bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of low‐level laser therapy on pain and perineal healing after episiotomy: A triple‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alvarenga Marina B. , de Oliveira Sonia Maria Junqueira Vasconcellos , Francisco Adriana A. , da Silva Flora Maria B. , Sousa Marcelo , Nobre Moacyr Roberto 
Published: July 2016

Background and ObjectiveEpisiotomy is associated with perineal pain and healing complications. The low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) reduces pain and inflammation and stimulates the healing process. This study aimed to assess the effect of LLLT on pain and perineal healing after an episiotomy.Design/Materials and MethodsA randomized, triple‐blind, parallel clinical trial with 54 postpartum women who had a spontaneous birth with a right mediolateral episiotomy. The women were randomized into two groups: the experimental group (applications of LLLT n = 29) or the placebo group (simulated LLLT applications n = 25). Three sessions of real or sham irradiation were performed at 6–10 hours after normal birth, and the 2nd and 3rd applications were performed at 20–24 hours and 40–48 hours after the first session, respectively. Perineal pain was recorded using a Numeric Scale ranging from 0 to 10 (0 = absence and 10 = worst pain). Perineal healing was assessed using the redness, oedema, ecchymosis, discharge, and approximation (REEDA) scale. Both groups were assessed four times: in each of the three LLLT sessions and at 7–10 days after normal birth. The groups were compared using the Student's t, Mann–Whitney, and Chi‐square tests.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the groups regarding perineal healing after LLLT. The perineal pain scores were statistically higher in the experimental group in the first assessment and after the third LLLT. There was no significant difference between the groups related to the perineal pain scores 7–10 days after normal birth.ConclusionThe use of LLLT does not provide any benefit for treating postpartum perineal trauma using these specific protocol and parameters. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:181–188, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantifying Structural and Solid‐State Viscoelastic Properties of Poly(propylene) (PP)/Poly(oxymethylene) (POM) Blend Films
Authors: Kasgoz Alper , Akın Dincer , Durmus Ali 
Published: July 2016

