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At least 1,009 records · Page 56

Experimental and Digital Modeling Studies of the Electrochemical Oxidation of the Metal Anion [CpW(CO)2(IMes)]- and the 17-Electron Metal Radical CpW(CO)2(IMes)•. Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Capture and Release of MeCN by a Metal Radical and a Metal Cation

The electrochemistry of [CpW(CO)2(IMes)] [K(18 crown 6)]+ (Cp = η5-C5H5, IMes = 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), CpW(CO)2(IMes)•, and [CpW(CO)2(IMes)(MeCN)]+PF6 were studied by cyclic voltammetry in MeCN (0.2 M nBu4N+BF4 ). The tungsten anion [CpW(CO)2(IMes)]- showed a fully reversible one-electron oxidation with E½ = 1.65 V vs. Cp2Fe+/0. Oxidation of the resultant 17-electron radical CpW(CO)2(IMes)• was irreversible at all scan rates, affording the 18-electron solvent adduct [CpW(CO)2(IMes)(MeCN)]+. Reduction of [CpW(CO)2(IMes)(MeCN)]+ proceeded with loss of coordinated MeCN, and was followed by a second reduction to generate [CpW(CO)2(IMes)]-. Simultaneous digital simulation of voltammograms of [CpW(CO)2(IMes)]- and CpW(CO)2(IMes)• over a range of scan rates and concentrations gave estimates for E° of 0.491(2) V for the [CpW(CO)2(IMes)]+/• couple and 1.92 V for the [CpW(CO)2(IMes)(MeCN)]+/• couple. The neutral 19-electron radical complex CpW(CO)2(IMes)(MeCN)• is a stronger reducing agent (by 1.42 V) than the unsolvated 17-electron radical CpW(CO)2(IMes)•. Binding of MeCN by the unsolvated 16-electron cation [CpW(CO)2(IMes)]+ is exergonic with Keq = 1.2 × 1011 M 1 for [CpW(CO)2(IMes)]+ + MeCN [CpW(CO)2(IMes)(MeCN)]+. Expulsion of the MeCN ligand from the 19-electron complex CpW(CO)2(IMes)(MeCN)• is also exergonic, with Keq = 1.2 × 1013 M for CpW(CO)2(IMes)(MeCN)• CpW(CO)2(IMes)• + MeCN. Experimental and simulated cyclic voltammograms also account for the chemical reduction of the metal cation [CpW(CO)2(IMes)(MeCN)]+ by the metal anion [CpW(CO)2(IMes)]-, which ultimately produces two equivalents of the metal-centered radical CpW(CO)2(IMes)• This work was supported by the US Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences' Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the US Department of Energy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Reversible plasmonic switching in a graphene nanoresonator loaded with a core – shell quantum dot

A model of an all-plasmonic switch based on a graphene waveguide integrated with a stub nanoresonator loaded with a quantum dot is considered. Using the full-wave numerical simulation, it is shown that successive on/off switching of the control surface plasmon – polariton wave at the input of the waveguide leads to a change in the phase of the signal plasmon – polariton wave in the nanoresonator by π. This causes reversible switching of the device operation regime – from almost complete blocking to stable transmission of the signal plasmon – polariton wave through the waveguide. The effect is implemented at rates of ∼0.5 THz for infrared electromagnetic waves localised in a device with a switching region of 40 × 20 nm. (paper)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chemically controlled pattern formation in self-oscillating elastic shells

Significance Mechanochemical processes drive various biological functions including morphogenesis and morphological changes in responsive synthetic hydrogels. By allowing reactive components to function in an elastic closed shell, autonomous chemical reactions generate microcompartments capable of expanding or contracting or induce buckled patterns. This capability can drive specific functions such as enhancing the rate of diffusion of compartmentalized chemicals or releasing cargos at specific rates. Here, we demonstrate the coupling of mechanical response to autonomous chemical reactions in elastic shells which swell and deswell to generate specific dynamic patterns and morphologies. The reverse feedback from the mechanical input triggers the chemical reaction. Our work inspires the design of responsive shells to enhance the functionality of microcompartments and nanoreactors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An FDA-approved drug structurally and phenotypically corrects the K210del mutation in genetic cardiomyopathy models

