UTSA Runner Research Press (Univ. of Texas at San Antonio)
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A Recombinant Multivalent Vaccine (rCpa1) Induces Protection for C57BL/6 and HLA Transgenic Mice against Pulmonary Infection with Both Species of Coccidioides
No full textCoccidioidomycosis is caused by <i>Coccidioides posadasii</i> (<i>Cp</i>) and <i>Coccidioides immitis</i> (<i>Ci</i>), which have a 4&ndash;5% difference in their genomic sequences. There is an urgent need to develop a human vaccine against both species. A previously created recombinant antigen (rCpa1) that contains multiple peptides derived from <i>Cp</i> isolate C735 is protective against the autologous isolate. The focus of this study is to evaluate cross-protective efficacy and immune correlates by the rCpa1-based vaccine against both species of <i>Coccidioides</i>. DNA sequence analyses of the homologous genes for the rCpa1 antigen were conducted for 39 and 17 clinical isolates of <i>Cp</i> and <i>Ci</i>, respectively. Protective efficacy and vaccine-induced immunity were evaluated for both C57BL/6 and human HLA-DR4 transgenic mice against five highly virulent isolates of <i>Cp</i> and <i>Ci</i>. There are total of seven amino acid substitutions in the rCpa1 antigen between <i>Cp</i> and <i>Ci</i>. Both C57BL/6 and HLA-DR4 mice that were vaccinated with an rCpa1 vaccine had a significant reduction of fungal burden and increased numbers of IFN-&gamma;- and IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells in the first 2 weeks post challenge. These data suggest that rCpa1 has cross-protection activity against <i>Cp</i> and <i>Ci</i> pulmonary infection through activation of early Th1 and Th17 responses.Molecular Microbiology and Immunolog
Archaeological Monitoring along North St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
No full textIn January 2021, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) conducted archaeological monitoring for the North Saint Mary’s Street Improvements Project in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. This work was in response to a request from the City of San Antonio (COSA) Public Works Department (PWD). The project entailed monitoring excavations for utility improvements along North St. Mary’s Street from East Dewey Place to north of East Ashby Place. Archival maps suggested that this area of North St. Mary’s Street could intersect with the Upper Labor Acequia (41BX1273), the last Spanish Colonial acequia to be built in San Antonio. The Upper Labor Acequia has been recommended as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL). San Antonio’s acequia system has also been recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. As public land owned by the COSA, a political subdivision of the State of Texas, the project falls under Article VI, Sec. 35-630 to 35-634, of COSA’s Unified Development Code (UDC). The project is also governed by the Texas Antiquities Code, and the work was performed under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 30061.
The initial monitoring area was 1.35 ha (3.33 acres) and excavation within this area began on April 1, 2021. After portions of the Upper Labor Acequia were found on the west side of North St. Mary’s Street during the excavation for the new gas lines, the monitoring area was revised by the COSA’s Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) to an area along North St. Mary’s Street between East Courtland Place and East Ashby Place, to include parts of Terry Court. The revised monitoring area was 0.46 ha (1.15 acres). A permit amendment specifying that revision was approved by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) on June 3, 2021. In July 2022, CAR was contracted to provide additional archaeological monitoring within the monitoring area for the installation of electrical conduit, light poles, irrigation lines, and landscaping. Archaeological monitoring was completed on July 10, 2023. Dr. Raymond P. Mauldin served as Principal Investigator for the THC antiquities permit until his retirement in January 2022, at which time David Yelacic assumed this role. Cynthia Munoz took over in September 2023 after David Yelacic left the CAR. Peggy Wall served as the Project Archaeologist throughout the project.
