Phyllosilicate Deposits in Shalbatana Vallis

Shalbatana Vallis is an ancient river valley on Mars, the westernmost of the southern Chryse outflow channels. The geologic history of this area has significant implications for understanding Mars' hydrologic and climate history. The highland flood basalts are cut by large collapse depressions, multiple outflow channels, and chaotic terrain. An intravalley paleolake with a depth of over 400 m, in the 125 km diameter Orson Welles crater (Fig. 1) and the adjacent section of Shalbatana Vallis, was deduced from Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) topography, evidence of shorelines and the occurrence of fan-delta deposits, including Gilbert-style deltas [1]. A number of CRISM (Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars) images with strong phyllosilicate signatures have been identified throughout the channel and nearby highlands (Fig. 1). A majority of the signatures are concentrated in areas exposed by impact cratering. Since such minerals can form by a variety of different geological processes, such as weathering, burial diagenesis, and hydrothermal alteration [2], the nature of the phyllosilicate deposits in the Shalbatana Vallis region may provide insights into the formation processes that took place and help to place constraints on the early aqueous activity in the region

Under-Track CFD-Based Shape Optimization for a Low-Boom Demonstrator Concept

The detailed outer mold line shaping of a Mach 1.6, demonstrator-sized low-boom concept is presented. Cruise trim is incorporated a priori as part of the shaping objective, using an equivalent-area-based approach. Design work is performed using a gradient-driven optimization framework that incorporates a three-dimensional, nonlinear flow solver, a parametric geometry modeler, and sensitivities derived using the adjoint method. The shaping effort is focused on reducing the under-track sonic boom level using an inverse design approach, while simultaneously satisfying the trim requirement. Conceptual-level geometric constraints are incorporated in the optimization process, including the internal layout of fuel tanks, landing gear, engine, and crew station. Details of the model parameterization and design process are documented for both flow-through and powered states, and the performance of these optimized vehicles presented in terms of inviscid L/D, trim state, pressures in the near-field and at the ground, and predicted sonic boom loudness

Pyramidal neurons in the superficial layers of rat retrosplenial cortex exhibit a late-spiking firing property

The rodent granular retrosplenial cortex (GRS) is reciprocally connected with the hippocampus. It is part of several networks implicated in spatial learning and memory, and is known to contain head-direction cells. There are, however, few specifics concerning the mechanisms and microcircuitry underlying its involvement in spatial and mnemonic functions. In this report, we set out to characterize intrinsic properties of a distinctive population of small pyramidal neurons in layer 2 of rat GRS. These neurons, as well as those in adjoining layer 3, were found to exhibit a late-spiking (LS) firing property. We established by multiple criteria that the LS property is a consequence of delayed rectifier and A-type potassium channels. These were identified as Kv1.1, Kv1.4 and Kv4.3 by Genechip analysis, in situ hybridization, single-cell reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and pharmacological blockade. The LS property might facilitate comparison or integration of synaptic inputs during an interval delay, consistent with the proposed role of the GRS in memory-related processes.RIKEN Brain Science Institut

Comparative Analysis of Development Strategies: Poland, Serbia, and Ukraine

The following research project examines the development strategies in three Eastern European states after the fall of the Soviet Union. By examining the development path of each state, it is possible to evaluate successful paths toward development. The study researches not only economic development, but also social and political development. The three states chosen depict a variety of success rates in different areas. It will be important to notice that the state that has the most success developing economically is not the state that has the best equal rights for men and women. Finally, by exploring the different avenues for development, it may be possible to find a universal basis for successful development. This paper attempts to reach a consensus without forgetting the uniqueness of each state and the specific historical backgrounds that have led to successes and failures. To understand the diverging success rates, one must understand the difficulty of instituting a successful government within a state that had been ruled by a central power for decades. Independence is a difficult advantage

