Spring Branch Research Articles

Research and program grants will support health equity

The philanthropic arm of health insurance company Humana Inc. has announced a series of grants devoted to advancing health equity, with several of the funded initiatives focused on mental health. The Humana Foundation on Oct. 16 announced investments totaling $15.2 million for research and programmatic initiatives emphasizing emotional health and community connection. Among the funded research projects, investigators at Indiana University's Bloomington campus will use grant support to examine connection between school staff and marginalized students for suicide prevention, while researchers at the University of South Florida will test a nutrition education intervention for low‐income older adults with behavioral health conditions. Program grantees include Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, which plans to establish a youth mental health center in Kentucky, and Spring Branch Community Health Center in Texas, which intends to open a mental health center at a high school with a large proportion of students struggling with mental health issues. Older adults and school‐age children have been priority populations in the foundation's overall giving mission. “This commitment from the Humana Foundation offers a major investment in creating practical tools that will have wide application in reconnecting older adults to social and community networks,” said Tom Kamber, executive director of grant recipient agency Older Adults Technology Services, which will use its grant to educate communities on the difficulties many seniors have in combating social isolation.

First Records of the Invasive New Zealand Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in the Potomac River Basin

The distribution of invasive Potamopyrgus antipodarum (New Zealand Mudsnail [NZM]) is relatively limited in eastern North America, with populations known in the Great Lakes basin and scattered locations in several Atlantic Slope drainages. Herein, we report the first documented occurrence of NZM in the Potomac River basin, based on collections at 2 adjacent sites in Falling Spring Branch, Franklin County, PA. We speculate the species was introduced into Falling Spring Branch via fishing gear from Susquehanna River basin tributaries in adjacent Cumberland County where there are documented NZM populations.

A study on the origin of the buds related to the yield of the “cam sanh Bo Ha” variety grown in Thai Nguyen province

With the four-year-old “cam sanh Bo Ha” cultivar grown at Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Thai Nguyen University, results conducted from the phenology showed that: 4 seasoning branches named after the time duration originated, viz spring, summer, autumn and winter branches that were accordingly developed from different buds related closely to the yield of the trees in which the spring branches considered as flower and fruit bearers and the autumn ones considered as mother branches of the proceeded fruit bearers played an important role. It is also mentioned that a high percentage of the spring branch and low ratio of autumn one was recorded in the on-season year (heavy crop). In contrast, a low ratio of spring branch and a high ratio of autumn ones, were reported in the off-season (light crop). And, what is more, there existed a closely positive linear correlation between the ratio of autumn branches and fruit yield in the following year (correlation coefficient r=0.81). The study’s results should be of good basic for developing technical solutions to regulate the appropriate ratio of spring and autumn branches to ensure high and stable yield.

Dynamics modelling and analysis of a large-load swinging platform

Swing platform is widely used to simulate the motion attitude of vehicles, ships and aircraft while carrying large loads. Aiming at the excessive driving force and output power of the driving parts caused by the large load swing platform, a new swing platform which can bear the large load was established. The swing platform is equipped with four spring branch chains between the moving platform and the static platform of the 6-UPS parallel mechanism, so as to offset the gravity of the large load and the inertia force of the large load in the process of motion, and the driving force of each branch chain is reduced. In this paper, the structure of the swing platform is introduced, and the dynamics of the swing platform is modeled using the Newton-Euler dynamics equation. Finally, the driving force of each branch chain of the swing platform is obtained by simulation of the dynamics of the swing platform. The simulation results show that the swing platform with four spring branch chains can effectively reduce the driving force of each branch chain compared with the traditional 6-UPS parallel mechanism swing platform.

