bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population structure, selection signal and introgression of gamecocks revealed by whole genome sequencing
Authors: Xu Naiyi , Zhang Linyun , Chen Feifan , Feng Zhengfu , Zheng Jiangtao , Li DongHua , Zhao Yongju , Kang Xiangtao
Published: February 2025

Background

As an important genetic resource of chickens, gamecock has unique morphological and behavioral characteristics such as large size, muscular development and strong aggression, making it a good model for studying muscle development and behavior patterns, as well as an excellent breeding material. Gamecocks are distributed worldwide, forming different breeds and strains. However, the single or multiple origin of global gamecocks has not been fully established and much remains unknown about genetic introgression events between gamecocks and other chickens. Therefore, in this study, based on whole genome data of gamecocks, Chinese indigenous chickens, commercial chickens and wild jungle fowls, we performed population structure analysis, selection signal analysis, and genomic introgression analysis of gamecocks.

Results

The population structure analysis revealed that gamecocks have multiple origins. In addition, we used Fst, π-Ratio and XP-EHH methods to explore the candidate signatures of positive selection in gamecocks. A total number of fifteen shared candidate genes were identified using the three different detection strategies. Among these candidate genes, ETV1, DGKB, AGMO, MEOX2, ISPD and PLCB4 are related to the growth and muscle development, fighting performance and neurodevelopment of gamecocks. Furthermore, we detected the introgression event at the MYBPHL region from the Gallus sonneratii into Euramerican gamecocks and at the CPZ gene region from the Gallus gallus gallus into multiple gamecock populations, respectively, indicating the introgression from the wild junglefowl may impact the skeletal and muscle development as well as aggressive behavior of gamecocks.

Conclusions

In summary, we conducted a genome-wide exploration of gamecocks from multiple regions worldwide. Our analysis confirmed multiple origins of gamecocks and detected several candidate genes that are possibly related to important traits and characteristics in gamecocks. More importantly, this is the first study that has detected introgression events and genes from wild jungle fowls to gamecocks, which provides evidence of the wild jungle fowls contributing to the genetic diversity of gamecocks. Our findings offer new perspectives on the impact of introgression on gamecocks, and provide a basis for further resource conservation and utilization of gamecock, as well as provide excellent material for the genetic improvement of domestic chickens.
Preoperative prediction of IDH genotypes and prognosis in adult-type diffuse gliomas: intratumor heterogeneity habitat analysis using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Wang Xingrui , Xie Zhenhui , Wang Xiaoqing , Song Yang , Suo Shiteng , Ren Yan , Hu Wentao , Zhu Yi , Cao Mengqiu , Zhou Yan
Published: February 2025

Background

Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) is a key biological characteristic of gliomas. This study aimed to characterize ITH in adult-type diffuse gliomas and assess the feasibility of using habitat imaging based on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to preoperatively predict isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genotypes and prognosis.

Methods

Sixty-three adult-type diffuse gliomas with known IDH genotypes were enrolled. Volume transfer constant (Ktrans) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were acquired from DCE-MRI and DWI, respectively. After tumor segmentation, the k-means algorithm clustered Ktrans and ADC image voxels to generate spatial habitats and extract quantitative image features. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate IDH predictive performance. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed and validated using leave-one-out cross-validation, and the contrast-enhanced subgroup was analyzed independently. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between tumor habitats and progression-free survival (PFS) in the two IDH groups.

Results

Three habitats were identified: Habitat 1 (hypo-vasopermeability and hyper-cellularity), Habitat 2 (hypo-vasopermeability and hypo-cellularity), and Habitat 3 (hyper-vasopermeability). Compared to the IDH wild-type group, the IDH mutant group exhibited lower mean Ktrans values in Habitats 1 and 2 (both P < 0.001), higher volume (P < 0.05) and volume percentage (pVol, P < 0.01) of Habitat 2, and lower volume and pVol of Habitat 3 (both P < 0.001). The optimal logistic regression model for IDH prediction yielded an AUC of 0.940 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.880–1.000), which improved to 0.948 (95% CI: 0.890–1.000) after cross-validation. Habitat 2 contributed the most to the model, consistent with the findings in the contrast-enhanced subgroup. In IDH wild-type group, pVol of Habitat 2 was identified as a significant risk factor for PFS (high- vs. low-pVol subgroup, hazard ratio = 2.204, 95% CI: 1.061–4.580, P = 0.034), with a value below 0.26 indicating a 5-month median survival benefit.

Conclusions

Habitat imaging employing DCE-MRI and DWI may facilitate the characterization of ITH in adult-type diffuse gliomas and serve as a valuable adjunct in the preoperative prediction of IDH genotypes and prognosis.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.
Medial sural artery perforator free flap for small- to medium-sized defects in head and neck reconstruction: a suitable replacement for radial forearm free flap
Authors: Zhang Yulian , Pan Keran , Wu Jian , Tang Xi
Published: February 2025

Background and objectives

To compare clinical outcomes and donor site morbidity between medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap and radial forearm free (RFF) flap for soft tissue reconstruction of head and neck.

