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Subregions of the Rotator Cuff Muscles Present Distinct Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Function
Get PDFShoulder and elbow injuries are prevalent among baseball players, particularly pitchers, who experience repetitive eccentric loading of the shoulder, leading to muscle damage and increased injury risk. Nearly 40% of shoulder injuries in baseball occur in pitchers, with many facing low rates of return to sport. The rotator cuff (RC) muscles—supraspinatus (SSP), infraspinatus (ISP), subscapularis (SSC), and teres minor (TMin)—are crucial for shoulder stability, movement, and force generation, particularly in overhead sports. Each RC muscle comprises subregions with distinct biomechanical properties, such as strength, moment arm behavior, and activation patterns. These differences allow for a finely tuned balance between joint stability and mobility. For example, the superior subregion of the ISP significantly contributes to external rotation, a function critical in sports like baseball that require precision and power. During pitching, the SSP, ISP, and SSC stabilize the glenohumeral joint through high activation during explosive phases, such as stride, arm cocking, and arm acceleration. Understanding these functional subregional differences is vital for diagnosing and managing shoulder pathologies like RC tears. Despite advancements, clinicians face challenges in predicting re-injury risks and determining return-to-play readiness for athletes with shoulder injuries. Integrating insights into subregional biomechanics with patient care could enhance outcomes. Tailored interventions—whether surgical or rehabilitative—targeting specific subregions could improve recovery times, reduce re-injury risks, and enable more personalized treatment plans. Such approaches are especially beneficial for athletes, older individuals, and those prone to RC injuries, promoting better long-term shoulder health and performance. The present work aims to highlight some of the research on these subregions and their differences, providing insights to enhance treatment approaches for shoulder injuries.Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineerin
Archaeological Investigations of 41BX1273, the Upper Labor Dam, Headgate and Breakwater, Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Get PDFFrom May 31, 2023 to June 26, 2023, the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) conducted a combination of hand and mechanical archaeological excavations at the northern end of Brackenridge Park. This municipal park is ca. 4.8 km north of downtown San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas and on the west bank of the San Antonio River, immediately south of Hildebrand Avenue. The project was contracted by the Brackenridge Park Conservancy (BPC). The work conducted and reported here was research driven rather than compliance driven. The BPC was interested in obtaining a greater understanding of the articulation of several major features of the Upper Labor Acequia system to have that information available to the public and to potentially assist in the design of any subsequent interpretive projects.
Brackenridge Park is owned by the City of San Antonio (COSA) and within the COSA the San Antonio River Improvement Overlay (SA-RIO). The COSA is subject to compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas. Both the Texas Antiquities Code and Chapter 35 of the Local Government Code of the COSA require coordination with the City’s Office of Historic Preservation and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) Division of Archeology. Brackenridge Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) with numerous contributing resources including historic buildings, cultural properties, and prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. Brackenridge Park is also a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL). CAR conducted these investigations under Texas Antiquities Permit Number 31178. David Yelacic, former CAR Director, served as the Original Principal Investigator. Following his departure from CAR in August of 2023, Cynthia Munoz assumed the Principal Investigator role. Clinton M. M. McKenzie served as Project Archaeologist for the field work component, analysis, and assembly of the final report.
