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526 records · Page 23

Revealing Hidden Quinones Through Diagnostic MS² Fragmentation of Peptide–Quinone Adducts

Quinones are redox-active components of natural organic matter that mediate electron transfer and influence biogeochemical processes, but many quinones in pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) remain unresolved because they ionize poorly by mass spectrometry. Here, we present a peptide-tagging approach to improve detection of cysteine-reactive electrophiles in PyOM, with quinones expected to be a dominant subset based on reaction chemistry and selectivity experiments. A cysteine-containing peptide was used to form Michael-addition adducts, enhancing electrospray ionization and enabling untargeted screening by high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. The method was benchmarked with five quinone standards and applied to extracts from charred plant material as a discovery-level screen for cysteine-reactive targets. We identified 98 quinone-candidate adducts (mean neutral mass ~603 Da), of which more than 70% were not detectable in native MS1 data. Among formula-assigned features, hidden quinone candidates had median (O+N)/C of 0.391 and normalized oxidation state of carbon of -0.281, consistent with relatively low polarity and low oxidation state. These results reveal a previously inaccessible pool of hidden redox-active compounds in PyOM and provide a framework for prioritizing quinone-like electrophiles for confirmation and incorporation into models of fire-driven biogeochemical cycling.

LC-MS/MS

Unravelling ultralow thermal conductivity in perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6: dominant wave-like phonon tunnelling and strong anharmonicity

Abstract Understanding the lattice dynamics and heat transport physics in the lead-free halide double perovskites remains an outstanding challenge due to their lattice dynamical instability and strong anharmonicity. In this work, we investigate the microscopic mechanisms of anharmonic lattice dynamics and thermal transport in lead-free halide double perovskite Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 from first principles. We combine self-consistent phonon calculations with bubble diagram correction and a unified theory of lattice thermal transport that considers both the particle-like phonon propagation and wave-like tunnelling of phonons. An ultra-low thermal conductivity at room temperature (~0.21 Wm −1 K −1 ) is predicted with weak temperature dependence( ~ T −0.34 ), in sharp contrast to the conventional ~T −1 dependence. Particularly, the vibrational properties of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 are featured by strong anharmonicity and wave-like tunnelling of phonons. Anharmonic phonon renormalization from both the cubic and quartic anharmonicities are found essential in precisely predicting the phase transition temperature in Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 while the negative phonon energy shifts induced by cubic anharmonicity has a significant influence on particle-like phonon propagation. Further, the contribution of the wave-like tunnelling to the total thermal conductivity surpasses that of the particle-like propagation above around 310 K, indicating the breakdown of the phonon gas picture conventionally used in the Peierls-Boltzmann Transport Equation. Importantly, further including four-phonon scatterings is required in achieving the dominance of wave-like tunnelling, as compared to the dominant particle-like propagation channel when considering only three-phonon scatterings. Our work highlights the importance of lattice anharmonicity and wave-like tunnelling of phonons in the thermal transport in lead-free halide double perovskites.

Chemistry

Estradiol associations with brain functional connectivity in postmenopausal women

Abstract Objective Previous studies have found that estrogens play a role in functional connectivity in the brain; however, little research has been done regarding how estradiol is associated with functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between estradiol and functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. Methods Structural and blood oxygenation level–dependent resting-state magnetic resonance imaging scans of 88 cognitively healthy postmenopausal individuals were obtained along with blood samples collected the same day as the magnetic resonance imaging to assess hormone levels. We generated connectivity values in CONN toolbox version 20.b, an SPM-based software. Results A regression analysis was run using estradiol level and regions of interest (ROI), including the hippocampus, parahippocampus, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and precuneus. Estradiol level was found to enhance parahippocampal gyrus anterior division left functional connectivity during ROI-to-ROI regression analysis. Estradiol enhanced functional connectivity between the parahippocampal gyrus anterior division left and the precuneus as well as the parahippocampal gyrus anterior division left and parahippocampal gyrus posterior division right. An exploratory analysis showed that years since the final menstrual period was related to enhanced connectivity between regions within the frontoparietal network. Conclusions These results illustrated the relationship between estradiol level and functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. They have implications for understanding how the functioning of the brain changes for individuals after menopause that may eventually lead to changes in cognition and behavior in older ages.

