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Nilsson, Tina, Anna Sjöblom, Maria G. Masucci, and Lars Rymo. "Viral and Cellular Factors Influence the Activity of the Epstein-Barr Virus BCR2 and BWR1 Promoters in Cells of Different Phenotype." Virology 193, no. 2 (April 1993): 774–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/viro.1993.1186.
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LU, TIEN-FU. "MODELING FOR STOCKPILE OPERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH BULK SOLID MATERIALS USING BUCKET WHEEL RECLAIMER." International Journal of Information Acquisition 07, no. 04 (December 2010): 357–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/s0219878910002270.
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Bucket wheel reclaimer (BWR) is one of the main equipment which has been widely used for stacking/reclaiming bulk materials (i.e., iron ore and coal) in ports, iron-steel plants, coal storages, and power stations onto/from stockpiles by mining industry. Generally speaking, current BWRs are mostly manually operated, remotely operated, or automated to simply follow predefined trajectory patterns for stacking and reclaiming operations. BWRs are indeed very large in size, heavy in weight, expensive in price, and slow in motion. It is commonly agreed in the industry that the current stacking/reclaiming efficiency can be largely improved in several areas to obtain huge amount of savings in dollar terms. However, as stockpiles and BWRs are always heavily engaged in production and cannot be long spared or frequently interrupted for the required studies and developments for efficiency improvement, a close to real simulation environment including stockpiles, BWRs, and the associated environment would be highly valuable and greatly beneficial to carry out necessary studies, planning, preparations, and evaluations. This paper presents the progresses of the modeling work achieved so far for the simulation of stockpile operations associated with bulk solid materials using BWRs. The content covers the modeling of stockpiles, typical BWR, voxel-based reclaiming trajectory generation, and their implementation in a simplified stockyard. The result demonstrates a powerful simulation environment is being woven together and can be used as a tool for further investigations to improve relevant production efficiencies.
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Altiok, E., J. Minarovits, L. F. Hu, B. Contreras-Brodin, G. Klein, and I. Ernberg. "Host-cell-phenotype-dependent control of the BCR2/BWR1 promoter complex regulates the expression of Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigens 2-6." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 89, no. 3 (February 1, 1992): 905–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.89.3.905.
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Olvera-Guerrero, Omar Alejandro, Alfonso Prieto-Guerrero, and Gilberto Espinosa-Paredes. "A Novel Nonlinear BWR Stability Indicator Based on the Sample Entropy." Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations 2018 (November 1, 2018): 1–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2018/9852925.
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BWRs are thus far the simplest energy systems to transform fission energy into electrical power. However, there are still many aspects in their operation that, under certain conditions, may induce BWR unstable behavior. The default indicator to study BWR unstable behavior is the Decay Ratio (DR). However, due to the fact that BWRs show very complex responses under instability and responses that may even be chaotic, the DR might not be a suitable choice to rely on to accommodate for such intricate behavior. In this work a novel methodology based on the Sample entropy (SampEn) and the noise-assisted multivariate empirical mode decomposition (NA-MEMD) is introduced. Such methodology was developed thinking for a real time-implementation of a stability monitor. The proposed methodology was tested with a set of signals that stem from several nuclear power plants in operation today that have experienced in the past unstable events, each one of a different nature.
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LANGE, CARSTEN, DIETER HENNIG, and ANTONIO HURTADO. "A NOVEL RESULT IN THE FIELD OF NONLINEAR STABILITY ANALYSIS OF BOILING WATER REACTORS." International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos 22, no. 02 (February 2012): 1250041. http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/s0218127412500411.
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The nonlinear stability analysis of boiling water nuclear reactors (BWRs) is conducted with the aid of so-called advanced, well validated, system codes and an advanced reduced order model to build a detailed mathematical understanding of the BWR behavior in the practical relevant parameter space. In the last years, the existence of Hopf-bifurcation points was confirmed by some researchers. In the framework of this paper, a parameter region was analyzed in which the coexistence of different stability states is realized. As a novel result, we found a parameter region in which stable fixed points, unstable limit cycles and stable limit cycles coexist. This system behavior can be explained by a saddle-node bifurcation of cycles (turning point). The existence of this solution type in a BWR system indicates the possibility of large amplitude limit cycle oscillations in the linear stable region.
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Cui, Weihua, Bao Song, Chao Fu, and Hui Wang. "Effect of pitch on mechanical properties of braided wire rope under winding and traction condition." Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2355, no. 1 (October 1, 2022): 012080. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2355/1/012080.
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Abstract In the tension stringing construction process of power transmission and transformation engineering, the braided wire ropes (BWRs) are in the state of winding and stretching when passing through the friction drum. Pitch is an important structural parameter of BWRs, which directly influences the mechanical behaviors under these conditions. Based on the YS9-8×19 wire rope, this project studies the effect of the rope strand pitch on the curvature and winding from both qualitative and quantitative aspects. Qualitative analysis initially explores the effect of the pitch on the mechanical behaviors. Based on the established “rope-wheel” solid model and numerical simulation model, the stress distribution and the variation trend of the maximum equivalent stress corresponding to different pitches in the winding traction state are obtained through the quantitative analyses of the numerical simulations under the same loads with different pitches. The reasonable pitch range of the BWR subjected to traction and bending load is further concluded, to provide the data reference for the manufacture of related wire ropes.
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Macdonald, Digby D., and George R. Engelhardt. "A Critical Review of Radiolysis Issues in Water-Cooled Fission and Fusion Reactors: Part II, Prediction of Corrosion Damage in Operating Reactors." Corrosion and Materials Degradation 3, no. 4 (November 30, 2022): 694–758. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cmd3040038.
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The radiolysis of water is a significant cause of corrosion damage in the primary heat transport systems (PHTSs) of water-cooled, fission nuclear power reactors (BWRs, PWRs, and CANDUs) and is projected to be a significant factor in the evolution of corrosion damage in future fusion reactors (e.g., the ITER that is currently under development). In Part I of this two-part series, we reviewed the proposed mechanisms for the radiolysis of water and demonstrate that radiolysis leads to the formation of a myriad of oxidizing and reducing species. In this Part II, we review the role that the radiolysis species play in establishing the electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) and the development of corrosion damage due to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in reactor PHTSs. We demonstrate, that the radiolytic oxidizing radiolysis products, such as O2, H2O2, HO2−, and OH, when in molar excess over reducing species (H2, H, and O22−), some of which (H2) are preferentially stripped from the coolant upon boiling in a BWR PHTS, for example, renders the coolant in many BWRs oxidizing, thereby shifting the ECP in the positive direction to a value that is more positive than the critical potential (Ecrit = −0.23 Vshe at 288 °C) for IGSCC in sensitized austenitic stainless steel (e.g., Type 304 SS). This has led to many IGSCC incidents in operating BWRs over the past five decades that has exacted a great cost on the plant operators and electricity consumers, alike. In the case of PWRs, the primary circuits are pressurized with hydrogen to give a hydrogen concentration of 10 to 50 cm3/kgH2O (0.89 to 4.46 ppm), such that no sustained boiling occurs, and the hydrogen suppresses the radiolysis of water, thereby inhibiting the formation of oxidizing radiolysis products from water. Thus, the ECP is dominated by the hydrogen electrode reaction (HER), although important deviations from the HER equilibrium potential may occur, particularly at low [H2]. In any event, the ECP is displaced to approximately −0.85 Vshe, which is below the critical potential for IGSCC in sensitized stainless steels but is also more negative than the critical potential for the hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) of mill-annealed Alloy 600. This has led to extensive cracking of steam generator tubing and other components (e.g., control rod drive tubes, pressurizer components) in PWRs that has also exacted a high cost on operators and power consumers. Although the ITER has yet to operate, the proposed chemistry protocol for the coolant places it close to a BWR operating on Normal Water Chemistry (NWC) without boiling or, if hydrogen is added to the IBED-PHTS, close to a BWR on Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC). In the current ITER technology, the concentration of H2 in the IBED-PHTS is specified to be 80 ppb, which is the concentration that will be experienced in both the Plasma Flux Area (PFA) and in the Out of Plasma Flux Area (OPFA). That corresponds to 0.90 cc(STP) H2/KgH2O, compared with 20–50 cc(STP) H2/KgH2O employed in a PWR primary coolant circuit and 5.5 to 22 cc(STP) H2/KgH2O in a BWR on hydrogen water chemistry (HWC). We predict that a hydrogen concentration of 80 ppb is sufficient to reduce the ECP in the OPFA to a level (−0.324 Vshe) that is sufficient to suppress the crack growth rate (CGR) below the practical, maximum level of 10−9 cm/s (0.315 mm/a) at which SCC is considered not to be a problem in a coolant circuit but, in the PFA, the ECP is predicted to be 0.380 Vshe, which gives a calculated standard CGR of 2.7 × 10−6 cm/s. This is more than three orders in magnitude greater that the desired maximum value of 10−9 cm/s. We recommend that the HWC issue in ITER be revisited to develop a protocol that is effective in suppressing both the ECP and the CGR in the PFA to levels that permit the operation of the IBED-PHTS in accordance with the experience gained in fission reactor technology.
