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At least 721 records · Page 40

FTICR, NPOC, TN, and Moisture of Variably Inundated Sediment across 48 North American Rivers

This dataset supports a broader study examining drivers of organic matter chemistry in variably inundated hyporheic zone sediments and further linking that chemistry to biogeochemical rates. The dataset provides physical and chemical sediment data collected from 48 rivers across North America. There are related data that will be published, including surficial sediment temperature time series that can be used to infer the dynamics of inundation prior to the collection of sediments. This dataset is comprised of two folders: (1) ECA2_Sediment and (2) ECA2_SitePhotos. The ECA2_Sediment folder contains: (1) file-level metadata; (2) data dictionary; (3) field metadata; (4) non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC), total nitrogen (TN), and sediment moisture; (5) sediment sampling protocol, (6) readme, and (7) folder of high resolution characterization of organic matter from sediment extracts via 12 Tesla Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) through the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL; https://www.pnnl.gov/environmental-molecular-sciences-laboratory). The FTICR-MS files are .xml, and the data package includes instructions for using Formularity (https://omics.pnl.gov/software/formularity) and an R script to process the data based on the user's specific needs. All other files are .csv, .txt, or .pdf. The ECA2_SitePhotos folder contains a readme and site photographs taken in the field. All files are .txt or .jpg.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Modifying the resolving cysteine affects the structure and hydrogen peroxide reactivity of peroxiredoxin 2

Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2) is a thiol peroxidase with an active site Cys (C52) that reacts rapidly with H 2 O 2 and other peroxides. The sulfenic acid product condenses with the resolving Cys (C172) to form a disulfide which is recycled by thioredoxin or GSH via mixed disulfide intermediates or undergoes hyperoxidation to the sulfinic acid. C172 lies near the C terminus, outside the active site. It is not established whether structural changes in this region, such as mixed disulfide formation, affect H 2 O 2 reactivity. To investigate, we designed mutants to cause minimal (C172S) or substantial (C172D and C172W) structural disruption. Stopped flow kinetics and mass spectrometry showed that mutation to Ser had minimal effect on rates of oxidation and hyperoxidation, whereas Asp and Trp decreased both by 100-fold. To relate to structural changes, we solved the crystal structures of reduced WT and C172S Prdx2. The WT structure is highly similar to that of the published hyperoxidized form. C172S is closely related but more flexible and as demonstrated by size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation, a weaker decamer. Size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation showed that the C172D and C172W mutants are also weaker decamers than WT, and small-angle X-ray scattering analysis indicated greater flexibility with partially unstructured regions consistent with C-terminal unfolding. We propose that these structural changes around C172 negatively impact the active site geometry to decrease reactivity with H 2 O 2 . This is relevant for Prdx turnover as intermediate mixed disulfides with C172 would also be disruptive and could potentially react with peroxides before resolution is complete.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Keep it short: Exploring the impacts of configuration choices on the recent economics of solar-plus-battery and wind-plus-battery hybrid energy plants

Coupled renewable-battery powerplants differ from the traditional concept of independent siting of electricity resources within transmission networks. Prior research on the value proposition and cost savings from coupling did not consider the geographic constraint of co-location. This paper fills the gap by assessing how pricing volatility differences between nodes within electricity markets impact the system value of coupled renewable-battery projects as compared to independent VRE and battery installations. We use wholesale power market prices from 2012–2019 across the seven main U.S. independent system operators (ISOs) with a linear optimization program to compare the electricity market value of coupled projects to the value of the same underlying sub-components, deployed separately. We find that additional value from adding a 4-hour battery sized to 50% of renewable-plant nameplate capacity is $\$10$/MWh across ISOs on average. The highest boost occurs in California ($\$15$/MWh), where the value of adding storage to solar rises over time in tandem with increased solar penetration in the region. If renewables and batteries are deployed independently, we estimate that $\$12.5$/MWh of additional value could be achieved because of more flexibility on battery siting and operation. The $\$12.5$/MWh coupling penalty is reduced to $\$1.6$/MWh when considering alternative approaches to integrating battery storage. This result implies that renewable-battery power plants will play an increasing role in electricity systems if they can be built for $\$2$–$\$13$/MWh less than independent projects of comparable size. However, the wide regional variation in coupling penalties, along with the importance of conditions captured in our sensitivity cases, suggests the tradeoff between coupling penalties and savings will vary by situation. Therefore, roles exist for independent and coupled projects from a system optimization perspective.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Sequential Separation of Linear, Mono–, and Di–Branched Hexane Isomers on a Robust Coordination Polymer with Nonbonding Flexibility

