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Li-ion-conducting chloride solid electrolytes receive considerable attention due to their physicochemical characteristics such as high ionic conductivity, deformability and oxidative stability. However, the raw materials are expensive, and large-scale use of this class of inorganic superionic conductors seems unlikely. Here, a cost-effective chloride solid electrolyte, Li 2 ZrCl 6 , is reported. Its raw materials are several orders of magnitude cheaper than those for the state-of-the-art chloride solid electrolytes, but high ionic conductivity (0.81 mS cm –1 at room temperature), deformability, and compatibility with 4V-class cathodes are still simultaneously achieved in Li 2 ZrCl 6 . Moreover, Li 2 ZrCl 6 demonstrates a humidity tolerance with no sign of moisture uptake or conductivity degradation after exposure to an atmosphere with 5% relative humidity. By combining Li 2 ZrCl 6 with the Li-In anode and the single-crystal LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 cathode, we report a room-temperature all-solid-state cell with a stable specific capacity of about 150 mAh g –1 for 200 cycles at 200 mA g –1 . Stable inorganic solid electrolytes are instrumental in developing high-voltage Li metal batteries. Here, the authors present the synthesis and electrochemical energy storage properties of a cost-effective and humidity-tolerant chloride solid electrolyte.

Supersolid, an exotic quantum state of matter that consists of particles forming an incompressible solid structure while simultaneously showing superfluidity of zero viscosity 1 , is one of the long-standing pursuits in fundamental research 2 , 3 . Although the initial report of 4 He supersolid turned out to be an artefact 4 , this intriguing quantum matter has inspired enthusiastic investigations into ultracold quantum gases 5 , 6 , 7 – 8 . Nevertheless, the realization of supersolidity in condensed matter remains elusive. Here we find evidence for a quantum magnetic analogue of supersolid—the spin supersolid—in the recently synthesized triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Na 2 BaCo(PO 4 ) 2 (ref. 9 ). Notably, a giant magnetocaloric effect related to the spin supersolidity is observed in the demagnetization cooling process, manifesting itself as two prominent valley-like regimes, with the lowest temperature attaining below 100 mK. Not only is there an experimentally determined series of critical fields but the demagnetization cooling profile also shows excellent agreement with the theoretical simulations with an easy-axis Heisenberg model. Neutron diffractions also successfully locate the proposed spin supersolid phases by revealing the coexistence of three-sublattice spin solid order and interlayer incommensurability indicative of the spin superfluidity. Thus, our results reveal a strong entropic effect of the spin supersolid phase in a frustrated quantum magnet and open up a viable and promising avenue for applications in sub-kelvin refrigeration, especially in the context of persistent concerns about helium shortages 10 , 11 . Evidence for a quantum magnetic analogue of a supersolid appears in a recently synthesized antiferromagnet showing a strong magnetocaloric effect of the spin supersolid phase with potential for applications in sub-kelvin refrigeration.

Structural degradation in manganese oxides leads to unstable electrocatalytic activity during long-term cycles. Herein, we overcome this obstacle by using proton exchange on well-defined layered Li 2 MnO 3 with an O3-type structure to construct protonated Li 2-x H x MnO 3-n with a P3-type structure. The protonated catalyst exhibits high oxygen reduction reaction activity and excellent stability compared to previously reported cost-effective Mn-based oxides. Configuration interaction and density functional theory calculations indicate that Li 2-x H x MnO 3-n has fewer unstable O 2p holes with a Mn 3.7+ valence state and a reduced interlayer distance, originating from the replacement of Li by H. The former is responsible for the structural stability, while the latter is responsible for the high transport property favorable for boosting activity. The optimization of both charge states to reduce unstable O 2p holes and crystalline structure to reduce the reaction pathway is an effective strategy for the rational design of electrocatalysts, with a likely extension to a broad variety of layered alkali-containing metal oxides. Structural degradation in manganese oxides leads to unstable activity during long-term cycles. Herein, authors demonstrated that reduced unstable O 2p holes and the short interlayer distance of layered lithium manganese oxide are favorable for excellent electrocatalytic stability and activity.

