bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of chronic constipation symptoms on work productivity and daily activity: A large‐scale internet survey
Authors: Ota Takumi , Kuratani Shinji , Masaki Hisanori , Ishizaki Sonoko , Seki Haruhiko , Takebe Takahiro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and AimChronic constipation negatively impacts work productivity and patients' quality of life. This retrospective study assessed the correlation between symptoms of chronic constipation and work/activity impairment with and without the use of laxative treatment.MethodsThis cross‐sectional, observational, web‐based survey was conducted using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment‐Chronic Constipation Questionnaire and included Japanese patients with chronic constipation receiving prescribed medication. Outcomes of interest included total work productivity and activity impairment and their correlation with constipation symptoms.ResultsAmong the 2351 analyzed patients (mean [SD] age, 51.7 [13.8] years), 80.7% were females, 63.3% had a disease duration of ≥10 years, and 1424 were working. The averages of total activity impairment, total work productivity impairment, presenteeism, and absenteeism were 39.2%, 33.9%, 31.2%, and 5.0%, respectively. The annual work productivity loss per patient was estimated to be 1.343 million Japanese Yen. Symptoms that had a statistically significant positive correlation with total work impairment (P < 0.05) were abdominal discomfort/nausea, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, and unpredictable defecation timing. Total activity impairment was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by abdominal discomfort/nausea, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, incomplete defecation, unpredictable defecation timing, loss of defecation desire, and straining. Work productivity and daily activity had improved in 71.2% and 72.6% of patients, respectively, after they received treatment.ConclusionSymptoms of constipation, particularly abdominal symptoms and unpredictable defecation timing, can have a negative impact on work productivity and daily activity. Treatment focused on these symptoms may reduce the socio‐economic burden of chronic constipation in Japan.
A Dual Column pH Switchable Water Stationary Phase System for Separation Control in Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
Authors: Nai Emmanuel A. , Thurbide Kevin B. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTA dual column system comprised of a pH switchable water stationary phase column and a conventional non‐polar capillary column is introduced for use in Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC). By removing or adding NH4OH to the system hydration source, the water stationary phase pH can be rapidly switched between acidic (measured at pH∼3) and basic (measured at pH∼9) in seconds, while the operating character of the conventional column is unchanged. This switch modulates the velocity of ionizable analytes about 20‐fold in the system, whereas non‐ionizable analytes are not affected. In this way, the retention time of acids and/or bases can be reproducibly altered (<1% RSD; n = 3) in SFC separations. As a result, analyte selectivity and resolution can be readily controlled during analyses. For example, a selectivity reversal (alpha from 0.4 to 1.6) and a resolution increase (from 0 to 13) are demonstrated. Rapid stationary phase pH switching also allows multiple acids, bases, and/or neutral analytes to be determined simultaneously. Applications demonstrate that this method can greatly simplify complex mixture analysis in SFC by helping to separate target analytes from interfering matrix components.
Preparation and Application of Weak Cation Exchange Resin Based on Thiol Click Reaction
Authors: Huang Zhongping , Zhu Qingqing , Han Yu , Mo Ying , Zhang Junhao , Liu Huijun 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTUsing poly(styrene‐divinylbenzene) microspheres as stationary phase matrix and mercaptosuccinic acid as a modifier, a new weak cation exchange resin was synthesized by thiol click reaction. The conditions for thiol‐chlorine click reaction and thiol‐alkene click reaction were optimized. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the modified microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and an elemental analyzer. The stationary phase can achieve the separation of six common cations within 25 min. A homemade weak cation chromatographic column was used to determine the impurities of Na+ and K+ and the content of tetramethylammonium ions in tetramethylammonium hydroxide samples. The method showed a good linear correlation in the range of 0.1–500.0 mg/L with correlation coefficients of 0.9998–0.9999, and the limits of detection (signal‐to‐noise ratio ≥ 3) were 0.01–0.20 mg/L. The intra‐day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were in the range of 1.1%–4.4%, and the inter‐day RSDs were in the range of 0.8%–14.8%. The spiked recoveries were in the range of 91.92%–119.86%. The results showed that the prepared stationary phase exhibited effective separation ability and good reproducibility, which was suitable for the analysis of the impurities of Na+, K+, and the content of tetramethylammonium in the tetramethylammonium reagents.
