Search

Citizen participation has a crucial role in delivering the transformations needed to tackle the climate crisis. To capture citizens' perspectives on the issue, we use a deliberative mini-public on consumption and mobility in Spain. Following a mixed-method research design, we combine the results from a deliberative survey with a thematic analysis, being one of the few case studies transcribing deliberations and systematically identifying the themes emerging from them. Our results show how deliberation increased citizens' understanding of the complexities of the climate crisis, as well as their willingness to commit to certain behavioural changes and accept certain policies, although it had no effects on policies recognised as unjust. The thematic analysis unveiled participants' perceived barriers and solutions to climate action and the most common emotions linked to them. Our findings indicate that citizens feel more empowered to act on consumption, as mobility is often seen outside their remit. Moreover, citizens' feelings of frustration with the current socio-economic system and hope for future changes deserve further scrutiny to evaluate the acceptability of alternative futures. The deliberative process created a space of dialogue among citizens and showed the potential of deliberation to contribute to democratising climate governance and action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its creation in 2016, the FoodOn food ontology has become an interconnected partner in various academic and government projects that span agricultural and public health domains. This paper examines recent data interoperability capabilities arising from food-related ontologies belonging to, or compatible with, the encyclopedic Open Biological and Biomedical Ontology Foundry (OBO) ontology platform, and how research organizations and industry might utilize them for their own projects or for data exchange. Projects are seeking standardized vocabulary across many food supply activities ranging from agricultural production, harvesting, preparation, food processing, marketing, distribution and consumption, as well as more indirect health, economic, food security and sustainability analysis and reporting tools. To satisfy this demand for controlled vocabulary requires establishing domain specific ontologies whose curators coordinate closely to produce recommended patterns for food system vocabulary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunohistochemical staining techniques, such as the APAAP, ABC, EnVision and Immuf1p4x methods, play a leading role in the search to solve the questions arising in clinical diagnosis. With the increase in number of techniques for diagnostic examination, the sarch for suitable method is becoming more and more important. The goal of this study was to compare these different treatments with regard to sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, an analysis of time and cost was made. The primary antibodies used were CD20, CD30 and IgM, as well as receptor antibodies estrogen and progesterone. The variable costs of each technique were calculated based on selected examples. The APAAP method required the most time and was, at the same time, by far the most expensive treatment. The EnVision method required the least time and showed very good staining results, which were comparable to those of the ABC and ImmunoMax techniques. The staining costs could be reduced by about 95% and the staining intensity improved substantially by using expensive receptor antibodies in combination with the Immuno-Max method. This study illustrates the importance of knowing different examination techniques, as well as the costs arising by their usage.

Cellulose, a sustainable source of fermentable glucose and nanomaterials, exists as highly-ordered, solvent-inaccessible fibrils held by intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Cellulose hydrolysis rates and extents are limited by the availability and accessibility of productive cellulase binding sites at the water–cellulose interface. There is a need to understand how spatial heterogeneity of celluloses impacts hydrolysis kinetics. We report a real-time, in situ infrared spectromicroscopy study of enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis in buffer with micrometer-scale spatial mapping. Algal cellulose depletion by a purified cellobiohydrolase Cel7A was tracked as time-resolved decreases in the absorption peak intensities of the glycosidic bond (1161 cm−1), C2–O2 (1112 cm−1), C3–O3 (1059 cm−1), and C6–O6 rotamers (1034 cm−1, 1013 cm−1, and 997 cm−1). Depletion kinetics varied spatially, with peak intensities decreasing to zero in some areas and plateauing in others. Hydration impacted cellulose ordering where C6–O6 and C3–O3 peaks were sharp, narrow, and centered at higher frequencies when hydrated, but broader, less well-defined and centered at lower frequencies when dried. Temporal trends of the Lateral Order Index (LOI), Total Crystallinity Index (TCI), and Hydrogen Bonding Index (HBI) indicated that hydrolysis by Cel7A preferentially removed less extensively hydrogen bonded cellulose, without significantly affecting the overall crystallinity of highly ordered cellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral infections of teleost fish have great environmental and economic implications in aquaculture. Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) is a pathogen affecting more than 120 different species, causing high mortality and morbidity. Herein, we studied the course of NNV experimental infection of D. labrax, focusing on survivors which indicated viral carrier state. To determine the carrier state of D. labrax head kidney, we performed a gene expression analysis of selected immune-related genes and we profiled its transcriptome 14 days post infection (dpi). All tested genes showed clear differentiations in expression levels while most of them were up-regulated 14 dpi suggesting that their role is not limited in early antiviral responses, but they are also implicated in disease persistence. To gain a better understanding of the fish that survived the acute infection but still maintained a high viral load, we studied the differential expression of 124 up-regulated and 48 down-regulated genes in D. labrax head kidney, at 14 dpi. Concluding, the NNV virus persistent profile was assessed in D. labrax, where immune-related gene modification was intense (14 dpi) and the head kidney transcriptome profile at this time point offered a glimpse into host attempts to control the infection in asymptomatic carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of the adhesive was an important guarantee for the retard‐bonded prestressing technology. This study concentrated on quickly and reasonably predicting the service life of the adhesive. Samples of the adhesive were exposed in air circulating ovens set at 170, 190, and 210°C for various periods of time. The tensile shear strength of unaged and aged samples was tested. Two life prediction methods based on performance degradation data were presented in this paper. The improved Arrhenius model could improve the credibility and accuracy of extrapolation results meanwhile explains the non‐Arrhenius characteristics of adhesive at low temperature. The lifetime prediction result of the neural network model was close to that of the improved Arrhenius model. The conclusion is that the aging lifetime of adhesive is more than 70 years at an environment below 40°C. The research results provide direct and effective reference value for the life prediction of accelerated failure tests of adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrile butadiene rubbers (NBR) are widely used in sealing applications, such as O‐rings inside the pneumatic system of the French high‐speed train (TGV). In this application, a strong hardening of the NBRs alters the sealing function. Predicting the evolution of the mechanical properties during service life, especially the material hardening, is therefore a strategic issue to optimize time in maintenance operations of the TGV's pneumatic system. The main goal of this study is to reproduce the aging observed on a train's pneumatic system by performing thermo‐oxidative accelerated aging tests with different commercial nitrile rubbers at several temperatures and up to 2016 h. After achieving similar degradation to specimens aged on trains, aging mechanisms and effects have been investigated through different characterization techniques: infrared spectroscopy, swelling tests, X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and micro‐hardness measurements. The results obtained enabled us to identify and to relate aging mechanisms to aging conditions and to precisely determine and quantify the effects of physicochemical state evolution on the mechanical properties of each NBR considered. Extra crosslinks and oxidative functionalities form in the different elastomers, making them hard and brittle, and thus impacting the sealing function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores advocacy practices that support teachers' integration of play and playful learning in their classrooms. Activism is a well-documented transformative aspect of the teaching profession (e.g.), which is recently experiencing heightened political pressures. At the same time, COVID-19 exacerbated existing inequities in early childhood education. For example, in underserved communities, the "learning loss" discourse increased accountability for narrowly defined academic outcomes as well as the expectations of student obedience and compliance. This article forefronts access to play and children's agency as an equity issue and offers early childhood educators strategies for advocacy and activism to infuse play and playful learning in their educational contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applied materials research and testing often involve measurements of material properties such as dielectric permittivity, impedance, piezoelectric coefficient, and pyroelectric current under non-ambient conditions and a controlled atmosphere. This requires simultaneous operation of multiple types of equipment and a controlled atmosphere for non-ambient conditions with computer-controlled data collection and operation. Here, we present the design and fabrication of a cost-effective measurement probe and measurement furnace with a capability of 