Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parents’ occupation as correlate of students’ career aspiration in Public Secondary Schools in Ekpoma Metropolis

This study investigated the relationship between parents’ occupation and students’ career aspiration in public secondary schools in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The correlational research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 320 students was drawn for by simple random sampling technique from a population of 3272 senior secondary school students in the 16 public schools in the local government. A self-designed inventory titled: Students Career and Parent Occupational Inventory (SCAPOI) was designed using Holland’s (1985) work on six (6) personality types namely: Realistic (R); Investigative (I); Social (S); Artistic (A); Enterprising (E); and Conventional personality type (C). The Kendall’s tau-b rank correlation technique was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 20). Results showed that there is a significant relationship between parents’ career/occupation and students’ career aspiration in public secondary schools in Ekpoma metropolis (r=.943, p<0.01). Sequel to findings, it was recommended that parents should cautiously avoid the tendency of pushing their children into pursuing those ‘wishful heights’ in their careers that they were unable to attain in other to make them accomplish their ‘own failings’. Keywords: Career, Personality type, Career Aspiration, Career Choice, Student
Issues in characterizing resting energy expenditure in obesity and after weight loss

Limitations of current methods: Normalization of resting energy expenditure (REE) for body composition using the 2-compartment model fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) has inherent limitations for the interpretation of REE and may lead to erroneous conclusions when comparing people with a wide range of adiposity as well as before and after substantial weight loss. Experimental objectives: We compared different methods of REE normalization: (1) for FFM and FM (2) by the inclusion of %FM as a measure of adiposity and (3) based on organ and tissue masses. Results were compared between healthy subjects with different degrees of adiposity as well as within subject before and after weight loss. Results: Normalizing REE from an “REE vs. FFM and FM equation” that (1) was derived in obese participants and applied to lean people or (2) was derived before weight loss and applied after weight loss leads to the erroneous conclusion of a lower metabolic rate (i) in lean persons and (ii) after weight loss. This is revealed by the normalization of REE for organ and tissue masses that was not significantly different between lean and obese or between baseline and after weight loss. There is evidence for an increasing specific metabolic rate of FFM with increasing %FM that could be explained by a higher contribution of liver, kidney and heart mass to FFM in obesity. Using “REE vs. FFM and FM equations” specific for different levels of adiposity (%FM) eliminated differences in REE before and after weight loss in women. Conclusion: The most established method for normalization of REE based on FFM and FM may lead to spurious conclusions about metabolic rate in obesity and the phenomenon of weight loss-associated adaptive thermogenesis. Using %FM-specific REE prediction from FFM and FM in kg may improve the normalization of REE when subjects with wide differences in %FM are investigated.
An inexpensive meter to measure differences in electrical resistance in the rat vagina during the ovarian cycle.

The inherent electrical resistance of the rat vaginal wall rises markedly near the beginning of estrus and then falls again to low levels for the remainder of the ovarian cycle. Accordingly, special instruments have been developed to measure such resistances (within seconds) on simply inserting a small probe fitted with a pair of recording electrodes into the vagina (i.e., the MK-10A impedance checker and the EC40 estrus cycle monitor). As described herein, these two instruments are far more convenient for monitoring individual cycles than more laborious methods in which vaginal smears are inspected for changes in numbers of cornified (C), nucleated (N), and leukocytic (L) cells. However, they are also expensive and their use has essentially remained uncited in the literature. Thus we sought to determine whether a simple, inexpensive electrical meter (with resistance-measuring capacity), as commonly used by professional electricians, would serve the same purpose. We chose a standard multifunctional meter (model 22-178, RadioShack) and attached leads to it fabricated from the internal wiring of a shielded audio cable (model 42-2387A, RadioShack), one male terminal of which was used as a vaginal probe. In rats from which vagina smears revealed cell numbers in the order of C > N > L (typical of early estrus) electrical resistances were high, 488 +/- 130 k Omega (18 rats). In rats from which vagina smears revealed all other possible cell distributions, electrical resistances (combined) were much lower (P < 0.05), 124 +/- 23 k Omega (32 rats). Thus readily accessible, inexpensive electrical meters may be useful in assessing the status of estrus in female rats, either to improve reproductive efficiencies and/or for other purposes involving experiments in which such information is desirable.
Odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein nature of the amyloid found in calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors and unerupted tooth follicles

