Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE GOALS OF TERTIARY EDUCATION: A PHILOSOPHICAL ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIA’S NATIONAL POLICY ON EDUCATION

This paper gives a cursory history of Tertiary Education in Nigeria and attempts a philosophical analysis of the concepts of quality and access to education; two major concepts that featured prominently in the goals of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education as stated in Nigeria’s National Policy on Education (2013). Subsequently, a philosophical assessment of the goals of Tertiary Education as stated in the National Policy document and the implementation is undertaken. Based on this philosophical assessment, it is shown among other things, that the concepts of quality and access to education as reflected in the goals of Tertiary Education are better used with clarifications. In addition, it is argued that the history of Tertiary Education in Nigeria is not totally that of woe because Tertiary Education has made some remarkable impact in the nation’s developmental strides. It is however emphasized that there are still enormous challenges facing Nigeria’s Tertiary Education especially when compared with global best practices. Furthermore it is argued that there is still a wide gap between the policy statements on Tertiary Education and their implementation. Suggestions are made towards addressing the challenges pointed out. These suggestions include: government redoubled commitment towards the funding of Tertiary Education, the enforcement of ethics education that has its foundation in the traditional values of Africa in order to address the prevailing laxity in the moral tone of many of the Tertiary Institutions
Three International Statistical Indicators And Their Factorial Impact On The Modelling Of Foreign Investments In Romania

The article provides a creative investigation into FDI, based on three major international statistical indicators of major signaling nature. Among the indicators of the country risk rating, Euromoney (ECR) was selected after successive evaluations. The second relevant statistical indicator, which was selected and validated, was the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) created by Transparency International, and the last one was the Economic Freedom Index (EFI), conducted by the Heritage Foundation. The article identifies the factorial impact of those three international statistical indicators in modelling the FDI volume, referring to these specific issues in the concrete case of Romania. The introduction presents the concept of investment alongside a series of international investment typologies. A section devoted to specialized literature lists the international investment theories and a number of derived modelling factors. In a necessary and succinct methodological section, the databases are also presented that were used as sources in the paper, and the discussion and analysis of the results, starting from a matrix of correlation of the development of FDI, facilitates the realization of a small number of more or less performing models and solutions. Finally, it was found that there is at least one model capable of providing a realistic FDI prognosis, starting from three international statistical indicators that give a sufficiently clear outline of a national economy, and parameterization temporally validates the predictive quality of the specific ISD model.
Basal ganglia and thalamo‐cortical hypermetabolism in patients with spasmodic torticollis

Introduction – The basal ganglia are thought to be involved in the primary dystonias, largely because of the repeated demonstration of neuropathological changes in these nuclei in the secondary dystonias. A hyperactivity of a network involving basal ganglia has been suggested in experimental animal dystonia. To test this hypothesis in humans, we studied the functional correlates of primary cervical dystonia using [18F]FDG and PET. Material and methods — Regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMRglc) was measured in 10 patients with idiopathic torticollis (6 drug‐free and 4 drug‐naive) and in 15 normal controls, using 2‐[18F]‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose ([18F]FDG) and positron emission tomography (PET). Results — A significant hypermetabolism in the basal ganglia, thalamus, premotor‐motor cortex and cerebellum in the patients compared with normal controls was found. The patients were correctly assigned to their clinical category by a discriminant function analysis with a total accuracy of 96%. Conclusion — The results support the hypothesis that a dysfunction of a subcortical‐cortical motor network may play a role in the pathogenesis of focal dystonia, in agreement with the experimental dystonia models.
A breakthrough in the treatment of empyema : what we have learnt 50 years on from Tillett and Sherry ’ s original case report

The scientists William S. Tillett and Sol Sherry were responsible for the introduction of intrapleural fibrinolytics as therapeutic agents, thus supplementing antimicrobial therapy in the treatment of empyema. They were the first to suggest the possibility that the use of these drugs in empyema might obviate the need for radical surgical procedures. This article highlights their original work and contributions in this field.
High-Pitch Electrocardiogram-Triggered Computed Tomography of the Chest: Initial Results

