UTSA Runner Research Press (Univ. of Texas at San Antonio)
Not a member yet
6846 research outputs found
Sort by
Working with Primary Sources
No full textBased on Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills, U.S. History Since 1877 and World History StudiesIf You Don’t Need It, Don’t Buy It: Food Rationing during WWII engages students with primary sources and brings the museum experience to you! These easy to incorporate activities were designed to supplement your existing curriculum, inspire inquiry-based learning, and to help teach students how to analyze and interpret WWII food ration booklets and realize the impact World War II had on the everyday American living on the home front. The contents of this guide are based on Social Studies TEKS for U.S. History Since 1877 and World History Studies, but can easily be modified for lower or upper grades depending on your individual classroom needs
Predicting the Onset of Diabetes
No full textThis study analyzes the Pima Indians Diabetes Database to develop predictive models for diagnosing diabetes based on diagnostic measurements such as glucose, BMI, insulin levels, and number of pregnancies. The dataset includes medical data from female patients of Pima Indian heritage aged 21 or older. We explored multiple predictive techniques, including logistic regression with and without parameter selection, tree-based methods, k-nearest neighbors, and quadratic discriminant analysis. Models were evaluated using accuracy, ROC-AUC, and other metrics, with cross-validation ensuring robustness. Key predictors like glucose and BMI were consistently significant across models. Random forest and logistic regression emerged as top performers in overall predictive accuracy and interpretability. The study underscores the importance of data-driven approaches in healthcare and highlights actionable insights for improving diabetes diagnostics.Artificial Intelligenc
In-situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) through Electrolytic Reduction of CO2 Enables Future Crewed Missions to Mars
No full textSpace exploration agencies, including NASA and ISRO, along with private companies, are planning human missions to Mars. India, the United States, and China have successfully operated robotic spacecraft in Martian orbit and on its surface. Future crewed missions to Mars are constrained in mission duration by fuel and life-support requirements. NASA's 2030 Mars missions would require transporting around 400 metric tons of propellant using 4-5 heavy lift launch vehicles if supplied entirely from terrestrial sources. This includes 35 metric tons of propellant for the return trip and 0.8 to 1.2 kg of oxygen per day for crew life support. To address this, in situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies that enable the utilization of Martian resources to meet mission needs have been explored. Beyond fuel and oxidant production needed for initial missions, longer term Mars colonization would also require commodity precursor chemicals. Herein we report on progress towards developing ISRU technologies that leverage Martian atmospheric CO2 (~95%) and the Martian hydrological cycle (aided by perchlorate salts that lower the freezing point of Martian brine to -70°C) to produce methane and ethanol (in addition to oxygen) on Mars. Catalysts were assessed for their ability to selectively reduce CO2 to methane and ethanol, minimize unwanted reactions, optimize energy usage, and enhance production efficiency in Mars relevant brine electrolytes and at Martian temperature conditions. Copper (Cu) and its oxides were found to generate economically viable multi-carbon (C2+) products. The effect of synthesis conditions on the composition of the Cu based catalysts was examined and optimal catalyst composition and its synthesis conditions have been identified. Product characterization in concentrated brines was addressed by comparing the results from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Ethanol were successfully synthesized through electrolytic CO2 reduction under Martian ISRU relevant conditions.Chemical Engineerin
Send in the Cavalry: Conflict on the Texas Frontier
No full textBased on Seventh Grade Texas Essential Knowledge & SkillsThis unique learning experience allows students to participate, imagine, compare, contrast and immerse themselves in a nineteenth century frontier fort
THE NEURODEVELOPMENTAL IMPACT OF APOLIPOPROTEIN E4 IN HUMAN BRAIN ORGANOIDS
