Navigating Vertical Transfer Online: Access to and Usefulness of Transfer Information on Community College Websites

Objective: To transfer, students often must navigate complex and imperfect information about credit transfer, bureaucratic hurdles, and conflicting degree requirements. This study examined how administrators and transfer personnel think about institutional online transfer resources and examined community colleges’ online transfer information. Methods: For a sample of 20 Texas community colleges, we spoke to key transfer personnel about the information provided to students and reviewed college websites, assessing the ease of access and usefulness of online transfer information. We used a qualitative case study approach to triangulate findings from our data sources. Results: Approximately two-thirds of colleges in the sample fell below the highest standard on our rubric for either ease of access or usefulness, indicating room for improvement at most institutions. Many personnel recognized the strengths and limitations of their college’s online information, though several were ambivalent about the need for improving online information, arguing that online information is not as promising an intervention as face-to-face advising. Conclusions/Contributions: Our research illustrates the need for colleges to develop and update their online information intentionally, determining which information students need in order to transfer (including transfer guides for partner programs/colleges) and how students might search for that information, and ensuring that necessary transfer information is available and up-to-date. The framework provided by our website-review approach, coupled with a proposed rubric to assess ease of access and usefulness of transfer information, may guide institutions in their evaluation of their online transfer information.Educational Leadership and Polic

SNPs located at CpG sites modulate genome-epigenome interaction

DNA methylation is an important molecular-level phenotype that links genotypes and complex disease traits. Previous studies have found local correlation between genetic variants and DNA methylation levels (cis-meQTLs). However, general mechanisms underlying cis-meQTLs are unclear. We conducted a cis-meQTL analysis of the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network data (n = 593). We found that over 80% of genetic variants at CpG sites (meSNPs) are meQTL loci (P-value < 10(−9)), and meSNPs account for over two thirds of the strongest meQTL signals (P-value < 10(−200)). Beyond direct effects on the methylation of the meSNP site, the CpG-disrupting allele of meSNPs were associated with lowered methylation of CpG sites located within 45 bp. The effect of meSNPs extends to as far as 10 kb and can contribute to the observed meQTL signals in the surrounding region, likely through correlated methylation patterns and linkage disequilibrium. Therefore, meSNPs are behind a large portion of observed meQTL signals and play a crucial role in the biological process linking genetic variation to epigenetic changes

Feasibility and benefits of reclaiming a man-made lake: A case study of Lake Paradise Mattoon, Illinois

Man-made lakes in Illinois and other states are experiencing severe sedimentation problems, which reduce water-storage capacities and degrade water quality, as well as limit recreational opportunities. In a pilot project at Lake Paradise, Mattoon, Illinois, a number of studies have been conducted on the feasibility and benefits of lake reclamation. Included are studies on the feasibility of dredging Lake Paradise, on the importance of recreation planning to lake reclamation, and on the economics of lake reclamation. The Lake Paradise studies indicate that the sediment of Lake Paradise can be dredged to increase storage capacity and improve water quality and that the sediment can probably be restored as a soil amendment to the surrounding farmland. The studies also indicate that recreation should be an important consideration of lake reclamation planning and that lake reclamation may be cost-efficient compared to other alternatives such as constructing additional water-supply reservoirs. It is recommended that Illinois communities that are experiencing problems with their lakes due to sediment suspension and accumulation should consider lake reclamation as one possible element of a water resources management program. In evaluating the potential of lake reclamation, communities should conduct studies to determine the feasibility of dredging and the uses of the dredged sediments, the economic benefits of reclamation as compared to other alternatives, and the perceptions that local residents have of the benefits of reclaiming a lake. It is also recommended that further research studies of the economics and techniques of dredging and sediment disposal be conducted.U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological SurveyOpe

Epigenome-wide association study of triglyceride postprandial responses to a high-fat dietary challenge