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) due to genetic disorders results in decreased myocardial contractility, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. There are several therapeutic challenges in treating DCM, including poor understanding of the underlying mechanism of impaired myocardial contractility and the difficulty of developing targeted therapies to reverse mutation-specific pathologies. In this report, we focused on K210del, a DCM-causing mutation, due to 3-nucleotide deletion of sarcomeric troponin T (TnnT), resulting in loss of Lysine210. We resolved the crystal structure of the troponin complex carrying the K210del mutation. K210del induced an allosteric shift in the troponin complex resulting in distortion of activation Ca 2+ -binding domain of troponin C (TnnC) at S69, resulting in calcium discoordination. Next, we adopted a structure-based drug repurposing approach to identify bisphosphonate risedronate as a potential structural corrector for the mutant troponin complex. Cocrystallization of risedronate with the mutant troponin complex restored the normal configuration of S69 and calcium coordination. Risedronate normalized force generation in K210del patient-induced pluripotent stem cell–derived (iPSC-derived) cardiomyocytes and improved calcium sensitivity in skinned papillary muscles isolated from K210del mice. Systemic administration of risedronate to K210del mice normalized left ventricular ejection fraction. Collectively, these results identify the structural basis for decreased calcium sensitivity in K210del and highlight structural and phenotypic correction as a potential therapeutic strategy in genetic cardiomyopathies.

Research & Experimental Medicine↗

TEA of a Unique Two-Pathways Process for Post-Combustion CO 2 Capture

A unique two-Pathways process using aqueous sodium glycinate for CO 2 capture from a split flue gas stream emitted from 600 MWe post-combustion coal power plant was developed in Aspen Plus v.10. The split gas flow rate used was 44.75 ton/h and contained 0.0023 mol% SO 2 and 13.33 mol% CO 2 . The process includes a washing unit, a CO 2 absorption unit, a reverse osmosis unit, and a solvent regeneration unit or an ultrafiltration unit. The washing unit uses deionized water to completely remove SO 2 and the CO 2 absorption unit uses SGS to capture at least 90 mol% of the CO 2 in the split flue gas stream. Upon CO 2 and SGS reactions, the resulting liquid products exhibit phase-separation into CO 2 -lean phase and CO 2 -rich phase, allow two distinct pathways. Pathway (i) is to regenerate mostly the CO 2 -rich phase, collect the released CO 2 , and compress it for sequestration purposes. Pathway (ii) is to send the liquid stream from the CO 2 absorption unit to the ultrafiltration unit to separate the solid nanomaterials. The hydraulics and mass transfer characteristics in the washing and CO 2 absorption units were obtained; and techno-economic analysis (TEA) for Pathways (i) and (ii), including Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Operating Expenditure (OPEX), and Levelized Cost of CO 2 Captured (LCOC), were calculated and compared. The simulation results revealed that the CAPEX, OPEX, and LCOC for Pathway (i) were ($\$12,039,251$), (261 dollar/h), and (54.01 dollar/ton-CO 2 captured), respectively, and those for Pathway (ii) were ($\$5,908,000$), (237.2 dollar/h), and (39.90 dollar/ton-CO 2 captured), respectively. Moreover, in Pathway (ii), 8.19 ton/h of CO 2 were captured to produce 15.62 ton/h NaHCO 3 nanomaterials, which were sold to offset the overall process cost. The LCOC values indicate that Pathway (ii) is more cost-effective than Pathway (i) because LCOC values for Pathway (ii) are much lower than those for Pathway (i).COC values for Pathway (ii) are much lower than those for Pathway (i).

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Probing final stages of stellar evolution with X-ray observations of SN 2013ej

Massive stars shape their surroundings with mass loss from winds during their lifetimes. Fast ejecta from supernovae (SNe), from these massive stars, shock this circumstellar medium. Emission generated by this interaction provides a window into the final stages of stellar evolution, by probing the history of mass loss from the progenitor. Here we use Chandra and Swift X-ray observations of the type II-P/L SN 2013ej to probe the history of mass loss from its progenitor. We model the observed X-rays as emission from both heated circumstellar matter and SN ejecta. The circumstellar density profile probed by the SN shock reveals a history of steady mass loss during the final 400 years. The inferred mass loss rate of 3×10{sup −6} M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1} points back to a 14 M{sub ⊙} progenitor. Soon after the explosion we find significant absorption of reverse shock emission by a cooling shell. The column depth of this shell observed in absorption provides an independent and consistent measurement of the circumstellar density seen in emission. We also determine the efficiency of cosmic ray acceleration from X-rays produced by Inverse Compton scattering of optical photons by relativistic electrons. Only about 1% of the thermal energy is used to accelerate electrons. Our X-ray observations and modeling provide stringent tests for models of massive stellar evolution and micro-physics of shocks.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