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Harder, James W., Jing Ma, Pascale Alard, Kevin J. Sokoloski, Edith Mathiowitz, Stacia Furtado, Nejat K. Egilmez, and Michele M. Kosiewicz. "Male microbiota-associated metabolite restores macrophage efferocytosis in female lupus-prone mice via activation of PPARγ/LXR signaling pathways." Journal of Leukocyte Biology 113, no. 1 (January 10, 2023): 41–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jleuko/qiac002.
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Abstract Systemic lupus erythematosus development is influenced by both sex and the gut microbiota. Metabolite production is a major mechanism by which the gut microbiota influences the immune system, and we have previously found differences in the fecal metabolomic profiles of lupus-prone female and lupus-resistant male BWF1 mice. Here we determine how sex and microbiota metabolite production may interact to affect lupus. Transcriptomic analysis of female and male splenocytes showed genes that promote phagocytosis were upregulated in BWF1 male mice. Because patients with systemic lupus erythematosus exhibit defects in macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis), we compared splenic macrophage efferocytosis in vitro between female and male BWF1 mice. Macrophage efferocytosis was deficient in female compared to male BWF1 mice but could be restored by feeding male microbiota. Further transcriptomic analysis of the genes upregulated in male BWF1 mice revealed enrichment of genes stimulated by PPARγ and LXR signaling. Our previous fecal metabolomics analyses identified metabolites in male BWF1 mice that can activate PPARγ and LXR signaling and identified one in particular, phytanic acid, that is a very potent agonist. We show here that treatment of female BWF1 splenic macrophages with phytanic acid restores efferocytic activity via activation of the PPARγ and LXR signaling pathways. Furthermore, we found phytanic acid may restore female BWF1 macrophage efferocytosis through upregulation of the proefferocytic gene CD36. Taken together, our data indicate that metabolites produced by BWF1 male microbiota can enhance macrophage efferocytosis and, through this mechanism, could potentially influence lupus progression.
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Harder, James W., Jing Ma, Pascale Alard, Xiang Zhang, Fang Yuan, and Michele M. Kosiewicz. "Male microbiota-associated metabolites restore macrophage efferocytosis in female lupus-prone mice via PPARγ and LXR signaling pathways." Journal of Immunology 206, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2021): 105.04. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.206.supp.105.04.
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Abstract Sex and gut microbiota both influence systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) development. We have found that male and lupus-prone female NZBxNZW F1 (BWF1) mice exhibit differences in gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles, and transfer of male microbiota suppresses disease in female mice. Here we determine how sex and microbiota may interact to affect SLE development. Transcriptomic analysis of female and male BWF1 spleens found phagocytosis-promoting genes were upregulated in males. Since defects in macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) are found in SLE patients, we compared efferocytosis in vitro between male and lupus-prone female BWF1 mice. Macrophage-mediated efferocytosis was decreased in female compared to male BWF1 mice, but could be restored in female mice by transfer of male microbiota in vivo. Further transcriptomic analysis of spleens found that genes regulated by PPARγ and LXR receptor signaling were increased in male BWF1 mice. Our previous metabolomics analyses have found that two metabolites which can activate PPARγ and LXR signaling, phytol and its derivative phytanic acid, are higher in male BWF1 mice. We have also found that feeding phytanic acid to female mice delayed lupus onset. We show here that defective female BWF1 macrophage efferocytosis can be restored by phytanic acid treatment, and this requires both PPARγ and LXR signaling pathways. Furthermore, we found that phytanic acid may restore female BWF1 macrophage efferocytosis by upregulating the pro-efferocytic receptor, CD36. Taken together, our data indicate that BWF1 male microbiota produce metabolites that can enhance macrophage efferocytosis and suppress lupus.
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Teguh Sasono, Tjatur Udjianto, and Taufik Rizal. "RANCANGAN MULTISTAGE HIGH RECOVERY BRACKISH WATER REVERSE OSMOSIS PADA PLTU CILACAP KAPASITAS 660 MW." Jurnal Teknik Energi 6, no. 2 (February 17, 2020): 541–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.35313/energi.v6i2.1719.
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Rancangan sistem BWRO dengan persentase air hasil pengolahan yang tinggi (high recovery) akan mengurangi biaya operasinya. Untuk mencapai high recovery, skema multistage diterapkan dalam rancangan BWRO ini. Dengan menerapkan skema multistage dan nilai recovery per elemen sebesar 14,53%, sistem BWRO ini memiliki keandalan (reliability) yang baik dengan investasi yang rendah. Air yang diolah pada BWRO merupakan air keluaran dari Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO), air keluaran SWRO ini masih mengandung mineral di dalamnya. Kandungan mineral di dalam air disebut Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), TDS merupakan parameter yang harus dikurangi jumlahnya. Air keluaran SWRO merupakan brackish water dengan kandungan TDS 400 mg/L, temperature 25"C, dan nilai pH 8. Perancangan BWRO dimulai dari menentukan kebutuhan jumlah air dan mengetahui karakteristik air yang akan diolah. Kemudian, dilakukan pemilihan elemen membran dan pressurevessel, menentukan recoveryrate, dan menentukan jumlah stage. Selanjutnya, adalah menentukan tekanan input dan menghitung parameter performansi BWRO. Selain TDS, parameter yang menjadi pesyaratan dalam rancangan BWRO ini adalah Specific Membrane Permeability (SMP) standar BWRO yaitu 4,9-8,3 Lmh/bar. Dari hasil rancangan didapat feed flow 127,28 m3/jam, permeateflow 113 m3/jam, jumlah vessel stage 1 dan 2 masing-masing 12 buah dan 4 buah, TDS 7,72 mg/L, SMP stage 1 dan stage 2 masing - masing 6,52 Lmh/bar dan 6,87 Lmh/bar.
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Nakagata, T., Y. Yamada, and H. Naito. "Energy expenditure, recovery oxygen consumption, and substrate oxidation during and after body weight resistance exercise with slow movement compared to treadmill walking." Physiology International 105, no. 4 (December 2018): 371–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1556/2060.105.2018.4.27.
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The benefit of body weight resistance exercise with slow movement (BWRE-slow) for muscle function is well-documented, but not for energy metabolism. We aimed to examine physiological responses [e.g., energy expenditure (EE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate (La)] during and after BWRE-slow compared to EE-matched treadmill walking (TW). Eight healthy young men (23.4 ± 1.8 years old, 171.2 ± 6.2 cm, 63.0 ± 4.8 kg) performed squat, push-up, lunge, heel-raise, hip-lift, and crunch exercises with BWRE-slow modality. Both the concentric and eccentric phases were set to 3 s. A total of three sets (10 repetitions) with 30 s rest between sets were performed for each exercise (26.5 min). On another day, subjects walked on a treadmill for 26.5 min during which EE during exercise was matched to that of BWRE-slow with the researcher controlling the treadmill speed manually. The time course changes of EE and RER were measured. The EE during exercise for BWRE-slow (92.6 ± 16.0 kcal for 26.5 min) was not significantly different from the EE during exercise for TW (95.5 ± 14.1 kcal, p = 0.36). BWRE-slow elicited greater recovery EE (40.55 ± 3.88 kcal for 30 min) than TW (37.61 ± 3.19 kcal, p = 0.029). RER was significantly higher in BWRE-slow during and 0–5 min after exercise, but became significantly lower during 25–30 min after exercise, suggesting greater lipid oxidation was induced about 30 min after exercise in BWRE-slow compared to TW. We also indicated that BWRE-slow has 3.1 metabolic equivalents in average, which is categorized as moderate-intensity physical activity.
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Ishikawa, H., E. Kubota, H. Suzuki, and K. Saito. "The target minor H antigen for F1 cytotoxic T lymphocytes induced by Igh-congenic parental spleen cells is coded for by gene linked to H-2." Journal of Immunology 134, no. 5 (May 1, 1985): 2953–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.134.5.2953.
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Abstract Graft-vs-host reaction (GvHR) induced in (B10.BR X CWB)F1 (BWF1; H-2k/b, Ighb/b) by i.v. injection with CWB (H-2b, Ighb) spleen cells resulted in complete suppression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responsiveness of the F1 host spleen cells (GvHR-associated immunosuppression). In contrast, GvHR induced in BWF1 mice with CSW (H-2b, Ighj; Igh-congenic to CWB) spleen cells did not affect CTL responsiveness of the F1 host spleen cells at all. The BWF1 hosts undergoing the CSW-induced GvHR generated anti-CSW CTL in their spleens, and the subsequent culture of such BWF1 spleen cells with CSW stimulator cells, augmented the CTL activity. The BWF1 anti-CSW CTL lysed both Con A- and LPS-induced splenic blasts from mouse strains carrying the Ighj allele in the context of self H-2Kb. However, determination of the Igh haplotype in the serum IgG and of the susceptibility of the splenic lymphocytes to the BWF1 anti-CSW CTL on backcross mice, which carry either Ighb/j or Ighb/b in the context of H-2b/b or H-2b/k, showed clearly that Ighj and the gene coding for the target antigen for the BWF1 anti-CSW CTL segregated at ratios close to 1:1. The study in which linkage between the gene(s) coding for the target antigen for the BWF1 anti-CSW CTL and H-2 was examined on CWB X (C3H X CWB)F1 backcross mice and (B10.BR X CSW)F1 X B10 mice demonstrated that the gene, most likely a single gene, coding for the target antigen for the BWF1 anti-CSW CTL is located at 8.5 +/- 4.3 cross-over units to the right or left of the H-2 complex. We designated the minor H antigen to be recognized by the BWF1 anti-CSW CTL as H-X+, and we discuss the distinction between the H-X+ locus and the other minor H loci on chromosome 17.
