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At least 1,279 records · Page 71

Field-scale fault reactivation experiments by fluid injection highlight aseismic leakage in caprock analogs: Implications for CO 2 sequestration

Observations on tens-of-meter scale experiments of fault activation by fluid injection conducted in shales allow exploring how aseismic and seismic events may jeopardize the integrity of a sealing caprock overlying a CO 2 sequestration reservoir. We contrast the behavior of shale faults with another set of experiments conducted in carbonates. Significant fluid leakage occurs along the initially low-permeability shale faults when rupture is activated. Most of the leakage pathway closes when fluid injection ceases and fluid pressure drops. Dilatant slip on the fault plane alone does not explain the observed leakage behavior, which is also caused by fault opening favored by the softness of the shale, and by the structure of the fault zone that prevents fluids from diffusing into the adjacent damage zone. Experiments show a large amount of aseismic deformation. Small-magnitude seismicity (M w < -2.5) is observed outside the pressurized leakage patch. Stress transferred from this aseismic deformation patch can build up to stress-criticality and favor seismicity. Thus, in terms of fault activation in caprocks, aseismic fault slip leading to increased permeability and a loss of seal integrity is of great concern.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Single High-Dose Radiation Enhances Dendritic Cell Homing and T Cell Priming by Promoting Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Cytoskeletal Reorganization

Radiation therapy (RT) affects tumor-infiltrating immune cells, cooperatively driving tumor growth inhibition. However, there is still no absolute consensus on whether the homing ability of dendritic cells (DCs) is affected by direct x-ray irradiation. Most importantly, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Unusual reactivity of a flavin in a bifurcating electron-transferring flavoprotein leads to flavin modification and a charge-transfer complex

From the outset, canonical electron transferring flavoproteins (ETFs) earned a reputation for containing modified flavin. We now show that modification occurs in the recently recognized bifurcating (Bf) ETFs as well. In Bf ETFs, the ’electron transfer’ (ET) flavin mediates single electron transfer via a stable anionic semiquinone state, akin to the FAD of canonical ETFs, whereas a second flavin mediates bifurcation (the Bf FAD). We demonstrate that the ET FAD undergoes trans- formation to two different modified flavins by a sequence of protein-catalyzed reactions that occurs specifically in the ET site, when the enzyme is maintained at pH 9 in an amine-based buffer. Our optical and mass spectrometric characterizations identify 8-formyl flavin early in the process and 8-amino flavins (8AFs) at later times. The latter have not previously been documented in an ETF to our knowledge. Mass spectrometry of flavin products formed in Tris or bis-tris-aminopropane solutions demonstrates that the source of the amine adduct is the buffer. Stepwise reduction of the 8AF demonstrates that it can explain a charge transfer band observed near 726 nm in Bf ETF, as a complex involving the hydroquinone state of the 8AF in the ET site with the oxidized state of unmodified flavin in the Bf site. This supports the possibility that Bf ETF can populate a conformation enabling direct electron transfer between its two flavins, as has been proposed for cofactors brought together in complexes between ETF and its partner proteins.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Structure, dynamics, and redox reactivity of an all-purpose flavodoxin

The flavodoxin of Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009 (Rp9Fld) supplies highly reducing equivalents to crucial en- zymes such as hydrogenase, especially when the organism is iron-restricted. By acquiring those electrons from photodriven electron flow via the bifurcating electron transfer flavoprotein, Rp9Fld provides solar power to vital metabolic processes. To understand Rp9Fld’s ability to work with diverse partners, we solved its crystal structure. We observed the canonical fla- vodoxin (Fld) fold and features common to other long-chain Flds but not all the surface loops thought to recognize part- ner proteins. Moreover, some of the loops display alternative structures and dynamics. To advance studies of protein– protein associations and conformational consequences, we assigned the 19F NMR signals of all five tyrosines (Tyrs). Our electrochemical measurements show that incorporation of 3- 19 F-Tyr in place of Tyr has only a modest effect on Rp9Fld’s redox properties even though Tyrs flank the flavin on both sides. Meanwhile, the 19 F probes demonstrate the expected paramagnetic effect, with signals from nearby Tyrs becoming broadened beyond detection when the flavin semiquinone is formed. However, the temperature dependencies of chemical shifts and linewidths reveal dynamics affecting loops close to the flavin and regions that bind to partners in a variety of systems. These coincide with patterns of amino acid type conservation but not retention of specific residues, arguing against detailed specificity with respect to partners. We pro- pose that the loops surrounding the flavin adopt altered con- formations upon binding to partners and may even participate actively in electron transfer.

19F NMR↗

Coverage, repulsion, and reactivity of hydrogen on High-Entropy alloys

Modeling hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity probability on IrPdPtRhRu(1 1 1) high-entropy alloys. Determining hydrogen coverages based on ligand effects and generalized hydrogen–hydrogen repulsion. The rate of H 2 formation is highly impacted by the level of hydrogen coverage on the catalyst surface. In search of optimal catalytic properties high-entropy alloys (HEA) are promising candidates that utilize the compositional space of multiple elements. Based on simulations of HEA model (1 1 1) surfaces with a range of hydrogen coverages, distributions of binding energies are used to construct a framework that approximates the probability that adsorbed hydrogen may lead to the formation of H 2 as a function of applied potential. By optimizing the alloy compositions for the highest activity probability at given potentials the best and most efficient catalyst candidates for HER can be identified. Treating hydrogen–hydrogen repulsion effects and binding energy separately, we find that the repulsion is larger for HEAs than for pure metals. Differing isotherm slopes in the mean adsorption and desorption energies demonstrate a possible hysteresis for hydrogen adsorption on HEAs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Mineralogy and reactive fluid chemistry evolution of hydraulically fractured Caney shale of Southern Oklahoma

Here, this study investigates geochemical rock-fluid interactions as a potential cause of rapid loss of permeability and productivity in hydraulically fractured shale reservoirs. It also interrogates the effects of these reactions in transforming depleted shale reservoirs into impermeable carbon storage units. The study employs batch reactor experiments where rock-powder samples are reacted with field fracturing fluid under reservoir temperature (95°C).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Hydrothermal reactivity of neutron absorber composites

The stability of neutron absorber composite materials at hydrothermal conditions was tested in a series of two-week experiments to mimic spent nuclear fuel disposal. Coupons, composed of boron carbide (B 4 C) sintered with and encased in aluminum, were increasingly altered in experiments at 150, 230, and 300 °C and pressures of 150 bar. Alteration of aluminum to boehmite (γ-AlO(OH)) and hydrogen gas generation occurred over the range of investigated temperatures, but is most significant at 300 °C. We found that the formation of boron-bearing mineral phases was not detected; however, aqueous boron was present in the reaction fluids.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