On the role of the lower hybrid drift instability in substorm dynamics

Recent studies of the lower hybrid drift instability have shed new light on the role of this mode in field-reversed plasmas. For substorm magnetotail conditions it is found that the lower hybrid drift instability can penetrate to the neutral line and can dissipate magnetic energy at a rate of approximately 4 x 10 to the 17th erg/s. Thus this instability is capable of playing a major role in the onset of substorms and providing resistivity for reconnection processes in the context of the neutral line substorm model.

Huba, J. D.↗

Induced venous pooling and cardiorespiratory responses to exercise after bed rest

Venous pooling induced by a specially constructed garment is investigated as a possible means for reversing the reduction in maximal oxygen uptake regularly observed following bed rest. Experiments involved a 15-day period of bed rest during which four healthy male subjects, while remaining recumbent in bed, received daily 210-min venous pooling treatments from a reverse gradient garment supplying counterpressure to the torso. Results of exercise testing indicate that while maximal oxygen uptake endurance time and plasma volume were reduced and maximal heart rate increased after bed rest in the control group, those parameters remained essentially unchanged for the group undergoing venous pooling treatment. Results demonstrate the importance of fluid shifts and venous pooling within the cardiovascular system in addition to physical activity to the maintenance of cardiovascular conditioning.

Convertino, V. A.↗

Constant amplitude and post-overload fatigue crack growth behavior in PM aluminum alloy AA 8009

A recently developed, rapidly solidified, powder metallurgy, dispersion strengthened aluminum alloy, AA 8009, was fatigue tested at room temperature in lab air. Constant amplitude/constant delta kappa and single spike overload conditions were examined. High fatigue crack growth rates and low crack closure levels compared to typical ingot metallurgy aluminum alloys were observed. It was proposed that minimal crack roughness, crack path deflection, and limited slip reversibility, resulting from ultra-fine microstructure, were responsible for the relatively poor da/dN-delta kappa performance of AA 8009 as compared to that of typical IM aluminum alloys.

Reynolds, A. P.↗

Constant amplitude and post-overload fatigue crack growth behavior in PM aluminum alloy AA 8009

A recently developed, rapidly solidified, powder metallurgy, dispersion strengthened aluminum alloy, AA 8009, was fatigue tested at room temperature in lab air. Constant amplitude/constant delta kappa and single spike overload conditions were examined. High fatigue crack growth rates and low crack closure levels compared to typical ingot metallurgy aluminum alloys were observed. It was proposed that minimal crack roughness, crack path delection, and limited slip reversibility, resulting from ultra-fine microstructure, were responsible for the relatively poor da/dN-delta kappa performance of AA 8009 as compared to that of typical IM aluminum alloys.

Reynolds, A. P.↗

Dynamics and control of coherent structure in turbulent jets

Current understanding of coherent structure dynamics in incompressible turbulent jets as explained by the nonlinear stability theory is reviewed, focusing on nonswirling turbulent jets. Topics addressed include hydrodynamic stability theory and coherent structures; dynamics of energy transfers among different scales of motion; nonlinear development of amplitude; development of single-frequency coherent mode; fundamental-subharmonic interaction and vortex pairing; and reversal of Reynolds stresses. Attention is also given to the effect of initial phase-difference angle between fundamental and subharmonic, conditions for resonance interaction, modulation of spreading rate by controlling coherent structure, turbulence enhancement or suppression due to excitation, 3D effects, jet noise, and swirling jets.

