Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Weibel-Palade Body: the Storage Granule for von Willebrand Factor and P-selectin

Endothelial cells of most blood vessels contain elongated granules called Weibel-Palade bodies which are not found in any other cell type (Fig. 1) (1). These membrane-bound organelles can be up to 4 pm long and 0.1 pm thick-therefore large enough to be seen in the light n~icroscope. In the electron microscope. longitudinally arranged tubular structures (Fig. 1) that represent highly organized polymers of the adhesive glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (vWf) can be distinguished inside the granule (Fig. 1) (2-4). After stimulation of the endothelial cell, vWf is released from the granules into the surrounding blood or basement membrane (for review see 5). M7eibel-Palade bodies therefore are true storage granules such as are found. for example, in hornlone secretory cells. Although we have searched for other soluble components in the Weibel-Palade bodies, a-e did not find any other than \,Wf and its propolypeptide. To date. two membrane components of the Weibel-Palacle bodies have been described: the adhesion receptor for phagocytic cells Pselectin (6.7) and. very recently. the lysosomal membrane protein CD63 (8) which \vas localized im~nunologically (U. Vischer and D. Wagner. manuscript in preparation). vM7f and P-selectin have the same tissue-specific expression since they are synthesized only by endothelial cells and by megakaryocytes. the precursors of platelets. In addition, in both cell types P-selectin and \lWf are found in the same storage granulesthe wgranules in platelets (9-12) and WeibelPalade bodies in endothelium. CD63 is a ubiquitous lysosolnal membrane protein and it is not known whether it is found in storage granules of other cell types. vWf and its prosequence (with which the rnolecule is initially synthesized) are found in Weibel-Palade bodies in stoichiometric amounts: this indicates that the proteolytic cleavage betn-een them likely occurs at the time that the protein is packaged into the Weibel-Palacle body or inside the organelle (13.14). The prosequence of vWf is necessary for the protein mu! timerization by disulfide bonding, since vWf expressed without the prosequence remains dimeric (15.16). We have found that the propolypeptide has sequences similar to those found at the active site of protein disulfide isomerase-the enzyme that catalyses disulfide bond formation in the endo-. plasmic re t iculun~. Mutagenesis in these regions through insertion of an extra glq-cine residue completely abolishes the capacity ol' the prosequence to promote multiinerization (17). This indicates that vWf may carry its own multimerizing enzyme (the prosequence) that is activated in the compartments late in the secretory path\va! -. \vhere such activity is
Guided real time sampling using mobile electronic diaries

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Consideration on implementing the "Sunshine sports" in normal universities

Under the context of the "Sunlight-sports",used the methods of a questionnaire,mathematical statistics,data analysis,logic and so on,it has taken profound analysis about some factors which influenced the development of the "Sunlight-sports" in universities.I think that the exam education,shortage of sports resources,wrong opinions and system of selecting courses are major factors which hinder the development of the "Sunlight-sports". For the existence of the problem,I put forward many measures to provide some effective reference to the "Sunlight-sports" implemented in universities.
Who are organic food consumers? A compilation and review of why people purchase organic food

This paper integrates and synthesizes the findings of published research on organic food consumption. We identify several themes that reflect the various rationales used by consumers when deciding to purchase organic food. The literature clearly indicates that the word "organic" has many meanings, that consumers of organic foods are not homogeneous in demographics or in beliefs, and that further research could help better describe the various constituencies that are often lumped together as "organic food consumers". The organic and broader food industries must better understand the variety of motivations, perceptions, and attitudes consumers hold regarding organic foods and their consumption if their own long-term interests, as well as those of other stakeholders of food marketing, are to be best served. We conclude with implications and suggestions for further research.
The kinetics of repeated low-level infections of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in the laboratory rat

The kinetics of low-level repeated infections of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in the laboratory rat were studied. The administration of five infective larvae each weekday to the rats produced an infection which was cumulative over 16 weeks and which did not produce an acute host immune response. The repeated administration of 50 larvae/weekday produced a primary immune response after 14 days. This caused partial worm expulsion and the suppression of egg output but the resistance of these rats to reinfection was not as pronounced as that seen in classical laboratory infections where heavier but less frequent larval exposures are used. The secondary worms that established in these rats did not elicit an acute host immune response even when the worm burden was as high as 756 worms. It is suggested that the kinetics of this type of infection more closely approximate those found under natural conditions than do those of a ‘classical’ laboratory infection. We wish to thank Misses G. Merchant, L. Cleaver and J. Cobb for able technical assistance, and Dr B. M. Ogilvie (National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London) for her helpful comments and discussions.
What does a small corporate effect mean? A variance components simulation of corporate and business effects

