Showing papers by "Wichita State University published in 2020"

Toxicity of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles: a review

Abstract: Nanotechnology has recently found applications in many fields such as consumer products, medicine and environment Nanoparticles display unique properties and vary widely according to their dimensions, morphology, composition, agglomeration and uniformity states Nanomaterials include carbon-based nanoparticles, metal-based nanoparticles, organic-based nanoparticles and composite-based nanoparticles The increasing production and use of nanoparticles result in higher exposure to humans and the environment, thus raising issues of toxicity Here we review the properties, applications and toxicity of metal and non-metal-based nanoparticles Nanoparticles are likely to be accumulated in sensitive organs such as heart, liver, spleen, kidney and brain after inhalation, ingestion and skin contact In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that exposure to nanoparticles could induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is a predominant mechanism leading to toxicity Excessive production of ROS causes oxidative stress, inflammation and subsequent damage to proteins, cell membranes and DNA ROS production induced by nanoparticles is controlled by size, shape, surface, composition, solubility, aggregation and particle uptake The toxicity of a metallic nanomaterial may differ depending on the oxidation state, ligands, solubility and morphology, and on environmental and health conditions

Volume I. Introduction to DUNE

Abstract: The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay—these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions as it searches for leptonic charge-parity symmetry violation, stands ready to capture supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. The DUNE far detector technical design report (TDR) describes the DUNE physics program and the technical designs of the single- and dual-phase DUNE liquid argon TPC far detector modules. This TDR is intended to justify the technical choices for the far detector that flow down from the high-level physics goals through requirements at all levels of the Project. Volume I contains an executive summary that introduces the DUNE science program, the far detector and the strategy for its modular designs, and the organization and management of the Project. The remainder of Volume I provides more detail on the science program that drives the choice of detector technologies and on the technologies themselves. It also introduces the designs for the DUNE near detector and the DUNE computing model, for which DUNE is planning design reports. Volume II of this TDR describes DUNE's physics program in detail. Volume III describes the technical coordination required for the far detector design, construction, installation, and integration, and its organizational structure. Volume IV describes the single-phase far detector technology. A planned Volume V will describe the dual-phase technology.

3C-like protease inhibitors block coronavirus replication in vitro and improve survival in MERS-CoV-infected mice.

Abstract: Pathogenic coronaviruses are a major threat to global public health, as exemplified by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We describe herein the structure-guided optimization of a series of inhibitors of the coronavirus 3C-like protease (3CLpro), an enzyme essential for viral replication. The optimized compounds were effective against several human coronaviruses including MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 in an enzyme assay and in cell-based assays using Huh-7 and Vero E6 cell lines. Two selected compounds showed antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in cultured primary human airway epithelial cells. In a mouse model of MERS-CoV infection, administration of a lead compound 1 day after virus infection increased survival from 0 to 100% and reduced lung viral titers and lung histopathology. These results suggest that this series of compounds has the potential to be developed further as antiviral drugs against human coronaviruses.

Volume IV. The DUNE far detector single-phase technology

Abstract: The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay—these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. DUNE is an international world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions as it searches for leptonic charge-parity symmetry violation, stands ready to capture supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. Central to achieving DUNE's physics program is a far detector that combines the many tens-of-kiloton fiducial mass necessary for rare event searches with sub-centimeter spatial resolution in its ability to image those events, allowing identification of the physics signatures among the numerous backgrounds. In the single-phase liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC) technology, ionization charges drift horizontally in the liquid argon under the influence of an electric field towards a vertical anode, where they are read out with fine granularity. A photon detection system supplements the TPC, directly enhancing physics capabilities for all three DUNE physics drivers and opening up prospects for further physics explorations. The DUNE far detector technical design report (TDR) describes the DUNE physics program and the technical designs of the single- and dual-phase DUNE liquid argon TPC far detector modules. Volume IV presents an overview of the basic operating principles of a single-phase LArTPC, followed by a description of the DUNE implementation. Each of the subsystems is described in detail, connecting the high-level design requirements and decisions to the overriding physics goals of DUNE.