Mankbadi, Reda R.↗

Global Oceanic Precipitation: A Joint View by TOPEX and the TOPEX Microwave Radiometer

The TOPEX/POSEIDON mission offers the first opportunity to observe rain cells over the ocean by a dual-frequency radar altimeter (TOPEX) and simultaneously observe their natural radiative properties by a three-frequency radiometer (TOPEX microwave radiometer (TMR)). This work is a feasibility study aimed at understanding the capability and potential of the active/passive TOPEX/TMR system for oceanic rainfall detection. On the basis of past experiences in rain flagging, a joint TOPEX/TMR rain probability index is proposed. This index integrates several advantages of the two sensors and provides a more reliable rain estimate than the radiometer alone. One year's TOPEX/TMR data are used to test the performance of the index. The resulting rain frequency statistics show quantitative agreement with those obtained from the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (COADS) in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), while qualitative agreement is found for other regions of the world ocean. A recent finding that the latitudinal frequency of precipitation over the Southern Ocean increases steadily toward the Antarctic continent is confirmed by our result. Annual and seasonal precipitation maps are derived from the index. Notable features revealed include an overall similarity in rainfall pattern from the Pacific, the Atlantic, and the Indian Oceans and a general phase reversal between the two hemispheres, as well as a number of regional anomalies in terms of rain intensity. Comparisons with simultaneous Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) multisatellite precipitation rate and COADS rain climatology suggest that systematic differences also exist. One example is that the maximum rainfall in the ITCZ of the Indian Ocean appears to be more intensive and concentrated in our result compared to that of the GPCP. Another example is that the annual precipitation produced by TOPEX/TMR is constantly higher than those from GPCP and COADS in the extratropical regions of the northern hemisphere, especially in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Analyses of the seasonal variations of prominent rainy and dry zones in the tropics and subtropics show various behaviors such as systematic migration, expansion and contraction, merging and breakup, and pure intensity variations. The seasonality of regional features is largely influenced by local atmospheric events such as monsoon, storm, or snow activities. The results of this study suggest that TOPEX and its follow-on may serve as a complementary sensor to the special sensor microwave/imager in observing global oceanic precipitation.

Chen, Ge↗

Sn-MOF derived bimodal-distributed SnO2 nanosphere as a high performance anode of sodium ion batteries with high gravimetric and volumetric capacities

Highlights: • Sn-MOF is used to prepare a bimodal-distributed SnO{sub 2} nanosphere. • The SnO{sub 2} nanosphere reveals a high tap density of 2.42 g cm{sup −3}. • The SnO{sub 2} nanosphere exhibits both of high gravimetric and volumetric capacity. • Excellent performances relate to structural stability and high Na{sup +} diffusion rates. - Abstract: This paper reported a high tap density SnO{sub 2} nanosphere with bimodal sizes distribution, which derived from Sn-based metal-organic frameworks (Sn-MOF) precursors. When used as anodes for Na-ion batteries, the SnO{sub 2} nanosphere was demonstrated with a high reversible sodium storage capacity of 417 mAh g{sup −1} at a current density of 50 mA g{sup −1} after 100 cycles. Even at a high current density of 1200 mA g{sup −1}, a reversible capacity of 105 mAh g{sup −1} can be obtained. Additionally, regarding to the packed volumetric capacity, the SnO{sub 2} nanosphere electrode demonstrated a high value of around 970 mAh cm{sup −3}, can be considered as a high volumetric capacity anode material. The excellent electrochemical performance could be ascribed to aspects of structural stability, high packing density and high Na{sup +} diffusion rates of the SnO{sub 2} nanosphere electrode. This work provides a new pathway to prepared nanostructured SnO{sub 2} materials, and demonstrated a high performance anode material for Na-ion battery with great specific capacity and cycling performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

FREEZE-OUT YIELDS OF RADIOACTIVITIES IN CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVAE

We explore the nucleosynthesis trends from two mechanisms during freeze-out expansions in core-collapse supernovae. The first mechanism is related to the convection and instabilities within homogeneous stellar progenitor matter that is accreted through the supernova shock. The second mechanism is related to the impact of the supersonic wind termination shock (reverse shock) within the tumultuous inner regions of the ejecta above the proto-neutron star. Our results suggest that isotopes in the mass range 12 {<=} A {<=} 122 that are produced during the freeze-out expansions may be classified in two families. The isotopes of the first family manifest a common mass fraction evolutionary profile, whose specific shape per isotope depends on the characteristic transition between two equilibrium states (equilibrium state transition) during each type of freeze-out expansion. The first family includes the majority of isotopes in this mass range. The second family is limited to magic nuclei and isotopes in their locality, which do not sustain any transition, become nuclear flow hubs, and dominate the final composition. We use exponential and power-law adiabatic profiles to identify dynamic large-scale and small-scale equilibrium patterns among nuclear reactions. A reaction rate sensitivity study identifies those reactions that are crucial to the synthesis of radioactivities in the mass range of interest. In addition, we introduce non-monotonic parameterized profiles to probe the impact of the reverse shock and multi-dimensional explosion asymmetries on nucleosynthesis. Cases are shown in which the non-monotonic profiles favor the production of radioactivities. Non-monotonic freeze-out profiles involve longer non-equilibrium nucleosynthesis intervals compared with the exponential and power-law profiles, resulting in mass fraction trends and yield distributions that may not be achieved by the monotonic freeze-out profiles.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Computer-based video digitizer analysis of surface extension in maize roots: kinetics of growth rate changes during gravitropism