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Techno-Economic Evaluation of Electrified Vehicle Options in Drayage Fleets

The electrification of drayage fleets offers potential economic and operational benefits, but the financial viability of electrified vehicles remains sensitive to battery cost, energy price, and fleet usage patterns. While total cost of ownership (TCO) is a useful benchmark, fleet operators and investors are equally concerned with investment performance metrics such as payback period (PB) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), which better reflect financial risks and investment return timelines. This study develops a unified techno-economic framework that jointly evaluates TCO, PB, and IRR to determine when electrified trucks become cost-effective alternatives to diesel trucks. Building on a previously developed cost modeling tool and using real-world telematics data from a Class 8 drayage fleet at the Port of Savannah, the analysis incorporates projected battery cost trajectories, electricity and diesel price trends, vehicle efficiency improvements, and multiple battery capacities. Parameter ranges reflect widely cited projections and observed drayage-duty-cycle variability. A surrogate-modeling method approximates economic performance across thousands of battery cost–electricity price combinations, enabling high-resolution identification of conditions that achieve TCO parity, acceptable PB thresholds, and target IRR levels. Additionally, the study estimates the evolving share of the fleet that can feasibly electrify over time under multiple economic metrics. This integrated framework offers a novel, data-driven approach to inform risk-aware decision-making for fleet electrification and supports investment planning under evolving cost and operational conditions.

Sun, Ruixiao [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000341768676)

Fine-Grained Power and Energy Attribution on AMD GPU/APU-Based Exascale Nodes

Modern exascale GPU- and APU-based systems provide multiple power and energy sensors, but differences in scope, update rate, timing, and filtering complicate the attribution of short-lived accelerator activity. This paper presents a methodology to characterize and correct these effects on Cray EX systems with AMD Instinct MI250X GPUs (Frontier) and MI300A APUs (Portage). Using controlled square-wave workloads, we quantify update intervals, delay, aliasing, and variability across up to 512 GPUs and 480 APUs with on-chip (rocm-smi/amd-smi) and off-chip Cray Power Management sensors. We reconstruct power from cumulative energy counters to achieve faster response times, validate it against on-chip, off-chip, and node-level sensors, and integrate the resulting streams into a Score-P/PAPI-based tool for time-aligned, phase-level attribution. Applied to rocHPL, rocHPL-MxP, and HPG-MxP, the method separates energy savings due to reduced runtime from changes in power. Mixed precision reduces node energy on Frontier by 79% for rocHPL-MxP and 31% for HPG-MxP, with similar trends on Portage. These results provide portable guidance for sensor validation and power-aware optimization on current and future exascale systems.

Mcdaniel, Adam [ORNL] (ORCID:000000016926028X)

Tunable Conversion of Poly(Acrylic Acid) to Vinyl Methyl Ether Copolymers via Electrochemical Decarboxylation

Recognizing the potential of polymer-to-polymer transformations for plastics valorization, a new electrochemical strategy for the decarboxylative functionalization of polyacrylates has been developed. In contrast to most electrochemical approaches to plastic waste valorization that use small-molecule mediators or only form deconstruction products, this report describes one of the first direct electrochemical redox upconversions of a commodity polymer and involves activation of poly(acrylic acid), a material commonly found in disposable diapers and other personal hygiene products. Via electrochemical decarboxylation, poly(acrylic acid) is converted to methyl ether-containing copolymers. Although methods to prepare the 1:1 regularly alternating poly(vinyl methyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride) are known, routes to generate copolymers with variable levels of vinyl methyl ether and acrylate moieties are unknown, but such polymers may have utility in similar applications, such as dentifrices. Tunable conversions with up to 62 mol% vinyl methyl ether content were achieved via controlled-current electrolyses at >100 mA. This approach enables efficient access to copolymers with broad range of comonomer content from a common waste polymer starting material.

