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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2009.01.016 Byline: Yong Jian Wang (a), Monica D. Hernandez (c), Michael S. Minor (b) Keywords: Web aesthetics; Web atmospherics; Online service quality; Satisfaction; Internet surfer behavior; Internet shopper behavior Abstract: This study examines the effects of the two dimensions of web aesthetics, aesthetic formality and aesthetic appeal, on consumers' perceived online service quality and satisfaction during service encounter. The findings showed that, between task-oriented and task-free consumers, the patterns of the effects of the two dimensions of web aesthetics on perceived online service quality and satisfaction are dissimilar. However, regardless of the presence or absence of purchase tasks, aesthetic formality significantly influences perceived online service quality, and aesthetic appeal significantly influences satisfaction. In addition, the effect of aesthetic appeal on satisfaction is negative for task-oriented consumers. Managerial implications on how to manipulate web aesthetics to achieve superior online service quality and high consumer satisfaction are offered. Author Affiliation: (a) Ohio University, United States (b) University of Texas-Pan American, United States (c) Department of Management and Marketing, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, United States Article History: Received 1 May 2008; Revised 1 September 2008; Accepted 1 January 2009

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the anatomic landmarks of Schöttle's point and establish a locating method for identification.Methods: From 2013 to 2016, patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for patellofemoral instability were enrolled.Inclusion Criteria: at least 2 episodes of patellar dislocation.Exclusion Criteria: previous knee surgeries, open physes, severe trochlear dysplasia， tibial tuberosity lateralization, or patella alta. Group A: From January 2013 to December 2013, preoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) images were obtained. Anatomic features of Schöttle's point were measured on the 3D-CT images. A Schöttle's point locating method with 2 distinct landmarks was established. Group B: From January 2014 to January 2016, consecutive MPFL reconstructions were performed. The placement of Schöttle's point was following the established method without fluoroscopy. The accuracy of femoral tunnel positions was assessed on the 3D-CT images postoperatively.Results: CT images of 53 knees were obtained in group A. Forty-seven MPFL reconstructions were performed in group B. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups regarding to demographic characteristics. The intraclass correlation coefficients were excellent for all measures (r = 0.97). In group A, Schöttle's point was 8.1 ± 0.2 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.7-8.5) distal to the apex of the adductor tubercle and 8.0 ± 0.3 mm (95% CI, 7.4-8.6) anterior to the posterior edge. Apex of the adductor tubercle was defined as the most convex point, and posterior edge was defined as the edge of the posteromedial cortex in the transition area between the medial condyle and femoral shaft. In group B, 44 of 47 femoral tunnels (93.6%) were considered localized in the proper zone.Conclusions: Schöttle's point was approximately 8 mm distal to the apex of the adductor tubercle and 8 mm from the posterior edge. Schöttle's point locating method without fluoroscopy had high accuracy.Level Of Evidence: Level IV, case series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Overexpression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs) has been widely noticed in a variety of human solid tumors, which could be regarded as an attractive therapeutic target for cancer therapy. In this paper, we present an enzymatic screening assay and multiple biological evaluations for the identification of potential PDKs, especially PDK1 inhibitors. We identified 9 potential PDKs inhibitors from the screening of an in-house small molecule library, all of the identified inhibitors reduced pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex phosphorylation. Among which, 4 , 5 , and 9 displayed the most potent PDKs inhibitory activities, with EC 50 values of 0.34, 1.4, and 1.6 μM in an enzymatic assay, respectively. A kinase inhibition assay suggested that 4 , 5 , and 9 were pan-isoform PDK inhibitors, but more sensitive to PDK1. Meanwhile, the three compounds inhibited HSP90, with IC 50 values of 0.78, 3.58, and 2.70 μM, respectively. The cell viability assay indicated that 4 inhibited all of the tested cancer cells proliferation, with a GC 50 value of 2.3 μM against NCI H1975 cell, but has little effect on human normal lung cell BEAS-2B cell. In the NCI H1975 xenograft models, 4 displayed strong antitumor activities at a dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg, but with no negative effect on the mice weight. In addition, 4 decreased the ECAR and lactate formation, increased OCR and ROS level in NCI H1975 cancer cell, which could be used as a promising modulator to reprogram the glucose metabolic pathways in NCI H1975 cancer cells. Graphical abstract Image 1 We identified a novel inhibitor, which inhibited PDK1 and HSP90, and exhibited a potent in vivo anticancer activity. Highlights • Screening of an in-house small molecular library discovered a potent PDKs inhibitor. • Compound 4 was a dual inhibitor targeting PDKs and HSP90. • Compound 4 exhibited a potent in vivo anticancer activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in osteoblastic cells triggers pathological changes observed in osteoarthritis (OA). Thus, we hypothesized that the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway could act to protect against cartilage injury in rats with OA. After establishment of rat models induced by papain and L-cysteine, rats were subsequently assigned into the TβRI inhibitors, normal control (NC) and OA model groups. RT-qPCR and western blotting were performed to determine mRNA and protein expressions of TGFβ1, Smad2, Smad3 and Activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5), respectively. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of collagen X (COLX). Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the expression of the specific transcription factor Osterix as well as TGF-β1 related factors. Increased expression levels of TGFβ1, Smad2, Smad3 and ALK5in the OA model group were higher than those in the TβRI inhibitors group. Compared with the NC group, the OA model groups exhibited elevated expressions of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3 and ALK5 in the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, and elevated numbers of COLX and Osterix positive cells. The rats in the TβRI inhibitors group had decreased expressions of p-Smad2/3 and ALK5, as well as decreased COLX and Osterix positive cells when compared with OA model group. However, these levels were still higher than that of the NC group. Our findings suggested that up-regulation of TGF-β1 inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway acting to alleviate OA, thus highlighting the potential of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway as a therapeutic target for treatment of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the levels of serum lipid and awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients from top-ranked endocrinology clinics in large cities of China. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study in a representative sample of 4807 Chinese adults 40 to 75 years of age was conducted during 2010 to 2011 at 20 endocrinology clinics in top-ranked hospitals covering most of the major cities of China. Serum lipid levels were measured, and treatment of dyslipidemia was recorded and assessed. Results In the present study, the prevalence of dyslipidemia was 67.1% in T2DM subjects. Among those with dyslipidemia, the proportion of awareness and treatment was 68.7% and 55.9%. Among participants with lipid-lowering therapy, 686 subjects achieved the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control less than 2.60 mmol/L, with the rate being 39.4%. In those patients with previous cardiovascular disease, the percentage of participants who achieved LDL-C goal (1.80 mmol/L) was 15.3%. Conclusion The prevalence of dyslipidemia is high, and the awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia are relatively low in Chinese T2DM patients. This calls for the awareness and intervention of dyslipidemia in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a general and simple way was found to solve the problem of an arbitrary hole with edge cracks in transversely isotropic piezoelectric materials based on the complex variable method and the method of numerical conformal mapping. Firstly, the approximate mapping function which maps the outside of the arbitrary hole and the cracks into the outside of a circular hole is derived after a series of conformal mapping process. Secondly, based on the assumption that the surface of the cracks and hole is electrically impermeable and traction-free, the approximate expressions for the complex potential, fields intensity factors and energy release rates are presented, respectively. Thirdly, under the in-plane electric loading together with the out-plane mechanical loading, the influences of the hole size, crack length and mechanical/electric loading on the fields intensity factors and energy release rates are analyzed. Finally, some particular holes with edge cracks are studied in numerical analysis. The result shows that, the mechanical loading always promotes crack growth, while the electric loading may retard crack growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Surgeons do not give enough weight to the effects of bowing of the sagittal femoral shaft in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which can result in damage to the cortex, fractures, or malalignment of the femoral component. To determine gender differences in bowing, we used spiral computed tomography to scan the femurs of 26 men and 47 women older than 50 years who required TKA. Skeletal extraction of the total sagittal femoral shaft from computed tomographic images was done by a matrix laboratory. The extracted curves were evenly divided into 3 sections. Comparison of the curvature on different sections of the same side of the femur showed that the distal third was significantly bowed. In addition, the curvature of the distal third was significantly larger in women than in men. Such morphological characteristics put forward new requirements in how intramedullary guide rods are used in TKA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The purpose was to find a simple guideline to help establish accurate positioning of the posterolateral bundle (PLB) femoral bone tunnel during double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by measuring the distance between the center of the PLB femoral footprint to the shallow and the deep articular cartilage borders of the lateral wall of the intercondylar notch. Methods: The femoral insertions of the anteromedial bundle and PLB of the anterior cruciate ligament were dissected in 22 male cadaveric knees, aged 25 to 45 years. By use of the intercondylar notch as the landmark, the distances between the center of the PLB femoral footprint and the shallow and the deep articular cartilage borders of the lateral wall of the intercondylar notch were measured with the knees flexed at 90°. The measured data (mean ± standard deviation) were evaluated and compared. Results: The center of the PLB was positioned 8.60 ± 1.52 mm and 8.65 ± 1.54 mm from the shallow and the deep cartilage borders of the lateral wall of the intercondylar notch, respectively (P = .95). The distance between the center of the PLB footprint to the low cartilage border of the lateral intercondylar wall was 5.05 ± 0.76 mm. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the position of the center of the PLB femoral footprint is at the middle of the line joining the shallow and the deep borders of the femoral cartilage. Clinical Relevance: Surgeons can use our results as a guideline and use the PLB footprint remnant as a reference at the same time to locate the femoral PLB tunnel in a simple, easy, and repeatable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The neuroprotective effects of purple sweet potato color (PSPC), which is natural anthocyanin food colors, have been investigated in mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In behavioral tests, oral administration of PSPC could significantly reverse the impairment of motor and exploration behavior induced by LPS in the open field tasks, and also improve learning and memory ability in step-through tests. Western blot analysis indicated that PSPC significantly suppressed LPS-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) expression in mouse brain. PSPC also markedly decreased the overproduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated mouse brain. Mechanistically, PSPC strongly inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) expression and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Taken together, these data suggest that PSPC may be useful for mitigating inflammatory brain diseases by the inhibition of proinflammatory molecule production, at least in part, through blocking ERK, JNK and NF-κB signaling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A mode III fracture problem of edge cracks originating from a circular hole in an infinite piezoelectric solid is studied based on complex variable method combined with the method of conformal mapping. Explicit and exact expressions for the complex potentials, field intensity factors and energy release rates are presented under the assumption that the surface of the cracks and hole is electrically impermeable. Numerical analysis is then conducted to discuss the influences of crack length and applied mechanical/electric loads on the field intensity factors and energy release rate for one and two edge cracks, respectively. It is found that for the case of a single edge crack, the field intensity factors are greater than those of double edge cracks, and moreover the electric loads can either promote or retard crack growth, depending on the magnitude and direction of the applied electric loads. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Changes in soil nutrients variability could significantly interact with other global change processes (such as community dynamics, biological invasion). Global exchange and accumulation of alien species caused environmental and economic threats in the introduced ranges. Their invasion success or not in local plant communities is largely depended on the interactions and competitive outcomes with other species and environmental conditions. Here, we tested whether the interactions of nutrient variability and competitor identity influence plant performance, potential invasion success of invasive species and their co-existence with native species. In both greenhouse and field experiment, we subjected three congeneric and naturally co-occurring pairs of invasive alien and native clonal plants in China to different nutrient variability (constant high, multiple pulses and/or single pulse) and competitor identity (intra-specific competitors, native competitors, invasive competitors and both native & invasive competitors). Our results showed that total biomass or the increase of cover of invasive species was significantly larger than those of the native species regardless of competitor identity. Native competitors significantly decreased biomass proportion of native species, but did not affect that of invasive species. The whole community with invasive target species accumulated more total biomass than with native species under multiple pulses nutrient when with the native competitors. Invasive species produced significantly higher biomass proportion than natives under all competitor identity treatments except for native & invasive competitors. Multiple mixed competitors (i.e. native & invasive competitors) decreased the plant performance and dominance of invasive target species, to some extent, thus construction of multi-species competition might facilitate coexistence of native and invasive species in communities. Interactions between native competitors or native & invasive competitors, and nutrient variability play important roles in plant performance and potential invasion success in communities. Multiple invasional interference may have significant implications for the co-existence of invasive and native species, and for management of invasive species. Image 1 • Total biomass and increase of cover of invasive species was larger than native. • Native competitors decreased biomass proportion of native species. • The invasive community accumulated more biomass under multiple pulses nutrient. • Invasive species produced significantly higher biomass proportion than natives. • Multiple invasional interference have significant implications for the co-existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2,2′,4,4′-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is associated with various adverse human health effects; however, the knowledge of its toxicity is still very limited. Mitochondrial injury has been observed in liver cells exposed to BDE-47 in vitro. Mitophagy impairment causes the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, contributing to the pathological mechanisms of liver injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BDE-47 impairs mitophagy to trigger mitochondrial dysfunction-related liver injury and the underlying mechanisms. This study revealed that BDE-47 elicited mitochondrial dysfunction and related oxidative liver injury by impairing mitophagy. Moreover, our results showed that NAD+ insufficiency is responsible for BDE-47-mediated mitophagy defect and mitochondrial dysfunction in mouse livers, which was associated with suppression of Sirt3/FoxO3a/PINK1 signaling. Furthermore, our results indicated a potential role of miR-34a-5p in the hepatotoxicity of BDE-47. Mechanistically, BDE-47 dramatically upregulated miR-34a-5p expression in mouse livers. The data from AAV-sponge-mediated miR-34a-5p inhibition suggested that miR-34a-5p diminished NAD+ level by directly targeting NAMPT expression in BDE-47-treated mouse livers, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Consequently, miR-34a-5p markedly abated