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Chhabra, Anita, Sarah Parnell, Pascale Alard, and Michele Kosiewicz. "Lupus-prone (NZBxNZW)F1 mice exhibit decreased ability to induce iTregs due to defects in both antigen presenting cells and T cells (123.1)." Journal of Immunology 188, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2012): 123.1. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.188.supp.123.1.
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Abstract Quantitative and qualitative defects in regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+; Tregs) are associated with many autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE-prone (NZBxNZW)F1 (BWF1) mice have very low frequencies of CD4+Foxp3+ in lymphoid organs compared to non-autoimmune strains, and adoptive transfer of Tregs prevents SLE presumably by restoring the “proper” Treg:effector T cell ratios. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms that could affect Treg frequencies in BWF1 mice. There were no differences in either thymic production or peripheral proliferation of Tregs between BWF1 and control mice. However, in vitro induction of Treg conversion (iTregs) was defective using either BWF1 antigen presenting cells, i.e., TGFβ-treated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC) or untreated CD103+ DC (DC able to induce conversion constitutively), or BWF1 T cells. Furthermore, BWF1 mesenteric lymph nodes contained decreased CD103+ DC concomitant with decreased Helios-CD4+Foxp3+ cells (a potential marker of iTregs) frequencies compared to controls. Taken together, these data suggest that defects in both DC and T cells in BWF1 mice lead to defective conversion of iTregs and may contribute to the decreased Treg frequencies, and consequently, to the development of disease. Identifying the mechanisms that cause these defects could lead to the development of therapeutic strategies that restore an optimal Treg compartment, and thereby treat lupus.
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Trigunaite, Abhishek, Ayesha Khan, Evan Der, and Trine Jorgensen. "Higher numbers of Gr1hiCD11b+ cells suppress B cell differentiation and autoantibody production in male BWF1 mice (72.7)." Journal of Immunology 188, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2012): 72.7. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.188.supp.72.7.
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Abstract (NZBxNZW) F1 (BWF1) mice spontaneously develop a lupus-like disease characterized by elevated levels of anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANA) and systemic inflammation and with a similar female bias as observed in humans. Bone marrow (BM) chimera studies have shown intrinsic disease-driving properties of female BM cells and subsequent flow-based analyses identified significantly less Gr1hiCd11b+ myeloid cells in BWF1 female mice as compared to males. As Gr1hiCD11b+ cells have been suggested to be immunosuppressive, we hypothesized that these cells suppress B cell activation and differentiation and protect against lupus-like disease in male BWF1 mice. We analyzed the effect of male and female Gr1hiCD11b + cells on 1) cytokine-driven B cell differentiation in vitro, 2) antibody responses to immunization, and 3) spontaneous autoantibody production. We found that Gr1hiCD11b+ cells from both male and female 4 wk old BWF1 mice significantly suppressed cytokine-driven plasma cell differentiation in vitro in a dose dependent manner. Likewise, treatment of male BWF1 mice with depleting anti-Gr1 antibody resulted in elevated antibody response to Np-CGG immunization. And finally, spontaneous production of ANA were significantly increased in male BWF1 mice during and after anti-Gr1 antibody treatment, with ANA levels comparable to those of unmanipulated BWF1 females. These data suggest a new and important role for immunosuppressive Gr1hiCD11b+ cells during antibody-mediated autoimmunity.
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Rigamonti, Antonello E., Valentina Bollati, Chiara Favero, Benedetta Albetti, Diana Caroli, Laura Abbruzzese, Silvano G. Cella, and Alessandro Sartorio. "Effect of a 3-Week Multidisciplinary Body Weight Reduction Program on the Epigenetic Age Acceleration in Obese Adults." Journal of Clinical Medicine 11, no. 16 (August 10, 2022): 4677. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm11164677.
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Obesity and aging share common molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which occur frequently in both conditions. DNA methylation (DNAm) age, a biomarker of the epigenetic clock, has been proposed as a more accurate predictor of biological aging than chronological age. A positive difference between an individual’s chronological age and DNAm age is referred to as epigenetic age acceleration. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a 3-week in-hospital body weight reduction program (BWRP) on the epigenetic age acceleration, as well as on other cardiometabolic outcomes, in a cohort of 72 obese adults (F/M: 43/29; (chronological) age: 51.5 ± 14.5 yrs; BMI: 46.5 ± 6.3 kg/m2). At the end of the BWRP, when considering the entire population, BMI decreased, and changes in body composition were observed. The BWRP also produced beneficial metabolic effects as demonstrated by decreases in glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. A post-BWRP improvement in cardiovascular function was also evident (i.e., decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate). The BWRP reduced some markers of systemic inflammation, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP). Finally, vascular age (VA) and Framingham risk score (FRS) were reduced after the BWRP. When considering the entire population, DNAm age and epigenetic age acceleration did not differ after the BWRP. However, when subdividing the population into two groups based on each subject’s epigenetic age acceleration (i.e., ≤0 yrs or >0 yrs), the BWRP reduced the epigenetic age acceleration only in obese subjects with a value > 0 yrs (thus biologically older than expected). Among all the single demographic, lifestyle, biochemical, and clinical characteristics investigated, only some markers of systemic inflammation, such as CRP, were associated with the epigenetic age acceleration. Moreover, chronological age was correlated with DNAm age and VA; finally, there was a correlation between DNAm age and VA. In conclusion, a 3-week BWRP is capable of reducing the epigenetic age acceleration in obese adults, being the BWRP-induced rejuvenation evident in subjects with an epigenetic age acceleration > 0 yrs. Based on the BWRP-induced decrease in CRP levels, chronic systemic inflammation seems to play a role in mediating obesity-related epigenetic remodeling and biological aging. Thus, due to the strong association of CVD risk with the epigenetic clock and morbidity/mortality, any effort should be made to reduce the low-grade chronic inflammatory state in obesity.
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Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya, Oxana, Ivan Fedosov, Thomas Penzel, Dongyu Li, Tingting Yu, Valeria Telnova, Elmira Kaybeleva, et al. "Brain Waste Removal System and Sleep: Photobiomodulation as an Innovative Strategy for Night Therapy of Brain Diseases." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24, no. 4 (February 6, 2023): 3221. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043221.
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Emerging evidence suggests that an important function of the sleeping brain is the removal of wastes and toxins from the central nervous system (CNS) due to the activation of the brain waste removal system (BWRS). The meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) are an important part of the BWRS. A decrease in MLV function is associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, intracranial hemorrhages, brain tumors and trauma. Since the BWRS is activated during sleep, a new idea is now being actively discussed in the scientific community: night stimulation of the BWRS might be an innovative and promising strategy for neurorehabilitation medicine. This review highlights new trends in photobiomodulation of the BWRS/MLVs during deep sleep as a breakthrough technology for the effective removal of wastes and unnecessary compounds from the brain in order to increase the neuroprotection of the CNS as well as to prevent or delay various brain diseases.
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Bdour, Ahmed N., Noor Al-Sadeq, Muna Gharaibeh, Angeles Mendoza-Sammet, Maria D. Kennedy, and Sergio G. Salinas-Rodriguez. "Techno-Economic Analysis of Selected PV-BWRO Desalination Plants in the Context of the Water–Energy Nexus for Low–Medium-Income Countries." Energies 15, no. 22 (November 18, 2022): 8657. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/en15228657.
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Jordan was late in adopting seawater and brackish water desalination as a source until the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, ongoing studies are still discussing the technical, economic, and socio-political aspects of brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) desalination plants. In this study, the water–energy nexus was considered, in order to highlight the main challenges facing BWRO desalination. We discuss the use of photovoltaic (PV) technology, together with BWRO desalination, as an approach to compensate for ecological, financial, and social challenges in Jordan. For this purpose, the performance of nine existing BWRO desalination plants in the agricultural, domestic, and industrial sectors is assessed. The water performance is assessed based on water consumption, safe yield extraction, plant recovery rate (R, %), and compliance to local and international water quality standards; the Specific Energy Consumption (SEC, kWh/m3) is taken as the main evaluation criterion to assess the energy performance of the BWRO desalination plants; and economic performance is assessed based on the overall cost of water produced per cubic meter (USD/m3). The main environmental component is the brine disposal management practice utilized by each plant. Based on this assessment, the main challenges in BWRO desalination are the unsustainable patterns of water production, mismanaged energy performance, low recovery rates, and improper brine disposal. The challenges in domestic and industrial BWRO desalination, which are completely dependent on the electricity grid, are associated with critical energy and costs losses, as reflected by the high SEC values (in the range of 2.7–5.6 kWh/m3) and high water costs per cubic meter (0.60–1.18 USD/m3). As such, the use of PV solar panels is suggested, in order to reduce the electricity consumption of the assessed BWRO plants. The installation of PV panels resulted in significantly reduced energy costs (by 69–74%) and total costs (by 50–54%), compared with energy costs from the electricity grid, over the lifetime of the assessed BWRO desalination plants.
