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At least 91 records · Page 5

Metal Oxide Sorbents for the Separation of Radium and Actinium

The inorganic, normal-phase sorbents alumina, titania, and zirconia were evaluated and screened for the separation of Ba, La, 228 Ra, 228 Ac, and 212 Pb in a dilute acid matrix. The results show that the sorbents are capable of fractionating the ions between pH 1 and 8. A stationary zirconia column was used to isolate Ba from La and Ra from Ac/Pb; elution profiles of each separation are presented. The utility and implications of these sorbents are discussed with respect to large-scale production of 225 Ac from radium targets.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Using Hydrogel Reactors

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is a controlled radical polymerization method that enables the synthesis of tailored polymeric materials with low dispersity, highlighting its immense potential for green fabrication of advanced materials. However, its broader implementation is limited by challenges in product isolation, maintaining catalyst activity, and mitigating atmospheric sensitivity arising from oxygen-sensitive metal catalysts. Here, gelatin hydrogels (GHs) are introduced as a soft “reactor” matrix for interfacial ATRP, operating with minimal metal-catalyst loading while exhibiting possibly an organoreductive behavior. This strategy leverages activator regeneration via electron transfer through a ligand–metal charge-transfer (LMCT) mechanism to reduce oxidized metal catalysts within the GH network. Polymerization is evaluated by growing polymer brushes at an active interface formed between GHs swollen in monomer solution and an initiating surface, and sequential growth experiments confirmed that GH-mediated ATRP preserves living character. Under UV illumination, LMCT is activated, producing polymers both at the desired interface and within the GH bulk. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed active reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) along with concentration-dependent complex formation, indicating dynamic coordination chemistry within the hydrogel. The redox-active arginine- and glutamic acid-rich gelatin backbone coordinates and reduces the metal center, enabling ATRP at ppm-level catalyst concentrations. While polymerization proceeds in GH-Cu(II) reactors, adding external mobile ligands to the GH results in longer polymer brushes. Here, the results reported here are exploratory. More experiments are needed to characterize polymer brush growth in GHs and compare it to conventional surface-initiated polymerization in solution.

Absorption↗

Tunable mechanical behavior of graphene nanoribbon-metal composites fabricated through an electrocharge-assisted process

This work investigates the role of a carbon nanophase on the local mechanical behavior of nanocarbon metal matrix composites (NCMCs) produced through an electrocharge-assisted process. Nanoindentation experiments on single crystal Al, Al 1350 parent alloys, and Al 1350 NCMCs revealed variable mechanical properties, caused by an interplay between microstructure and graphitic reinforcements. TEM and AFM studies also reveal nanoscale structural changes based on the incorporation of a carbon nanophase. In order to decouple the effects of the aforementioned mechanical behaviors, molecular dynamics nanoindentation simulations were performed on the (111) surface of Al and Al NCMC samples containing semi-infinite graphene nanoribbons to examine the evolution of plasticity over time. Findings indicate that the arrangement of a finite graphene nanophase within a host matrix can alter plasticity mechanisms and therefore yield strength in near-surface mechanical behavior with little effect on elastic properties. Here, this understanding enables further study into tunable bulk properties of Al-based NCMCs while isolating microstructural effects and reinforcement effects of the carbon phase. Such an understanding will lead to application-specific material geometries ranging from highperforming vehicle structures to next-generation electrical devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fault isolation and fault-tolerant control for Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy time-varying delay stochastic distribution systems