No full textThe full text of this item is not available at this time because the author has placed this item under an embargo until November 15, 2025.Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is the leading genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While most studies examine the role of APOE4 in aging, APOE4 causes persistent changes in brain structure as early as infancy and is associated with altered functional connectivity that extends beyond adolescence. Here, we used human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived cortical and ganglionic eminence organoids (COs and GEOs) to examine APOE4’s influence during cortical development of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. We show that APOE4 alters the balance of neurons and glia, accelerates neuronal maturation, and promotes gliogenesis, leading to alterations in cellular composition and circuit activity. Furthermore, APOE4 associated cellular phenotypes were associated with heightened synchronicity and altered inhibitory regulation, in fused organoids, mirroring network hyperactivation seen in APOE4 carriers. Using this model, we also assessed APOE4’s role in SARS-CoV-2 infection using low viral titers to model prenatal exposure. While no significant neurotropism differences were observed, APOE4 organoids exhibited distinct neural subtype specific changes, highlighting APOE4’s potential on shaping neuroimmune interactions. These findings suggest that APOE4 shapes neurodevelopmental trajectories, potentially establishing a neural environment more vulnerable to AD later in life. This dissertation provides a foundation for future research on the neurodevelopment influence of AD associated genes, which may stimulate new avenues for therapeutic intervention targeting the causes, instead of the consequences, of AD.Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biolog
CHARACTERIZATION OF TRABECULAE CARNEAE STRUCTURE IN HUMAN HEARTS
No full textThe full text of this item is not available at this time because the author has placed this item under an embargo until May 15, 2027.Trabeculae carneae are complex, irregular muscular structure located within the ventricles of the heart, with considerable variability in their size and morphology among individuals. Characterizing trabeculae structure remains challenging due to their complex fine structure and spatial resolution limits of conventional imaging modalities. This study aimed to utilize high resolution CT images of human heart to characterize the trabeculae structure. To this end, six hypertrophic heart explants were scanned, and the trabeculae structure was isolated from the ventricular wall. Skeletonization of the structure, combined with the application of morphological operations, was utilized to decompose and analyze the structure. Results demonstrated a population range of 128 to 518 free running trabeculae per heart. Most trabecular bundles were concentrated in the apical region, except in one heart where the majority were in the mid-cavity region. The mean lengths ranged from 2.6 to 3.5mm and mean middle cross-sectional areas ranged between 0.74 and 0.97 mm2. As left ventricular volume increased, trabeculae exhibited greater alignment with the heart's short-axis plane, accompanied by an increase in their average length. Additionally, trabeculae carneae exhibited up to 11 points of attachment along their length with a Strahler number reaching up to four, reflecting their structural complexity and potential functional significance. These findings contribute valuable insights into the variability and detailed anatomical features of trabeculae carneae, potentially facilitating enhanced procedural planning and more realistic cardiac modeling.Mechanical Engineerin
Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Dentifrice Tablet to Prevent Dental Caries: A Microbial Study
No full text<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Dentifrice tablets are a new over-the-counter dentifrice form that are gaining global interest. The aim of this microbial study was to investigate the effectiveness of a dentifrice tablet (DT) containing nanohydroxyapatite (nHAP) to prevent tooth demineralization. <b>Methods:</b> 120 bovine tooth blocks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (30/group): Nanohydroxyapatite DT (5% nHAP), placebo DT (Placebo), NaF toothpaste (1100 ppm Fluoride) and no-treatment (Control). Blocks were subjected to 7-day demineralization by plaque growth in a mixed-organism Microbial Caries Model. Toothpaste was made into slurry (1 toothpaste:3 water), while DT was thoroughly crushed and homogenized with water (1 tablet:3 water) to slurry. Both slurries were applied twice daily for 2 min on each occasion. Demineralization was assessed using Surface Microhardness (SMH) testing before and after plaque exposure. Change (&Delta;SMH) and percentage change (%&#8710;SMH) in SMH (percentage demineralization [%Dem]), and % demineralization inhibition (%Dem-Inhibition) in each group were calculated. Intra-group (SMH) comparison (paired <i>t</i>-test) and intergroup (%&#8710;SMH) comparison (ANOVA/Tukey&rsquo;s test) were conducted (&alpha; = 0.05). <b>Results:</b> The paired <i>t</i>-test indicated a significant difference (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) between pre-treatment and post-treatment SMH in all groups. The intergroup comparison based on their %Dem using ANOVA/Tukey&rsquo;s test showed that Control (29.93 &plusmn; 5.58) had significantly (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) higher %Dem than Placebo (22.81 &plusmn; 