Energy efficient CO separation using ultrathin smart membranes must possess efficient permeation performance, higher surface area and hydrostatic stability at industrially relevant high pressures. However, ultrathin membranes are susceptible to lower surface area, plasticization and swelling which reduces the performance at higher pressure under humidified conditions. This paper evaluates the routes for the potential intercalated effect of metal-induced microporous polymers (MMPs) dots into a cellulose-based polymer matrix to enhance promising properties, including the surface area, CO permeation performance, plasticization resistance and hydrostatic stability of ultrathin smart membranes at high pressure.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDesorption processes are important part of all processes which involve utilization of solid adsorbents and are inherently energy-intensive. Here we investigate how those energy requirements can be reduced through the application of ultrasound for the activated alumina/water adsorption pair. To analyze the energy-saving characteristics of ultrasound, the ultrasonic-power-to-total power ratios of 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIllness and injury often entail lasting health and social consequences beyond the acute event. During the immediate and long-term recovery period, consequences of illness or injury can often be mitigated and addressed. As patients and their clinicians discuss care decisions, whether for initial or ongoing management of illness or injury, they must consider patients' personal goals of recovery alongside possible clinical outcomes to choose the best path forward.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe use of ultrasound to enhance the regeneration of zeolite 13X for efficient utilization of thermal energy was investigated as a substitute to conventional heating methods. The effects of ultrasonic power and frequency on the desorption of water from zeolite 13X were analyzed to optimize the desorption efficiency. To determine and justify the effectiveness of incorporating ultrasound from an energy-savings point of view, an approach of constant overall input power of 20 or 25 W was adopted.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the hand presents a treatment challenge because of the anatomical complexity of this location. Immunosuppressed patients are disproportionately affected by cutaneous SCC. Existing data on SCC of the hand are primarily presented in the orthopedic literature, and may thus be affected by referral bias.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a rare dermal neoplasm typically occurring on sun-exposed skin in the elderly. As AFX remains a diagnosis of exclusion, updated characterization and treatment assessments are necessary to support informed diagnosis and management.
Objective: Characterization of contemporary AFX and surgical outcomes by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and conventional local excision (LE).
Int J Impot Res
November 2018
Biopolymer suture materials, namely gut and silk, represent under-recognized sources of potential ethical conflict in the informed consent of surgical patients. Objections to acceptance of such products may be made on both religious and secular grounds, and should not be discounted by assumption. Consistent with contemporary medical ethics, informed consent thus ought to include disclosure of use and source of these animal-derived products, as is the case with dressings and prostheses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe present the case of a 65-year-old man with severe headaches and unilateral facial weakness, seen in consultation by the dermatology service to rule out primary cutaneous melanoma after brain imaging identified an enlarging mass within the right trigeminal (Meckel's) cave. Examination revealed only a pair of erythematous papules on the scalp, for which biopsy demonstrated metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. Further evaluation and subsequent thyroidectomy confirmed the origin of widespread internal disease, followed by definitive excision of scalp lesions and multimodal management of systemic involvement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAustralas J Dermatol
August 2018
Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg
May 2018
J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech
June 2017
Angulated anatomy in the aorta, such as tortuous infrarenal aortic necks or steep aortic arches, is a significant challenge for endovascular aortic repair because it often causes inadequate sealing and fixation, which may lead to treatment failure. We have developed a technique using off-the-shelf equipment to precisely control the deployment of stent grafts in challenging landing zones. The key of this technique is to create a through-and-through wire between two access sites and to use a guiding device over the wire.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Short interfering RNA is an effective method for target gene knockdown. However, concerns surround the design, administration, efficacy, specificity, and immunostimulatory potential. Although uptake by alveolar macrophages has been demonstrated, studies have not examined its use in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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