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Performing genetic studies in multiple human populations can identify disease risk alleles that are common in one population but rare in others, with the potential to illuminate pathophysiology, health disparities, and the population genetic origins of disease alleles. Here we analysed 9.2 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in each of 8,214 Mexicans and other Latin Americans: 3,848 with type 2 diabetes and 4,366 non-diabetic controls. In addition to replicating previous findings, we identified a novel locus associated with type 2 diabetes at genome-wide significance spanning the solute carriers SLC16A11 and SLC16A13 (P = 3.9 × 10(-13); odds ratio (OR) = 1.29). The association was stronger in younger, leaner people with type 2 diabetes, and replicated in independent samples (P = 1.1 × 10(-4); OR = 1.20). The risk haplotype carries four amino acid substitutions, all in SLC16A11; it is present at ~50% frequency in Native American samples and ~10% in east Asian, but is rare in European and African samples. Analysis of an archaic genome sequence indicated that the risk haplotype introgressed into modern humans via admixture with Neanderthals. The SLC16A11 messenger RNA is expressed in liver, and V5-tagged SLC16A11 protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum. Expression of SLC16A11 in heterologous cells alters lipid metabolism, most notably causing an increase in intracellular triacylglycerol levels. Despite type 2 diabetes having been well studied by genome-wide association studies in other populations, analysis in Mexican and Latin American individuals identified SLC16A11 as a novel candidate gene for type 2 diabetes with a possible role in triacylglycerol metabolism.

This chapter is based on three premises. The first premise is that the use of instructional systems design (ISD) methods is important in online as well as traditional classroom settings. A second premise is that improving the motivational design of instruction brings benefits to teachers and learners alike. The third premise, specific to this chapter, is that new technologies and the online environment offer opportunities for enhancing motivation, volition, and performance (MVP) as described by John M. Keller in Chapter 1 of this issue.

The endemic Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) is found in only seven montane regions in the southern Appalachians above ca. 1500 m elevation. Due to widespread insect-caused mortality from the invasive balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae Ratzeburg), as well as possible impacts from climate change and atmospheric pollution, the future of Fraser fir populations remains uncertain. Long-term monitoring programs have been in place since the 1980s, and here we present the first predictive population models for endemic Fraser fir populations using the inventory data from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which contains 74% of extant Fraser fir forests. Using two kinds of population data (understory density counts and overstory census data), we model Fraser fir population dynamics on five different mountaintops as a stage-structured matrix model with transition parameters estimated using hierarchical Bayesian inference. We predict robust recovery over the next several decades for some Fraser fir populations, particularly where mature overstory fir has persisted throughout the last two decades, and continued decline for populations at the lowest elevations. Fraser fir densities are already low at these lower elevations, suggesting that this population is vulnerable to local extirpation. Key words: Bayesian hierarchical modeling, stage-structured matrix model, balsam woolly adelgid; Abies fraseri. Le sapin de Fraser (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.), une espece endemique, est present seulement dans sept regions montagneuses du sud des Appalaches a une altitude superieure a environ 1500 m. L'avenir du sapin de Fraser demeure incertain a cause de la mortalite repandue causee par un insecte invasif, le puceron lanigere du sapin (Adelges piceae Ratzeburg), ainsi que des impacts potentiels du changement climatique et de la pollution atmospherique. Des programmes de surveillance a long terme sont en place depuis les annees 1980 et nous presentons ici les premiers modeles predictifs de population pour les populations endemiques de sapin de Fraser a l'aide de donnees d'inventaire provenant du parc national des Great Smoky Mountains ou l'on retrouve 74 % des forets encore existantes de sapin de Fraser. En utilisant deux sortes de donnees de population (mesures de densite du sous-bois et donnees d'inventaire de l'etage dominant), nous avons modelise la dynamique de population du sapin de Fraser sur le sommet de cinq montagnes differentes au moyen d'un modele matriciel structure en stades avec des parametres de transition estimes par inference bayesienne hierarchique. Nous predisons une forte recuperation au cours de plusieurs des prochaines decennies pour certaines populations, particulierement celles ou un etage dominant de sapin de Fraser mature a persiste pendant les deux dernieres decennies, ainsi que la poursuite du deperissement dans les populations situees a plus basse altitude. La densite du sapin de Fraser est deja faible a basse altitude, ce qui indique que cette population est sujette a une disparition locale. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: modelisation bayesienne hierarchique, modele matriciel structure en stades, puceron lanigere du sapin, Abies fraseri., 1. Introduction The southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest is a relict ecosystem found in only seven mountaintop populations ranging from Mount Rogers in southwestern Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains of [...]

Examines the role of technology in teaching evaluation, discussing the need to incorporate the principles of good evaluation practice as evaluation systems become increasingly automated. Suggests applications of technology that hold promise for improving evaluation practice, such as teacher-course evaluation systems. (EV)

Discusses some of the most common myths about student ratings of teacher effectiveness and looks at the evidence from research on these issues; concludes that student ratings can provide powerful and useful information. Offers recommendations on the proper implementation, interpretation, and use of such evaluations. (EV)

There is steadily accumulating evidence of the misuse or overuse of ratings data, but this does not invalidate their usefulness. The research literature has been concerned almost exclusively with the construction of ratings instruments. There has been little systematic study about creating evaluation systems that truly respond to the needs of those who evaluate teaching performance. (JM)

At the request of a professor, a university center for teaching and learning conducted formative evaluations of an undergraduate course. The evaluation process included two stages: a mid-term formative evaluation with feedback and suggested changes and an end-of-term final evaluation and review. This case study discusses the evaluations and the success of changes made based on the evaluations. (EV)

Tin mining in Bangka Belitung has been exploited for hundred years. The province is the second largest tin producer in the world. Secondary data from studies which took place in all four regencies in Bangka Island were discussed to show the impact of mining activities and its reclamation studies. In order to add plant selection criteria for regevetate mined soil, the greenhouse and laboratory experiment was carried out with fourteen herbs and grass species in Tennessee. The mining activities increase the wealth of the community, but the other hand they change and decrease the environmental stability, and cause horizontal conflicts. Offshore mining reduced water quality, change sea bed caused the change of biodiversity. Onshore mining activity reduces biodiversity and causes floods and damages infrastructure. While the more economic species are demanded, planting local tree species is challenging. An evaluation with local tree species concluded that best adapted species based on anatomical and physiological measurements was not those that showed the best performance in the field. The greenhouse and laboratory findings indicate that some physiological characteristics i.e. plant height and cover, transpiration rate, and foliar pigments may be used to select plant adaptability to mined soil.

For student rating data to be useful in improving college teaching, consultants and faculty need to know how different evaluative purposes effect evaluation results, and they must be able to interpret and use the data at hand. A series of steps should be followed to help ensure valid data interpretation. (MSE)

Student ratings reflect the variety and range of teacher behaviors and the instructional successes and failures. Although researchers, practitioners, and users of rating systems acknowledge their multidimensionality, it is not fully used. Understanding the context of evaluations and identifying how intended uses and audiences affect data collection is critical. (MSE)

Those who develop and use student faculty rating systems have an obligation to make them support good practice. Effectively communicating evaluation results to higher education policymakers includes helping them understand system goals and what is needed to achieve them. Training information users in the skills of using the information is critical. (MSE)