Efficient separation of hexane isomers is a crucial process for upgrading gasoline. Herein, the sequential separation of linear, mono-, and di-branched hexane isomers by a robust stacked 1D coordination polymer termed as Mn-dhbq ([Mn(dhbq)(H 2 O) 2 ], H 2 dhbq = 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone) is reported. The interchain space of the activated polymer is of optimal aperture size (5.58 Å) that could exclude 2,3-dimethylbutane, while the chain structure can discriminate n-hexane with high capacity (1.53 mmol g –1 at 393 K, 6.67 kPa) by high-density open metal sites (5.18 mmol g –1 ). With the temperature- and adsorbate-dependent swelling of interchain spaces, the affinity between 3-methylpentane and Mn-dhbq can be deliberately controlled from sorption to exclusion, and thus a complete separation of ternary mixture can be achieved. Column breakthrough experiments confirm the excellent separation performance of Mn-dhbq. Furthermore, the ultrahigh stability and easy scalability further highlight the application prospect of Mn-dhbq for separation of hexane isomers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Microstructure‐Dependent Sodium Storage Mechanisms in Hard Carbon Anodes

Sustainable energy storage is essential to support the transition to renewables and meet the increasing demand for energy. Sodium‐ion batteries (NIBs) are attractive for grid‐scale energy storage due to the abundance and low cost of sodium, sustainability of other battery components, and electrochemical performance. Hard carbon (HC) is a leading anode material for NIBs, but its complex microstructure complicates the understanding of sodium storage mechanisms. Using X‐ray total scattering and density functional theory calculations, this study clarifies how HC's microstructural variations influence sodium storage across the slope (high potential) and plateau (low potential) regions of the potential capacity curve. In the slope region, sodium initially adsorbs at high‐binding energy defect sites and subsequently intercalates between graphene layers, adsorbing at low‐binding energy defect sites, correlating with different slopes observed during initial sodiation. Initial irreversibility arises from sodium trapping at surface defects and solid electrolyte interface formation. In the plateau region, sodium simultaneously intercalates and fills pores, influenced by pore size, interlayer spacing, and defect concentration. HCs with larger pore sizes form larger sodium clusters. In conclusion, the proposed mechanism underscores the role of microstructure engineering in enhancing HC performance and advancing NIBs for grid‐scale energy storage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Powder Metallurgy HIP Process Study and Mechanical Property Evaluations for IN740H

The effects of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) parameters and powder size distribution (PSD) on the resulting microstructure and properties of powder metallurgy (P/M) IN740H have been investigated. Properties can be substantially tailored through the appropriate management of these parameters. Applying a thermal presoak to the input powder prior to the sintering stage of HIP can significantly increase average grain size and coarse grain fraction, enabling a trade for improved creep resistance at the expense of tensile strength. Here, powder thermal presoak was found to have a larger impact on microstructure and properties than the use of a coarser PSD alone. Additionally, substantial grain growth and grain boundary migration is observed in P/M IN740H at HIP temperatures above 1260°C. Given its inherently finer grain size, P/M HIP IN740H typically outperforms its cast and wrought counterparts in tensile response. Creep life at 700–800°C was inferior to wrought due to PPBs coincident with grain boundaries which served as cavity nucleation sites, leading to lower creep ductility. The ability to adjust the microstructure toward a more balanced creep and tensile behavior allows P/M HIP IN740H to be considered for high-temperature applications in advanced ultra-supercritical steam and supercritical carbon dioxide power cycles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Evolution of carbide precipitates in Haynes® 282 superalloy processed by wire arc additive manufacturing