We have previously reported that the amyloid found in three patients with calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors (CEOT) was composed of N-terminal fragments of a putative 153-residue protein specified by a gene designated FLJ20513 now known to represent exons 5 through 10 of the odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein (ODAM) locus that encodes a 279-residue polypeptide. Confirmation of the amyloidogenic potential of ODAM has resulted from analyses of four other cases where we found, in addition, a 74-residue segment specified by exon 4. Through preparation of ODAM-related synthetic peptides, it was possible to localize the fibril-forming region of this molecule, as well as generate a monoclonal antibody that reacted specifically with the amyloid associated with CEOT. Notably, we also detected green birefringent congophilic material in unerupted tooth follicles – a precursor of CEOT – and demonstrated through immunologic and chemical analyses the ODAM nature of the deposits. Our studies have provided further evidence for this unique form of odontogenic amyloid that we provisionally designate “AODAM”.
Increased Expression of Interleukin-18 and its Receptor in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex systemic disorder characterized by both local pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Many studies suggested that activation of circulating inflammatory cells and increased circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines occur in COPD. Interleukin (IL)-18 is a unique proinflammatory cytokine that mediates its effects by binding to the IL-18 receptor (IL-18R). In the present study, the expression of IL-18 in serum and IL-18R on peripheral blood T lymphocytes was analyzed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the serum levels of IL-18 and interferon (IFN)-©, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured by chemiluminiscent immunoassay. Expression of IL-18R was examined using a three-color flow cytometry method. In total, 120 subjects were recruited including 32 nonsmokers, 30 current smokers and 58 stable COPD patients. Serum levels of IL-18 and hsCRP were significantly higher in stable COPD patients than those in nonsmokers and current smokers. A significant negative correlation existed between pulmonary function and serum level of IL-18 rather than hsCRP in stable COPD patients. The proportions of IL-18R〈-expressing T lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes were significantly higher in stable COPD patients than in nonsmokers and current smokers. The current study extended prior analyses by examining IL-18R expression in peripheral blood. The results suggested that IL-18/IL-18R system was active in peripheral blood of COPD patients.
Are Canadians Stealth Democrats? An American Idea Comes North

ABSTRACT In an influential 2002 study, John Hibbing and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse make the provocative argument that high numbers of Americans seek “stealth democracy,” that is, processes that discover the will of the people without requiring substantial citizen effort. This article applies the concept in a Canadian province and argues that the stealth democracy measure represents an ambiguous amalgam of attitudes that are only loosely related to one another, and which do not appear to represent a single, underlying concept. We draw on 2011 Saskatchewan Election Study data and find that Saskatchewan responses to the stealth democracy items generally parallel the responses gathered in previous studies conducted in the United States, Finland, Britain, and Australia. We move beyond these studies by examining the components of the stealth democracy index. We conclude by suggesting that the concept of stealth democracy be rebuilt to better distinguish among attitudes toward democracy, politics, and governing.
The New Gold Rush: Fueling Ethanol Production While Protecting Water Quality

318 Renewable fuel production, particularly grain-based ethanol, is expanding rapidly in the USA. Although subsidized grain-based ethanol may provide a competitively priced transportation fuel, concerns exist about potential environmental impacts. Th is contribution focuses on potential water quality implications of expanded grain-based ethanol production and potential impacts of perennial-grass–based cellulosic ethanol. Expanded grain-based ethanol will increase and intensify corn production. Even with recommended fertilizer and land conservation measures, corn acreage can be a major source of N loss to water (20–40 kg ha −1 yr −1). A greater acreage of corn is estimated to increase N and P loss to water by 37% (117 million kg) and 25% (9 million kg), respectively, and measures to encourage adoption of conservation practices are essential to mitigate water quality impairments. Dried distiller's grains remaining after ethanol production from corn grain are used as animal feed and can increase manure P content and may increase N content. Cellulosic fuel-stocks from perennials such as switchgrass and woody materials have the potential to produce ethanol. Although production, storage, and handling of cellulosic materials and conversion technology are limitations, accelerating development of cellulosic ethanol has the potential to reduce dependence on grain fuel-stocks and provide water quality and other environmental benefi ts. All alternative fuel production technologies could have environmental impacts. Th ere is a need to understand these impacts to help guide policy and help make programmatic and scientifi c decisions that avoid or mitigate unintended environmental consequences of biofuel production. A rapidly accelerating emphasis is being placed on the conversion of grains into ethanol as costs and instability of petroleum supplies for oil production have increased. Ethanol and other liquid biofuels were used throughout the 20th Century and were critical in the development of early internal combustion engines and automobiles. Th e fi rst internal combustion engine ran on ethanol, as did the fi rst versions of the Model T Ford, and the diesel engine was originally conceived to run on peanut oil (http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Biofuel). Although the energy picture of the 20th Century was dominated by fossil fuels, worldwide use of ethanol has grown rapidly over the past two decades due to fossil-fuel supply instability and unreliability, price increases, and concerns about growing pollution from emissions (Fig. 1). Since the 1970s, Brazil has led the way in developing ethanol as a major fuel source. More recently, the USA has become a major producer of ethanol, …
Association between urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and genotoxic effects in coke oven workers

