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Title: Investigation of Novel Solid Polymer Electrolytes and Lithium Salts for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Creator: Zhao, Wendy
Date: 2021
Description: Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are extensively used in many consumer electronic products. LIBs have great potential for application in electric...
Show moreLithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are extensively used in many consumer electronic products. LIBs have great potential for application in electric vehicles by virtue of their high power density and charge cycles. Research and development in this area has been focused on all around the globe. The major challenges include high cost, safety issues of the solvent based electrolytes, and low conductivities at ambient temperature of the solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs).This dissertation describes four novel electrolyte systems and a series of low lattice energy lithium salts synthesized and characterized for applications in LIBs. First, a new SPE has been derived from oligomeric poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-grafted crosslinked polystyrene (XPS) microspheres containing 1-2 lithium sulfonate moieties. This SPE possesses amorphous character with a glass transition temperature (Tg) around 135 ºC, displayed a good electrochemical stability with excellent ionic conductivity in excess of 10^-4 S/cm at 25ºC, and no significant thermal decomposition until 420 ºC. Second, a hybrid composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) was constructed with a gel matrix formed through hydrogen bonding by incorporating nanoparticles of fumed silica into the nanoscale network of PEO-XPS. Fumed silica with large surface modification group like polysiloxane formed an ideal gel structure offering significant high mechanical strength above 10^4 Pa, and a good ionic conductivity at 25°C. Third, a nonvolatile x-linked gel membrane electrolyte was synthesized with amino methacrylate, to introduce hemi-labile ligands as ionic liquid, into the polymer network. This new material exhibited improved salt solubility and ionic conductivity, due to the fast ligand exchange that facilitates the lithium ion structural transport, and also displayed an excellent electrochemical stability(4.8 V vs, Li/Li+). Fourth, a self-healing and thermal reversible polymer electrolyte designed based on Diels-Alder conjugation between multi-maleimides (2M-3M) and multi-furans (2F-4F) was synthesized. The reversible x-linking was realized through Diels-Alder (DA) and Retro-DA reactions by applying heating (>130°C)/cooling (<90°C) cycles. Last, new lithium salts with star and branch structures containing 1-4 of imide or methide moieties were synthesized and evaluated in PEO electrolyte system. These salts demonstrated good ambient temperature ionic conductivity at low concentrations, and the electrochemical stabilities were equal to or better than the most commonly used lithium salt, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). Synthesis and characterization, including electrochemical properties, thermal and electrochemical stabilities, mechanical behaviors and surface morphologies of these new materials are described and discussed.
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Title: ANALYTIC STUDY OF THE CELLULAR FUNCTIONS OF UBL4A
Creator: Zhang, Huaiyuan
Date: 2021
Description: Ubiquitin-like protein 4A (Ubl4A) is a small protein encoded by a “housekeeping” gene that locates on the X chromosome. As a multi-functional...
Show moreUbiquitin-like protein 4A (Ubl4A) is a small protein encoded by a “housekeeping” gene that locates on the X chromosome. As a multi-functional protein, it has roles in a variety of cellular events including anti-tumorigenesis, response to DNA damage, inhibiting the fusion between autophagosome and lysosome, and docking of the tail-anchored proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. We have previously reported that the newborns from Ubl4A-deficient mice had a high rate of mortality due to defect of AKT-dependent glucose metabolism. At the molecular level, Ubl4A directly binds with the actin related protein (Arp) 2/3 complex to accelerate the building up of the actin branching network, which further promotes the translocation and activation of the Akt, a key kinase for multiple cellular processes, from the cytosol to the plasma membrane.In further exploration of the molecular basis of Ubl4A in cell survival, here, we demonstrated that Ubl4A is critical for mitochondrial fusion and cell survival under nutrient depletion. In WT (wild-type) cells, the association of Ubl4A and the Arp2/3 complex serves as a primed “pool” of the actin branching network near mitochondria and enables mitochondria to fuse quickly for energy conservation upon starvation insult. However, such a “ready-to-go pool” of mitochondria was significantly decreased in the Ubl4A-deficient cells. As the result, the mitochondria became fragmentated, exhibited decreased trans-membrane potential, and accumulated ROS (reactive oxygen species), consequently, initiated mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. In this study, we also observed that Ubl4A-deficient mice displayed type II diabetic phenotype under a high-fat diet feeding. The preliminary results showed that these Ubl4A-deficient mice were more sensitive to glucose intolerance than their WT littermates, most likely owing to a delay in glucose uptake, and/or insulin secretion, both of which require the Arp2/3-actin branching network. We speculated that Ubl4A might be involved in cellular vesicle formation and/or secretion, but further investigation is needed to approve this hypothesis. Taken together, these findings provide a novel function of Ubl4A and further insight into the multi-functional roles of Ubl4A in mammalian cells, as well as the molecular basis for understanding the clinical relevance of Ubl4A in related human diseases.
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Title: Fate of Listeria Monocytogenes on Hard-cooked Eggs Treated With Citric Acid
Creator: Zeng, Hui
Date: 2021
Description: Commercially-prepared hard-cooked eggs are available for foodservice and to the public in retail grocers. Potential contamination with...
