Cognitive impairment before and after intracerebral haemorrhage: a systematic review

Introduction: There is increasing interest in understanding cognitive dysfunction before and after Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), given the higher prevalence of dementia reported (ranging from 5 to 44%) for this stroke type. Much of the evidence to date examining cognitive impairment associated with cerebrovascular disease has tended to focus more on ischaemic stroke. The aim of this review was to identify and quantify studies that focused on cognitive dysfunction pre and post ICH. / Methods: We conducted a systematic search using databases PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and PsycINFO to identify studies that exclusively assessed cognitive function pre and post ICH. Studies were included in the review if used a measure of global cognition and/or a neuropsychological battery to assess cognitive function. Nineteen studies were deemed relevant for inclusion, where n = 8 studies examined cognitive impairment pre ICH and n = 11 post ICH. / Results: Prevalence of cognitive impairment ranged between 9–29% for pre ICH and 14–88% for post ICH. Predictive factors identified for pre and post ICH were previous stroke, ICH volume and location and markers of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Most common cognitive domains affected post ICH were information processing speed, executive function, memory, language and visuo-spatial abilities. Most common cognitive assessments tools were the Informant Questionnaire for Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) for pre-existing cognitive impairment and the Mini-Mental State Examination for global cognition post ICH and the Trail Making Test where neuropsychological tests were used. / Conclusion: Cognitive impairment and dementia affected almost one-third of patients, whether assessed pre or post ICH

Panel: A New Global Process for Revising and Maintaining the Undergraduate IS Model Curriculum

The panel will provide an overview and an analysis of the ongoing joint ACM/AIS IS undergraduate model curriculum revision project, which is proposing significant changes to both curriculum content and structure and the process that is used to develop and maintain IS model curricula. The panel members represent universities in Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and thus, the panel creates an excellent opportunity for an in-depth discussion regarding the regional differences in perspectives to curriculum development and the feasibility of a truly global IS model curriculum. The panel is structured to encourage active audience participation, and one of its purposes is to solicit feedback that will used to guide the curriculum development effort

Incorporation of LNG into Small Gas Networks via FSRUs

Geopolitical risks on pipeline gas imports, increasing natural gas demand and the need to ensure continuous power supply with ever increasing fluctuating renewable power generation require diversification of gas sources to ensure supply security. With the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade increasing every year and natural gas prices remaining relatively low, more and more countries are interested in investing in regasification infrastructure. Establishing a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) and importing LNG has several advantages: lower cost compared to an onshore terminal, flexibility in relocation and the availability of short-term contracts all of which help serve small markets. FSRUs can also be operated in standby mode or used as an LNG storage facility. Operating an FSRU as a storage facility while beneficial for small networks introduces the challenges of LNG weathering and managing of the boil-off gas (BOG). To investigate these challenges on operation, a mathematical model is developed to determine the boil-off rate (BOR) over various time frames. The initial BOR is 0.129% of the initial storage volume increased to 0.143% after 10 weeks. Subsequent use of Aspen HYSYS to determine the change in LNG composition determined that Wobbe Index (WI) of the LNG varied from 51.58 to 51.616 MJ/Nm3 after 10 weeks of storage. An annual economic estimation of operating FSRU as a storage facility was carried out determining that the per unit price of gas obtained from regasified LNG is at least 42% lower than the current per unit price of gas in Ireland

Space-Time Clustering and Correlations of Major Earthquakes

Earthquake occurrence in nature is thought to result from correlated elastic stresses, leading to clustering in space and time. We show that occurrence of major earthquakes in California correlates with time intervals when fluctuations in small earthquakes are suppressed relative to the long term average. We estimate a probability of less than 1% that this coincidence is due to random clustering.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures. Submitted to PR

Naming and Non-necessity

Kripke’s examples of allegedly contingent a priori sentences include ‘Stick S is exactly one meter long’, where the reference of ‘meter’ is fixed by the description ‘the length of stick S’. In response to skepticism concerning apriority Kripke replaced the meter sentence with a more sophisticated variant, arguing that the modified example is more immune to such skepticism. The case for apriority is examined. A distinction is drawn between apriority and a broader notion, “qua- priority,” of a truth whose epistemic justification is dependent on no experience other than that required to justify belief of the deliverances of pure semantics. It is argued that Kripke’s examples are neither a priori nor qua-priori

First-in-human study of JNJ-63709178, a CD123/CD3 targeting antibody, in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia

Targeting antibody; Acute myeloid leukemiaAnticòs dirigit; Leucèmia mieloide agudaAnticuerpo dirigido; Leucemia mieloide agudaThis study aimed to identify a recommended phase II dose and evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and preliminary clinical activity of JNJ-63709178, a CD123/CD3 dual-targeting antibody, in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of JNJ-63709178 were evaluated. The i.v. infusions were administered once every 2 weeks (cohorts 1–5 [n = 17]) or twice weekly (cohorts 6–11 [n = 36]). A twice-weekly s.c. dosing regimen with step-up dosing was also studied (s.c. cohorts 1–2 [n = 9]). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) greater than or equal to grade 3 were observed in 11 (65%) patients in cohorts 1–5 and 33 (92%) patients in cohorts 6–11. At the highest i.v. dose (4.8 μg/kg), 5 (71%) patients discontinued treatment due to TEAEs. For s.c. administration (n = 9), eight (89%) patients experienced TEAEs greater than or equal to grade 3 and injection site reactions (≤ grade 3) emerged in all patients. At 4.8 μg/kg (i.v. and s.c.), the mean maximum serum concentrations were 30.3 and 3.59 ng/ml, respectively. Increases in multiple cytokines were observed following i.v. and s.c. administrations, and step-up dosing strategies did not mitigate cytokine production or improve the safety profile and led to limited duration of treatment. Minimal clinical activity was observed across all cohorts. The i.v. and s.c. dosing of JNJ-63709178 was associated with suboptimal drug exposure, unfavorable safety profiles, limited clinical activity, and inability to identify a recommended phase II dose.This work was supported by Janssen Research and Development, LLC

An NSTA Position Statement: Science-Technology-Society: Science Education for the 1980s

Science and technology influence every aspect of our lives. They are central to our welfare as individuals and to the welfare of our society. All around us are examples of the importance of science and technology for production of food, shelter, clothing, medicines, transportation, and various sources of energy. There are an increasing number of science- and technology-related societal problems as well as increasing societal benefits. Science and technology are central to our personal and cultural welfare and to many societal problems. We must insure appropriate science education for all citizens