The disappearance of cultural landscapes: the case of wooded-meadows in the Ligurian Apennines (NW Italy)

The “wooded-meadows system” is a multifunctional use of vegetation resources widespread in Europesince the Neolithic, and well documented in the Ligurian Apennines (NW Italy) between the MiddleAges and the first half of the 19th century. The management of wooded-meadows included: collectionof fallen and dead branches in spring, later used for fuel; mowing and grazing in summer; collection ofsecondary products; making sheaves from branches in autumn, later used as cattle and sheep fodder;coppicing, pollarding and cutting of trees in winter.Three sites located in eastern Ligurian Apennines were studied by means of an interdisciplinaryapproach in order to better understand the impact and the consequences of this historical landusepractice on vegetation structure and composition. In particular, based on specific features ofpalynological diagrams, it was possible to conclude that (compared to the post-cultural phase) when thewooded-meadows system was in use, all the sites were characterized by: (1) lower pollen percentagesof trees; (2) higher pollen percentages of shrubs and herbs; (3) higher percentages of anthropogenicpollen indicators; (4) higher values of palynological richness.This research also represents a contribution to issues of nature-conservation policy for the preservationof cultural landscapes. (Less)

A Novel Expeditionary Perfused Cadaver Model for Trauma Training in the Out-of-Hospital Setting

BackgroundCadaver training for prehospital surgical procedures is a valid training model. The limitation to date has been that perfused cadavers have only been used in wet laboratories in hospitals or university centers. We endeavor to describe a transportable central-perfused cadaver model suitable for training in the battlefield environment. Goals of design were to create a simple, easily reproducible, and realistic model to simulate procedures in field and austere conditions. MethodsWe conducted a review of the published literature on cadaver models, conducted virtual-reality simulator training, performed interviews with subject matter experts, and visited the laboratories at the Centre for Emergency Health Sciences in Spring Branch, TX, the Basic Endovascular Skills in Trauma laboratory in Baltimore, MD, and the Fresh Tissue Dissection Laboratory at Los Angeles County and University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. ProcedureThis article will describe a five-step procedure that utilizes extremity tourniquets, right common carotid intra-arterial and distal femur intraosseous (IO) access for perfusion, and oropharynx preparation for airway procedures. The model will then be ready for all tactical combat casualty care procedures, including nasopharyngeal airway, endotracheal intubation, cricothyroidotomy, central-line access, needle decompression, finger and tube thoracostomy, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, junctional tourniquets, IO lines, and field amputations. ConclusionsThis model has been used in the laboratory, field, ground ambulance, and military air ambulance (UH-60) settings with good results. The model described can be used in the field setting with minimal resources and accurately simulates the critical skills for all combat trauma procedures.

Two-year colleges teach physics to widening range of students

Increasingly, partnerships ease the way to transfer to universities.Increasingly, partnerships ease the way to transfer to universities.

Optimizing Anaerobic Digestion: Five Ways to Boost Methane Production – a Case Study of the Spring Branch WWTP

Optimizing Anaerobic Digestion: Five Ways to Boost Methane Production – a Case Study of the Spring Branch WWTP

Population ecology and seasonal demography of the endangered grotto sculpin (Cottus specus)

AbstractSubterranean fishes are understudied worldwide and often at risk before their populations are discovered and described. The nature of karst systems limits the applicability of ecological paradigms and hinders our ability to identify and preserve endemic fauna. Aquatic karst taxa in particular are subject to environmental threats that increase in severity over time. Once a population or species is recognised as distinct, it is imperative we gain understanding of its biology to inform effective resource management and mitigate risk factors. The grotto sculpin (Cottus specus) is endemic to Perry County, Missouri, U.S. caves and was formally described and listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2013. We used mark–recapture methods to quantify population densities and estimate population sizes in two caves and two corresponding spring branches. Size structure varied among habitats and seasons. Spring branches were dominated by juveniles year‐round with peak young‐of‐year (YOY) densities in May. Adult densities in both macrohabitats decreased in winter, possibly due to recruitment or seasonal stress, and were lower at spring branches compared to caves and declined further during late winter which may be indicative of cave spawning. YOY were captured variably underground with peak densities in summer. The ecology of grotto sculpin appears to be more complex than has been reported previously for subterranean fishes. Variable patterns of demography requiring multiple contiguous habitats are unique for cave species and support the recently substantiated suggestion that subterranean systems are not as simple or disconnected as once thought.

