness, leading to unhealthy perpetual coping mechanisms. However, increased resilience and adaptive coping strategies may suppress the need to use alcohol as a coping mechanism when experiencing symptoms of mental illness and the stigma associated with it. The present study sought to utilize a resilience intervention to increase resilience and adaptive coping strategies among Hispanic college students to reduce their alcohol use and experiences of depression and/or anxiety. Additionally, the present study sought to establish the moderating effects that perceived and internalized stigma associated with mental illness has on the relationship between a resilience intervention and severity of alcohol use as well as symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Lastly, the current study sought to evaluate the effect of the number of intervention sessions attended on the primary outcomes of interest (i.e., symptoms of mental illness and alcohol use). Participants (n=88; Mage= 21.86, SD = 6.08; 64.8% female; 78.9% Hispanic) completed a series of questionnaires at three different time points (baseline (Fall 2023), immediately post-intervention (Fall 2023), and 1-month post-intervention (Fall 2023 â?? Spring 2024)), that assessed their symptoms of mental illness, resilience, stigma towards mental illness, alcohol use, and alcohol use severity. Additionally, participants completed the Transforming Lives Through Resilience Education intervention. Results from the independent samples-tests suggested that there were no differences between participants who had completed the one-month follow-up and those who did not in sociodemographics. Additionally, most participants rated the resilience intervention as acceptable and feasible (M = 23.88, SD = 5.25 and M = 18.13, SD = 3.57, respectively). The results of the repeated measures MANOVA suggested that the resilience intervention was effective at reducing anxiety symptoms, but not depression symptoms, alcohol use severity, or alcohol consumption. The mediation analyses showed that resilience mediated the relationship between a 4-module intervention and depression as well as anxiety. Additionally, maladaptive coping strategies mediated the relationship between a 2-module intervention and depression symptoms. Lastly, a 2-module intervention increased protective behavioral strategies, but not alcohol abstinence self-efficacy. Overall, the current study provides a foundation for future research and intervention efforts aimed at addressing health disparities experienced by underrepresented populations, such as Hispanic college students. The current research lays the groundwork for developing targeted interventions aimed at promoting resilience and adaptive coping strategies
Cultivating Honor: How Indigenous Students Harness Resilience And Cultural Wealth To Thrive At A Borderlands University
Get PDFThis qualitative study sheds light on students\u27 lived experiences regarding Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) at Borderlands University (BU), a Hispanic-serving institution on the U.S.-Mexico border where First Peoples lived for thousands of years. This study supports Indigenous students whose dismal national college graduation rates must be addressed. It recognizes studentsâ?? cultural wealth and richness (Yosso, 2005) and is grounded by the Peoplehood Matrix (Holm, 2003; Tachine, Cabrera, and Yellow Bird, 2017). This study was consistent with previous studies revealing that prioritizing student support raises equity and improves the overall academic experiences for all students in higher education (Tachine et al., 2017). Findings showed that Indigenous students want to be listened to and included in conversations that affect them and their communities. As revealed in this study, they have cultural wealth that helped improve and address many issues, such as NAGPRA. This study showed that students need support from faculty, but faculty also need support from administrators for their program to succeed. This study opens the discussion for Indigenous student advancement and positive inclusion and diversity through education that can change the trajectory of institutions
The future of water in a desert river basin facing climate change and competing demands: A holistic approach to water sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions
No full textStudy region The Middle Rio Grande (MRG), defined by the portion of the basin from Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico to the confluence with the Rio Conchos in Far West Texas, U.S.A. and Northern Chihuahua, Mexico. Study focus The future of water for the MRG and many other arid and semi-arid regions of the world is challenged by a changing climate, agricultural intensification, growing urban populations, and a segmented governance system in a transboundary setting. The core question for such settings is: how can water be managed so that competing agricultural, urban, and environmental sectors can realize a sustainable future? We synthesize results from interdisciplinary research aimed at “water futures”, considering possible, probable, and preferable outcomes from the known drivers of change in the MRG in a stakeholder participatory mode. We accomplished this by developing and evaluating scenarios using a suite of scientifically rigorous computer models, melded with the input from diverse stakeholders. New hydrological insights for the region Under likely scenarios without significant interventions, relatively cheap and easy to access water will be depleted in about 40 years. Interventions to mitigate this outcome will be very costly. A new approach is called for based on “adaptive cooperation” among sectors and across jurisdictions along four important themes: information sharing, water conservation, greater development and use of alternative water sources, and new limits to water allocation/withdrawals coupled with more flexibility in uses
Signatures Of Selection, Gene Flow, And Genetic Drift On The Genomes Of A Recent Avian Radiation
