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At least 1,639 records · Page 91

Computer simulation of methanol exchange dynamics around cations and anions

In this paper, we present the first computer simulation of methanol exchange dynamics between the first and second solvation shells around different cations and anions. After water, methanol is the most frequently used solvent for ions. Methanol has different structural and dynamical properties than water, so its ion solvation process is different. To this end, we performed molecular dynamics simulations using polarizable potential models to describe methanol-methanol and ion-methanol interactions. In particular, we computed methanol exchange rates by employing the transition state theory, the Impey-Madden-McDonald method, the reactive flux approach, and the Grote-Hynes theory. We observed that methanol exchange occurs at a nanosecond time scale for Na+ and at a picosecond time scale for other ions. We also observed a trend in which, for like charges, the exchange rate is slower for smaller ions because they are more strongly bound to methanol. This work was supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences. The calculations were carried out using computer resources provided by the Office of Basic Energy Sciences.

Roy, Santanu↗

Effects of competing magnetic interactions on the electronic transport properties of CuCrSe{sub 2}

We have synthesized single-phase samples of the CuCrSe{sub 2} phase that exhibits hexagonal-rhombohedral layered crystal structure with space group R3m. Here we present a detailed study of electronic transport and magnetic properties of CuCrSe{sub 2}. We moreover investigate the heat capacity of CuCrSe{sub 2} in comparison to that of CuCrS{sub 2}. The electrical resistivity of CuCrSe{sub 2} shows metallic-like behavior down to 2 K, while the thermoelectric power is large around 100 {mu}V K{sup -1} at 300 K. A weak anomaly in resistivity and a rounded maximum in magnetic susceptibility are observed around 55 K. No sharp transition at 55 K is observed in the heat capacity of CuCrSe{sub 2}, rather a visible maximum is seen. At low temperatures from 2 to 14 K, the magnetic heat capacity follows T{sup 2}-dependence. We tentatively believe this behavior of CuCrSe{sub 2} to be due to competing magnetic interactions between intralayer Cr atoms. The ferromagnetic Cr-Se-Cr indirect exchange among intralayer Cr atoms is enhanced in the selenide compound (that is more metallic than the sulfide compound), and competes with the antiferromagnetic Cr-Cr direct interactions. The interlayer antiferromagnetic exchange through Cu atoms leads to magnetic ordering at low temperature at T{sub N}=55 K. - Graphical abstract: Comparison of magnetic properties of CuCrSe{sub 2} and CuCrS{sub 2} indicates a sharp cusp-like anomaly in magnetic susceptibility at the antiferromagnetic transition of CuCrS{sub 2} while the maximum of CuCrSe{sub 2} is well rounded. Magnetization is reversible after field-cooling (FC) and zero-field-cooling (ZFC) for both compounds. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Layered CuCrSe{sub 2} can be synthesized in both fully and partially cation-ordered forms. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Contrary to previously believed insulating nature the cation-ordered phase is metallic. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Magnetic property of CuCrSe{sub 2} is somewhat different from that of CuCrS{sub 2}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Magnetization and heat capacity data suggest complex short-range ordering for CuCrSe{sub 2}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Asymmetric band gaps in a Rashba film system

The joint effect of exchange and Rashba spin-orbit interactions is examined on the surface and quantum well states of Ag 2 Bi -terminated Ag films grown on ferromagnetic Fe(110). The system displays a particular combination of time-reversal and translational symmetry breaking that strongly influences its electronic structure. Angle-resolved photoemission reveals asymmetric band-gap openings, due to spin-selective hybridization between Rashba-split surface states and exchange-split quantum well states. This results in an unequal number of states along positive and negative reciprocal space directions. We suggest that the peculiar asymmetry of the discovered electronic structure can have significant influence on spin-polarized transport properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Inaugural Molten Salt Technologies Workshop Powering the Future