Principal activities undertaken included hand excavations around the perimeter of presumed architectural components of the Confederate States of America (CSA) headgate’s eastern wing, the western arm of the CSA breakwater, and around the perimeter of two limestone blocks south of the terminus of the Upper Labor Dam and the headgate. The CSA headgate and breakwater were previously identified as Feature 4 and 5 in the report on the 2012 excavations (McKenzie 2017). The limestone blocks were identified as Feature 7. Following the initial hand exposures of these features, CAR staff monitored trench excavations of the Feature 4 and 5 area, as well as the area of Feature 7. Excavations documented additional details concerning the construction methods and alignments of both Feature 4 and 5 in relation to each other and to the composite Spanish Colonial and CSA dam with which they articulate. Investigation of Feature 7 determined that the stones were likely associated with late nineteenth century stone lining and/or repair of the lining of the Upper Labor acequia immediately south of the CSA dam complex. The work demonstrates that there are substantial remains of the CSA dam complex that allow for clarity of system function. The CSA system was an expansion on the functions of the earlier Spanish Colonial system. These two historical systems warrant continued protection as contributing elements to National Register status and as components of the SAL. CAR recommends either entire avoidance of impacts to these resources or that additional archaeological work is undertaken prior to any proposed impacts.Brackenridge Park Conservanc
Leading While Oppressed: Black Women Leading Urban High Schools in Texas
Get PDFThis study undertook a thorough investigation into the complex experiences of Black female principals leading urban high schools in Texas, with a primary objective of spotlighting the pervasive underrepresentation of Black women in high school principalship. Through rigorous examination, the research evaluated the multifaceted challenges faced by secondary Black female principals as they navigate to and through the position. Beyond merely highlighting adversities, the study illuminated the remarkable triumphs, setbacks, and daily realities of being a Black female principal amidst educational landscapes with inequities and biases.
In addition to uncovering hurdles, the research captured the diverse experiences of Black female principals, exploring their unique strategies, perspectives, and insights. By immersing itself in their narratives, the study provided a comprehensive understanding of their leadership journey, offering valuable insights into how they navigated the complex intersectionality of race, gender, and educational leadership. Furthermore, it shed light on the resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination exhibited by these lady leaders as they strove to sustain success in pivotal roles shaping the academic, social, and emotional well-being of their students and communities.
Qualitative Sista Circle Methodologically is a method used to employ a blend of research, surveys, and Sista Circles rooted in Black Feminist Thought and intersectionality. Through these avenues, the research uncovered emergent themes such as the journey through principalship, challenging stereotypes, navigation within high school leadership, advocacy, and Social Justice Leadership. Additionally, subthemes like Imposter Syndrome, Unorthodox Elevation, Uplifting Others, and Overcoming Trauma provided nuanced insights into the experiences of Black female principals in educational leadership.Educational Leadership and Policy Studie
Alzheimer's Amyloid Hypothesis and Antibody Therapy: Melting Glaciers?
Get PDFThe amyloid cascade hypothesis for Alzheimer’s disease is still alive, although heavily challenged. Effective anti-amyloid immunotherapy would confirm the hypothesis’ claim that the protein amyloid-beta is the cause of the disease. Two antibodies, aducanumab and lecanemab, have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, while a third, donanemab, is under review. The main argument for the FDA approvals is a presumed therapy-induced removal of cerebral amyloid deposits. Lecanemab and donanemab are also thought to cause some statistical delay in the determination of cognitive decline. However, clinical efficacy that is less than with conventional treatment, selection of amyloid-positive trial patients with non-specific amyloid-PET imaging, and uncertain therapy-induced removal of cerebral amyloids in clinical trials cast doubt on this anti-Alzheimer’s antibody therapy and hence on the amyloid hypothesis, calling for a more thorough investigation of the negative impact of this type of therapy on the brain.Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology and Genetics of Neurodegeneratio
Exploring Alternative Techniques for Exoplanet Detection Around Host Stars
Get PDFThe search for exoplanets has revolutionized our understanding of the universe, revealing a vast diversity of planets unlike those in our Solar System. Established techniques like measuring transits, radial velocity, and direct imaging have confirmed over 5,600 exoplanets. Technological advancements and alternative techniques, such as machine learning and drift scanning, offer potential enhancements to current methods. I explore these alternatives to improve exoplanet detection around distant stars and deepen our understanding of planetary formation.
Stars and their planets form from the same gas cloud, making a star's composition an indirect indicator to planetary interior compositions. Machine learning algorithms trained on the abundances of known exoplanet-hosting stars, allows us to identify significant "features'' (abundances or molar ratios) that may indicate the presence of a small planet. I test three distinct groups of exoplanets (general small planets, sub-Neptunes, super-Earths) and find that Na and V are key elements regardless of planetary radii. I also create a list of stars with a ≥90% probability of hosting small planets across each ensemble which indicates a chemically unique population.