In this study, isotactic poly(propylene) (PP)/poly(oxymethylene) (POM) blend films, including of POM as minor phase in the range of 10–30 wt%, are prepared in a twin screw extruder equipped with a slit‐die and cast film haul‐off unit. It is found that the blend films show characteristic immiscible matrix‐droplet morphology. Short‐term uniaxial tensile creep behaviors of films imply that the introducing of POM significantly improves the elastic modulus and decreases the total creep strain of PP/POM blends. Creep tests are also performed at various temperatures and long‐term deformations of samples are predicted by applying of time‐temperature superposition principle and the Findley model. It is found that the presence of POM domains into PP matrix enhances the creep resistance of PP especially at high temperatures. It is concluded that the PP‐rich PP/POM blend films show much lower short and long‐term creep strains compared to PP.image
Postural, Bone, and Joint Disorders in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Rabin Marcie L. , Earnhardt Mary Cathryn , Patel Anvi , Ganihong Ivana , Kurlan Roger 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundStooped posture was mentioned in the original description of the characteristic features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Since then, a variety of postural, bone, and joint problems have become recognized as common aspects of the illness and deserve attention.MethodsA Medline literature search for the period from 1970 to 2016 was performed to identify articles relevant to this topic. Keywords for the search included posture, spine, bone disorders, fractures, joint disorders, kyphosis, scoliosis, stooping, camptocormia, Pisa syndrome, frozen shoulder, anterocollis, dropped head syndrome, and pain in combination with PD. The articles were then reviewed to summarize clinical features, frequency, impact, pathophysiology, and treatment options for these conditions.ResultsPostural disorders (kyphoscoliosis, camptocormia, Pisa syndrome, dropped head syndrome), bone mineralization disorders (osteoporosis, bone fractures), and joint disorders (frozen shoulder, dystonia involving joints, joint pain) are often seen in association with PD. Treatment options for these conditions are varied and may include medications, physical therapy, or surgical interventions.ConclusionsPosture, bone, and joint disorders are common in patients with PD; they often produce added disability, and they may be treatable.
Contracts and coordination: Supply chains with uncertain demand and supply
Authors: He Yong , Zhao Xuan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractConsidering a supply chain with a supplier subject to yield uncertainty selling to a retailer facing stochastic demand, we find that commonly studied classical coordination contracts fail to coordinate both the supplier's production and the retailer's procurement decisions and achieve efficient performance. First, we study the vendor managed inventory (VMI) partnership. We find that a consignment VMI partnership coupled with a production cost subsidy achieves perfect coordination and a win‐win outcome; it is simple to implement and arbitrarily allocates total channel profit. The production cost subsidy optimally chosen through Nash bargaining analysis depends on the bargaining power of the supplier and the retailer. Further, motivated by the practice that sometimes the retailer and the supplier can arrange a “late order,” we also analyze the behavior of an advance‐purchase discount (APD) contract. We find that an APD with a revenue sharing contract can efficiently coordinate the supply chain as well as achieve flexible profit allocation. Finally, we explore which coordination contract works better for the supplier vs. the retailer. It is interesting to observe that Nash bargaining solutions for the two coordination contracts are equivalent. We further provide recommendations on the applications of these contracts. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 63: 305–319, 2016
Hybrid stress quadrilateral finite element approximation for stochastic plane elasticity equations
Authors: Xu Xiaojing , Fan Wenwen , Xie Xiaoping 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThis paper considers stochastic hybrid stress quadrilateral finite element analysis of plane elasticity equations with stochastic Young's modulus and stochastic loads. Firstly, we apply Karhunen–Loève expansion to stochastic Young's modulus and stochastic loads so as to turn the original problem into a system containing a finite number of deterministic parameters. Then we deal with the stochastic field and the space field by k−version/p−version finite element methods and a hybrid stress quadrilateral finite element method, respectively. We derive a priori error estimates, which are uniform with respect to the Lamè constant λ∈(0,+∞). Finally, we provide some numerical results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of methylphenidate for the treatment of depression in SSRI‐treated cancer patients receiving palliative care
Authors: Sullivan Donald R. , Mongoue‐Tchokote Solange , Mori Motomi , Goy Elizabeth , Ganzini Linda 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of methylphenidate for depression treatment in patients with advanced cancer.DesignAn 18‐day randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of methylphenidate for treatment of depression in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor‐treated patients with advanced cancer in hospice or receiving palliative care. The primary outcome was depression remission, defined as a ≥50% reduction in score on the Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale.ResultsAmong 47 enrolled participants, 34 were randomized. At study day 18, 85% of the methylphenidate and 60% of the placebo group were in depression remission (P = .22). Mean time to depression remission was 10.3 days [standard error (SE) 1.8] in the methylphenidate and 8.1 (SE 1.3) in the placebo group (P = .48). The mean baseline score for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was 10.4 in each group and decreased by 3.6 (SE 1.1) in the methylphenidate and 2.3 (SE 1.2) in the placebo group (P = .51) by day 18. Once in remission, 1 methylphenidate and 5 placebo participants relapsed to depression (P = .18). There was no difference in mortality between the groups during the trial. Trial results were limited by small sample size attributed to difficulties in recruiting terminally ill patients.ConclusionsThis trial failed to demonstrate that methylphenidate treatment in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor‐treated patients had a significant effect on depression remission in patients with advanced cancer. This study underscores the difficulties in conducting trials for symptom management in patients with shortened life expectancy.
Through‐layer XPS investigations of the Si3N4/AlGaN interface
Authors: Reiner Maria , Denifl Guenter , Stadtmueller Michael , Pietschnig Rudolf , Ostermaier Clemens 
Published: July 2016