CAR monitored 0.9 km of excavations. The area monitored encompassed at least 0.17 ha (0.42 acres). Remnants of the Upper Labor Acequia were found on the west side of North St. Mary’s Street between East Courtland Place and East Ashby Place, and in the intersection of East Ashby Place and North St. Mary’s Street. CAR recommends that these remnants of the Upper Labor Acequia, site 41BX1273, are eligible for inclusion into the NRHP and as a SAL, as they were preserved in situ. The CAR also recommends that any future subsurface excavations near these features be monitored by archaeologists to ensure preservation of these acequia sections and to further delineate the full extent of the Upper Labor Acequia in this area. After quantification and in accordance with guidelines and approvals from the THC and the COSA, artifacts possessing little scientific value were discarded. In this case, that consisted of all artifacts. In accordance with THC guidelines, all project generated and related documents have been curated at the CAR under accession number 2791.City of San Antoni
Examining the Impact of Leader Sex and Attractiveness on Evaluations of Failed Leaders
No full textThis study aims to investigate the consequences of the "glass cliff" phenomenon, specifically exploring how leader sex and attractiveness influence evaluations of leaders who fall from the class cliff (i.e., those who fail). The study proposes that women leaders will receive more blame for organizational failure compared to men and more attractive women leaders will incur more blame compared to less attractive women. The current study is a 2 (leader sex: man or woman) x 2 (attractiveness: more attractive or less attractive) x 2 (performance: success or failure) between-subjects design. Participants were asked to read about a company?s performance and determine how much blame or credit the CEO should bear for the company?s performance. The results did not support the prediction that women leaders receive more blame for failure compared to men in a glass cliff context, nor did results support the prediction that attractiveness would moderate that effect. Several possible explanations for the lack of significant effects are discussed, and directions for future research are proposed.Psycholog
Communication – Efficient Federated Learning for LEO Satellite
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 16, 2027.In the realm of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, the burgeoning need for robust, real-time data processing and machine learning (ML) capabilities to address global challenges is palpable. Traditional centralized ML confronts significant challenges in satellite networks. The bandwidth constraints of download links have a substantial impact on how long data takes to transfer between satellite and ground servers. This delay limits the ability to handle data in real time, which is crucial for many satellite-based applications. The connection of download links to satellites is erratic and irregular, resulting in relatively brief communication periods with ground stations. This limitation restricts the quantity of data that may be transmitted inside each window, hindering the timely and effective processing of satellite data. Satellites collect massive volumes of data, most of which is redundant or useless to specific purposes. Downloading this large amount of raw data to ground stations for processing is not only inefficient, but also impracticable due to bandwidth limitations. The bandwidth constraints of download links have a substantial impact on how long data takes to transfer between satellite and ground servers. This delay limits the ability to handle data in real time, which is crucial for many satellite-based applications. The connection of download links to satellites is erratic and irregular, resulting in relatively brief communication periods with ground stations. This limitation restricts the quantity of data that may be transmitted inside each window, hindering the timely and effective processing of satellite data. Satellites collect massive volumes of data, most of which is redundant or useless to specific purposes. Downloading this large amount of raw data to ground stations for processing is not only inefficient, but also impracticable due to bandwidth limitations. Federated Learning (FL) has gained traction in academia and industry in recent years. FL allows ground stations and satellites to collaborate on training a global ML model without having to share the raw images captured by the satellites. This strategy dramatically decreases the need to download vast amounts of data, addressing the bandwidth and latency issues associated with classic ML methods. However, federated learning still suffers from inevitable high communication latency, especially in satellite networks. To overcome this challenge, we have proposed a revolutionary approach to improving communication efficiency for ML training in satellite networks by using Delayed Gradient Averaging (DGA) algorithm. This technology enhances the scalability and responsiveness of satellite networks, allowing for more robust and efficient federated learning applications in space-based systems.
Moreover, our technique takes advantage of intra-plane inter-satellite links (ISLs) to build intra-orbit aggregations, which can further minimize communication costs. Numerical findings show that our proposed framework outperforms various baselines, demonstrating a significant progress in making satellite networks more efficient for machine learning applications. This novel technique, which combines DGA and intra-orbit aggregation via ISLs, opens new possibilities for using satellite networks to address global concerns by improving data processing and analytic capabilities.Electrical and Computer Engineerin
Understanding the Origins and Acceleration Mechanisms of 3He-Rich Solar Energetic Particle Events
No full textThe unique composition and flare-accelerated nature of 3He-rich SEP events provides significant insight into the origin, acceleration, and transport process(es) at play within reconnecting magnetic field lines. In this work, we identify all 3He-rich time periods observed by ACE/ULEIS and STEREO/SIT over the last two full solar cycles, and we use these time periods as a basis for three statistical studies and one case study. In the first statistical survey, we calculate the 3He/4He and Fe/O abundance ratios of each 3He-rich time period in two energy ranges: 0.32 ? 0.45 MeV/nuc and 0.64 ? 1.28 MeV/nuc and provide the statistical quantities of their distributions, and we discuss the results in addition to releasing a live catalog of the identified time periods. In the second statistical survey, we select a subset of clear, isolated 3He- rich SEP events from the catalog and analyze their spectral properties. We place each event into one of two categories: events with fast-and-wide coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and events without. We find that the energy spectra of 3He-rich SEP events without CMEs are typically harder and more rounded at lower energies, while the spectra of events with CMEs exhibit power laws. For events without CMEs, we find that the average low-energy spectral indices of heavy ions are lowest for Mg & Si suggesting the presence of a second harmonic wave-particle resonance with a source plasma temperature ranging from 1.0 ? 