A fault isolation, estimation, and fault-tolerant control (FTC) scheme for nonlinear time-varying delay stochastic distribution control systems was presented in this paper. The Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model was adopted to approach the nonlinear dynamics of time-varying delay systems. According to the output equivalence principle and Laplace transformation, an augmented state vector was given to solve the time-varying delay problem. When multiple actuator faults and interference occur simultaneously, fault detection, isolation and fault estimation was designed to obtained the fault information. To decouple faults and obtain the value and location information of the fault, the system was separated into two parts through the designed multiple conversion matrices, in which one subsystem was only affected by one actuator fault. This has simplified the design of fault isolation and estimation. A adaptive observer for fault estimation was given. Then, fault information such as the time, location, and size was determined. The observer gain matrices were calculated using linear matrix inequality (LMI). When a fault was detected and diagnosed, a FTC algorithm was devised using the proportional-integral control scheme to compensate the fault as much as possible. It has been shown that even if multiple faults actuator occurred simultaneously, the FTC controller still ensured the output probability density function of the system traced the desired probability density function when a fault occurred. Finally, the expected results were obtained through the simulation example, which confirmed the effectiveness of the method.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Majorana Edge Modes in Isolated Wires

Topological superconductors are believed to host exotic quasiparticle excitations known as Majorana zero modes (MZMs), with much of the evidence based on BCS mean-field theory. The direct application of mean-field arguments is tenuous in finite, isolated systems relevant in some experiments. Here, we develop a new correlation-based method for identifying MZMs in interacting, number-conserving systems. Using the density matrix renormalization group, we study fermion number-conserving models with long-range interactions, which under periodic boundary conditions exhibit robust topological and nontopological superconductivity, tuned by the strength of interaction [Ortiz et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 267002 (2014)]. We find evidence that, on the topological side, Majorana edge modes appear in open chains, manifesting as the vanishing of the energy splitting between odd- and even-parity ground states with increasing system size. Additionally, off-diagonal two-point correlation functions show nonlocal, parity-dependent edge effects. These correlations reveal the spatial structure of Majorana modes in the many-body wave function. We show that the correlation diagnostic applies broadly, including to short-range interacting models, where topological superconductivity is more fragile due to the absence of a bulk excitation gap.

Thomas-Markarian, Jaden↗

Inelastic Neutron Scattering Data for Ba₃Zn(Ru₀.₁Sb₁.₉)O₉

This dataset contains inelastic neutron scattering measurements on the magnetically dilute compound Ba₃Zn(Ru₀.₁Sb₁.₉)O₉, collected at the Spallation Neutron Source using the Cold Neutron Chopper Spectrometer (CNCS) and the SEQUOIA Fine-Resolution Fermi Chopper Spectrometer. The sample consists of nominally 5% magnetic Ru⁵⁺ ions (S = 3/2) randomly substituted into a diamagnetic Sb⁵⁺ matrix. Measurements were performed at base temperature (2–5 K) and 300 K using multiple incident energies (1.00, 3.32, 12.0, and 100 meV) to resolve magnetic excitations from isolated monomers and small Ru clusters (dimers, trimers, etc.). The dataset includes raw event-mode files, momentum- and energy-resolved spectra, and supporting metadata for instrument configuration, sample environment, and reduction parameters.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A pathway to unveiling neutrinoless ββ decay nuclear matrix elements via γγ decay

We investigate the experimental feasibility of detecting second-order double-magnetic dipole (γγ-M1M1) decays from double isobaric analog states (DIAS), which have recently been found to be strongly correlated with the nuclear matrix elements of neutrinoless ββ decay. Using the nuclear shell model, we compute theoretical branching ratios for γγ-M1M1 decays and compare them with other competing processes, such as single-γ decay and proton emission, which represent the dominant decay channels. We also estimate the potential competition from internal conversion and internal pair creation, which can influence the decay dynamics. Additionally, we propose an experimental strategy based on using LaBr3 scintillators to identify γγ-M1M1 transitions from the DIAS amidst the background of the competing processes. Our approach emphasizes the challenges of isolating the rare γγ-M1M1 decay and suggests ways to enhance the experimental detection sensitivity. Our simulations suggest that it may be possible to access experimentally γγ-M1M1 decays from DIAS, shedding light on the neutrinoless ββ decay nuclear matrix elements.