Rapid Determination of Galantamine in Human Plasma by Microchip Electrophoresis With a Highly Integrated Contactless Conductivity Detector
Authors: Li Zhilei , Lin Gangyuan , Yang Xiujuan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTA novel and rapid method was developed for the determination of galantamine in human plasma by microchip electrophoresis with a highly integrated contactless conductivity detector (CCD). The instrumental parameters affecting the response of the detector, such as excitation frequency and excitation voltage, were examined and optimized. The electrophoresis conditions that influenced the separation and detection of galantamine, including the composition of buffer solution, buffer pH, buffer concentration, additives, injection time, and separation voltage were systematically investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the peak height had a good linear relationship with the concentration of galantamine in human plasma from 10 to 160 µg/L, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9992, the limit of detection reached 1.1 µg/L. The recoveries were between 98.6% and 102.1%. This sensitive, rapid, and convenient method is a good alternative to existing methods for galantamine determination. Also, this highly integrated CCD holds great promise in clinical biochemical analysis.
Design of Functional Gyroid Minimal Surfaces Transporting Proton Based Solely on Surface Hopping Conduction Mechanism
Authors: Aoki Nanami , Tang Yumin , Zeng Xiangbing , Ichikawa Takahiro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSurface proton hopping conduction (SPHC) mechanisms is an important proton conduction mechanism in conventional polymer electrolytes, along with the Grotthuss and vehicle mechanisms. Due to the small diffusion coefficient of protons in the SPHC mechanism, few studies have focused on the SPHC mechanism. Recently, it has been found that a dense alignment of SO3− groups significantly lowers the activation energy in the SPHC mechanism, enabling fast proton conduction. In this study, a series of polymerizable amphiphilic‐zwitterions is prepared, forming bicontinuous cubic liquid‐crystalline assemblies with gyroid symmetry in the presence of suitable amounts of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (HTf2N) and water. In situ polymerization of these compounds yields gyroid‐nanostructured polymer films, as confirmed by synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering experiments. The high proton conductivity of the films on the order of 10−2 S cm−1 at 40 °C and relative humidity of 90% is based solely on the SPHC mechanism.
Fundamental effects of array density and modulation frequency on image quality of diffuse optical tomography
Authors: Fan Weihao , Trobaugh Jason W. , Zhang Chengfeng , Yang Dalin , Culver Joseph P. , Eggebrecht Adam T. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundDiffuse optical tomography (DOT) provides three‐dimensional image reconstruction of chromophore perturbations within a turbid volume. Two leading strategies to optimize DOT image quality include, (i) arrays of regular, interlacing, high‐density (HD) grids of sources and detectors with closest spacing less than 15 mm, or (ii) source modulated light of order ∼100 MHz.PurposeHowever, the general principles for how these crucial design parameters of array density and modulation frequency may interact to provide an optimal system design have yet to be elucidated.MethodsHerein, we systematically evaluated how these design parameters effect image quality via multiple key metrics. Specifically, we simulated 32 system designs with realistic measurement noise and quantified localization error, spatial resolution, signal‐to‐noise, and localization depth of field for each of ∼85 000 point spread functions in each model.ResultsWe found that array density had a far stronger effect on image quality metrics than modulation frequency. Additionally, model fits for image quality metrics revealed that potential improvements diminish with regular arrays denser than 9 mm closest spacing. Further, for a given array density, 300 MHz source modulation provided the deepest reliable imaging compared to other frequencies.ConclusionsOur results indicate that both array density and modulation frequency affect the spatial sampling of tissue, which asymptotically saturates due to photon diffusivity within a turbid volume. In summary, our results provide comprehensive perspectives for optimizing future DOT system designs in applications from wearable functional brain imaging to breast tumor detection.
