Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monoaminergic and peptidergic axonal projections to the vagal motor cell column of a teleost, the filefish Stephanolepis cirrhifer

In an immunohistochemical study, the vagal motor nucleus of a teleost, the filefish Stephanolepis cirrhifer, could be divided into a rostral part and a caudal part, and the former into a dorsolateral group and a ventromedial group. The dorsolateral group consisted of neurons immunoreactive for calcitonin gene‐related peptide, whereas the ventrolateral‐caudal group was negative for calcitonin gene‐related peptide. The latter group was retrogradely labeled after dextran amine injection to the visceral ramus of the vagus nerve, suggesting that it is a general visceral efferent column, made up of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons, whereas the dorsolateral rostral group is a special visceral efferent column. In the general visceral efferent column, a dense concentration of nerve fibers immunoreactive for serotonin, tyrosine hydroxylase, cholecystokinin‐8, and substance P, and a small number of fibers immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y was observed. Perikarya in contact with varicose terminals immunoreactive for these substances were frequently seen. In contrast, in the special visceral efferent column, only a moderate concentration of neuropeptide Y‐immunoreactive nerve fibers and a sparse distribution of fibers immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase were observed. Perikarya in contact with varicose terminals immunoreactive for these substances were rare. These results suggest that the vagal parasympathetic preganglionic neurons might receive multiple inputs of monoaminergic and peptidergic fibers involved in the regulation of the visceral organs. On the other hand, monoaminergic and peptidergic afferent fibers might be of much less significance in the activity of the special visceral efferent component of the vagus nerve. J. Comp. Neurol. 447:351–365, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Valuation of Corporate Innovation and the Pricing of Risk in the Biopharmaceutical Industry: The Case of Gilead

Much of a firm's market value derives from expected future growth value rather than from the value of current operations or assets in place. Pharmaceutical companies are good examples of firms where much market value comes from expectations about drugs still in the development “pipeline. ” Using a new osteoporosis drug being developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc., the author combines discounted cash flow methods values and real option models to value it. Alone, discounted cash flow (DCF) calculations are vulnerable to the assumptions of growth, cost of capital, and cash flows. But by integrating the real options approach with the DCF technique, one can value a new product in the highly regulated, risky and research‐intensive Biopharmaceutical industry. This article shows how to value a Biopharmaceutical product, tracked from discovery to market launch in a step‐by‐step manner. Improving over early real option models, this framework explicitly captures competition, speed of innovation, risk, financing need, the size of the market potential in valuing corporate innovation using a firm‐specific measure of risk and the industry‐wide value of growth operating cash flows. This framework shows how the risk of corporate innovation, which is not fully captured by the standard valuation models, is priced into the value of a firm's growth opportunity. The DCF approach permits top‐down estimation of the size of the industry‐wide growth opportunity that competing firms must race to capture, while the contingency‐claims technique allows bottom‐up incorporation of the firm's successful R&D investment and the timing of introduction of the new product to market. It also specifically prices the risk of innovation by modeling its two components: the consumer validation of technology and the expert validation of technology. Overall, it estimates the value contribution per share of a new product for the firm.
Immigration in American Economic History

The United States has long been perceived as a land of opportunity for immigrants. Yet, both in the past and today, US natives have expressed concern that immigrants fail to integrate into US society and lower wages for existing workers. This paper reviews the literatures on historical and contemporary migrant flows, yielding new insights on migrant selection, assimilation of immigrants into US economy and society, and the effect of immigration on the labor market.
Predicting the Stock Price of Frontier Markets Using Modified Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model and Machine Learning

The Black-Scholes Option pricing model (BSOPM) has long been in use for valuation of equity options to find the prices of stocks. In this work, using BSOPM, we have come up with a comparative analytical approach and numerical technique to find the price of call option and put option and considered these two prices as buying price and selling price of stocks of frontier markets so that we can predict the stock price (close price). Changes have been made to the model to find the parameters strike price and the time of expiration for calculating stock price of frontier markets. To verify the result obtained using modified BSOPM we have used machine learning approach using the software Rapidminer, where we have adopted different algorithms like the decision tree, ensemble learning method and neural network. It has been observed that, the prediction of close price using machine learning is very similar to the one obtained using BSOPM. Machine learning approach stands out to be a better predictor over BSOPM, because Black-Scholes-Merton equation includes risk and dividend parameter, which changes continuously. We have also numerically calculated volatility. As the prices of the stocks goes high due to overpricing, volatility increases at a tremendous rate and when volatility becomes very high market tends to fall, which can be observed and determined using our modified BSOPM. The proposed modified BSOPM has also been explained based on the analogy of Schrodinger equation (and heat equation) of quantum physics.
A controller for wind generators to increase damping of power oscillations

