A miniature atomic scalar magnetometer based on the rubidium isotope 87 Rb was developed for operation in space. The instrument design implements both M x and M z mode operation and leverages a novel microelectromechanical system (MEMS) fabricated vapor cell and a custom silicon‐on‐sapphire (SOS) complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit. The vapor cell has a volume of only 1 mm 3 so that it can be efficiently heated to its operating temperature by a specially designed, low‐magnetic‐field‐generating resistive heater implemented in multiple metal layers of the transparent sapphire substrate of the SOS‐CMOS chips. The SOS‐CMOS chip also hosts the Helmholtz coil and associated circuitry to stimulate the magnetically sensitive atomic resonance and temperature sensors. The prototype instrument has a total mass of fewer than 500 g and uses less than 1 W of power, while maintaining a sensitivity of 15 pT/√Hz at 1 Hz, comparable to present state‐of‐the‐art absolute magnetometers.

LH plays a relevant role in folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteinization. Although ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a key enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, is a target of LH in the ovary, the functional significance of ODC induction has remained elusive. Our study reveals that the blockade of the induction of ovarian ODC by means of the specific inhibitor alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) affects folliculogenesis and luteinization. In immature female mice, DFMO was found to inhibit ovarian growth, the formation of Graafian follicles, and the secretion of progesterone and estradiol. In adult cycling females, the administration of DFMO on the evening/night of proestrus markedly decreased plasma progesterone levels at diestrus, which was associated to the decrease in the expression of steroidogenic factor 1, cytochrome cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in the ovary and to a reduced vascularization of the corpora lutea. These effects were not reverted by the administration of gonadotropins or prolactin. ODC immunoreactivity was also stimulated by LH in theca and granulosa cells of antral follicles but not in preantral follicles. Overall, these experiments demonstrate that elevated ODC values found in the ovary of immature and adult mice play a relevant function in ovarian physiology and that ODC/polyamines must be considered as important mediators of some of the effects of LH on follicular development and luteinization.

Childhood exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and a history of sunburns are risk factors for skin cancer. Because children spend time outdoors when they are at school, school sun protection policies are an important health issue, particularly in areas of the country with year-round warm and sunny climates, such as Florida. To better understand the sun protection policies and practices in South Florida schools, a sample (n = 51) of elementary and middle schools in Miami-Dade County public schools were surveyed as part of a CDC-funded cancer control program at the University of Miami. Of the principals and teachers surveyed, most (78%) knew about the county school system's guidelines for avoiding excessive heat exposure, which include two sun protection measures. Two-thirds reported that they shared these guidelines with teachers; 21% shared them with parents. Few schools monitor implementation of the guidelines, although 70% schedule outdoor activities to avoid peak sun hours. No schools required sunscreen, hats, or protective clothing. Physical education teachers and students spend an average of 4.5 and 0.6 hours per day outdoors, respectively. Improved school sun protection policies and monitoring of such policies is needed to reduce sun exposure and skin cancer risk for both students and staff.

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