1000°C under a controlled gas atmosphere. The setup, when used in tandem with an LCR meter or a source measure unit, can perform impedance and pyroelectric current measurements up to a temperature of 1000°C under a controlled atmosphere. We demonstrate the measurement capabilities in well-known ferroelectrics and oxide ion conductors including BaTiO3, (La0.9Sr0.1)(G0.9Mg0.1)O3-δ, Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3, and Pb(Zr, Ti)O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue launches from the challenges of white supremacy within Library and Information Studies (LIS) and the demonizing of Critical Race Theory (CRT) within American and British societies. To address these challenges through a commitment to practice as well as theory, a special editorial team for this publication was formed to tackle head on how racialised knowledge justice issues can also manifest in scholarly publishing spheres. This team is the Critical Race Theory collective (CRTc): an international community of scholars, practitioners and activists working at the intersections of race, libraries, archives, information and education. This extended introduction is split into two parts that describe respectively the process and the product of the special issue. Part One charts the national contexts of CRTc praxis in the US and the UK, and outlines the community-building, restorative and pedagogical principles and lessons that have (in)formed the CRTc editorial and developmental process. Part Two outlines the papers that constitute the product of the special issue: contributions from American and British authors from interdisciplinary backgrounds who apply CRT frameworks to LIS discourse and practice. Together, these two parts demonstrate the scholar-activist underpinnings of CRTc to address, challenge, resist, interrupt, and ideally reverse the pushback against all forms of culturally conscious justice, especially racial justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gasketed plate heat exchangers are characterized in a usual heat exchanger class. These systems employ elastomeric gaskets as the sealing element. Several conditions lead to oxidation and deterioration of these materials and their properties. In addition, the complex geometry of the gaskets and operation conditions may cause divergence in the expected aging behavior of the rubber. In light of this, this study aims to predict the service lifetime for nitrile butadiene rubber gaskets used in plate heat exchangers based on their geometry under thermo‐oxidative aging. These gaskets were evaluated by means of Shore A hardness, compression set (CS), and indentation modulus profile. Through aging‐sealing tests, an end‐of‐life criteria was determined concerning CS measurements and the service lifetime prediction was obtained by time–temperature superposition and WLF method. Diffusion‐limited oxidation effects were observed at high temperatures in postaging analysis and a non‐Arrhenius behavior was observed at 170°C. The value of 79% CS was obtained as end‐of‐life criteria from 60 to 140°C, ranged from 731 to 80 days, respectively, revealing an activation energy equivalent to 32.3 kJ mol−1. These results might support the maintenance planning control of gasketed plate heat exchangers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing that the climate crisis represents the greatest moral challenge humanity has faced, this article posits that God is calling the Baby Boomer generation to embrace a fresh understanding of human freedom (interdependence), fulfillment (gratitude for having enough), vocation (we're all in this together!) and salvation (it's not just personal, it's collective) as it creates an unstoppable mandate to restore creation. It provides examples of how congregations are responding to this call and concludes by showing how gratitude propels the embrace of new transformative practices, which in turn open a gateway to hope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radial tires (RT) are widely used in the automobile. However, the moisture absorption characteristics of the tire in the hygrothermal environment accelerate tire aging and affect the service life. This work focused on the water absorption behavior and durability of RT composites in the hygrothermal environment. The effects of aging in water at 30, 60, and 90°C on water absorption, chemical degradation, and internal structure of RT composites were investigated. The results showed that the water diffusion of RT composites followed the Fickian's law of diffusion in the initial stage. The kinetic parameters of water absorption were also determined at this stage and were closely related to the change of temperature. Then, moisture led to the poor interface and the degradation of RT composites. Natural rubber (NR) matrix swelled due to the invasion of water, which developed stresses that could cause microcracks of the matrix in the second stage. Moreover, moisture promoted hydrolysis of the NR matrix and agents in the third stage. The water molecules existed in unbound water and bound water, which made the water diffusion followed the Langmuir adsorption model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilayer actuators, traditionally consisting of two laminated materials, are the most common types of soft or hybrid actuators. Herein, a nanomaterial‐based organic–inorganic humidity‐sensitive bilayer actuator composed of TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TCNF‐Na+) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets is presented. The hybrid actuator displays a large humidity‐driven locomotion with an atypical fast unbending. Cationic exchange of the anionically charged TCNF‐Na+ and control of the layer thickness is used to tune and dictate the locomotion and actuator's response to humidity variations. Assembly of a self‐oscillating electrical circuit, that includes a conductive rGO layer, displays autonomous on‐and‐off lighting in response to actuation‐driven alternating electrical heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curvilinear depressions and chains of asymmetrical to circular pits up to a few meters deep and a few tens of meters wide have been mapped on the upper continental slope beyond the mid-Norwegian shelf. These features are interpreted to represent a continuum of seafloor landforms produced by the grounding of iceberg keels at successive low tides. The features occur along a 50 km long stretch of the upper slope in modern water depths between 400 and 500 m. The average distance between pits varies between about 70 and 175 m, representing one tidal cycle of 12 hr 25 min between successive low tides. This yields average iceberg drift velocities of between 5 and 15 m hr-1. The pits are often asymmetrical, with a downstream surcharge or berm, making it possible to determine the direction of iceberg drift and, therefore, the current direction at the time of ploughmark formation. The c. 300 m thick icebergs producing the ploughmarks are likely to have been sourced mainly from the fast-flowing Norwegian Channel Ice Stream to the south and probably formed during the early part of regional deglaciation of the Norwegian shelf after the Last Glacial Maximum around 20,000 years ago. The icebergs appear to follow a similar northeastward flow direction to that of the present Norwegian Atlantic Current offshore of Norway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We established a canine natural killer (NK)‐type cell line called CNK‐89 derived from a dog with NK cell neoplasia. Immunophenotyping analysis showed positive staining for CD5, CD8, CD45, CD56, CD79a and NKp46, while negative for CD3, CD4, CD14, CD20, CD21, CD34, Thy1, IgG, IgM and MHCII. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the presence of CD56, NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46 and perforin, but the absence of CD16, Ly49 and granzyme B mRNA. Treating CNK‐89 cells with IL‐2 did not change the expression of activating receptors, TNFα and IFNγ secretion and cytotoxic activity, however, treatment with IL‐12 alone or in combinations with IL‐15, IL‐18 and IL‐21 caused an increase in granzyme B and CD16 mRNA, IFNγ secretion and cytotoxic properties of the CNK‐89 cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of impedance spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and literature data are used to show that, (i) the bulk oxide ion conductivity of A-site, alkaline earth-doped BiFeO3 (BF) is independent of the ionic radius of the alkaline earth ion (Ca, Sr, Ba) and, (ii) despite very different A-site environments in (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 and BF, similar high levels and optimisation of bulk oxide ion conductivity in these Bi-based tilted perovskites is achieved at modest acceptor doping levels of ∼1–10%. These results clearly demonstrate that optimisation of oxide ion conductivity in these materials requires concepts beyond a simple crystallochemical approach based on matching the ionic radii of acceptor dopant and host lattice ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal oxidative aging and other chemical‐induced degradation greatly affect the service life of elastomer components. In this article, we presented a strategy to predict the long‐term mechanical behavior of elastomeric components, to foresee the failure of elastomer components in design stage. The accumulation and consumption of small molecule reactants in elastomers are described using a diffusion–reaction process. Free‐volume theory is applied to consider the diffusivity change during this process. Degradation of elastomers under elevated temperature up to 500 K, environmental pressure up to 4 atm, and different cross‐link densities are studied in this simulation. Methodology of prediction of mechanical behavior is proposed based on the affined network model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explains why healthcare workers should be prioritized in the allocation of scarce medical resources (ASMR) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Topics discussed include relevant features of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, an examination of whether healthcare workers are essential personnel and whether prioritizing them will conduce to the success of the response, and evidence of societal support for prioritizing of frontline healthcare workers for medical resources.

