Determinants of U.S. Soybean Exports to Japan

The overall objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of the U.S. soybean export market to Japan. The specific objectives are: (1) To examine the trend of soybean exports to Japan from 1970-1983. (2) To determine the major factors affecting U.S. soybean exports to Japan

Investigation of mutations in exon 14 of SH3TC2 gene and exon 7 of NDRG1 gene in Iranian Charcot Marie Tooth type 4 patient

CMT4 is an autosomal recessive form of Charcot-Marie-tooth disease which has shown more severity and earlier age of onset compared to other types of it, furthermore; CMT4C andCMT4D are the more prevalent types in Mediterranean countries due to higher incidence of consanguineous marriages. The most important aim of this study is to illuminate the rate of p.R148X mutation in NDRG1 gene and p.R1109X in SH3TC2 gene which are responsible genes for CMT4D and CMT4C respectively in Iranian population, Furthermore; this study investigated the probable other nucleotide changes in exon 14 of SH3TC2 gene and exon 7 of NDRG1 gene. In order to study this disease, 24 CMT4 affected individuals that they referred to Iran Special Medical Center, were clinically and electrophysiologically evaluated and selected for this study. The patients’ DNA was extracted from blood samples and after PCR, the products were sequenced and analyzed by Finch TV software. None of the founder mutations we were searching for were seen in this study. Sequencing of SH3TC2 gene showed SNP rs1025476 (g.57975C>T) in 21 patients (87.5%) that 7 individuals were homozygous and 14 individuals were heterozygous for this variant. Despite of high rate of considered mutations in some specific populations it seems that these mutations are very rare in Iranian CMT4 affected individuals. To clarify the association of SNP rs1025476 with CMT4, further assesments are needed and it could be helpful in knowing the Iranian population genetic markers and their genetic features

Progress and challenges in using sustainable carbon anodes in rechargeable metal-ion batteries

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most promising alternatives to effectively bypass fossil fuels. However, long-term energy application of LIBs could be restricted in the future due to the increased production cost of LIB arising from the shortage and inaccessibility of Li in the Earth's crust. Na or K have been considered as substitutes for Li but in spite of their natural abundance, they suffer from low gravimetric/volumetric energy density. An alternative to increase the efficiency of sodium-ion battery (SIBs) and potassium-ion battery (KIBs) is to focus on finding the high‐performing negative electrode, the anode. The large volume changes of alloying and conversion type anodes for KIBs and SIBs make hard carbons to a better option on this regard than usual graphitic carbons, but a key obstacle is the reliance on unsustainable sources. Thus, biomass-derived carbon could offer a promising alternative, and it has indeed been in the focus of much recent work. This review highlights the recent advances in using carbon extracted from various biomass sources in rechargeable Li-, Na-, and K-ion batteries. Maximizing the energy and power densities as well as the lifetime of carbon anodes require an exploration of the right balance between carbon structures, pore morphology, chemical composition and alkali metal-ion storage. Thus, in this review, first, we take stock of key challenges and opportunities to extract carbon from various plants structural components and identify the extracted carbon structure compared to graphite-like structure. Then, we provide an overview on morphological and structural modification of the extracted carbons. Finally, we show how the physicochemical properties, structural alignment and morphological variation of the biomass-derived carbon can affect the storage mechanism and electrochemical performance. The extensive overview of this topic provided here is expected to stimulate further work on environmentally friendly battery design and towards the optimization of the battery performance. Electrode materials in alkali-metal-ion batteries that are based on biomass-derived carbon may allow not only a technical breakthrough, but also an ethically and socially acceptable product

The Role of Al2O3 ALD Coating on Sn-Based Intermetallic Anodes for Rate Capability and Long-Term Cycling in Lithium-Ion Batteries

The electrochemical performances of CoSn2 and Ni3Sn4 as potential anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are investigated using varying thicknesses of an alumina layer deposited by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. Rate capability results showed that at high current densities, Al2O3-coated CoSn2 and Ni3Sn4 electrodes after 10-ALD cycles outperformed uncoated materials. The charge capacities of coated CoSn2 and Ni3Sn4 electrodes are 571 and 134 mAh g−1, respectively, at a high current density of 5 A g−1, while the capacities of uncoated electrodes are 363 and 11 mAh g−1. When the current density is reduced to 1 A g−1, however, the cycling performances of Al2O3-coated CoSn2 and Ni3Sn4 electrodes fade faster after almost 40 cycles than uncoated electrodes. The explanation is found in the composition of the solid-electrolyte interface (SEI), which strongly depends on the current rate. Thus, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of SEI layers on coated samples cycles at a low current density of 0.1 Ag−1, revealed organic carbonates as major products, which probably have a low ionic conductivity. In contrast, the SEI of coated materials cycled at 5 Ag−1 consists mostly of mixed inorganic/organic fluorine-rich Al-F and C-F species facilitating a higher ionic transport, which improves electrochemical performance

National Minimum Data Set for Antimicrobial Resistance Management: Toward Global Surveillance System

Background: Success of infection treatment depends on the availability of accurate, reliable, and comprehensive data, information, and knowledge at the point of therapeutic decision-making. The identification of a national minimum data set will support the development and implementation of an effective surveillance system. The goal of this study was to develop a national antimicrobial resistance surveillance minimum data set. Methods: In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, data were collected from selected pioneering countries and organizations which have national or international antimicrobial resistance surveillance systems. A minimum data set checklist was extracted and validated. The ultimate data elements of the minimum data set were determined by applying the Delphi technique. Results: Through the Delphi technique, we obtained 80 data elements in 8 axes. The resistance data categories comprised basic, clinical, electronic reporting, infection control, microbiology, pharmacy, World Health Organization-derived, and expert-recommended data. Relevance coding was extracted based on the Iranian electronic health record coding system. Conclusion: This study provides a set of data elements and a schematic framework for the implementation of an antimicrobial resistance surveillance system. A uniform minimum data set was created based on key informants’ opinions to cover essential needs in the early implementation of a global antimicrobial resistance surveillance system in Iran