Show moreCommercially-prepared hard-cooked eggs are available for foodservice and to the public in retail grocers. Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes during or after the cooking and peeling steps is of concern since this pathogen can proliferate at refrigeration temperatures. Citric acid is a common preservative used in the food industry to treat hard-boiled eggs (HBEs). The purpose of this project was to evaluate the efficacy of citric acid treatment of HBEs to reduce the population levels of L. monocytogenes during 24 h (treatment trials) and 28 d storage (storage trials) at 5 or 25°C. Fresh eggs were boiled for 12 min, cooled to 4°C, peeled, and stored at 5°C for 24 h prior to experiments. In treatment trials, HBEs were dip inoculated with a 4-strain cocktail of rifampicin-resistant L. monocytogenes resulting in either 4 (low) or 7 (high) log CFU/egg. Eggs were air-dried 10 min, followed by treatment with pH 2.5 citric acid (PHCA) or 0.2 M citric acid (calculated as the molarity resulting in pH 2.5: MCA) at 5 or 25°C for 24 h. In treatment-storage trials, citric acid treatment of HBEs occurred before or after inoculation, followed by 28-d storage at 5 or 25°C. L. monocytogenes populations were enumerated by homogenization of eggs with BLEB and cultivation on BHI/rifampicin agar. Enrichment in BLEB was conducted if the pathogen was below the level of enumeration. Significant differences in the populations of L. monocytogenes due to temperature of the acid treatment (5 or 25°C) or the two citric acids (MCA and PHCA) were determined using Student’s T-test and ANOVA with Tukey’s post-test, p ≤ 0.05. Overall, the largest L. monocytogenes reduction occurred after 6 h treatment of HBEs with PHCA at 25°C (1.59 ± 0.00 log CFU/egg) and after 24 h with MCA at 5°C (1.23 ± 0.54 log CFU/egg) when the pathogen was inoculated at the low and high levels, respectively. In treatment-storage trials, citric acid treatment after HBE contamination resulted in a fewer number of samples where the pathogen was detected compared to when treatment occurred before contamination. Citric acid treatment for 24 h also resulted in a greater number of samples where L. monocytogenes was not detected than the 1 h treatment. The results of this study determined that L. monocytogenes could survive on HBEs treated with citric acid, regardless of treatment or storage temperature and acid concentration (PHCA or MCA).
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Title: Using population-level data to examine between-group health differences among transgender and cisgender United States military veterans
Creator: Woodward, Honor
Date: 2021
Description: Some subgroups of military veterans, including those with marginalized identities, may be especially vulnerable to poor health. This...
Show moreSome subgroups of military veterans, including those with marginalized identities, may be especially vulnerable to poor health. This hypothesis is supported by the Minority Stress Theory framework, which posits that disparities in health can be attributed to the stress that minority individuals experience as a result of discrimination, prejudice, and oppression (Meyer, 1995; Meyer, 2003). A specific, potentially marginalized group of veterans that is under-explored regarding health is transgender veterans. Using data from the 2019 U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), the current study hypothesized that transgender U.S. military veterans will report worse health than cisgender U.S. military veterans. Using case control matching, groups of transgender veterans (n = 124) and cisgender veterans (n = 104) were compared on several population-relevant health outcome measures. Chi-square tests of independence were conducted to test for significant differences between transgender and cisgender military veterans on the likelihood of experiencing certain health conditions, engaging in certain health behaviors, and utilizing health care services. Independent samples t-tests were used to test continuous health outcomes, such as self-reported mental health, physical health, and access to health care services. Gender identity was significantly associated with only one health outcome variable, with transgender veterans being more likely than cisgender veterans to have received a formal depression diagnosis (p = .01, phi = .17). No significant differences emerged between transgender and cisgender veterans on continuous health outcome variables. This suggests that previous literature on health disparities between transgender and cisgender individuals may not be generalizable to transgender veterans.
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Title: Frictional behavior of bronze-graphite composite as sliding element in the base isolation system
Creator: You, Da
Date: 2021
Description: There are many calamities around the world, one of the most dangerous disasters is earthquake which threatens the safety of people and the...
Show moreThere are many calamities around the world, one of the most dangerous disasters is earthquake which threatens the safety of people and the structures. Almost every year, there are a lot of property losses and casualties caused by earthquakes. To mitigate the bad effect of the earthquake, the base isolation system was proposed by previous researchers. With the contribution of many researchers, several seismic isolations have been developed. Until now, many structures have installed seismic isolations to resist seismic energy and vibration. The seismic isolation system works well during the earthquake period, and it does help reduce the casualty and property loss induced by earthquakes. There are two main types of bearings used in the seismic isolation system. One is the elastomeric bearings and the other is the sliding bearings. The mechanics of the seismic isolation system preventing the influence of the earthquake and reducing the horizontal acceleration of the structure is to elongate the natural frequency of structure. As for the sliding bearings, the simplest way to increase the period is to reduce the friction coefficient of the two sliding elements. In conventional, two stainless steel plates are commonly used in the pure flat sliding bearing. This study tries to use bronze-graphite composite in the sliding bearing to decrease the friction coefficient.Consequently, the testing results suggest that the bronze-graphite composite has a lower friction coefficient, especially the graphite acting as a lubricant. The friction coefficient of the bronze-graphite plate is in the range of 0.12 to 0.23 under the load of 160 kg - 800kg. With a higher ratio of graphite to bronze at the sliding surface, the effect of reducing the friction coefficient more obviously. And the friction coefficient changes during the increasing loads period. It decreases at the beginning, and starts to increase at a certain load applied on it. Finally, it is reasonable to bronze-graphite composite in a low rise structure which has a relatively low weight. Because the load applied in the test is not high enough, the consequence may not work for high or heavy structure. Taken together, the use of new material with similar properties in the seismic isolation system can help improve the performance of resisting the earthquake. It should be accounted for further research in this field.
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Title: 'Sportsvision' Behind the Plate……Where Are Harry & Jimmy?....
Creator: Gordon, Robert Philip
Date: 1982-08-15
Description: Hand-colored laser print of the stands and broadcasting booths behind home plate at Comiskey Park in Chicago.
Collection: Robert Philip Gordon papers, 1963-2010

