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The strength prediction of pervious concrete is hard to implement for the mix design due to the porous structure. This work studied the influence of the water-to-cement ratio on the fluidity, viscosity, and mechanical properties of cement paste. Then, the porosity, permeability, and compressive strength of the pervious concrete with various porosities were investigated, and the test results were fitted and analyzed. The result indicates that as the water-to-cement ratio increases, the viscosity of the cement paste reduces and the fluidity increases. The water-to-cement ratio has a negative linear relationship with net slurry strength. The porosity and permeability of pervious concrete fluctuate in accordance with the same rule as the water-to-cement ratio changes. The compressive strength of pervious concrete with varying design porosities increases initially, then declines as the water-to-cement ratio rises. According to the linear fitting analysis, when the water-to-cement ratio is constant, the permeability and compressive strength of pervious concrete have a positive and negative linear relationship with the design porosity, respectively. By analyzing the fitting results and combining the volume method of pervious concrete, a calculation method for mix proportion design is proposed to predict the strength of pervious concrete.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the predictors of survival of non‐occlusal non‐incisal glass‐ionomer restorations as a surrogate for root surface restorations among older adults. Methods: In a retrospective cohort analysis using the University of Iowa College of Dentistry electronic dental records, we included 721 patients aged 65+ who received 2+ surface non‐occlusal non‐incisal glass ionomer restorations placed from January 2005 – December 2011. Restorations were followed until September 2017 or until they were deemed to have failed. Results: At baseline, participants' mean age was 77.6 ± 8.2 years, and 45.8% were females. Most patients were self‐pay (65.2%). Most restorations were placed by residents and dental students (82.7%) and included only two surfaces (95.6%). About half (49.1%) failed during follow‐up, with a median survival time of 3.7 years. The time ratio for lower incisors compared to other teeth was 0.6 (p =.006), for three‐and‐four‐surface restorations compared to two was 0.7 (p =.007), for faculty as providers compared to residents and students was 1.4 (p =.039), and for the Geriatric & Special Needs Clinic compared to others was 0.8 (p =.013). Time ratios less than one indicate association with shorter durations for restorations, and time ratios greater than one indicate association with longer durations for restorations. Conclusion: Tooth type, number of restored surfaces, provider type, and clinic were all significant factors associated with survival of these restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In industrial manufacturing, pyrrhotite(Fe1−xS), once depressed, is commonly activated for flotation. However, the replacement of CuSO4 is necessary due to the need for exact control over the dosage during the activation of pyrrhotite, which can pose challenges in industrial settings. This research introduces the use of FeSO4 for the first time to efficiently activate pyrrhotite. The impact of two different activators on pyrrhotite was examined through microflotation experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Microflotation experiments confirmed that as the CuSO4 dosage increased from 0 to 8 × 10−4 mol/L, the recovery of pyrrhotite initially increased slightly from 71.27% to 87.65% but then sharply decreased to 16.47%. Conversely, when the FeSO4 dosage was increased from 0 to 8 × 10−4 mol/L, pyrrhotite's recovery rose from 71.27% to 82.37%. These results indicate a higher sensitivity of CuSO4 to dosage variations, suggesting that minor alterations in dosage can significantly impact its efficacy under certain experimental conditions. In contrast, FeSO4 might demonstrate reduced sensitivity to changes in dosage, leading to more consistent performance. Fe ions can chemically adsorb onto the surface of pyrrhotite (001), creating a stable chemical bond, thereby markedly activating pyrrhotite. The addition of butyl xanthate (BX), coupled with the action of Fe2+ on activated pyrrhotite, results in the formation of four Fe-S bonds on Fe2+. The proximity of their atomic distances contributes to the development of a stable double-chelate structure. The S 3p orbital on BX hybridizes with the Fe 3d orbital on pyrrhotite, but the hybrid effect of Fe2+ activation is stronger than that of nonactivation. In addition, the Fe-S bond formed by the