The choice among non-callable bonds and make whole, claw back and otherwise ordinary callable bonds

This paper seeks to explain determinates of the choice and the pricing of various types of callable and non-callable bonds. We find that the popularity of different types of callable and non-callable bonds is significantly related to the economic environment. In addition, the popularity of claw back bonds appear to be driven by agency considerations, make whole bonds by the debt overhang problem, ordinary callable bonds by the need by banks to deal with interest rate changes and non-callable bonds by the need to raise funds as cheaply as possible. All else equal, firms pay a higher offer spread for the flexibility to call a claw back bond early via a new share offering whereas issuers of make whole bonds are rewarded with a lower offer spread for restricting calls to circumstances that does not expropriate bondholder wealth

Optimizing Filter-Probe Diffusion Weighting in the Rat Spinal Cord for Human Translation

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a promising biomarker of spinal cord injury (SCI). In the acute aftermath, DTI in SCI animal models consistently demonstrates high sensitivity and prognostic performance, yet translation of DTI to acute human SCI has been limited. In addition to technical challenges, interpretation of the resulting metrics is ambiguous, with contributions in the acute setting from both axonal injury and edema. Novel diffusion MRI acquisition strategies such as double diffusion encoding (DDE) have recently enabled detection of features not available with DTI or similar methods. In this work, we perform a systematic optimization of DDE using simulations and an in vivo rat model of SCI and subsequently implement the protocol to the healthy human spinal cord. First, two complementary DDE approaches were evaluated using an orientationally invariant or a filter-probe diffusion encoding approach. While the two methods were similar in their ability to detect acute SCI, the filter-probe DDE approach had greater predictive power for functional outcomes. Next, the filter-probe DDE was compared to an analogous single diffusion encoding (SDE) approach, with the results indicating that in the spinal cord, SDE provides similar contrast with improved signal to noise. In the SCI rat model, the filter-probe SDE scheme was coupled with a reduced field of view (rFOV) excitation, and the results demonstrate high quality maps of the spinal cord without contamination from edema and cerebrospinal fluid, thereby providing high sensitivity to injury severity. The optimized protocol was demonstrated in the healthy human spinal cord using the commercially-available diffusion MRI sequence with modifications only to the diffusion encoding directions. Maps of axial diffusivity devoid of CSF partial volume effects were obtained in a clinically feasible imaging time with a straightforward analysis and variability comparable to axial diffusivity derived from DTI. Overall, the results and optimizations describe a protocol that mitigates several difficulties with DTI of the spinal cord. Detection of acute axonal damage in the injured or diseased spinal cord will benefit the optimized filter-probe diffusion MRI protocol outlined here

The Gendering of Cancer Survivorship

This article examines the relationship between gender and cancer survivorship. I argue that gender is as critical as a category of analysis for understanding cancer survivorship as it is missing from survivorship studies, particularly as concerns the identificatory basis of survivor culture and clinical studies regarding survivors’ quality of life (QOL). This under-studied question of the gendering of survivorship is critical because the consequences of the social production of disease is far-reaching, from the nature of medical research to social awareness, to funding to the well-being of cancer survivors themselves

External loading determines specific ECM genes regulation

Bio artificial matrices embedded with cells are simulated in bioreactors to facilitate ECM production. As cells attach, they develop forces, which are dependent on cell type and matrix stiffness. External forces (i.e strain), however, are critical for tissue homeostasis and elicit specific cellular responses, such as gene expression and protein production. Collagen Type I is a widely used scaffold in Tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to study the mechanical and molecular responses, of different cell types to increasing collagen substrate stiffness

Perceptions of Positive Relationship Traits in Gay and Lesbian Couples

The following study examined perceptions of positive traits in homosexual relationships. Students (n = 216) and professional counselors (n = 96) read one of three variations of a transcript of a couple’s counseling session that were identical in all aspects except for the names of the couple members and associated pronouns, implying sexual orientation (either John and Amy, Amy and Jennifer, or John and David). Participants then rated the couple’s level of commitment, satisfaction, investment, and closeness. Surprisingly, the student group perceived no differences between the couples, but the counselor group perceived the gay and lesbian couples as having higher levels of the positive relationship traits. Implications regarding counselor bias are discussed

Activation of Long Descending Propriospinal Neurons in Cat Spinal Cord

Isolated mammalian spinal cord has been shown capable of generating locomotor activity. Propriospinal systems assumed to coordinate fore- and hindlimb activity are poorly understood. This study characterizes the long descending propriospinal (LDP) neurons in terms of the location of the somas and their peripheral inputs by direct neuronal recording. Anatomical studies using axonal retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase from the lumbar to the cervical spinal cord as a tracer first described these neurons. Two hundred and thirty-one LDP neurons were identified in electrophysiological experiments. Of these, 123 responded to natural stimulation, and about 50% of the others were activated only by electrical stimulation. The majority of cells were located in laminae VII and VIII in agreement with anatomical data. The most effective stimuli were mechanical stimulation of skin, deep pressure to subcutaneous tissues, and paw joint movement. Bot excitatory and inhibitory responses were observed