While phonon anharmonicity affects lattice thermal conductivity intrinsically and is difficult to be modified, controllable lattice defects routinely function only by scattering phonons extrinsically. Here, through a comprehensive study of crystal structure and lattice dynamics of Zintl-type Sr(Cu,Ag,Zn)Sb thermoelectric compounds using neutron scattering techniques and theoretical simulations, we show that the role of vacancies in suppressing lattice thermal conductivity could extend beyond defect scattering. The vacancies in Sr 2 ZnSb 2 significantly enhance lattice anharmonicity, causing a giant softening and broadening of the entire phonon spectrum and, together with defect scattering, leading to a ~ 86% decrease in the maximum lattice thermal conductivity compared to SrCuSb. We show that this huge lattice change arises from charge density reconstruction, which undermines both interlayer and intralayer atomic bonding strength in the hierarchical structure. These microscopic insights demonstrate a promise of artificially tailoring phonon anharmonicity through lattice defect engineering to manipulate lattice thermal conductivity in the design of energy conversion materials. Vacancies are traditionally considered to play a role of phonon-defect scattering. Here, the authors show that vacancies can induce phonon softening, enhance phonon anharmonicity, and cause a dramatic reduction in the lattice thermal conductivity.

Periodontitis is a complex multifactorial disease that can lead to destruction of tooth supporting tissues and subsequent tooth loss. The most recent global burden of disease studies highlight that severe periodontitis is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory conditions affecting humans. Periodontitis risk is attributed to genetics, host-microbiome and environmental factors. Empirical diagnostic and prognostic systems have yet to be validated in the field of periodontics. Early diagnosis and intervention prevents periodontitis progression in most patients. Increased susceptibility and suboptimal control of modifiable risk factors can result in poor response to therapy, and relapse. The chronic immune-inflammatory response to microbial biofilms at the tooth or dental implant surface is associated with systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or gastrointestinal diseases. Oral fluid-based biomarkers have demonstrated easy accessibility and potential as diagnostics for oral and systemic diseases, including the identification of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva. Advances in biotechnology have led to innovations in lab-on-a-chip and biosensors to interface with oral-based biomarker assessment. This review highlights new developments in oral biomarker discovery and their validation for clinical application to advance precision oral medicine through improved diagnosis, prognosis and patient stratification. Their potential to improve clinical outcomes of periodontitis and associated chronic conditions will benefit the dental and overall public health.

Pyrrhotite is a paleomagnetically important magnetic mineral in many geological settings. It forms numerous polytypes with different stacking patterns of the NiAs structure along the crystallographic c axis to produce different vacancy‐ordered superstructures. Monoclinic 4C pyrrhotite (Fe7S8) is the best‐known ferrimagnetic member of the pyrrhotite family; the magnetic properties of other pyrrhotite polytypes remain largely unknown. Recent discovery of the importance of magnetism in 3C pyrrhotite (Fe7S8) in methanic sedimentary environments makes it important to establish its magnetic structure and magnetic properties. We present powder neutron diffraction results at low and high temperatures, which enable determination of the magnetic structure of 3C compared to 4C pyrrhotite. We find that 3C pyrrhotite is a collinear ferrimagnet with a saturation magnetization of 2.714(3) μB at 300 K, which is less than the 3.048(3) μB determined for our measured 4C pyrrhotite sample. Our analyses indicate iron deficiency in both studied samples, which likely reduces the expected net magnetization compared to the respective fully vacancy ordered cases. The studied 3C pyrrhotite is thermally unstable above 390 K. Demonstration of the ferrimagnetism of 3C pyrrhotite, which has contrasting magnetic properties to 4C pyrrhotite, has important implications for interpreting sedimentary magnetic signals. This work indicates a need to document more fully the magnetic properties of pyrrhotite polytypes, including 3C pyrrhotite with variable vacancy ordering.

