Microscaled and nanoscaled platinum sensors

We show small and robust platinum resistive heaters and thermometers that are defined by microlithography on silicon substrates. These devices can be used for a wide range of applications, including thermal sensor arrays, programmable thermal sources, and even incandescent light emitters. To explore the miniaturization of such devices, we have developed microscaled and nanoscaled platinum resistor arrays with wire widths as small as 75 nm, fabricated lithographically to provide highly localized heating and accurate resistance (and hence temperature) measurements. We present some of these potential applications of microfabricated platinum resistors in sensing and spectroscopy

Effective induction of protective systemic immunity with nasally administered vaccines adjuvanted with IL-1

IL-1α and IL-1β were evaluated for their ability to provide adjuvant activity for the induction of serum antibody responses when nasally-administered with protein antigens in mice and rabbits. In mice, intranasal (i.n.) immunization with pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) or tetanus toxoid (TT) combined with IL-1β induced protective immunity that was equivalent to that induced by parenteral immunization. Nasal immunization of awake (i.e., not anesthetized) rabbits with IL-1-adjuvanted vaccines induced highly variable serum antibody responses and was not as effective as parenteral immunization for the induction of antigen-specific serum IgG. However, i.n. immunization of deeply anesthetized rabbits with rPA + IL-1α consistently induced rPA-specific serum IgG ELISA titers that were not significantly different than those induced by intramuscular (IM) immunization with rPA + alum although lethal toxin neutralizing titers induced by nasal immunization were lower than those induced by IM immunization. Gamma scintigraphy demonstrated that the enhanced immunogenicity of nasal immunization in anesthetized rabbits correlated with an increased nasal retention of i.n. delivered non-permeable radio-labeled colloidal particles. Our results demonstrate that, in mice, IL-1 is an effective adjuvant for nasally-administered vaccines for the induction of protective systemic immunity and that in non-rodent species, effective induction of systemic immunity with nasally-administered vaccines may require formulations that ensure adequate retention of the vaccine within the nasal cavity

Carcinogenicity of cobalt, antimony compounds, and weapons-grade tungsten alloy

The complete evaluation of the carcinogenicity of cobalt, antimony compounds, and weapons-grade tungsten alloy will be published in Volume 131 of the IARC Monographs.[Excerpt] In March, 2022, a Working Group of 31 scientists from 13 countries met remotely at the invitation of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to finalise their evaluation of the carcinogenicity of nine agents: cobalt metal (without tungsten carbide or other metal alloys), soluble cobalt(II) salts, cobalt(II) oxide, cobalt(II,III) oxide, cobalt(II) sulfide, other cobalt(II) compounds, trivalent antimony, pentavalent antimony, and weapons-grade tungsten (with nickel and cobalt) alloy. For cobalt metal and the cobalt compounds, particles of all sizes were included in the evaluation. These assessments will be published in Volume 131 of the IARC Monographs.1 Cobalt metal and soluble cobalt(II) salts were classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) based on “sufficient” evidence for cancer in experimental animals and “strong” mechanistic evidence in human primary cells. Cobalt(II) oxide and weapons-grade tungsten alloy were classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) based on “sufficient” evidence in experimental animals. Trivalent antimony was classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A), based on “limited” evidence for cancer in humans, “sufficient” evidence for cancer in experimental animals, and “strong” mechanistic evidence in human primary cells and in experimental systems. Cobalt(II,III) oxide, cobalt(II) sulfide, other cobalt(II) compounds, and pentavalent antimony were each evaluated as “not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans” (Group 3).[...

PARTICIPATION AS STRUCTURAL

Media for social change refers to strategic media projects designed to advance causes for the public good. Those projects are rooted in development communication, health communication, environmental communication, social movement theories and other approaches to public communication campaigns. This emphasis is increasingly recognized as interdisciplinary, through the work of research scholars in communications, sociology and other fields, and of professionals in project implementation and evaluation. Although there has been widespread enthusiasm for the integration of participatory approaches within these comprehensive strategies, the diversity of conceptual and operational definitions of participation suggests that consideration of its complexity has not yet been exhausted. To this end, we propose considering participation as a structural consideration within the production of media strategies. Building on a critical approach to research on communication campaigns (Rakow, 1989), this work interrogates underlying ideological assumptions as well as the organizational and structural conditions of production. In order to articulate the dynamics of power within the production of these strategic interventions, we begin with the assumption that social problems are not given, but selected and constructed by groups, communities, and organizations (Salmon, 1989). How these problems become characterized constrains possible types of solutions. Framing world population, for example, as a bomb, implies that subsequent intervention should be immediate in order to diffuse the situation; if, rather, the problem of population is framed as one of overcrowding on a boat, then perhaps redistribution of people might be an appropriate response. Framing a problem as a "war" on poverty, or on drugs, implies that there are heroes and enemies, and that a battle must be won despite the cost

Associations between CD36 gene polymorphisms and metabolic response to a short-term endurance training program in a young-adult population

Purpose: Recent studies have shown that CD36 gene variants are associated with an increased prevalence of chronic disease. Although a genetic component to trainability has been proven, no data is available on the influence of CD36 on training response. Methods: Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1527479 and rs1984112) were assessed for associations with whole-body substrate oxidation, response to a 75g dextrose oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting plasma lipids and CVD risk factors in a young healthy cohort, both using cross-sectional analysis and following a 4-week endurance exercise training program. Genotyping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Cross-sectional data was collected in 34 individuals (22.7 ± 3.5y), with 17 completing the training program. At baseline, TT SNP carriers at rs1527479 and wild-type (WT) GG carriers at rs1984112 were associated with significantly greater whole-body rate of fat oxidation (Fatox) during submaximal exercise (PThe accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author