Single-step hydrogen production from NH3, CH4, and biogas in stacked proton ceramic reactors.

Proton ceramic reactors offer efficient extraction of hydrogen from ammonia, methane, and biogas by coupling endothermic reforming reactions with heat from electrochemical gas separation and compression. Preserving this efficiency in scale-up from cell to stack level poses challenges to the distribution of heat and gas flows and electric current throughout a robust functional design. Here, we demonstrate a 36-cell well-balanced reactor stack enabled by a new interconnect that achieves complete conversion of methane with more than 99% recovery to pressurized hydrogen, leaving a concentrated stream of carbon dioxide. Comparable cell performance was also achieved with ammonia, and the operation was confirmed at pressures exceeding 140 bars. The stacking of proton ceramic reactors into practical thermo-electrochemical devices demonstrates their potential in efficient hydrogen production.

Reconstructive pelvic surgery and plastic surgery: safety and efficacy of combined surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to address the safety of combining aesthetic and pelvic floor reconstructive procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-four subjects were included in a case-control study; 18 patients undergoing combined pelvic and plastic reconstructive surgery, age and procedure matched to 18 pelvic surgery and 18 plastic surgery only controls. Chi-square, t test, and Kruskal-Wallis analysis were used to compare the estimated blood loss (EBL), body mass index (BMI), hospital days, operative times, and complications between the groups. RESULTS: No differences were seen with regards to age, BMI, or EBL. There was, however, a significant increase in minor complications and hospital stay after combined procedures relative to the pelvic surgery control group but not the aesthetic control group. Operative times were only greater during combined procedures relative to isolated pelvic floor procedures. CONCLUSION: Combining pelvic and aesthetic procedures may increase complications, operative times, and length of hospital stay when compared to pelvic reconstructive surgery alone.

The post-baccalaureate premedical certification program at the University of North Texas Health Science Center strengthens admission qualifications for entrance into medical school.

The Post-Baccalaureate (postbac) Premedical Certification Program at the University of North Texas Health Science Center provides an opportunity for individuals to enhance their credentials for entry into medical school by offering a challenging biomedical science core curriculum in graduate biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, and pharmacology. In addition, students (called postbacs) receive instruction in human gross anatomy, histology, and embryology with first-year medical students. More than 90% of the students accepted into the postbac program have applied to medical school previously but have been rejected by admission committees at least once, primarily because of low cognitive scores. In spring 2001, seven postbacs completed the program, of which only one was admitted into the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM), the medical school affiliated with the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Three postbacs went to other medical schools. Thirty-one completed the program by spring 2006, of whom 13 were admitted to TCOM, and eight to other medical schools. After six years, 101 postbacs have completed the program, and 70 have been accepted into medical schools. Postbacs admitted into TCOM have performed well compared with their medical school classmates. Overall, average scores for postbacs are above those of their medical school classmates. In addition, postbacs have taken class leadership positions, served as tutors and mentors, and have served as school ambassadors for new applicants. The postbac premedical program has proven to be very successful in preparing students for the rigors of a medical school curriculum by allowing these students to develop the skills and confidence necessary to compete.

Injury reports in a dental school: a two-year overview.

As teaching institutions, it is vital for dental schools to collect data on accidental injuries to identify potential problems, improve the quality of care of patients, and educate future practitioners about risk management. Our data reveal important trends concerning such injuries. These data were compiled over a two-year period (2001-03) from accident reports at one dental school. We categorized the accidents as follows: source (instrument causing the injury), recipient of injury, time of day, location within the dental school where the injury occurred, and body part injured. The population examined in this study consisted of predoctoral and postdoctoral dental students, staff, faculty, and patients of the dental school. The majority of injuries occurred in the predoctoral clinic toward the middle to the end of the scheduled clinic periods. The instrument most likely involved was a needle, and the body part most commonly injured was a finger. The collection and analysis of injury data may be used to identify trends that will aid in the prediction and prevention of these injuries and, at a national level, serve as a benchmark that other dental schools can employ to assess their relative frequency of injury.