The inaugural “Molten Salt Technologies – Powering the Future” Workshop marked a significant convergence of minds from diverse industries, each harnessing molten-salt technologies in innovative ways. Participants from sectors such as solar, geothermal, and advanced nuclear energy, as well as those involved in cutting-edge applications like thermal transport and rare-earth metals extraction, gathered to discuss their shared technical challenges and opportunities. Industry leaders in metal extraction and recycling, alongside experts in high-temperature sensor technology and advanced material manufacturing, also brought their unique perspectives to the table. This workshop served as a crucial platform for these varied industries to delve into the engineering intricacies that molten salt technologies entail. Common challenges such as understanding the thermophysical properties of salts, tackling corrosion mechanisms in harsh environments, and enhancing material resilience under extreme conditions were at the forefront of discussions. These technical sessions highlighted the critical need for cross-industry collaboration to address issues like salt life-cycle process engineering, impurity mitigation, and the development of durable, high-performance materials. By bringing together academia, industry, and representatives from national laboratories and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the workshop facilitated a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences. This interaction not only fostered new partnerships but also strengthened the network among existing collaborators, setting the stage for joint solutions to the complex problems faced by all sectors using molten salt technologies. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in overcoming common engineering challenges and advancing the application of molten-salt technologies across various industries. The workshop not only provided an essential forum for networking and idea exchange but also highlighted the collective drive towards innovative solutions that could benefit multiple fields.

Department of Energy↗

Inaugural Molten Salt Technologies Workshop Powering the Future

The inaugural “Molten Salt Technologies – Powering the Future” Workshop marked a significant convergence of minds from diverse industries, each harnessing molten-salt technologies in innovative ways. Participants from sectors such as solar, geothermal, and advanced nuclear energy, as well as those involved in cutting-edge applications like thermal transport and rare-earth metals extraction, gathered to discuss their shared technical challenges and opportunities. Industry leaders in metal extraction and recycling, alongside experts in high-temperature sensor technology and advanced material manufacturing, also brought their unique perspectives to the table. This workshop served as a crucial platform for these varied industries to delve into the engineering intricacies that molten salt technologies entail. Common challenges such as understanding the thermophysical properties of salts, tackling corrosion mechanisms in harsh environments, and enhancing material resilience under extreme conditions were at the forefront of discussions. These technical sessions highlighted the critical need for cross-industry collaboration to address issues like salt life-cycle process engineering, impurity mitigation, and the development of durable, high-performance materials. By bringing together academia, industry, and representatives from national laboratories and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the workshop facilitated a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences. This interaction not only fostered new partnerships but also strengthened the network among existing collaborators, setting the stage for joint solutions to the complex problems faced by all sectors using molten salt technologies. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in overcoming common engineering challenges and advancing the application of molten-salt technologies across various industries. The workshop not only provided an essential forum for networking and idea exchange but also highlighted the collective drive towards innovative solutions that could benefit multiple fields.

Department of Energy↗

On charge exchange and knock-on processes in the exosphere of Io

One direct consequence of magnetospheric interaction of Io is the strong dynamical coupling of its neutral atmosphere with the corotating plasma. The absorption of the thermal ions and the associated neutral injection is an improtant issue not yet explored. As far as nonthermal escape of the neutral atmosphere is concerned, three processes stand out. That is, apart from sputtering, exospheric interactions like atom-ion knock-on collision and charge exchange recombination could be a significant source of the neutral clouds in the Jovian system. Using a current electrodynamic model of Io, both the absorption rate of the corotating thermal plasma and the production rates of new exospheric ions and the fast neutrals are considered. It is found that the source strength of the neutral atoms and molecules with speeds of about 100 km/sec could amount to 10 to the 26th/sec whereas exospheric neutrals emitted at lower speed (of about 10 km/sec) amounts to 4 x 10 to the 25th/sec. The generation of the new ions in connection with the streaming of the magnetospheric plasma around Io could also produce an asymmetric sputtering with a neutral flux of about 10 to the 27th/sec emitted from the region of Io which faces Jupiter. These results may be related to a number of sodium observations.