Maresins are a new family of anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators biosynthesized from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by macrophages. Here we identified a novel pro-resolving product, 13R,14S-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (13R,14S-diHDHA), produced by human macrophages. PCR mapping of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) mRNA sequence in human macrophages and platelet showed that they are identical. This human 12-LOX mRNA and enzyme are expressed in monocyte-derived cell lineage, and enzyme expression levels increase with maturation to macrophages or dendritic cells. Recombinant human 12-LOX gave essentially equivalent catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM) with arachidonic acid (AA) and DHA as substrates. Lipid mediator metabololipidomics demonstrated that human macrophages produce a novel bioactive product 13,14-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid in addition to maresin-1, 7R,14S-dihydroxy-4Z,8E,10E,12Z,16Z,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid (MaR1). Co-incubations with human recombinant 12-LOX and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) demonstrated that biosynthesis of 13,14-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid (13,14-diHDHA) involves the 13S,14S-epoxy-maresin intermediate produced from DHA by 12-LOX, followed by conversion via soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). This new 13,14-diHDHA displayed potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions, and at 1 ng reduced neutrophil infiltration in mouse peritonitis by ∼40% and at 10 pM enhanced human macrophage phagocytosis of zymosan by ∼90%. However, MaR1 proved more potent than the 13R,14S-diHDHA at enhancing efferocytosis with human macrophages. Taken together, the present findings demonstrate that macrophages produced a novel bioactive product identified in the maresin metabolome as 13R,14S-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid, from DHA via conversion by human 12-LOX followed by sEH. Given its potent bioactions, we coined 13R,14S-diHDHA maresin 2 (MaR2).

The phase diagrams of LaMnO 3 perovskites have been intensely studied due to the colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) exhibited by compositions around the 3 8 t h doping level. However, phase segregation between ferromagnetic (FM) metallic and antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulating states, which itself is believed to be responsible for the colossal change in resistance under applied magnetic field, has prevented an atomistic-level understanding of the orbital ordered (OO) state at this doping level. Here, through the detailed crystallographic analysis of the phase diagram of a prototype system (AMn 3 A ′ Mn 4 B O 12 ), we show that the superposition of two distinct lattice modes gives rise to a striping of OO Jahn-Teller active Mn 3+ and charge disordered (CD) Mn 3.5+ layers in a 1:3 ratio. This superposition only gives a cancellation of the Jahn-Teller-like displacements at the critical doping level. This striping of CD Mn 3.5+ with Mn 3+ provides a natural mechanism though which long range OO can melt, giving way to a conducting state. Manganite perovskites display the intriguing property of colossal magnetoresistance (CMR), but only at very specific doping values. Now, a detailed crystallographic analysis of a prototype system reveals a novel type of orbital ordering that coexists with charge-disorder stripes, occurring precisely at the doping value where CMR is maximised.

IMPACT STATEMENT We report the synthesis of high-quality polycrystalline topological semimetal RMnSb2 (R = Yb, Sr, Ba, Eu) and their thermal instability. Moreover, the thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline YbMnSb2 were investigated.

Maresins are lipid mediators derived from omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties, capable of promoting tissue regeneration and potentially serving as a therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory diseases. The aim of this review was to systematically investigate preclinical and clinical studies on maresin to inform translational research. Two independent reviewers performed comprehensive searches with the term “Maresin (NOT) Review” on PubMed. A total of 137 studies were included and categorized into 11 human organ systems. Data pertinent to clinical translation were specifically extracted, including delivery methods, optimal dose response, and specific functional efficacy. Maresins generally exhibit efficacy in treating inflammatory diseases, attenuating inflammation, protecting organs, and promoting tissue regeneration, mostly in rodent preclinical models. The nervous system has the highest number of original studies (n = 25), followed by the cardiovascular system, digestive system, and respiratory system, each having the second highest number of studies (n = 18) in the field. Most studies considered systemic delivery with an optimal dose response for mouse animal models ranging from 4 to 25 μg/kg or 2 to 200 ng via intraperitoneal or intravenous injection respectively, whereas human in vitro studies ranged between 1 and 10 nM. Although there has been no human interventional clinical trial yet, the levels of MaR1 in human tissue fluid can potentially serve as biomarkers, including salivary samples for predicting the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and periodontal diseases; plasma and synovial fluid levels of MaR1 can be associated with treatment response and defining pathotypes of rheumatoid arthritis. Maresins exhibit great potency in resolving disease inflammation and bridging tissue regeneration in preclinical models, and future translational development is warranted.