Structure of the Skagit Gneiss Complex in Diablo Lake area, North Cascades, WA

The crystalline core of the North Cascades is part of a thick (\u3e55 km) 96-45 Ma continental magmatic arc. The highest-grade part of the arc is the Skagit Gneiss Complex, composed mostly of partially migmatitic amphibolite-facies orthogneiss, banded biotite gneiss, and paragneiss. The typically NW-striking foliation and mostly gently SE-plunging lineation formed dominantly between 69 and 51 Ma. Four-fold generations are recorded in the study area, some of which formed from 51 to 46 Ma. The prominent upright km-scale folds are similar to Eocene folds in the southern part of the Skagit Gneiss Complex and suggest at least a short interval of regional shortening during an extended period of overall transtension. Latest ductile deformation is marked by strong subhorizontal constrictional fabrics in granodiorite, which intrudes all other major units and structures at 46-45 Ma. Microstructures record relatively low-temperature (300-400º C) and medium- to high-temperature (\u3e450º C) ductile deformation, which are focused in different km-scale domains. Orientations, sequences, and timing of structures are similar in the northern and southern portions of the Skagit Gneiss Complex, but structures are different in orientation and apparently do not record the switch in direction of non-coaxial shear in the central portion

The relationship between the systemic inflammatory response, tumour proliferative activity, T-lymphocytic and macrophage infiltration, microvessel density and survival in patients with primary operable breast cancer

The significance of the inter-relationship between tumour and host local/systemic inflammatory responses in primary operable invasive breast cancer is limited. The inter-relationship between the systemic inflammatory response (pre-operative white cell count, C-reactive protein and albumin concentrations), standard clinicopathological factors, tumour T-lymphocytic (CD4+ and CD8+) and macrophage (CD68+) infiltration, proliferative (Ki-67) index and microvessel density (CD34+) was examined using immunohistochemistry and slide-counting techniques, and their prognostic values were examined in 168 patients with potentially curative resection of early-stage invasive breast cancer. Increased tumour grade and proliferative activity were associated with greater tumour T-lymphocyte (P<0.05) and macrophage (P<0.05) infiltration and microvessel density (P<0.01). The median follow-up of survivors was 72 months. During this period, 31 patients died; 18 died of their cancer. On univariate analysis, increased lymph-node involvement (P<0.01), negative hormonal receptor (P<0.10), lower albumin concentrations (P<0.01), increased tumour proliferation (P<0.05), increased tumour microvessel density (P<0.05), the extent of locoregional control (P<0.0001) and limited systemic treatment (Pless than or equal to0.01) were associated with cancer-specific survival. On multivariate analysis of these significant covariates, albumin (HR 4.77, 95% CI 1.35–16.85, P=0.015), locoregional treatment (HR 3.64, 95% CI 1.04–12.72, P=0.043) and systemic treatment (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.23–4.27, P=0.009) were significant independent predictors of cancer-specific survival. Among tumour-based inflammatory factors, only tumour microvessel density (P<0.05) was independently associated with poorer cancer-specific survival. The host inflammatory responses are closely associated with poor tumour differentiation, proliferation and malignant disease progression in breast cancer

Practicing Diversity in Higher Education in Geography: Exploring Spaces of Diversity and Their Barriers in a Geography Department in Switzerland

Recent feminist geographic scholarship has urged geographers to distance themselves from androcentric and Eurocentric approaches, and to open up the discipline to diverse perspectives. Whereas numerous studies have focused on diversifying and decolonizing geography through recruitment practices, mentoring, and knowledge production, only a few have analyzed how diversity translates into teaching practices, particularly in contexts where diversity is relatively well-established among staff. Based on a questionnaire survey among the teaching staff, a content analysis of course syllabi, and a quantitative analysis of the department’s employee data, this article explores to what extent diversity within the department leads to diversity in teaching practices. By developing a framework of spaces of diversity, we analyze three spaces that potentially enable practicing diversity in teaching: The department’s academic space promotes free choice of research and teaching topics and flexible working conditions; the department space enables individuals to engage in shaping geographical teaching; and the knowledge space promotes diversity as an ideal. We found, however, that practicing diversity in geography is challenged through traditional and neoliberal university structures and formal and perceived hierarchies. Moreover, there is a need for concrete diversity practices on individual and institutional levels to actively bring diverse perspectives into the classroom