The Green Print: Advancement of Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare

Abstract: Healthcare is a major emitter of environmental pollutants that adversely affect health. Within the healthcare community, awareness of these effects is low, and recognition of the duty to address them is only beginning to gain traction. Healthcare sustainability science explores dimensions of resource consumption and environmental emissions associated with healthcare activities. This emerging field provides tools and metrics to quantify the unintended consequences of healthcare delivery and evaluate effective approaches that improve patient safety while protecting public health. This narrative review describes the scope of healthcare sustainability research, identifies knowledge gaps, introduces a framework for applications of existing research methods and tools to the healthcare context, and establishes research priorities to improve the environmental performance of healthcare services. The framework was developed through review of the current state of healthcare sustainability science and expert consensus by the Working Group for Environmental Sustainability in Clinical Care. Key recommendations include: development of a comprehensive life cycle inventory database for medical devices and drugs; application of standardized sustainability performance metrics at the clinician, hospital/health system, and national levels; revision of infection control standards driving non-evidence-based uptake of single-use disposable devices; call for increased federal research funding; and formation of a Global Commission on the Advancement of Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare. There is an urgent need for research that informs policy and practice to address the public health crisis arising from healthcare pollution. A transformational vision is required to align research priorities to achieve a sustainable healthcare system that advances quality, safety and value.

Long-baseline neutrino oscillation physics potential of the DUNE experiment

Abstract: The sensitivity of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) to neutrino oscillation is determined, based on a full simulation, reconstruction, and event selection of the far detector and a full simulation and parameterized analysis of the near detector. Detailed uncertainties due to the flux prediction, neutrino interaction model, and detector effects are included. DUNE will resolve the neutrino mass ordering to a precision of 5σ, for all δCP values, after 2 years of running with the nominal detector design and beam configuration. It has the potential to observe charge-parity violation in the neutrino sector to a precision of 3σ (5σ) after an exposure of 5 (10) years, for 50% of all δCP values. It will also make precise measurements of other parameters governing long-baseline neutrino oscillation, and after an exposure of 15 years will achieve a similar sensitivity to sin 22 θ13 to current reactor experiments.

Soft, wireless periocular wearable electronics for real-time detection of eye vergence in a virtual reality toward mobile eye therapies

Abstract: Recent advancements in electronic packaging and image processing techniques have opened the possibility for optics-based portable eye tracking approaches, but technical and safety hurdles limit safe implementation toward wearable applications. Here, we introduce a fully wearable, wireless soft electronic system that offers a portable, highly sensitive tracking of eye movements (vergence) via the combination of skin-conformal sensors and a virtual reality system. Advancement of material processing and printing technologies based on aerosol jet printing enables reliable manufacturing of skin-like sensors, while the flexible hybrid circuit based on elastomer and chip integration allows comfortable integration with a user's head. Analytical and computational study of a data classification algorithm provides a highly accurate tool for real-time detection and classification of ocular motions. In vivo demonstration with 14 human subjects captures the potential of the wearable electronics as a portable therapy system, whose minimized form factor facilitates seamless interplay with traditional wearable hardware.

Aluminium in human brain tissue from donors without neurodegenerative disease: A comparison with Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and autism

Abstract: A burgeoning number of studies are demonstrating aluminium in human brain tissue. While research has both quantified and imaged aluminium in human brain tissue in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disease there are few similar data for brain tissue from non-neurologically impaired donors. We have used microwave assisted acid digestion and transversely heated graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry to measure aluminium in twenty brains from donors without recognisable neurodegenerative disease. The aluminium content of 191 tissue samples was invariably low with over 80% of tissues having an aluminium content below 1.0 μg/g dry weight of tissue. The data for these control tissues were compared with data (measured using identical procedures) for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, familial Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis. Detailed statistical analyses showed that aluminium was significantly increased in each of these disease groups compared to control tissues. We have confirmed previous conclusions that the aluminium content of brain tissue in Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis is significantly elevated. Further research is required to understand the role played by high levels of aluminium in the aetiology of human neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disease.

Mars Extant Life: What's Next? Conference Report.

Abstract: On November 5–8, 2019, the “Mars Extant Life: What's Next?” conference was convened in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The conference gathered a community of actively publishing experts in disciplines relate...