Objectives:Chest pain is one of the most frequent symptoms in the emergency department. A variety of different diseases, some of them acutely life threatening, can be the underlying cause. Electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomography angiography of the thorax has been proposed as a cost and time effective imaging technique for these patients. We describe a new high-pitch scan mode, which has been developed specifically for low-dose ECG-triggered computed tomography angiography using dual source computed tomography (CT). Material and Methods:Twenty-four patients were examined with this technique on a second generation dual source CT system. The scan mode uses a pitch of 3.2 to acquire a spiral CT data set of the complete thorax in less than 1 second with a temporal resolution of 75 ms (scan parameters: 128 × 0.6 mm collimation, 0.28 seconds gantry rotation time, 370 mAs at 100 kV [15 patients] and 320 mAs at 120 kV [9 patients], reconstructed slice thickness 0.6 mm, increment 0.4 mm). Data acquisition was prospectively triggered at 50% to 60% of the RR interval to cover the range over the heart in diastole. A triple phase contrast injection protocol (total volume: 80 mL) was used to optimize enhancement of the pulmonary and systemic arterial vessels. Image quality was evaluated using a 4-point scale (1 = absence of motion artifacts; 2 = slight motion artifacts, fully evaluable; 3 = motion artifacts, but evaluable; 4 = unevaluable) on a per-segment basis. Results:The patients had an average heart rate of 68 ± 15 bpm (range: 43–111 bpm) during data acquisition. Motion artifact free visualization of the aorta and pulmonary vessels was possible in each case, of 344 coronary artery segments, 242 (70%) had an image quality score of 1, 60 segments (17%) a score of 2, 28 segments (8%) a score of 3, and 14 segments (4%) were rated as “unevaluable. ” In 17 patients (10 patients with a heart rate ≤60 bpm) all segments were evaluable. The average dose length product was 113 ± 11 mGy × cm per scan (mean effective dose 1.6 ± 0.2 mSv) at 100 kV and 229 ± 31 mGy × cm per scan (mean effective dose 3.2 ± 0.4 mSv) at 120 kV. Conclusion:Our initial results indicate that this high-pitch scan mode allows motion artifact free and accurate visualization of the thoracic vessels, and diagnostic image quality of the coronary arteries in patients with low and stable heart rates at a very low radiation exposure.
Sustained Activation of Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 during Infection by Paramyxoviruses Requires MDA5

Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) are the main cytosolic sensors of single-stranded RNA viruses, including paramyxoviruses, and are required to initiate a quick and robust innate antiviral response. Despite different ligand-binding properties, the consensus view is that RIG-I and MDA5 trigger common signal(s) to activate interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) and NF-κB, and downstream antiviral and proinflammatory cytokine expression. Here, we performed a thorough analysis of the temporal involvement of RIG-I and MDA5 in the regulation of IRF-3 during respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Based on specific RNA interference-mediated knockdown of RIG-I and MDA5 in A549 cells, we confirmed that RIG-I is critical for the initiation of IRF-3 phosphorylation, dimerization and downstream gene expression. On the other hand, our experiments yielded the first evidence that knockdown of MDA5 leads to early ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of active IRF-3. Conversely, ectopic expression of MDA5 prolonged RIG-I-induced IRF-3 activation. Altogether, we provide novel mechanistic insight into the temporal involvement of RIG-I and MDA5 in the innate antiviral response. While RIG-I is essential for initial IRF-3 activation, engagement of induced MDA5 is essential to prevent early degradation of IRF-3, thereby sustaining IRF-3-dependent antiviral gene expression. MDA5 plays a similar role during Sendai virus infection suggesting that this model is not restricted to RSV amongst paramyxoviruses.
Tadpole pupil

Editors' Note: Dr. Egan inquires about the possibility of Tournay phenomenon in Kawasaki and Mayer's "Tadpole pupil. " Dr. Charles, in reference to "Disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis in pregnancy: A systematic review," suggests that it might be appropriate to continue glatiramer acetate in women trying to conceive given the lack of evidence of fetal risk. Authors Tremlett et al. advise that, at this point, each case should continue to be assessed individually.
An association of premature loss of primary maxillary incisors with speech production of bilingual children.