Postprandial lipemia (PPL), the increased plasma TG concentration after consuming a high-fat meal, is an independent risk factor for CVD. Individual responses to a meal high in fat vary greatly, depending on genetic and lifestyle factors. However, only a few loci have been associated with TG-PPL response. Heritable epigenomic changes may be significant contributors to the unexplained inter-individual PPL variability. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study on 979 subjects with DNA methylation measured from CD4(+) T cells, who were challenged with a high-fat meal as a part of the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network study. Eight methylation sites encompassing five genes, LPP, CPT1A, APOA5, SREBF1, and ABCG1, were significantly associated with PPL response at an epigenome-wide level (P < 1.1 × 10(−7)), but no methylation site reached epigenome-wide significance after adjusting for baseline TG levels. Higher methylation at LPP, APOA5, SREBF1, and ABCG1, and lower methylation at CPT1A methylation were correlated with an increased TG-PPL response. These PPL-associated methylation sites, also correlated with fasting TG, account for a substantially greater amount of phenotypic variance (14.9%) in PPL and fasting TG (16.3%) when compared with the genetic contribution of loci identified by our previous genome-wide association study (4.5%). In summary, the epigenome is a large contributor to the variation in PPL, and this has the potential to be used to modulate PPL and reduce CVD

Circumstances and Experiences of Regular and Special Education Teachers in Inclusion

Implementation of federally mandated classroom inclusion of students with disabilities (SWDs) in the United States is inconsistent. Research has been limited on how teachers implement inclusion in classrooms, which has prevented systemwide improvements of inclusion practices. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to describe the circumstances and experiences of regular and special education teachers in 3rd to 6th grade inclusion classes. The theory of organizational learning served as the conceptual framework for the study. Data were collected in interviews with 7 regular education teachers (RETs) and 5 special education teachers (SETs) from 3 public school districts in a south-central U.S. state. Data were analyzed using open coding to identify themes and patterns. Results indicated that SETs served SWDs from multiple classes and sometimes from multiple grades rather than following 1 student throughout the day. Further, RETs had students with and without disabilities from up to 7 different grade levels in their inclusion classrooms. Findings also revealed that none of the participants engaged in collaborative content planning. Almost all participants expressed the need for additional teachers to reduce the teacher-to-student ratio and for more training for RETs to support inclusion of SWDs in their classes. Findings may provide information to leaders at the building, district, regional, state, and legislative levels regarding how inclusion can be improved in classrooms, including how systemic change in public school systems may be implemented

Caffe Cino: The cradle of Lanford Wilson\u27s career.

This study examines the role which the Caffe Cinco played in the development of Lanford Wilson\u27s career. It combines the history of the Caffe Cinco with the analysis of the themes of fantasy and sexuality in four of Wilson\u27s one act plays, showing how he learned and progressed as a playwright during the period when he was associated with the Caffe Cinco. Chapter One provides background information on the economic reasons for the development of the alternative theatre movement in Greenwich Village during the early sixties which became known as Off Off- Broadway. The Caffe Cincowas the earliest and most important coffeehouse theater in the movement, Chapter Two includes a description of the Caffe Cinco and anecdotes about its owner Joseph Cinco taken from personal remembrances of people associated with him. It also contains a history of the cinco derived primarily from information gleaned from articles and announcements in The Village Voice. Chapter Three contains an analysis of the themes of fantasy and sexuality in the published plays of 1964, Home Free and The Maddness Of Lady Bright. The plays are known for their sympathetic portrayal of aberrant character. Elements of style in the plays are also explored. Background on the two unpublished plays, So Long at the Fair No Trespassing, are briefly discussed. Chapter Four examines Wilson\u27s two plays which were performed at the Caffe Cinco between January and July 1965. Ludlow Fair and This is the Rill Speaking are Wilsons first attempt to create normative characters. Fantasy and sexuality are still integral to the characters, but Wilson\u27s use of it is less obvious than in the previous plays discussed. Style is a major element in This Is the Rill Speaking. Much of the information contained in the thesis was obtained from personal interviews conducted in 1990 with Megan Terry, Robert Patrick and Lanford Wilson. An appendix is included which catalogues all the listings for the Caffe Cinco in The Village Voice from 1959 to 1968. Facsimiles of four original posters designed by Wilson for Home Free, The Madness of Lady Bright, and This Is the Rill Speaking are also included