Dauzvardis, Fabian [University of Delaware, Newark

Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations of Giant Magnetar Bursts

Gradual crustal deformation can generate strongly twisted magnetic fields around magnetars, potentially triggering giant flares with total energies exceeding 10 44 erg. In this letter, we present the first relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulation of a surface shear-driven magnetar eruption, capturing reconnection-driven plasma heating, the ejection of relativistically hot plasma, and the formation of a hot fireball confined within the inner magnetosphere. We find that magnetic reconnection in the equatorial current sheet launches a hot trailing outflow capable of powering the initial spike observed in giant flares, while simultaneously leaving behind a thermally stratified fireball with sufficient thermal energy to produce the pulsating, decaying tail. Together, these features provide a self-consistent physical framework for understanding the observed energetics of magnetar giant flares. The eruption also expels a magnetically dominated giant plasmoid carrying up to ∼9% of the magnetosphere’s total magnetic energy. Furthermore, our simulation demonstrates how the plasmoid drives the formation of a blast wave—an important ingredient in models linking magnetar eruptions to fast radio bursts.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS

A novel digital lifecycle for Material‐Process‐Microstructure‐Performance relationships of thermoplastic olefins foams manufactured via supercritical fluid assisted foam injection molding

Abstract This research significantly enhances the applicability of thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) in the automotive industry using supercritical N 2 as a physical foaming agent, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional chemical agents. It merges experimental results with simulations to establish detailed material‐process‐microstructure‐performance (MP2) relationships, targeting 5–20% weight reductions. This innovative approach labeled digital lifecycle (DLC) helps accurately predict tensile, flexural, and impact properties based on the foam microstructure, along with experimentally demonstrating improved paintability. The study combines process simulations with finite element models to develop a comprehensive digital model for accurately predicting mechanical properties. Our findings demonstrate a strong correlation between simulated and experimental data, with about a 5% error across various weight reduction targets, marking significant improvements over existing analytical models. This research highlights the efficacy of physical foaming agents in TPO enhancement and emphasizes the importance of integrating experimental and simulation methods to capture the underlying foaming mechanism to establish material‐process‐microstructure‐performance (MP2) relationships. Highlights Establishes a material‐process‐microstructure‐performance (MP2) for TPO foams Sustainably produces TPO foams using supercritical (ScF) N 2 with 20% lightweighting Shows enhanced paintability for TPO foam improved surface aesthetics Digital lifecycle (DLC) that predicts both foam microstructure and properties DLC maps process effects & microstructure onto FEA mesh for precise prediction

Engineering

A Chemist’s Guide to Solid-State Qubits: Diamond Color Centers as Embedded Vacancy-Centered Molecules

Diamond point defects or color centers are at the crux of solid-state quantum technology applications, from computing to sensing. Modeling molecular qubits has advanced by leaps and bounds mainly due to the advanced quantum mechanical (QM) tools in the arsenal of quantum chemists for modeling (isolated) molecular systems, which should be easily translatable for analogous systems in the solid state. Here, we simulate a series of diamond defects: a carbon vacancy (V C ) and second row substitutions that are adjacent to a V C or D C V C , with D = B, N, and O, to evaluate their magnetic and optical properties. We applied molecular orbital principles, an embedded cluster method, and a multiconfigurational QM theory to computationally characterize the above-mentioned defects for a multitude of spin, charge, and excited states. Our computational approach delivered high-quality QM insights that compare well with experiments. Furthermore, with this framework, we confirm the spin-triplets B C V C – and O C V C 0 to be analogous to N C V C – , with calculated bright transitions that respectively correspond to UV (3.80 eV) and blue (2.65 eV) light absorption and emission lifetimes (τ) of 2.3 and 5.6 ns, which are higher in energy and more short-lived (and thus brighter) than that for N C V C – : green (2.26 eV), τ = 9.5 ns.

