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The commercial potential of composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) is significant due to their ability to combine the advantages of both inorganic and polymer solid electrolytes. However, the unstable interface and insufficient ionic conductivity remain important challenges in practical applications of CPEs for achieving high-performance solid-state lithium batteries (SLBs). Herein, we construct a double-layer composite polymer electrolyte (D-CPE) by incorporating nanosized TiO 2 fillers with adjustable concentrations of oxygen vacancies into poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based electrolyte composites. In the D-CPE structure, one CPE layer containing TiO 2 fillers with oxygen vacancies exclusively interfaces with the LiFePO 4 cathode, while the other CPE layer consisting of pristine TiO 2 fillers (with negatively charged surfaces) solely contacts the lithium anode. This design of D-CPE achieves high ionic conductivity, a broad electrochemical window, and interfacial stability without additional resistance at the electrolyte-electrolyte interface simultaneously. The LiFePO 4 /D-CPEs/Li battery exhibits excellent cycling stability at 0.1 C, maintaining a capacity of 157.2 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention rate of 99.1% after 100 cycles. Furthermore, even at 0 °C, it delivers an impressive discharge capacity of 133.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C. This work presents a simple and effective approach to achieving superior polymer-based electrolytes for high-performance solid-state lithium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This review revealed the process of flower morphogenesis and the molecular mechanisms underlying orchid morphogenesis. • The article summarizes reported flower development models in orchids, including structural genes involved in pigment synthesis pathways and transcription factors that regulate orchid flower color formation. • Additionally, the potential correlation between flower morphogenesis and color presentation in orchids is explored, providing theoretical references for genetic improvement and new variety creation. Orchidaceae is one of the largest monocotyledon families and contributes significantly to worldwide biodiversity, with value in the fields of landscaping, medicine, and ecology. The diverse phenotypes and vibrant colors of orchid floral organs make them excellent research objects for investigating flower development and pigmentation. In recent years, a number of orchid genomes have been published, laying the molecular foundation for revealing flower development and color presentation. In this article, we review transcription factors, the structural genes responsible for the floral pigment synthesis pathways, the molecular mechanisms of flower morphogenesis, and the potential relationship between flower type and flower color. This study provides a theoretical reference for the research on molecular mechanisms related to flower morphogenesis and color presentation, genetic improvement, and new variety creation in orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been integrated with silicon to construct CNT-Si heterojunction solar cells; doping CNTs is one of the promising techniques to improve the solar cell performance. Here, we propose a gas-doping method by exposing as-fabricated CNT-Si solar cells to ozone for a short time. We find that a 5-min ozone treatment does not destroy the CNT structure but produces a significant impact on the cell characteristics (output voltage and fill factor), increasing the cell efficiency from 5.29% to 12.70% without degradation in 24 h. Ozone treatment donates holes to CNTs; this p-doping effect increases the work function of CNTs and subsequently enhances the built-in potential and Schottky barrier at the heterojunction for more efficient charge separation. Moreover, the ozone-treated CNT-Si cell could combine other established techniques such as colloidal antireflection and acid doping, to achieve an instantaneous high efficiency of >17% under standard illumination conditions (air mass 1.5, 100 mW/cm2). Compared to many reported doping methods relying on liquid or hazardous chemicals, our dry gas-doping strategy is very simple, highly effective, environmentally benign, and compatible to low-cost large-area solar cell manufacturing. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early diagnosis is pivotal in subsequent prognosis and treatment of cancer. Herein, folic acid-conjugated carbon dots (FA-CDs) as a fluorescent nanoprobe were fabricated for identifying cancer cells visually. Green luminescent carbon dots (CDs) from active dry yeast (ADY) were readily prepared in scale-up to reach macroscopic production with a high yield of ~50% via a facile and rapid microwave approach. The as-prepared CDs were further combined with folic acid (FA) by covalent bonding to fabricate the FA-CDs for identification of cancer cells over-expressing folate receptor (FR). Experimental outcomes demonstrated that the resultant FA-CDs noninvasively entered into cancer cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis and could differentiate FR-positive HepG2 cells from a cell mixture by fluorescence imaging, which suggests a promising prospect of the FA-CDs as an efficient probe for cancer diagnosis and succeeding personalized therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerable all-round Li–O 2 cathode featuring