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Harder, James W., Jing Ma, Pascale Alard, Xiang Zhang, Fang Yuan, and Michele M. Kosiewicz. "Male microbiota-associated metabolites restore macrophage apoptotic cell clearance function in female lupus-prone mice." Journal of Immunology 204, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2020): 236.2. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.204.supp.236.2.
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Abstract Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been linked to microbiota dysbiosis. We have previously shown that lupus-prone female and non-lupus-prone male BWF1 mice have significantly different gut microbiota compositions and metabolomic profiles. Transferring microbiota from male into female BWF1 mice suppresses disease. This protective phenotype is androgen dependent, as microbiota from castrated male BWF1 mice (i.e., lupus-prone) fails to protect against disease. This protection could be mediated via differential metabolite production. Metabolomic analyses of female, and castrated and intact male BWF1 feces identified >100 differentially produced metabolites including phytol and phytanic acid, byproducts of chlorophyll degradation that can act as RXR agonists. These metabolites were produced at higher levels in non-lupus-prone male mice than in lupus-prone female and castrated male mice. Their presence in male BWF1 mice correlated with higher levels of a bacterial family, Lachnospiraceae, which contains species that express chlorophyll-degrading enzymes. Feeding phytanic acid to female mice delayed kidney disease onset. This male microbiota metabolite may confer protection, in part, by improving splenic macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Macrophage clearance of apoptotic debris (efferocytosis) is defective in SLE patients, and this is thought to drive disease progression. We found lupus-prone female and castrated male BWF1 mice also have defective macrophage efferocytosis and this defect could be corrected in vitro by phytanic acid treatment. Taken together, our data indicate that BWF1 male microbiota produce metabolites that enhance macrophage efferocytosis and protect against disease.
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Harder, James W., Jing Ma, Anita Chhabra, Pascale Alard, Xiang Zhang, Fang Yuan, Rachel Ferrill, Yuan Hua, and Michele M. Kosiewicz. "Androgens may influence lupus development via an effect on the composition and metabolic activities of intestinal microbiota in BWF1 mice." Journal of Immunology 202, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2019): 178.18. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.202.supp.178.18.
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Abstract Like many autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) occurs much more often in females than males in humans and spontaneous mouse models of lupus, such as NZBxNZWF1 (BWF1) mice. Castration increases disease incidence, severity, and mortality in BWF1 males, and BWF1 females are protected from disease by androgen treatment, suggesting that male sex steroids, androgens, play a protective role in lupus. Accumulating evidence suggests that microbiota dysbiosis is associated with development of autoimmune diseases, and the microbiota influences and is influenced by androgens. Our previous research has linked sex differences in microbiota to the sex-bias of SLE and differences in immunoregulation in BWF1 mice. To investigate the role of androgen in this sex-bias, we have studied the effects of androgen depletion via castration on male BWF1 mice. Fecal samples were collected from castrated and control male and female BWF1 mice, and analyzed for microbiota composition, function, and metabolites. We found that androgen-depletion induced a significant shift in the overall microbiota profile away from that found in control male mice, and toward one that was more similar to BWF1 female mice. Androgen-depletion also altered the fecal metabolite profile; 72 metabolites were altered in castrated compared to control male mice, and of these, 34 were also differentially produced in control female vs male mice. These changes in microbiota and metabolite profiles correlated with increased disease/mortality and altered immunoregulation in castrated male mice. Taken together, these data indicate that androgens have a dramatic effect on the microbiota, and it may be through the microbiota that androgens affect SLE development.
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Davison, Laura, Andrés Alberto, Lauren Liegl, Thomas Vogl, and Trine Jorgensen. "Calcium binding protein S100a9 protects male lupus-prone BWF1 mice from disease development (IRC4P.448)." Journal of Immunology 194, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2015): 57.1. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.194.supp.57.1.
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Abstract Testosterone protects from SLE pathogenesis, yet the mechanism of protection remains unknown. Using the (NZB x NZW)F1 (BWF1) mouse model of SLE, we have previously shown that immunosuppressive Gr1+CD11b+ cells are elevated in protected male BWF1 mice compared with females. Female and male Gr1+ cells use different mechanisms of suppression: reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/NOS) (female), or a secreted component independent of ROS/NOS production (male). Furthermore, female Gr1+ cells lose their capacity to suppress as the mice age. In support hereof, in vivo depletion of Gr1+ cells accelerated disease development in male mice only. Calcium-binding protein S100a9 is induced by inflammation and has been shown to exert either proinflammatory or immunosuppressive functions. Finding that male-derived Gr1+ cells express 3-4 fold higher levels of S100a9 mRNA than females, we hypothesized that S100a9 is the immunosuppressive mechanism used by male Gr1+ cells. Using S100a9-/- BWF1 mice we show that male-derived Gr1+ cells indeed use S100a9 to suppress plasma cell differentiation in vitro. Moreover, BWF1.S100a9-/- males developed increased serum ANA levels and IgG-IC deposition in the kidney glomeruli, and accelerated renal failure, while only the kidney phenotype was somewhat affected in BWF1.S100a9-/- female mice. In conclusion, differential regulation of S100a9 by male and female Gr1+ cells may contribute to the differential development of lupus in male and female BWF1 mice.
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Manirarora, Jean N., Michele M. Kosiewicz, Sarah A. Parnell, and Pascale Alard. "Ingestion of lactobacilli delays lupus development by stimulating APC in (NZBxNZW)F1 mice (131.35)." Journal of Immunology 178, no. 1_Supplement (April 1, 2007): S244. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.178.supp.131.35.
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Abstract Various defects in T cells and APC have been associated with lupus in (NZBxNZW)F1 (BWF1) mice. We and others have found that BWF1 mice exhibit lower number of CD4+CD25+ regulatory cells and impaired APC function. Lactobacilli have been shown to prevent colitis and diabetes in autoimmune-prone mice and are used to treat intestinal inflammation and allergic disease in humans. Since viruses and parasites can prevent lupus in BWF1 mice, we examined whether lactobacilli ingestion would have a similar effect. After feeding BWF1 mice with three different strains of lactobacilli, we found that both anti-dsDNA antibody production and lupus severity were delayed. Next, we tested the effect of lactobacilli ingestion on APC in vivo. We found that lactobacilli upregulated B7.1 on both macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) in the LN of BWF1 mice. Finally, we characterized the effect of lactobacilli and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a bacterial cell wall component, on bone marrow-derived DC in vitro. Interestingly, we found that lactobacilli and LTA restored the expression of all costimulatory molecules and triggered production of high levels of IL-10 vs IL-12. Together, these data suggest that lactobacilli-mediated lupus prevention is associated with induction of IL-10 producing APC which may ultimately restore immune regulation in BWF1 mice. Supported by the Lupus Research Institute.
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Dand, Hardik A., Laura M. Davison, Andres Alberto, Thomas Vogl, and Trine N. Jorgensen. "S100a9-deficiency accelerates lupus disease and renal failure in male (NZB x NZW)F1 mice." Journal of Immunology 198, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2017): 207.3. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.198.supp.207.3.
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Abstract All (NZB x NZW)F1 (BWF1) female mice develop lupus-like disease, compared to ~30% of male BWF1 mice. Our previous research described an immunosuppressive effect of Gr1hiCD11bhi cells in male BWF1 mice. Specifically, as BWF1 mice age, female Gr1hi cells lost their ability to suppress altogether, while antibody-mediated depletion of Gr1hi cells accelerated disease development in male mice only. Reverse transcriptase-PCR studies revealed upregulated S100a9 and S100a8 mRNA levels in male flow-sorted Gr1hi cells as compared to cells from female BWF1 mice and non-autoimmune stains, leading us to hypothesize that S100a8/a9 produced by male Gr1hi cells is immunosuppressive. To study this, we created S100a9-deficient BWF1 mice. Our results showed spleen weight and splenocyte count, indicators of lupus advancement, were significantly higher in S100a9−/−male mice. Additionally, increased IgG-IC deposition in kidney glomeruli of S100a9−/−male mice was observed along with a significant increase in serum anti-chromatin IgG levels. Deficiency of S100a9 also resulted in increased frequencies of memory B cells and plasma cells in male mice, but not in female mice. Interestingly, S100a9-deficiency caused an accumulation of Gr1hiCD11b+ splenocytes in male mice. We speculated that this is due to a lack of trafficking of Gr1hi cells into the glomerulus of the kidney due to S100a9-deficiency. Subsequent IHC confirmed the lack of S100a9 expression in kidneys from S100a9-deficient mice. Finally, H/E and Trichrome stainings indicated accelerated renal failure in S100a9−/−mice. In conclusion, S100a9 may function as a chemoattractant of Gr1hi cells exerting immunosuppression and protection against lupus-like renal disease in male BWF1 mice.