Get PDFSpeciation is not a discrete event but rather a gradual process that occurs along a continuum. Initially, populations remain genetically and reproductively connected, but they become reproductively isolated as the process of speciation progresses. Advances in DNA sequencing technology has helped our understanding of the processes that contribute to changes in the genetic composition of populations over the progression of speciation, also known as drivers of evolution (i.e. genetic drift, mutation, selection, and gene flow). Among them, hybridization, or the interbreeding between distinct lineages, is increasingly recognized as a natural process that can have significant consequences to the speciation process. In particular, the frequency and directionality of introgressive hybridization (i.e., gene flow) dictates the extent of its impact(s) on the evolutionary trajectories. Importantly, the proximate result from gene flow is also tied to the directionality and strength of natural selection, as well as intensity of genetic drift. Here, I test hypotheses surrounding early species divergence, including the influence of these different evolutionary mechanisms on the process. Using a whole-genome sequencing approach, I aim to understand the genetic and evolutionary consequences of natural and human-mediated gene flow in a recently radiated avian system, the Mallard Complex. Importantly, I use inferences made from my study system to also inform conservation practices. In Chapter 1, I focused on the genomic consequences of hybrid speciation by comparing the full genomes of a putative young homoploid hybrid species, the Hawaiian duck (Anas wyvilliana). I conducted full genome comparison of the Hawaiian duck to its parental species, the island endemic Laysan duck (Anas layanensis) and a mainland generalist mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). I found that the Hawaiian duckâ??s genome is indeed a mosaic of genetic ancestry from both parental taxa, with a predominant contribution from the Laysan duck. Although the extent of reproductive isolation from either parental species is still unknown, I found potential genes associated with reproductive barriers, particularly on the Z-sex chromosome, related to fertilization, male courtship, and embryo development. Overall, my results are consistent with the hypothesis that the Hawaiian duck evolved via hybrid speciation and shed light on genes potentially advantageous for the emergence and persistence of this nascent hybrid species in the Hawaiian Islands. In Chapter two, I continue to focus on the Hawaiian duck that is currently threatened by introgressive hybridization from domestic mallards, highlighting the pressing conservation concern of potential genomic extinction and loss of adaptiveness for native species because of the extensive introgression of non-native genes. To alleviate or reverse trends for such scenarios requires the direct integration of genomic data within a model framework for effective management. Towards this end, I developed the simRestore R program as a decision-making tool that integrates ecological and genomic information to simulate ancestry outcomes from optimized conservation strategies. The program optimizes supplementation and removal strategies across generations until a set native genetic threshold is reached within the studied population. Importantly, in addition to helping with initial decision-making, simulations can be updated with the outcomes of ongoing efforts, allowing for the adaptive management of populations. After demonstrating functionality, I apply and optimize among actionable management strategies for the endangered Hawaiian duck for which the current primary threat is genetic extinction through ongoing anthropogenic hybridization with feral mallards. Simulations demonstrate that supplemental and removal efforts can be strategically tailored to move the genetic ancestry of Hawaii\u27s hybrid populations towards Hawaiian duck without completely starting over. Further, I discuss ecological parameter sensitivity, including which factors are most important to ensure genetic outcomes (i.e. number of offspring). Finally, to facilitate use, the program is also available online as a Shiny Web application. My third Chapter focuses on understanding the diverse signals present in the speciesâ?? genomes that reflect the interplay of genetic drift, selection, and gene flow during the speciation process. Although unraveling the adaptive histories of species often includes determining how directional selection uniquely acts across respective genomes, it is equally important to establish what, if any, parts remain under purifying selection for ancestral state(s). Yet, this is only possible in sufficiently divergent genomes, allowing for the identification of both genomic islands and evolutionary valleys. To this end, my research involves comparing the full genomes of 11 of 14 species within the Mallard Complex, which represent successful adaptive radiation and the speciation continuum, to understand how directional and purifying selection have shaped derived and ancestral states, respectively. First, phylogenetic and demographic analyses support the out of Africa hypothesis of the Mallard Complex, dating back between 1 and 2 million years, with recent divergences occurring in the last 500,000 years among North American species. Second, while genomic islands of differentiation were identified in 44 pairwise species comparisons representing early and moderate stages of divergence, genomic valleys of ancestral retention were observed in all comparisons representing all stages of divergence. Finally, surveying gene ontology (GO) terms revealed a striking pattern in which valleys of similarity are linked to fundamental organismal functions and survival, and which outnumber islands of differentiation associated with adaptation to environmental challenges. Overall, my findings underscore the importance of analyzing species representing the speciation continuum to identify regions under divergent and purifying selection and discern potential stochastic mirages because of genetic drift.