Investigations of chemical species at the dielectric/III‐N interface remain an important question in order to understand the chemical origin of the surface states, which are present at the heterostructure surface. In this work, we demonstrate a sample preparation technique to analyze the existing interface species by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) through thin uniform silicon nitride (Si3N4) layers 1.4 ± 0.2 nm. We show that it is crucial that the layers are as thin as possible but as thick as necessary to avoid oxygen diffusion through the passivation. Due to the sufficient information depth provided by such layers, the photoelectrons are detected. This is an advantage over sputtering as no intermixing of atoms or cleavage of bonds occurs. We show that the deposited Si3N4 hinders oxygen diffusion through the layer to the AlGaN surface. Selective SiO2 over Si3N4 etching and XPS depth profiles indicate that ∼1 nm of the thin Si3N4 layer has formed a surface oxide. Angle‐resolved XPS measurements confirm the accumulation of oxygen at the top and bottom Si3N4 interfaces. No indication is found that interfacial oxygen is bound to any other than the group‐13 metal. In agreement with the HSAB concept, the interfacial oxygen is bound to Al rather than Ga.Scheme of the nondestructive XPS interface analysis of the dielectric/AlGaN interface.
Fully digital BPSK demodulator for satellite supressed carrier telecommand system
Authors: Pereira de Lucena Antonio Macilio , Prudêncio de Almeida Filho Magno , Gomes de Figueredo Caio , Braga Pimentel Diego , Sales do Nascimento Rios Clauson , Tavares Ferreira da Silva Francisco de Assis 
Published: July 2016

SummaryIn this paper, we present the design of a fully digital binary phase shift keying demodulator for application in satellite high‐rate suppressed carrier telecommand system. The proposed system digitalizes the received signal in the intermediate frequency stage using bandpass sampling technique, and the resulting baseband signal is used to synchronization of symbol and phase and to bit detection. The design of all functional modules is presented in details. Another innovation presented in this work is the inclusion of a non‐linearity in the phase synchronizer module to permit its operation independent from the signal amplitude. Moreover, aiming the characterization and performance evaluation of the system, we do some original mathematical analyses. Finally, test results show that the demodulator complies all the project requirements, and the prototype implementation loss, in terms of bit energy to noise power density ratio, is less than 0.3 dB. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resource requests prediction in the cloud computing environment with a deep belief network
Authors: Zhang Weishan , Duan Pengcheng , Yang Laurence T , Xia Feng , Li Zhongwei , Lu Qinghua , Gong Wenjuan , Yang Su 
Published: July 2016

SummaryAccurate resource requests prediction is essential to achieve optimal job scheduling and load balancing for cloud Computing. Existing prediction approaches fall short in providing satisfactory accuracy because of high variances of cloud metrics. We propose a deep belief network (DBN)‐based approach to predict cloud resource requests. We design a set of experiments to find the most influential factors for prediction accuracy and the best DBN parameter set to achieve optimal performance. The innovative points of the proposed approach is that it introduces analysis of variance and orthogonal experimental design techniques into the parameter learning of DBN. The proposed approach achieves high accuracy with mean square error of [10−6,10−5], approximately 72% reduction compared with the traditional autoregressive integrated moving average predictor, and has better prediction accuracy compared with the state‐of‐art fractal modeling approach. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bio‐/Chemosensors and Imaging with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogens
Authors: Zhan Chi , You Xue , Zhang Guanxin , Zhang Deqing 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAggregation‐induced emission (AIE) luminogens show abnormal fluorescent behavior; they are non‐emissive in solution, but they become strongly emissive after aggregation. Sensing and imaging are the major applications of AIE luminogens. By properly manipulating the aggregation and deaggregation of AIE molecules, various bio‐/chemosensors have been developed. Moreover, AIE molecules with targeting groups have been devised for imaging of organelles and cancer cells. In this account, we report our recent work on the application of AIE luminogens for the construction of bio‐/chemosensors and imaging.
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Syntheses and Structures of Zinc Bis(phosphinimino)methanide Complexes
Authors: Bayram Melike , Gondzik Sebastian , Bläser Dieter , Wölper Christoph , Schulz Stephan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractReactions of bis(phosphinimino)methanes H2C(PPh2NR)2 [R = SiMe3 (L1H), Ph (L2H), 2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3 (DIPP) (L3H)] with ZnR2 (R = Me, Et) yielded the corresponding bis(phosphinimino)methanide zinc complexes LZnMe [L2 (1), L3 (2)] and LZnEt [L1 (3), L2 (4), and L3 (5)]. Complexes 1–5 were characterized by heteronuclear NMR (1H, 13C, 31P) and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Are the Current Size Options of Glenoid Baseplates for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Sufficient for our Local Population?
Authors: Amy Cheung Yim Ling , Chester Lie Wai Hung , Lit Chow Hung , Lam Chan Wai , Kevin Wong Kwun Hung , Bong Woo Siu , Cheung Wong Wing 
Published: July 2016