This paper reviews modelling aspects of Doubly Fed Asynchronous Generators and focuses on the application of a special controller that can introduce damping to interarea oscillations by modulating the active power output of wind generators and can thus replace power system stabilizers of conventional synchronous generator units. The controller is tested on a four-generator system traditionally used for interarea oscillation analysis and stabilizer design and testing and is shown to perform efficiently. The effect of the same controller in increasing system inertia is also verified.
The knowledge economy city: Gentrification, studentification and youthification, and their connections to universities

We investigate the spatial relationships among three prominent facets of contemporary urbanism – gentrification, studentification, and youthification – in the context of Canadian post-secondary educational institutions (universities and colleges). We conduct the analysis in three major Canadian cities with substantial knowledge economy sectors using confidential Statistics Canada census files, which include information on individuals and their geographies, and the location of universities and colleges, by enrolment size. We document ‘spillover’ effects of expansions in student enrolment and the building of campuses by analysing the geographic correlations among universities and gentrification and youthification. Studentification and youthification are to some extent coincident but not entirely, whereas the connection to gentrification is more complex. Our work provides novel insight into the ways the three different facets of contemporary urbanism overlap and contribute to our understanding of how universities and colleges, as hallmarks of the knowledge economy, influence the social geography of cities.
Polarisation characteristics of propagation paths in indoor 70 GHz channels

This document presents cross-polarisation ratios (XPRs) of propagation paths measured in indoor 70 GHz channels. To the best of authors' knowledge, very few polarisation measurement results of millimetre wave channels have been reported. The channel measurements are performed in large indoor short-range scenarios such as offices, a shopping mall, and a railway station. Due to the large measurement bandwidth of 5 GHz and the high cross-polarisation discrimination of the antennas, which is more than 25 dB, we are able to identify the XPRs of the individual propagation paths reliably. In total 36 paths have detectable cross-polarisation components above the noise floor. A range of the XPRs between 10 - 30 dB is observed. More polarisation measurements are needed for meaningful statistical analysis of the path XPR.
In vitro fermentation of selected fibrous substrates by dog and cat fecal inoculum: influence of diet composition on substrate organic matter disappearance and short-chain fatty acid production.

Two in vitro fermentation experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of source of dietary fiber fed to dogs and cats on fermentative activity of their fecal microflora. In Exp. 1, six English Pointer dogs were fed a diet containing either a non-fermentable fiber (Solka Floc) or a fermentable fiber (citrus pulp). A fecal sample from each dog was used as the inoculum source to determine in vitro OM disappearance (OMD) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production from selected fibrous substrates. When data were pooled across substrates and fermentation times, a lower (P = .02) OMD (24.8 vs 29.4%) and a higher (P = .01; 3.8 vs 2.2) acetate to propionate ratio (A:P) occurred for the Solka Floc than for the citrus pulp diet. In Exp. 2, six short-hair cats were fed a diet containing no supplemental fiber (NF) or a diet containing beet pulp (BP). When data were pooled across substrates and fermentation times, NF resulted in a greater (P < .01) A:P than the BP diet (3.4 vs 1.5). The BP treatment resulted in a slightly higher (P = .07) OMD (42.0 vs 39.3%) and a higher (P = .07) propionate production (.74 vs .47 mmol/g of OM) than the NF diet. In summary, in vitro substrate OMD increased and A:P decreased when fecal inoculum from dogs and cats fed diets containing a supplemental source of fermentable fiber was used. In vitro fermentation of fibrous substrates by fecal microflora from dogs and cats increased with inclusion of fermentable fiber in the diet.
Tetrahydrobiopterin Attenuates Microvascular Reperfusion Injury Following Murine Pancreas Transplantation

In this study we investigated the effect of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential cofactor for nitric oxide synthases, on ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) following murine pancreas transplantation. Pancreatic grafts were exposed to prolonged cold ischemia times (CIT) and different treatment regimens: normal saline (S), S + 16 h CIT, BH4 50 mg/kg + 16 h CIT. Nontransplanted animals served as controls. Graft microcirculation was analyzed by means of functional capillary density (FCD) and capillary diameters (CD) after 2 h reperfusion using intravital microscopy. Quantification of inflammatory responses (mononuclear infiltration) and endothelial disintegration (edema formation) was done by histology (hematoxylin and eosin), and peroxynitrite formation assessed by nitrotyrosine immunostaining. FCD was significantly reduced after prolonged CIT, paralleled by increased peroxynitrite formation as compared with controls (all p < 0.05). Microcirculatory changes correlated significantly with intragraft peroxynitrite generation (Spearman: r=−0.56; p < 0.01). Pancreatic grafts treated with BH4 displayed markedly higher FCD values (p < 0.01) and abrogated nitrotyrosine staining (p = 0.03). CD were not significantly different in any group. Histology showed increased inflammation, interstitial edema, hemorrhage, acinar vacuolization and focal areas of necrosis after 16 h CIT, which was diminished by BH4 administration (p < 0.01). BH4 treatment significantly reduces post‐ischemic deterioration of microcirculation as well as histologic damage and might be a promising novel strategy in attenuating IRI following pancreas transplantation.
Synchronising the availability of amino acids and glucose increases protein retention in pigs.