Methods

Forty-six patients who underwent free flap reconstruction at the head and neck cancer center from February 2019 to March 2021 were included, of which 25 RFF flaps and 21 MSAP flaps. The patient and flap characteristics (age, sex, flap size, harvest time, etc.) and outcomes (success rate, donor site complications including infection, hematoma, and fistula, donor site morbidity including abnormal sensation, weakness, range of motion, postoperative oral function) were recorded and compared. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery. The patients were assessed subjective donor-site morbidity and satisfaction with overall functional results using a self-reported questionnaire.

Results

The success rates of RFF flaps and MSAP flaps were 96% and 95.2%. There were no significant differences in age, sex, flap size, pedicle length, postoperative treatment, and postoperative oral function. MSAP flap showed less donor site morbidity and better subjective satisfaction at the donor site than RFF flap did after a 12-month follow-up. A dominant perforator of the medial sural artery emerges constantly near the point which is approximately 15 cm from the popliteal fossa center vertically, and 3 cm from the postor midline of the leg horizontally.

Conclusion

Due to less donor site morbidity and higher patient satisfaction, MSAP flap can be used as a replacement for RFF flap for small to medium-sized defects in head and neck reconstruction.
Radiation-induced meningiomas following childhood cranial radiotherapy—report of four cases
Authors: Ay Larisa Andrada , Ozgiray Erkin , Akintürk Nevhis , Kamer Emine Serra , Ertan Yeşim
Published: February 2025

Background

Radiation-induced meningiomas represent a late side effect of cranial radiation therapy. The most widely used diagnostic criteria, despite the lack of a standard description, is a meningioma that develops in a previously irradiated area following a predetermined time interval.

Case presentation

We present four cases of late-onset cranial atypical meningiomas following childhood cranial radiotherapy. Four patients (two females and two males) between 4 and 13 years of age at the time of cranial irradiation developed secondary intracranial meningioma after a latency period of 8–34 years. Surgical resection of the tumors was performed, and histopathological examination revealed a diagnosis of atypical meningioma in all four patients.

Conclusion

Radiation-induced tumors continue to be a significant side effect of radiotherapy and radiosurgery, and they are frequently identified as recurrent, numerous, and more aggressive. Prolonged follow-up should definitely not be ignored in patients with antecedents of radiotherapy for a primary cerebral tumor or cranial irradiation for an early age malignancy.
Metabolomics profiling reveals p-aminobenzoic acid enhances resistance to Fusarium head blight in wheat
Authors: Tan Yiluo , Wang Kangjun , Guo Mingming , Zhang Guangxu , Li Xiaofeng , Shi Yijun , He Maosheng , Xu Dayong , Chen Feng , Fan Jiwei
Published: February 2025

Fusarium head blight (FHB) not only causes severe yield losses but also mycotoxin contamination in wheat, posing a serious threat to food security and public health. The mechanisms of resistance to FHB in wheat are critical for effective prevention and control of the pathogen. In this research, we investigated and analyzed the metabolite changes induced by FHB colonization in the FHB-resistant cultivar Lianmai12 through Fusarium graminearum inoculation and mock inoculation. A total of 1001 metabolites were detected, 109 of which were significantly changed due to FHB infection. The majority of these 109 metabolites belonged to alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lipids and organic acids. The most enriched KEGG pathways were plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, which may constitute the major defence responses to FHB challenge. The metabolite p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) significantly suppressed the growth of mycelia and the production of conidia in vitro. Further studies revealed that spraying PABA at early anthesis on wheat spikes reduced the development of FHB disease. These results provide preliminary insights into the metabolic basis of resistance in Lianmai12 and will be beneficial in the development of potential biocontrol agents against FHB.

Graphical Abstract
Unraveling relationship between the genetic polymorphism CYP2A13 and nicotine metabolism of male smokers in Medan, Indonesia
Authors: Soeroso Noni Novisari , Zain-Hamid Rozaimah , Bihar Syamsul , Soliha Chaliza , Ananda Fannie Rizki , Aida
Published: February 2025

Background

Nicotine metabolism significantly influences the levels of harmful nicotine metabolites in smokers. CYP2A13, a key enzyme in nicotine and xenobiotic metabolism, is implicated in tobacco smoke-related lung cancer.

Aim

This study investigated the association between CYP2A13 genetic polymorphism and nicotine metabolism in male smokers in Medan, Indonesia.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study included 66 male smokers (aged 20–65 years) who met pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Nicotine metabolite levels were quantified in urine samples using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). CYP2A13 polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) analysis of venous blood samples. Logistic regression analysis (Epi Info-7) assessed the association between CYP2A13 genotype and nicotine metabolism.

