York University

About: York University is a education organization based out in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Politics. The organization has 18899 authors who have published 43357 publications receiving 1568560 citations.

Lexical processing strategy use and vocabulary learning through reading

Abstract: This article reports on a strategy training study that investigated the lexical processing strategies (LPSs; ignore, consult, infer) used by L2 learners when they encounter unfamiliar vocabulary while reading and the impact of these strategies on vocabulary learning. A time-series with repeated-measures design was used. Introspective data were gathered from eight participants (Francophone university students, intermediate ESL proficiency) on eight texts over 5 months to elicit LPS use on self-identified unfamiliar words. Then, 1 week after each reading, participants completed a cued recall task to measure their learning of these words. An analysis of overall LPS use (changes in patterns and effectiveness of strategy use with LPS-focused instruction) and word retention rates demonstrates the potential for vocabulary learning through reading and indicates that some LPSs lead to higher retention rates than others. This research increases our understanding of the role of LPS use in vocabulary learning and suggests some reevaluation of current pedagogic practice.

Heterogeneous Reactions of Glyoxal on Particulate Matter: Identification of Acetals and Sulfate Esters

Abstract: Reactive uptake of glyoxal onto particulate matter has been studied in laboratory experiments in a 2 m3 Teflon reaction chamber. Inorganic seed particles of different composition were utilized, including (NH4)2SO4, (NH4)2SO4/H2SO4, NaNO3, and simulated sea salt, while the relative humidity and acid concentration were varied. The organic composition of the growing particles was measured in situ with an aerosol mass spectrometer, providing particle mass spectra as a means of product identification. Aerosol physical characteristics were also measured with a differential mobility analyzer and condensation nucleus counter. Regardless of seed composition, particle growth was rapid and continuous over the course of several hours. Identification of several mass fragments greater than the glyoxal monomer suggested that heterogeneous reactions to form glyoxal adducts of low volatility had occurred. Temporal analysis of the mass fragments was consistent with a proposed acid-catalyzed mechanism whereby glyoxal is fir...

Nitrate radicals and biogenic volatile organic compounds: oxidation, mechanisms, and organic aerosol

Abstract: . Oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) by the nitrate radical (NO3) represents one of the important interactions between anthropogenic emissions related to combustion and natural emissions from the biosphere. This interaction has been recognized for more than 3 decades, during which time a large body of research has emerged from laboratory, field, and modeling studies. NO3-BVOC reactions influence air quality, climate and visibility through regional and global budgets for reactive nitrogen (particularly organic nitrates), ozone, and organic aerosol. Despite its long history of research and the significance of this topic in atmospheric chemistry, a number of important uncertainties remain. These include an incomplete understanding of the rates, mechanisms, and organic aerosol yields for NO3-BVOC reactions, lack of constraints on the role of heterogeneous oxidative processes associated with the NO3 radical, the difficulty of characterizing the spatial distributions of BVOC and NO3 within the poorly mixed nocturnal atmosphere, and the challenge of constructing appropriate boundary layer schemes and non-photochemical mechanisms for use in state-of-the-art chemical transport and chemistry–climate models. This review is the result of a workshop of the same title held at the Georgia Institute of Technology in June 2015. The first half of the review summarizes the current literature on NO3-BVOC chemistry, with a particular focus on recent advances in instrumentation and models, and in organic nitrate and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation chemistry. Building on this current understanding, the second half of the review outlines impacts of NO3-BVOC chemistry on air quality and climate, and suggests critical research needs to better constrain this interaction to improve the predictive capabilities of atmospheric models.

MicroRNA miR-93 promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis by targeting integrin-β8.

Abstract: It has been reported that the miR-106b∼25 cluster, a paralog of the miR-17∼92 cluster, possesses oncogenic activities However, the precise role of each microRNA (miRNA) in the miR-106b∼25 cluster is not yet known In this study, we examined the function of miR-93, one of the microRNAs within the miR-106b∼25 cluster, in angiogenesis and tumor formation We found that miR-93 enhanced cell survival, promoted sphere formation and augmented tumor growth Most strikingly, when miR-93-overexpressing U87 cells were co-cultured with endothelial cells, they supported endothelial cell spreading, growth, migration and tube formation In vivo studies revealed that miR-93-expressing cells induced blood vessel formation, allowing blood vessels to extend to tumor tissues in high densities Angiogenesis promoted by miR-93 in return facilitated cell survival, resulting in enhanced tumor growth We further showed that integrin-β8 is a target of miR-93 Higher levels of integrin-β8 are associated with cell death in tumor mass and in human glioblastoma Silencing of integrin-β8 expression using small interfering RNA promoted cell proliferation, whereas ectopic expression of integrin-β8 decreased cell growth These findings showed that miR-93 promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis by suppressing, at least in part, integrin-β8 expression Our results suggest that inhibition of miR-93 function may be a feasible approach to suppress angiogenesis and tumor growth

Private Equity, Leveraged Buyouts and Governance

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the literature on private equity and leveraged buyouts, focusing on global evidence related to both governance and returns to private equity and leveraged buyouts. We distinguish between financial and real returns to this activity, where the latter refers to productivity and broader performance measures. We also outline a research agenda on this topic.