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Chhabra, Anita, Pascale Alard, and Michele Kosiewicz. "Gut CD103+ dendritic cells from female lupus-prone (NZBxNZW) F1 (BWF1) mice are much less effective than male BWF1 mice at inducing iTregs (P4087)." Journal of Immunology 190, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2013): 127.15. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.190.supp.127.15.
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Abstract Regulatory CD4+Foxp3+ cells (Tregs) either develop in the thymus (nTregs) or are converted from non-Tregs in the periphery (iTregs). Lupus is much more prevalent in females than males, and although we have found that female BWF1 mice have lower Treg% than males and Treg% are increased in androgen-treated females and decreased in castrated males, it is unclear whether it is the nTregs or iTregs that are affected. In this study, we compared the ability of female and male BWF1 cells to mediate conversion. We found no differences in the ability of female and male BWF1 in vitro generated (bone marrow-derived) dendritic cells (DC) treated with TGFβ to induce Foxp3+ iTregs in vitro. Next, we analyzed CD103+DC from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) that can spontaneously induce iTregs. CD103+DC from female BWF1 mice exhibited a dramatically decreased ability to induce iTregs in vitro. CD103+DC from castrated male mice also had a similarly reduced ability to induce Tregs compared to sham-castrated males. Differences in CD103+DC function correlated with Treg% in MLN which were lower in females than males. There were no differences in CD103+DC% in MLN between female and male BWF1 mice. Interestingly, treatment in vivo with a blocking anti-CD103 antibody induced/accelerated disease and increased mortality in male BWF1 mice. Our data suggest 1) androgens may increase tolerogenic function of CD103+DC and 2) CD103+DC may induce a population of iTregs that are important for controlling lupus.
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Rigamonti, Antonello E., Gianfranco Frigerio, Diana Caroli, Alessandra De Col, Silvano G. Cella, Alessandro Sartorio, and Silvia Fustinoni. "A Metabolomics-Based Investigation of the Effects of a Short-Term Body Weight Reduction Program in a Cohort of Adolescents with Obesity: A Prospective Interventional Clinical Study." Nutrients 15, no. 3 (January 19, 2023): 529. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu15030529.
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Metabolomics applied to assess the response to a body weight reduction program (BWRP) may generate valuable information concerning the biochemical mechanisms/pathways underlying the BWRP-induced cardiometabolic benefits. The aim of the present study was to establish the BWRP-induced changes in the metabolomic profile that characterizes the obese condition. In particular, a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) targeted metabolomic approach was used to determine a total of 188 endogenous metabolites in the plasma samples of a cohort of 42 adolescents with obesity (female/male = 32/10; age = 15.94 ± 1.33 year; body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) = 2.96 ± 0.46) who underwent a 3-week BWRP, including hypocaloric diet, physical exercise, nutritional education, and psychological support. The BWRP was capable of significantly improving body composition (e.g., BMI SDS, p < 0.0001), glucometabolic homeostasis (e.g., glucose, p < 0.0001), and cardiovascular function (e.g., diastolic blood pressure, p = 0.016). A total of 64 metabolites were significantly reduced after the intervention (at least p < 0.05), including 53 glycerophospholipids (23 PCs ae, 21 PCs aa, and 9 lysoPCs), 7 amino acids (tyrosine, phenylalanine, arginine, citrulline, tryptophan, glutamic acid, and leucine), the biogenic amine kynurenine, 2 sphingomyelins, and (free) carnitine (C0). On the contrary, three metabolites were significantly increased after the intervention (at least p < 0.05)—in particular, glutamine, trans-4-hydroxyproline, and the octadecenoyl-carnitine (C18:1). In conclusion, when administered to adolescents with obesity, a short-term BWRP is capable of changing the metabolomic profile in the plasma.
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Ishikawa, Sho, Taku Sato, Masaaki Abe, Shigenori Nagai, Nobuyuki Onai, Hiroyuki Yoneyama, Yan-yun Zhang, et al. "Aberrant High Expression of B Lymphocyte Chemokine (Blc/Cxcl13) by C11b+Cd11c+ Dendritic Cells in Murine Lupus and Preferential Chemotaxis of B1 Cells towards Blc." Journal of Experimental Medicine 193, no. 12 (June 18, 2001): 1393–402. http://dx.doi.org/10.1084/jem.193.12.1393.
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We observed here that the expression of B lymphocyte chemokine (BLC/CXCL13) was markedly enhanced in the thymus and kidney in aged (NZB × NZW)F1 (BWF1) mice developing lupus nephritis, but not in similarly aged NZB and NZW mice. BLC-positive cells were present in the cellular infiltrates in the target organs with a reticular pattern of staining. CD11b+CD11c+ dendritic cells were increased in the thymus and spleen in aged BWF1 mice and identified as the major cell source for BLC. CD4+ T cells as well as B cells were dramatically increased in the thymus in aged BWF1 mice, whereas no increase was observed in aged NZB and NZW mice. B1/B2 ratio in the thymus was significantly higher than those in the spleen and peripheral blood in aged BWF1 mice. Interestingly, BLC showed preferential chemotactic activity for B1 cells derived from several mouse strains, including nonautoimmune mice. Cell surface CXCR5 expression on B1 cells was significantly higher than that on B2 cells. Thus, aberrant high expression of BLC by myeloid dendritic cells in the target organs in aged BWF1 mice may play a pivotal role in breaking immune tolerance in the thymus and in recruiting autoantibody-producing B cells in the development of murine lupus.
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Kosiewicz, Michele, Pascale Alard, Xiang Zhang, Thomas Fausnaught, and Anita Chhabra. "Male microbiota protects female BWF1 mice from lupus and death by restoring CD103DC function possibly via metabolite(s) production (THER5P.914)." Journal of Immunology 194, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2015): 139.16. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.194.supp.139.16.
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Abstract Alterations in microbiota composition are associated with autoimmune diseases. Little is known about the effect of microbial metabolite production on disease development. CD103 dendritic cells (CD103DC) induce regulatory T cells (iTregs) in the periphery. We have found that lupus-resistant male BWF1 mice exhibit increased disease incidence/mortality when treated with anti-CD103 antibody. Female CD103DC exhibit lower tolerogenic function than male cells in vitro and in vivo (i.e., oral tolerance) possibly due to a defect in the retinoic acid synthesis pathway. We also found that microbiota composition differed significantly between female and male BWF1 mice, and transfer of male microbiota decreased autoantibody production in female BWF1 mice. Here we report that transfer of male microbiota prevents kidney disease and dramatically increases survival of female BWF1 mice which correlates with enhanced female CD103DC function in both in vitro and in vivo assays, and increased iTregs. Furthermore, our preliminary study suggests that treatment with anti-CD103 antibody prevents male microbiota-mediated protection. Finally, metabolomic analysis of feces from female and male BWF1 mice revealed significant quantitative differences in 17 metabolites, including one that exhibits retinoid X receptor agonist activity. Taken together, these data suggest that male microbiota may protect against lupus through the production of metabolite(s) that enhance the retinoic acid synthesis pathway.
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Mapari, Kaushal E., Venkat Krishnamurty, and Arga Chandrashekar Anil. "Role of Reporting in Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement of Ballast Water Management." ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development 35, no. 1-2 (September 15, 2018): 49–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.29037/ajstd.473.
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The Decision Support System (DSS) for ballast water management in any given port is dependent on the availability of information on ballast water carried by a ship in advance. Collation of information through Ballast Water Reporting Forms (BWRF) has been adopted by several countries. This paper provides a comparison of the reporting forms adopted by some of the countries and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recommended BWRF. The manually submitted reporting forms have several limitations and India has developed a self-validating Electronic Ballast Water Reporting Form (e-BWRF) to overcome such issues. In addition, the possible direction for reporting in the future is also presented.
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Pearson, Jeffrey L., Peter R. Michael, Noreddine Ghaffour, and Thomas M. Missimer. "Economics and Energy Consumption of Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis Desalination: Innovations and Impacts of Feedwater Quality." Membranes 11, no. 8 (August 12, 2021): 616. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/membranes11080616.
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Brackish water desalination, using the reverse osmosis (BWRO) process, has become common in global regions, where vast reserves of brackish groundwater are found (e.g., the United States, North Africa). A literature survey and detailed analyses of several BWRO facilities in Florida have revealed some interesting and valuable information on the costs and energy use. Depending on the capacity, water quality, and additional scope items, the capital cost (CAPEX) ranges from USD 500 to USD 2947/m3 of the capacity (USD 690–USD 4067/m3 corrected for inflation to 2020). The highest number was associated with the City of Cape Coral North Plant, Florida, which had an expanded project scope. The general range of the operating cost (OPEX) is USD 0.39 to USD 0.66/m3 (cannot be corrected for inflation), for a range of capacities from 10,000 to 70,000 m3/d. The feed-water quality, in the range of 2000 to 6000 mg/L of the total dissolved solids, does not significantly impact the OPEX. There is a significant scaling trend, with OPEX cost reducing as plant capacity increases, but there is considerable scatter based on the pre- and post-treatment complexity. Many BWRO facilities operate with long-term increases in the salinity of the feedwater (groundwater), caused by pumping-induced vertical and horizontal migration of the higher salinity water. Any cost and energy increase that is caused by the higher feed water salinity, can be significantly mitigated by using energy recovery, which is not commonly used in BWRO operations. OPEX in BWRO systems is likely to remain relatively constant, based on the limitation on the plant capacity, caused by the brackish water availability at a given site. Seawater reverse osmosis facilities, with a very large capacity, have a lower OPEX compared to the upper range of BWRO, because of capacity scaling, special electrical energy deals, and process design certainty.