Martirez, John Mark P. [Princeton Plasma Physics L

Quantum Filtering and Analysis of Multiplicities in Eigenvalue Spectra

Fine-grained spectral properties of quantum Hamiltonians, including both eigenvalues and their multiplicities, provide useful information for characterizing many-body quantum systems as well as for understanding phenomena such as topological order. Extracting such information with small additive error is #BQP-complete in the worst case. In this work, we introduce QFAMES (quantum filtering and analysis of multiplicities in eigenvalue spectra), a quantum algorithm that efficiently identifies clusters of closely spaced dominant eigenvalues and determines their multiplicities under physically motivated assumptions, which allows us to bypass worst-case complexity barriers. QFAMES also enables the estimation of observable expectation values within targeted energy clusters, providing a powerful tool for studying quantum phase transitions and other physical properties. We validate the effectiveness of QFAMES through numerical demonstrations, including its applications to characterizing quantum phases in the transverse-field Ising model and estimating the ground-state degeneracy of a topologically ordered phase in the two-dimensional toric code model. We also generalize QFAMES to the setting of mixed initial states. Our approach offers rigorous theoretical guarantees and significant advantages over existing subspace-based quantum spectral analysis methods, particularly in terms of the sample complexity and the ability to resolve degeneracies.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING

Field-tailoring quantum materials via magneto-synthesis: metastable metallic and magnetically suppressed phases in a trimer iridate

We demonstrate that applying modest magnetic fields (< 0.1 T) during high-temperature crystal growth can profoundly alter the structure and ground state of a spin-orbit-coupled, antiferromagnetic trimer lattice. Using BaIrO₃ as a model system, whose ground state is intricately dictated by the trimer lattice, we show that magneto-synthesis , a field-assisted synthesis approach, stabilizes a structurally compressed, metastable metallic and magnetically suppressed phases inaccessible via conventional methods. These effects include a 0.85% reduction in unit cell, 4-order-of-magnitude decrease in resistivity, a 10-fold enhancement of the Sommerfeld coefficient, and the collapse of long-range magnetic order -- all intrinsic and bulk in origin. First-principles calculations confirm that the field-stabilized structure lies substantially above the ground state in energy, highlighting its metastable character. These large, coherent and correlated changes across multiple bulk properties, unlike those caused by dilute impurities, defects or off-stoichiometry, point to an intrinsic field-induced mechanism. The findings establish magneto-synthesis as a powerful new pathway for accessing non-equilibrium quantum phases in strongly correlated materials.

magneto-synthesis

Decorated Honeycomb Lattice and Successive Magnetic Transitions of the Delafossite Derivative K 4 Ni 5 Te 3 O 16

Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of the delafossite derivative K 4 Ni 5 Te 3 O 16 , which hosts a decorated honeycomb Ni 2+ lattice. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and neutron diffraction establish a noncentrosymmetric Pmm2 crystal structure that combines regular honeycomb units with elongated motifs formed by Ni 2+ trimers along extended edges. Magnetic susceptibility reveals strong antiferromagnetic interactions, while heat capacity measurements identify two successive magnetic transitions at 30 and 12 K. Neutron diffraction shows that these transitions correspond to a progression from partial to full long-range magnetic order on distinct Ni sites, reflecting competition among the various exchange interactions. The resulting magnetic point group, mm2.1′, inherits the lattice polarity and permits high-order magnetoelectric coupling. Consistent with this symmetry, a quadratic magnetic-field-induced polarization is experimentally observed below the magnetic ordering temperature, likely arising from exchange-driven magnetostriction coupled to the polar lattice. These results establish K 4 Ni 5 Te 3 O 16 as an interesting platform for engineering B-site ordering in delafossite derivatives to realize complex quantum magnetism and functional responses.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND

Spinel high-entropy oxides (FeNiCrMnZnX) 3 O 4 (X = Al, mg) as anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