addition of activated Fe2+ has a higher Mulliken population, more charge overlap, and stronger covalent bonds. Therefore, Fe2+ is an excellent, efficient, and stable pyrrhotite activator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT As the research and application of three‐dimensional (3D) Geographic Information Science (GIS) continue to advance, the abstract representation and symbolic modeling of geological entities in three dimensions have become one of the research focuses in the current GIS field. To address the need for the symbolic representation of complex and diverse fault structures, this paper proposes a parametric modeling method for 3D fault symbols. This method includes (1) constructing a 3D stratum model and a fault plane model based on stratum and fault plane parameters, (2) performing a 3D cutting operation based on the fault plane model to generate the fault block model, and (3) translating the strata in two faultblocks according to the parameters of fault motion to generate a fault symbol model. The experimental results show that the proposed method requires only a small number of parameters to efficiently and intuitively construct diverse 3D fault symbol models. This method breaks through the excessive dependence on geological survey data in the process of 3D geological modeling. It is suitable for 3D geological symbol modeling of folds, joints, intrusions, and other geological structures, as well as 3D modeling of typical geological structures with relatively simple spatial morphology. This paper's parametric modeling method has essential research significance and application value in various applications such as digital earth, digital city, and virtual geoscience exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among multivalent redox flow batteries, the Zn‐based redox flow battery (RFB) has the advantages of high energy density, nontoxicity, and low cost. However, the severe dendrite issue hinders its deployment. Therefore, the Sn‐based RFB is reported as a prospective alternative, particularly in alkaline systems, due to its lower redox potential and four electrons transfer in redox reactions. However, the continuous growth of Sn during charge forms large Sn bulk, which increases the risk of “dead Sn” formation. By combining experiments and theoretical calculations, urea is proposed as an electrolyte additive to regulate Sn deposition on graphite felt. This is achieved through the enhanced adsorption and robust reaction of Sn(OH)62− with graphite felt. Consequently, a more uniform morphology ensues, reducing “dead Sn” formation and thus improving the average discharge voltage and areal capacity. Moreover, the Columbic efficiency becomes more stable, extending the cycle life to over 420 h (>200 cycles) without deep discharge during cycling. This study demonstrates the role of urea in achieving high‐performance Sn‐I flow battery with long cycle life, paving the way for further development of metal‐based hybrid RFBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While timely assessment of long-term survival for patients with bone cancer is essential for evaluation on early detection and prognosis level of treatment of bone cancer, those data are extremely scarce in China. We aimed to timely and accurately assess long-term survival for patients with bone cancer in Eastern China., Methods: Patients diagnosed with bone cancer during 2004 - 2018 from four cancer registries with high-quality data from Taizhou, Eastern China were included. Five-year relative survival (RS) of bone cancer patients was calculated by period analysis for overall and the stratification. We further predicted 5-year RS during upcoming 2019 - 2023 using a model-based period analysis and survival data during 2004 - 2018., Results: Overall, 5-year RS for patients with bone cancer during 2014 - 2018 reached 46.6%, being 40.8% for male and 51.0% for female. Five-year RS declined along with aging, decreasing from 58.9% for age < 45 years to 41.5% for age > 60 years, while 5-year RS for urban area was higher compared to rural area (59.1% vs. 44.3%). The 5-year RS during upcoming 2019 - 2023 reached 48.3%. We found a clear upward trend in 5-year RS during 2004 - 2023 for overall and the stratification by sex, age at diagnosis, and region., Conclusions: We found that, for first time in China using period analysis, most up-to-date 5-year RS for patients with bone cancer reached 46.6% during 2014 - 2018, and is projected to reach 48.3% for the period 2019 - 2023, which has important implications for timely evaluation on early detection and prognosis level of treatment for patients with bone cancer in Eastern China., Competing Interests: None to declare., (Copyright 2024, Xie et al.)