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Rigamonti, Antonello E., Valentina Bollati, Chiara Favero, Benedetta Albetti, Diana Caroli, Alessandra De Col, Silvano G. Cella, and Alessandro Sartorio. "Changes in DNA Methylation of Clock Genes in Obese Adolescents after a Short-Term Body Weight Reduction Program: A Possible Metabolic and Endocrine Chrono-Resynchronization." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 23 (November 22, 2022): 15492. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315492.
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Circadian rhythms are generated by a series of genes, collectively named clock genes, which act as a self-sustained internal 24 h timing system in the body. Many physiological processes, including metabolism and the endocrine system, are regulated by clock genes in coordination with environmental cues. Loss of the circadian rhythms has been reported to contribute to widespread obesity, particularly in the pediatric population, which is increasingly exposed to chronodisruptors in industrialized society. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the DNA methylation status of seven clock genes, namely clock, arntl, per1-3 and cry1-2, in a cohort of chronobiologically characterized obese adolescents (n: 45: F/M: 28/17; age ± SD: 15.8 ± 1.4 yrs; BMI SDS: 2.94 [2.76; 3.12]) hospitalized for a 3-week multidisciplinary body weight reduction program (BWRP), as well as a series of cardiometabolic outcomes and markers of hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) function. At the end of the intervention, an improvement in body composition was observed (decreases in BMI SDS and fat mass), as well as glucometabolic homeostasis (decreases in glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and Hb1Ac), lipid profiling (decreases in total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides and NEFA) and cardiovascular function (decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate). Moreover, the BWRP reduced systemic inflammatory status (i.e., decrease in C-reactive protein) and HPA activity (i.e., decreases in plasma ACTH/cortisol and 24 h urinary-free cortisol excretion). Post-BWRP changes in the methylation levels of clock, cry2 and per2 genes occurred in the entire population, together with hypermethylation of clock and per3 genes in males and in subjects with metabolic syndrome. In contrast to the pre-BWRP data, at the end of the intervention, cardiometabolic parameters, such as fat mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, triglycerides and HDL-C, were associated with the methylation status of some clock genes. Finally, BWRP induced changes in clock genes that were associated with markers of HPA function. In conclusion, when administered to a chronodisrupted pediatric obese population, a short-term BWRP is capable of producing beneficial cardiometabolic effects, as well as an epigenetic remodeling of specific clock genes, suggesting the occurrence of a post-BWRP metabolic and endocrine chronoresynchronization, which might represent a “biomolecular” predictor of successful antiobesity intervention.
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Tucker, Colleen F., Sarah A. Parnell, Pascale Alard, and Michele M. Kosiewicz. "Analysis of gender-based disparity in Treg populations in young lupus-prone mice (99.30)." Journal of Immunology 182, no. 1_Supplement (April 1, 2009): 99.30. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.182.supp.99.30.
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Abstract Females have a higher incidence of autoimmune disease than males. There is a consistently greater disparity in Foxp3+ Treg% between young females and males in autoimmune- vs non-autoimmune prone strains of mice, i.e., lupus-prone BWF1 female mice had lower Treg% than males. This disparity was not due to differences between female and male BWF1 mice in thymic production or homeostatic proliferation of Tregs in vivo, or the ability to convert Tregs in response to TGFβ, but could be due to the significantly higher rates of non-Treg CD4+ cell proliferation in vivo in female mice. These data also raised the interesting possibility that female BWF1 Tregs are less effective at controlling CD4 cell proliferation in vivo than males. However, Tregs from female and male BWF1 mice exhibited no differences in regulatory function in vitro. Likewise, no differences in the sensitivity of female and male CD4+ responders to suppression by Tregs or in the ability of splenic APC from female and male mice to activate regulatory cell function in vitro were detected. These data suggest that the failure to control CD4 cell activation in female BWF1 mice very likely contributes to disease development; this failure is due not to defects inherent in either the cells that regulate or are regulated, but rather to environmental factors that actively and transiently affect either or both cellular components of the response. Supported by LRI
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Larose-Pierre, Margareth, John J. Scrivens, Daryl Norwood, and Leonard Rappa. "Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Group A Streptococcus: Case Report and Therapy Update." Journal of Pharmacy Practice 15, no. 3 (June 2002): 290–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1106/bwr9-m77y-pqcv.
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Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening infection that affects the fascia and fat tissue underlying the skin. The diagnosis is often difficult because subcutaneous changes may not be readily apparent. Toxin-producing bacteria are usually the cause, with group A streptococcus (GAS) or Streptococcus pyogenes being responsible for a significant portion of the morbidity and mortality associated with this infection. The mortality rate associated with necrotizing fasciitis varies between 30% and 60%. Toxic shock-like syndrome and multisystem organ failure are the usual causes of death. Early diagnosis and surgery have been associated with decreased morbidity and mortality, and appropriate antimicrobial (eg, penicillin plus clindamycin) and supportive therapy is of utmost importance. Intravenous immunoglobulin and hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be beneficial in treating the infection; however, these 2 therapies require further research. Clinicians need to familiarize themselves with the disease and the different treatment modalities to be able to make the appropriate therapeutic decision. The optimal treatment of necrotizing fasciitis still remains a challenge today. This article presents an illustrative case with a brief overview of necrotizing fasciitis, and the current therapeutic modalities used in the management of the disease.
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Choi, Hyeung-Sik, and Yong-Heon Park. "Development of a biped walking robot actuated by a closed-chain mechanism." Robotica 24, no. 1 (October 31, 2005): 31–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0263574704001237.
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We developed a new type of a human-sized BWR (biped walking robot) driven by the closed-chain type of a joint actuator. Each leg of the BWR is composed of three pitch joints and one roll joint. In all, a 12 degree-of-freedom robot, including four arm joints, was developed. The BWR was designed to walk autonomously; it is actuated by small 90W DC motors/drivers and is has DC batteries and controllers. A new type of the joint actuator for the BWR is composed of the four-bar-link mechanism driven by a ball screw which has high strength and high gear ratio despite its light weight.In this paper, analyses on the four-bar-link mechanism applied to the joint actuator and on the structure of the BWR are presented. Through walking experiments of the BWR, the superior trajectory-tracking ability of the proposed joint actuator is validated.
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Chhabra, Anita, Pascale Alard, Venkatakrishna Jala, Bodduluri Haribabu, and Michele Kosiewicz. "A role for hormones, gut microbiota and tolerogenic CD103DC in protection of male (NZBxNZW)F1 (BWF1) mice from lupus (MUC8P.805)." Journal of Immunology 192, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2014): 198.6. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.192.supp.198.6.
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Abstract Mechanisms leading to gut homeostasis affect both mucosal and systemic immune function, and involve gut microbiota. Tolerogenic dendritic cells (CD103DC) play a role in gut homeostasis, including generation of induced regulatory T cells (iTregs). Previously, we found that treatment of male BWF1 mice with anti-CD103 antibody significantly increases disease incidence/mortality. Male CD103DC exhibit significantly greater tolerogenic function than either female or castrated male CD103DC in vitro. This study examines the mechanism of sex differences in CD103DC function, and the role of microbiota in lupus. Sex differences in CD103DC function correlated with increased expression of genes associated with tolerogenic/anti-inflammatory function in males, and pro-inflammatory function in females, and changes in iTreg frequency and function in vivo. Male BWF1 CD103DC expressed more Raldh2, an enzyme required for retinoic acid (RA) synthesis and CD103DC function, and supplementation with RA restored tolerogenic function in female CD103DC. Further, we found that male gut microbiota differed significantly from adult, but not immature, female microbiota, suggesting hormones influence the gut microbiota. Importantly, transfer of male gut microbiota to female BWF1 mice significantly reduced anti-dsDNA antibody production. These data suggest that an interplay between hormones, gut microbiota and tolerogenic CD103DC may play a critical role in providing protection to male BWF1 mice.
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Alard, Pascale, Sarah Parnell, Jean Manirarora, Michele Kosiewicz, and Safinur Atay. "Probiotics control lupus progression via induction of regulatory cells and IL-10 production (50.30)." Journal of Immunology 182, no. 1_Supplement (April 1, 2009): 50.30. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.182.supp.50.30.
