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M n+1 AX n phases are a large family of compounds that have been limited, so far, to carbides and nitrides. Here we report the prediction of a compound, Ti 2 InB 2 , a stable boron-based ternary phase in the Ti-In-B system, using a computational structure search strategy. This predicted Ti 2 InB 2 compound is successfully synthesized using a solid-state reaction route and its space group is confirmed as P 6 ¯ m2 (No. 187), which is in fact a hexagonal subgroup of P6 3 /mmc (No. 194), the symmetry group of conventional M n+1 AX n phases. Moreover, a strategy for the synthesis of MXenes from M n+1 AX n phases is applied, and a layered boride, TiB, is obtained by the removal of the indium layer through dealloying of the parent Ti 2 InB 2 at high temperature under a high vacuum. We theoretically demonstrate that the TiB single layer exhibits superior potential as an anode material for Li/Na ion batteries than conventional carbide MXenes such as Ti 3 C 2 . Two-dimensional materials are promising for electrochemical storage and conversion, but are somewhat limited in composition. Here the authors use a computational strategy to predict the existence of a layered boride material, which they synthesize and demonstrate prospective for use as an anode material.

Fluorescent iron nanoclusters are emerging fluorescent nanomaterials. Herein, we synthesized hemoglobin-coated iron nanoclusters (Hb−Fe NCs) with a significant fluorescence emission peak at 615 nm and investigated the inner-filter effect of fluorescence induced by a manganese dioxide nanosheet (MnO2 NS). The fluorescence quenching of Hb−Fe NCs by a MnO2 NS can be significantly reversed by the addition of ascorbic acid. On the basis of fluorescent recovery by ascorbic acid, we proposed a system that consisted of Hb−Fe NCs, a MnO2 NS and ascorbate phosphate, and the proposed system was successfully used for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) detection in the range of 0–20 μg/mL based on the significant fluorescence recovery achieved.

Activating high-energy multiple bonds using earth-abundant metals is one of the most significant challenges in catalysis. Here, we show that LaCoSi—a ternary intermetallic compound—is an efficient and stable catalyst for N 2 activation to produce NH 3 . The ammonia synthesis is significantly promoted by shifting the reaction bottleneck from the sluggish N 2 dissociation to NH x formation, which few catalysts have achieved. Theoretical calculations reveal that the negatively charged cobalt mediates electron transfer from lanthanum to the adsorbed N 2 , which further reduces the activation barrier of N 2 dissociation. Most importantly, the specific LaCoSi geometric configuration stabilizes the N 2 adsorption with a strong exothermic effect, which dramatically decreases the apparent energy barrier of N 2 activation. Consequently, LaCoSi shows a superior activity (1,250  μ mol g −1  h −1 ), with a 60-fold increase over the activity of supported cobalt catalysts under mild reaction conditions (400  ° C, 0.1 MPa). Ammonia synthesis is an energy-intensive process due to the high activation barrier for N 2 dissociation. Here, Hosono and co-workers show that the intermetallic compound LaCoSi can lower the energy requirement for N 2 activation and shift the rate-determining step of the process to NH x formation under mild conditions.

In response to the difficulties in multi-disciplinary coordination, the complexity of schedule management, and the weakness of risk control in the construction of high-voltage substations, and based on the current construction status and historical experience of high-voltage projects in Jilin Province, this paper, from the perspectives of schedule and risk management, proposes a multi-disciplinary coordination and risk control strategy that integrates the work breakdown structure (WBS), design structure matrix (DSM), critical chain project management (CCPM), and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP). First, the task flow is decomposed using WBS, and DSM-based coupling analysis is employed to identify interdependencies among disciplines, thereby optimizing task sequencing and parallel arrangements. Second, an optimized project schedule model is established using CCPM, with aggregated buffers that enhance the reliability and flexibility of schedule management. Finally, a risk register is developed based on field investigations, and a three-dimensional quality–schedule–safety risk assessment model is constructed using FAHP; targeted risk prevention and control measures are then proposed according to the quantitative evaluation results. A 500 kV substation project in Jilin Province is adopted as a case study for application and verification. Compared with traditional serial scheduling, the proposed schedule optimization strategy shortens the overall project duration by 29.1%. Furthermore, targeted management recommendations were proposed based on the risk assessment results of the project. The proposed optimization strategy can provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the construction of high-voltage substations and their associated projects, forming an effective technical solution that is scalable and replicable, and it is of great significance for improving the level of project construction management.