To address the high cost, cobalt dependency, and resource constraints typical of conventional high-entropy oxide (HEO) anodes, this study reports the successful synthesis of two Co-free, six-component spinel-type HEOs(FeNiCrMnZnAl) 3 O 4 (HEO-Al) and (FeNiCrMnZnMg) 3 O 4 (HEO-Mg), via a sol-gel method. The distinct effects of Al 3+ and Mg 2+ incorporation on the electrochemical performance and lithium storage kinetics were systematically investigated. XRD, Raman, and TEM characterizations confirm that both materials possess a pure spinel phase, uniform particle size, and homogeneous elemental distribution. Notably, electrochemical evaluations reveal that HEO-Al delivers a superior reversible capacity of 480.7 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g −1 , and maintains 354.5 mAh g −1 after 1000 long-term cycles at 1 A g −1 , significantly outperforming HEO-Mg. Kinetic analysis indicates that HEO-Al exhibits lower charge transfer resistance, a higher Li + diffusion coefficient, and a pseudocapacitive contribution of up to 82%. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that Al substitution effectively optimizes the structural stability and lithium storage kinetics of Co-free HEOs, providing a viable strategy for designing low-cost, highly stable HEO anode systems.

Anode materials

Investigation Into LiCl-LiF+Li 2 O as a Low Temperature Electrolyte in Direct Electrolytic Reduction of UO 2

Direct electrolytic reduction (DER) of UO 2 in a binary LiCl-Li2O (1–3 wt%) at 650 °C has been widely reported. The process temperature can be reduced to 550 °C in theory by using a near eutectic ternary LiCl-LiF+Li 2O (∼2 wt%) electrolyte, which will result in substantial reduction in rate of salt vaporization. The feasibility of using the ternary electrolyte for the process was tested via material compatibility testing, electrochemical polarization testing, and controlled potential or current DER experiments. MgO, Pt, and 625 nickel samples were each contacted with the ternary salt for 168 h. Negligible changes to dimensions and mass of the samples were measured, and concentrations of corrosion products in the salt were 102 ppm or less. O2−oxidation was observed to occur at a lower potential than Cl-or F-on a Pt anode. DER of UO2was performed in six trials. Process variables included type of reference electrode, electrochemical control method, type of cathode basket, and electrolyte composition. UO 2conversion ranged from 28.2 to 99.9 % , and current efficiency ranged from 38 to 52%. Overall, results indicate that the use of the ternary salt is feasible for DER.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE

Large Language Model for Validation, Optical Calibration, and Learning (VOCAL) Distributed Temperature Sensing Interface

Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) using fiber optic sensors (FOS) offers a promising method for temperature measurements in advanced reactors, such as sodium fast reactors and molten salt cooled reactors. To support the calibration and validation of DTS measurements, Argonne National Laboratory developed the Validation, Optical Calibration, and Learning (VOCAL) software package. This report describes the integration of a local large language model (LLM) with a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system into the VOCAL interface to serve as an interactive user assistant. The LLM framework enhances the VOCAL platform’s accessibility to users by explaining interface components, clarifying inputs and outputs, and answering user queries dynamically in real-time. The accuracy of the LLM assistant performance was evaluated with 20 queries regarding the interface and its parameters using experimental data from the Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article (THETA) facility. Results demonstrate that the LLM achieved a 95% accuracy rate, with a BERTScore of 0.8816 and SBERT value of 0.7417. Furthermore, validation of the RAG system within the LLM framework showed optimal accuracy with k-values between 1 and 2 using the k-refinement convergence test. The prompt perturbation analysis demonstrated good initial consistency for the RAG system, exhibiting the highest accuracy under punctuation variations and the greatest sensitivity under query reordering. Notably, the model’s errors were limited to data retrieval failures rather than factual hallucinations, reinforcing its baseline reliability. The integration of LLM provides a highly accurate, userfriendly enhancement to the VOCAL platform without disrupting its core computational capabilities for FOS calibration and validation.