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Abstract Microorganisms can evade the immune response via induction of regulatory cells, and can prevent the development of various autoimmune diseases. Probiotics, including Lactobacilli, are beneficial bacteria that play an important role in the immune system development. The goal of this study was to test whether gavaging (NZBxNZW)F1 (BWF1) lupus-prone mice with Lactobacilli weekly could control lupus development and identify the mechanisms mediating protection. BWF1 mice fed with Lactobacilli starting before disease onset exhibited a delay in lupus onset indicated by decreased severity and increased survival. This protection was associated with an increase in the percentage of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory cells and IL-10 production. Moreover, T cells from Lactobacilli-fed BWF1 mice transferred some protection when injected into young BWF1 mice. More importantly, mice that were fed after disease onset remained stable for several months and exhibited a delay in disease progression and an increase in survival. Regular feeding of Lactobacilli appears, therefore, to delay lupus progression via regulatory cell induction and possibly IL-10 production. Altogether, these data indicate that the use of probiotics may be a viable strategy for controlling disease development and progression in patients with lupus, i.e., extending the length of remission and reducing flare frequency. Funded by the Lupus Research Institute.
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Litzenburger, Friederike, Katrin Heck, Dalia Kaisarly, and Karl-Heinz Kunzelmann. "Diagnostic validity of early proximal caries detection using near-infrared imaging technology on 3D range data of posterior teeth." Clinical Oral Investigations 26, no. 1 (October 12, 2021): 543–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-021-04032-1.
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Abstract Objectives This in vitro study analysed potential of early proximal caries detection using 3D range data of teeth consisting of near-infrared reflection images at 850 nm (NIRR). Materials and methods Two hundred fifty healthy and carious permanent human teeth were arranged pairwise, examined with bitewing radiography (BWR) and NIRR and validated with micro-computed tomography. NIRR findings were evaluated from buccal, lingual and occlusal (trilateral) views according to yes/no decisions about presence of caries. Reliability assessments included kappa statistics and revealed high agreement for both methods. Statistical analysis included cross tabulation and calculation of sensitivity, specificity and AUC. Results Underestimation of caries was 24.8% for NIRR and 26.4% for BWR. Overestimation was 10.4% for occlusal NIRR and 0% for BWR. Trilateral NIRR had overall accuracy of 64.8%, overestimation of 15.6% and underestimation of 19.6%. NIRR and BWR showed high specificity and low sensitivity for proximal caries detection. Conclusions NIRR achieved diagnostic results comparable to BWR. Trilateral NIRR assessments overestimated presence of proximal caries, revealing stronger sensitivity for initial caries detection than BWR. Clinical relevance NIRR provided valid complement to BWR as diagnostic instrument. Investigation from multiple angles did not substantially improve proximal caries detection with NIRR.
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Chiang, Ren-Tai. "Safety Features of Advanced and Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactors." Indonesian Journal of Physics and Nuclear Applications 3, no. 1 (May 6, 2018): 1–6. http://dx.doi.org/10.24246/ijpna.v3i1.1-6.
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The Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (ABWR) and the Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR) are two kinds of contemporary, advanced, commercially available nuclear power reactors. Reactor internal pumps in an ABWR improve performance while eliminating the large recirculation pumps in earlier BWRs. The utilization of natural circulation and passive safety systems in the ESBWR design simplifies nuclear reactor system designs, reduces cost, and provides a reliable stability solution for inherently safe operation. The conceptually reliable stability solution for inherently safe ESBWR operation is developed by establishing a sufficiently high natural circulation flow line, which has a core flow margin at least 5% higher than the stability boundary flow at 100% rated power of a conventional BWR, and then by designing a high flow natural circulation system to achieve this high natural circulation flow line. The performance analyses for the ESBWR Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) show that: (1) the core remains covered with a large margin and there is no core heat up in the ESBWR for any break size, (2) the long-term containment pressure increases gradually with time, in the order of hours, and the peak pressure is below the design value with a large margin, and (3) the margins depend on the containment volumes and water inventories. These safety design features ensure inherently safe ESBWR operation. Enhanced safety features based on lessons learned from the Fukushima nuclear accident are added in ABWR’s and ESBWR’s safety designs. The major enhancements are the further prevention of station blackout and loss of ultimate heat sink.
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Galushin, Sergey, and Pavel Kudinov. "Analysis of the Effect of Severe Accident Scenario on Debris Properties in Lower Plenum of Nordic BWR Using Different Versions of MELCOR Code." Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations 2019 (April 17, 2019): 1–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2019/5310808.
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Nordic Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) employ ex-vessel debris coolability as a severe accident management strategy (SAM). Core melt is released into a deep pool of water where formation of noncoolable debris bed and ex-vessel steam explosion can pose credible threats to containment integrity. Success of the strategy depends on the scenario of melt release from the vessel that determines the melt-coolant interaction phenomena. The melt release conditions are determined by the in-vessel phase of severe accident progression. Specifically, properties of debris relocated into the lower plenum have influence on the vessel failure and melt release mode. In this work we use MELCOR code for prediction of the relocated debris. Over the years, many code modifications have been made to improve prediction of severe accident progression in light-water reactors. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of models and best practices in different versions of MELCOR code on the in-vessel phase of different accident progression scenarios in Nordic BWR. The results of the analysis show that the MELCOR code versions 1.86 and 2.1 generate qualitatively similar results. Significant discrepancy in the timing of the core support failure and relocated debris mass in the MELCOR 2.2 compared to the MELCOR 1.86 and 2.1 has been found for a domain of scenarios with delayed time of depressurization. The discrepancies in the results can be explained by the changes in the modeling of degradation of the core components and changes in the Lipinski dryout model in MELCOR 2.2.
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Maddah, Hisham A. "Flux Optimization in Reverse Osmosis via the Solution-Diffusion Model." European Journal of Engineering Research and Science 4, no. 5 (May 13, 2019): 39–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.24018/ejers.2019.4.5.1267.
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This paper suggests a new method of predicting flux values at reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants. The study is initiated by using the solution-diffusion model that is applied to the groundwater source at Abqaiq plant (500 RO plant) at Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in order to calculate the osmotic pressure of the treated water for Shedgum/Abqaiq groundwater. For modelling purposes, the same technique is used to determine the osmotic pressure drops at the same plant configuration and operating conditions when using seawater sources such that of Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea waters. High rejection brackish water RO (BWRO) element Toray TM720D-400 with 8" is the RO membrane type that is used at Abqaiq plant. The calculated osmotic pressures of the three water sources, assuming that they are all treated at Abqaiq plant, are utilized to determine the appropriate flux values as well as membrane resistances of different BWRO Toray membranes. Values of numerous parameters such as water permeability constant, applied pressure, gas constant, water temperature, water molar volume and membrane thickness, water salinity/TDS are taken into account to develop our calculations through the solution-diffusion model. A comparison between low-pressure, standard and high-pressure BWRO Toray membranes performance have been established to select the ideal membrane type for the treatment of water from various sources at Abqaiq plant. The model results confirm an inverse relationship between the membrane thickness and the water flux rate. Also, a proportional linear relation between the overall water flux and the applied pressure across the membrane is identified. Higher flux rates and lower salinity indicate lower membrane resistance which yields to the higher water production. Modelled data predict that BWRO Toray TM720D-440 with 8" membrane is the optimal BWRO membrane choice for the three water sources at Abqaiq plant.
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Arico, Quillan L., Zoie R. Kassis, Robert G. Maliva, Weixing Guo, W. Scott Manahan, and Thomas M. Missimer. "Changes in Pumping-Induced Groundwater Quality Used to Supply a Large-Capacity Brackish-Water Desalination Facility, Collier County, Florida: A New Aquifer Conceptual Model." Water 13, no. 14 (July 15, 2021): 1951. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w13141951.
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Brackish-water reverse osmosis (BWRO) desalination facilities are designed to treat feedwater within a fixed range in salinity. If the salinity and ion concentrations of the feedwater rises above the maximum design concentrations, then the plant may ultimately fail. BWRO plants typically use groundwater as a feedwater source. Prior to the process design, a detailed groundwater assessment is made to characterize the source aquifer system and to develop a solute-transport model that is used to project the changes in water quality over the expected useful life of the facility. Solute transport-modeling performed for the Collier County (Florida) South BWRO facility, which was designed to produce 30,303 m3/d with an expansion to 75,758 m3/d, used an aquifer system conceptual model that assumed upwards migration over time of brackish waters with higher salinities into the production zones. This conceptual model is typical of how most BWRO systems developed in the United States operate. The original solute transport model predicted a range of increases in dissolved chloride concentrations over a 20-year period from a low of 5 mg/L/yr, a mid-range of 35 mg/L/yr, and a high range of 85 mg/L/yr. Actual data collected over a 11- to 13.5-year period showed that the dissolved chloride concentration average of the feed water decreased by 16 mg/L/yr. The original conceptual model was found to be inaccurate in that it suggested an upwards recharging system, whereas downward leakage (or perhaps lateral migration) of fresher water appears to be occurring in the system. This is an example of a long-term solute-transport model audit, which is rarely performed, in which a new conceptual model was found to be applicable to an aquifer system used to feed a BWRO facility.
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Maricic, Igor, Ramesh Halder, Idania Marrero, Dwight H. Kono, and Vipin Kumar. "Type II NKT cells directed immune regulatory mechanism(s) control spontaneous lupus nephritis in mice." Journal of Immunology 202, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2019): 132.5. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.202.supp.132.5.