Investigating the effects of metallic submicron and nanofilms on fiber-reinforced composites for lightning strike protection and EMI shielding

Abstract: Lightning strike protection (LSP) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding topics have been extensively investigated, since composite material was first introduced to an aircraft a few decades ago. Generally, electrically and thermally conductive materials, such as metallic foils, metal mesh, ply-integrated interwoven wires, a continuous conductive path of low-resistance materials, and highly conductive nanoparticles and nanoflakes are used to dissipate the high-density current, shockwaves, electromagnetic forces/charges, and heat generated during lightning strikes. This study deals with the fabrication of pre-impregnated (prepreg) composite structures of carbon and glass fibers incorporated with submicron and nanoscale gold (Ag), silver (Au), aluminum (Al), and copper (Cu) films on top of composite surfaces during the curing process, and determining the effectiveness of LSP and EMI shielding. Initially, electrical conductivity experiments were conducted on composite test coupons and the electrical properties investigated under tensile loadings within the elastic regions of the composites. Test results indicated that the surface resistivity did not change much under the tensile loads. EMI shielding tests confirmed that noise was not audible on an AM radio because of the metallic submicron and nanoscale film surfaces on the composites. During lightning strike tests, a high current of 200-k amps was applied on the surface of the composite structures. The LSP test indicated that after the lightning strike, the resulting damage on both sides of the fiber composite was considerably low due to the metallic films co-cured on the fiber-reinforced composites. An increase in current with the metallic films certainly helped to reduce damage to the composites and avionics systems after lightning strike tests.

First results on ProtoDUNE-SP liquid argon time projection chamber performance from a beam test at the CERN Neutrino Platform

Abstract: The ProtoDUNE-SP detector is a single-phase liquid argon time projection chamber with an active volume of 7.2× 6.1× 7.0 m3. It is installed at the CERN Neutrino Platform in a specially-constructed beam that delivers charged pions, kaons, protons, muons and electrons with momenta in the range 0.3 GeV/c to 7 GeV/c. Beam line instrumentation provides accurate momentum measurements and particle identification. The ProtoDUNE-SP detector is a prototype for the first far detector module of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, and it incorporates full-size components as designed for that module. This paper describes the beam line, the time projection chamber, the photon detectors, the cosmic-ray tagger, the signal processing and particle reconstruction. It presents the first results on ProtoDUNE-SP's performance, including noise and gain measurements, dE/dx calibration for muons, protons, pions and electrons, drift electron lifetime measurements, and photon detector noise, signal sensitivity and time resolution measurements. The measured values meet or exceed the specifications for the DUNE far detector, in several cases by large margins. ProtoDUNE-SP's successful operation starting in 2018 and its production of large samples of high-quality data demonstrate the effectiveness of the single-phase far detector design.

Assessment of COVID-19 Knowledge Among University Students: Implications for Future Risk Communication Strategies.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe population knowledge and beliefs about COVID-19 and current social media coverage to address a gap in what is known about risk communication during health crises. A survey with 27 questions was developed. Twenty-three percent (N = 1,136) of respondents started the survey. Less than half of the students reported a high health literacy level (43%, n = 365/855). When asked where students have heard about COVID-19, the majority reported the Internet and social media. Students reported a basic level of COVID-19 knowledge, but few students (18%, n = 173/966) correctly identified all three signs and/or symptoms of COVID-19. Results highlight the need for an increased public health presence on social media and the urgent need to remain diligent in educating community members about COVID-19 myths.

Revealing nitrogen-containing species in commercial catalysts used for ammonia electrosynthesis

Abstract: Stimulated by the growing demand for sustainable and/or economical distributed ammonia synthesis, the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction has attracted considerable interest. The nitrogen-containing impurities in commercial metal-based nitrogen reduction reaction catalysts such as metal oxides and metallic irons have, however, been overlooked. Herein we report the presence of nitrogen-containing species in NOx− or nitrides at substantial levels revealed from many commercial catalysts. We call attention to the necessity to screen the NOx−/nitrides impurities in commercial catalysts, as the nitrogen impurities are not commonly listed in vendors’ assay documents. A simple two-step procedure (alkaline/acidic treatment followed by HPLC/UV–vis analysis) is recommended as a reliable protocol for screening NOx−/nitrides impurities in catalyst materials. A case analysis is also carried out on the previously reported H2O–NaOH–KOH system with both 15N-isotopic labelling and nitrogen elemental tracking, reassigning the true nitrogen source of the electrochemically produced NH3 from gaseous N2 to nitrogen-containing impurities in catalysts. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction has recently attracted significant interest, but the true source of ammonia formation remains sometimes unclear. This Analysis reports a systematic investigation of the presence of nitrogen-containing species in a number of commercial catalysts, revealing substantial levels of NOx− and nitrides impurities for some of them.