Romeo, Beatriz↗

Plutonium migration and phase evolution in irradiated U-Pu-Zr metallic fuels: An integrated EPMA-SEM-TEM study

Constituent redistribution is a defining feature of irradiated U-Pu-Zr metallic fuels, yet its mechanisms and effects on fuel performance are not sufficiently resolved to guide model development. Although decades of irradiation testing have established broad trends, a true mechanistic understanding of constituent redistribution has not been achieved. Here, in this study, we use electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy-based (TEM) selective area electron diffraction (SAED) on a EBR-II irradiated U-19 wt.% Pu-6 wt.% Zr fuel pin cross-section to correlate the composition, porosity, and crystallographic phases formed after irradiation. Constituent redistribution is thought to consist of three distinct zones, in which uranium and zirconium migrate while plutonium remains relatively unchanged. Our EPMA results resolve eight distinct compositional regions, and more importantly, show that plutonium redistributes alongside zirconium, contrary to historical assumptions. The distribution of fission products was highly asymmetric with a few large lanthanide precipitates observed at isolated sites on the pin periphery instead of a uniform distribution of smaller precipitates around the periphery. Using thermodynamic data from TAF-ID and the measured EPMA compositions, matrix phase fractions were predicted across the fuel radius. Phase predictions based on composition did not match TEM/SAED results, which revealed a much higher fraction of α−U phase than would be expected if phases were retained from reactor temperatures. These findings highlight the need for expanded SAED phase identification to capture post-irradiation and storage effects, as well as rigorous uncertainty quantification in fuel performance and phase diagram modeling to better constrain predictions from compositional data.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Alloying of U-Al-SS as a Simulant for Pu-Al-SS Alloying

The Savannah River National Laboratory evaluated several options for disposition of stainless steel (SS)–clad plutonium metal, particularly Pu-10.6 at. % Al (Pu- 1.3 wt% Al) alloy fuel. One technology considered was alloying fuel with SS. The goal of the alloying would be to make a SS-Pu alloy that was a nonproliferable waste form with secondary Pu-rich microencapsulated regions distributed throughout the refractory SS. The microencapsulation of the Pu regions should therefore allow the waste form to meet the requirements for a low attractiveness waste as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. Plutonium-bearing alloys at these levels could potentially be suitable for disposal at a waste isolation pilot plant. Four metal ingots were successfully fabricated using U and Al as a surrogate for Pu-Al. The U was distributed and microencapsulated by the alloy matrix, thereby setting the stage for subsequent tests using SS-clad fuel elements containing Pu-10.6Al.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Assembly of ordered DNA-curli fibril complexes during Salmonella biofilm formation correlates with strengths of the type I interferon and autoimmune responses

Deposition of human amyloids is associated with complex human diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Amyloid proteins are also produced by bacteria. The bacterial amyloid curli, found in the extracellular matrix of both commensal and pathogenic enteric bacterial biofilms, forms complexes with extracellular DNA, and recognition of these complexes by the host immune system may initiate an autoimmune response. Here, we isolated early intermediate, intermediate, and mature curli fibrils that form throughout the biofilm development and investigated the structural and pathogenic properties of each. Early intermediate aggregates were smaller than intermediate and mature curli fibrils, and circular dichroism, tryptophan, and thioflavin T analyses confirmed the establishment of a beta-sheet secondary structure as the curli conformations matured. Intermediate and mature curli fibrils were more immune stimulatory than early intermediate fibrils in vitro . The intermediate curli was cytotoxic to macrophages independent of Toll-like receptor 2. Mature curli fibrils had the highest DNA content and induced the highest levels of Isg15 expression and TNFα production in macrophages. In mice, mature curli fibrils induced the highest levels of anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibodies. The levels of autoantibodies were higher in autoimmune-prone NZBWxF/1 mice than wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Chronic exposure to all curli forms led to significant histopathological changes and synovial proliferation in the joints of autoimmune-prone mice; mature curli was the most detrimental. In conclusion, curli fibrils, generated during biofilm formation, cause pathogenic autoimmune responses that are stronger when curli complexes contain higher levels of DNA and in mice predisposed to autoimmunity.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Angular Distribution of Dimuons from Drell-Yan Production in p+Fe Interactions at 120 GeV Beam Energy