Title: 'The Green Monster'... Fenway Park, Boston 'First Strike'…Ends…Fisk Returns Home
Creator: Gordon, Robert Philip
Date: 1981-08-10
Description: Hand-colored laser print of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, including the stadium's famous Green Monster wall in left...
Show moreHand-colored laser print of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, including the stadium's famous Green Monster wall in left field .
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Collection: Robert Philip Gordon papers, 1963-2010

Title: 'View From the Cheap Seats'…...(In Old "Kymyski"..)
Creator: Gordon, Robert Philip
Date: 1982-04
Description: Hand-colored laser print of a view from the upper deck in right field at Comiskey Park in Chicago.
Collection: Robert Philip Gordon papers, 1963-2010

Title: Home Run!! (Bill's Blast-Off)...
Creator: Gordon, Robert Philip
Date: 1997-09
Description: Hand-colored laser print of the outfield fence, bleachers, and scoreboard at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Drawn originally in August 1982, hand...
Show moreHand-colored laser print of the outfield fence, bleachers, and scoreboard at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Drawn originally in August 1982, hand colored in September 1997.
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Collection: Robert Philip Gordon papers, 1963-2010

Title: Civic Stadium Portland Oregon…The Portland Rockies
Creator: Gordon, Robert Philip
Date: 1997-08-15
Description: Hand-colored laser print of right field and stands at what was then known as Civic Stadium in Portland, Oregon, erstwhile home of the now...
Show moreHand-colored laser print of right field and stands at what was then known as Civic Stadium in Portland, Oregon, erstwhile home of the now-defunct Portland Rockies minor league baseball team.
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Collection: Robert Philip Gordon papers, 1963-2010