A New qNMR Compliant Savitzky–Golay Apodization Function for Resolution Enhancement
Authors: Cobas Carlos , García‐Pulido José Antonio , Mora Paula , Selva Giovanni , Sykora Stan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn this work, we introduce a novel NMR apodization function designed to enhance spectral resolution while maintaining compatibility with qNMR standards. This function is based on a modified Savitzky–Golay filter, adapted for time‐domain application. It effectively suppresses the negative components typically associated with derivative spectra, while also ensuring the preservation of quantitative integrity in NMR analyses.
The role of wild palms in agroforestry systems in the Neotropics: A review
Authors: Andrade Viviana , Casas Alejandro , Balslev Henrik , Mora Francisco 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Wild palms are among the most important plants in the Neotropics due to their wide distribution, species richness and cultural relevance for humans. In addition to their presence in forests, these plants also occur in anthropogenic systems throughout their range of distribution, but their role in these systems is often overlooked.

We explored databases of scientific publications to attain a panorama about the presence of wild palm species in agroforestry systems (AFS), their management and their role in those systems. Our keywords in the search engines were names of palm genera that occur in the Americas and types of agroforestry practices. We gathered and analysed information from 154 studies.

For each record, we registered: study sites, management actions, agroforestry practices and uses. We identified 65 species belonging to 24 genera managed in AFS, mainly including agrisilvicultural and silvopastoral systems, homegardens and agroforests.

We identified traits phylogenetically determined such as stem height, number and length of leaves, and fruit size that influence the presence of wild palms in AFS. Furthermore, we point out three major ways that favour the presence and management of palms in AFS: (1) the management of the canopy and the raise of palms in the understorey, (2) intentional enhancement or cultivation and (3) tolerance of palms during deforestation/fragmentation.

We emphasize that a change in the vision of palms as key components of agroforestry would favour future research and plans to improve their performance in these systems while ensuring their conservation.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Integrating machine learning for predicting biomechanical properties of layered manufactured bone implants
Authors: Sharma Shrutika , Sidhu Manmeet Kaur , Bansal Prateek , Nauriyal Shivansh , Gupta Vishal , Mudgal Deepa , Kheifetz Mikhail L. , Gretskiy Nikolay L. , Gubkin Sergey V. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe layered manufacturing (LM) based locking bone plates (LBPs) are highly favored for biomedical applications due to its implant customization flexibility, control over porosity, and functional parameters. Design of experiments mainly relies on predefined experimental run orders; however, machine learning (ML) can handle complex and nonlinear relationships for predicting output responses. This research investigates the application of various ML models for predicting the impact strength, torque values, and punch shear strength of poly lactic acid (PLA) based LBPs. A dataset of 100 data points for each response variable was developed, analyzing the influence of printing parameters, like infill density (ID), layer height (LH), wall thickness (WT), and print speed (PS). The ID, LH, WT, and PS were varied within the ranges of 20%–100%, 0.1–0.5 mm, 0.4–1.2 mm, and 20–100 mm/s, respectively. Among the ML models evaluated, XGBoost and Adaboost exhibited strong alignment of the predicted values with actual values. The decision tree regression, showed the lowest predictive accuracy due to its tendency to overfit and lack of iterative refinement. The findings suggest that ML models can effectively predict the mechanical properties of PLA‐based LBPs, offering valuable insights for optimizing printing parameters to enhance the performance of orthopedic implants. The findings can guide biomedical engineers in making data‐driven decisions to enhance the strength of LBPs, thereby improving patient outcomes in orthopedic treatments.Highlights
Predicted impact strength, torque, and shear strength of biomedical specimens.
Evaluated 100 data points per variable to assess printing parameters' influence.
XGBoost and Adaboost showed superior accuracy, with R2 consistently above 0.9.
Decision Tree regression exhibited the lowest accuracy due to overfitting issues.
Aims to guide biomedical engineers in data‐driven decisions for better patient outcomes.
Glass machining technology with a nanosecond‐pulsed infrared laser
Authors: Zhang Mason , He Yaron , Huang Hanan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTraditional machining methods for glass drilling use contact‐based processes such as CNC, grinding wheels, or chemical etching, which easily cause surface microcracks, poor quality, or environmental pollution. Additionally, traditional glass sandblasting requires complex steps involving sandblasting and UV curing. Laser processing of glass instead is more efficient, environmentally friendly, and reliable.