In a widely cited paper, Rumelt (1991) presents estimates of the relative influence of corporate, business unit, and other influences on business unit profitability and finds the corporation explains almost none of the variability in business unit profitability. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, we examine the relation of variance component magnitudes to other indicators of the importance of a particular effect. Our results demonstrate that variance components can be an extremely nonlinear indicator of importance. We also question whether Rumelt's corporate effect represents the possible contributions of corporate strategy to business unit performance. This addresses a puzzle raised by Rumelt (1991) concerning the small effect of corporations in explaining performance, and suggests that Rumelt's findings should not be seen as demonstrating the insignificance of corporate strategy. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of membrane-bound heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in renal epithelial cell branching.

UNLABELLED Role of membrane-bound heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in renal epithelial cell branching. BACKGROUND The developing metanephros is characterized by growth and differentiation of the ureteric bud and the surrounding mesenchymal tissue. These processes can be influenced by several growth factors, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha). We examined whether another member of the EGF family of growth factors, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), might act as a morphogen in renal epithelial tubulogenesis. METHODS Expression of HB-EGF mRNA and immunoreactive protein were examined in fetal, neonatal and adult rat kidneys. For in vitro studies of tubulogenesis, a rat renal epithelial cell line (NRK52E) stably transfected with proHB-EGF (NRKproHB-EGF) was treated with TPA for 30 minutes, washed with 2 mol/L NaCl to remove soluble HB-EGF trapped by cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan and replated onto plastic dishes in the absence of fetal calf serum. In further experiments, NRKproHB-EGF were suspended in a type I collagen gel in serum-free media. RESULTS Northern blot analysis indicated that HB-EGF was strongly expressed in embryonic rat kidney (embryonic days 18-20) and was still increased in the neonatal kidney (day 10), compared to the low basal levels in adult kidney. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that immunoreactive HB-EGF expression in the fetal rat kidney was localized predominantly to the ureteric bud. When NRKproHB-EGF were plated onto plastic substrata, they became progressively flattened and enlarged and exhibited filopoidia. By 10 hours after plating, NRKproHB-EGF began to migrate and subsequently developed cell-cell contact and fully established tubular-like structures. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the initial recovery of cellular proHB-EGF was localized predominantly to areas of cell-cell attachment. No tubule-like structures were observed in similarly treated NRK52E cells transfected with the vector alone. In collagen gels, NRKproHB-EGF developed short tubule-like structures in the absence of TPA treatment, but with simultaneous TPA treatment, longer and more arborized structures developed. MMP-1 mRNA and immunoreactive protein increased in the TPA-treated cells, suggesting that protein kinase C-mediated collagenase activity was important for the observed tubulogenesis. However, inhibition of EGF receptor tyrosine kinase with AG 1478 significantly blunted the TPA-induced tubulogenesis by NRKproHB-EGF grown in collagen gels. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that membrane-bound HB-EGF can mediate both epithelial cell branching and cell motility. Localization of proHB-EGF to the site of cell-cell contact and development of tubule-like structures in collagen gels suggests that proHB-EGF may be an important morphogen for renal epithelial cells.
Understanding Adult Age Differences in the Frequency of Problems With Friends

We investigated characteristics of younger and older adults’ friendships. Younger (N = 39) and older (N = 39) adults completed measures pertaining to a specific friend they had (i.e., contact frequency, positive friendship quality, and negative friendship quality) and their frequency of problems with friends in general. Older adults reported fewer problems with friends in general, and fewer negative friendship qualities, less frequent contact, and more positive friendship qualities with a specific friend than younger adults. Contact frequency, positive friendship quality, and negative friendship quality with a specific friend were related to frequency of problems with friends in general, but only contact frequency was a significant mediator of the relation between age and frequency of problems with friends in general. Results show that characteristics of a specific friendship relate to problems with friends in general, and that contact frequency with a specific friend mediates the relation between age and problems with friends in general. Implications are discussed.
The role of slotting fees and introductory allowances in retail buyers’ new-product acceptance decisions

