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1,533 records · Page 79

Vasomotion in Human Fingers

Introduction: We describe methods by which vasomotion can be recorded in awake and anesthetized human subjects without significant interference from other spontaneous vascular oscillations. Methods: In three separate studies, we used photoplethysmography (PPG) to record vasomotion in fingertips. In Study 1, we induced chemical sympathectomy in the studied hand of 11 awake subjects who received intravenous dexmedetomidine infusions. In Study 2, we administered four progressively increasing intravenous dexmedetomidine infusions to 16 awake volunteers. In Study 3, we recorded vasomotion simultaneously from 6 fingers of 7 patients who were under dexmedetomidine-based anesthesia. Five-minute epochs of PPG recordings that displayed slow vascular oscillations were analyzed for frequency and amplitude. Results: In Study 1, vasomotion frequencies were 0.025 ± 0.008 Hz. In Study 2, vasomotion frequencies were 0.033 ± 0.006 Hz, and 0.032 ± 0.008 Hz during the two highest dexmedetomidine infusion steps. In Study 3, vasomotion frequencies ranged from 0.020 to 0.037 Hz and were observed in all 6 fingers, with no synchrony between the six fingers. Conclusion: The vascular oscillations we observed without significant interference from other spontaneous oscillations are independent of neural activity (Study 1), local in nature (Study 3), and associated with alpha-2-adrenoceptor activation, consistent with known properties of vasomotion.

Cardiovascular System & Cardiology

Energy filtering–induced ultrahigh thermoelectric power factors in Ni 3 Ge

Traditional thermoelectric materials rely on low thermal conductivity to enhance their efficiency but suffer from inherently limited power factors. Innovative pathways to optimize electronic transport are thus crucial. Here, we achieve ultrahigh power factors in Ni 3 Ge-based systems through an unconventional thermoelectric materials design principle. When overlapping flat and dispersive bands are engineered to the Fermi level, charge carriers can undergo intense interband scattering, yielding an energy filtering effect similar to what has long been predicted in certain nanostructured materials. Via a multistep DFT-based screening method developed here, we find a family of L1 2 -ordered binary compounds with ultrahigh power factors up to 11 mW m −1 K −2 near room temperature, which are driven by an intrinsic phonon-mediated energy filtering mechanism. Our comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of these intriguing materials paves the way for understanding and designing high-performance scattering-tuned metallic thermoelectrics.

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Radiolytically reworked Archean organic matter in a habitable deep ancient high-temperature brine

Abstract Investigations of abiotic and biotic contributions to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) are required to constrain microbial habitability in continental subsurface fluids. Here we investigate a large (101–283 mg C/L) DOC pool in an ancient (>1Ga), high temperature (45–55 °C), low biomass (10 2 −10 4 cells/mL), and deep (3.2 km) brine from an uranium-enriched South African gold mine. Excitation-emission matrices (EEMs), negative electrospray ionization (–ESI) 21 tesla Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), and amino acid analyses suggest the brine DOC is primarily radiolytically oxidized kerogen-rich shales or reefs, methane and ethane, with trace amounts of C 3 –C 6 hydrocarbons and organic sulfides. δ 2 H and δ 13 C of C 1 –C 3 hydrocarbons are consistent with abiotic origins. These findings suggest water-rock processes control redox and C cycling, helping support a meagre, slow biosphere over geologic time. A radiolytic-driven, habitable brine may signal similar settings are good targets in the search for life beyond Earth.

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Polaron catastrophe within quantum acoustics

The quantum acoustic framework has recently emerged as a nonperturbative, coherent approach to electron–lattice interactions, uncovering rich physics often obscured by perturbative methods with incoherent scattering events. Here, we model the strongly coupled dynamics of electrons and acoustic lattice vibrations within this framework, representing lattice vibrations as coherent states and electrons as quantum wave packets, in a manner distinctively different from tight-binding or discrete hopping-based approaches. We derive and numerically implement electron backaction on the lattice, providing both visual and quantitative insights into electron wave packet evolution and the formation of acoustic polarons. We investigate polaron binding energies across varying material parameters and compute key observables—including mean square displacement, kinetic energy, potential energy, and vibrational energy—over time. Our findings reveal the conditions that favor polaron formation, which is enhanced by low temperatures, high deformation potential constants, slow sound velocities, and high effective masses. Additionally, we explore the impact of external electric and magnetic fields, showing that while polaron formation remains robust under moderate fields, it is weakly suppressed at higher field strengths. These results deepen our understanding of polaron dynamics and pave the way for future studies into nontrivial transport behavior in quantum materials.