Integration of sensors during laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Schönherr Andy , Voigt Sven , Schob Bernd , Bucksch Julia Ruiz , Kroll Lothar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLaser powder bed fusion (PBF‐LB/M) is an additive manufacturing (AM) process to produce high‐strength, functionally integrated, lightweight metal components which cannot be built conventionally. This article addresses the expansion of functionality by integrating sensors within closed cavities. For this reason, the building process was stopped just before the cavities were closed. After positioning the sensors, the building process was continued and a solid connection to the AM component was established.
Ultraviolet line structuring of large solar wafers
Authors: Schlutow Henrike , Fuchs Ulrike , Reinlein Claudia 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUltrashort‐pulsed lasers are ideal for material processing by welding, marking, and cutting. Scanning systems are crucial for large substrates. We introduce a novel UV line structuring method using deformable mirror technology and freeform optics. This approach aims to improve processing times on large substrates, especially for M12 solar wafer processing. By using a freeform lens and a Zwobbel deformable mirror, we achieve extended processing fields and high scan frequencies. The paper explores optical designs, their robust optomechanical implementation for prototyping, and setup characterization.
SiC high‐tech ceramics — a comparison of laser processes
Authors: Rochholz Christian , Meudtner Andreas 
Published: November 2024

AbstractExtensive R&D applied various laser sources — from nanosecond VIS‐wavelength to femtosecond IR and water‐jet guided lasers — to enhance the quality and efficiency of laser structuring, fine cutting, and drilling of silicon carbide. Tests focused on surface roughness, cutting line precision, and high ablation rates. Challenges due to diverse material compositions, like diamond layers, required combined methods to develop viable approaches. To meet economic constraints, mechanical grinding was integrated with recurring laser processing.
Dielectric material processing with ultrashort pulses
Authors: Andriukaitis Deividas , Jašinskas Mantvydas , Gečys Paulius , Bischoff Christian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFemtosecond lasers have become essential tools in material processing. Thanks to their ultrashort pulse duration, these lasers can process a wide range of materials without causing significant thermal effects, leading to superior quality. Dielectric materials, especially glass and ceramics, are among those that benefit the most from femtosecond laser technology. Traditional processing methods often struggle with these materials, but femtosecond lasers provide a solution with high precision and quality.
The Rapid Decrease in the Biological Reactivity of Water Activated by Air Spark Discharge Plasma
Authors: Dou Di , Zhou Zhenyu , Chen Chao , Wang Qiang , Wang Zhishang , Liu Guoqiang , Feng Dongxue , Yang Jun , Wan Huihui , Zhang Tao , Liu Dongping 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTo investigate the biological reactivity of plasma‐activated water (PAW), we prepared PAW using atmospheric air spark discharge over water at 4°C and 25°C, with Escherichia Coli (E. coli) as the microbial model. The biological reactivity of PAW at 25°C decreased rapidly by 3.32 Logs within 20 s of storage. At 4°C, PAW showed high reactivity within 20–30 s of storage but decreased by 3.50 Logs between 30 and 60 s. Our analysis revealed that PAW reactivity is dependent on short‐lived peroxynitrite (ONOOH), formed through H2O2 and HNO2 under acidic conditions. ONOOH actively reacts with amino acid functional groups, as measured by high‐resolution LC‐MS, likely contributing to the rapid inactivation of E. coli.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling of zavegepant, a calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonist, in healthy adults and patients with migraine
Authors: Comisar Craig M. , Francis Jose , Hughes Jim H. , Bhardwaj Rajinder , Bertz Richard , Liu Jing 
Published: November 2024

AbstractZavegepant (ZAVZPRET™) is a high‐affinity, selective, small‐molecule calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonist available for acute treatment of migraine in adults. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to describe zavegepant plasma concentration–time course, characterize bioavailability, and identify covariates affecting zavegepant exposure. The model was developed and validated using data from 10 phase I clinical studies, wherein zavegepant was administered intravenously, intranasally, or orally to healthy adults and patients with migraine. Plasma concentration–time data were analyzed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling. A three‐compartment model with first‐order elimination from the central compartment, and sequential zero‐ and first‐order absorption best described the observed plasma concentration–time course of zavegepant. Bioavailability was 5.1% and 0.65% for intranasal and oral treatment, respectively; absorption rate constants were 5.8 and 0.8 h−1, respectively. Body weight‐based empirical allometric scaling was applied using standard exponents (0.75 for clearance and 1 for volume of distribution). Age (range 18–71 years), race, ethnicity, sex, renal function, and co‐administration of oral contraceptives or sumatriptan did not significantly change zavegepant pharmacokinetics. Moderate hepatic impairment (Child‐Pugh score 7–9) or co‐administration of rifampin decreased elimination clearance of oral zavegepant by ~40%. The zavegepant population pharmacokinetic model adequately characterized zavegepant concentration–time profiles, the bioavailability of intranasal and oral zavegepant, as well as the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on zavegepant pharmacokinetics.