Effects of stormwater management and stream restoration on watershed nitrogen retention

Restoring urban infrastructure and managing the nitrogen cycle represent emerging challenges for urban water quality. We investigated whether stormwater control measures (SCMs), a form of green infrastructure, integrated into restored and degraded urban stream networks can influence watershed nitrogen loads. We hypothesized that hydrologically connected floodplains and SCMs are “hot spots” for nitrogen removal through denitrification because they have ample organic carbon, low dissolved oxygen levels, and extended hydrologic residence times. We tested this hypothesis by comparing nitrogen retention metrics in two urban stream networks (one restored and one urban degraded) that each contain SCMs, and a forested reference watershed at the Baltimore Long-Term Ecological Research site. We used an urban watershed continuum approach which included sampling over both space and time with a combination of: (1) longitudinal reach-scale mass balances of nitrogen and carbon conducted over 2 years during baseflow and storms (n = 24 sampling dates × 15 stream reaches = 360) and (2) 15N push–pull tracer experiments to measure in situ denitrification in SCMs and floodplain features (n = 72). The SCMs consisted of inline wetlands installed below a storm drain outfall at one urban site (restored Spring Branch) and a wetland/wet pond configured in an oxbow design to receive water during high flow events at another highly urbanized site (Gwynns Run). The SCMs significantly decreased total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) concentrations at both sites and significantly increased dissolved organic carbon concentrations at one site. At Spring Branch, TDN retention estimated by mass balance (g/day) was ~150 times higher within the stream network than the SCMs. There were no significant differences between mean in situ denitrification rates between SCMs and hydrologically connected floodplains. Longitudinal N budgets along the stream network showed that hydrologically connected floodplains were important sites for watershed nitrogen retention due to groundwater–surface water interactions. Overall, our results indicate that hydrologic variability can influence nitrogen source/sink dynamics along engineered stream networks. Our analysis also suggests that some major predictors for watershed N retention were: (1) streamwater and groundwater flux through stream restoration or stormwater management controls, (2) hydrologic residence times, and (3) surface area of hydrologically connected features.

Additional Artifact Collections from the Gardener Site (41CP55), Camp County, Texas

The Gardener site (41CP55) was first recorded by Sullivan (1977) prior to construction of Lake Bob Sandlin on Big Cypress Creek. A surface collection of sherds and daub suggested that the site was the locus of a Late Caddo period (ca. A.D. 1450-1680) settlement and burned house. However, no further archaeological work was done at the site before it was inundated by Lake Bob Sandlin in the late 1970s. Recently, because of lower flood pool levels (about 9 ft. below normal flood pool) at Lake Bob Sandlin due to East Texas drought conditions, archaeological materials from the Gardener site have been exposed along the shoreline of the lake. Perttula documented a substantial aboriginal artifact assemblage collected from the shoreline surface of the site, and this article documents a second collection of artifacts from the Gardener site. The Gardener site, whose overall extent is not known, is located along an upland slope (330 ft. amsl) on the west side of Picket Spring Branch, a small and northward-flowing tributary to Big Cypress Creek, in the Post Oak Savanna. The old channel of Big Cypress Creek lies approximately 1.8 km north of the site.

The Gardener Site (41CP55): A Late Caddo Settlement on Big Cypress Creek in East Texas

The Gardener site (41CP55) in Camp County, Texas, was first recorded by Sullivan prior to construction of Lake Bob Sandlin on Big Cypress Creek. A surface collection of sherds and daub suggested that the site was the locus of a Late Caddo period (ca. A.D. 1450-1680) settlement and burned house. However, no further archaeological work was done at the site before it was inundated by Lake Bob Sandlin in the late 1970s. Recently, because of lower flood pool levels at Lake Bob Sandlin due to East Texas drought conditions, archaeological materials from the Gardener site have been exposed along the shoreline of the lake. This article concerns the documentation of a substantial aboriginal artifact assemblage collected from the shoreline surface of the site. The Gardener site is located along an upland slope (330 ft. amsl) on the west side of Picket Spring Branch, a small and northward-flowing tributary to Big Cypress Creek, in the Post Oak Savanna. The old channel of Big Cypress Creek lies approximately 1.8 km north of the site. The overall extent of the site is not known, although Thurmond suggests it is relatively small.

