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Plastics waste is one of the most important sustainability issues of our time. Dow's sustainability targets are to 'Stop the Waste' by enabling 1 million metric tons of plastics to be collected, reused or recycled by 2030 and 'Close the Loop' by enabling 100 percent of Dow products sold into packaging applications to be reusable or recyclable by 2035. The incorporation of post-consumer recyclate (PCR) into flexible packaging structures creates challenges due to the complex molecular nature of PCR sources and the ability to develop formulations to maximize the in-use performance, in particular the toughness and optics. To deliver on the sustainability targets, a new series of highly loaded PCR-containing products have been developed to enable incorporation levels of greater than 20 percent PCR into industrial film applications. Collation shrink film structures were developed that delivered on the critical-to-customer requirements at maximum levels of PCR., The need for PCR incorporation in products is growing. According to The Global Commitment 2021 Progress Report published by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, more than 200 businesses (representing over 20 [...]

Background: Paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction (PLR) is a well-described entity in which the white blood cell count expands to greater than 50,000/mm3 in association with malignancy. It is thought to occur in approximately 10-15% of cancers. Notably, PLR is known to be predictive of a poor prognosis. Recent work has demonstrated that there may be a relationship between PLR activated by intratumoral production of granulocyte colony-simulating factor (G-CSF), the RAS/RAF/MEK pathway and tumorogenesis. Specifically, activation of the RAS/RAF/MEK pathway is thought to regulate G-CSF production, which in turn, mediates expansion and mobilization of cells that produce factors that promote tumor metastasis. Methods/results: In this report we demonstrate the PLR response to treatment in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, we demonstrate elevated G-CSF in the patient[U+05F3]s serum 507. pg/ml (0-39.1. pg/ml) and positive staining by immunohistochemistry of G-CSF in the patient[U+05F3]s tumor tissue. Finally, we describe a possible pathway by which this promotes tumor spread. Conclusion: Though G-CSF has been traditionally viewed as a prognostic marker, here we provide evidence that it may be a valuable marker to investigate for treatment response at a cellular level.

The Nuclear Notebook is researched and written by Hans M. Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project with the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), and Matt Korda, a senior research associate with the project. This edition features unique contributions from FAS Impact Fellow and international lawyer Jessica Rogers. The Nuclear Notebook column has been published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists since 1987. This issue examines the topic of strategic arms control after the expiration of the New START Treaty in February 2026. We explore potential avenues for constructive engagement between the United States and Russia and consider how to optimally balance arms control options that are legally possible and politically feasible. To see all previous Nuclear Notebook columns, go to . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NMR solution structure of the smallest known alpha-conotoxin, ImI, a 12 amino acid peptide that binds specifically to neuronal alpha7-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in mammals, was studied. A total of 80 upper distance constraints and 31 dihedral angle constraints resulting in 20 representative conformers with an average pairwise rmsd of 0.44 angstrom from the mean structure for the backbone atoms N, C(super alpha) and C' of residues 2-11 served as the basis for the calculation of the structure.

Objectives: Histopathologic evaluation of bile biopsies for biliary strictures is frequently challenging and is affected by interobserver disagreement. Reliable ancillary tests that can help differentiate benign from malignant are not available. This study aimed to evaluate whether DNA content abnormalities detected by flow cytometry on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue can help differentiate benign/reactive, dysplastic from malignant cell populations in bile duct biopsies.Methods: We performed DNA flow cytometry on 30 FFPE bile duct biopsies in 5 well-defined diagnostic categories: (1) negative for dysplasia (NED), (2) low-grade dysplasia (LGD), (3) high-grade dysplasia (HGD), (4) carcinoma (CA), and (5) indefinite for dysplasia (IND).Results: Abnormal DNA content was detected in 0 NED, 5 LGD (62.5%), 2 HGD (33.3%), 3 CA (60%), and 4 IND (80%) samples. As a diagnostic marker, the estimated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 63%, 100%, 100%, and 50%, respectively, for diagnosing HGD or CA.Conclusions: DNA flow cytometry analysis is a useful ancillary test for the interpretation of bile duct biopsies. DNA content abnormalities, when correlated with histologic findings, will not only help confirm the morphologic impression but also identify patients who are at a higher risk of developing malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of different DNA sequences to mercaptoethanol-capped CdS quantum dots is employed as a minimalist model system for nonspecific protein-DNA interactions. Results showed that these divalent metal ions are not crucial for binding of 'straight' and A-tract oligonucleotides to a neutral curved surface. Binding still occurs for a crystallographically 'kinked' sequence, albeit by a factor of 4 less than that for a divalent metal ion-rich surface. These results indicate that that the system may be useful as model for nonspecific protein-DNA interactions.

Abstract Background Our research sought to understand how falls risk, cognitive function, and daily function are associated with health related quality of life (using the EuroQol-5D) and quality of life (using the ICECAP-O) among older adults with mobility impairments. Methods The EQ-5D and ICECAP-O were administered at 12 months post first clinic attendance at the Vancouver Falls Prevention Clinic. We report descriptive statistics for all baseline characteristics collected at first clinic visit and primary outcomes of interest. Using multivariate stepwise linear regression, we assessed the construct validity of the EQ-5D and ICECAP-O using three dependent measures that are recognized indicators of “impaired mobility” – physiological falls risk, general balance and mobility, and cognitive status among older adults. Results We report data on 215 seniors who attended the Vancouver Falls Prevention Clinic and received their first clinic assessment. Patients had a mean age of 79.3 (6.2) years. After accounting for known covariates (i.e., age and sex), the ICECAP-O domains explained a greater amount of variation in each of the three dependent measures compared with the EQ-5D domains. Conclusion Both the EQ-5D and ICECAP-O demonstrate associations with falls risk and general balance and mobility; however, only the ICECAP-O was associated with cognitive status among older adults with mobility impairments. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01022866

Abstract Background Perception of neighborhood social environment can influence an individual’s susceptibility to drug dependence. However, this has never been examined with a jailed sample, where frequent transitions between local jails and disadvantaged neighborhoods are common. Understanding these associations could aid in the design of targeted programs to decrease drug dependence and recidivism among the incarcerated. Methods For this study, 596 women and men from three Kansas City jails were surveyed over the course of six months in 2010. Drug dependence was assessed with DSM-IV criteria. Independent variables included fear of one’s neighborhood, perceived level of neighborhood violence, and social capital. All data were self-reported and were analyzed using logistic regression. Results Controlling for gender and age, fear of neighborhood violence was associated with increased odds of having drug dependence (OR = 1.27, CI 1.02, 1.58) and a higher level of social capital prior to incarceration was associated with lower odds of drug dependence (OR = 0.65, CI 0.44, 0.96). Mental health problem diagnosis and past year intimate partner violence were significant mediating factors. Gender and race/ethnicity were significant moderating factors between neighborhood disadvantage and drug dependence. Conclusions Our study suggests that drug dependence programs for women and men who cycle between jails and communities require both individual- and community-level interventions. To be most effective, programs at the community-level should focus on helping specific groups navigate their communities, as well as address individual health needs associated with drug dependence.