Background: Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor with high mortality and disability rates. Recent studies have highlighted the significant prognostic consequences of subtyping molecular pathological markers using tumor samples, such as IDH, 1p/19q, and TERT. However, the relative importance of individual markers or marker combinations in affecting patient survival remains unclear. Moreover, the high cost and reliance on postoperative tumor samples hinder the widespread use of these molecular markers in clinical practice, particularly during the preoperative period. We aim to identify the most prominent molecular biomarker combination that affects patient survival and develop a preoperative MRI-based predictive model and clinical scoring system for this combination., Methods: A cohort dataset of 2,879 patients was compiled for survival risk stratification. In a subset of 238 patients, recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was applied to create a survival subgroup framework based on molecular markers. We then collected MRI data and applied Visually Accessible Rembrandt Images (VASARI) features to construct predictive models and clinical scoring systems., Results: The RPA delineated four survival groups primarily defined by the status of IDH and TERT mutations. Predictive models incorporating VASARI features and clinical data achieved AUC values of 0.85 for IDH and 0.82 for TERT mutations. Nomogram-based scoring systems were also formulated to facilitate clinical application., Conclusions: The combination of IDH-TERT mutation status alone can identify the most distinct survival differences in glioma patients. The predictive model based on preoperative MRI features, supported by clinical assessments, offers a reliable method for early molecular mutation prediction and constitutes a valuable scoring tool for clinicians in guiding treatment strategies., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is one of the main reasons for cancer-related deaths worldwide. This investigation aimed to define the connection between STAD and Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs). Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of mitochondrial cell death triggered by copper., Aim: To explore the identification of potential biomarkers for STAD disease based on cuproptosis., Methods: A predictive model using Gene Ontology (GO), Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis analyzed gene interconnections, focusing on 3 copper-related genes and their expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas-STAD. Networks for mRNA-miRNA and mRNA-transcription factor interactions were constructed. The prognostic significance of CRG scores was evaluated using time-receiver operating characteristic, Kaplan-Meier curves, and COX regression analysis. Validation was conducted with datasets GSE26942, GSE54129, and GSE66229. Expression of copper-related differentially expressed genes was also analyzed in various human tissues and gastric cancer subpopulations using the human protein atlas., Results: Three significant genes ( FDX1 , LIAS , MTF1 ) were identified and selected via LASSO analysis to predict and classify individuals with STAD into high and low CRG score subgroups. These genes were down-regulated in both risk categories. GO and KEGG analyses highlighted their involvement mainly in the electron transport chain. After validating their differential expression, FDX1 emerged as the most accurate diagnostic marker for gastric cancer. Additionally, the RCircos package localized FDX1 on chromosome 11., Conclusion: Our study revealed that FDX1 could be a potential biomarker and treatment target for gastric malignancy, providing new ideas for further scientific research., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: Dr. Jin has nothing to disclose., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Data collection is a fundamental process in any scientific investigation. This article outlines best practices for three general elements of the data-collection process: (1) determining the specific aim, (2) design, and (3) documentation. We discuss these elements in the style of a tutorial, using extended examples specific to dental research. Each section of the tutorial concludes with a bullet-point summary for ease of reference to the readers. The supplemental material for this article includes templates designed to assist dental researchers in initiating the data-collection process in their respective research efforts, and selected references are organized by topic. Although written for an audience of clinical scientists in dentistry, the principles outlined here could be generalized to other health science research contexts.

Background: To analyze the economic benefits of paliperidone palmitate in the treatment of schizophrenia., Methods: We collected 546 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to the 《International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems,10th》(ICD-10). We gathered general population data such as gender, age, marital status, and education level, then initiated treatment with paliperidone palmitate. Then Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the start of treatment to assess clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, and injection doses. We also collected information on the economic burden before and after 12 months of treatment, as well as the number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations in the past year to analyze economic benefits., Results: The baseline patients totaled 546, with 239 still receiving treatment with paliperidone palmitate 12 months later. After 12 months of treatment, the number of outpatient visits per year increased compared to before (4 (2,10) vs. 12 (4,12), Z=-5.949, P < 0.001), while the number of hospitalizations decreased (1 (1,3) vs. 1 (1,2), Z = 5.625, P < 0.001). The