In the E906/SeaQuest Fermilab experiment, we report a measurement of the angular distributions by measuring the angular parameters $\lambda$, $\mu$, and $\nu$ of Drell-Yan dimuons produced using a 120 GeV proton beam incident on an iron target. The angular distribution in the naive Drell-Yan model does not show any $\cos2\phi$ dependency, where $\phi$ denotes the azimuthal angle of dimuons in the Collins-Soper frame. However, pion-induced Drell-Yan experiments, such as NA10 and E615, have observed a significant dependence on $\cos2\phi$. The Boer–Mulders function, a transverse momentum-dependent distribution function, represents the correlation between the transverse spin and the transverse momentum of the quark. A non-zero Boer-Mulders function or an improved higher-order Drell-Yan model considering QCD effects can produce a $\cos 2\phi$ modulation in the Drell-Yan angular distribution. To measure the angular distributions, we have used an event mixing method to construct the combin atorial background, which was then subtracted from the data to isolate the Drell-Yan signal. Following this, we corrected the detector, trigger, and reconstruction efficiencies using a doubly-iterative Bayesian Unfolding method. This iterative unfolding technique improves the response matrix based on the results of the previous unfolding step, ensuring robust convergence without exaggeration of uncertainties. The angular distributions of the dimuons were measured over the invariant mass range $5.0 < M_{\mu^+ \mu^-} < 8.0$ $GeV/c^2$, with dimuon transverse momentum $P_T < 2$ GeV/c and Feynman-x $-0.18 < x_F < 0.9$. The measured angular distributions are then compared with the QCD calculations for $p + \text{Fe}$ interactions, and proton-induced angular distribution measurements from other experiments. We have observed weak $\cos 2\phi$ modulations as a function of $P_T$. For $P_T > 1.0 \, \text{GeV}/c$, the predicted NNLO perturbative QCD value of $\nu$ is larger than what we have me asured at E906/SeaQuest. Moreover, we have not observed a strong dependence of $\nu$ on the kinematic variables, such as dimuon mass $M_{\mu^+ \mu^-}$ and Bjorken-$x$. The spin alignment of the virtual photon, $\lambda$, measured from the SeaQuest Drell-Yan $p+\text{Fe}$ data, is found to be strongly dependent on $P_T$, decreasing as $P_T$ increases. $\lambda$ also holds to the upper bound condition $\lambda < 1.0$ within the statistical uncertainty, showing a trend similar to that predicted by NNLO perturbative QCD. However, for $1.0 < P_T < 2.0 \, \text{GeV}/c$, the extracted $\lambda$ value from SeaQuest is smaller than that predicted by perturbative QCD at NNLO.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Morphology of poly-3-hexyl-thiophene blends with styrene–isoprene–styrene block-copolymer elastomers from X-ray and neutron scattering

The nano- and micron scale morphology of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene (PS–PI–PS) elastomeric blends is investigated through the use of ultra-small and small angle X-ray and neutron scattering (USAXS, SAXS, SANS). It is demonstrated that loading P3HT into elastomer matrices is possible with little distortion of the elastomeric structure up to a loading of ~5 wt%. Increased loadings of conjugated polymer is found to significantly distort the matrix structure. Changes in processing conditions are also found to affect the blend morphology with especially strong dependence on processing temperature. Processing temperatures above the glass transition temperature (T g ) of polystyrene and the melting temperature (T m ) of the conjugated polymer additive (P3HT) creates significantly more organized mesophase domains. P3HT blends with PS–PI–PS can also be flow-aligned through processing, which results in an anisotropic structure that could be useful for the generation of anisotropic properties (e.g. conductivity). Moreover, the extent of flow alignment is significantly affected by the P3HT loading in the PS–PI–PS matrix. The work adds insight to the morphological understanding of a complex P3HT and PS–PI–PS polymer blend as conjugated polymer is added to the system. Here, we also provide studies isolating the effect of processing changes aiding in the understanding of the structural changes in this elastomeric conjugated polymer blend.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis of core/shell nanocrystals with ordered intermetallic single-atom alloy layers for nitrate electroreduction to ammonia