1.3 MK. In the third statistical survey, we identify the 3He-rich SEP events with clear velocity dispersion profiles, and we develop a new boundary-fitting technique to extract the particle path length and solar release time of each dispersion. We find that 3He-rich SEP events have a skewed unimodal distribution of path lengths centered around 1.2 AU, and our correlations show that the path length inferred from the nominal Parker spiral interplanetary magnetic field and the instantaneous solar wind speed at the time of particle onset is not an accurate representation of the path length. We intend to validate our fitting technique by comparing the best-fit release times to the parent type III radio burst, and we also plan to include events observed by Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. Our final major study is an in-depth case study on the nearly scatter-free recurrent 3He-rich injections that occurred on July 15 ? 17, 2023 followed by a large gradual SEP event originating from the same active region. This study is divided into three subchapters: (1) identifying the solar sources and how the recurrent injections are possible, (2) using the enhancement factor vs. A/Q fitting technique to show that the gradual SEP event does not have an impulsive seed population, (3) analyzing the radial evolution of 3He-rich SEPs by comparing observations at Parker Solar Probe (0.6 AU) and ACE (1 AU). We also discuss plans for future research projects on 3He-rich SEP events as well as broadly discuss future observations and mission concepts that can best improve our understanding of this peculiar phenomenon. Finally, the results of the entire work are summarized in a comprehensive conclusion statement.Physics and Astronom
Photophysical Studies of Luminescent Metal-Organic Frameworks and Bacterial Interaction with Cationic Conjugated Polymers
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 16, 2026.This thesis investigates the photophysical characteristics of two types of luminescent materials: luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) and cationic conjugated polymers. LMOFs combine organic and inorganic components, resulting in materials with adjustable luminescence and high porosity, rendering them promising for sensing, light-emitting devices, and biomedicine applications. In the first part of this work, we modulated the fluorescence of LMOFs by altering the structure of their donor-acceptor-donor type organic components. Through steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence experiments, as well as time-resolved confocal fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrated the efficacy of linker engineering in adjusting the emission properties of LMOFs. In the second part, we generated anion radicals within LMOFs and achieved promising yields in debromination reactions employing such species. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy was utilized to probe the absorption and lifetimes of radical anion-excited states, revealing the strong photocatalytic capabilities of anion radicals within LMOFs. Fluorescent cationic conjugated polymers were studied in the last part. Cationic conjugated polymers have extensive applications in bacterial killing and detection, primarily through their ability to interact with bacterial cell membranes via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Employing time-resolved confocal fluorescence microscopy with point emission and lifetime measurements, we evaluated the fluorescence intensity and lifetime distributions of various concentrations of cationic conjugated polymers upon interaction with bacterial cell surfaces over different durations under varying light conditions. Our observations indicated a pronounced affinity and bactericidal effect of these polymers against Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria.Chemistr
Analyzing the Multilingual Dynamics of Advanced Adult Language Learners
No full textThis dissertation is a quantitative analysis of language proficiencies through the lens of the dynamic model of multilingualism, using survival analysis to evaluate time until thresholds of foreign language proficiency are reached and nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon signed rank and Kruskal-Wallis) to compare proficiencies at distinct time intervals after acquisition. My original contribution to knowledge is demonstrated through the empirical analysis investigating the role of prior language knowledge in the development and sustainment of a multilingual repertoire. I demonstrate that (a) the level, not merely the fact, of prior language proficiency attainment is a significant driver of L3 outcomes even when the L2 and L3 are unrelated and (b) multiple language systems cannot be maintained over a long period of time without significant effort. As a project explicitly addressing multilingualism, this study evaluates changes in languages both before and after a new language has been studied to advanced levels. These findings have important implications both in the context of the community of US military language professionals centered in this study, as well as for teachers and students of multiple languages in that it highlights the central role of proficiency attainment during multilingual study.Bicultural-Bilingual Studie
Spectacles of Virtue: Theoria as a Framework for Analyzing Platonic Themes in Early Modern English Drama
Get PDFIn this dissertation I argue that theoria, a form of instructive contemplation dating back to at least 5th century BCE Athens, offers a useful framework for analyzing the Platonically-informed epistemologies in early modern English drama. While there are many studies of Platonic elements in early modern English poetry, drama has received less discussion primarily, I suggest, because of the lack of a useful synthesizing framework. I first show how the concept of theoria developed from its origins in Herodotus to its Italo-Neoplatonic Christian expression in the writings of Marsilio Ficino, which form the early modern English inherited. Theoria, as a framework for analyzing Platonic-epistemologies in drama, depends on mimesis and metatheatre, which, I claim, the early modern dramatists manipulated in ways that simultaneously reinforce and destabilize theoria's ability to produce virtue. I then use the plays of Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare, and Ben Jonson as test cases for this framework. I show that not only do these three dramatists engage with ideas of theoria purposively and in ways that radically retheorize the possibilities of dramatic contemplation, but they do so in a manner that brings into sharp relief what is modern in early modern English drama.Englis
Archaeological Report, No. 510
No full textBetween August 2022 and October 2023, the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) monitored grading, utility trenching, and foundation pier drilling for the redevelopment of the former site of the Huebaum House and the adjacent Espinosa House in HemisFair Park, San Antonio. CAR performed the work on behalf of the Project Sponsor, Sprinkle & Company. The City of San Antonio (COSA) owns the property. Compliance with the Texas Antiquities Code and the Unified Development Code of the COSA (Article 6 35-630 to 35-634) was therefore required. CAR conducted this work under Texas Antiquities Permit (TAP) Number 30745, issued to David Yelacic, former CAR Director, who served as the initial Principal Investigator (PI). The permit was later transferred to Cynthia Muñoz, CAR Director, who served as PI for the completion of the report writing.