We used a video digitizer system to measure surface extension and curvature in gravistimulated primary roots of maize (Zea mays L.). Downward curvature began about 25 +/- 7 min after gravistimulation and resulted from a combination of enhanced growth along the upper surface and reduced growth along the lower surface relative to growth in vertically oriented controls. The roots curved at a rate of 1.4 +/- 0.5 degrees min-1 but the pattern of curvature varied somewhat. In about 35% of the samples the roots curved steadily downward and the rate of curvature slowed as the root neared 90 degrees. A final angle of about 90 degrees was reached 110 +/- 35 min after the start of gravistimulation. In about 65% of the samples there was a period of backward curvature (partial reversal of curvature) during the response. In some cases (about 15% of those showing a period of reverse bending) this period of backward curvature occurred before the root reached 90 degrees. Following transient backward curvature, downward curvature resumed and the root approached a final angle of about 90 degrees. In about 65% of the roots showing a period of reverse curvature, the roots curved steadily past the vertical, reaching maximum curvature about 205 +/- 65 min after gravistimulation. The direction of curvature then reversed back toward the vertical. After one or two oscillations about the vertical the roots obtained a vertical orientation and the distribution of growth within the root tip became the same as that prior to gravistimulation. The period of transient backward curvature coincided with and was evidently caused by enhancement of growth along the concave and inhibition of growth along the convex side of the curve, a pattern opposite to that prevailing in the earlier stages of downward curvature. There were periods during the gravitropic response when the normally unimodal growth-rate distribution within the elongation zone became bimodal with two peaks of rapid elongation separated by a region of reduced elongation rate. This occurred at different times on the convex and concave sides of the graviresponding root. During the period of steady downward curvature the elongation zone along the convex side extended farther toward the tip than in the vertical control. During the period of reduced rate of curvature, the zone of elongation extended farther toward the tip along the concave side of the root. The data show that the gravitropic response pattern varies with time and involves changes in localized elongation rates as well as changes in the length and position of the elongation zone. Models of root gravitropic curvature based on simple unimodal inhibition of growth along the lower side cannot account for these complex growth patterns.

NASA Discipline Plant Biology↗

Yolk–Shelled C@Fe 3 O 4 Nanoboxes as Efficient Sulfur Hosts for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Owing to the high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mA h g −1 ) and low cost, lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries offer advantages for next‐generation energy storage. However, the polysulfide dissolution and low electronic conductivity of sulfur cathodes limit the practical application of Li–S batteries. To address such issues, well‐designed yolk–shelled carbon@Fe 3 O 4 (YSC@Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoboxes as highly efficient sulfur hosts for Li–S batteries are reported here. With both physical entrapment by carbon shells and strong chemical interaction with Fe 3 O 4 cores, this unique architecture immobilizes the active material and inhibits diffusion of the polysulfide intermediates. Moreover, due to their high conductivity, the carbon shells and the polar Fe 3 O 4 cores facilitate fast electron/ion transport and promote continuous reactivation of the active material during the charge/discharge process, resulting in improved electrochemical utilization and reversibility. With these merits, the S/YSC@Fe 3 O 4 cathodes support high sulfur content (80 wt%) and loading (5.5 mg cm −2 ) and deliver high specific capacity, excellent rate capacity, and long cycling stability. This work provides a new perspective to design a carbon/metal‐oxide‐based yolk–shelled framework as a high sulfur‐loading host for advanced Li–S batteries with superior electrochemical properties.

He, Jiarui↗