Results

No significant association (p > 0.05) was found between CYP2A13 genotype and nicotine metabolism. The CC genotype was most prevalent. The majority of participants exhibited rapid nicotine metabolism.

Conclusion

Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse populations is needed to elucidate the relationship between CYP2A13 genetic polymorphism and nicotine metabolism.
Spatial analysis of speculation in the US housing market
Authors: Manochehri Salaheddin , Amani Ramin , Mamkhezri Jamal
Published: February 2025

This study examines the spatial impact of speculation on the US housing market from 1990 to 2021, highlighting regional variations and economic implications. Employing advanced analytical techniques, including nonlinear least squares and time-varying parameter ordinary least squares, we delve into the spatial patterns of speculation within the housing market. This study aims to illuminate the role of speculation in influencing housing market dynamics, which has significant implications for economic stability and housing policy. Our investigation reveals that speculation is primarily driven by price expectations and historical price trend analysis, exerting a significant influence on housing market dynamics. Given the inherent constraints in housing supply, effectively managing these fluctuations necessitates a multifaceted strategy. This approach involves measures such as accelerating production, streamlining supply chains, and facilitating affordable land access and tax incentives for low-income households, all designed to stimulate investment in construction and housing. Our empirical findings indicate variations in speculation prevalence across different regions of the USA, with a higher incidence in the western and midwestern regions compared to the eastern counterparts. In light of these insights, policymakers are urged to consider tailored regulatory interventions to mitigate excessive speculation in the US housing market. These measures could encompass stricter lending standards and enhanced transparency requirements in real estate transactions. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of speculation within the US housing market, offering valuable insights for policymakers and researchers seeking to address its implications for economic stability. Moreover, Our findings not only highlight regional variations but also validate theories of speculative behavior, particularly the role of price expectations and feedback loops, as established by Shiller (2005) and Glaeser (2013). These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics driving speculation in the housing market.
Tumor microbiome: roles in tumor initiation, progression, and therapy
Authors: Zhang Shengxin , Huang Jing , Jiang Zedong , Tong Huan , Ma Xuelei , Liu Yang
Published: February 2025

Over the past few years, the tumor microbiome is increasingly recognized for its multifaceted involvement in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. With the application of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) sequencing, the intratumoral microbiome, also referred to as tumor-intrinsic or tumor-resident microbiome, has also been found to play a significant role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding their complex functions is critical for identifying new therapeutic avenues and improving treatment outcomes. This review first summarizes the origins and composition of these microbial communities, emphasizing their adapted diversity across a diverse range of tumor types and stages. Moreover, we outline the general mechanisms by which specific microbes induce tumor initiation, including the activation of carcinogenic pathways, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, epigenetic modifications, and chronic inflammation. We further propose the tumor microbiome may evade immunity and promote angiogenesis to support tumor progression, while uncovering specific microbial influences on each step of the metastatic cascade, such as invasion, circulation, and seeding in secondary sites. Additionally, tumor microbiome is closely associated with drug resistance and influences therapeutic efficacy by modulating immune responses, drug metabolism, and apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, we explore innovative microbe-based therapeutic strategies, such as engineered bacteria, oncolytic virotherapy, and other modalities aimed at enhancing immunotherapeutic efficacy, paving the way for microbiome-centered cancer treatment frameworks.
Investigation of the lateral performance of trapezoidal double corrugated steel shear walls with two different corrugation angles
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Yan Xianhui
Published: February 2025

This research explores the lateral behavior of trapezoidal corrugated steel shear walls (CSSW) with double plates with two different corrugation angles by employing cyclic loading in the ABAQUS finite element software. The samples studied in this research were a one-story, one-span frame with three trapezoidal corrugated double plates with angles of 30, 45, and 60°. Three thicknesses of 2, 3, and 4 mm were considered to explore the impact of the thickness of the infill plates. The obtained results have shown that the change in the angle of one of the double corrugated plates has no significant effect on the shape of the hysteresis curve and the amount of equivalent viscous damping. Nonetheless, it can lead to a change in the value of maximum resistance and energy absorption. The outcomes displayed that double corrugated steel shear walls (DCSSW) with 60° corrugation angles have the highest maximum resistance and energy absorption. After this sample, in the samples with infill plates with thicknesses of 2, 3, and 4 mm, samples 30–45, 45–60, and 45–60, respectively, have more maximum resistance. In addition, samples 30–60, 30–60, and 45–60 have the highest energy absorption after the sample 60–60°.
Machine Learning: A Multicentre Study on Predicting Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis in cN0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: zhou Jing , Li Daxue , Ren Jiahui , Huang Chun , Yang Shiying , Chen Mingyao , Wan Zhaoyu , He Jinhang , Zhuang Yuchen , Xue Song , Chun Lin , Su Xinliang
Published: February 2025

Background

The necessity of prophylactic lateral neck dissection for cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains debated. This study aimed to compare traditional nomograms with machine learning (ML) models for predicting ipsilateral lateral and level II, III, and IV lymph node metastasis (LNM).