The project area covered 1.2 hectares (0.298 acres). It fronts on the west side of HemisFair Boulevard, including the addresses 603, 607 and 611, north of the intersection with E. Cesar Chavez. The lot at 603 was vacant at the time the project started, but was the former site of Huebaum House, 41BX982. The 603 lot saw the greatest impact as a part of the Sprinkle Co.’s redevelopment work. Impacts were also made to the side and front of 607, the extant historic Espinosa house, 41BX593. The work also included excavations along the front and a portion of the north side of the CommonWealth Coffee House and Bakery, addressed at 611. The establishment is located within the historic Koehler House, 41BX592. Both extant historic structures are designated State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
The CAR monitored all excavations within the project boundary which included backhoe trenching for utility installation and landscaping, and auguring using a skid-steer with a mechanical auger for the installation of foundation piers. CAR found five features, one on the Koehler House Site, one on the Espinosa House Site, and three on the Huebaum House Site. The Koehler House Site feature was infrastructure associated with the 1965-1968 development work for HemisFair (Feature 1). A late nineteenth to early twentieth century historic sidewalk at an angle to the front walk of the Espinosa House was designated as Feature 5. The three features found on the Huebaum House Site included remnants of the north and south exterior limestone wall foundations, designated Features 3 and 4, and a sub-floor foundation contemporaneous with the original construction composed of a slurry of limestone, mortar and caliche, designated Feature 2. Additionally, sparse historic artifacts were collected from the spoil during the process of the excavations, including cut and extruded wire nails, mid-to-late nineteenth century ceramic sherds, and pieces of historic glass. No distinct artifact deposits were noted or warranted designation as features. All project related materials, including the final report, are permanently stored at the CAR facilities in accession file number 2878.
The production of the archival and historical portion of the report resulted in the identification of several misleading or erroneous citations and related attributions to two of the three trinomials investigated. The research also found that 41BX982, the Huebaum House, was not correctly plotted on the Sites Atlas. These identified deficiencies are fully described in Chapter 3. As a result of these prior errors, CAR recommends that the name of the Koehler House be revised to Koehler Rent House and that the Sites Atlas entries for the Koehler Rent House and for the Huebaum House be revised to match correct attribution terms, geographic placement, and correct citations.
Five separate archaeological investigations, including the present undertaking, have occurred that have involved these three sites (Cox 1985; Fox and Cox 1999; Cox 1992a; Zapata et al. 2018). Both the amount and geographic scale of excavations, archival research and analysis of the results show that there is limited, if any, research potential remaining relative to the three residential trinomials. For this reason, CAR recommends that no further subsurface monitoring be required for future work on any of these three sites. CAR does not include the Acequia Madre de Valero, 41BX8, which forms the western/northwestern property line of the three lots for 41BX592, 593 and 982, as a part of that recommendation. This irrigation canal dates to the first quarter of the eighteenth century and had a use life extending to 1905-1906. CAR recommends that, at a minimum, a 4.5 m buffer be maintained, centered on the mid-line of the acequia channel eastward/southeastward into each adjoining lot. CAR recommends that any work undertaken on these properties that fall within the buffer would require archaeological monitoring.Sprinkle & Co
Automated Measurement of Abdominal Aorta Diameter in Abdominal CT Scan Images Using AI-Driven Image Processing
No full textMeasuring the diameter of the abdominal aorta accurately is essential for the early detection and management of vascular conditions, including aneurysms. Traditional manual measurement methods using abdominal CT scan images are prone to variability and inefficiency. This thesis investigates the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in image processing to automate and enhance the measurement of the abdominal aorta diameter. By leveraging deep learning models and convolutional neural networks, the study develops an AI-based system capable of identifying and measuring the aorta with high precision from CT scans. Findings indicate that the AI approach not only expedites the measurement process but also maintains high accuracy, suggesting a significant potential for clinical application. This work demonstrates the transformative impact of AI on medical imaging and its role in advancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.Electrical and Computer Engineerin