Disulfide‐Rich Self‐Assembling Peptides Based on Aromatic Amino Acid
Authors: Huang Wenjing , Dong Huilei , Yan Qipeng , Deng Tingfen , Li Xiaoxu , Zhao Zhe , Li Zenghui , Wang Mingshui , Zhang Chunhui , Kong Bo , Shi Junfeng , Yuan Dan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAromatic residues in assembling peptides play a crucial role in driving peptide self‐assembly through π–π stacking and hydrophobic interactions. Although various aromatic capping groups have been extensively studied, systematic investigations into the effects of single aromatic amino acids in assembling peptides remain limited. In this study, the influence of aromatic‐aromatic interactions on disulfide‐rich assembling peptides is systematically investigated by incorporating three different aromatic amino acids. Their folding propensity, self‐assembling properties, and rheological behaviors are evaluated. These results indicate that different aromatic‐aromatic interactions have a significant effect on self‐assembly abilities, as determined by critical aggregation concentration (CAC) measurements. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of these hydrogels is assessed, and their potential for 3D cell culture is explored. The injectable F1‐ox hydrogel demonstrate excellent biocompatibility for SHED and NIH3T3 cells and exhibit a porous structure that facilitates nutrient and cellular metabolic waste exchange. This work provides new insights into the molecular design of peptide‐based biomaterials, with a focus on the impact of aromatic residues on disulfide‐rich assembling peptides.
Biomimetic Superhydrophobic Surfaces by Nanoarchitectonics with Natural Sunflower Pollen
Authors: Li Jian , Deng Jingyu , Zhou Chenchen , Yang Jueying , Shin Sungmin , Binks Bernard P. , Cho Nam‐Joon 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSuperhydrophobic surfaces, known for their water‐repellent, and self‐cleaning properties, are widely used in various applications. These advanced functional surfaces exhibit high contact angles (>150°), achieved through low surface energy chemistries and hierarchical roughness. Natural sunflower pollen is micron‐sized spherical particles with nano‐sized spikes on the surface. This study engineered superhydrophobic coatings using the unique hierarchical structure of sunflower pollen and low surface energy additives like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silane additives such as 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (FTS), octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and dichlorodimethylsilane (DCDMS). The pollen content significantly modulates surface structure, roughness, and water contact angle. Higher pollen content enhances roughness and water repellency by creating micro‐nano hierarchical structures. Pollen‐PDMS‐FTS and Pollen‐PDMS coatings demonstrated the highest water contact angles (165 ± 2° and 163 ± 3°, respectively) and lowest sliding angles (4.5 ± 1° and 7.6 ± 2.6°, respectively), achieving a “lotus effect.” Conversely, Pollen‐PDMS‐OTS or Pollen‐PDMS‐DCDMS coatings resulted in high sliding angles and water adhesion, producing a “rose petal effect.” These “lotus effect” coatings are effectively applied in self‐cleaning and water displacement in oil pipelines on hilly terrain. This study provides insights into the interplay between hierarchical structure and surface‐free energy for designing superhydrophobic surfaces tailored for specific applications.