PURPOSE Early childhood caries is prevalent in the United States, especially among Hispanic children. One consequence may be premature loss of primary teeth, raising concern about developmental challenges. This study examined speech sound articulation errors association with premature loss of the primary maxillary incisors of bilingual children (Spanish/English). METHODS Hispanic children were assessed with a speech sound articulation test at 7 to 10 years of age against their history of primary maxillary anterior incisor loss. The exposed group (N =25) experienced premature extraction of these incisors, and the unexposed group (N =8) had normal dental exfoliation. RESULTS The groups were similar regarding: age at speech assessment; gender; language spoken at home; socioeconomic status; caries prevalence; mean number of decayed, missing, filled and sealed teeth. Higher values for the dental articulation errors (P=.04) were revealed among exposed vs unexposed. Exposed boys had more total speech articulation errors (P=.03), dental-related errors (P=.048), and other errors (P=.04) than the unexposed boys, although of small sample size. DISCUSSION Bilingual children who experienced early primary tooth loss exhibited differences in speech sound production vs those who did not. Further research is warranted to determine the extent early tooth loss in bilingual children predicts speech problems.
Genesis of morphologically identified neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat

Neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat can be grouped into five morphological classes based on a variety of structural characteristics. These same structural characteristics can serve as morphological signatures for the three physiological classes (X, Y, W) of neurons found in this nucleus. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between the birthdate of neurons within the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and the adult morphology of those neurons. Seven cats, each of which had received a single injection of 3H‐thymidine, were studied. A total of 2,138 Golgi‐impregnated neurons were identified in the dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei of these seven cats; 1,517 of these neurons were successfully resectioned and recovered, of which 385 (25%) were found to contain the 3H label. Neurons from each of the five morphological classes were labeled in each of the six animals that received a 3H‐thymidine injection between embryonic day 24 (E24) and E28. Class 3 and class 5 neurons were labeled in a cat injected with 3H‐thymidine on E30. These findings demonstrate that the development of the morphological class of a neuron in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus is independent of the time of its final cell division. Further, given the relationship that exists in the cat's dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus between neuronal structure and function, the present findings suggest that the different physiological classes of cells found in this nucleus undergo their final cell divisions throughout most of the period of neurogenesis except that the functional role of neurons born late in this period may be more restricted.
On single/dual-rail mixed PTL/static circuits in floating-body SOI and bulk CMOS: a comparative assessment