Structurally ordered intermetallic nanocrystals (NCs) and single-atom catalysts (SACs) are two emerging catalytic motifs for sustainable chemical production and energy conversion. However, both have synthetic limitations which can lead to the aggregation of NCs or metal atoms. Single-atom alloys (SAAs), which contain isolated metal atoms in a host metal, can overcome the aggregation concern because of the thermodynamic stabilization of single atoms on host metal surfaces. We report a direct solution-phase synthesis of Cu/CuAu core/shell NCs with tunable SAA layers. This synthesis can be extended to other Cu/CuM (M = Pt, Pd) systems, in which M atoms are isolated in the copper host. Using this method, the density of SAAs on a copper surface can be controlled, resulting in both low and high densities of single atoms. Alloying gold into the copper matrix introduced ligand effects that optimized the chemisorption of *NO 3 and *N. As a result, the densely packed Cu/CuAu material demonstrated a high selectivity toward NH 3 from the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction with an 85.5% Faradaic efficiency while maintaining a high yield rate of 8.47 mol h -1 g -1 . This work advances the design of atomically precise catalytic sites by creating core/shell NCs with SAA atomic layers, opening an avenue for broad catalytic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Cyanobacteria and Chloroflexota cooperate to structure light-responsive biofilms

Microbial mats are stratified communities often dominated by unicellular and filamentous phototrophs within an exopolymer matrix. It is challenging to quantify the dynamic responses of community members in situ as they experience steep gradients and rapid fluctuations of light. To address this, we developed a binary consortium using two representative isolates from hot spring mats: the unicellular oxygenic phototrophic cyanobacterium Synechococcus OS-B′ (Syn OS-B′) and the filamentous anoxygenic phototroph Chloroflexus MS-CIW-1 (Chfl MS-1). We quantified the motility of individual cells and entire colonies and demonstrated that Chfl MS-1 formed bundles of filaments that moved in all directions with no directional bias to light. Syn OS-B′ was slightly less motile but exhibited positive phototaxis. This binary consortium displayed cooperative behavior by moving further than either species alone and formed ordered arrays where both species aligned with the light source. No cooperative motility was observed when a nonmotile pilB mutant of Syn OS-B′ was used instead of Syn OS-B′. The binary consortium also produced more adherent biofilm than individual species, consistent with the close interspecies association revealed by electron microscopy. We propose that cyanobacteria and Chloroflexota cooperate in forming natural microbial mats by colonizing new niches and building robust biofilms.

Functional and Systems Biology↗

Detection and Characterization of Influenza A Virus Endemic Circulation in Suckling and Nursery Pigs Originating from Vaccinated Farms in the Same Production System

Inactivated influenza A virus (IAV) vaccines help reduce clinical disease in suckling piglets, although endemic infections still exist. The objective of this study was to evaluate the detection of IAV in suckling and nursery piglets from IAV-vaccinated sows from farms with endemic IAV infections. Eight nasal swab collections were obtained from 135 two-week-old suckling piglets from four farms every other week from March to September 2013. Oral fluid samples were collected from the same group of nursery piglets. IAV RNA was detected in 1.64% and 31.01% of individual nasal swabs and oral fluids, respectively. H1N2 was detected most often, with sporadic detection of H1N1 and H3N2. Whole-genome sequences of IAV isolated from suckling piglets revealed an H1 hemagglutinin (HA) from the 1B.2.2.2 clade and N2 neuraminidase (NA) from the 2002A clade. The internal gene constellation of the endemic H1N2 was TTTTPT with a pandemic lineage matrix. The HA gene had 97.59% and 97.52% nucleotide and amino acid identities, respectively, to the H1 1B.2.2.2 used in the farm-specific vaccine. A similar H1 1B.2.2.2 was detected in the downstream nursery. These data demonstrate the low frequency of IAV detection in suckling piglets and downstream nurseries from farms with endemic infections in spite of using farm-specific IAV vaccines in sows.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Fluorescence Enhancement in the Solid State by Isolating Perylene Fluorophores in Metal–Organic Frameworks