Ip, W.-H.↗

WIMP capture by the Sun in the effective theory of dark matter self-interactions

We study the capture of WIMP dark matter by the Sun in the non-relativistic effective theory of dark matter self-interactions. The aim is to assess how self-interactions affect the expected neutrino flux coming from WIMP annihilation in the Sun, and to do so in a model independent manner. We consider all non-relativistic Galilean invariant self-interaction operators that can arise from the exchange of a heavy particle of spin less than or equal to 1 for WIMPs of spin equal to 0, 1/2 and 1. We show that for interaction operators depending at most linearly on the momentum transfer, the WIMP-induced neutrino flux can be enhanced by several orders of magnitude compared to the same flux in absence of self-interactions. This is true even for standard values of the thermally averaged annihilation cross-section. This conclusion impacts the analysis of present and future observations performed at neutrino telescopes.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Indirect Interspecies Regulation: Transcriptional and Physiological Responses of a Cyanobacterium to Heterotrophic Partnership

This study elucidates how a cyanobacterial primary producer acclimates to heterotrophic partnership by modulating the expression levels of key metabolic genes. Heterotrophic bacteria can indirectly regulate the physiology of the photoautotrophic primary producers, resulting in physiological changes identified here, such as increased intracellular ROS. Some of the interactions inferred from this model system represent putative principles of metabolic coupling in phototrophic-heterotrophic partnerships. The mechanisms by which microbes interact in communities remain poorly understood. Here, we interrogated specific interactions between photoautotrophic and heterotrophic members of a model consortium to infer mechanisms that mediate metabolic coupling and acclimation to partnership. This binary consortium was composed of a cyanobacterium, Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1, which supported growth of an obligate aerobic heterotroph, Meiothermus ruber strain A, by providing organic carbon, O 2 , and reduced nitrogen. Species-resolved transcriptomic analyses were used in combination with growth and photosynthesis kinetics to infer interactions and the environmental context under which they occur. We found that the efficiency of biomass production and resistance to stress induced by high levels of dissolved O 2 increased, beyond axenic performance, as a result of heterotrophic partnership. Coordinated transcriptional responses transcending both species were observed and used to infer specific interactions resulting from the synthesis and exchange of resources. The cyanobacterium responded to heterotrophic partnership by altering expression of core genes involved with photosynthesis, carbon uptake/fixation, vitamin synthesis, and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). IMPORTANCEThis study elucidates how a cyanobacterial primary producer acclimates to heterotrophic partnership by modulating the expression levels of key metabolic genes. Heterotrophic bacteria can indirectly regulate the physiology of the photoautotrophic primary producers, resulting in physiological changes identified here, such as increased intracellular ROS. Some of the interactions inferred from this model system represent putative principles of metabolic coupling in phototrophic-heterotrophic partnerships.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A magnon band analysis of GdRu 2 Si 2 in the field-polarized state

Understanding the formation of skyrmions in centrosymmetric materials is a problem of fundamental and technological interest. GdRu 2 Si 2 is a candidate material that hosts a variety of multi-Q magnetic phases, including in zero-field. Here, inelastic neutron scattering is used to measure the spin excitations in the field-polarized phase of GdRu 2 Si 2 . Linear spin wave theory and a method of interaction invariant path analysis are used to derive a Hamiltonian accounting for the spectra. The Hamiltonian, dominated by bilinear (Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida) Heisenberg exchange, compares favorably to ab initio calculations. Dipolar interactions are a secondary energy scale to consider, with J D.D ~ 0.05 J RKKY . However, it is shown that in the field-polarized phase the dipolar interactions ‘self screen’ so that their effect is largely suppressed. No specific evidence for higher-order exchange is found. These aspects are discussed in the context of the lower field multi-Q states and the anisotropy of the system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Extending the Gutzwiller approximation to intersite interactions

In this work, we develop an extension of the Gutzwiller approximation (GA) formalism that includes the effects of Coulomb interactions of arbitrary range (including density density, exchange, pair hopping, and Coulomb-assisted hopping terms). This formalism reduces to the ordinary GA formalism for the multiband Hubbard models in the presence of only local interactions. This is accomplished by combining the 1 / z expansion—where z is the coordination number, and only the leading-order terms contribute in the limit of infinite dimensions—with a P R † P R - I expansion, where P R is the Gutzwiller projector on the site R . Furthermore, the method is conveniently formulated in terms of a Gutzwiller Lagrange function. We apply our theory to the extended single-band Hubbard model. Similarly to the usual Brinkman-Rice mechanism, we find a Mott transition. A valence skipping transition is observed, where the occupation of the empty and doubly occupied states for the Gutzwiller wave function is enhanced with respect to the uncorrelated Slater determinant wave function.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Biosphere/atmosphere Interactions