Developing and Implementing School for Highly Gifted, Exceptionally Gifted, and Profoundly Gifted Students: An Interview with Lynette BreedLove

According to research, while moderately gifted students can often fit in the regular classrooms with differentiated instructions, pull-out programs, or acceleration options, highly gifted students do better when they are grouped with other intellectually-advanced peers in accordance with their strengths, interests, and background knowledge of a topic. Each of these students requires special attention and management strategies to develop better cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. Thanks to the grouping strategy, highly gifted students can study concepts at the appropriate pace, depth, and complexity so that these students feel valued and normal (Neville, 2007; Rogers, 2007). In order to fully meet these students’ needs, creating a school for highly, exceptionally, and profoundly gifted students would be a more beneficial plan compared to requiring them to stay within the regular classroom, accelerating, or grade skipping. Rogers (2002) pointed out that these students showed more academic growth by studying with other intellectual peers in separate classrooms. According to VanTassel-Baska (2006), identification, curriculum, program design, staff development, parental involvement assessment, and evaluation areas were essential for gifted program development. In accordance with the program development guidelines noted above, in this presentation, the process of developing and implementing a program for highly gifted students in Science, Math, Reading, and Social Studies will be provided based on an interview with Lynette Breedlove, Ph.D. who is the director of Advanced Academic Studies & Secondary Counseling at Spring Branch Independent School District in Houston, TX.

Geochemical techniques to discover open cave passage in karst spring systems

Dissolved O2 (DO) and pH data provide a novel, inexpensive field method to detect open cave passages in karst spring systems that can be complemented by laboratory measurements of major elements and nutrients, total suspended solids (TSS), Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels, and stable isotopes. Karst springs in east-central Missouri that have no known air-filled passages (“phreatic” springs) typically have low DO and pH values (<80% saturation and <7.7, respectively), which are characteristic of groundwaters that do not communicate with the atmosphere. In contrast, springs draining vadose cave passages have higher DO and pH values (>60% saturation and >7.7, respectively) that resemble surface waters due to the equilibration of DO with the overlying cave atmosphere and the simultaneous degassing of dissolved CO2. Traverses down phreatic spring branches show exchange with the atmosphere causes an increase in DO only a short distance downstream of the spring orifice, while the pH concurrently increases due to the degassing of CO2. Further downstream both parameters tend to level off reflecting a general approach to equilibrium under surface conditions, though this process is more rapid for DO than for pH. In contrast, the DO and pH along cave spring branches change little from values at the cave entrance. Additionally, (1) degassing processes affect the saturation state of calcite, with cave springs being the most saturated with respect to calcite, (2) phreatic springs typically have lower TSS and E. coli levels than open cave springs due to slower and less variable flow delivery, longer residence times, and less turbulent flow, and (3) phreatic springs tend to plot on the global meteoric water line (MWL), while waters from open cave systems tend to be enriched in 18O and D and can plot below the line due to evaporation and exchange of the water with the overlying cave atmosphere.

Introduced alien ringed crayfish (Orconectes neglectus neglectus [Faxon, 1885]) threaten imperiled coldwater crayfish (Orconectes eupunctus Williams, 1952) in the Eleven Point River drainage, Missouri, USA

The Eleven Point River drainage in the Ozarks ecoregion of North America contains the largest known populations of and critical habitat for the globally imperiled coldwater crayfish (Orconectes eupunctus). We present here the discovery of an introduced population of alien ringed crayfish (Orconectes neglectus neglectus) in Jolliff Spring Branch in the upper reaches of the drainage. Sampling was conducted at eight sites throughout the tributary to determine the extent of the alien species’ range in the stream. Orconectes n. neglectus were found at four sites extending along 3.4 km of stream, with reproducing populations confirmed at two upstream sites, and few individuals found at two others. This invasion represents a threat to O. eupunctus, which occurs a few kilometers further downstream in the drainage and has been recorded from only the lower reaches of Barren Fork and throughout the mainstem Eleven Point River. Introduced O. neglectus were previously associated with localized extirpation of O. eupunctus in another drainage. Study results warrant monitoring of the invasion and possible reassessment of the conservation status for O. eupunctus.