Aims: To investigate whether current occupational exposure of coke oven workers to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) results in genotoxic effects measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes and whether these biomarkers are associated with the biomarkers of exposure. Methods: Blood and urine samples were collected immediately after a shift at the end of a working week from 50 coke oven workers and 50 control workers not exposed to PAHs. Methods included: (1) biomarkers of exposure: urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (HpU), urinary mutagenicity by the plate Salmonella test with strains TA98 and YG1024 after metabolic activation, expressed as mutagenic rate (MR98 and MR1024, respectively), urinary cotinine; and (2) biomarkers of biological effects in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL): sister chromatid exchanges (SCE/cell), cells of high frequency of SCE (% HFC), micronuclei (MN/1000 cells), chromosomal aberrations (CA/100 cells), and DNA damage by the Comet assay. Results: Occupational exposure to PAH resulted in significantly increased levels of HpU and mutagenic effect of urine. Median values of these biomarkers in coke oven workers were: 9.0 μmol/mol creatinine for HpU, 2.7 for MR98, and 8.2 for MR1024, compared to the controls: HpU = 0.6 μmol/mol creatinine, MR98 = 1.2, and MR1024 = 5.5. Occupational exposure caused significant induction of SCE, HFC, and MN in coke oven workers: median SCE = 5.9, HFC = 12.0%, MN = 6.0 compared to the controls: 3.9, 5.0%, and 3.0, respectively. No effect of occupational exposure was found in relation to CA and DNA damage measured with the Comet assay. HpU concentration was positively associated with SCE and HFC. The concentration of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene corresponding to a 5% probability of increased SCE was 1.0 μmol/mol creatinine. Conclusions: The occupational exposure to PAHs resulted in measurable biological effects (SCE, HFC, MN). In coke oven workers an increased level of SCE was not observed below the level of 1.0 μmol HpU/mol creatinine.
The Effect of Spinal Analgesia on Skin Blood Flow, Evaluated by Laser Doppler Flowmetry

Changes in skin blood flow provoked by spinal analgesia were evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry. This method permits a continuous and noninvasive measurement of the microvascular flow in the superficial skin layer. All recordings were made under controlled environmental conditions on 40 patients submitted to transurethral resection. During spinal analgesia a significant (P <0.001) reduction in skin blood flow was obtained in the shoulder and chest, while an increase (P<0.001) in skin blood flow was seen in the lower part of the body. In the postoperative period these changes still persisted, although they were less significant, indicating the individual duration of analgesia. The relations between intra‐individual relative changes in skin blood flow and skin temperature during spinal analgesia were found to be virtually uncorrelated. Laser Doppler flowmetry seems to be a useful tool in the further evaluation of the influence of spinal analgesia on the extent of tile associated sympathetic blockade.
Testicular Expression of Steroidogenic Enzyme Genes Is Related to a Transient Increase in Serum 19-nortestosterone during Neonatal Development in Pigs

Cytochrome P450 aromatase is responsible for the biosynthesis of estrogen. It is also responsible for the endogenous production of 19-nortestosterone (nandrolone), an anabolic androgen unique to pigs. Plasma concentrations of 19-nortestosterone are highest between two and four weeks after birth in male pigs. In the present study, the physiology of 19-nortestosterone was investigated by measuring the mRNA levels of steroidogenic enzymes, estrogen receptors and androgen receptor in the tissues of growing pigs. The expression of aromatase, 17α-hydroxylase and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the testes of male piglets increased between birth and two weeks of age, and then decreased progressively. Similar developmental expressional patterns were observed for 17α- hydroxylase and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the ovaries of female piglets, but without significant aromatase expression. The major form of aromatase expressed in the testes of piglets was identified as type I. Expression of estrogen receptor-α and -β and androgen receptor genes was also detected in both testes and ovaries. A transient elevation of androgen receptor mRNA in male piglets at two weeks of age was also observed in testes. Significant expression of the androgen receptor gene, but not of estrogen receptor-α and -β genes, was also demonstrated in adipose tissue and muscle. We conclude that the observed increase in the testicular expression of aromatase in male pigs could account for the production of large amounts of 19-nortestosterone at between two and four weeks of age in males. Androgen receptor and 19-nortestosterone appeared to be important for testicular development and might contribute to sexual dimorphism in body composition and muscle development in juvenile pigs. (Key Words : Cytochrome P450 Aromatase, Pig Testis, 19- Nortestosterone)
Could cortisol explain the association between birth weight and cardiovascular disease in later life? A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Studies about the association between birth weight and circulating cortisol level have been published from 1998 onwards. However, their findings were inconsistent. To quantitatively assess the overall association between birth weight and circulating cortisol level, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis of the published literature. METHODS A literature search was conducted in PubMed, and selected papers were systematically reviewed. A pooled regression coefficient was calculated for the entire group as well as for males and females separately. RESULTS Data from 11 study populations were pooled (n = 2301). These populations differed with respect to geographical area, age, sex distribution, inclusion criteria and gestational age. We found a statistically significant inverse association between birth weight and circulating cortisol level: a 1 kg lower birth weight was associated with a 25.3 nmol/l (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.9-44.8) higher cortisol level. Separate results were reported for males and females in six study populations. The association in males was 20.6 nmol/l per kg (95% CI: 4.2-37.0) and in females it was 30.9 nmol/l per kg (95% CI: 7.4-54.4). CONCLUSION Differences between study populations hampered the comparability of the included studies. Although the majority of studies were underpowered, by using a meta-analytic approach we found an inverse association between birth weight and circulating cortisol level. Thus, our findings suggest that there is some evidence for a possible role of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in the epidemiological association between birth weight and cardiovascular disease. However, the strength of the overall association between birth weight and circulating cortisol level was weak.
Dermal Exposure to Soil-Bound Hot Spots Multipathway Chemicals : Fractional Absorption ( ABS ) Values