Pogostemonis Herba is a functional food approved in Asian countries. Its major constituent, patchouli alcohol (PA), possesses a gastroprotective effect and is reported to transform into β-patchoulene (β-PAE) under acidic conditions. To investigate whether β-PAE, the metabolite of PA, has a protective effect on the gastrointestinal tract, the formation of β-PAE by gastric juice and the anti-ulcerogenic potential of β-PAE against ethanol-induced gastric injury were evaluated. The Results indicated that PA was converted to β-PAE by rat gastric juice. Additionally, β-PAE was significantly better than PA at reducing the area of gastric ulcer. The overproduction of malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, Fas, FasL and caspase-3 was markedly inhibited by β-PAE while the underproduction of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase was significantly improved. β-PAE also regulated the NF-κB and ERK1/2 signalling pathways. Our findings suggest that β-PAE has potential therapeutic efficacy for antiulcer treatment.

This study aimed to identify functional brain connectivity patterns associated with cognitive performance in Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) children and to determine whether hematological factors influence cognition indirectly through alterations in connectivity. We recruited 25 children with β-TM and 35 age-matched healthy controls. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WIS). Resting-state functional MRI data were processed to construct whole-brain functional connectivity matrices. We applied network-based statistics (NBS) to compare connectivity differences between groups and connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) with cross-validation to predict cognitive scores. Mediation analyses were further conducted to test whether hematological metrics (hemoglobin level, red blood cell distribution width) impacted cognition through functional connectivity. Compared to controls, β-TM children showed significantly reduced WIS scores and widespread disruptions in functional connectivity, particularly in cerebellar, motor, and temporal networks. The CPM approach identified a predictive network that largely overlapped with the NBS-derived network and robustly predicted WIS scores. Mediation analysis revealed that hemoglobin and red blood cell distribution width influenced cognitive scores indirectly through altered connectivity, indicating a full mediation effect. This study provides evidence that hematological abnormalities in β-TM children impair cognitive performance via their impact on functional brain networks. Functional connectivity signatures derived from CPM may serve as early neuromarkers of cognitive vulnerability and could inform future monitoring and intervention strategies in this population.

Zinc–manganese dioxide (Zn–MnO2) batteries, pivotal in primary energy storage, face challenges in rechargeability due to cathode dissolution and anode corrosion. This review summarizes cathode-free designs using pH-optimized electrolytes and modified electrodes/current collectors. For electrolytes, while acidic systems with additives (PVP, HAc) enhance ion transport, dual-electrolyte configurations (ion-selective membranes/hydrogels) reduce Zn corrosion. Near-neutral strategies utilize nanomicelles/complexing agents to regulate MnO2 deposition. Moreover, mediators (I−, Br−, Cr3+) reactivate MnO2 but require shuttle-effect control. For the electrodes/current collectors, electrode innovations including SEI/CEI layers and surfactant-driven phase tuning are introduced. Electrode-free designs and integrated “supercapattery” systems combining supercapacitors with Zn–MnO2/I2 chemistries are also discussed. This review highlights electrolyte–electrode synergy and hybrid device potential, paving the way for sustainable, high-performance Zn–MnO2 systems.