7.47, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), nHAP (13.93 &plusmn; 11.31, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and Fluoride (14.44 &plusmn; 10.65, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). The Placebo had significantly (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01) higher %Dem than nHAP and Fluoride. No significant difference between nHAP and Fluoride. Intergroup comparison based on their %Dem-Inhibition (calculated relative to the control) using ANOVA/Tukey&rsquo;s test, nHAP (51.74 &plusmn; 40.05, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01) and Fluoride (50.56 &plusmn; 37.21, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) had significantly higher %Dem-Inhibition than Placebo tablet (21.86 &plusmn; 5.55). No significant difference in %Dem-Inhibition between nHAP and Fluoride. <b>Conclusions:</b> The present study demonstrated that dentifrice tablets containing 5% nanohydroxyapatite are as effective as NaF toothpastes containing 1100 ppm fluoride in preventing tooth demineralization.Biolog
Development of an analytical method for the analysis of diflubenzuron in whole blood, plasma, and serum using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
No full textThe integration of free-range beef livestock into the human food chain has been continuously threatened by outbreaks of babesiosis, which is propagated by ticks that vector the protozoans that cause the disease. The protozoans are spread among livestock by certain species of ticks, known collectively as cattle fever ticks (CFT). Although eliminated from the US in the 1940s, CFT continue to infiltrate the US by crossing the US/Mexico border on stray livestock and wildlife, and infest cattle herds. Orally administered acaricides are part of the strategy to control CFT. Parallel dosing studies, utilizing oral administration of the benzoylphenyl urea (BPU) compound diflubenzuron (DFB), were conducted in cattle and white tailed deer (WTD). We developed and validated a sensitive (<1 ppb) liquid chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for DFB quantification in toxicology specimens. In fit-for-purpose testing, the method demonstrated accuracies within ±9 % of QC targets, and coefficient of variation percentages (%CV) of 14.8 % for whole blood, 9.0 % for plasma, and 8.7 % for serum. This work outlines the extraction and instrumental method for DFB analysis in these matrices. LC-MS/MS had not previously been used to detect and quantify DFB in whole blood, plasma, or serum. This is also the first method to employ carbon-13 labeled DFB (13C6) as an internal standard for measuring DFB in blood matrices from bovine dosing studies.Chemistr
Los Tejanos: Activism and Change, A Look at Emma Tenayuca & Other Influential Tejano Activists
No full textBased on Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills, Grade SevenThis resource guide gives students the chance to learn about influential Tejano activists. Students will use critical thinking and inference skills to develop a visual timeline for Emma Tenayuca, an important but sometimes overlooked Texan activist. Then, students will be given the opportunity to research and develop a visual timeline presentation for an activist of their choice. Throughout the activities, students will use essential skills and consider the impact one person can have on society. The contents of this guide are based on Social Studies TEKS for grade 7, but some activities may be modified for higher or lower grades
Beliefs and Boundaries: A Phenomenological Study of Religious Clients' Views on Religiously Integrated and Affirming Care in Counseling
No full textThis transcendental phenomenological study examined religious clients' experiences with religiously integrated and affirming counseling care. Through semi-structured interviews with 12 religiously diverse adults (age 20-48), four key themes emerged: religious clients' self- perceptions and counseling expectations, quality of counseling experiences, non-affirming care practices, and characteristics of affirming care. The findings revealed a significant gap between counseling profession standards and stated commitment to multicultural competence and clients’ actual experiences. Only 17% of participants reported positive experiences with religiously integrated and affirming care, with most encountering mediocre to poor experiences marked by microaggressions, avoidance of religious topics, bias, and dismissal of religious identity. Recommendations include improved counselor education on religious diversity woven into more core classes, development of specific broaching protocols, and enhanced supervision practices that model religiously integrated and affirming care with supervisees. The study demonstrates that while theoretical frameworks for religious integration exist, implementation falls short, highlighting the need for systematic changes in how counselor educators and counselors approach religious diversity to better serve clients through culturally responsive practices.Counselin