The Effect of Graphite Nanoplatelets on the Barrier and Mechanical Properties of LLDPE Films

Polymer nanocomposites for packaging applications have gained significant research interest over the previous decade. More recently, graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) have attracted interest as potential multipurpose fillers in polymer matrices because of their superb mechanical, thermal, and gas barrier properties that could potentially be transferred to a polymer composite at relatively low loadings. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect that GNP had on the mechanical and barrier properties of 3.5 ± 0.4 mil Dow® Elite™ 5230G Enhanced Polyethylene (EPE) films that were produced by letting down a 20% GNP filled Dow® Elite™ 5230G masterbatch into a base of 5230G resin via a 24:1 single screw cast film extruder. Films were extruded into batches consisting of 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, and 5.0 % by weight of graphite nanoplatelet content as well as a 0.0% control film batch. Optical microscopy revealed poor distribution as well as regions of agglomeration due to a lack of shear provided by single screw extrusion and poor distribution of GNP in the masterbatch. X-ray diffraction results revealed that the films displayed a phase separated morphology, without intercalation or exfoliation of GNP throughout the films. TEM imagery revealed that agglomerations existed in the film and masterbatch samples, but small isolated regions of exfoliated graphite were also present. DSC analysis revealed that the presence of GNP in the matrix acted as a nucleation aid for the LLDPE structure, where cold crystallization occurred 8.0°C higher in the 0.5% film sample and at a maximum of 11.0° C higher in the 5.0% sample. The LDPE crystallinity remained unchanged. OTR results indicated a reduction in oxygen transmission with increasing GNP content. The maximum reduction of OTR was found in the 5.0 % sample, where the OTR was reduced from 166.4019 ± 2.434 CC / [100in² - day] to 135.2405 ± 7.38 CC / [100in² - day]. WVTR results displayed no significant changes with added GNP content. Tensile analysis revealed a reduction in the plasticity of the films with added GNP content. Increases in 1.0% Secant moduli were observed in all samples containing GNP content, with a maximum increase of 87.5% in the 2.0% GNP sample in the MD and 94.3% in the TD. Insignificant changes in tensile strength were observed in both the MD and TD. Puncture resistance testing displayed similar reductions in compressive extension prior to puncture in samples containing GNP content. The reductions in elongations during puncture and tensile testing may be due to the GNP reducing polymer mobility, while the reduction in tensile strength and puncture resistance is likely due to an inhomogeneous distribution of GNP agglomerates within the matrix, leading to premature cracking and subsequent failure. These agglomerates are likely present due to inhomogeneous distribution of GNP in the masterbatch and lack of shear applied by single screw extrusion

First-Year Writers and Intermodality: A Case Study of Educational Experiences with Multimodal Composition

This case study investigates students’ experiences with multimodal composition in our current technological moment; furthermore, this dissertation reaches beyond scholarly characterizations of multimodal composition, including the multimodality myth, by emphasizing student conceptions of composing, especially ones privileging both audio and visual modes of production. The multimodality myth spreads believable half-truths and presumptions about digital composition and multimodal composition more generally, creating impossible expectations for students and teachers alike, such as writers can choose to be multimodal, multimodality is all-digital or everything non-print, or multiliteracies are either print or digital but never both/and. To redirect the myth to more progressive ends, this project argues that writers are always already intermodal, incapable of switching off or mentally separating their multimodal means of communication and, building on that knowledge, posits that multimodal composition exceeds the digital and that multiliteracies, which directly inform the use of multimodal composition in the field, resist the print/digital binary. Paying close attention to theories of crossover, transfer, and intercultural communication, this case study builds upon the arguments of Rhetoric and Composition scholars Ben McCorkle and Jason Palmeri, who model methods for remix as an analytical framework, as well as Jody Shipka, who argues that academic conversations about multimodality often exclude materiality. This project demonstrates how theories underlying multimodal composition pedagogy and application depend on restricted views of the rhetorical situation more generally, one that is defined not by singular modes of production (audio or video) but by the interplay among the varied, uneven, and perpetually converging modalities that constitute intermodality. To support this theory of intermodal composition, this dissertation draws on findings from numerous focus groups comprised of first-year-composition students, personal interviews, multimodal writing samples, and multimodal literacy narratives. Over a period of three months, the participants, who were first-year students, described their experiences with writing, production, and communication more generally in the age of social media. These transcripts were analyzed to re-contextualize existing theories of composition and pedagogical conditions for our students in a fashion that reimagines what it means to participate, compose, and advocate with multimodality in the composition classroom