Connections of the Mesencephalic Locomotor Region (MLR) in the Cat

The cat entopeduncular nucleus (EN), which is the main output of the basal ganglia, is known to project to the mesencephalic tegmentum. We have been able to elicit antidromic responses in single EN neurons from the region of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), then transect (precollicular-postmamillary) the brainstem and elicit rhythmic movements of the limbs by stimulation of the same site in the same animal. Injections of the fluorescent dye 2,4 diamidino phenylindole 2 HCL (DAPI) into this area induces retrograde labeling of cell bodies in EN and motor cortex. Injections of a tritiated amino acid (leucine) into the motor cortex induce terminal labeling in the area of the MLR. These studies describe convergent projections from EN and motor cortex to the MLR. These connections may be involved in the sequencing and ordering of voluntary movements in which locomotion is necessary

Master of Science

thesisCadaver dissection has been a fundamental part of the education of medical students for hundreds of years. Since the 16th century, dissection has been touted as the premier method for educating doctors in training on human anatomy. Research in the field of medical pedagogy has explored the multifaceted learning experience of dissection. The literature has focused on the emotional impact, utility, and academic merits of dissection. Yet conceptual literature in the field suggests that cadaver dissection offers an even greater learning experience than what is represented in the existing research. The purpose of the current study was to expand on the preexisting research with a more focused and in-depth examination of medical students' experiences in the anatomy lab. The questions guiding this research were: What is the impact of cadaver dissection on medical students, and what do medical students really learn during cadaver dissection? The research was qualitative in nature and based on an interpretivist paradigm. Data were collected from three distinct sources: field observation of a gross anatomy course, in-depth individual interviews with 15 first-year medical students who participated in the gross anatomy course, and a focus group of three students from the same course. The data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. From the analysis five distinct themes emerged, with one core concept, Balancing Respect as the central theme supported by the remaining four themes: Discovery, The Shock of Medicine, Utility as Motivation/Coping, and Humanity. The results of the research led to the development of a theoretical model of the process in which cadaver dissection aids medical students in developing a balanced sense of respect for the human body. The act of dissecting evoked two contrasting reactions; a sense of discovery and a sense of shock, and students use the notions of utility and humanity to filter these reactions into a congruent sense of respect. The results of this study have implications for research in the field of medical pedagogy as well as clinical implications for those instructing students through the use of cadaver dissection

Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationCadaver dissection has been a central part of the education of medical professionals for centuries. Throughout that time, anatomists have claimed that dissection is a learning experience rich with life lessons encompassing more than simply gross anatomy. Yet, no published empirical data exist of the long-term impact that dissection has on medical professionals. The objective of the current study was to explore the aspects of cadaver dissection that remain salient following the transition from medical student to medical professional. This qualitative research utilized grounded theory methodology exploring the autobiographical narratives of physicians (n=38) 5 to 57 years postgraduation. Data were drawn from multiple sources: interviews, written reflections, focus group, and archival data. Four interconnected themes emerged from the data. They are (a) Working with Peers, (b) Future Learning, (c) Patient Care, and (d) Confidence. Foundational learning for the future was the overarching core concept that connected the multitude of experiences within the dissection laboratory, and each of the four themes played a specific role within that concept. Implications of these results add to the pedagogical value of dissection. The consolidation of the important aspects of healthcare reflected in the four themes arising from the data provide empirical evidence that dissection does in fact offer a multifaceted learning experience as noted in the conceptual literature. Although many of the experiences can be acquired in some form or another at various points through the process of medical education, the gross anatomy laboratory provides a situation where it is possible for all of these factors to occur in unison

Integration of Motion Sensing intoMobile Learning Applications

The use of mobile devices in education has greatly increased during the last decade. At the same time, technology advances have opened new spaces and possibilities for the field of mobile-based education in the form of entertainment—where learners can achieve their learning goals whilst having fun. Games on mobile phones have also become an important part of education experienced by young people. With the advancement in technology, utilizing motion-sensors in mobile learning systems have started to evolve. Research indicates that the potential of using motion-sensors in game-based learning could achieve maximum benefits from mobile technology in game-based learning activities, as well as improving this form of e-learning entertainment technology. This paper discusses our ongoing research that aims to improve current learning mobile technologies by integrating a new innovative motion-sensing feature. These advancements are reviewed and evaluated for integration and use in a motion-sensing edutainment mobile application