Methods

Data from 1616 PTC patients diagnosed via fine needle aspiration biopsy from Hospital A were split into training and testing sets (7:3). 243 patients from Hospital B served as validation set. Four dependent variables—ipsilateral lateral, level II, III, and IV LNM—were analyzed. Eight ML models (Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest-RF, Gradient Boosting, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbor, Gaussian Naive Bayes, Neural Networks) were developed and validated using 10-fold cross-validation and grid search hyperparameter tuning. Models were assessed using 11 metrics including accuracy, area under the curve (AUC), specificity, and sensitivity. The best was compared with nomograms using the Probability-based Ranking Model Approach (PMRA).

Results

RF outperformed other approaches achieving accuracy, AUC, specificity, and sensitivity of 0.773/0.728, 0.858/0.799, 0.984/0.935, 0.757/0.807 in the testing/validation sets respectively for ipsilateral LLNM. A streamlined model based on the top ten contributing features that includes ipsilateral central lymph node metastasis rate, extrathyroidal extension, and ipsilateral central lymph node metastasis number retained strong performance and clearly surpassed a traditional nomogram approach based on multiple metrics and PMRA analysis. Similar results were obtained for the other dependent variables, with the RF models relying on distinct but overlapping sets of features. Clinical tool implementation is facilitated via a web-based calculator for each of the four dependent variables.

Conclusion

ML, especially RF, reliably predicts lateral LNM in cN0 PTC patients, outperforming traditional nomograms.
Research of Savings and Investment Behavior of Students of a Financial University
Authors: Frik O. , Leshenko Yuliya
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the study was to study the savings and investment behavior of students at a financial university. In this work, based on the results of the author’s survey conducted in the fall of 2023, in which 173 students from all areas of study took part in the Omsk branch of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, the attitude of young people to savings and investment activities is studied. The theoretical basis of the study included such methods as analysis, comparison, specification, generalization, and modeling. The main applied method is an online survey (Internet survey, web survey) - a quantitative method of collecting sociological information, which is carried out using Internet technology, the most modern way of obtaining and processing data. In addition to the online survey, the following research methods were used: analysis of primary information, analysis of scientific literature of researchers involved in this topic.
A Genetic Approach to Identify Proteins that Interact with Eukaryotic Microtubule Severing Proteins via a Yeast Two Hybrid System
Authors:   , Alhassan Hassan H
Published: February 2025

Microtubules (MT) are regulated by multiple categories of proteins, including proteins responsible for severing MTs that are therefore called MT-severing proteins. Studies of katanin, spastin, and fidgetin in animal systems have clarified that these proteins are MT-severing. However, studies in plants have been limited to katanin p60, and little is known about spastin or fidgetin and their function in plants. I looked at plant genomes to identify MT-severing protein homologues to clarify which severing proteins exist in plants. I obtained data from a variety of eukaryotic species to look for MT-severing proteins using homology to human proteins and analyzed these protein sequences to obtain information on the evolution of MT-severing proteins in different species. I focused this analysis on MT-severing proteins in the maize and Arabidopsis thaliana genomes. I created evolutionary phylogenetic trees for katanin-p60, katanin-p80, spastin, and fidgetin using sequences from animal, plant, and fungal genomes. I focused on Arabidopsis spastin and worked to understand its functionality by identifying protein interaction partners. The yeast two-hybrid technique was used to screen an Arabidopsis cDNA library to identify putative spastin interactors. I sought to confirm the putative protein interactions by using molecular tools for protein localization such as the YFP system. Finally, a Biomolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) assay was initiated as a proof of concept for confirmation of in vivo protein-protein interaction.
Effective Leadership Practices in Improvement-Required Schools
Authors:   , Kimm Linda L.
Published: February 2025

This mixed-methods study identified the effective practices of the principal and leadership team in an Improvement-Required (IR) high school that significantly influenced student achievement and guided their school from IR to a rating of Met Standard in one year. IR or F schools under the new system are schools that failed to meet the state accountability target goals. The high school in this study had a large culturally and economically diverse student population with a high percentage of English learners. The leadership practices were identified through four themes revealed by the qualitative data analysis of focus group and individual in-depth interviews: (a) importance of instructional, collaborative leadership, (b) intentional planning of effective instruction for all students, (c) consistent use of data to guide instruction, and (d) ongoing, data based, targeted staff development. The study findings are significant due to strong corroboration between the qualitative data collected from the interviews and the quantitative results from the faculty survey.
Public Order and Social Control through Religion in the Roman Republic
Authors:   , Williams Sheri
Published: February 2025