Detecting planets from ground-based observations in the mid-infrared (MIR, 7-25 µm) is challenging due to the need of removing fast time variable components, array background, in addition to significant overhead. Drift scanning addresses these issues eliminating the need for chopping and nodding. I analyze drift scan observations from the CanariCam instrument on the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias, report a significantly improved Strehl ratio (54%) compared to chop/nod (35%) and explore applications for future missions.Physics and Astronom
Governance in Transportation Planning: A Study of the Broadway Street Corridor in San Antonio
No full textThis thesis researches the relationship between governance and power, with a focus on the local and state level. The Broadway corridor redevelopment project in San Antonio, Texas was used as a case study. Research was conducted using government documents and policies, newspaper articles, and interviews with transportation professionals familiar with the Broadway redevelopment process. Interviews with professionals and reviewed documents from local- and state-level agencies indicated that while collaboration occurred between local and state agencies, it was negatively impacted by differing political goals. This conflict in power ultimately altered the proposed course of Broadway?s redevelopment. The shifting relationships of governance and politics can impact local, state, and federal projects and planning. Understanding the impact of these relationships to the Broadway redevelopment plan offers planners and researchers a tool for understanding how projects in other municipalities can be affected by governance, and potentially how those effects can be addressed.Urban and Regional Plannin
Analysis of Heavy Metals in Influent and Effluent in Three Major Wastewater Treatment Plants in South Texas From 2010 - 2021
No full textThe aim of wastewater treatment is to improve water quality discharged into the natural waters and environment. Wastewater treatment is designed to remove known pollutants and other harmful substance that disrupt the growth and health of flora and impact human health. Influent waters coming into designated treatment plants will carry many pollutants including high concentrations of some metals. The concentrations of metals varies depending on the source and landscape use. Metals can have negative impacts on humans and aquatic organisms through bioaccumulation in the food chain. This study examined wastewater influent, treated effluent, and biosolids for metal concentrations in three wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in San Antonio, Texas. The goal of this study was to evaluate if wastewater treatment plants in San Antonio are effectively removing metals from influent. The objectives of this study were to analyze metal concentrations in the influent and effluent wastewater, and biosolids, and evaluate the difference between the influent and effluent concentrations of metals to determine if removal rates meet state and federal regulatory standards, compare metal concentrations among the three treatment plants and between seasons, evaluate land use characteristics and metal concentration among treatment plants, and analyze the concentrations of metals in biosolids from 2010 to 2021. Influent and effluent wastewater samples were collected quarterly each year from 2010 to 2021. Metal concentrations were analyzed based on EPA standards using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry. Based on ten years of quarterly analysis of metals at three wastewater treatment plants in San Antonio, the removal efficiency was greater than 80% for all metals with the exception of zinc, barium, and nickel. All metal concentrations in effluent met federal E.P.A. regulations for discharge. Zinc removal varied between the three plants with the Clouse WWTP plant faring better than the other two. Barium was removed efficiently at Clouse WWTP compared to Leon Creek and Medio Creek WWTPs where Ba removal was < 50%. For removal of nickel, the Leon Creek and Medio Creek WWTPs were more efficient in removal than the Clouse WWTP. No seasonal differences were found among metals indicating the metals in wastewater influent are originating from continual input from diffuse sources. Metal concentrations were significantly greatest (P < 0.05) for Zn and Cu in biosolids compared to Cr, Pb, Ni, As, Hg, and Cd. Based on the data used in this study, heavy metals present in waters are received from the San Antonio area are continuing to be removed efficiently during the wastewater treatment process with few exceptions.Integrative Biolog
Navigating Multiracial Latinx Identity: A Hybrid Rhetorical Redefinition Through Counter-Narratives