Thermal degradation of blends containing chloroprene rubber (CR) and butadiene rubber (BR) cross-linked with copper(II) oxide (CuO) with the addition of anti-aging substance ((N-(1.3-dimethylbutyl)-N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), polymerized 2.2.4-trimethyl-1.2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ), or 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI)) under high temperature was investigated using a Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy and color measurement. Additionally, changes in mechanical properties (such as tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness, tear resistance) causes by aging factors have also been investigated. The results indicated that the 6PPD and the MBI provided better protection of the CR/BR/CuO vulcanizates against degradation at elevated temperature than the TMQ. As a result of thermo-oxidative aging, in an infrared spectrum, a peak assigned to stretching vibration of carbonyl groups was observed. Differences in protection against thermo-oxidative aging by the anti-aging substance are caused by their different structure, consequently, by the differences in their protection mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the regulation processes of gene expression, genomic DNA and nuclear proteins, including histone proteins, cooperate with each other, leading to the distinctive functions of eukaryotic cells such as pluripotency and differentiation. Chemical modification of histone proteins and DNA has been revealed as one of the major driving forces in the complicated epigenetic regulation system. However, understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms is still limited. To address this issue, researchers have proposed both biological and chemical strategies for the preparation and detection of modified proteins and nucleic acids. In this review, we focus on chemical methods around the field of epigenetics. Chemical protein synthesis has enabled the preparation of site‐specifically modified histones and their successful application to various in vitro assays, which have emphasized the significance of posttranslational modifications of interest. We also review the modification‐specific chemical reactions against synthetic and genomic DNA, which enabled discrimination of several modified bases at single‐base resolution. Chemical methods around the field of epigenetics are reviewed. Chemical protein synthesis has enabled the preparation of site‐specifically modified histones. Modification‐specific reactions has been developed for the discrimination of modified DNA bases in the genome. These methods have emphasized the significance of histone and DNA modifications of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Betanodaviruses cause the disease viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in finfish. Using a novel approach with two consecutive PCRs, detection semi‐nested two‐step RT‐PCR (DSN‐2 RT‐PCR) and discriminative multiplex two‐step RT‐PCR (DMT‐2 RT‐PCR), we have identified the presence of a new type of betanodavirus in shellfish and called it Korean shellfish nervous necrosis virus (KSNNV). Partial nucleotide sequences of the T4 region in RNA2 fragment of KSNNVs were 73%–75% homologous to those of other reported genotypes and formed a new cluster of betanodavirus in phylogenetic tree analysis. Successful isolation of KSNNV was achieved in two of six shellfish samples containing high concentrations of virus using the blind passage method, and the typical shapes of betanodavirus were confirmed in KSNNV‐KOR1 by electron microscopy. In the experimental infection test, seven of 14 fish species showed susceptibility to KSNNV‐KOR1 isolate but without clinical signs or death. Although the range of susceptible host species was not significantly different from the RGNNV type, the concentration of KSNNV in the brain of infected fish (102–105 copies/mg brain) was much lower compared to that found in sevenband grouper (Epinephelus septemfasciatus Thunberg) sampled in the moribund stage with RGNNV infection (106–107 copies/mg brain). However, histopathological analyses showed the presence of multiple vacuoles in brains of all KSNNV‐infected fish at 14 days postinjection. In detection test, as a single or multiple type with the other genotype(s) (RGNNV or BFNNV), the prevalence of KSNNV was 8.4% and 8.7% in domestic (62 of 741 samples) and Chinese samples (12 of 138 samples), respectively, but not in finfish. We propose that KSNNVs obtained from shellfish be classified into a separate and new genotype of betanodavirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: (La0.9Sr0.1)x(Ga0.9Mg0.1)yO3‐δ [(LS)x(GM)y] (x=0.97, 1.00, 1.03; y=1.00 and x=1.00; y=0.97, 1.00, 1.03) electrolyte is prepared through a sol‐gel method followed by sintering at 1300 °C for 10 h. The microstructures of the samples are characterized by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The electrical and thermal stability properties are measured by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), respectively. It is shown that phase purity could improve by adjusting the non‐stoichiometry of A/B‐site. This, in turn, affects the conductivity and thermal expansion of the solid electrolyte. The samples with B‐site defects [LS(GM)0.97] are found to exhibit the best phase purity and density with minimal grain boundary/total resistances, and superior thermal stability. The conductivity of LS(GM)0.97 is 1.56 time higher than that of LSGM. The average thermal expansion coefficient of LS(GM)0.97 at 50–850 °C is 4.13 % lower than that of LSGM. The maximum power density of single cells containing LS(GM)0.97 electrolyte could reach 0.54 W cm−1 at 800 °C, which is 16.7 % higher than that of cells containing LSGM electrolyte. The stability test for over 120 h at 800 °C indicates a slight decrease in performances during the first 10 h, but no significant differences in electrode polarization are observed even after long‐term operation. These findings suggest the potential applications of LS(GM)0.97 as a novel electrolyte for