Longitudinal variability in streamwater chemistry and carbon and nitrogen fluxes in restored and degraded urban stream networks

Stream restoration has increasingly been used as a best management practice for improving water quality in urbanizing watersheds, yet few data exist to assess restoration effectiveness. This study examined the longitudinal patterns in carbon and nitrogen concentrations and mass balance in two restored (Minebank Run and Spring Branch) and two unrestored (Powder Mill Run and Dead Run) stream networks in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Longitudinal synoptic sampling showed that there was considerable reach-scale variability in biogeochemistry (e.g., total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), cations, pH, oxidation/reduction potential, dissolved oxygen, and temperature). TDN concentrations were typically higher than DOC in restored streams, but the opposite pattern was observed in unrestored streams. Mass balances in restored stream networks showed net uptake of TDN across subreaches (mean ± standard error net uptake rate of TDN across sampling dates for Minebank Run and Spring Branch was 420.3 ± 312.2 and 821.8 ± 570.3 mg m(-2) d(-1), respectively). There was net release of DOC in the restored streams (1344 ± 1063 and 1017 ± 944.5 mg m(-2) d(-1) for Minebank Run and Spring Branch, respectively). Conversely, degraded streams, Powder Mill Run and Dead Run showed mean net release of TDN across sampling dates (629.2 ± 167.5 and 327.1 ± 134.5 mg m(-2) d(-1), respectively) and net uptake of DOC (1642 ± 505.0 and 233.7 ± 125.1 mg m(-2) d(-1), respectively). There can be substantial C and N transformations in stream networks with hydrologically connected floodplain and pond features. Assessment of restoration effectiveness depends strongly on where monitoring is conducted along the stream network. Monitoring beyond the stream-reach scale is recommended for a complete perspective of evaluation of biogeochemical function in restored and degraded urban streams.

A Multimedia Educational Program That Increases Science Achievement Among Inner-City Non-Asian Minority Middle-School Students

To test the effectiveness of a middle school, multimedia health sciences educational program called HEADS UP in non-Asian-minority (Hispanic and African American), inner-city students. The program designers hope to increase the number of these students entering the health sciences pipeline. The program includes video role-model stories featuring minority scientists and students, hands-on activities, and teacher resources. Collaborators from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Spring Branch Independent School District, and the Health Museum developed the modules. From 2004 to 2007, the authors used a quasi-experimental, two-group pretest/posttest design to assess program effects on students' performance and interest in science, their science self-efficacy, their fear of science, and their science-related careers self-efficacy. An independent third party matched the intervention school to a comparison school by test scores, school demographics, and student demographics and then matched pairs of sixth-grade students (N = 428) by fifth-grade science scores, gender, ethnicity, and participation in the free or reduced lunch program. The authors collected data on these students for three years. At eighth grade (2007), the intervention school students scored significantly higher (F = 12.38, P < .001) on the Stanford Achievement Test 10 in science and reported higher interest in science (F = 11.08, P < .001) than their matched, comparison-school pairs. Students in neither group reported an increase in their confidence to choose a science-related career, but students in one high-implementing teacher's class reported decreased fear of science. HEADS UP shows potential for improving inner-city, non-Asian-minority middle school students' performance and interest in science.

Seasonal changes in one seed juniper intake by sheep and goats in relation to dietary protein and plant secondary metabolites

Plant secondary metabolites (PSM) and nutrients can influence patterns of feed intake of small ruminants. Their effects depend on the type and amounts of PSM and nutrients fed. We hypothesized that one-seed juniper intake of goats and sheep would change in response to seasonal variations of PSM concentrations and type and amount of CP fed. To test this hypothesis, we fed 12 does (46.7 ± 1.25 kg) and 12 ewes (74.9 ± 1.23 kg) freshly harvested one-seed juniper branches in summer, fall, winter, and spring. Animals also received isoenergetic diets (1.6% BW) with either addition of a high rumen degradable (RDP, 12.5% CP) or undegradable (RUP, 12.5% CP) protein source or with no addition of supplemental protein (Control, 5% CP). Juniper branches were offered in unrestricted amounts for 30 min prior to feeding treatment diets and short-term intake was determined for 10 d per season. One-seed juniper leaves contained a diverse mix of terpenes, phenolics, and condensed tannins which were positively correlated to each other ( P < 0.05) and varied seasonally in concentration and composition ( P < 0.05). Juniper intake was greater for goats than sheep ( P < 0.05), and twice as high for animals fed high CP diets vs. control animals ( P < 0.05). Juniper intake in the fall, when levels of plant secondary metabolites were highest, was 41, 58, and 52% less ( P < 0.05) than in summer, winter, and spring, respectively. Addition of high RDP and RUP sources into diets induced different patterns of juniper intake across seasons, herbivores, and individual animals. In each diet treatment, a distinct subset of a few PSM explained 30–78% of overall variation in juniper intake of goats and sheep. This study suggests that increases in dietary protein levels can increase voluntary intake of one-seed juniper of small ruminants during seasons when PSM levels are low. Diets with protein sources of different degradability can potentially influence juniper intake of small ruminants differently, probably due to different nutrient–PSM associations that may result in different detoxification capabilities and post-ingestive experiences that influence individual juniper preference.