Finally, Chapter four examines the consequences of domestic introgression into the genomes of their wild counterparts using the Hawaiian duck, New Zealand grey duck (Anas superciliosa), North American mallard and their respectively domestic breeds as study system. Using whole-genome re-sequencing, I analyzed domestic and wild congeners, along with resulting hybrids representing different levels of admixture across these regions. Assessing genetic diversity, runs of homozygosity, and demographic parameters for each genome, I consistently found that wild genomes exhibited higher genetic diversity, lower runs of homozygosity, and reduced inbreeding coefficients compared to their domestic counterparts. Across ecoregions, the strongest statistical correlation between ancestry and summary statistics was observed in North America, where domestic game-farm mallards are regularly introduced and interact with wild populations. Conversely, in regions like New Zealand and Hawaii, where stocking efforts have declined or populations are small, I identified evidence of adaptive selection and genetic drift as dominant forces shaping genomes. Furthermore, I illustrated how demographic history inferences using genomes derived from domestication or hybrid origins can be severely biased, leading to distorted estimates of effective population size (NE) and divergence times. Ultimately, I concluded that relying on highly inbred individuals to supplement populations of wild conspecifics not only exacerbates hybridization but might also intensify inbreeding, leading to important adaptive and conservation implications.
Overall, my dissertation investigates the intricate dynamics of speciation within the Mallard Complex, emphasizing the continuous nature of this evolutionary process. By recognizing speciation as a gradual continuum rather than discreet event(s), I have uncovered the multifaceted roles of natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow in driving genetic divergence and ultimately species formation. Through meticulous genomic analyses and simulations, I have elucidated the genetic and evolutionary consequences of hybridization. Importantly, my work resulted in the development of a novel decision-making tool, simRestore, which integrates ecological and genomic data to inform conservation strategies for threatened species. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of studying the dynamics of hybridization at both evolutionary and contemporary scales to advance our knowledge of speciation mechanisms and their implications for the conservation of Biodiversity
Of Cells and Tissues: Identifying the Elements of a Diabetic Cardiac In Vitro Study Model
Get PDFThis study aimed to elucidate the impact of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and glucose shock on cardiomyocyte viability, gene expression, cardiac biomarkers, and cardiac contractility. Firstly, AGEs were generated in-house, and their concentration was confirmed using absorbance measurements. AC16 cardiomyocytes were then exposed to varying doses of AGEs, resulting in dose-dependent decreases in cell viability. The maximum tolerated dose of AGEs was determined, revealing significant downregulation of the cardiac gene gap junction alpha 1 (GJA1). Furthermore, the study assessed the effects of AGEs, glucose shock, and their combination on biomarkers, cardiac myosin heavy chain (MHC), and connexin-43 (Cx-43) in AC16 cells. It was found that AGEs supplementation induced an increase in MHC expression while reducing Cx-43 expression, potentially contributing to cardiac dysfunction. Glucose shock also affected cardiomyocyte contractility, highlighting the complex interplay between AGEs, glucose levels, and cardiac function. Additionally, human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes were subjected to varying doses of AGEs, revealing dose-dependent cytotoxicity and alterations in contractility. Immunostaining confirmed upregulation of MYH7, a cardiac gene associated with muscle contraction, in response to AGEs. However, the expression of Cx-43 was minimal in these cells. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on the intricate relationship between AGEs, glucose shock, and cardiomyocyte function, providing insights into potential mechanisms underlying cardiac dysfunction associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Semantic Linguistic User Profiles for Automatic Computational Narrative Creation for Scientific Models
Get PDFThe outcomes of scientific models can be hard to understand given the need for context, domain knowledge, and many variables and data being used. This research aims to provide users of scientific models with understandable information that can be automatically generated. For the context of this research, understandable is defined as being correctly interpreted (i.e., with respect to the original intent of the data). Scientific information can be conveyed to users in the form of a narrative or visualizations, and these are not necessarily separate from each other, but rather complimentary. One of the objectives of this research is to find ways to complement visual data with textual information to inform the user. In particular, this research aims to automate the creation of scientific narrative elements and the introduction of linguistic user profiles. Scientific narrative elements are natural language explanations aiming to provide context to results generated by scientific models, and semantic linguistic user profiles are containers of linguistic information for specific user groups in a specific context. The goal of this project is to foster the interpretability of scientific model outputs through the generation of narrative elements (i.e., natural language descriptions) that consider the context implicitly defined in the models. The project presents different approaches to achieve this goal, including meta-templates, grammatical frameworks, and linguistic profiles to automatically create scientific narrative elements. The SWIM (Sustainable Water through Integrated Modeling) framework is used as a case study to assess the creation of narrative elements for scientific water models. This work is evaluated through a comparison of the different approaches and an evaluation of the quality of narratives generated for different groups in two languages (i.e., English and Spanish). Results indicate that meta-templates and grammatical frameworks can be used to generate scientific narrative elements without the need of extensive training data. Additionally, linguistic profiles in the form of Grammatical Frameworks can be used to generate more stylistic scientific narrative elements for specific user groups. This research contributes to bridging a gap in contemporary scientific research by focusing on the automated generation of computational narratives, specifically for scientific models, that clarify the context, inputs, outputs, and potential scenarios of intricate scientific models. Future work includes the automation of linguistic profile Grammatical Framework linearization