Precipitation hardening regulated with heat treatments is a critical technique for tuning the mechanical properties of Ni-based superalloys fabricated with additive manufacturing, where mechanical deformation is no longer viable for microstructural refinement. As one of the key precipitates, carbides prevail in the additively manufactured alloys, whose precipitation kinetics remain largely vague. This work studies the influence of heat treatments on the evolution of MC- and M 23 C 6 -type carbides within a Haynes® 282 superalloy prepared by wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). SEM-EDS analysis was performed to identify the evolution pathways of the carbides, and TEM and XRD characterizations were carried out to track the crystallographic features. The MC-type carbides are originally present in the as-printed alloy, which distribute uniformly across the whole material and remain largely unchanged in size during the heat treatments. By contrast, the incipiently non-existent M 23 C 6 -type carbides precipitate during an aging treatment at 1010 °C, which majorly extend along the grain boundaries as kinetically feasible sites. Further experimental and computational analysis confirms the enhancing effect of the M 23 C 6 -type carbides on the Vickers hardness. For the first time, this work revealed the evolution pathways of carbides within a Haynes® 282 superalloy prepared by WAAM, providing critical information for tunning the microstructure and mechanical properties. Finally, the carbide evolution kinetics established in this work can be potentially extended to other alloys prepared with WAAM, providing critical information to prevent mechanical failures associated with carbide coarsening.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NF-κB activation in retinal microglia is involved in the inflammatory and neovascularization signaling in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice

Highlights: • IMD0354 treatment reduced the microglia infiltration, fluorescein leakage and size of the laser CNV spots. • IKK2 inhibition suppressed phospho-IκBα, VEGF-A, and COX-2 in the Laser CNV mouse eyes. • IMD-0354 treated eyes demonstrated reduced microglial migration to the laser injury site. • In vitro, IKK2 inhibition reduced NF-κB activation, COX-2, Actin-F presence, and the microglia cells' migration capacity. To evaluate Nuclear Factor NF-κB (NF-κB) signaling on microglia activation, migration, and angiogenesis in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Nanosized Organo-Silica Particles with “Built-In” Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Capability as a Platform for Brush Particle Synthesis

A facile synthetic method was developed to prepare sub-5 nm organo-silica (oSiO 2 ) nanoparticles through the self-condensation of ATRP-initiator-containing silica precursors. The obtained oSiO 2 nanoparticles were characterized by a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The accessibility of the surface -Br initiating sites was evaluated by the polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) ligands from the surface of the oSiO 2 nanoparticles using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). Here, the ultra-small size, tunable composition and ease of surface modification may render these organosilica nanoparticle systems with built-in SI-ATRP capability an interesting alternative to conventional silica nanoparticles for functional material design.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Indexed improvements for real-time trotter evolution of a (1 + 1) field theory using NISQ quantum computers

Today's quantum computers offer the possibility of performing real-time calculations for quantum field theory scattering processes motivated by high energy physics. In order to follow the successful roadmap which has been established for the calculation of static properties at Euclidean time, it is crucial to develop new algorithmic methods to deal with the limitations of current noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices and to establish quantitative measures of the progress made with different devices. In this paper, we report recent progress in these directions. We show that nonlinear aspects of the trotter errors allow us to take much larger step then suggested by low-order analysis. This is crucial to reach physically relevant time scales with today's NISQ technology. We propose to use an index averaging absolute values of the difference between the accurately calculated trotter evolution of site occupations and their actual measurements on NISQ machines (G index) as a measure to compare results that have been obtained from different hardware platforms. Using the transverse Ising model in one spatial dimension with four sites we apply this metric across several hardware platforms. We study the results including readout mitigation and Richardson extrapolations and show that the mitigated measurements are very effective based on the analysis of the trotter step size modifications. Furthermore, we discuss how this advance in the trotter step size procedures can improve quantum computing physics scattering results and how this technical advance can be applied to other machines and noise mitigation methods.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Carbon Support Microstructure Impact on High Current Density Transport Resistances in PEMFC Cathode

Cell voltages at high current densities (HCD) of an operating proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) cathode suffer from losses due to the local-O 2 and bulk-H + transport resistances in the catalyst layer. Particularly, the microstructure of high surface area carbon (HSC) support upon which both the platinum catalyst and ionomer are dispersed play a pivotal role in controlling the reactant transport to the active site in the catalyst layer. In this study, we perform a systematic analysis of the underlying microstructure of platinum-cobalt catalyst dispersed on various HSC supports in terms of their surface area and pore-size distribution. The carbon microstructure was found to strongly influence the PtCo nanoparticle dispersion, catalyst layer ionomer distribution and transport losses governing the performance at HCD. Catalyst layer electrochemical diagnostics carried out to quantify local-O 2 transport resistance and bulk-H + transport resistance in the cathode were found to be directly correlated to the micropore (<2 nm) and macropore (>8 nm) surface areas of the carbon support, respectively. Finally, a 1D-performance model has been developed to assimilate our understanding of the catalyst layer microstructure and transport resistances at HCD.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Risk Management for CO 2 Storage Projects