Sirt3/FoxO3a/PINK1 signaling-mediated mitophagy to promote mitochondrial dysfunction in BDE-47-treated mouse livers. The present study provided in vivo evidence to reveal a potential mechanism for BDE-47-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and related liver injury and indicated that miR-34a-5p-mediated mitophagy impairment might be a therapeutic target for BDE-47 toxicity. Image 1 • BDE-47 impairs mitophagy to elicit mitochondrial dysfunction-related hepatotoxicity. • Impaired NAD+/Sirt3/parkin signaling contributes to BDE-47-mediated mitophagy defect. • Elevated miR-34a-5p by BDE-47 causes NAD+ insufficiency by targeting NAMPT expression. • MiR-34a-5p promotes BDE-47-induced mitophagy defect by abating Sirt3/parkin signaling. • MiR-34a-5p-induced mitophagy defect may be an intervention target for BDE-47 toxicity. BDE-47 impairs mitophagy to elicit mitochondrial dysfunction-related liver injury by promoting miR-34a-5p-mediated inhibition of NAD+/Sirt3/parkin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Invasive clonal plants grew better than natives and benefited more from added N. • Invasive clonal plants grew better with inter- than with intraspecific competition. • The reverse was true for native clonal plants. • Invasive clonal plants in China are competitively superior over natives. Alien plant invasions are a major component of global change, and can severely threaten local floras and global biodiversity. A striking pattern of invasive floras is that many of the world's worst invasive plants are clonal species. However, it is still unclear whether invasive clonal plant species are in general competitively superior over native clonal plant species and whether this pattern can be affected by environmental conditions. To test whether nitrogen (N) availability and suppression of enemies can alter the competitive outcome between invasive alien and resident native clonal plants, we selected five pairs of invasive alien and co-occurring native clonal plant species in China. We grew them both in monocultures (i.e. with intraspecific competition) and in two-species mixtures (i.e. with interspecific competition) with or without N addition, and with or without suppression of enemies (using insecticide and fungicide application). Overall, invasive alien clonal plants produced significantly more biomass than native clonal plants, and took more advantage of N addition. Invasive clonal plants tended to grow better with interspecific than with intraspecific competition, whereas the reverse was true for native clonal plants. This species-origin-by-competition interaction, however, was weaker with than without N addition. Without enemy suppression, native clonal plants experienced more leaf damage than invasive aliens when they grew in interspecific competition with each other, but only in the absence of N addition. Nevertheless, enemy suppression benefited growth of invasive alien and native clonal plants to similar degrees. Our results show that already under strongly N-limited conditions, invasive clonal plants in China are competitively superior over natives, and that this competitive superiority of invasive clonal plants becomes even stronger after N addition. This implies that the ongoing eutrophication of many habitats is likely to further stimulate invasions by clonal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The dynamic recrystallization behavior and hot workability of the Mg–2.0Zn–0.3Zr–0.9Y Mg alloy are studied. [•] The safe and instable deformation domains for the hot working process with different grain size are obtained. [•] The effect of strain rate and deformation temperature on mechanism of DRX is discussed. [•] The optimum hot-working parameters with completed DRX grain size are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : This study aims to explore the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) in rats suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Methods A weight drop model was performed for TBI model establishment. A total of 150 Sprague Dawley rats were selected and assigned into control, sham, TBI, TBI + Dex, TBI + LY294002 (LY) and TBI + Dex + LY groups. Modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS) was conducted in order to evaluate the neurological injury. The water content in brain tissues was measured. The expressions of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins, tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and Claudin-5) and autophagy proteins (LC3 I/II and Beclin-1) were detected using Western blot assay. A TUNEL assay was applied for cell apoptosis, immunofluorescence was employed for the detection of the positive expression of LC3, and ELISA was applied for detection of levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-alph (TNF-a), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon-γ (INF-γ) as well as IL-6], respectively. Results Compared with the control group, the other four groups exhibited increased mNSS, brain water content, expression of LC3, TNF-a, IL-1β, INF-γ and IL-6, and positive expression of LC3, expression of LC3 I/II and Beclin-1, but decreased expression of pp-PI3K/t-PI3K, p-Akt/t-Akt, p-mTOR/t-mTOR, ZO-1 and Claudin-5. Compared with the TBI group, the TBI + Dex group exhibited reduced mNSS, brain water content, expression of LC3, TNF-a, IL-1β, INF-γ and IL-6, positive expression of LC3, as well as expression of LC3 I/II and Beclin-1 but demonstrated an elevated expression of pp-PI3K/t-PI3K, p-Akt/t-Akt, p-mTOR/t-mTOR, ZO-1 and Claudin-5, while opposite trends were observed in the TBI + LY group. The TBI + Dex group exhibited reduced mNSS, brain water content, expression of LC3, TNF-a, IL-1β, INF-γ and IL-6, positive expression of LC3, as well as expression of LC3 I/II and Beclin-1 but demonstrated an elevated expression of pp-PI3K/t-PI3K, p-Akt/t-Akt, p-mTOR/t-mTOR, ZO-1 and Claudin-5, while opposite trends were observed in the TBI + LY group, as compared with the TBI + Dex + LY group. Conclusion The data shows that Dex exerts a neuroprotective effect via the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in rats with TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]