In this paper, single-rail and dual-rail mixed pass-transistor logic (PTL) and static CMOS circuits are presented. The circuits were synthesized using a genetic algorithm that determines the best mixture of PTL and static cells based on area and power. The mixed PTL/static circuits using the proposed method are compared with their static counterparts synthesized using a commercial logic synthesis tool in terms of area, delay and power in a 0.13 /spl mu/m floating-body partially depleted silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and a 0.13 /spl mu/m bulk CMOS technologies. Our experimental results on benchmark circuits from a commercial microprocessor indicates that the proposed mixed PTL/static circuits in both SOI and bulk CMOS technology outperforms their static counterparts in power consumption and/or performance.
Noninvasive Ventilation and Alveolar Recruitment Maneuver Improve Respiratory Function during and after Intubation of Morbidly Obese Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background:Morbid obesity predisposes patients to lung collapse and hypoxemia during induction of anesthesia. The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) improves arterial oxygenation and end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) compared with conventional preoxygenation, and whether NPPV followed by early recruitment maneuver (RM) after endotracheal intubation (ETI) further improves oxygenation and respiratory function compared with NPPV alone. Methods:Sixty-six consecutive patients (body mass index, 46 ± 6 kg/m2) were randomized to receive 5 min of either conventional preoxygenation with spontaneous breathing of 100% O2 (CON), NPPV (pressure support and positive end-expiratory pressure), or NPPV followed by RM (NPPV+RM). Gas exchange was measured in awake patients, at the end of preoxygenation, immediately after ETI, and 5 min after the onset of mechanical ventilation. EELV was measured immediately after ETI and 5 min after mechanical ventilation. The primary endpoint was arterial oxygenation 5 min after the onset of mechanical ventilation. Results are presented as mean ± SD. Results:At the end of preoxygenation, Pao2 was higher in the NPPV and NPPV+RM groups (382 ± 87 mmHg and 375 ± 82 mmHg, respectively; both P < 0.001) compared with the CON group (306 ± 51 mmHg) and remained higher after ETI (225 ± 104 mmHg and 221 ± 110 mmHg, in the NPPV and NPPV+RM groups, respectively; both P < 0.01 compared with the CON group [150 ± 50 mmHg]). After the onset of mechanical ventilation, Pao2 was 93 ± 25 mmHg in the CON group, 128 ± 54 mmHg in the NPPV group (P = 0.035 vs. CON group), and 234 ± 73 mmHg in the NPPV+RM group (P < 0.0001 vs. NPPV group). After ETI, EELV was higher in the NPPV group compared with the CON group (P < 0.001). Compared with NPPV alone, RM further improved gas exchange and EELV (all P < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between Pao2 obtained 5 min after mechanical ventilation and EELV (R2 = 0.41, P < 0.001). Conclusion:NPPV improves oxygenation and EELV in morbidly obese patients compared with conventional preoxygenation. NPPV combined with early RM is more effective than NPPV alone at improving respiratory function after ETI.
RNA Binding Domain of Jamestown Canyon Virus S Segment RNAs

ABSTRACT Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) is a member of the Bunyaviridae family, Orthobunyavirus genus, California serogroup. Replication and, ultimately, assembly and packaging rely on the process of encapsidation. Therefore, the ability of viral RNAs (vRNAs) (genomic and antigenomic) to interact with the nucleocapsid protein (N protein) and the location of this binding domain on the RNAs are of interest. The questions to be addressed are the following. Where is the binding domain located on both the vRNA and cRNA strands, is this RNA bound when double or single stranded, and does this identified region have the ability to transform the binding potential of nonviral RNA? Full-length viral and complementary S segment RNA, as well as 3′ deletion mutants of both vRNA and cRNA, nonviral RNA, and hybrid viral/nonviral RNA, were analyzed for their ability to interact with bacterially expressed JCV N protein. RNA-nucleocapsid interactions were examined by UV cross-linking, filter binding assays, and the generation of hybrid RNA to help define the area responsible for RNA-protein binding. The assays identified the region responsible for binding to the nucleocapsid as being contained within the 5′ half of both the genomic and antigenomic RNAs. This region, if placed within nonviral RNA, is capable of altering the binding potential of nonviral RNA to levels seen with wild-type vRNAs.
Transforming Growth Factor (cid:2) 1 Production by CD4 (cid:1) CD25 (cid:1) Regulatory T Cells in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Healthy Subjects Stimulated with Leishmania guyanensis

Transforming growth factor (cid:1) (TGF- (cid:1) ) has been shown to be a central immunomodulator used by leishmaniae to escape effective mechanisms of protection in human and murine infections with these parasites. However, all the information is derived from studies of established infection, while little is known about TGF- (cid:1) production in response to Leishmania stimulation in healthy subjects. In this study, TGF- (cid:1) 1 production was demonstrated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects never exposed to leishmaniae in response to live Leishmania guyanensis , and the TGF- (cid:1) 1-producing cells were described as a distinct subpopulation of CD4 (cid:2) CD25 (cid:2) regulatory T cells. The suppressive properties of CD4 (cid:2) CD25 (cid:2) T cells were demonstrated in vitro by their inhibition of production of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and IL-10 by CD4 (cid:2) CD25 (cid:3) T cells in the presence of either anti-CD3 or L. guyanensis . Although neutralization of TGF- (cid:1) 1 did not reverse the suppressive activity of CD4 (cid:2) CD25 (cid:2) T cells activated by anti-CD3, it reversed the suppressive activity of CD4 (cid:2) CD25 (cid:2) T cells activated by L. guyanensis . Altogether our data demonstrated that TGF- (cid:1) 1 is involved in the suppressive activity of L. guyanensis -stimulated CD4 (cid:2) CD25 (cid:2) T cells from healthy controls. assays (ELISA) (Pharmingen) with a sensitivity of 10 pg/ml (except for TGF- (cid:2) 1, for which the assay sensitivity was 62.5 pg/ml). Statistical analysis. The data were subjected to statistical analysis by the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test.
Lung Macrophages Serve as Obligatory Intermediate between Blood Monocytes and Alveolar Macrophages1