2D van der Waals (vdW) materials with broken symmetry, such as MM′Te2 (where M═Nb, Ta, and M′ = Fe, Co, Ni), have attracted considerable research interest due to their unique magnetic structures and optical‐phonon‐induced phase transitions, providing a versatile platform for discovering novel physical phenomena. Here, we report the synthesis of TaFeTe2 single crystals that can be mechanically exfoliated to the 2D limit. The as‐grown crystals display characteristic spin‐glass behavior and intrinsic unsaturated negative magnetoresistance up to 9 T, likely arising from the orbital effect associated with variable‐range hopping transport and/or magnetic disordering. Notably, TaFeTe2‐based photodetectors exhibit robust photocurrent responses in the sample's interior under self‐powered conditions, primarily arising from an additional charge separation mechanism induced by the optical‐phonon‐triggered non‐centrosymmetric phase. Under standard bias, the detectors achieve a high responsivity of 0.18 A W−1 and broadband photoresponse spanning the visible to mid‐infrared spectrum. These features highlight the material's strong potential for advanced multifunctional optoelectronic applications. 2D van der Waals (vdW) materials MM′Te2 with broken symmetry attract great interest for unique magnetic structures and optical‐phonon‐induced phase transitions. We report mechanically exfoliable TaFeTe2 single crystals, exhibiting spin‐glass behavior, intrinsic unsaturated negative magnetoresistance up to 9 T, self‐powered internal photocurrent, and visible‐mid‐infrared broadband photoresponse, showing great potential for advanced multifunctional optoelectronics.

Intestinal mucositis (IM) is the main side effect observed in patients who receive cancer chemotherapy. The characteristics of ulceration, vomiting, and severe diarrhea cause patients to delay or abandon further treatment, thereby aggravating their progress. Hence, IM cannot be overlooked. β -patchoulene ( β -PAE) is an active ingredient isolated from Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth (Labiatae) and has shown a marked protective effect against gastrointestinal diseases in previous studies. However, whether β -PAE plays a positive role in IM is still unknown. Herein, we explore the effects and the underlying mechanism of β -PAE against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced IM in IEC-6 cells and rats. β -PAE significantly recovered cell viability, upregulated the IM-induced rat body weight and food intake and improved the pathological diarrhea symptoms. Aquaporin is critical for regulating water fluid homeostasis, and its abnormal expression was associated with pathological diarrhea in IM. β -PAE displayed an outstanding effect in inhibiting aquaporin 3 (AQP3) via the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway. Besides, inflammation-induced mucus barrier injury deteriorated water transport and aggravated diarrhea in IM-induced rats. β -PAE’s effect on suppressing inflammation and recovering the mucus barrier strengthened its regulation of water transport and thus alleviated diarrhea in IM-induced rats. In sum, β -PAE improved IM in rats mainly by improving water transport and the mucus barrier, and these effects were correlated with its function on inhibiting the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.

Green hydrogen, produced via renewable‐energy‐driven water electrolysis, is among the most promising new energy carriers. Ru is a potential catalyst for this purpose; however, its strong hydrogen binding strength results in poor reaction kinetics, limiting its application potential. Creating a new Ru structure by introducing a second element is crucial for optimizing its catalytic performance. However, only a few studies have explored this approach, leaving the understanding of how chemical composition influences Ru's structure and catalytic activity elusive. Here, a systematic study is reported on Si decoration of Ru, achieving a tunable local environment around Ru and optimized reaction kinetics. By constructing a Ru‐SiOx interleaved Turing‐patterned structure, the ratio of Si coordinated to Ru is tuned by well‐designed selective etching. With increasing Si content, the H‐binding strength on the Ru center is progressively weakened, resulting in a V‐shaped trend in hydrogen production activity. The optimized sample exhibits a low overpotential of 21 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline solution, along with a Tafel slope of 40 mV dec−1, surpassing the performance of commercial Pt/C. This study establishes a valuable framework for optimizing the surface properties and catalytic activity of noble metals. Regulating the surface properties of noble metals through the introduction of heteroatoms is crucial for designing high‐performance catalysts. By constructing a unique Ru‐SiOx interleaved Turing‐patterned structure, tunable Si‐decorated Ru surfaces are achieved. Through precise, stepwise control of the Si content, the surface electronic states of Ru is optimized and enhance its catalytic performance for hydrogen evolution.