ultralong cycle life (up to 1423 cycles, 2846 h) and large areal capacity (over 20 mAh cm−2) at high rates (no less than 0.5 mA cm−2) is developed by integrating a series of complementary and comprehensive cathode material design and system engineering strategies. [Display omitted] Lithium–oxygen batteries promise ultrahigh energy density, yet one of the key barriers toward applications is the rapid performance decay during cycling especially at high rates, owing to the sluggish redox kinetics and severe parasitic reactions under elevated overpotentials within the cathode. In face of the above challenge, here we present a carbon nanotube sponge-based high-performance lithium–oxygen cathode by a series of approaches such as tailoring discharge product morphology to lower the overpotential, controlled sponge-compression for high mass loading to facilitate high-rate cycling, gradient electrolyte-immersion to rationally utilize its interior for efficient multiphase transport, and water treating for regenerated use. These 4 methods target different aspects of the electrochemical behavior in a Li–O 2 cathode, thus constituting a complementary and integrated strategy to overcome the challenges in this field. As a result, we achieve simultaneously an ultralong cycle life (1423 cycles, 2846 h) at high rate (0.5 mA cm−2) under low overpotential (charging below 4.0 V throughout 1100 cycles), also with an areal capacity over 20 mAh cm−2 and extended 500 cycles after regeneration. Such an overall performance is much superior to recently developed 3D metal foam or carbon-based cathodes. Our designed sponge cathode represents a promising candidate for developing durable, high-energy and high-power metal–air battery systems, pushing forward their practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a three-dimensional model of gas foil bearings with consideration of axial variation of the structural deflection. The top and bump foils are modeled with shell elements; hence, membrane, bending and shear effects are involved. The penalty method and node-to-segment contact scheme are used for contact modeling. To avoid numerical difficulties caused by discontinuity, the Coulomb law is modified by a regularization technique. Due to the nonlinear behavior of friction, the incremental iterative method is adopted for solution. The effect of misalignment on the static performance of the first and second generation foil bearings is studied. The results show that misalignment decreases the bearing load capacity and the second generation foil bearings exhibit better performance when misalignment occurs. • A three-dimensional model of gas foil bearings is proposed with consideration of axial variation of structural deflection. • A nonlinear frictional contact model and the incremental form of the system equation are given in detail. • The effect of misalignment on the performance of the first generation foil bearing is studied. • The second generation foil bearings whose stiffness varies in the axial direction are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of flaxseed gum (FG) on the aggregate structure, pasting and rheological properties of waxy rice starch (WRS). Results display an increase in the ordered molecular structure (R 1047/1024), relative crystallinity (RC), compactness (α), and microphase heterogeneity (ε , density degree of nanoaggregates, from 3.52 to 4.23) for WRS-FG complexes. These suggested FG facilitated the development of more organized molecular and crystalline structures of WRS, accompanied by the formation of ordered nanoaggregates with higher density (i.e. , nano-aggregation structure). Also, FG addition resulted in the formation of enhanced gel network structure characterized by thicker layer walls and more uniform pores. These structural transformations contributed to a rise in gelatinization temperature (T o , from 56.90 °C to 62.10 °C) and enthalpy (Δ H), as well as alterations in paste viscosities (PV, from 1285.00 mPa·s to 1734.00 mPa·s), and the rigidity of network structure (e.g. , decreased loss tangent). These results indicate that FG could effectively regulate the techno-functional properties of WRS by rationally controlling the starch intrinsic structures of starch. And this study may improve the pasting and gelling properties of starch, thus driving the development of high-quality starchy foods and prolonging their shelf life, especially for glutinous rice flour products. • How flaxseed gum affected starch structure and characteristics was evaluated. • Flaxseed gum addition increased the viscosity and gel rigidity of waxy rice starch. • Starch-flaxseed gum complexes presented more ordered aggregate structure. • Interactions between flaxseed gum and starch is promoted with raised concentration. • Structure-functionality relationships of starch-gum complexes were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of flaxseed gum (FG) on the aggregate structure, pasting and rheological properties of waxy rice starch (WRS). Results display an increase in the ordered molecular structure (R 1047/1024), relative crystallinity (RC), compactness (α), and microphase heterogeneity (ε , density degree of nanoaggregates, from 3.52 to 4.23) for WRS-FG complexes. These suggested FG facilitated the development of more organized molecular and crystalline structures of WRS, accompanied by the formation of ordered nanoaggregates with higher density (i.e. , nano-aggregation structure). Also, FG addition resulted in the formation of enhanced gel