Background/Purpose Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is an effective treatment for patients who suffer from shoulder pain and dysfunction associated with a variety of shoulder pathologies including severe rotator cuff deficiency with or without glenohumeral arthritis. It has been widely used in European countries and the United States and is now gaining popularity in Asia, including Hong Kong. However, there are only limited size options available for glenoid baseplates, with 25 mm being the smallest size in some commonly used systems. The aim of our study is to perform computerized tomography (CT) measurements of the glenoid dimension in the Chinese population and to see if the current glenoid baseplate component size option is sufficient for our local population. Methods A total of 70 CT scans of shoulder regions were analysed. Measurements included maximum superoinferior height and the anteroposterior height. Results The glenoid dimensions were smaller compared to those from previous studies in Caucasian counterparts. Some 41% of female glenoids had widths measuring < 25 mm (25 mm being the smallest size available in some commonly used RSA systems). Conclusion Although there are only limited size options available for the glenoid baseplate in RSA, from our data, it should be able to cover most patients in our local population. However, surgeons should exercise special care when contemplating performing reverse shoulder replacement for small size females in our local population.
Impact of Testosterone Solution 2% on Ejaculatory Dysfunction in Hypogonadal Men
Authors: Maggi Mario , Heiselman Darell , Knorr Jack , Iyengar Smriti , Paduch Darius A. , Donatucci Craig F. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Hypogonadism is defined as decreased testosterone levels in men. Hypogonadism can be accompanied by erectile, orgasmic, and ejaculatory dysfunction.

Aims
To evaluate whether treatment with testosterone solution 2% (testosterone) could improve ejaculatory function in a cohort of hypogonadal men.

Methods
Sexually active, hypogonadal men at least 18 years old (total testosterone &lt; 300 ng/dL) were randomized to receive testosterone or placebo for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures
Effects of testosterone on primary outcomes were evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Men's Sexual Health Questionnaire, Ejaculatory Dysfunction, Short Form (MSHQ-EjD-SF) questionnaires. Treatment differences were calculated using analysis of covariance.

Results
In total, 715 men (mean age = 55 years) were randomized to placebo (n = 357) or testosterone (n = 358). Most sexually active men who reported IIEF scores had some degree of erectile dysfunction (IIEF erectile function score &lt; 26). Although ejaculatory function score (MSHQ-EjD-SF) improved in the testosterone group compared with placebo (P &lt; .001), improvement on the “bother” item did not reach statistical significance. Treatment-related adverse events in the testosterone group affecting at least 1% of patients were increased hematocrit, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, burning sensation, fatigue, increased prostate-specific antigen, erythema, and cough. Few patients in either treatment group developed at least one adverse event leading to discontinuation (testosterone = 1.98% vs placebo = 3.09%; P = .475).