Rome was among the largest cities in Europe during the Republic era, with a population that was diverse in social status and ethnicity. To maintain public order and social control of such a large, continually growing and shifting population that encompassed mixed cultures and Roman citizens, the Roman elites had to use various methods to keep the peace and maintain social stability. As religion was so deeply ingrained into every aspect of Roman life, it is worth taking a deeper look into how those in charge used it to maintain peace and relative control in Rome and its territories. Chapter 1 offers a brief look at the history of Roman religion, its terms and definitions, and the idea of social control as it pertains to this thesis. Chapter 2 shows the motivations of the Roman elite classes in their use of religion to maintain public order and enforce social control of the mass population. Couched in the need to uphold the Pax Deorum or Peace of the Gods, religious piety and order was cultivated as a means to protect the Republic from harm. Chapter 3 explains how the Patrician and Plebeian classes directed the attention of the residents of Rome with a calendar that was filled with rituals, sacrifices, festivals, and market days. In keeping a busy religious schedule, the people of Rome maintained a constant and direct relationship with the gods. Chapter 4 discusses the importance of women in the roles of priestesses and officers in religious cult to sustain the religious health and welfare of the city of Rome and the smaller communities within the city they inhabited. Chapter 5 examines the use of execution as a religious means of enforcing public order and social control. The chapter explores different means of execution and how they were placed into the realm of religion as a means to rid the populace of impurity and cultivate the piety of the Republic. Chapter 6 brings all of these elements together to show that the people of the Roman Republic believed in their gods and believed that the religious rites and practices that they maintained were instrumental in keeping the Pax Deorum. It was this belief that the ruling Patrician and Plebeian classes regulated to make sure that public and social order were upheld and preserved.
Computational Study of Intermolecular Interactions in Complex Chemical Systems
Authors:   , Vazquez Montelongo Erik Antonio
Published: February 2025

This work discusses applications of computational simulations to a wide variety of chemical systems, to investigate intermolecular interactions to develop force field parameters and gain new insights into chemical reactivity and structure stability. First, we cover the characterization of hydrogen-bonding interactions in pyrazine tetracarboxamide complexes employing quantum topological analyses. Second we describe the use of quantum mechanical energy decomposition analysis (EDA) and non-covalent interactions (NCIs) analysis to investigate hydrogen-bonding and intermolecular interactions in a series of representative 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([bmim][Tf2N]) ion pairs extracted from classical equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Thirdly, we describe the use of multipolar/polarizable AMOEBA force field to study the extraction of benzene from a gasoline model employing 1,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluorobrorate, [DMIM][BF4], and ethylmethylimidazolium tetrafluorobrorate, [EMIM][BF4]. Fourthly, we cover the recent improvements and new capabilities of the QM/MM code "LICHEM". Finally, we describe the use of polarizable ab initio QM/MM calculations and study the reaction mechanism of N-tert-butyloxycarbonylation of aniline in [EMIm][BF4], and ground state destabilization in uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG).
The Administration of Unemployment Relief by the State of Texas during the Great Depression, 1929-1941
Authors:   , Park David B.
Published: February 2025

During the Great Depression, for the first time in its history, the federal government provided relief to the unemployed and destitute through myriad New Deal agencies. This dissertation examines how "general relief" (direct or "make-work") from federal programs—primarily the Emergency Relief and Construction Act (ERCA) and Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA)—was acquired and administered by the government of Texas through state administrative agencies. These agencies included the Chambers of Commerce (1932-1933), Unofficial Texas Relief Commission (1933), Texas Rehabilitation and Relief Commission (1933), Official Texas Relief Commission (1933-1934), Texas Relief Commission Division of the State Board of Control (1934), and the Department of Public Welfare (1939). Overall, the effective administration of general relief in the Lone Star State was undermined by a political ideology that persisted from, and was embodied by, the "Redeemer" Constitution of 1876.
A Survey of 21st Century Gay-Themed American Art Songs for Baritone
Authors:   , Cardwell Robert Ewell
Published: February 2025

The majority of repertoire catalogs for singers, printed and digital, often list works by voice type, language, and/or genre. The 21st century has seen an emergence of online classical music catalogs where the user can seek repertoire by searching composers from underrepresented communities (i.e., women, Black, LGBTQ, Latinx). What does not currently exist is a resource that catalogs songs for solo voice dealing specifically with gay subject matter. This dissertation surveys seventeen 21st century gay-themed art songs by four living American composers: David Del Tredici, Ben Moore, Clint Borzoni, and Gary Schocker. Each chapter introduces a different composer and a select representation of their gay-themed art songs. Each entry includes text analysis based on the composer's and author's intentions and a brief analysis to determine pedagogical and musical difficulty. It is my intent that this document will facilitate a much-needed resource and encourage further study, promotion, and performance of voice works with gay themes. Moreover, I hope that it will serve as a tool for the applied voice teacher to assist in the vocal and artistic development of their students through broader repertoire choices.
A Conductor's Guide to Lionel Daunais's Figures de danse
Authors:   , Murray Brian C.
Published: February 2025