Emergent Disciplines and Cultural Divisions: Melvin Kranzberg’s “Laws of Technology and New Humanities

Dating back to the dialectic between Socrates and Plato, innovative technologies have disrupted the traditions of discourse and created cultural divisions relevant to composition studies. These conversations are echoed in the Twentieth Century through the work of Melvin Kranzberg. Looking to the future, he sought to record the history of technology to maintain the constant upsurge of innovation. Like Kranzberg’s history of technology, the field of rhetoric and composition and this thesis seek to define technology and understand its value in order to navigate and interrogate effectively the deluge of twenty-first-century new media. Kranzberg—like many scholars in computers and composition—utilized various rhetorics to advocate for technological literacy despite its unpopularity in the academy

The anti-obesogenic effects of nitric oxide.

Obesity is a strong risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and has quickly reached epidemic proportions with few tangible and safe treatment options. While it is generally accepted that the primary cause of obesity is energy imbalance, i.e., more calories are consumed than are utilized, understanding how caloric balance is regulated has proven a challenge. Molecular processes and pathways that directly regulate energy metabolism represent promising targets for therapy. In particular, nitric oxide (NO) is emerging as a central regulator of energy metabolism and body composition. NO bioavailability is decreased in animal models of obesity and in obese and insulin resistant patients, and increasing NO output has remarkable effects on obesity and insulin resistance. Additionally, deletion of eNOS (the source of NO in the vasculature) is associated with adiposity, insulin resistance and impaired fatty acid oxidation. The role of eNOS in regulating metabolism, however, is not well understood. We propose that decreased vascular-derived NO bioavailability during nutrient excess is a critical development that leads to metabolic dysregulation. The studies presented here show that obesity induces severe metabolic changes in adipose tissue including profound decreases in eNOS abundance. Overexpression of eNOS prevents obesity and its related metabolic alterations while causing significant changes in energy expenditure and systemic metabolism. Our findings reveal potent anti-obesogenic effects of NO and demonstrate a significant role for NO in regulating metabolism

Path Analysis of Psychological Factors Associated with Medication Adherence for Individuals with Chronic Diseases

The 100 million U. S. residents with hypertension or diabetes generally struggle with medication adherence (MA). On average, 65% refer to themselves as nonadherent in some way, complicating attempts to ascertain the benefits of medical care to reduce morbidity and morality. It is important, therefore, to ask why patients are not taking effective medications. In answering this question, there is some evidence that individuals dismiss the long-term benefits of better nutrition or lifestyle choices due to the asymptomatic or silent nature of chronic diseases (Takiya, Peterson, & Finley, 2004). Nonetheless, there has been limited progresss in targetting barriers based on demographic and biomedical factors, because they have not been modifiable predictors of adherence. Clinicians have been looking more to internal phenomena for motivational impetus to meet treatment demands. This community-based observational study evaluated statistical associations of three psychological constructs, time perspective (TP), health beliefs, and health locus of control beliefs on MA for 79 participants using data accessed with permission from the Clinical Trial and Outcomes Branch of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Path analysis tested the direct effect of TP on MA and the indirect of TP through mediators. Results showed that failure to complete drug regimens is a reality for over 50% of participants. The psychological pathways exhibited some influence in observed medication adherence, but required further manipulation to determine the model of direct and indirect effects between variables. Most notably, analyses did not dectect any direct effect from either future or present-hedonistic time perspective, where older age and greater internal locus of control directly predicted better drug use. Internal locus of control outperformed all other predictors- an increase by a single unit contributed to a 0.77 standard deviation change in the probability of individuals having higher MA. Among indirect effect tests, individuals\u27 internal loci of control also mediated the effect of time perspective on adhrenece. Both present-hedonistic and future outlooks operated through the mediator to boost prescription drug use. The current study provides the first categrocial data model of the strength and direction of simultaneous associations between the described psychological pathways and adherence