The measurement of effectuation: highlighting research tensions and opportunities for the future

Abstract: In this paper, we address issues related to the measurement of effectuation. We identify and examine 81 empirical studies focusing on research tensions (fundamental assumptions, theoretical underpinnings, boundary conditions, units of analyses, measures, and temporal issues) within the effectuation literature. Our findings suggest these tensions inhibit the accumulation of empirical knowledge. We highlight the challenges involved in effectively measuring effectuation and offer solutions and recommendations for systematic knowledge accumulation.

The updated BaSTI stellar evolution models and isochrones: II. alpha-enhanced calculations

Abstract: This is the second paper of a series devoted to present an updated release of the BaSTI ( a Bag of Stellar Tracks and Isochrones) stellar model and isochrone library. Following the publication of the updated solar scaled library, here we present the library for a $\alpha-$enhanced heavy element distribution. These new alpha-enhanced models account for all improvements and updates in the reference solar metal distribution and physics inputs, as in the new solar scaled library. The models cover a mass range between 0.1 and $15~M_{\odot}$, 18 metallicities between [Fe/H]=-3.20 and +0.06 with [alpha/Fe]=+0.4 , and a helium to metal enrichment ratio Delta{Y}\Delta{Z}=1.31. For each metallicity, He-enhanced stellar models are also provided. The isochrones cover (typically) an age range between 20Myr and 14.5Gyr, including consistently the pre-main sequence phase. Asteroseismic properties of the theoretical models have also been calculated. Models and isochrones have been compared with results from independent calculations, with the previous BaSTI release, and also with selected observations, to test the accuracy/reliability of these new calculations. All stellar evolution tracks, asteroseismic properties and isochrones are made publicly available at this http URL

DeepSuccinylSite: a deep learning based approach for protein succinylation site prediction

Abstract: Protein succinylation has recently emerged as an important and common post-translation modification (PTM) that occurs on lysine residues. Succinylation is notable both in its size (e.g., at 100 Da, it is one of the larger chemical PTMs) and in its ability to modify the net charge of the modified lysine residue from + 1 to − 1 at physiological pH. The gross local changes that occur in proteins upon succinylation have been shown to correspond with changes in gene activity and to be perturbed by defects in the citric acid cycle. These observations, together with the fact that succinate is generated as a metabolic intermediate during cellular respiration, have led to suggestions that protein succinylation may play a role in the interaction between cellular metabolism and important cellular functions. For instance, succinylation likely represents an important aspect of genomic regulation and repair and may have important consequences in the etiology of a number of disease states. In this study, we developed DeepSuccinylSite, a novel prediction tool that uses deep learning methodology along with embedding to identify succinylation sites in proteins based on their primary structure. Using an independent test set of experimentally identified succinylation sites, our method achieved efficiency scores of 79%, 68.7% and 0.48 for sensitivity, specificity and MCC respectively, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.8. In side-by-side comparisons with previously described succinylation predictors, DeepSuccinylSite represents a significant improvement in overall accuracy for prediction of succinylation sites. Together, these results suggest that our method represents a robust and complementary technique for advanced exploration of protein succinylation.

Engineered nanomaterials in the environment: bioaccumulation, biomagnification and biotransformation

Abstract: Engineered nanomaterial manufacturing and usage have been increasing in commercial products. There were 1814 nanotechnological consumer products available in the market in March 2015. Nanomaterials can accumulate, transform and increase in concentrations in biological systems. Nanomaterials offer many benefits over traditional materials, yet their small size also increases their toxicity. Bioaccumulation of nanomaterials begins with nanoparticle accumulation in the organism, then biomagnification follows in the predatory organism. Biotransformation is the last stage, whereby the chemical concentration of toxins in the organism exceeds that in the environment. Here, we review the interaction of nanomaterials with biological substances. It has been observed that the effects of nanomaterials begin at the bottom of the food chain and move all the way through the human body. We have summarized the mechanisms of interaction between engineered nanomaterials and the environment.

