A Simple Egg Membrane Patch Bridging Method for Repairing Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Objective:To analyze the clinical effect of a simple egg membrane patch bridging method in repairing tympanic membrane perforation.Methods:A total of 93 tympanic membrane perforation patients admitted to the hospital between September 2022 and October 2023 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method.The control group implemented the conventional treatment(n=46 cases),and the patch group adopted the simple egg membrane patch bridging method(n=47 cases).The healing rate of the tympanic membrane,the air-bone gap,the air conduction hearing threshold,the dry ear rate,and the incidence of complications in both groups were compared before and after treatment.Results:The healing rate of the tympanic membrane in the patch group was significantly higher than that of the control group(95.75%vs.76.09%),with P<0.05;there was no difference in the air-bone gap and air conduction hearing threshold levels between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05),and the hearing indexes of the patch group were significantly lower than those of the control group 3 months after treatment(P<0.05);the dry ear rate in the patch group was significantly higher than that of the control group after treatment(85.11%vs.67.39%),and the total incidence of complications was also significantly lower than that of the control group(6.38%vs.21.74%),with P<0.05.Conclusion:The simple egg membrane patch bridging method is effective in repairing tympanic membrane perforation,which can effectively improve patients’hearing levels and reduce the occurrence of post-treatment complications.Thus,it is worth popularizing and applying in the clinic.

Four-channel catalytic micro-reactor based on alumina hollow fiber membrane for efficient catalytic oxidation of CO

The traditional automotive catalytic converter using commercial ceramic honeycomb carriers has many problems such as high back pressure,low engine efficiency,and high usage of precious metals.This study proposes a four-channel catalytic micro-reactor based on alumina hollow fiber membrane,which uses phase inversion method for structural molding and regulation.Due to the advantages of its carrier,it can achieve lower ignition temperature under low noble metal loading.With Pd/CeO_(2) at a loading rate of 2.3%(mass),the result showed that the reaction ignition temperature is even less than 160℃,which is more than 90℃ lower than the data of commercial ceramic substrates under similar catalyst loading and airspeed conditions.The technology in turn significantly reduces the energy consumption of the reaction.And stability tests were conducted under constant conditions for 1000 h,which proved that this catalytic converter has high catalytic efficiency and stability,providing prospects for the design of innovative catalytic converters in the future.

Newly Detected Transmission of bla_(KPC-2) by Outer Membrane Vesicles in Klebsiella Pneumoniae

Objective The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CR-KP)is a global public health problem.It is mainly caused by the plasmid-carried carbapenemase gene.Outer membrane vesicles(OMVs)contain toxins and other factors involved in various biological processes,includingβ-lactamase and antibiotic-resistance genes.This study aimed to reveal the transmission mechanism of OMV-mediated drug resistance of Klebsiella(K.)pneumoniae.Methods We selected CR-KP producing K.pneumoniae carbapenemase-2(KPC-2)to study whether they can transfer resistance genes through OMVs.The OMVs of CR-KP were obtained by ultracentrifugation,and incubated with carbapenem-sensitive K.pneumoniae for 4 h.Finally,the carbapenem-sensitive K.pneumoniae was tested for the presence of bla_(KPC-2)resistance gene and its sensitivity to carbapenem antibiotics.Results The existence of OMVs was observed by the electron microscopy.The extracted OMVs had bla_(KPC-2)resistance gene.After incubation with OMVs,bla_(KPC-2)resistance gene was detected in sensitive K.pneumoniae,and it became resistant to imipenem and meropenem.Conclusion This study demonstrated that OMVs isolated from KPC-2-producing CR-KP could deliver bla_(KPC-2)to sensitive K.pneumoniae,allowing the bacteria to produce carbapenemase,which may provide a novel target for innovative therapies in combination with conventional antibiotics for treating carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

ANALYSIS OF THE LARGE DEFLECTION DYNAMIC PLASTIC RESPONSE OF SIMPLY-SUPPORTED CIRCULAR PLATES BY THE“MEMBRANE FACTOR METHOD”

Based on energy equilibrium,a new procedure called the Membrane Factor Method is devel- oped to analyze the dynamic plastic response of plates with deflections in the range where both bending mo- ments and membrane forces are important.The final deflection of a simply -supported circular rigid-plastic plate loaded by a uniformly distributed impulse is obtained.In comparison with other approximate solutions, the present results are found to be simpler and in better agreement with the corresponding experimental values reoorded by Florence.