Archaeological Testing at 41BP679, Bastrop County, Texas

During the spring of 2006 (May 11 through May 18, 2006), the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) at The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted testing at 41BP679, a site formally listed as a State Archaeological Landmark. Site 41BP679 is located in Bastrop County at the confluence of the Colorado River and Spring Branch Creek, one of its tributaries. The site is on land that is the proposed location for the City of Bastrop Wastewater Treatment Plant. The installation of outflow pipes will impact the northern portion of 41BP679. The testing was conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 4117, with Kristi Ulrich serving as Principal Investigator and Cynthia Moore Munoz serving as the Project Archaeologist. The testing involved mechanical auger borings, backhoe trenching and the hand-excavation of a limited number of test units. Testing confirmed that 41BP679 is likely to be a single component site (30-70 cm below surface) dating from the Paleoindian to Archaic period. One temporally diagnostic artifact, a Clear Fork tool, was recovered. Testing efforts failed to encounter features, and the low density cultural materials consist primarily of lithic debitage, burned rock and a handful of lithic tools. A detailed debitage analysis of the samples from the site suggests that the debitage collection represents a focus on tool production. The low density cultural remains have been impacted by bioturbation and vegetation clearing or plowing and their research potential is limited. The portion of the site tested during the investigations reported herein, along with the materials recovered, do not contribute to the State Archeological Landmark eligibility of 41BP679. We therefore recommend that the planned construction be allowed to proceed. We also recommend that the portion of the site located to the south of the area tested by CAR remain protected. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) concurred with the conclusions and recommendations reached by the CAR. In addition, the THC requested that the portion of 41BP679 not assessed by CAR be protected from potential construction-related impacts by a fence. The desired location of the fence would be furnished by CAR to insure that intact portions of the site are not adversely affected by the fence’s construction. Furthermore, if significant archaeological deposits are uncovered during plant construction, the THC requested that all work should stop in those immediate areas and the City of Bastrop should immediately contact the THC. CAR staff informed the City of the THC request. City

Archaeological Testing at 41BP678, Bastrop County, Texas

During the spring of 2006 (April 27 through May 4, 2006), the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) at The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted testing at 41BP678, a site formally listed as a State Archaeological Landmark. Site 41BP678 is located in Bastrop County at the confluence of the Colorado River and Spring Branch Creek, one of its tributaries. The site is on land that is the proposed location for the City of Bastrop Wastewater Treatment Plant. The installation of outflow pipes and the excavation of a 500-foot deep water well and associated utilities installations will impact the central and eastern portions of 41BP678. The testing was conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 4117, with Kristi M. Ulrich serving as Principal Investigator and Antonia L. Figueroa serving as the Project Archaeologist. The testing involved mechanical auger borings, backhoe trenching and the hand-excavation of a limited number of test units. Testing confirmed that 41BP678 is a multi-component site, with a Late Prehistoric presence in the upper 40 cm of the site, and a second component (40-80 cm below surface) of unknown temporal affiliation. Testing efforts failed to encounter features, and the low-density cultural materials consist primarily of lithic debitage and fire-cracked rock. A detailed debitage analysis of the samples from the two components suggests that the Late Prehistoric debitage collection represents a focus on tool production while the underlying component resembles an assemblage focused more on core reduction. This pattern suggests that site activities may have changed over time. The low-density cultural remains have been impacted by bioturbation and vegetation clearing or plowing and their research potential is severely limited. CAR recommends that the portion of the site tested during the investigations reported herein, along with the materials recovered, do not contribute to the State Archeological Landmark eligibility of 41BP678. We therefore recommend that the planned construction be allowed to proceed. We also recommend that the portion of the site located to the south of the area tested by CAR remain protected. All artifacts collected during this project are curated at the Center for Archaeological Research according to Texas Historical Commission guidelines.