Comparison of Physical Properties of an Iranian and a German Dental Stone Type IV According to ADA Specifications

Background and Aim: Dental stone type IV and V are predominantly used for construction of cast and die in fixed prosthodontics and must have some special properties. The aim of this study was to compare the three physical properties of an Iranian a German dental stone type IV .   Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, setting time, setting expansion and compressive strength properties were evaluated according to ADA specification No.25for Iranian Tara and German Gildand type IV dental stone. For setting time, setting expansion and compressive strength tests, Vicat apparatus, extensometer and universal testing machine were used, respectively. Data were compared to ADA specification No.25 for dental stone type IV and statistically analyzed using t-test with a 0.05 level of significance .   Results: Mean of setting expansion for Iranian and German dental stone were 0.024±0.011 and 0.0245±0.009, respectively and were within the limits of ADA specification and there was no statistically significant difference between them (P=0.966). Mean of setting time for Iranian and German dental stone were 44.5±0.70 and 17.29±0.41 and mean of compressive strength for Iranian and German dental stone were 16.17±0.97 and 20.15±1.96 and both specifications were not within the limits of ADA specification, but statistically significant differences were found between groups (P<0.001) .   Conclusion: Iranian dental stone type IV could not fulfill 2 out of 3 tested ADA specification and modification of this stone is necessary for use in fixed prosthodontics laboratory processes

Evaluation of Parenteral Opioid Analgesics Utilization in Patients Hospitalized in a Referral Teaching Hospital

Background: Opioid drugs are the most effective drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Rates of opioid use are influenced by a variety of factors. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of use of parenteral opioid drugs in hospitalized patients in a referral teaching hospital. Methods: In a retrospective study, required data were extracted from medical records of adult patients who had received any parenteral opioid analgesic in the 6-month period from March 2013 to September 2013. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification/Defined Daily Doses (ATC/DDD) system method was used for evaluation of opioid analgesic use in patients. Results: The overall usage of parenteral opioid analgesics was 730.51 DDDs with meperidine (Pethidine) having the most amounts of use (588.69 DDDs and 33.23 DDDs/100 bed-days). Overall, the male surgery ward and emergency department had the most amounts of use based on the number of DDDs (445.8 DDDs) and per 100 bed-days (1046 DDDs/100 bed-days), respectively. Methadone use was most in the infectious diseases ward. Conclusion: The trend of parenteral opioid analgesics consumption is increasing in this hospital. Therefore, better adherence to pain treatment guidelines by medical staff is necessary for rational use of these drugs

Evaluation of sacral bone parameters in Sex determination by three – dimensional CT images

Introduction: Gender determination in forensic medicine plays an important role in determining the identity which is very important for both the present time and in the future. (Aim)Background: To improve sex determination using skeletal remains, morphometrical study of some bones can be helpful. The aim of this study is to assess the application of five parameters of sacral bone by means of Three – Dimensional (3D) images reconstructed by multi-slice Computed Tomography (CT) in sex determination of Iranian individuals. &nbsp;Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on one hundred of Iranian people with equal number of men and women who have undergone Pelvic CT in radiology department of Hazrat Rasoul-Akram Hospital were included. Five anthropometric indices including S1 Perimeter, S1 Area, Anterior-posterior diameter (APD), Maximum transverse diameter (MTD) and Maximum breadth of sacral alae (MBA) of their sacral bone were measured using computed tomography (CT) three dimensional images with an accuracy of 0.01º and 0.01 mm and then the association of the measurements with the gender of individuals was studied. Conclusion:&nbsp; No significant difference was observed between two gender groups in terms of age (P=0.678).&nbsp

Computational modeling of PET tracer distribution in solid tumors integrating microvasculature

Background We present computational modeling of positron emission tomography radiotracer uptake with consideration of blood flow and interstitial fluid flow, performing spatiotemporally-coupled modeling of uptake and integrating the microvasculature. In our mathematical modeling, the uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose F-18 (FDG) was simulated based on the Convection–Diffusion–Reaction equation given its high accuracy and reliability in modeling of transport phenomena. In the proposed model, blood flow and interstitial flow are solved simultaneously to calculate interstitial pressure and velocity distribution inside cancer and normal tissues. As a result, the spatiotemporal distribution of the FDG tracer is calculated based on velocity and pressure distributions in both kinds of tissues. Results Interstitial pressure has maximum value in the tumor region compared to surrounding tissue. In addition, interstitial fluid velocity is extremely low in the entire computational domain indicating that convection can be neglected without effecting results noticeably. Furthermore, our results illustrate that the total concentration of FDG in the tumor region is an order of magnitude larger than in surrounding normal tissue, due to lack of functional lymphatic drainage system and also highly-permeable microvessels in tumors. The magnitude of the free tracer and metabolized (phosphorylated) radiotracer concentrations followed very different trends over the entire time period, regardless of tissue type (tumor vs. normal). Conclusion Our spatiotemporally-coupled modeling provides helpful tools towards improved understanding and quantification of in vivo preclinical and clinical studies.Applied Science, Faculty ofMedicine, Faculty ofNon UBCBiomedical Engineering, School ofPhysics and Astronomy, Department ofRadiology, Department ofReviewedFacultyResearche