Lionel Daunais was an eminent and beloved 20th-century Québécois musician who contributed greatly to the performing arts in Canada. Through his work with the Trio Lyrique, Les Variétés Lyriques, and his numerous compositions, he wielded a potent sphere of influence on the Canadian musical landscape. Lionel Daunais's compositions constitute a significant oeuvre, comprising solo vocal works, song cycles, folksong arrangements, individual choral works, and multi-movement choral works. Marked by irresistible wit, the melodicism of French mélodie, and the absolute eminence of the text, Figures de danse is his most well-known multi-movement choral work. Daunais penned the earliest extant version of Figures de danse in 1947, however, the work emerged into Québec's choral scene in the mid-1970s via the establishment of the Alliance des Chorales du Québec. This set of tragicomic caricatures, which sets beautiful choral and piano writing to clever—and sometimes hilariously nonsensical—texts by Daunais himself, is accessible for performance by youth choirs, community choirs, university choirs, and professional choirs alike. Unfortunately, various factors (e.g. the separation of the choral and piano scores, local references, and score errors) often stymie its performance. The purpose of this dissertation is to ameliorate these challenges via a conductor's guide and to advocate for the performance of Daunais's chef-d'oeuvre.
What do They Know about Science? Initial Certification Testing of Elementary Preservice Teacher Candidates
Authors:   , Pope Elisabeth
Published: February 2025

Literature indicates that science content knowledge has long presented difficulties for preservice elementary teachers. Analyses of 473 scores from participants' attempts on an elementary certification exam, the TExES EC-6 Core Subjects, Science (804), were analyzed for this study to determine the impact of a physical science intervention that included demonstration lessons, microteaching, and reflection as part of a science methods course on science content knowledge. Analyses of scores for participants making repeat attempts to pass indicated that scores were higher for attempts made after participation in the physical science intervention than attempts made before participation. Of 104 participants who made initial unsuccessful attempts and repeat attempts, the 89 attempts made after participation in the physical science intervention had a mean scaled score of 238.24 (SD = 14.93) while the mean score for the 15 attempts made before participation in the intervention was 219.73 (SD = 20.04). The difference between the mean scaled score for these two groups was statistically significant, t = -4.21, df = 102, p<.001. Score reports from Hispanic/Latino and from White/Non-Hispanic participants who passed on the first attempt (n = 85, MS = 259.82, SD = 12.04 and n = 226, MS = 264.12, SD = 11.92, respectively) were compared to score reports from Hispanic/Latino and White/Non-Hispanic participants who were not successful on the initial attempt and made repeat attempts (n = 32, MS = 235.31, SD = 14.86 and n = 51, MS = 240.06, SD = 15.13). Analysis indicated that there was statistically significant difference in mean scaled scores between the groups who passed the initial attempt (t = -2.83, df = 309, p = .005) while there was no statistically significant difference in the mean scaled scores when comparing Hispanic/Latino and White/Non-Hispanic participants completing multiple attempts (t = -1.40, df = 81, p = .165). A final analysis indicated that for White/Non-Hispanic participants who were not successful on their initial attempt and made multiple attempts, the mean scaled score was higher for attempts made after participation in the intervention (n = 51, MS = 240.06, SD = 15.13) when compared to the mean scaled score of attempts made before participation (n = 12, MS = 225.50, SD = 14.71). The difference in the means of these scaled scores was statistically significant (t = -3.01, df = 61, p =.004).
Creeks and Open Spaces: Ned Fritz's Environmental Crusades
Authors:   , Ingram Jared S.
Published: February 2025

Edward C. Fritz was one of the most influential environmentalists in Texas history. Although he took a circuitous route to environmental activism, Fritz evolved into a powerful force fighting on behalf of Texan nature. Participating in substantial actions throughout the second half of the twentieth century, Fritz's contributions to environmental activism resulted in the successful preservation of thousands of acres and multiple wildlife species. Fritz parlayed his legal background into effective activism, beginning his career with a successful lobbying campaign for protection of Harris Hawks. He led the campaign to stop a decades old plan for canalization of the Trinity River. The creation of COST combined Fritz's environmental focus with the concerns of economic conservatives to prevent a billion dollar government funded project that would have significantly altered the river. Fritz then led a cadre who took over efforts to establish a preserve in the Big Thicket national forest. He oversaw the foundation of a protected area far larger than original expectations, capitalizing on the growing awareness of environmental issues in the 1970s. Fritz's interest in the Big Thicket led to a fight against the Forest Service's practice of clearcutting and its effect on Red Cockaded Woodpeckers. Through litigation and legislation, Fritz fostered a grassroots movement aimed at reforming management of the national forests, saw the establishment of the state's first wilderness, and saved the declining population of the woodpeckers. For his tireless approach and lifelong achievements, Fritz was given the title of "Father of Texas Conservation."
Determinacy of Schmidt's Game and Other Intersection Games
Authors:   , Crone Logan
Published: February 2025