No full textThis dissertation examines the inherent multiraciality within the Latinx/a/o community to resist the master narratives of the racial imaginary and redefine Latinx identity as hybrid. Because the racial imaginary constructs binaries that exclude and erase the plurality of Latinx identity through film, television, and literature, hybridity as a rhetorical framework disrupts the binaries and makes visible the embodiment of multiracial/ethnic Latinx lived experiences. I establish hybridity as a framework by analyzing the rhetorical efficacy of counter-narratives to resist the binaries of the racial imaginary and provide hybrid Latinxs a voice and representation. First, I expand upon historical conceptions of mestizaje theory by emphasizing that hybridity moves beyond dichotomies of pure versus nonpure identities because there is no inherent purity or superior mixture; rather, inherent plurality through multiracial/ethnic embodiment. Second, I merge visual rhetoric, multiracial studies, and young adult (YA) Latinx literature to address the gap in scholarship that assumes the Latinx community is homogenous. Third, I analyze counter-narratives of Latinx voices to illustrate the hybridity and multiraciality of the community. I examine the multimodality of YA literature that implements zine images, the animation and magical realism in films/shows that illustrate hybrid Latinx bodies, and the results of my IRB-approved study that collected Language Literacy Narratives of UTSA Technical Writing students and revealed that the majority of my Latinx students have either lost Spanish or never learned it. Lastly, I establish findings that illustrate Latinxs are heterogeneous and Latinx representation and scholarship must embody the hybridity of Latinx multiraciality and plurality. I conclude with a call to implement hybrid theory within classrooms to encourage students to recognize and construct their own counter-narratives of hybridity.Englis
Diversity and Dynamics in Care Networks of Older Americans
Get PDFDespite growing interest in exploring caregiving alternatives beyond traditional models, limited research has focused on the diverse care networks that provide assistance to older adults. The aim of this study is to illuminate the complexity of older adults’ care networks by developing a typology that considers care from various sources. Using latent class analysis on longitudinal data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, the authors identify five distinct care network types: spousal care, care exclusively from children, care from both children and other sources, self-care with assistive technology, and care exclusively from nonfamily sources. Further analysis, including multinomial logistic regression and latent transition analysis, reveals that when a spouse is available, older adults, particularly older men, are more likely to rely on spousal care. However, in cases in which spouses and/or children are unavailable, older adults are inclined to turn to diverse care networks involving nontraditional caregivers or resort to self-care using assistive technologies. Additionally, declining health conditions are associated with a higher likelihood of receiving care from more varied care networks. This underscores the evolving nature of care arrangements in response to changing family structures and health needs.This research was supported by the National Institute on Aging (grants P30AG059301, P30AG012846, U01AG032947, and P30AG066614) and by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (grant P2CHD042849).Sociology and Demograph
Ceramic Production and Distribution: Testing a Middle Preclassic Ceramic Economy in the Mopan River Valley, Belize
Get PDFThis project develops a testable model to study Middle Preclassic (1000 - 300 BCE) ceramics from two sites in the Mopan River valley. Early Xunantunich and San Lorenzo may typically be considered opposite ends of the sociopolitical scale. Early Xunantunich boasted monumental construction as early as 800 BCE and likely served as a location of communally integrative feasting and ritual performances. Visible from this early monumental site was the Middle Preclassic community of San Lorenzo, represented archaeologically by few known perishable dwellings and a large, buried chultun.
Through a lens of ritual economy, I initially hypothesized that Early Xunantunich was a node of intercommunity gathering activities that hosted community members from surrounding settlement sites, including San Lorenzo. Community participants likely brought offerings in ceramic vessels, which were ultimately left at the site after the event. This was tested through a compounding, multistage methodology that assessed the model's material correlates using type-variety, petrography, and Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), and ethnoarchaeological collaboration.
This methodology confirmed that Early Xunantunich was a node of an inter-community, and indeed interregional, network that likely gathered at the site for rituals, feasts, and the construction of Structure E-2-3rd. However, it also revealed that residents of San Lorenzo likely also performed complex intra-community rituals at home, supplied by community-specific potters. These findings shine new light on the sociopolitical and economic relationships of the Mopan River valley in the Middle Preclassic period, and warrant more exploration into our assumptions about the interactions between monumental sites and surrounding "hinterland" communities.Anthropolog