Conclusion
Hypogonadal men receiving testosterone solution 2% therapy experience significantly greater improvement in ejaculatory function, compared with placebo, as assessed by the MSHQ-EjD-SF. However, improvement in “bother” was not statistically different between the two groups. Testosterone therapy was generally well tolerated.
Future Targets for Female Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Farmer Melissa , Yoon Hana , Goldstein Irwin 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Female sexual function reflects a dynamic interplay of central and peripheral nervous, vascular, and endocrine systems. The primary challenge in the development of novel treatments for female sexual dysfunction is the identification and targeted modulation of excitatory sexual circuits using pharmacologic treatments that facilitate the synthesis, release, and/or receptor binding of neurochemicals, peptides, and hormones that promote female sexual function.

Aim
To develop an evidence-based state-of-the-art consensus report that critically integrates current knowledge of the therapeutic potential for known molecular and cellular targets to facilitate the physiologic processes underlying female sexual function.

Methods
State-of-the-art review representing the opinions of international experts developed in a consensus process during a 1-year period.

Main Outcome Measures
Expert opinion was established by grading the evidence-based medical literature, intensive internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.

Results
Scientific investigation is urgently needed to expand knowledge and foster development of future treatments that maintain genital tissue integrity, enhance genital physiologic responsiveness, and optimize positive subjective appraisal of internal and external sexual cues. This article critically condenses the current knowledge of therapeutic manipulation of molecular and cellular targets within biological systems responsible for female sexual physiologic function.

Conclusion
Future treatment targets include pharmacologic modulation of emotional learning circuits, restoration of normal tactile sensation, growth factor therapy, gene therapy, stem cell–based therapies, and regenerative medicine. Concurrent use of centrally and peripherally acting therapies could optimize treatment response.
Arabic toponymy in the territory of al-Bayḍāʾ / al-Qubba (Cyrenaica, Libya)
Authors: Lorenzo Jimenez Jesus 
Published: July 2016

AbstractToponymic records are a useful tool for establishing initial discriminating criteria before undertaking an archaeological survey of a given territory. This study deals with a series of toponyms in an area located in the region of Cyrenaica which are characterised by containing several terms, the first of which refers to anthropic elements related to some forms of settlement, in particular the formsqaṣr, sīraandqarya. First, a semantic study of the toponyms was conducted and then they were incorporated into a geographic information system (GIS) with a 3D base map, which provided information on their location and their relationship with the physical environment.
A Dynamic Typology of Informal Institutions: Learning from the Case ofGuanxi
Authors: Horak Sven , Restel Katja 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTCurrently, the mechanism in which informal institutions, recently discovered as an influential, new paradigm in business and management studies interact with and shape formal institutions remains unclear. Helmke and Levitsky (2004) proposed an outcome-based typology for the interaction of informal institutions with formal ones. By using a structured approach for literature aggregation, we test the proposed typology of Helmke and Levitsky by applying this method to 74 empirical studies to investigate the influence ofguanxion formal institutions. We conclude thatguanxifits into none of the proposed categories perfectly. As a result, we propose the relationship betweenguanxiand formal institutions as auxiliary as well as competing concurrently, leading to convergent and divergent outcomes, respectively. Moreover, we propose a third category to add to the existing typology, namely ‘formal institutions in transition’. We furthermore incorporate a dynamic aspect to the model by adding two further categories, concerned with the direction of the development. We believe the resulting extension to the original typology of Helmke and Levitsky accurately accounts for the dynamic nature of informal institutions as well as their important role in shaping effective formal institutions.
Random fractals and probability metrics
Authors: Hutchinson John E. , Rüschendorf Ludger 
Published: July 2016

New metrics are introduced in the space of random measures and are applied, with various modifications of the contraction method, to prove existence and uniqueness results for self-similar random fractal measures. We obtain exponential convergence, both in distribution and almost surely, of an iterative sequence of random measures (defined by means of the scaling operator) to a unique self-similar random measure. The assumptions are quite weak, and correspond to similar conditions in the deterministic case.The fixed mass case is handled in a direct way based on regularity properties of the metrics and the properties of a natural probability space. Proving convergence in the random mass case needs additional tools, such as a specially adapted choice of the space of random measures and of the space of probability distributions on measures, the introduction of reweighted sequences of random measures and a comparison technique.