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as perylene, pyrene, and their derivatives are highly emissive fluorophores in solution. Furthermore, the practical applications of these materials in the field of molecular electronic and light emitting devices are often hindered by self-quenching effects due to the formation of non-fluorescent aggregates in concentrated solutions or in the solid state. Herein, we demonstrate that aggregation caused quenching of perylenes can be minimalized by molecular incorporation into metalorganic frameworks (MOFs). This study utilized a stable Zr 6 cluster-based MOF, UiO-67, as a matrix. Linear linkers containing the photo-responsive moieties were designed and incorporated into the parent UiO-67 scaffold through the partially replacement of the non-fluorescent linkers of a similar length, forming mixed-linker MOFs. Here, the average distance between perylene moieties was tuned by changing the linker ratios, thus controlling the fluorescence intensity, emission wavelength, and quantum yield. Molecular modeling was further adopted to correlate the number of isolated perylene linkers within the framework to the ratio between the two linkers, therefore rationalizing the change in the observed fluorescent properties. Taking advantage of the tunable fluorescence, inherent porosity, and high chemical stability of this MOF platform, it was applied as a fluorescent sensor for oxygen detection in the gas phase, a model reaction, showing fast response and good recyclability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Membrane synthesis via in-situ pore formation in silica gels through dynamic miscibility with soybean oil

The dynamic immiscibility between vegetable oil and organic silica precursors during sol-gel synthesis was used to tailor the microstructure of gels made with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) or tetraethoxysilane+methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS). Vegetable oil was investigated as an environmentally friendly and cheaper alternative to many other porogens. Oil concentrations of 9.09 v/v% and 33.33 v/v% were studied. For both TEOS and TEOS+MTMS gels, the miscibility of the oil and precursor decreases as the silica gel network forms, leading to oil-rich regions within the silica matrix. Gels containing MTMS maintained partial miscibility with the oil during gel formation due to the non-hydrolysable methyl groups on the MTMS. The pore structure of MTMS gels appeared more interconnected compared to the isolated pores observed in gels made with only TEOS. To create membranes with hierarchical pore structures, solvent exchanges were performed on gels or dried gels (i.e., xerogels) were calcined. The effect of the methyl group was also observed in the results of the time sweep rheology, as the addition of oil to the TEOS+MTMS gels caused an increase in the time to form the spanning gel. The trend was the opposite for oil additions to TEOS gels, which only contained polar groups. Xerogel membranes made with TEOS+MTMS had higher specific surface areas (SSAs) than those made with TEOS. For oil concentrations of 33.33 v/v%, xerogels made from TEOS+MTMS had an average SSA of 1068 + 113 m2 g-1, an order of magnitude higher than the average SSA of 103 + 6 m2 g-1 for xerogels made with TEOS.

sol-gel, dynamic immiscibility, oil-alkoxide inter↗

Power counting to saturation

We present a description of saturation in small 𝑥 deep inelastic scattering from power counting in a top-down effective theory derived from quantum chromodynamics (QCD). A factorization formula isolates the universal physics of the nucleus at leading power in 𝑥. The onset of saturation is then understood as a breakdown in the expansion in an emergent power counting parameter, which is defined by the matrix element of a gauge invariant operator. We identify a new radiation mode, which enables us to extend previous literature by distinguishing the appearance of the saturation scale from the transition to nonlinear evolution.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