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Chemomechanics in alloy phase stability

We describe a first-principles statistical mechanics method to calculate the free energies of crystalline alloys that depend on temperature, composition, and strain. The approach relies on an extension of the alloy cluster expansion to include an explicit dependence on homogeneous strain in addition to site occupation variables that track the degree of chemical ordering. The method is applied to the Si-Ge binary alloy and is used to calculate free energies that describe phase stability under arbitrary epitaxial constraints. We find that while the incoherent phase diagram (in which coexisting phases are not affected by coherency constraints) hosts a miscibility gap, coherent phase equilibrium predicts ordering and negative enthalpies of mixing. Instead of chemical instability, the chemomechanical free energy exhibits instabilities along directions that couple the composition of the alloy with a volumetric strain order parameter. Furthermore, this has fundamental implications for phase field models of spinodal decomposition as it indicates the importance of gradient energy coefficients that couple gradients in composition with gradients in strain.

Materials Science

Actuating Liquid Crystals Rapidly and Reversibly by Using Chemical Catalysis

Abstract Microtubules and catalytic motor proteins underlie the microscale actuation of living materials, and they have been used in reconstituted systems to harness chemical energy to drive new states of organization of soft matter (e.g., liquid crystals (LCs)). Such materials, however, are fragile and challenging to translate to technological contexts. Rapid (sub‐second) and reversible changes in the orientations of LCs at room temperature using reactions between gaseous hydrogen and oxygen that are catalyzed by Pd/Au surfaces are reported. Surface chemical analysis and computational chemistry studies confirm that dissociative adsorption of H 2 on the Pd/Au films reduces preadsorbed O and generates 1 ML of adsorbed H, driving nitrile‐containing LCs from a perpendicular to a planar orientation. Subsequent exposure to O 2 leads to oxidation of the adsorbed H, reformation of adsorbed O on the Pd/Au surface, and a return of the LC to its initial orientation. The roles of surface composition and reaction kinetics in determining the LC dynamics are described along with a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of microactuation of beads. These results provide fresh ideas for utilizing chemical energy and catalysis to reversibly actuate functional LCs on the microscale.

Chemistry

Utility Experience with Inverter Based Resource Impacts on Transmission Protection

High penetration of inverter-based resources (IBR) can adversely affect the transmission protection schemes in the area. With the proliferation of IBRs, utilities are finding out that conventional protection schemes are not adequately equipped to protect the electric systems because the existing system has been designed based on the fault current response of conventional rotating-machine-based generators. In several cases, the available literature does not provide any clear solution for the issues when the protection scheme does not operate properly near IBRs. This report identifies various protection challenges due to IBRs that industry is facing, from the utility perspective. It includes a broad review of all challenges that system protection has experienced so far with high penetration of IBRs. Key issues have been identified based on a survey of different utility protection engineers. Finally, fault event recordings are shown to demonstrate some actual cases of mis-operations of relays near IBRs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

Squeezing quantum states in three-dimensional twisted crystals

Bloch's theorem provides a conventional starting point for describing wave propagation in periodic media, but in ordered materials where competing spatial periods coexist it is rendered ineffective, often with dramatic consequences. Here we develop an alternate approach that uses coherent free-particle vortex states to study quantum states in supertwisted crystals: three-dimensional stacks of atomically thin two-dimensional layers. Here, this formalism leads naturally to the representation of the spectrum using squeezed coherent states, and it reveals the crucial role of a Coriolis coupling in the equations of motion. This identifies an underlying noncommutative geometry and novel edge state structure in a family of complex ordered structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE

Wave ripples formed in ancient, ice-free lakes in Gale crater, Mars

Symmetrical wave ripples identified with NASA’s Curiosity rover in ancient lake deposits at Gale crater provide a key paleoclimate constraint for early Mars: At the time of ripple formation, climate conditions must have supported ice-free liquid water on the surface of Mars. These features are the most definitive examples of wave ripples on another planet. The ripples occur in two stratigraphic intervals within the orbitally defined Layered Sulfate Unit: a thin but laterally extensive unit at the base of the Amapari member of the Mirador formation, and a sandstone lens within the Contigo member of the Mirador formation. In both locations, the ripples have an average wavelength of ~4.5 centimeters. Internal laminae and ripple morphology show an architecture common in wave-influenced environments where wind-generated surface gravity waves mobilize bottom sediment in oscillatory flows. Their presence suggests formation in a shallow-water (<2 meters) setting that was open to the atmosphere, which requires atmospheric conditions that allow stable surface water.