Effects of synchronising the availability of amino acids and glucose within a day on protein and energy metabolism were studied in growing pigs. Ten pigs of on average 54 (s.e. 1.0) kg live weight were assigned to each of two dietary treatments (synchronous v. asynchronous nutrient supply) in a change-over design. On the synchronous treatment (SYN), pigs received two balanced meals: one at 0800 h and one at 1600 h. On the asynchronous treatment (ASYN), pigs received virtually all protein at 0800 h and all carbohydrates at 1600 h. The dietary supply of ingredients and nutrients to pigs was similar for both treatments. Pigs were housed individually in respiration chambers. Faecal apparent nutrient digestibility was determined and nitrogen and energy balances were measured. Faecal apparent digestibility of energy, organic matter and non-starch polysaccharides was higher ( P < 0.05) for SYN than for ASYN. The efficiency of utilisation of digestible protein with protein gain was higher ( P = 0.001) for SYN (56.7%) than for ASYN (47.1%). The substantial decrease ( P < 0.05) in respiratory quotient and 13C enrichment of the expired CO2 after the morning meal indicated higher amino acid oxidation for ASYN than for SYN. Heat production and energy retention as fat were not affected by nutrient synchrony. In conclusion, an asynchronous availability of glucose and amino acids within a day increases amino acid oxidation, resulting in a substantial reduction in protein utilisation but with virtually no effect on fat retention.
Test-retest reliability of p13n23 and n34p44 components of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in a large healthy population.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the VEMP characteristics recorded in a large number of healthy subjects. METHODS VEMP response was obtained on 75 healthy volunteers. Thirty-nine (39) of them were males and 36 were females. Their age varied between 25 and 63 years (mean value 43). Recording was achieved using monaural acoustic stimulation and ipsilateral muscle contraction. Latencies of p13, n23, n34, p44 peaks, p13n23 and n34p44 amplitudes and the interaural amplitude differences (IAD) were assessed. RESULTS The stability of latencies, amplitudes of the first p12-n23 and second n34-p44 waveforms was verified. The second complex was present in 76%. No factor indicates statistically significant side difference for both runs. IAD variable was not statistically different from zero in all cases. Results show very good reliability for amplitudes, good for some latencies, poor for some other latencies and IAD34-44 and very poor for IAD13-23. No strong and significant correlations were also found between IAD34-44 and IAD13-23 and between p13n23 and n34p44 amplitudes. CONCLUSION It is the first time that optimal latencies and amplitudes for early and late components of VEMP are described in a large sample of healthy subjects. The p13, n23, n34 and p44 latencies and p13-n23, and n34-p44 amplitudes were reliable, verifying that the method is reproducible and feasible. The IAD13-23 has the disadvantage of low reliability.
Nonlinear Y-like receptive fields in the early visual cortex: An intermediate stage for building cue-invariant receptive fields from subcortical Y cells.

Many of the neurons in early visual cortex are selective for orientation of boundaries defined by first-order (luminance) as well as second-order (contrast, texture) cues. The neural circuit mechanism underlying this selectivity is still unclear, but some studies have proposed that it emerges from spatial nonlinearities of subcortical Y cells.In order to understand how inputs from the Y cell pathway might be pooled to generate cue-invariant receptive fields, we recorded visual responses from single neurons in cat Area 18 using linear multi-electrode arrays. We measured responses to drifting and contrast-reversing luminance gratings as well as contrast-modulation gratings.We found that a large fraction of these neurons have non-oriented responses to gratings, similar to those of subcortical Y cells - they respond at the second harmonic (F2) to high spatial frequency contrast-reversing gratings and at the first harmonic (F1) to low spatial frequency drifting gratings ("Y-cell signature"). For a given neuron, spatial frequency tuning for linear (F1) and nonlinear (F2) response is quite distinct, similar to orientation-selective cue-invariant neurons. Also, these neurons respond to contrast modulation (CM) gratings with selectivity for the carrier (texture) spatial frequency and, in some cases, orientation. Their receptive field properties suggest that they could serve as building blocks for orientation selective cue-invariant neurons. We propose a circuit model that combines ON- and OFF-centre cortical Y-like cells in an unbalanced push-pull manner, to generate orientation selective cue-invariant receptive fields. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT A significant fraction of neurons in early visual cortex have specialized receptive fields that allow them to selectively respond to orientation of boundaries invariant of the cue (luminance, contrast, texture, motion) that defines them. However the neural mechanism to construct such versatile receptive fields remains unclear. Using multielectrode recording we found a large fraction of neurons in early visual cortex with receptive fields not selective for orientation, that have spatial nonlinearities like those of subcortical Y cells. These are strong candidates for building cue-invariant orientation selective neurons - we present a neural circuit model that pools such neurons in an imbalanced "push-pull" manner, to generate orientation-selective cue-invariant receptive fields.
An exploratory study of Clinical and Translational Science Award community-engaged research training programs