Flow-Induced Clogging in Microfiltration Membranes: Numerical Modeling and Parametric Study

Microfiltration membrane technology has been widely used in various industries for solid-liquid separation. However, pore clogging remains a persistent challenge. This study employs (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) models to enhance our understanding of microfiltration membrane clogging. The models were validated by comparing them to experimental data, demonstrating reasonable consistency. Subsequently, a parametric study was conducted on a cross-flow model, exploring the influence of key parameters on clogging. Findings show that clogging is a complex phenomenon affected by various factors. The mean inlet velocity and transmembrane flux were found to directly impact clogging, while the confinement ratio and cosine of the membrane pore entrance angle had an inverse relationship with it. Two clog types were identified: internal (inside the pore) and external (arching at the pore entrance), with the confinement ratio determining the type. This study introduced a dimensionless number as a quantitative clogging indicator based on transmembrane flux, Reynolds number, filtration time, entrance angle cosine, and confinement ratio. While this hypothesis held true in simulations, future studies should explore variations in clogging indicators, and improved modeling of clogging characteristics. Calibration between numerical and physical times and consideration of particle volume fraction will enhance understanding.

Analysis on membrane wrinkling using stress extremum method

A stress extremum method is developed based on Von Karman equations for analysis of membrane wrinkles in this paper. A mechanical model is also established for analyzing shear membrane wrinkles. Expressions of wrinkling wavelength,amplitude and angle are obtained in terms of the stress extremum method. A numerical analysis approach-directly disturbing method is proposed to analyze the configuration parameters of shear membrane wrinkles by introducing out-of-plane disturbing forces to trigger wrinkle formation,while it timely removes the applied forces in order to eliminate the effect of disturbing forces on analytical results. The simulation results agree well with analytical results,which demonstrate that the proposed approach is capable for analyzing the membrane wrinkles with good accuracy.

Membrane finite element method for simulating fluid flow in porous medium

A new membrane finite element method for modeling fluid flow in a porous medium is presented in order to quickly and accurately simulate the geo-membrane fabric used in civil engineering. It is based on discontinuous finite element theory, and can be easily coupled with the normal Galerkin finite element method. Based on the saturated seepage equation, the element coefficient matrix of the membrane element method is derived, and a geometric transform relation for the membrane element between a global coordinate system and a local coordinate system is obtained. A method for the determination of the fluid flux conductivity of the membrane element is presented. This method provides a basis for determining discontinuous parameters in discontinuous finite element theory. An anti-seepage problem regarding the foundation of a building is analyzed by coupling the membrane finite element method with the normal Galerkin finite element method. The analysis results demonstrate the utility and superiority of the membrane finite element method in fluid flow analysis of a porous medium.

Flow-Based Iodometric Extraction Method by the Hollow Fiber Membrane for the Determination of Selenium Sulfide Levels in Cosmeceutical Products

A flow-based iodometric extraction method for the determination of selenium sulfide was developed and applied to cosmeceutical products. Iodine which was generated from the reduction of selenium（IV） ions by iodide ion was on-line extracted using a polypropylene HFM （hollow fiber membrane） liquid extraction technique. The HFM extraction unit was constructed and used to support an organic solvent （hexane） and separate between the organic phase and aqueous phase. The resulting purple extract was carried to a fiber optic spectrophotometric detector for the measurement at 521 nm. Parameters which affected the extraction efficiency, sensitivity and sample throughput such as iodide （selenium molar ratio, extraction time and washing time between the cycles） were investigated and optimized. A linear dynamic range of 80-373 mg.Lt selenium solution was obtained with an extraction time of 60 sec. The total analysis time including washing was about 180 sec which provided a sample throughput of approximately 20 samples＇hr1 and excluded the sample pre-treatment. The recoveries for the determination of selenium in the forms of selenium dioxide and selenium sulfide were in the range of 103%-104% with 1%-3% RSD （relative standard deviation）. The relative errors of this method which was applied for determination of selenium sulfide levels in an anti-dandruff shampoo and a cosmeceutical bead sample were both less than 2.5%.

Comparison of PVDF porous membranes modified by two different methods using composite nano-particles

To improve the hydrophilicity and anti-fouling performance in water treatment,both entrapped method and deposited method were used to modify polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)porous membrane with composite Al2O3/TiO2 nano-particles.Neat PVDF membrane was prepared and its property was also compared with that of the modified membranes.Membrane permeation flux and anti-fouling performance were measured using a membrane cell.The contact angle between water and membrane surface was detected in order to denote the membrane hydrophilicity.Membrane morphology and surface structure were examined by atomic-force microscopy(AFM)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Experimental results showed that modified membranes had higher permeation fluxes than that of the neat PVDF membrane.The addition of nano-particles altered membrane surface morphology and increased surface roughness.Due to the hydrophilicity of nano-particles,however,the membrane anti-fouling performance was improved instead of worsened.The entrapped membrane exhibited better anti-fouling performance than the deposited membrane and the neat membrane.

AN EXTENSION OF THE METHOD FOR PREDICTING PERMEABILITY THROUGH POLYMER MEMBRANES FROM SIMPLE GASES TO WATER VAPOR

It is found that there is a linear relationship between log P-w, and the parameter term V-f/0.5 E(coh) [1+(delta(w) - delta(p))(2)/delta(p)(2), from the water permeability (P-w) data of 21 polymers covering 4 orders of magnitude. This correlation may be useful in choosing membrane materials for dehumidification of gases.

Optimization of the gas separation performance of polyurethane–zeolite 3A and ZSM-5 mixed matrix membranes using response surface methodology

In the present work, the response surface method software was used with five measurement levels with three factors.These were applied for the optimization of operating parameters that affected gas separation performance of polyurethane–zeolite 3A, ZSM-5 mixed matrix membranes.The basis of the experiments was a rotatable central composite design(CCD).The three independent variables studied were: zeolite content(0–24 wt%), operating temperature(25–45 ℃) and operating pressure(0.2–0.1 MPa).The effects of these three variables on the selectivity and permeability membranes were studied by the analysis of variance(ANOVA).Optimal conditions for the enhancement of gas separation performances of polyurethane–3A zeolite were found to be 18 wt%, 30 ℃ and 0.8 MPa respectively.Under these conditions, the permeabilities of carbon dioxide, methane, oxygen and nitrogen gases were measured at 138.4, 22.9, 15.7 and 6.4 Barrer respectively while the CO_2/CH_4, CO_2/N_2 and O_2/N_2 selectivities were 5.8, 22.5 and 2.5, respectively.Also, the optimal conditions for improvement of the gas separation performance of polyurethane–ZSM 5 were found to be 15.64 wt%, 30 ℃ and 4 bar.The permeabilities of these four gases(i.e.carbon dioxide, methane, oxygen and nitrogen) were 164.7, 21.2, 21.5 and 8.1 Barrer while the CO_2/CH_4, CO_2/N_2 and O_2/N_2 selectivities were 7.8, 20.6 and 2.7 respectively.

STUDY ON PREPARATION OF SUPPORTED ALUMINA MEMBRANE USING SOL- GEL METHOD

A stable colloidal boehmite sol was made with the aluminium iso propoxide made in China and used to prepare the supported γ alumina membrane using sol gel method. The γ alumina thin layer was characterized by SEM, N 2 sorption method and permeation measurement. The γ alumina membrane was prepared with uniform surface, thickness of 3 μm and average diameter of about 5 nm. The permeabilities of the single gases of H 2, N 2, Ar and their separation factors were measured. The experimental data explained a behavior of Knudsen diffusion for the gas transport through the thin membrane.

Morphological characterization of Al_2O_3 membrane fabricated by sol-gel dip-coating method

Alumina membranes without pinholes and cracks were prepared by the sol-gel process using anunordum aluminium sulphate as the starting material. The effects of different preparing conditions on morphology characteristics of the membrane were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and 3D rotational microscopy. The preparing conditions include the amounts of drying control chemical additives （DCCA）, sintering procedure and sol-gel concentration. The results showed that PVA is a good crack-preventing reagent and the morphology of supported membranes was affected by ninny factors, including Al2O3 concentration, PVA/Al2O3 ratio, heating rate, membrane thickness and intrinsic defects of the substrate surface.

Preparation of Al_2O_3-SiO_2-TiO_2-ZrO_2 Composite Ceramic Membranes by Sol-Gel Method

Al 2O 3-SiO 2-TiO 2-ZrO 2 supported membranes were prepar ed by Sol-Gel method. These composite ceramic membranes are level, even and no macro crack. There exist several crystalline phases such as Al 2O 3, TiO 2(a natase), Al 2SiO 5, and ZrO 2 in these membranes. Changing the molar ratio of Al∶Si∶Ti∶Zr,the kinds and content of crystal phases of composite membranes could be different, which may lead to a variety of microstructure of membranes. The surface nanoscale topography and microstructure of membranes were investiga ted by XRD,SEM,AFM,EPMA. The effects of additives and heat treatments on the sur face nanoscale topography and microstructure of composite ceramic membranes were also analyzed.

Establishment of antenna membrane states FEM on analogue method

On the basis of choosing the basic element as the bar and choosing the basic mesh as the triangle as well as supposing the conditions of the element, the membrane states of an antenna reflector were researched by the analogue method, because the membrane effect was not omitted during the ending deployment process of the radial rib antenna. The expressions of the bar element’s section area and density were obtained, while the expression of the stress state during the ending deployment process of antenna was attained. During the establishment process of the analogue method, the analysis method of the net shell structure was employed. Moreover, during the backward deduction of membrane stress, the continuation method was adopted. Because the expression of the membrane stress state can realize the analysis on the antenna membrane state, this research has great significance of theoretical direction to the normal operation of the space deployable antenna.

Method to analyze wrinkled membranes with zero shear modulus and equivalent stiffness

To solve the problems of divergence,low accuracy and project application of membrane wrinkling analysis,an analysis method of zero shear modulus and equivalent stiffness was proposed.This method is an improvement to the previous method (Method I) of local coordinate transposition and stiffness equivalence.The new method is derived and the feasibility is theoretically proved.A small-scale membrane structure is analyzed by the two methods,and the results show that the computational efficiency of the new method (Method II) is approximately 23 times that of Method I.When Method II is applied to a large-scale membrane stadium structure,it is found that this new method can quickly make the second principal stress of one way wrinkled elements zero,and make the two principal stresses of two-way wrinkled elements zero as well.It could attain the correct load responses right after the appearance of wrinkled elements,which indicates that Method II can be applied to wrinkling analysis of large-scale membrane structures.

术语“Homogeneous Membrane Electrodes”和“Heterogeneous Membrane Electrodes”的中文译文的商榷

IUPAC在确定"离子选择电极"术语时,指出不能使用"离子特效电极"说明准确命名和术语使用的重要性。作者曾于1983年对术语"homogeneous membrane electrodes"和"heterogeneous membrane electrodes"的中文译文提出商榷并受到"离子选择电极通讯"编辑部的关注。自那以后,仍有不少文献,特别是博士和硕士论文,采用了过去的不恰当的译法。为此再次就对此问题进行商榷。"homogeneous"一词可以指"同一种"或者"同一相",而"heterogeneous"一词可以指"不同种"或者"不同相";根据IUPAC对上述电极的定义,显然应该各取前一含义。

Carbon-supported ultrafine Pt nanoparticles modified with trace amounts of cobalt as enhanced oxygen reduction reaction catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

To accelerate the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)in proton exchange membrane fuel cells,ultrafine Pt nanoparticles modified with trace amounts of cobalt were fabricated and decorated on carbon black through a strategy involving modified glycol reduction and chemical etching.The obtained Pt36Co/C catalyst exhibits a much larger electrochemical surface area(ECSA)and an improved ORR electrocatalytic activity compared to commercial Pt/C.Moreover,an electrode prepared with Pt36Co/C was further evaluated under H2-air single cell test conditions,and exhibited a maximum specific power density of 10.27 W mgPt^-1,which is 1.61 times higher than that of a conventional Pt/C electrode and also competitive with most state-of-the-art Pt-based architectures.In addition,the changes in ECSA,power density,and reacting resistance during the accelerated degradation process further demonstrate the enhanced durability of the Pt36Co/C electrode.The superior performance observed in this work can be attributed to the synergy between the ultrasmall size and homogeneous distribution of catalyst nanoparticles,bimetallic ligand and electronic effects,and the dissolution of unstable Co with the rearrangement of surface structure brought about by acid etching.Furthermore,the accessible raw materials and simplified operating procedures involved in the fabrication process would result in great cost-effectiveness for practical applications of PEMFCs.

Numerical Solution of Membrane Forces for A Free-Free Floating Plate with Large Deflection

Considering that the thickness of a pontoon-type very large floating structure (VLFS) is very small in comparison with the length and width, VLFS can be modeled as a thin plate. In theory, the displacements and the membrane forces of a plate with large deflection are all the functions of the second-order differentials of the Ariy stress function. With these characteristics considered, the Ariy stress function of a floating free-free plate is calculated by setting the virtual values of three of the corner points. The finite difference method is chosen to solve the problem. When the Ariy stress function of the plate is obtained, the membrane forces can easily be calculated. Comparisons between the forces induced by the membrane forces and by the fluid are considered. It is shown that the membrane forces can not be neglected in many cases.

Enhancement of current density using effective membranes electrode assemblies for water electrolyser system

The goal of this study was to develop and design a composite proton exchange membrane（PEM） and membrane electrode assembly（MEA） that are suitable for the PEM based water electrolysis system. In particular,it focuses on the development of sulphonated polyether ether ketone（SPEEK） based membranes and caesium salt of silico-tungstic acid（Cs Si WA） matrix compared with one of the transition metal oxides such as titanium dioxide（TiO2）, silicon dioxide（SiO2） and zirconium dioxide（ZrO2）. The resultant membranes have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ion exchange capacity（IEC）, water uptake and atomic force microscopy. Comparative studies on the performance of MEAs were also conducted utilizing impregnation-reduction and conventional brush coating methods. The PEM electrolysis performance of SPEEK-Cs Si WA-ZrO2 composite membrane was more superior than that of other membranes involved in this study. Electrochemical characterization shows that a maximum current density of 1.4 A/cm^2 was achieved at 60 °C, explained by an increased concentration of protonic sites available at the interface.