Although slotting fees and introductory allowances have become well established in the grocery and other industries, they remain a source of controversy among channel members. Retailers claim that these fees and allowances help mitigate the risks associated with new-product acceptance. Manufacturers counter that retailers are abusing slotting fees and allowances by using them as a source of profit. The authors investigate this controversy by empirically examining the role of slotting fees and allowances in the retail buyers’ product acceptance decision process. Results provide evidence to suggest that introductory allowances are indeed being used by retailers in the sample to offset perceived risks and costs of carrying new products. However, findings regarding slotting fees are much less supportive of retailers’ claims.
The influence of green supply chain integration and environmental uncertainty on green innovation in Taiwan's IT industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between green supply chain integration (GSCI) and green innovation and to analyze the moderating effects of environmental uncertainty.Design/methodology/approach – A multi‐dimensional approach was employed to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework which encompasses various aspects of GSCI, green innovation and environmental uncertainty. To identify the effects of GSCI and environmental uncertainty on green innovation, hierarchical moderated regression analysis was applied using questionnaire data from 211 Taiwanese, information technology (IT) manufacturers.Findings – Supplier, customer and internal integration enhance both green product and process innovations. Demand uncertainty positively moderates each GSCI‐green innovation link. However, the moderating effect of technological uncertainty is insignificant.Research limitations/implications – This study conducted a cross‐sectional investigation of the Taiwanese IT industry. Theref.
Variation in estrogen-related genes and cross-sectional and longitudinal blood pressure in the Framingham Heart Study

Objective To examine the association between variation in estrogen-related genes and cross-sectional and longitudinal blood pressure in men and women. Design In 1780 unrelated members of the community-based Framingham Heart Study offspring cohort, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured over a total of six examination cycles encompassing 24 years of follow-up. Multivariate regression analyses were used to assess the relation between untreated cross-sectional and longitudinal blood pressure and polymorphisms at the estrogen receptor-α (ESR1), estrogen receptor-β (ESR2), aromatase (CYP19A1), and nuclear receptor coactivator 1 (NCOA1) genes after adjustment for common risk factors. Results In men, systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure (systolic blood pressure minus diastolic blood pressure) were associated with two polymorphisms in ESR1, while pulse pressure was also associated with variations in NCOA1 and CYP19A1. Polymorphisms in ESR1, CYP19A1, and NCOA1 were associated with diastolic blood pressure in women. Conclusions Although the underlying relations between genes involved in estrogen action and hypertension remain to be completely understood, our findings provide suggestive evidence of gender-specific contributions of estrogen-related genes to blood pressure variation. As no correction for multiple testing was performed in the analyses, we view these results as suggestive and not definitive. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results using a comprehensive set of polymorphisms in order to shed more light on the involvement of estrogen in blood pressure regulation.
A Stator Winding Insulation Condition Monitoring Technique for Inverter-Fed Machines

Stator insulation quality assessment is an important issue for pulsewidth modulation inverter-fed machines, since the stator insulation is exposed to increased thermal/electrical stresses. In this paper, a new approach for monitoring the condition of the stator insulation for inverter-fed machines is proposed. The main concept of the proposed approach is to apply various types of test voltages to the motor stator insulation using the inverter, to perform standard offline insulation tests whenever the motor is not operating. Two methods for testing the insulation with modifications to the inverter circuit are proposed and verified experimentally. The results show that the proposed technique provides a simple low cost solution for detecting stator insulation degradation at an early stage for reliable operation of inverter-fed machine systems, since the insulation condition can be monitored frequently. This not only helps prevent forced outages and safety risks due to insulation breakdown, but also helps perform maintenance in an efficient manner since individual motor maintenance can be prioritized and scheduled based on its present condition.
Exploring Knowledge Transfer and Knowledge Building at Offshore Technical Support Centers