Vegetation influences the energy, mass and momentum exchange between land-surface and atmosphere and, in that way, may significantly affect weather and climate. The morphology and physiology of the vegetation determine the surface albedo, precipitation interception and interception loss, stomatal control of transpiration, moisture storage in the root zone and, through the vegetation roughness height, the aerodynamic resistance to the transfers of latent and sensible heat and momentum between land-surface and atmosphere. That the albedo and soil moisture have a large influence on the atmospheric circulation and rainfall was demonstrated in sensitivity experiments with general circulation models. Moreover, through its effect on the convergence of the horizontal water vapor transport in the planetary boundary layer, the surface roughness height has a large influence on rainfall.

Mintz, Y.↗

Ensemble density variational methods with self- and ghost-interaction-corrected functionals

Ensemble density functional theory (DFT) offers a way of predicting excited-states energies of atomic and molecular systems without referring to a density response function. Despite a significant theoretical work, practical applications of the proposed approximations have been scarce and they do not allow for a fair judgement of the potential usefulness of ensemble DFT with available functionals. In the paper, we investigate two forms of ensemble density functionals formulated within ensemble DFT framework: the Gross, Oliveira, and Kohn (GOK) functional proposed by Gross et al. [Phys. Rev. A 37, 2809 (1988)] alongside the orbital-dependent eDFT form of the functional introduced by Nagy [J. Phys. B 34, 2363 (2001)] (the acronym eDFT proposed in analogy to eHF – ensemble Hartree-Fock method). Local and semi-local ground-state density functionals are employed in both approaches. Approximate ensemble density functionals contain not only spurious self-interaction but also the so-called ghost-interaction which has no counterpart in the ground-state DFT. We propose how to correct the GOK functional for both kinds of interactions in approximations that go beyond the exact-exchange functional. Numerical applications lead to a conclusion that functionals free of the ghost-interaction by construction, i.e., eDFT, yield much more reliable results than approximate self- and ghost-interaction-corrected GOK functional. Additionally, local density functional corrected for self-interaction employed in the eDFT framework yields excitations energies of the accuracy comparable to that of the uncorrected semi-local eDFT functional.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Switchgrass Rhizosphere Metabolite Chemistry Driven by Nitrogen Availability

Plants and soil microorganisms interact closely in the rhizosphere where plants may exchange carbon (C) for functional benefits from the microbial community. For example, the bioenergy crop, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is thought to exchange root-exuded C for nitrogen (N) fixed by diazotrophs (free-living N-fixers). However, this interaction is not well characterized and it is not known how or if switchgrass responds to diazotrophs or their activity. To explore this question, we assessed rhizosphere metabolite chemistry of switchgrass grown in a hydroponic system under two N levels and under inoculated or uninoculated conditions. Plants were grown with the inoculum Azotobacter vinelandii DJ for 3 days before harvest. We found switchgrass root exudate chemistry to be driven by N availability. Total metabolite concentrations were generally greater under high N versus low N and unaffected by inoculation. Examination of rhizosphere chemical fingerprints indicates metabolite chemistry was also driven strongly by N availability with a greater relative abundance of carbohydrates under high N and greater relative abundance of organic acids under low N. We also found evidence of changes in rhizosphere chemical fingerprints by inoculation treatment. However, we found little evidence of N treatment and inoculation interaction effects that suggests this response is not directly mediated by N availability.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Data from: Switchgrass rhizosphere metabolite chemistry driven by nitrogen availability

Plants and soil microorganisms interact closely in the rhizosphere where plants may exchange carbon (C) for functional benefits from the microbial community. For example, the bioenergy crop, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is thought to exchange root-exuded C for nitrogen (N) fixed by diazotrophs (free-living N-fixers). However, this interaction is not well characterized and it is not known how or if switchgrass responds to diazotrophs or their activity. To explore this question, we assessed rhizosphere metabolite chemistry of switchgrass grown in a hydroponic system under two N levels and under inoculated or uninoculated conditions. Plants were grown with the inoculum Azotobacter vinelandii DJ for three days before harvest. We found switchgrass root exudate chemistry to be driven by N availability. Total metabolite concentrations were generally greater under high N versus low N and unaffected by inoculation. Examination of rhizosphere chemical fingerprints indicates metabolite chemistry was also driven strongly by N availability with a greater relative abundance of carbohydrates under high N and greater relative abundance of organic acids under low N. We also found evidence of changes in rhizosphere chemical fingerprints by inoculation treatment. However, we found little evidence of N treatment and inoculation interaction effects which suggests this response is not directly mediated by N availability.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Ultrafast Dynamics of Plasmon-Coupled Excitons in Semiconducting Nanoplatelets