The absorbed dose resulting from dermal exposure to soil-bound chemicals depends on many factors. An algorithm that describes the uptake of chemicals from soil as a function of exposure duration, exposure frequency, chemical concentration in the soil, soil loading, surface area, body weight, averaging time, and fractional absorption (ABS) is discussed in Chapter 6. The purpose of this appendix is to summarize the derivation of the ABS for the “Hot Spots” multipathway chemicals and present the information used in the development of each chemical ABS. A general discussion of the diverse factors influencing dermal absorption of soil-bound chemicals is presented below preceding the chemical ABS summaries.
Counting rises, levels, and drops in compositions.

A composition of n ∈ N is an ordered collection of one or more positive integers whose sum is n. The number of summands is called the number of parts of the composition. A palindromic composition of n is a composition of n in which the summands are the same in the given or in reverse order. In this paper we study the generating function for the number of compositions (respectively, palindromic compositions) of n with m parts in a given set A ⊆ N with respect to the number of rises, levels, and drops, and obtain previously known results as well as new results. We also generalize results for Carlitz compositions and for partitions.
of Intelligence and Personality

No psychologist has ever observed intelligence; many have observed intelligent behavior. This observation should be the starting point of any theory of intelligence. (Chein, 1945, p. 111) Managers and executives must frequently decide how best to allocate scarce financial and human resources. Each decision they make is the end result of a problem-solving exercise. The history of every organization is the cumulative sum of the decisions that result from these efforts at problem solving. The quality of individual managerial problem solving and decision making is a function of good judgment. This chapter is about how to define and evaluate good judgment. Our central argument is that good judgment is a function of intelligence and personality. The statement seems simple, but it is not. The topic of how to define intelligence is quite vexed, and the largest part of this chapter concerns just that problem. Once that is accomplished, we then try to show how good judgment comes from crossing intelligence (as we define it) with personality.
Spontaneous Brain Activity Predicts Learning Ability of Foreign Sounds

Can learning capacity of the human brain be predicted from initial spontaneous functional connectivity (FC) between brain areas involved in a task? We combined task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) before and after training with a Hindi dental–retroflex nonnative contrast. Previous fMRI results were replicated, demonstrating that this learning recruited the left insula/frontal operculum and the left superior parietal lobe, among other areas of the brain. Crucially, resting-state FC (rs-FC) between these two areas at pretraining predicted individual differences in learning outcomes after distributed (Experiment 1) and intensive training (Experiment 2). Furthermore, this rs-FC was reduced at posttraining, a change that may also account for learning. Finally, resting-state network analyses showed that the mechanism underlying this reduction of rs-FC was mainly a transfer in intrinsic activity of the left frontal operculum/anterior insula from the left frontoparietal network to the salience network. Thus, rs-FC may contribute to predict learning ability and to understand how learning modifies the functioning of the brain. The discovery of this correspondence between initial spontaneous brain activity in task-related areas and posttraining performance opens new avenues to find predictors of learning capacities in the brain using task-related fMRI and rs-fMRI combined.
Lymph-migrating, tissue-derived dendritic cells are minor constituents within steady-state lymph nodes

Observations that dendritic cells (DCs) constitutively enter afferent lymphatic vessels in many organs and that DCs in some tissues, such as the lung, turnover rapidly in the steady state have led to the concept that a major fraction of lymph node DCs are derived from migratory DCs that enter the lymph node through upstream afferent lymphatic vessels. We used the lysozyme M–Cre reporter mouse strain to assess the relationship of lymph node and nonlymphoid organ DCs. Our findings challenge the idea that a substantial proportion of lymph node DCs derive from the upstream tissue during homeostasis. Instead, our analysis suggests that nonlymphoid organ DCs comprise a major population of DCs within lymph nodes only after introduction of an inflammatory stimulus.