Conference poster presented at American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Conference, Houston, Texas, April 25–27, 2023. There is no one-size-fits-all risk management approach for storage projects. Instead, risk management is about having a detailed process in place, adhering to that process throughout the project life cycle, and adapting the process depending on site-specific conditions, applicable regulatory requirements, and any additional requirements imposed by pursuing one or more financial incentive programs. The Plains CO 2 Reduction (PCOR) Partnership Initiative experience has demonstrated the value of managing risk analysis in concert with storage project regulatory permit requirements, which drive the geologic exhibits and site characterization needs for the permit and the risk analysis.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

SPARTAN and IMPROVE Comparison Experiment (SPICE) Interim Campaign Report

SPICE (the SPARTAN and IMPROVE Comparison Experiment) aims to obtain and quantify comparisons between aerosol PM 2.5 mass concentration measurements from the University of Oklahoma (OU) Surface Particulate Matter Network (SPARTAN) station and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) station hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility at ARM’s Southern Great Plains (SGP) observatory in Oklahoma. Aerosols—both natural and anthropogenic—affect human populations in multiple ways. Much of ARM’s research focuses on how aerosols influence weather and climate through their optical and radiative effects, as well as their impacts on clouds and precipitation. However, aerosols also pose direct risks to humans and other organisms through inhalation, with the severity of health impacts depending on particle size, chemical composition, and duration of exposure. The IMPROVE network was established by the U.S. EPA to monitor air quality, including visible clarity as well as total and chemically speciated aerosol mass concentrations. The ARM SGP site hosts the IMPROVE SOGP station. Separately, the SPARTAN network operates a globally distributed set of stations similar to IMPROVE but with an emphasis on remote deployment and semi-autonomous operation for use beyond the borders of the United States (IMPROVE only operates within the U.S.). The University of Oklahoma operates a SPARTAN station. To establish confidence in the OU SPARTAN instrumentation and measurement protocol relative to the EPA-certified IMPROVE station, the OU SPARTAN station is currently deployed at SGP in close proximity to the IMPROVE SOGP station. The SPICE campaign was envisioned as a contiguous calendar-year effort for 2025 to capture seasonal variation in mass loading as well as composition. However, independent of the SPICE campaign, the SPARTAN network adopted a new filter construction part-way through the year, interrupting our contiguous data set. Thus, to obtain a contiguous data set with a uniform consistent configuration, SPICE desires an extension through 2026.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

A multi-center quadrature scheme for the molecular continuum

We report a common way to evaluate electronic integrals for polyatomic molecules is to use Becke’s partitioning scheme (Becke and Chem, 1988) in conjunction with overlapping grids centered at each atomic site. The Becke scheme was designed for integrands that fall off rapidly at large distances, such as those approximating bound electronic states. When applied to states in the electronic continuum, however, Becke scheme exhibits slow convergence and it is highly redundant. Here, we present a modified version of Becke scheme that is applicable to functions of the electronic continuum, such as those involved in molecular photoionization and electron–molecule scattering, and which ensures convergence and efficiency comparable to those realized in the calculation of bound states. In this modified scheme, the atomic weights already present in Becke’s partition are smoothly switched off within a range of few bond lengths from their respective nuclei, and complemented by an asymptotically unitary weight. The atomic integrals are evaluated on small spherical grids, centered on each atom, with size commensurate to the support of the corresponding atomic weight. The residual integral of the interstitial and long-range region is evaluated with a central master grid. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated by evaluating integrals involving integrands containing Gaussian Type Orbitals and Yukawa potentials, on the atomic sites, as well as spherical Bessel functions centered on the master grid. These functions are representative of those encountered in realistic electron-scattering and photoionization calculations in polyatomic molecules.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Ultrafine-grained Fe-TiB 2 high-modulus nanocomposite steel with high strength and isotropic mechanical properties by laser powder bed fusion