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Li Stripping Behavior of Anode‐Free Solid‐State Batteries Under Intermittent‐Current Discharge Conditions

Anode‐free manufacturing holds promise to enable high energy densities and lower Lithium (Li)‐metal solid‐state batteries (LMSSBs). Nevertheless, in contrast to thick Li foil (>50 µm), the stripping capacity of in situ‐formed Li (10–30 µm) is limited due to diminished creep flow, resulting in reduced accessible capacity. This study explores the correlation between stripping capacity and surface roughness of garnet Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO) solid electrolyte. The results reveal that stripping capacity can be enhanced through the surface modification of solid electrolytes. Additionally, this study scrutinizes the stripping behavior of in situ Li under intermittent‐current discharge conditions, which are more relevant to the operational conditions of electric vehicles (EVs). It is demonstrated that, when compared to constant‐current stripping, intermittent‐current stripping effectively suppresses void formation and enhances the stripping capacity of in situ Li by 40%. It is considered that the intermittent current inhibits the accumulation of Li vacancies, thereby delaying the void formation. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of high‐performance anode‐free LMSSBs for EVs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE

Associative polymers with controlled sticker placement: How reversible bond distribution and density govern polymer dynamics

Associative polymers with precisely arranged stickers offer opportunities to program material properties with molecular precision. Yet, it remains unclear how the placement and fraction of stickers dictate structure, dynamics, and macroscopic properties. By developing a model unentangled polymer system with hydrogen-bonding stickers, we show that randomly distributed stickers neither form clusters nor change flow properties, whereas stickers placed at chain ends drive nanocluster formation even at low concentrations. Adding more end stickers produces a rubbery plateau spanning eight decades in frequency with two distinct relaxation timescales, in contrast to the single plateau predicted by the classic sticky Rouse model. These results demonstrate that sticker distribution dictates whether associative polymers undergo nanocluster formation or microphase separation, while substantial alterations in dynamics and viscoelasticity require both sticker aggregation and thermomechanical stability of associated domains. Our findings resolve a longstanding debate on associative polymer dynamics and provide molecular design rules for programmable soft materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE

The Synthesis and Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Energetic Norbornene Materials

Energetic norbornenes are promising candidates toward the development of new energetic polymers due to the synthetic versatility of norbornene ring-opening metathesis polymerizations used in commercial applications. We report the synthesis of two energetic norbornene materials that can be made in two steps with modest yields, containing either trinitroethanol or fluorodinitroethanol substituents. The norbornene monomers were then polymerized, and the polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), contact angle measurements, and proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies ( 1 H and 13 C{ 1 H} NMR). Additionally, small-scale safety data consisting of electrostatic discharge (ESD), friction (FS), and impact (IS) sensitivities were measured for the norbornene monomers and their resulting polymers. These analyses revealed that energetic norbornene materials are relatively insensitive and have densities comparable to that of TNT (1.47–1.81 g·cm –3 ).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE

Dynamic control of quantum phases in two-dimensional materials via Floquet engineering

The dynamical engineering of quantum states through periodic optical driving, known as Floquet engineering, has emerged as a powerful frontier in condensed matter physics, offering a pathway to realize material properties inaccessible in static equilibrium. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent theoretical and experimental advances in the optical manipulation of two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials. We begin by systematically reviewing the evolution of the field from its pioneering applications in graphene and twisted moiré superlattices, highlighting the experimental realization of the light-induced anomalous Hall effect (AHE) to the complex spin-valley physics in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Furthermore, we briefly examine recent advances in 2D magnetic materials, demonstrating how optical driving can actively compete with intrinsic magnetism to dynamically switch magnetic orders and topological invariants. Moreover, we discuss the emerging frontiers of multi-frequency driving, quantum optimal control theory (QOCT), and ultrafast lightwave electronics. We highlight how tailored waveforms, such as bicircular light fields, and sub-cycle attosecond control can selectively break spatial symmetries to generate novel nonlinear photocurrents, mitigate dissipation, and extend the boundaries of quantum control well beyond the perturbative steady-state regime. Finally, we summarize the key experimental challenges for Floquet engineering, including effects such as heating and scattering, which limit coherent quantum control.

Wang, Wenpeng [Northeastern University, Shenyang,

High‐Loading Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries with Solvent‐Free Dry‐Electrode Processing

Abstract Lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, with their high energy density, nontoxicity, and the natural abundance of sulfur, hold immense potential as the next‐generation energy storage technology. To maximize the actual energy density of the Li‐S batteries for practical applications, it is crucial to escalate the areal capacity of the sulfur cathode by fabricating an electrode with high sulfur loading. Herein, ultra‐high sulfur loading (up to 12 mg cm −2 ) cathodes are fabricated through an industrially viable and sustainable solvent‐free dry‐processing method that utilizes a polytetrafluoroethylene binder fibrillation. Due to its low porosity cathode architecture formed by the binder fibrillation process, the dry‐processed electrodes exhibit a relatively lower initial capacity compared to the slurry‐processed electrode. However, its mechanical stability is well maintained throughout the cycling without the formation of electrode cracking, demonstrating significantly superior cycling stability. Additionally, through the optimization of the dry‐processing, a single‐layer pouch cell with a loading of 9 mg cm −2 and a novel multi‐layer pouch cell that uses an aluminum mesh as its current collector with a total loading of 14 mg cm −2 are introduced. To address the reduced initial capacity of dry‐processed electrodes, strategies such as incorporating electrocatalysts or employing prelithiated active materials are suggested.