Title: They Play Baseball in Gardens Out Here…
Creator: Gordon, Robert Philip
Date: 1987-08-20
Description: Hand-colored laser print of the outfield and grandstand at what was then known as the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, home of the Oakland...
Show moreHand-colored laser print of the outfield and grandstand at what was then known as the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, home of the Oakland Athletics.
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Collection: Robert Philip Gordon papers, 1963-2010

Title: Mt. Rainier + The Kingdome…….Overlooking Seattle Harbor From Pike St. Market (Eating a Canteloupe)
Creator: Gordon, Robert Philip
Date: 1996-08-06
Description: Hand-colored laser print of a view from Pike Place Market in Seattle, including the Seattle Harbor, Mount Rainier, and King County Stadium ...
Show moreHand-colored laser print of a view from Pike Place Market in Seattle, including the Seattle Harbor, Mount Rainier, and King County Stadium (more familiarly known as the Kingdome).
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Collection: Robert Philip Gordon papers, 1963-2010

Title: Wrigley Field Scoreboard..As it is!
Creator: Gordon, Robert Philip
Date: 1982-09-08
Description: Hand-colored laser print of the Wrigley Field scoreboard in Chicago.
Collection: Robert Philip Gordon papers, 1963-2010

Title: 'Madison Muskies……View From the Press Box'
Creator: Gordon, Robert Philip
Date: 1982-08-23
Description: Hand-colored laser print of the press box and playing field at a minor league baseball stadium (likely Breese Stevens Field) in Madison,...
Show moreHand-colored laser print of the press box and playing field at a minor league baseball stadium (likely Breese Stevens Field) in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Collection: Robert Philip Gordon papers, 1963-2010

Title: Farr Hall, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, ca. 1948
Creator: Lucas, Joseph J., Jr.
Date: 1948
Description: From attached caption: "Farr Hall, four-story residence hall, on the [campus] of Illinois Institute of Technology. Located on the ...
Show moreFrom attached caption: "Farr Hall, four-story residence hall, on the [campus] of Illinois Institute of Technology. Located on the [southwestern] corner of 33rd and Michigan." Date of photograph is unknown. Date range listed is approximate.
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Collection: Office of Communications and Marketing photographs, 1905-1999

Title: Unidentified building (possibly part of the Institute of Gas Technology), Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, 1948
Date: 1948
Description: Photograph pf an unidentified brick building, possible adjacent to or part of the Institute of Gas Technology. Photographer unknown....
Show morePhotograph pf an unidentified brick building, possible adjacent to or part of the Institute of Gas Technology. Photographer unknown. Photograph is possibly dated April 13, 1948.
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Collection: Office of Communications and Marketing photographs, 1905-1999

Title: Groundbreaking for Engineering building, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, August 29, 1966
Date: 1966-08-29
Description: Photograph of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Engineering building known as Engineering 1 from its construction until 2015, now known as...
Show morePhotograph of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Engineering building known as Engineering 1 from its construction until 2015, now known as John T. Rettaliata Engineering Center. Pictured are Dr. John T. Rettaliata, Maynard P. Venema, Dr. Ralph G. Owens, and Axel A. Hofgren. Photographer unknown.
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Collection: Office of Communications and Marketing photographs, 1905-1999

Title: Carman Hall under construction, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, ca. 1951
Creator: Lucas, Joseph J., Jr.
Date: 1951
Description: Photograph of Carman Hall under construction. Date of photograph is unknown. Date range listed is approximate.
Collection: Office of Communications and Marketing photographs, 1905-1999

Title: Lobby of Cunningham Hall, Illinois Institute of Technology, ca. 1960s
Creator: Illinois Institute of Technology
Date: 1960-1969
Description: Photograph of the lobby of Cunningham Hall. Photographer unknown. Date of photograph is unknown. Date range listed is approximate.
Collection: Office of Communications and Marketing photographs, 1905-1999

Title: Armour Research Foundation Chemistry Research Building under construction, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, 1959-1960
Date: 1959-1960
Description: Photograph of the Armour Research Foundation Chemistry Research Building (now Technology Business Center) during construction. Date of...
Show morePhotograph of the Armour Research Foundation Chemistry Research Building (now Technology Business Center) during construction. Date of photograph is unknown. Date range listed is approximate. Photographer unknown.
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Collection: Office of Communications and Marketing photographs, 1905-1999

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