inpatient costs in the direct medical expenses of patients after 12 months of treatment decreased compared to before (5000(2000,12000) vs. 3000 (1000,8050), P < 0.05), while there was no significant change in outpatient expenses and direct non-medical expenses (transportation, accommodation, meal, and family accompanying expenses, etc.) (P > 0.05); the indirect costs of patients after 12 months of treatment (lost productivity costs for patients and families, economic costs due to destructive behavior, costs of seeking non-medical assistance) decreased compared to before (300(150,600) vs. 150(100,200), P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Palmatine palmitate reduces the number of hospitalizations for patients, as well as their direct and indirect economic burdens, and has good economic benefits., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: This prospective cohort study, conducted at a high-volume esophageal cancer center from July 2019 to July 2022, aimed to investigate the link between the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) length and anastomotic leakage (AL) rates following minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). Real-world data on stomach blood supply in the Chinese population were examined., Materials and Methods: A total of 516 cases were enrolled, categorized into two groups based on the Youden index-determined optimal cut-off value for the relative length of RGEA (length of RGEA/length of gastric conduit, 64.69%) through ROC analysis: Group SR (short RGEA) and Group LR (long RGEA). The primary observation parameter was the relationship between AL incidence and the ratio of direct blood supply from RGEA. Secondary parameters included the mean length of the right gastroepiploic artery, greater curvature, and the connection type between right and left gastroepiploic vessels. Patient data were prospectively recorded in electronic case report forms., Results: The study revealed median lengths of 43.60 cm for greater curvature, 43.16 cm for the gastric conduit, and 26.75 cm for RGEA. AL, the most common postoperative complication, showed a significant difference between groups (16.88 vs. 8.84%, P =0.01). Multivariable binary logistic regression identified Group SR and LR (odds ratio: 2.651, 95% CI: 1.124-6.250, P =0.03) and Neoadjuvant therapy (odds ratio: 2.479, 95% CI: 1.374-4.473, P =0.00) as independent predictors of AL., Conclusions: The study emphasizes the crucial role of RGEA length in determining AL incidence in MIE for esophageal cancer. Preserving RGEA and fostering capillary arches between RGEA and LGEA are recommended strategies to mitigate AL risk., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

With the rapid development of nuclear energy, problems with uranium supply chain and nuclear waste accumulation have motivated researchers to improve uranium separation methods. Here we show a paradigm for such goal based on the in-situ formation of π-f conjugated two-dimensional uranium-organic framework. After screening five π-conjugated organic ligands, we find that 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol would be the best one to construct uranium-organic framework, thus resulting in 100% uranium removal from both high and low concentration with the residual concentration far below the WHO drinking water standard (15 ppb), and 97% uranium capture from natural seawater (3.3 ppb) with a record uptake efficiency of 0.64 mg·g -1 ·d -1 . We also find that 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol can overcome the ion-interference issue such as the presence of massive interference ions or a 21-ions mixed solution. Our finds confirm the superiority of our separation approach over established ones, and will provide a fundamental molecule design for separation upon metal-organic framework chemistry., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Lymph nodes along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (LRLN) is thought to be highly involved in esophageal cancer. Given the unique anatomical positioning of the nerve, performing lymphadenectomy in this region requires advanced techniques within limited working space. Meanwhile, high incidence of morbidity and mortality is associated with lymphadenectomy. Although several methods have been applied to reduce the technical requirement and the incidence of postoperative complication, the optimal method remains controversial., Methods: This study was a single-center, prospective, randomized trial to investigate the utility of lymphadenectomy along the LRLN during the minimally invasive esophagectomy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients by comparing the surgical outcome, postoperative complication, survival rate, and quality of life (QoL) between the retraction method (RM) and the suspension method (SM) in patients with esophageal cancer from June 2018 to November 2020. QoL was assessed according to questionnaire: EQ-5D-5L., Results: Of 94 patients were enrolled and randomized allocated to RM and SM group equally. Characteristics did not differ between groups. The duration of lymph node dissection along LRLN was significant longer in SM group ( P <0.001). No difference was observed about postoperative complications. One of in-hospital death was occurred in each group ( P >0.999). Patients in neither of groups exhibiting difference about 3-year disease-free survival rate ( P =0.180) and overall survival rate ( P =0.430). No difference was observed in postoperative QoL between groups at different time points (all, P >0.05)., Conclusion: Both methods of lymph node dissection along the LRLN during minimally invasive esophagectomy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients are technically feasible and safe. The RM appears more favorable in terms of reducing surgical duration compared to the SM., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)