Alveolar macrophages are a unique type of mononuclear phagocytes that populate the external surface of the lung cavity. Early studies have suggested that alveolar macrophages originate from tissue-resident, local precursors, whereas others reported their derivation from blood-borne cells. However, the role of circulating monocytes as precursors of alveolar macrophages was never directly tested. In this study, we show through the combined use of conditional cell ablation and adoptive cell transfer that alveolar macrophages originate in vivo from blood monocytes. Interestingly, this process requires an obligate intermediate stage, the differentiation of blood monocytes into parenchymal lung macrophages, which subsequently migrate into the alveolar space. We also provide direct evidence for the ability of both lung and alveolar macrophages to proliferate.
‘‘Intraventricular’’ Hemorrhage and Cystic Periventricular Leukomalacia in Preterm Infants: How Are They Related?

Intraventricular hemorrhage and cystic periventricular leukomalacia are often co-occurring characteristics of brain damage in preterm infants. Using data from 1016 infants born before 30 completed weeks’ gestational age, we sought to clarify the relationship between severe intraventricular hemorrhage and cystic periventricular leukomalacia, with special emphasis on common antecedents and potential confounding. After comparing risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage grades 1 through 4 and cystic periventricular leukomalacia, it appears the risk patterns for intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3, intraventricular hemorrhage grade 4, and cystic periventricular leukomalacia differ. The association between intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3 and cystic periventricular leukomalacia differs appreciably from the association between intraventricular hemorrhage grade 4 and cystic periventricular leukomalacia, supporting the notion that intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3 and intraventricular hemorrhage grade 4 are different entities. The presence of intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3 and intraventricular hemorrhage grade 4 increases the risk of cystic periventricular leukomalacia, even after adjusting for potential confounders. This raises the possibility that intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3 and intraventricular hemorrhage grade 4 cause cystic periventricular leukomalacia.
A load-modulated low-power amplifier with average power tracking

A supply- and load-modulated RF power amplifier is proposed for applications in which output power control is required. The drain supply is scaled in harmony with the required average output power using a switch-mode power supply (SMPS), while the load is modulated in harmony with the signal's instantaneous envelope, to enhance average efficiency at each output power level. The concept is demonstrated with a 100mW GaAs amplifier operating at 2.35GHz, designed using discrete components. The amplifier is tested using WCDMA and LTE signals. The proposed architecture sustains high efficiency and good linearity over a large dynamic range, while it requires only a single set of control functions.
Study Abroad Management Programs: Strategies for Enhancing Returns

Combination of study undertaken in the native settings, combined with abroad studies, creates better environment for acquiring holistic perspectives. This is truer for management programs due to globalized business environment. Consequently, thousands depart annually for education abroad experiences with the expectation that they will become better professionals and return home with significantly enhanced/advanced competencies and skills. However, learning in a foreign milieu may not always be superior to learning at home. Indeed, the extent to which the study abroad programs aid in becoming successful is dependent on a vast number of variables. Hence, the objective of this chapter is to have a clearer understanding of how study abroad programs function in the development of students’ professional competencies. Adopting a case-based approach, the focus is on Omani students’ experiences related to management programs. It also aims to provide strategies to enhance the returns from study abroad management programs in general and especially for students of Oman. Study Abroad Management Programs: Strategies for Enhancing Returns