intermediate‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) perovskite is often considered as a potential lead-free piezoelectric material but it can also be an excellent oxide-ion conductor (M. Li et al., Nature Materials, 13, 2014, 31–35). Here we report the non-stoichiometry and oxide-ion conductivity of undoped and acceptor-doped NBT. A range of acceptor-type ions with varying doping levels are selected to incorporate into NBT or Bi-deficient NBT (nominal Na0.5Bi0.49TiO2.985; NB0.49T). Low levels of acceptors (typically ＜ 2 at%) can be doped on both cation sites of NBT by an ionic compensation mechanism to create oxygen vacancies and are therefore effective in enhancing the bulk oxide-ion conductivity to values of ∼2 mS cm−1 at 400 °C. A maximum enhancement of less than 1 order of magnitude is achieved using either A-site Sr (or Ca) or B-site Mg doping in NB0.49T. This conductivity maximum is in good agreement with an oxygen-vacancy diffusivity limit model in a perovskite lattice proposed by R. A. De Souza (Advanced Functional Materials, 25, 2015, 6326–6342) and suggests that optimisation of the ionic conductivity in NBT has been achieved. Our findings on NBT illustrate that this approach should be applicable to other acceptor-doped perovskite oxides to determine their electrolyte (oxide-ion) conductivity limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive research has been recently made in dissecting the molecular biology of Betanodavirus life cycle, the causative pathogen of viral encephalopathy and retinopathy in economic important marine fish species. Establishment of betanodavirus infectious clone allows the manipulation of virus genome for functional genomic study, which elucidates the biological event of the viral life cycle at molecular level. The betanodavirus strategizes its replication by expressing anti-apoptosis/antinecrotic proteins to maintain the cell viability during early infection. Subsequently utilizes and controls the biological machinery of the infected cells for viral genome replication. Towards the late phase of infection, mass production of capsid protein for virion assembly induces the activation of host apoptosis pathway. It eventually leads to the cell lysis and death, which the lysis of cell contributes to the accomplishment of viral shedding that completes a viral life cycle. The recent efforts to dissect the entire betanodavirus life cycle are currently reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) call on science and social studies teachers to engage in literacy instruction that prepares students for the academic rigors of college. The Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC) designed a framework to address the challenge of literacy–content integration. At the heart of the intervention are fill-in-the-blank writing prompts that teachers are expected to populate with appropriate content in English Language Arts (ELA), history, or science. This study examines 42 LDC instructional units designed by 8th grade social studies teachers from 2 states as well as the student written work that emerged from these instructional units. My analysis suggests that, on its own, the content literacy approach reflected in the LDC framework is inadequate for helping students use textual evidence in the ways stipulated by CCSS. In particular, students are unlikely to acknowledge authorship or indicate why the evidence they selected is relevant or credible. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Materialwissenschaft und Werkstoffechnik is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Cancer development is a complex process involving both genetic and epigenetic changes. Genetic changes in oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes are generally considered as primary causes, since these genes may directly regulate cellular growth. In addition, it has been found that changes in epigenetic factors, through mutation or altered gene expression, may contribute to cancer development. In the nucleus of eukaryotic cells DNA and histone proteins form a structure called chromatin which consists of nucleosomes that, like beads on a string, are aligned along the DNA strand. Modifications in chromatin structure are essential for cell type-specific activation or repression of gene transcription, as well as other processes such as DNA repair, DNA replication and chromosome segregation. Alterations in epigenetic factors involved in chromatin dynamics may accelerate cell cycle progression and, ultimately, result in malignant transformation. Abnormal expression of remodeler and modifier enzymes, as well as histone variants, may confer to cancer cells the ability to reprogram their genomes and to yield, maintain or exacerbate malignant hallmarks. At the end, genetic and epigenetic alterations that are encountered in cancer cells may culminate in chromatin changes that may, by altering the quantity and quality of gene expression, promote cancer development. Methods: During the last decade a vast number of studies has uncovered epigenetic abnormalities that are associated with the (anomalous) packaging and remodeling of chromatin in cancer genomes. In this review I will focus on recently published work dealing with alterations in the primary structure of chromatin resulting from imprecise arrangements of nucleosomes along DNA, and its functional implications for cancer development. Conclusions: The primary chromatin structure is regulated by a variety of epigenetic mechanisms that may be deregulated through gene mutations and/or gene expression alterations. In recent years, it has become evident that changes in chromatin structure may coincide with the occurrence of cancer hallmarks. The functional interrelationships between such epigenetic alterations and cancer development are just becoming manifest and, therefore, the oncology community should continue to explore the molecular mechanisms governing the primary chromatin structure, both in normal and in cancer cells, in order to improve future approaches for cancer detection, prevention and therapy, as also for circumventing drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]