Fe-TiB 2 metal matrix composite, also called high-modulus steels (HMSs), are of great interest for applications in fuel-efficient transportation infrastructure, aerospace, and wear industries due to their high specific stiffness and yield strength. However, conventional cast Fe-TiB 2 HMSs often contain coarse and sharp-edged TiB 2 particles which easily trigger premature cracking during loading. Here, we synthesized a Fe-TiB 2 nanocomposite HMS via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing of mixed micro-sized powders of Fe, Ti, and Fe 2 B. We investigated the microstructure formation and mechanical behavior of the Fe-TiB 2 HMS. We found that in situ chemical reaction of Ti and Fe 2 B enables the formation of TiB 2 particles at nanoscale during rapid solidification of LPBF. These nanoscale TiB 2 particles can serve as heterogeneous nucleation sites and promote the formation of ultrafine and equiaxed α-Fe grains with random crystallographic textures, which differ from many other additively manufactured (AM) metal alloys characteristic of strong crystallographic textures. As such, isotropic mechanical properties were achieved in the AM Fe-TiB 2 nanocomposite HMS with a high elastic modulus of ~ 240 GPa, an exceptional yield strength of ~ 1450 MPa, and a large plasticity of ~ 20% under compression. Quantitative analysis reveals that the high yield strength primarily originates from strengthening contributions of the ultrafine grains with an average grain size of ~450 nm, the nanoscale TiB 2 reinforcing particles of 20–180 nm, and a high density of printing-induced dislocations of the order of 10 15 m –2 . In situ synchrotron high-energy X-ray diffraction unveils the load partitioning from the softer α-Fe matrix to the stiffer and stronger TiB 2 nanoparticles, contributing to the sustained strain hardening during compression. Our work not only provides a general pathway for achieving high-performance metal matrix nanocomposites by in situ chemical reaction and precipitation of ceramic nanoparticles during additive manufacturing, but also offers mechanistic insights into the deformation mechanism of nanoparticle-reinforced HMS composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Toward Quantum Confinement in Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Based Polymeric Monolayers

raphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) has garnered much attention due to its potential as an efficient metal-free photocatalyst. This study examines the evolution of properties in zero-dimensional quantum dots up to sizable clusters that mimic extended g-C 3 N 4 monolayers. We employ density functional theory to investigate systematically the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the g-C 3 N 4 -based melamine and heptazine building blocks using a “bottom-up” construction of polymeric monolayers. The results from our computations indicate that the melamine- and heptazine-based polymeric g-C 3 N 4 systems must be reduced to at least 2.74 and 4.00 nm, respectively, to observe an increase of its optical gap with a size reduction. The present study also examines the nature of the electronic transitions exhibited by g-C 3 N 4 -based monolayers through full natural transition orbital and density of state analyses. Furthermore, the most promising sites for water splitting and subsequent chemical doping studies are identified, which generally correspond to the nitrogen and carbon atoms, respectively.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Variable Refrigerant Flow Performance: Humidity and Efficiency in Multifamily Buildings in New York, NY

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems have become common in large multifamily buildings. The upfront cost is appealing to developers, as a single system can provide all heating and cooling. VRF systems also use no on-site fossil fuels which can help avoid greenhouse gas emissions. However, there have been very few data on how VRF systems actually perform in buildings. Researchers monitored three new, multifamily buildings with a focus on VRF system sizing, humidity control, and energy efficiency.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Structural and Catalytic Properties of Isolated Pt 2+ Sites in Platinum Phosphide (PtP 2 )

This article describes the synthesis and catalytic properties of supported, 2-3 nm platinum phosphide (PtP 2 ) nanoparticles (NPs). Depending on the P loading, two PtP 2 structures are formed, that is, a PtP 2 surface on a (metallic) Pt core (Pt@PtP 2 ) and single-phase PtP 2 NPs. The structures were determined using extended X-ray absorption fine structure , in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. In PtP 2 NPs, Pt 2+ ions are geometrically isolated by P 2 2- ions, at a Pt-Pt distance of 4.02 Å, which is much longer than 2.78 Å in (metallic) Pt NPs. The oxidation state of Pt in PtP 2 NPs was determined by in situ X-ray absorption near-edge structure and in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and was found to be consistent with Pt 2+ ions even after treatment in H 2 at 550 °C. Unlike Pt NPs, which are highly active for propylene hydrogenation at room temperature, PtP 2 NPs are not active below about 150 °C, suggesting the absence of metallic surface Pt. In contrast to metallic Pt, which is poorly selective for acetylene hydrogenation, PtP 2 NPs display high selectivity toward ethylene. PtP 2 , also has high olefin selectivity for propane dehydrogenation, although the rate per g Pt is about 7 times lower than that of metallic Pt NPs of the same size. In situ resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectroscopy shows that the energy of the filled Pt 5d valence orbitals is 1.5 eV lower than that of metallic Pt, which leads to weaker adsorbate binding consistent with its catalytic properties. Here, a H 2 -stable Pt 2+ site suggests different catalytic applications for these catalysts as compared to Pt NPs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