Exciton-plasmon coupling in nanomaterials produces many relevant phenomena for photonics applications including increased light-matter interactions, enhanced radiative rates of quantum emitters, and coherent energy exchange. In the case of exciton coupling to surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), dispersive interactions controlled by the wavevector of optical excitation create the opportunity for tunable optical emission. Strong temporal impacts on exciton lifetimes can also occur in coupled systems, creating the opportunity for ultrafast control of exciton lifetime via changes in electronic coupling magnitude to a dispersive SPP. The coupling strength can be impacted by the morphology of the nanomaterials. Here, in this study, we utilize colloidal semiconductor nanoplatelets deposited onto thin silver plasmonic films, and compare the results to semiconductor quantum dots deposited on the silver films. We map the dispersion of the coupled systems and measure the ultrafast transient absorption response of the coupled systems. Due to the larger interaction areas of the nanoplatelets that lie flat on the silver films, a greater degree of coupling is found for the nanoplatelets, and much faster temporal responses are found as compared to quantum dots. Fresnel theory calculations that incorporate heavy and light hole features can reproduce the dispersion of the nanoplatelet-silver film, and a simple three-state model is developed to provide insights into the nature of the coupling at different photon energies along the dispersion curve.

colloidal semiconductor nanoplatelets↗

Edison Demonstration of Smallsat Networks

The goal of NASA's Edison Demonstration of Smallsat Networks (EDSN) mission is to demonstrate interactive satellite swarms capable of collecting, exchanging and transmitting multi-point scientific measurements. Satellite swarms enable a wide array of scientific, commercial and academic research not achievable with a single satellite. The EDSN satellites are scheduled to be launched into space as secondary payloads on the first flight of the Super Strypi launch vehicle no earlier than Oct. 29, 2015.

SmallSat Networks↗

Perspective: How good is DFT for water?

Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT) has become established as an indispensable tool for investigating aqueous systems of all kinds, including those important in chemistry, surface science, biology, and the earth sciences. Nevertheless, many widely used approximations for the exchange-correlation (XC) functional describe the properties of pure water systems with an accuracy that is not fully satisfactory. The explicit inclusion of dispersion interactions generally improves the description, but there remain large disagreements between the predictions of different dispersion-inclusive methods. We present here a review of DFT work on water clusters, ice structures, and liquid water, with the aim of elucidating how the strengths and weaknesses of different XC approximations manifest themselves across this variety of water systems. Our review highlights the crucial role of dispersion in describing the delicate balance between compact and extended structures of many different water systems, including the liquid. By referring to a wide range of published work, we argue that the correct description of exchange-overlap interactions is also extremely important, so that the choice of semi-local or hybrid functional employed in dispersion-inclusive methods is crucial. The origins and consequences of beyond-2-body errors of approximate XC functionals are noted, and we also discuss the substantial differences between different representations of dispersion. We propose a simple numerical scoring system that rates the performance of different XC functionals in describing water systems, and we suggest possible future developments.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ubiquitous signatures of nematic quantum criticality in optimally doped Fe-based superconductors

A key actor in the conventional theory of superconductivity is the induced interaction between electrons mediated by the exchange of virtual collective fluctuations (phonons in the case of conventional s-wave superconductors). Other collective modes that can play the same role, especially spin fluctuations, have been widely discussed in the context of high-temperature and heavy Fermion superconductors. The strength of such collective fluctuations is measured by the associated susceptibility. Here we use differential elastoresistance measurements from five optimally doped iron-based superconductors to show that divergent nematic susceptibility appears to be a generic feature in the optimal doping regime of these materials. This observation motivates consideration of the effects of nematic fluctuations on the superconducting pairing interaction in this family of compounds and possibly beyond.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