Hong, Evan

Transition from Vehicular to Structural Ionic Transport in Electrified Alkali Aqueous Solutions

A molecular understanding of the solvation and dynamics of ions under static electric fields is crucial for modelling a wide range of natural and technological processes. Yet, traditional simulation methods suffer from a trade-off that has to be made between accuracy and statistical convergence. To bridge this gap, herein we extend our recently introduced Perturbed Neural Network Potential Molecular Dynamics (PNNP MD) approach to investigate the solvation structures and ionic transport mechanisms of electrified alkali cationic solutions. We obtain ionic conductivities for Li+, Na+ and Cs+ from the field dependence of the ionic current density in good agreement with experiment. Surprisingly, the migration mechanism is found to be strikingly different for the three ions despite their similar ionic conductivities. While Li+ conducts predominantly through vehicular migration of a stable 4-fold coordinated ion at all field strengths, Cs+ conducts strictly through a structural diffusion mechanism, where 9-12 transient first shell water coordination bonds are broken and renewed. Notably, aqueous Na+ emerges as a “Goldilocks” ion: its ion-water interactions are strong enough to maintain distinct 5-6 fold coordination shells at zero field (unlike Cs+) yet labile enough to be strongly perturbed by electric fields (unlike Li+). As a consequence, we observe an electric field-induced transition from vehicular to structural ionic transport for Na+ that is accompanied by a marked increase in the ionic current density. Our results imply that the conductance mechanism of ions with moderate ion-solvent interactions can be effectively tuned by external electric fields.

Joll, Kit

Integral Nuclear Data and Benchmarking Needs for Fusion Energy Systems

Fusion energy systems are currently being designed and optimized using radiation transport codes. To deal with the unique environment inside a fusion-based system, many of these designs incorporate novel materials able to withstand the high radiation fields, ensure adequate cooling and thermal protection, and produce tritium. Validation plays a vital role in building trust in the predictive power of these models and computational methods. Validation of a code consists of modeling documented real-world experiments and comparing the code-predicted response to the measured response. Adequate validation requires measured responses from real-world experiments, also known as integral data, that mimic the system being designed, including materials, impinging radiation, and temperature, among other variables. The most trusted integral data are experimental responses that have been through a rigorous benchmarking process that develops a recommended computational model and evaluates all experimental uncertainties. Finally, there are a few research groups around the world that have been producing integral data for fusion applications, but a substantial investment is needed to address the unique validation needs of the fusion community.

Fusion

Single-crystal NMC622 from combustion-assisted solid-state synthesis: Tunable particle size, voltage-dependent stability, and Li-ion diffusion

Cost-effective and scalable synthesis of single-crystal lithium–metal-oxide cathodes with controlled size and morphology remains challenging for advancing high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Here, we demonstrate a solution combustion–assisted solid-state method for producing single-crystal NMC622 with tunable particle size at various lithium stoichiometries. Structural and electronic characteristics were probed using synchrotron-XANES, EXAFS, XRD and XPS, confirming well-defined coordination environments and phase purity up to Li ≈ 1.3. The electrochemical behavior of LixNMC (x = 1.0 and 1.3) single crystals was evaluated across 2.8–4.3 V and 2.8–4.7 V windows to elucidate the effects of lithium content and operating voltage. At 2.8–4.3V, Li1.3NMC exhibits higher initial capacity due to its larger lithium inventory, while Li1.0NMC shows superior long-term retention driven by its larger crystal size and reduced structural distortion. Increasing the cutoff voltage to 4.7 V enhances the initial capacity of both compositions by 17–25%, but long-term capacity retention ultimately converges to values comparable to those at 4.3 V due to voltage-induced degradation, where Li+ diffusion constant remains lying ranging from 10−12 –10−11 cm2s−1. Overall, this study establishes a scalable combustion-assisted route for synthesizing tunable single-crystal NMC622 and highlights the interplay between lithium stoichiometry, particle size, and voltage window in governing cathode stability.

Roy, Subrata C [Jackson State University]