network structure characterized by thicker layer walls and more uniform pores. These structural transformations contributed to a rise in gelatinization temperature (T o , from 56.90 °C to 62.10 °C) and enthalpy (Δ H), as well as alterations in paste viscosities (PV, from 1285.00 mPa·s to 1734.00 mPa·s), and the rigidity of network structure (e.g. , decreased loss tangent). These results indicate that FG could effectively regulate the techno-functional properties of WRS by rationally controlling the starch intrinsic structures of starch. And this study may improve the pasting and gelling properties of starch, thus driving the development of high-quality starchy foods and prolonging their shelf life, especially for glutinous rice flour products. • How flaxseed gum affected starch structure and characteristics was evaluated. • Flaxseed gum addition increased the viscosity and gel rigidity of waxy rice starch. • Starch-flaxseed gum complexes presented more ordered aggregate structure. • Interactions between flaxseed gum and starch is promoted with raised concentration. • Structure-functionality relationships of starch-gum complexes were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the hierarchical structure and physicochemical properties of starch isolated from fermented dough with different times (0–120 min) is valuable for improving the quality of fermented dough-based products. The results indicate that fermentation disrupted the starch granule surface and decreased the average particle size from 19.72 μm to 18.45 μm. Short-term fermentation (< 60 min) disrupted the crystalline, lamellar, short-range ordered molecular and helical structures of starch, while long-term fermentation (60–120 min) elevated the ordered degree of these structures. For example, relative crystallinity and double helix contents increased from 23.7 % to 26.8 % and 34.4 % to 37.2 %, respectively. During short-term fermentation, the structural amorphization facilitated interactions between starch molecular chains and water molecules, which increased the peak viscosity from 275.4 to 320.6 mPa·s and the swelling power from 7.99 to 8.52 g/g. In contrast, starches extracted from long-term fermented dough displayed the opposite results. Interestingly, the hardness and springiness of starch gels gradually decreased as fermentation time increased. These findings extend our understanding of the starch structure-property relationship during varied fermentation stages, potentially benefiting the production of better-fermented foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel FDSOI FinFETs with SiGe channel/Si cap layer (35 nm/5 nm) formed on SOI wafers with 20 nm Si body. Electrical characterization result shows that JL FDSOI FinFETs with SiGe channel exhibited low subthreshold slope (SS) of 86 mV/decade and record high ON-OFF current ratio (I ON /I OFF = 2 × 106) at V D = -0.5V, respectively. Device performance improvement was mainly attributed to high-epitaxial quality compressive strained SiGe channel and novel device structure. The strain in the channel of the transistors was estimated locally in TEM using Nano beam diffraction (NBD) technique. The FDSOI FinFET with SiGe channel, lays the foundation for the further development of high speed, high density, low cost, and 3D monolithic integration circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Binodal curves of the aqueous N-ethylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([EPy]BF4)+trisodium citrate (Na3C6H5O7), [EPy]BF4 +ammonium citrate tribasic ((NH4)3C6H5O7), [EPy]BF4 +sodium succinate (Na2C4H4O4) and [EPy]BF4 +sodium tartrate (Na2C4H4O6) systems have been determined experimentally at T =298.15K. The Merchuk equation and two other equations were used to correlate the binodal data. The effective excluded volume (EEV) values obtained from the binodal model for these four systems were determined. The Othmer–Tobias, Bancroft, two-parameter and Setschenow-type equations were used for the correlation of the tie-line data. The results show that good agreement was obtained with the experimental data with the two-parameter and the Setschenow-type equations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Journal bump foil bearing (JBFB) is the key component in high-speed turbomachinery. In this paper, load carrying performance of the 2nd and 3rd generation JBFBs with axial and circumferential stiffness variations are investigated applying a curve shell model. A nonlinear algorithm is employed to impose contact/separate and stick/slide constraints to foil structures. An effective inverse method is proposed to design the circumferential variations of bump radii, obtaining evidently wider area (over 110°) where higher film pressure distributes. Reduced stiffness of edge bump strips increases bearing load capacity and frictional energy dissipation particularly for the misaligned rotor. Results indicate the 3rd generation JBFB can achieve over 60% load capacity improvement compared to the 1st generation bearing with uniform bump structure. • The 2nd an 3rd generation journal bump foil bearings are modeled and studied. • Circumferential and axial stiffness variations of bump structures are included. • An effective inverse method is proposed to obtain evidently wider area where higher film pressure distributes in circumferential direction. • The 3rd generation bump foil bearing can achieve over 60% load capacity improvement compared to the 1st generation bearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • PGS addition led to enhanced viscosity and gel network for glutinous rice flour. • PGS addition induced structural disorganization for glutinous dumplings. • PGS addition improves storage and textural properties of glutinous dumplings. • PGS addition increases the SDS and bound water content of glutinous dumplings. • Statistical correlation found between flour properties and qualities of dumplings. Abstract In this study, the impacts of pregelatinized starch (PGS) with different conditions (2–8%, w/w) on the characteristics, microstructures and quality parameters of glutinous rice flour and dumplings were determined. The results indicated PGS favored the formation of elastic gel-like network structure on starch granules. PGS addition, especially at high PGS content, significantly influenced the granular, crystalline and molecular structure of glutinous dumplings, probably due to the structural amorphization of PGS. Accordingly, the dumplings complexation with suitable PGS exhibited a better storage, an increased content of slowly digestible starch (SDS), and integrated quality attributes including transmittance, cracking rate, and textural properties via weakening the water mobility. Pearson's correlation matrix exhibited that the quality of glutinous dumplings could be well predicted by physicochemical properties of rice flour. Thus, it is feasible to improve the textural and nutritional attribute of glutinous rice dumplings via simply complexation with PGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of the present study was to explore the clinicopathological characteristics and operative therapeutic efficacy of thoracic esophageal cancer after gastrectomy and compare with those without gastrectomy.Methods: From January 2000 to June 2007, 28 esophageal cancer patients with a history of distal gastrectomy underwent subtotal esophagectomy. Vascularized pedicle colonic conduit was most commonly used for esophageal substitution. Six hundred seventeen patients without a history of gastrectomy treated in the same period form the control group. After the operation, pathological characteristic, tumor staging, and survival statistics were analyzed.Results: Of those patients with esophageal cancer associated with gastric remnant, the majority were male. There was an average of 16.5 years for diagnosing esophageal cancer from the initial partial gastrectomy, 75% (21/28) of them were patients with Billroth I anastomosis. The proportion of lower-third tumors in patients after gastrectomy (12 of 28 patients, 43%) was significantly higher compared with that of the patients with intact stomachs (124 of 617 patients, 20%; P = 0.004). After surgical treatment, the overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of gastrectomized and nongastrectomized patients were 100%, 35.00%, and 23.33% versus 98.93%, 59.42%, and 30.85% in stages I-II and 80.00%, 30.00%, and 0% versus 98.59%, 62.03%, and 21.03% in stages III-IV. The log rank test of equality of survival distribution for the gastrectomized vs nongastrectomized patients was not significant in stages I-II (P = 0.5692) but was significant in stages III-IV (P = 0.0166).Conclusions: The patients with partial gastrectomy for more than 5 years, having upper gastrointestinal symptoms, should be considered having the risk of esophageal cancer associated with gastric remnant. For patients with a history of distal gastrectomy, a vascularized pedicle colonic conduit was most commonly used for esophageal substitution. Surgical efficacy was similar with the no-gastrectomy group in early stages I-II of esophageal cancer associated with gastric remnant but was lower compared with the no-gastrectomy group in stages III-IV. So, early diagnosis and an aggressive surgical approach may be crucial to achieve better outcomes for esophageal cancer patients with gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Extensive chest wall defect reconstruction remains a challenging problem for surgeons. In the past several years, little progress has been made in this area. In this study, a biodegradable polydioxanone (PDO) mesh and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) seeded with osteogenically induced bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were used to reconstruct a 6cm×5.5cm chest wall defect. Four experimental groups were evaluated (n =6 per group): polydioxanone (PDO) mesh/DBMs/BMSCs group, polydioxanone (PDO) mesh/DBMs group, polydioxanone (PDO) mesh group, and a blank group (no materials) in a canine model. All the animals survived except those in the blank group. In all groups receiving biomaterial implants, the polydioxanone (PDO) mesh completely degraded at 24 weeks and was replaced by fibrous tissue with thickness close to that of the normal intercostal tissue (P >0.05). In the polydioxanone (PDO) mesh/DBMs/BMSCs group, new bone formation and bone-union were observed by radiographic and histological examination. More importantly, the reconstructed rib could maintain its original radian and achieve satisfactory biomechanics close to normal ribs in terms of bending stress (P >0.05). However, in the other two groups, fibrous tissue was observed in the defect and junctions, and the reconstructed ribs were easily distorted under an outer force. Based on these results, a surgical approach utilizing biodegradable polydioxanone (PDO) mesh in combination with DBMs and BMSCs could repair the chest wall defect not only in function but also in structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]