Conceptualization Concrete Experience Reflective Observation Grasping via APPREHENSION Grasping via COMPREHENSION Transformation via EXTENSION Transformation via INTENSION Convergent Knowledge Assimilative Knowledge Accommodative Knowledge Divergent Knowledge Chapter 2: Literature Review 46 learning proceeds from a different set of assumptions. Ideas are not fixed and immutable elements of thought but are formed and re-formed through experience (Kolb, 1984). However, Boud, Keogh, and Walker (1985) argue that ‘concrete experience’ in this experienced learning model does not include the feelings associated with episodes. Eraut (2004) suggests that people build knowledge from experience. “An experience” refers to a single episode or incident stored in people’s memory. According to Sternberg et al.’s (2000) model, personal experienced events are stored in episodic memory, making up one’s experience. They present memory structures and knowledge acquisition pathways to illustrate the tacit knowledge acquiring process as follows. 2.3. 2.2 Memory Structures and Knowledge Acquisition
Hedging REIT Returns Using the Futures Markets

Executive Summary. Modern portfolio theory demonstrates that investors minimize risk by diversifying their holdings over asset classes containing different return patterns. Past research in real estate has compared returns on direct ownership in real estate assets with equity instruments for their portfolio diversification benefits and inflation hedging characteristics. Also, the literature has examined REIT returns for their co-movement with inflation, common stock returns, and returns generated from direct ownership in real estate. Specialty mutual funds that invest in a single industry attempt to diversify risk by purchasing equity interests across a broad range of companies within the industry. In addition, a manager may use the futures markets for hedging against industry risk.This study uses historical market data to investigate hedging a REIT portfolio with stock and Treasury future contracts. Johnson's (1960) minimum variance hedging strategy is used to reduce the systematic risk in a REIT portfol.
Rural communities: adjusting to a future without bank branches

This paper reports on a study carried out on the changing nature of financial service delivery in six rural communities in New South Wales and Queensland. All of these towns were revisited to examine changes that had taken place since a previous study undertaken two years earlier when these towns had lost their last bank branch (Beal and Ralston, 1998). The remainder of this paper is in five parts. First, it reviews the background to the major issue concerning the Hawker Inquiry, the closure of bank branches in rural communities, and second, briefly discusses some alternative face-to-face delivery methods. Third, the paper reports on the findings of the survey, including the use of different service providers for savings and investment, transaction services and loans, and the impact of service provision on cash withdrawal and on the shopping habits of residents. This section also reports on respondents' overall satisfaction with the convenience, range and cost of financial services. Fourth, policy implications of the changing nature of financial services provision are discussed and the final section concludes.
Salient antecedents of mobile shopping intentions: Media dependency, fashion/brand interest and peer influence

Ubiquitous usages of mobile devices among young adult consumers have been well recognized. The mobile retail industry has been estimated to have 70 billion subscribers by 2016. There has been much trade report regarding the statistics and estimates of the significance of the industry. However, there is little empirical research explaining the dynamics behind what motivates young adult consumers to use mobile devices for various commerce related activities. This study, therefore, aims to unveil a few key antecedents influencing Gen Y consumers' behavioral intentions toward the use of mobile devices for communication as well as commerce purposes. We developed a conceptual model based on the Media Dependency Theory (Ball-Rokeach & Defluer, 1976) and conspicuous consumption (Veblen, 1899) literature. Five hundred and four college students in two large US universities provided usable responses to our pencil-and-paper survey. Causal modeling analysis results demonstrated that females exhibited higher fashion/brand interest, compared to the counterparts. Individual's perception regarding peer influence on using mobile devices substantially and positively influenced both fashion/brand interest as well as text messaging behavior via mobile devices, which in turn positively led to the intentions to use mobile devices for shopping for apparel products and receive the promotional messages delivered via mobile devices.
Method of optimal directions for frame design

A frame design technique for use with vector selection algorithms, for example matching pursuits (MP), is presented. The design algorithm is iterative and requires a training set of signal vectors. The algorithm, called method of optimal directions (MOD), is an improvement of the algorithm presented by Engan, Aase and Husoy see (Proc. ICASSP '98, Seattle, USA, p.1817-20, 1998). The MOD is applied to speech and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, and the designed frames are tested on signals outside the training sets. Experiments demonstrate that the approximation capabilities, in terms of mean squared error (MSE), of the optimized frames are significantly better than those obtained using frames designed by the algorithm of Engan et. al. Experiments show typical reduction in MSE by 20-50%.