Brief of Amici Curiae Intellectual Property Law Professors in Support of Appellant/Cross-Appellee New Life Art, Inc. and Daniel A. Moore and Affirmance in Part

The District Court properly held that New Life Art’s (“New Life”) creative works do not infringe the University of Alabama’s (“the University”) rights in the trade dress of its football uniforms, including the their crimson and white colors. First, New Life’s realistic depiction of the University’s football games is not likely to confuse consumers about the source of New Life’s goods, or as to the University’s sponsorship of or affiliation with those goods. Confusion is actionable under the Lanham Act only when it relates to these types of source relationships, and not when consumers merely recognize the plaintiff’s mark. Second, even if some amount of confusion about a relationship between the University and New Life did exist, that confusion would be irrelevant if it was unlikely to affect consumers’ decisions to purchase art from New Life Art. Third, the District Court rightly held that the University’s football uniforms and colors are aesthetically functional as used by New Life. Fourth, and finally, New Life’s expressive works are protected under the First Amendment and cannot be deemed infringing

Rigor Me This: What Are the Basic Criteria for a Rigorous, Transparent, and Reproducible Scientific Study?

Scientific advancement is predicated upon the ability of a novel discovery to be independently reproduced and substantiated by others. Despite this inherent necessity, the research community is awash in published studies that cannot be replicated resulting in widespread confusion within the field and waning trust from the general public. In many cases, irreproducibility is the unavoidable consequence of a study that is conducted without the appropriate degree of rigor, typified by fundamental flaws in approach, design, execution, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Combatting the irreproducibility pandemic in preclinical research is of urgent concern and is the primary responsibility of individual investigators, however there are important roles to be played by institutions, journals, government entities, and funding agencies as well. Herein, we provide an updated review of established rigor criteria pertaining to both in vitro and in vivo studies compiled from multiple sources across the research enterprise and present a practical checklist as a straightforward reference guide. It is our hope that this review may serve as an approachable resource for early career and experienced investigators alike, as they strive to improve all aspects of their scientific endeavors

Pathogenic germline variants in patients with features of hereditary renal cell carcinoma: Evidence for further locus heterogeneity

Inherited renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with multiple familial cancer syndromes but most individuals with features of non-syndromic inherited RCC do not harbor variants in the most commonly tested renal cancer predisposition genes (CPGs). We investigated whether undiagnosed cases might harbor mutations in CPGs that are not routinely tested for by testing 118 individuals with features suggestive of inherited RCC (family history of RCC, two or more primary RCC aged <60 years, or early onset RCC ≤46 years) for the presence of pathogenic variants in a large panel of CPGs. All individuals had been prescreened for pathogenic variants in the major RCC genes. We detected pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants of potential clinical relevance in 16.1% (19/118) of individuals, including P/LP variants in BRIP1 (n = 4), CHEK2 (n = 3), MITF (n = 1), and BRCA1 (n = 1). Though the power to detect rare variants was limited by sample size the frequency of truncating variants in BRIP1, 4/118, was significantly higher than in controls (P = 5.92E-03). These findings suggest that the application of genetic testing for larger inherited cancer gene panels in patients with indicators of a potential inherited RCC can increase the diagnostic yield for P/LP variants. However, the clinical utility of such a diagnostic strategy requires validation and further evaluation and in particular, confirmation of rarer RCC genotype-phenotype associations is required.This article is freely available via Open Access. Click on the Publisher URL to access it via the publisher's site.Cancer Research UK H2020 European Research Council. Grant Number: OncoTreat National Institute for Health Researchpublished version, accepted version (12 month embargo), submitted versio