Chemistry

Contrasting structural reversibility and magnetic correlations in isostructural honeycomb magnets CrCl3 and 𝛼−RuCl3

We report a comparative neutron single crystal diffraction study of the structural and magnetic properties of layered halides CrCl3 and 𝛼−RuCl3. They host a honeycomb arrangement of transition metal ions with distinct electronic configurations and undergo a first-order structural transition between high-temperature 𝐶⁢2/𝑚 and low-temperature 𝑅⁢‾‾‾3. Both compounds show a step-like change in the 𝑐-lattice parameter across the structure transition. In contrast, the in-plane lattice response is quite different: 𝛼−RuCl3 exhibits an abrupt hysteretic change across the transition accompanied by progressive crystalline degradation upon thermal cycling, whereas CrCl3 shows a smooth in-plane lattice evolution and remains structurally robust. Magnetically, CrCl3 orders into an A-type antiferromagnetic structure at 𝑇𝑁=14 K and exhibits pronounced diffuse magnetic scattering extending up to about 40 K. 𝛼−RuCl3 shows no observable magnetic diffuse scattering above its zigzag antiferromagnetic ordering temperature 𝑇𝑁=7.6 K. These results suggest that the contrasting structural responses arise from an interplay between interlayer sliding energetics, stacking-strain coupling, and elastic accommodation of the stacking transition. The distinct chemical bonding and electronic configurations of the two compounds provide a microscopic basis for their different lattice responses to the structure transition and magnetic correlations.

Morgan, Zachary [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000243625911)

Mechanochemically responsive polymer enables shockwave visualization

Abstract Understanding the physical and chemical response of materials to impulsive deformation is crucial for applications ranging from soft robotic locomotion to space exploration to seismology. However, investigating material properties at extreme strain rates remains challenging due to temporal and spatial resolution limitations. Combining high-strain-rate testing with mechanochemistry encodes the molecular-level deformation within the material itself, thus enabling the direct quantification of the material response. Here, we demonstrate a mechanophore-functionalized block copolymer that self-reports energy dissipation mechanisms, such as bond rupture and acoustic wave dissipation, in response to high-strain-rate impacts. A microprojectile accelerated towards the polymer permanently deforms the material at a shallow depth. At intersonic velocities, the polymer reports significant subsurface energy absorption due to shockwave attenuation, a mechanism traditionally considered negligible compared to plasticity and not well explored in polymers. The acoustic wave velocity of the material is directly recovered from the mechanochemically-activated subsurface volume recorded in the material, which is validated by simulations, theory, and acoustic measurements. This integration of mechanochemistry with microballistic testing enables characterization of high-strain-rate mechanical properties and elucidates important insights applicable to nanomaterials, particle-reinforced composites, and biocompatible polymers.

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Comprehensive structural characterization of charged polymers involved in moisture-driven direct air capture

This study provides a comprehensive structural characterization of commercially available alkaline anion-exchange polymers (Fumasep FAA-3 and IRA 900) used in moisture-driven direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. Using X-ray diffraction, SAXS/WAXS, atomic force microscopy, FIB-SEM, and transmission electron microscopy, the authors identify nanoscale clustering, porosity, swelling behavior, and humidity-dependent structural changes that influence CO₂ adsorption and release. These findings establish structure–function relationships critical for designing more durable and energy-efficient DAC polymer materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE

Detecting Magnon-phonon coupling in yttrium iron garnet with variable temperature STEM-EELS

Magnons, quanta of spin wave excitations in magnetically ordered materials, have been identified as candidates for several potentially transformative technologies in recent years. Macroscopic techniques, such as neutron scattering or Raman spectroscopy, can be used to identify and analyze magnons, but provide relatively delocalized information about the sample. Understanding how the bonding and local structure of a material interacts with, and influences, the magnon population in a material is a crucial step toward the ability to produce any real-world application utilizing magnons. By leveraging the combined spatial resolution of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and the energy resolution of monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) nanoscale analysis of magnons can be performed. While the weak interaction of magnons with the electron beam makes magnon EELS challenging on reasonable timescales, magnon-phonon coupling can be leveraged to understand magnons through their effect on the more easily measured phonons. Here, we examine yttrium iron garnet (YIG) flakes, and demonstrate non-linear, temperature-dependent shifts in the phonon frequencies, consistent with previously described magnon-phonon coupling effects. The ability to measure the temperature-dependence of vibrational frequencies with high precision in individual nanoscale flakes, demonstrates the ability to study magnon-phonon coupling in the STEM with unprecedented spatial resolution.

Reifsnyder, Alexander [ORNL]