Background The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) institutions are increasing development of training programs in community-engaged research (CEnR) to support translational science. Methods This study sampled posters at CTSA national meetings to identify CEnR training approaches, topics, and outcomes. Results Qualitative analysis of 30 posters revealed training topics and outcomes focused primarily on CEnR capacity building, overcoming barriers, systems change, and sustainability. Conclusion Further research should focus on development and results of CTSA CEnR training program metrics.
Assessment of Lower Limb Muscle Strength and Power Using Hand-Held and Fixed Dynamometry: A Reliability and Validity Study

Introduction Hand-held dynamometry (HHD) has never previously been used to examine isometric muscle power. Rate of force development (RFD) is often used for muscle power assessment, however no consensus currently exists on the most appropriate method of calculation. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of different algorithms for RFD calculation and to examine the intra-rater, inter-rater, and inter-device reliability of HHD as well as the concurrent validity of HHD for the assessment of isometric lower limb muscle strength and power. Methods 30 healthy young adults (age: 23±5yrs, male: 15) were assessed on two sessions. Isometric muscle strength and power were measured using peak force and RFD respectively using two HHDs (Lafayette Model-01165 and Hoggan microFET2) and a criterion-reference KinCom dynamometer. Statistical analysis of reliability and validity comprised intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Pearson correlations, concordance correlations, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change. Results Comparison of RFD methods revealed that a peak 200ms moving window algorithm provided optimal reliability results. Intra-rater, inter-rater, and inter-device reliability analysis of peak force and RFD revealed mostly good to excellent reliability (coefficients ≥ 0.70) for all muscle groups. Concurrent validity analysis showed moderate to excellent relationships between HHD and fixed dynamometry for the hip and knee (ICCs ≥ 0.70) for both peak force and RFD, with mostly poor to good results shown for the ankle muscles (ICCs = 0.31–0.79). Conclusions Hand-held dynamometry has good to excellent reliability and validity for most measures of isometric lower limb strength and power in a healthy population, particularly for proximal muscle groups. To aid implementation we have created freely available software to extract these variables from data stored on the Lafayette device. Future research should examine the reliability and validity of these variables in clinical populations.
Surfactant-mediated formation of polymeric microlenses from interfacial microdroplets.

Nano- and micro-scale lenses have a range of potential applications, such as in antireflective layers in photovoltaic or light emission devices, and in super resolution imaging in the near field modes. One of the protocols to mass produce polymeric microlenses is through the polymerization of microdroplets of a monomer precursor that are produced at solid–liquid interfaces by a solvent exchange technique. In this work, we have advanced this protocol by using surfactants. A cationic surfactant was added to the liquid phase for the control over the formation and morphology of polymerisable microdroplets and their resultant microlenses (i.e. the polymerized microdroplets). The results demonstrate that the surfactant could enable the production of polymerizable microdroplets on hydrophilic substrates by the solvent exchange technique, and eliminate the restriction by the substrate wettability on the microlens fabrication. Furthermore, the size distribution and aspect ratio of microlenses could be tuned by the surfactant concentration.
We lead who we are: A collaborative inquiry to inform educational leadership praxis

Supervisory Committee Dr. Katherine Sanford, Department of Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor Dr. James Nahachewsky, Department of Curriculum and Instruction Departmental Member Dr. Tim Hopper, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education Outside Member Educational leaders are immersed in and arguably responsible for the construction of the delicate yet complex world of education. As such, Van der Mescht (2004) poignantly observes, “to develop a clearer picture of what it is that some leaders possess (or do, or are) that makes their leadership effective has perhaps never been more urgent” (p. 3). This research is a response to Van der Mescht’s observation. The purpose of this study is to engage prospective educational leaders in a deep interrogation of their personal, philosophical and pedagogical beliefs around leadership and its application in contexts representative of Canadian diversity and the complexity of the learning environments using collaborative inquiry (Bray, Lee, Smith & Yorks, 2000) as a methodology. The study is based on leadership as a practice where educational leaders enable, empower and support the diverse and complex learning community and where the application of leader extends beyond title and position to qualities and actions understood through collaborative reflection and dialogue.