Neutrino interaction classification with a convolutional neural network in the DUNE far detector

Abstract: The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment is a next-generation neutrino oscillation experiment that aims to measure $CP$-violation in the neutrino sector as part of a wider physics program. A deep learning approach based on a convolutional neural network has been developed to provide highly efficient and pure selections of electron neutrino and muon neutrino charged-current interactions. The electron neutrino (antineutrino) selection efficiency peaks at 90% (94%) and exceeds 85% (90%) for reconstructed neutrino energies between 2-5 GeV. The muon neutrino (antineutrino) event selection is found to have a maximum efficiency of 96% (97%) and exceeds 90% (95%) efficiency for reconstructed neutrino energies above 2 GeV. When considering all electron neutrino and antineutrino interactions as signal, a selection purity of 90% is achieved. These event selections are critical to maximize the sensitivity of the experiment to $CP$-violating effects.

Preparation of activated carbon using fruit, paper and clothing wastes for wastewater treatment

Abstract: The scarcity of clean drinking water is one of the biggest issues in the world and will be the most studied subject along with food and energy in the near future. Some freshwater sources are contaminated with sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorous, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. Desalination is a solution to this water problem, but it is costly and time-consuming. Thus, there is a growing need for developing an inexpensive water treatment process for various contaminated freshwater sources. The objective of this study was to develop an inexpensive and sustainable processes for cleaning lake water and other drinking water sources using waste materials. Here, old clothes, wastepaper, and fruit waste, such as date and olive seeds, were pelletized, carbonized, and activated to produce activated carbons. Chemical activation was performed using zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Additionally, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were performed to determine the surface area, morphology, and porosity of the produced activated carbon. From BET surface area analysis, it can be seen that activated carbon produced from wastepaper and cotton with ZnCl2 activation provided better values (1496.97 m2/g and 1293.02 m2/g). According to the pore volume analysis, activated carbon produced from cotton with ZnCl2 activation provided higher values (0.68654 cm3/g). This system is a promising approach for wastewater treatment and future commercialization.

Investigating the effects of surface superhydrophobicity on moisture ingression of nanofiber-reinforced bio-composite structures

Abstract: Superhydrophobic coatings have been involved in many industrial applications because they exhibit high water repellency. These coatings can usually improve the surface properties of materials by reducing corrosion, adhesion, deicing, defrosting, and wetting, and increasing self-cleaning. In this study, superhydrophobic coatings were applied on the surfaces of carbon, Kevlar, and glass fiber composites to eliminate the absorption of moisture into the composite structures. The superhydrophobic coatings consist of two coats: bottom (or base) and top. The coated composite coupons were subjected to moisture ingression tests in deionized water until the samples reach their moisture equilibrium, which may vary between 4 and 6 weeks, and then the ingression tests were compared with the bare composite coupons. The water contact angles (WCAs) and thicknesses of the composite samples were measured at the beginning and end of the tests. The moisture gain of all composite coupons was measured as a function of immersion times. Heat treatment tests were performed on the samples to observe the moisture gain. In order to characterize the coated surfaces, WCA tests and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analyses were also conducted. Test results demonstrated that when the surface of composites was coated with superhydrophobic coatings, the moisture absorption was much less in comparison to the non-coated composite coupons. This study can provide several benefits to the composite industry in general, and the aircraft and wind turbine industries in particular, in terms of moisture elimination, weight savings, and structural integrity of composites.

Adjusting neutrino interaction models and evaluating uncertainties using NOvA near detector data

Abstract: The two-detector design of the NOvA neutrino oscillation experiment, in which two functionally identical detectors are exposed to an intense neutrino beam, aids in canceling leading order effects of cross-section uncertainties. However, limited knowledge of neutrino interaction cross sections still gives rise to some of the largest systematic uncertainties in current oscillation measurements. We show contemporary models of neutrino interactions to be discrepant with data from NOvA, consistent with discrepancies seen in other experiments. Adjustments to neutrino interaction models in GENIE are presented, creating an effective model that improves agreement with our data. We also describe systematic uncertainties on these models, including uncertainties on multi-nucleon interactions from a newly developed procedure using NOvA near detector data.

Repairing of exit-hole in dissimilar Al-Mg friction stir welding: process and microstructural pattern

Abstract: The exit-hole is one major discontinuities in the friction based processes, where all the volume of the tool’s probe is missing with a depth that corresponds to the full thickness of the processed component. This letter presents a new technique to repair the exit-hole of an Al-Mg friction stir welding, without any third body material with inexpensive probeless tooling, inducing forging, stirring, and thermomechanical consolidation of the local spot joint. Intercalated banned type structures with interpenetrating features were achieved. Composite type mixed structure was obtained at repaired zone with a local tensile strength of 159 MPa.