Schmidt's game, and other similar intersection games have played an important role in recent years in applications to number theory, dynamics, and Diophantine approximation theory. These games are real games, that is, games in which the players make moves from a complete separable metric space. The determinacy of these games trivially follows from the axiom of determinacy for real games,ADR, which is a much stronger axiom than that asserting all integer games are determined, AD. One of our main results is a general theorem which under the hypothesis AD implies the determinacy of intersection games which have a property allowing strategies to be simplified. In particular, we show that Schmidt's (α,β,ρ) game on R is determined from AD alone, but on Rn for n≥3 we show that AD does not imply the determinacy of this game. We then give an application of simple strategies and prove that the winning player in Schmidt's (α,β,ρ) game on R has a winning positional strategy, without appealing to the axiom of choice. We also prove several other results specifically related to the determinacy of Schmidt's game. These results highlight the obstacles in obtaining the determinacy of Schmidt's game from AD
The Effects of Probiotics on Growth, and Metabolism in Juvenile Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique Tilapia)
Authors:   , Anderson Michael Earl
Published: February 2025

Improving growth, lowering mortality rates, and having a faster turnaround to harvest is essential for the future of commercial aquaculture. The primary goal of this study was to determine if introducing a single strain probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC 501 into the feed regimen of a commercially important aquaculture freshwater fish, Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), would decrease mortality; change metabolic rates; and increase tissue wet mass (MW), standard length, growth rate and feed conversion rate (FCRs). IMC501 was added to the fishmeal in four increasing concentrations and compared to a control without probiotics. Results from two-way ANOVAs showed that both treatment levels and elapsed time had a significant effect on both mean standard length and wet mass; in the latter case, time points and treatments interacted with one another, showing that tilapia grew best with a moderate level of probiotics present. The growth benefits of probiotics continued for months after the initial treatments. Oxygen consumption (metabolic rate) was measured using closed respirometry and resulted in recording the first values for juvenile tilapia treated with probiotics. For oxygen consumption, there were significant treatment and time effects with significant interactions, indicating that metabolism increased with probiotics once the dosage exceeded three times the industry level. These results are consistent with the observed increases in mass, length and growth rates. These results demonstrate the importance of conducting dose-response experiments in order to determine the most effective concentration of probiotics in juvenile freshwater fish. Importantly, probiotics at the right concentration increase metabolic rates and can positively influence tilapia growth, which is of interest for the optimization of Mozambique tilapia production in aquaculture.
Teacher and Student Perceptions of Pop Culture in the English Classroom
Authors:   , Visco William
Published: February 2025

This qualitative case study explores teachers and students perceptions of pop culture and its use in secondary English classrooms. I used thematic analysis to identify key themes addressed by teachers and students concerning pop culture. Teachers and students were surveyed and from there purposive sampling was used to select five teachers and eight students. Participants took part in individual and focus group interviews regarding their perceptions of pop culture use in the classroom as well as classroom observations. In my analysis of data I identified themes that both students and teachers shared such as the use of pop culture to build positive teacher-student relationships or make lessons relevant to students' lives. Additionally, the research shows differences such as teachers' trepidation of using pop culture effectively or not knowing where to find relevant references. Practitioner implications include: the importance of implementing pop culture to help build positive student-teacher relationships, professional development to help teachers implement pop culture in their classes, and more student voice in the pop culture selection process. Implications for future research include investigating the perceptions of pop culture use in other countries' school systems or socioeconomic school districts within the United States. Additionally, a longitudinal study into the potential of pop culture pedagogy on student success in secondary English classrooms, to include making such teaching inclusive and responsive, could prove significant.
Encrypted Collaborative Editing Software
Authors:   , Tran Augustin
Published: February 2025

Cloud-based collaborative editors enable real-time document processing via remote connections. Their common application is to allow Internet users to collaboratively work on their documents stored in the cloud, even if these users are physically a world apart. However, this convenience comes at a cost in terms of user privacy. Hence, the growth of popularity of cloud computing application stipulates the growth in importance of cloud security. A major concern with the cloud is who has access to user data. In order to address this issue, various third-party services offer encryption mechanisms for protection of the user data in the case of insider attacks or data leakage. However, these services often only encrypt data-at-rest, leaving the data which is being processed potentially vulnerable. The purpose of this study is to propose a prototype software system that encrypts collaboratively edited data in real-time, preserving the user experience similar to that of, e.g., Google Docs.
Institutionalizing Atrocity: An Analysis of Civil War Legacy, Post-Conflict Governance, and State Behavior
Authors:   , Yates Tyler
Published: February 2025