Dexamethasone in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund und Ziele Bei der spontanen intrazerebralen Blutung (ICB) handelt es sich um eine häufig auftretende zerebrovaskuläre Erkrankung, welche mit einer hohen Morbiditäts- und Mortalitätsrate einhergeht. Jährlich sind mehr als 2 Millionen Menschen weltweit betroffen. Ein Drittel der Patienten verstirbt bereits innerhalb des ersten Monats nach Eintreten der ICB und ein Großteil der Überlebenden erleidet erhebliche Folgeschäden (1, 2). Um diesem schlechten Behandlungsergebnis entgegenzuwirken, entwickelte man den Therapieansatz zur Behandlung mit dem Kortikosteroid Dexamethason. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist, die 18 Jahre alte Meta-Analyse „Corticosteroids for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and primary intracerebral haemorrhage“ von Feigin et al. (2005) (3) zu aktualisieren, und die Wirkung von Dexamethason zur Behandlung von spontanen intrazerebralen Blutungen neu zu beurteilen. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden bereits veröffentlicht in dem wissenschaftlichen Artikel: „Dexamethasone in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Updated Meta-Analysis“ (4). Material und Methoden Um dies beurteilen zu können und geeignete Primärstudien zur Beantwortung dieser klinischen Frage ausfindig zu machen, wurden die Datenbanken PubMed, SCOPUS und Cochrane nach allen randomisierten klinischen Studien durchsucht, welche im Zeitraum von 1970 - 2020 veröffentlicht wurden. Dabei gab es keine sprachlichen Einschränkungen. Die Forschungsfrage dieser Meta-Analyse basiert auf dem sogenannten PICO-Konzept. Mithilfe einer kommerziellen Software (www.meta-analysis.com) wurden die Daten extrahiert und die Ergebnisse für konventionelle sowie kumulative Meta-Analysen zusammengefasst. Ergebnisse und Beobachtungen Nach sorgfältiger Durchsicht der 875 relevanten Studien, konnten insgesamt 7 Studien mit passenden Rahmenbedingungen zur Erstellung der Meta-Analyse verwendet werden (5-11). Das daraus resultierende Patientenkollektiv setzte sich aus 248 Patienten der Dexamethason-Gruppe, sowie 242 Patienten der Kontrollgruppe zusammen. Bei den Ergebnissen der Studien wurde die Effektivität der Behandlung hinsichtlich primärer und sekundärer Folgeerscheinungen untersucht. Primäre Folgeerscheinungen setzen sich zusammen aus Todeseintritt und dem persistierenden vegetativen Zustand oder auch Koma, was eine kontinuierliche Pflegeleistung erfordert, im Englischen und im Folgenden bezeichnet als „death“ und „poor outcome“. Diese Parameter mussten vorliegen nach Beendigung der Therapie zu einem Zeitpunkt innerhalb der ersten ein bis sechs Monate nach Auftreten der ICB. Die sekundären Folgeerscheinungen stellen ein oder mehrere begleitende Komplikationen innerhalb des Behandlungszeitraumes dar, wie beispielsweise Infektion, gastrointestinale Blutung und massive Verschlechterung der metabolischen Funktionen, bezeichnet als „complications“. In allen Studien verstarb ein Teil der Patienten innerhalb der ersten sechs Monate, jedoch zu unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten. Das gesamte relative Risiko (RR) für den Parameter ,,death‘‘ lag bei 1.32 in einem 95% Konfidenzintervall (CI) 0.99–1.76; p = 0.06. Das relative Risiko (RR) für den Parameter „death“ nach Ausschluss der Studien mit möglichen systematischen Fehlern (Bias) lag bei 1.37 (95% CI 0.54-3.42; p = 0.51). Das relative Risiko für den Parameter ,,poor outcome‘‘ ergab initial RR= 0.69; 95% CI 0.47–1; p = 0.05. Nach Ausschluss der Studien mit möglichen Bias betrug RR = 0.7; 95% CI 0.45–1.08; p = 0.11. Patienten aus der Dexamethason-Gruppe zeigten bezüglich des „poor outcome“ vor und nach Ausschluss aller Studien mit möglichen Bias keine wesentliche Verbesserung gegenüber der Kontrollgruppe. In den älteren Studien traten bei Patienten der Dexamethason-Gruppe durch die medikamentöse Therapie im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe leicht vermehrt Komplikationen wie beispielsweise Hypokaliämie, Hyperglykämie, Exazerbation des Diabetes mellitus sowie Blutdruckschwankungen und Infektionen als auch gastrointestinale Blutungen auf. Diese konnten allerdings mit Hilfe der im Laufe der Zeit modernisierten, intensivmedizinische Behandlung zufriedenstellend therapiert werden und zeigten sich im Verlauf rückläufig. Das RR zum Parameter ,,complications‘‘ lag hier bei 1.29; 95% CI 0.77–2.17; p = 0.34 und nach Ausschluss der Studien mit möglichen Bias RR = 1.27; 95% CI 0.18–8.89; p = 0.81. Schlussfolgerungen Im Vergleich zu der aus dem Jahr 2005 publizierten Meta-Analyse von Feigin et al. (3) wurden in vorliegender Arbeit ähnliche Resultate hervorgebracht. Eine Verzerrung der Studienergebnisse durch Bias ist nicht auszuschließen. Starke Unterschiede in der medizinischen Nachsorge wie beispielsweise mangelnder bildgebender Untersuchungen, fehlende standardisierte Instrumente zur Bestimmung des Ausmaßes der Erkrankung und unterschiedliche zeitliche Rahmenbedingungen verhinderten einen akkuraten Vergleich. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse machen deutlich, dass es zukünftig weiterer kontrollierter Studien mit einer höheren Patientenanzahl bedarf, um eine aussagekräftige Antwort bezüglich der Wirksamkeit von Dexamethason bei der spontanen, intrazerebralen Blutung zu erhalten.Abstract Purpose The spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common cerebrovascular disease associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. More than 2 million people worldwide are affected annually. One-third of patients die within the first month after the onset of ICH, and a significant portion of survivors experience substantial long-term damage (1). Approximately 10–15% of all strokes are caused by spontaneous ICH (12). To counteract this, a therapeutic approach using the corticosteroid dexamethasone was developed as a treatment. The aim of this study is to update the 18-year-old meta-analysis entitled “Corticosteroids for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and primary intracerebral hemorrhage” Feigin et al. (2005) (3) and reevaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone in treating spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages. The results of the present study have already been published in the scientific article: “Dexamethasone in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Updated Meta-Analysis” (4). Methods To explore the efficacy of dexamethasone in the treatment of spontaneous ICH the databases PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane were searched for all randomized clinical trials published between 1970 and 2020. There were no language restrictions applied during this search. The research question of this meta-analysis was based on the so-called PICO-framework. With the assistance of a commercial software program (www.Meta-Analysis.com), data was extracted, and findings were compiled for both traditional and cumulative meta-analyses. Results After extensive perusal of 875 relevant studies obtained from the primary databases a total of seven randomized controlled trials with suitable general conditions were identified and qualified. The resulting patient population consisted of 248 patients in the dexamethasone group and 242 patients in the control group. The treatment effectiveness was investigated regarding primary and secondary outcome measures. These occurred at the end of the treatment follow-up within the first 6 months of onset of intracerebral hemorrhage. In primary outcome, consisting of “death” and “poor outcome” which is described as persistent vegetative state and severe disability in means of requiring constant nursing care, no improvement was observed with treatment. In all studies “death” was reported at various timepoints starting from the day of discharge up until 6 months after. The overall relative risk (RR) for the parameter “death” after exclusion of studies with possible systematic errors (bias) is 1.37 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.54-3.42; p = 0.51 showing a close oscillation at the RR level of 1, except for the study by Sharafadinzadeh et al. (11) which recorded more deaths in the Dexamethasone group. Regarding the parameter “poor outcome” after exclusion of studies with potential bias patients in the dexamethasone group didn’t show a significant better outcome compared to the control group with a RR of 0.7 (95% CI 0.45 - 1.08; p= 0.11). In summary, in primary outcome measures the mortality rate is slightly higher in the Dexamethasone group, while the vegetative state of the patients did not change significantly with treatment. Secondary outcome measures are complications occurring while therapy is ongoing like infection, gastrointestinal bleeding or severe metabolic disturbances. Regarding these complications the Dexamethasone group shows an increased incidence compared to the control group. Adverse effects such as hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, exacerbation of diabetes mellitus, fluctuations in blood pressure as well as gastrointestinal bleeding and infections occurred more often but could effectively be treated using modernized neurocritical intensive care. Therefore, an overall decrease in these complications over time can be seen. Conclusion The current updated meta-analysis has similar results to the outdated meta-analysis by Feigin et al. published in 2005. In most of studies there is a high degree of bias. High variability in medical follow up occur, encompassing diagnostic uncertainty due to absence of imaging techniques, lack of standardized instruments for assessment of clinical severity and outcome as well as different observation time periods. All these circumstances prevent an accurate comparison of the studies. The current meta-analysis highlights the need for more controlled trials with a higher number of patients to provide a meaningful result regarding the efficacy of dexamethasone in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage