Digital Commons Network^™

I Samuel 12:17, 1921 - 1926, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

The Secret Life Of Otto And Hilda, Jody Hobbs Hesler

Valparaiso Fiction Review

No abstract provided.

The Pecan Trees, James Ulmer

Valparaiso Fiction Review

No abstract provided.

Love In The 21st State, Ilan Mochari

Valparaiso Fiction Review

No abstract provided.

Crossing Borders, Jo-Anne Rosen

Valparaiso Fiction Review

No abstract provided.

The Red Top, Grace Campbell

Valparaiso Fiction Review

No abstract provided.

What We Carry, Phyllis Carol Agins

Valparaiso Fiction Review

No abstract provided.

Floating Island, Willa Elizabeth Schmidt

Valparaiso Fiction Review

No abstract provided.

Prefatory Notes

Valparaiso Fiction Review

No abstract provided.

Cover Art

Valparaiso Fiction Review

No abstract provided.

The Cresset (Vol. Lxxxii, No. 2, Advent/Christmas), Valparaiso University

The Cresset (archived issues)

No abstract provided.

“What Is Your Title Today?” The Challenges And Rewards Of Implementing An Internship/Independent Study Hybrid Course At The Valparaiso University Archives And Special Collections, Rebecca Ostoyich, Kevin Ostoyich

Library Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Magic, Matrimony, And The Moon: Medieval Lunar Symbolism In J.R.R. Tolkien’S “The Lay Of Aotrou And Itroun” And “The Fall Of Arthur”, Kristine Larsen

Journal of Tolkien Research

This paper (originally delivered at the 2017 International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds, UK) explores common lunar symbolism in "The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun" and "The Fall of Arthur."

Synthesis Of An Unnatural Fluorescent Amino Acid, Madeline J. Johnson, Thomas Goyne

Fall Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

The long-term goal of this project is to chemically synthesize an unnatural fluorescent amino acid (UFAA) that can later be used to build glow-in-the-dark proteins. UFAAs allow investigators to visualize a single protein in an otherwise transparent living cell. The specific UFAA target for this project is L-alanine, 3-[7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl], which is an analog of the natural amino acid tryptophan. This synthesis consists of a coupling reaction followed by a deprotection reaction. Products have been characterized using 1H and 13C NMR, and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Future tasks could include optimizing the yield and purity of this UFAA.

Data Reduction And Analysis Of Photometric Data For 48 Evolved Stars From The All Sky Automated Survey And Valparaiso University Observatory, Matthew T. Bremer

Fall Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

We are carrying out research to determine the pulsation period of a specific stage in evolved, low-mass stars’ life cycles called Proto-Planetary Nebulae. Our datasets come from The Valparaiso University Observatory (VUO), as well as The All Sky Automated Survey – All Sky Catalogue (ASAS-ASC), and The All Sky Automated Survey for Supernova (ASAS-SN). These datasets complement each other to ensure that we get high-quality data for our very faint objects over long intervals of time in both hemispheres. The VUO has been observing on this project for over 20 years. The ASAS-ASC and ASAS-SN data recently became open to …

Spectroscopic Classification Of Post-Agb Candidates: (Searching For Proto-Planetary Nebulae), Michael A. Battipaglia

Fall Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

We have determined the spectral classification of approximately 50 candidates for post-AGB, proto-planetary nebula (PPN) objects. The candidates were chosen based on their infrared excesses as seen in the IRAS data. The spectra are of low-resolution (R~550) and were obtained with the Kitt Peak National Observatory 2.1-m and the Steward Observatory 2.3-m telescopes. Spectroscopy has permitted us to discriminate between PPNe and other objects with dust, such as pre-main sequence stars and planetary nebulae. Most of the objects appear to be PPNe, ranging in spectral type from K to B, with some of the hotter ones showing hydrogen emission lines. …

Atomic Hydrogen-Bearing Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies: A Look Into Agc 749290, Lexi Gault

Fall Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

This research examines properties of ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) in order to discover more about why and how these galaxies exist. UDGs are galaxies that have very little star content for their given radius, so they appear very dim optically but can be observed in radio wavelengths. We worked with data taken from the Very Large Array, which observed radio emission from gas within the galaxies. To analyze the data, we first used CASA, a specific radio astronomy software, to remove interference from the data, calibrate the data, and create images that show the gas distribution in the galaxies. From CASA, …

The Fall Of Gondolin (2018) By J.R.R. Tolkien, Edited By Christopher Tolkien, Douglas Charles Kane

Journal of Tolkien Research

Book review by Douglas Charles Kane of The Fall of Gondolin (2018) by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien

Hepatocarcinoma With Tumor Thrombus Occupying The Right Atrium And Portal Vein In A Patient With Hereditary Hemochromatosis And Liver Cirrhosis, Olga Hilda Orasan, Andreea Maria Stefan, Laura Urian, Anca Mihailov, Ovidiu Fabian, Flaviu Muresan, Iulia Breaban, Sorina Cezara Secara, Simina Tarmure Sarlea, Vasile Negrean, Dorel Sampelean, Angela Cozma

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

We present the case of a 46-year old patient with Child-Pugh class C cirrhosis with MEDL-Score 16, and hepatocellular carcinoma invading the inferior vena cava and the right atrium. The etiology of cirrhosis is type 1 hereditary hemochromatosis with positive HFE C282Y/C282Y and H63D/H63D mutations. A systematic review of the literature was performed and only 30 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombosis extending into the right atrium have been described. To our knowledge, this is the first case that evidences the presence in hereditary hemochromatosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with atypical invasion into the right atrium. Screening of patients with …

Determination Of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids In Dietary Sources Using A Spectrophotometric Method, Oana C. Șeremet, Octavian T. Olaru, Mihaela Ilie, Claudia M. Guțu, Mihai G. Nițulescu, Camelia Diaconu, Catalina Motofei, Denisa Margină, Simona Negreș, Cristina E. Zbârcea, Emil Ștefănescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a class of toxic compounds found in the composition of more than 6000 plants. People can be exposed to PAs by consuming phytotherapeutic products, food from crops contaminated with seeds of some species with high content of PAs, and/ or contaminated animal products like bee products. For this reason we developed and validated a method for quantitative determination of PAs, from the most frequently contaminated food sources, honey and flour. Colorimetric Ehrlich reagent method was used with standard addition (1mg/kg senecionine). The extraction solvent was methanol 50% acidified with citric acid to pH 2-3, as this …

Personality Dimensions And Attributional Styles In Individuals With And Without Gender Dysphoria, Siamak Khodarahimi, Hassan Ali Veiskarami, Maria Mercedes Ovejero Bruna

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

This research investigates personality dimensions and attributional styles among individuals with and without gender dysphoria in relationship to gender, educational level, and ethnicity. Participants were 60 men and women with and without gender dysphoria. A demographic sheet and two inventories were used. Results showed that patients with gender dysphoria had significantly higher neuroticism and lower agreeableness compared with individuals without gender dysphoria. No significance differences in extraversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness (based on the “big five” personality model) were found between those with and without gender dysphoria. Also, individuals without gender dysphoria had higher positive attributional styles compared to …

Functional Radical Cervical Dissection For Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: The Experience Of A Single Center, Tulin Adrian, Lucian Alecu, Catalina Poiana, Luminita Tomescu, Iulian Slavu, Raluca Tulin, Silviu Pituru, Cristina Orlov, Radu Jecan, Balalau Cristian, Anca Pantea Stoian, Razvan Hainarosie, Cornelia Nitipir

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

There is ongoing debate regarding the role of neck dissection in differentiated thyroid cancer, about its usefulness in elective settings, and the increased costs regarding morbidity and operative time. This retrospective study aimed to determine the rate of metastases in cervical lymph nodes, to examine the morbidity of this surgery, and to assess whether a pattern of distribution of tumor cells concerning neck lymphatic compartments exists. The most frequent type of cancer to metastasize was papillary cancer, the majority of patients were young with a median of 30 years, predominantly females. Differentiated thyroid cancer frequently metastasizes to the central and …

Pancreatogenic Type 3c Diabetes, Anca Mihaela Pantea Stoian, Giorgiana Ditu, Mircea Diculescu, Mircea Manuc, Andra Iulia Suceveanu, Dana Manuc, Camelia C. Diaconu, Adrian Paul Suceveanu, Cornelia Nitipir, Razvan Hainarosie, Catalina Poiana, Cristian Serafinceanu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. The relationship between chronic pancreatitis and diabetes is well established. This form of diabetes is secondary to exocrine pancreatic disorder and is known as diabetes mellitus type 3c (T3cDM).

Materials and Methods. In this retrospective study we included 261 patients, 59 patients being diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis and secondary diabetes mellitus, and admitted in the Fundeni Clinical Institute, 2nd Department of Gastroenterology or N.C. Paulescu Institute/ Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Results and Discussions. Patients were 22.2% women and 77.8% men, with an average age of 56.8 years and 53.4 years respectively. 63% came from urban areas. …

A Proposed Therapeutic Algorithm For Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Based On Endoscopic Polypectomies In Patients With Multiple Colonic Polyps, Septimiu Alexandru, Florin D. Ungureanu, Reka Incze Kutasi, Cosmin Alec Moldovan

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. Results from single medical centers having large numbers of patients with multiple colonic polyps that have undergone colonoscopy management are rare.

Material and method. The present study is based on 2,000 cases enrolled during 2009 and 2017, including patients that underwent colonoscopy for various reasons in the Department for Upper and Lower Endoscopy of Witting Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.

Results. Of the 2,000 patients examined during 2009 - 2017, 594 tumor formations were detected; 148 (24.9%) patients had colorectal malignancies, and 446 (75%) polypoid formations in 313 patients who had one or more colon polyps were found.

Discussions. After …

Can Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Histologic Subtypes Predict Survival? A Single Institution Experience, Cornelia Nitipir, Cristina Orlov, Ana-Maria Popa, Mihaela Olaru, Iulian Slavu, Iaciu Cristian, Razvan Hainarosie, Anca Pantea Stoian, Balalau Cristian

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. The latest histological classification of lung adenocarcinoma includes lepidic, acinar, papillary, micropapillary, and solid as subtypes. Testing these subtypes for their prognostic and predictive value is an ongoing scientific challenge. The present research article aims to describe the influence this classification has on patient survival.

Materials and Methods. Thirty-three patients were included in the trial. The most important enrollment criterion was the clear specification of the adenocarcinoma subtype in the pathology report. Patients were stratified into three groups which included the adenocarcinoma pathological subtypes as follows: lepidic (LEP), acinar and papillary (ACN/PAP), and micropapillary/solid (MIP/SOL). The primary endpoint was …

Reconstruction Of Heel Soft Tissue Defects Using Sensate Medial Plantar Flap, Mihaela Pertea, Natalia Velenciuc, Oxana Grosu, Bogdan Veliceasa, Vladimir Poroch, Sorinel Lunca

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. Reconstruction of heel soft tissue defects represents a true challenge for any surgeon due to the particularities of this anatomical region. The tissue used to reconstruct the heel area must be resistant, innervated, and adapted to take over the body weight. Innervated medial plantar fasciocutaneous flap is one of the best solutions to cover defects at the heel level.

Materials and Methods. We studied 5 patients, 4 males and one female, aged 42 to 67 years, who presented heel soft tissue defects of various etiologies. In all cases, the used reconstructive method was an insular innervated medial plantar fasciocutaneous …

Hptlc Assay Of Nicotine And Cotinine In Biological Samples, Ana Maria Vlasceanu, Daniela Luiza Baconi, Anne Marie Ciobanu, Vlad D. Constantin, Liana Ples, Cristian Balalau, Miriana Stan

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

This study presents the development of a simple high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for the determination of nicotine and its metabolite cotinine in human plasma and urine.

The following mobile phases: methanol: ammonia (100:1.5, v:v), chloroform: acetone: ammonia (48.75: 48.75: 2.5, v:v:v), methanol: chloroform: ammonia (48.75: 48.75: 0.5, v:v:v) and glass plates precoated with silicagel 60 F254 (20x20) as a stationary phase were used. Densitometric scanning was performed at 263 nm. Two different extraction procedures have been applied: liquid-liquid extraction using dichloromethane at alkaline pH and solid-phase extraction using C18 cartridges.

Preliminary tests in order to establish the system …

Thrombocytopenia In End-Stage Renal Disease And Chronic Viral Hepatitis B Or C, Olga Hilda Orasan, Laura Urian, George Ciulei, Iulia Breaban, Andreea Maria Stefan, Sorina Cezara Secara, Adela Sitar Taut, Simina Tarmure Sarlea, Vasile Negrean, Dorel Sampelean, Ioan Mihai Patiu, Remus Aurel Orasan, Angela Cozma

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Objectives. We evaluated platelet counts in end-stage renal disease and chronic viral hepatitis.

Materials and Methods. We studied 70 patients with end-stage renal disease and chronic viral hepatitis and compared them to a control group of 45 patients without hepatitis.

Results. The presence of viral hepatitis was associated with a higher prevalence of thrombocytopenia. Correlations between age, C-reactive protein, liver stiffness measurement, and platelet count were observed. C-reactive protein levels > 10 mg/dl were associated with a lower risk of thrombocytopenia in patients with end-stage renal disease and chronic viral hepatitis, yet age > 60 years, dialysis vintage > 10 years, aspartate and …

The Switch From Patented Medicine To The Generic One: An Option Or A Necessity?, Păduraru Dan Nicolae, Ion Daniel, Nica Adriana Elena, Coman Florentina, Coțofană Marius, Badiu Dumitru Cristinel, Grigorean Valentin Titus, Bolocan Alexandra, Andronic Octavian

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

This paper assesses the influence of a number of factors taken into account when a brand name drug is replaced by a generic one. It also evaluates responses of health professionals – physicians and pharmacist—and patients regarding the issue of switching. We compared and contrasted their responses in order to identify new points of cooperation for the intended benefit of the patient. Thus, the sample drew from all three groups, consisting of 50 doctors, 50 pharmacists, and 50 patients. We collected information regarding the age, residence, income level, and education level for the patients, and age and experience for the …

Unhealthy Lifestyle And The Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome- The Romanian Experience, Angela Cozma, Adela Sitar-Taut, Laura Urian, Adriana Fodor, Ramona Suharoschi, Crina Muresan, Vasile Negrean, Dorel Sampelean, Dumitru Zdrenghea, Dana Pop, Leucuta Daniel, Olga Hilda Orasan

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a clustering of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Many studies have shown the influence of an unhealthy lifestyle on the risk of MetS, yet some aspects remain controversial. Aim of the study: to investigate the relationship between an unhealthy lifestyle and the risk of MetS.

Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using a sample of 181 patients, 54 (29.8%) males and 127 (70.2%) females, aged 59.95±10.8 years. The baseline survey involved the completion of structured questionnaires and clinical examination.

Results. Rural environment, lower education level, past smoking, the absence of fruit/vegetables in the …