This dissertation examines the behavior of post-civil war governments and explores how the aftermath of civil war not only influences state behavior but how the previous conflict becomes institutionalized through a state's governance decisions. While post-civil war states will each have different governance needs as they endure the post-conflict environment, this dissertation contends that the governance decisions a state chooses are key to understanding, and potentially predicting, future government behavior. Further, it is important to recognize the role that the previous civil war plays towards shaping a state's governance decisions and the opportunities available.
Winning Sets and the Banach-Mazur-McMullen Game
Authors:   , Ragland Robin
Published: February 2025

For decades, mathematical games have been used to explore various properties of particular sets. The Banach-Mazur game is the prototypical intersection game and its modifications by e.g., W. Schmidt and C. McMullen are used in number theory and many other areas of mathematics. We give a brief survey of a few of these modifications and their properties followed by our own modification. One of our main results is proving that this modification is equivalent to an important set theoretic game, called the perfect set game, developed by M. Davis.
The Effect of Accelerated Instruction on Summer Regression
Authors:   , Voss Pamela J
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit accrued to fifth-grade students who participated in a summer school accelerated instruction program utilizing accelerated instructional practices in a Texas school district. The secondary intent was to determine the program's effect on student regression or retention as measured by Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) scores and State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests in reading and mathematics. The district provided summer accelerated instruction to fifth-grade students who did not pass reading and/or mathematics portions of STAAR for the May administration. For this study, I focused on the 2018 summer accelerated instruction offered by the district, using a mixed methods design to analyze the effectiveness of accelerated instruction for the students who participated in the summer program. A paired samples t-test was conducted to evaluate if students who failed the May STAAR in either reading or mathematics increased their scores on the June STAAR. Also, a paired samples t-test was conducted to determine if these same students increased their fall MAP test when compared to the spring MAP test. Teachers were interviewed to determine their perceptions of the most beneficial parts of summer school for students who attended. The results showed that attending the 2018 summer accelerated instruction program had a statistically significant effect on STAAR reading and mathematics scores and a statistically significant effects on the MAP reading and mathematics scores. Three themes emerged from the teacher interviews as being benefits of accelerated instruction: administrative support, a growth focus, and social and emotional health.
Key Factors in Developing a Successful Bond Referendum in Texas School Districts
Authors:   , Griffiths Peter Edward
Published: February 2025

In May of 2002, Wichita Falls ISD, a district in Texas with a stagnate enrollment of 14,000 students for multiple years, asked for the community to support a $120 million bond to help cover the cost of four new elementary campuses and to maintain and upgrade aging facilities. The bond failed. Additionally, a 2004 bond failed again. Finally, in 2006, the district is finally able to pass a $60 million bond and only includes two new elementary campuses and no funding to address the aging facilities. At the same time, other districts in fast growing areas of Texas are able to pass school bonds with little to no issues. This begs the question, is there a formula for getting school bonds passed? The purpose of this study is to discover what key factors influence a bond package; to help find those answers, eight districts in Texas were selected, five considered to be a fast-growth district" and three considered to be no-growth district. The study used a qualitative research approach, using semi-structured interviews with 24 participants. After all factors were analyzed, a pattern and recommendation is developed for districts to follow allowing a high degree of success for school bonds.
The Adaptation of Saxophone-Like Phrasing into the Improvisatory and Compositional Vocabulary of Jazz Guitar: A Comparative Analysis of Phrasing, Articulation, and Melodic Design in the Styles of Jimmy Raney, Jim Hall, and John Scofield
Authors:   , Pinilla Daniel
Published: February 2025

This study investigates how different guitarists introduced saxophone-like phrasing into the improvisatory and compositional vocabulary of jazz guitar through their collaborations with saxophonists. This research presents a comparative analysis of phrasing, articulation, and melodic design in solo improvisations. The mixed approach to this study includes analysis of motives, voice leading, articulation, length of phrases, melodic contour, and the execution of bebop vocabulary on the guitar. The findings are based on original transcriptions from significant recordings by guitar-saxophone pairs. These highlight the similarities between and adaptations of musical devices from saxophonists Stan Getz, Jimmy Giuffre, and Joe Lovano into the jazz guitar styles of Jimmy Raney, Jim Hall, and John Scofield. This study supports the argument that the evolution of modern jazz guitar playing is directly connected to the adaptation of saxophone-like phrasing at an improvisatory and compositional level. It also shows that the concept of style in jazz flows between different instruments' lineages. Understanding these findings provides a more complex and accurate concept of the development of style in jazz.