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Abstract NKT cells recognize lipid antigens presented by CD1d molecules and can be categorized as iNKT cells and type II NKT cells. Type II NKT cells recognize sulfatide or lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and their activation results in cross-regulation of iNKT cells, tolerization of DC and control of inflammatory diseases. iNKT cells have been shown to play a pathogenic role in (NZB x NZW)F1 or BWF1 mice, a prototype for human SLE. Interestingly, anti-glycosphingolipid antibody responses have been found in lupus patients. Since sulfatide is enriched in kidney glomeruli, we have examined the role of type II NKT cells in the spontaneous development of lupus in BWF1 mice. We found that both iNKT (αGalCer/CD1d-tetramer+) and type II (sulfatide/CD1d-tetramer+) NKT cells accumulate in kidney tissues with progression of disease in BWF1 mice. Notably, iNKT cells are also activated in SLE patients and secrete the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFNg. Sulfatide-mediated activation of type II NKT cells leads to a significant inhibition of nephritis in BWF1 mice. Importantly, a clinically relevant structural analog of LPC, Miltefosine, also binds to CD1d, activates type II NKT cells and upon oral administration induces inhibition of proteinuria, anti-DNA Abs as well as infiltration of CD4+/CD8+T cells and B cells into kidney of BWF1 mice. Interestingly, the phenotype and frequency of type I interferon-secreting pDC is also altered in kidney of mice treated with Miltefosine. These studies suggest a key role for a type II NKT cell-based immune regulatory mechanism in the control of lupus and, since the CD1d-dependent pathway is highly conserved from mice to human, they have important implications for repurposing a drug for immunotherapeutic for lupus.
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Nuryana, Arby, and Rida Siti Nur'aini Mahmudah. "Analyzing Simplified BWR Inherent Safety System using IAEA Generic Boiling Water Reactor Simulator." Jurnal Penelitian Fisika dan Aplikasinya (JPFA) 11, no. 2 (December 30, 2021): 114–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.26740/jpfa.v11n2.p114-126.
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The inherent safety of boiling water reactors (BWR) has been a vital research topic in the past decades. This study aimed to observe and analyze the simplified BWR inherent safety system incorporated in IAEA Generic BWR Simulator. This simulator represents important features of BWR and provides graphical information and real-time simulation data. The simulated BWR has 1300 MWe power with ABWR-type containment. To analyze its inherent safety system, three conditions are simulated, i.e., normal condition at 100% power, transient condition (feedwater pumps trip), and emergency condition (loss of coolant accident—LOCA). The simulations were performed for up to 30 minutes since the most critical events in all conditions occurred within that time frame. Sequences of transient and emergency conditions were described in detail with the help of an additional screen recorder and time counting software. Results of several parameters in all simulation conditions were compared and analyzed. It was concluded that the simulator could simulate the normal, transient, and emergency conditions and the simplified version of the BWR inherent safety system.
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Rezk, Hegazy, Basem Alamri, Mokhtar Aly, Ahmed Fathy, Abdul G. Olabi, Mohammad Ali Abdelkareem, and Hamdy A. Ziedan. "Multicriteria Decision-Making to Determine the Optimal Energy Management Strategy of Hybrid PV–Diesel Battery-Based Desalination System." Sustainability 13, no. 8 (April 9, 2021): 4202. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13084202.
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This paper identifies the best energy management strategy of hybrid photovoltaic–diesel battery-based water desalination systems in isolated regions using technical, economic and techno–economic criteria. The employed procedures include Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) as tools for the solution. Twelve alternatives, containing three–four energy management strategies; four energy management strategies, load following (LF), cycle charging (CC), combined LF–CC, and predictive strategy; and three different sizes of brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) water desalination units, BWRO-150, BWRO-250, and BWRO-500, are investigated with capacity of 150, 250, and 500 m3/day, respectively. Eight attributes comprising different technical and economic metrics are considered during the evaluation procedure. HOMER Pro® software is utilized to perform the simulation and optimization. The main findings confirmed that the best energy management strategies are predictive strategies and the reverse osmosis (RO) unit’s optimal size is RO-250. For such an option, the annual operating cost and initial costs are $4590 and $78,435, respectively, whereas the cost of energy is $0.156/kWh. The excess energy and unmet loads are 27,532 kWh and 20.3 kWh, respectively. The breakeven grid extension distance and the amount of CO2 are 6.02 km and 14,289 kg per year, respectively. Compared with CC–RO-150, the amount of CO2 has been sharply decreased by 61.2%.
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Bayartai, Munkh-Erdene, Hannu Luomajoki, Roberta De Micheli, Gabriella Tringali, Nicoletta Marazzi, and Alessandro Sartorio. "Changes in the Oswestry Disability Index after a 3-Week In-Patient Multidisciplinary Body Weight Reduction Program in Adults with Obesity." Journal of Clinical Medicine 11, no. 11 (June 2, 2022): 3175. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm11113175.
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The aim of this study was to examine the short-term changes in disability after an inpatient, multidisciplinary body weight reduction program (BWRP) in adults with obesity. A total of 160 individuals (males: 52, females: 108, BMI > 35 kg/m2) hospitalized for a 3-week multidisciplinary BWRP were recruited into the study. Body composition, lower limb muscle power, fatigue severity, and disability were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention by means of bioimpedance analysis, a stair climbing test (SCT), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Oswestry disability index (ODI), respectively. At the end of the 3-week BWRP, an average body weight reduction of 5.0 kg (CI 95% −5.3; −4.6, p < 0.001) was determined, as well as an improvement in all parameters measured. Clinically meaningful reductions in disability were observed in the moderate disability (Δ = −11.8% CI 95% −14.3; −9.3, p < 0.001) and severe disability (Δ = −15.9% CI 95% −19.6; −12.2, p < 0.001) groups. Reductions in disability were explained only by improvements in the SCT (Δ = −2.7 CI 95% −4.1; −1.4, p < 0.001) and the FSS (Δ = −0.3% CI 95% −0.4; −0.1, p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate the importance of incorporating approaches into a BWRP that increase lower limb muscle power and decrease fatigue severity and thus reduce disability in adults with obesity.
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Petrakis, Dimitrios, Eleni Bassa, Anastasia Papavasileiou, Anthi Xenofondos, and Dimitrios A. Patikas. "Backward Running: Acute Effects on Sprint Performance in Preadolescent Boys." Sports 8, no. 4 (April 23, 2020): 55. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/sports8040055.
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The aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of backward running (BwR) during warm-up on a 20-m sprint of boys’ performance, compared to forward running (FwR). Fourteen recreationally active preadolescent boys (aged 12.5 ± 0.5 years) were examined in 3 protocols: warm-up (control condition), warm-up with 3 × 10 m additional BwR sprints and warm-up with 3 × 10 m additional FwR sprints. Participants were evaluated 4 minutes after each protocol on a 20-m sprint and intermediate distances, as well as the rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Sprint speed across 10-20 m was significantly higher for the BwR warm-up compared to the regular warm-up (p < 0.05) and a significantly higher RPE after the BwR and FwR protocols compared to the control condition was recorded (p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected across the distances 0–5, 5–10, 0–10 and 0–20 m. Although adding 3 × 10-m sprints of BwR or FwR after the warm-up did not enhance performance in a 20 m sprint of preadolescent boys, the positive effect of BwR across 10–20 m distance suggests that BwR could be an alternative means for enhancing performance for certain phases of a sprint for this age. However, preadolescent boys’ response to different sprint conditioning exercise stimuli and the optimization of rest time to maximize performance remain to be determined.
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Ma, Jing, James W. Harder, Pascale Alard, and Michele M. Kosiewicz. "Androgens may mediate protection through an effect on immunoregulation in lupus-prone mice." Journal of Immunology 204, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2020): 143.15. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.204.supp.143.15.
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Abstract Lupus is much more prevalent in females. Depleting androgens via castration increases disease and mortality in male NZBxNZWF1 (BWF1) mice, suggesting androgens are protective. We have found that treatment of male BWF1 mice with CD103-neutralizing antibody induces disease and increases mortality suggesting CD103+ cells are important for disease protection in males. Mesenteric lymph node (MLN) CD103+ dendritic cells (CD103DC) from castrated male mice exhibit decreased ability to induce conversion of CD4+Foxp3+ cells (Tregs) in vitro and decreased expression of RALDH2, an enzyme involved in retinoic acid synthesis (hallmark of CD103DC function) vs control mice. Also, castrated BWF1 male mice have significantly decreased circulating and peripheral LN Tregs vs control mice, suggesting androgens may affect Tregs via an effect on CD103DC. We have found CD103DC express androgen receptor (AR) mRNA levels that are lower than splenic macrophages (positive controls), but higher than splenic myeloid DC (negative controls) suggesting that androgens could have a direct effect on CD103DC. To determine whether signaling through the AR is required for androgen-mediated protection and CD103DC function, male BWF1 mice were treated with flutamide (AR inhibitor). Male mice treated with flutamide exhibited increased disease incidence and severity, and decreased CD103DC function including a decreased ability to induce conversion of Tregs in vitro and decreased expression of RALDH2 mRNA. Taken together, these data suggest that androgens may influence immunoregulation via a direct effect on CD103DC function and may, at least in part, mediate protection from lupus through this mechanism.
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Singh, R. R., V. Kumar, F. M. Ebling, S. Southwood, A. Sette, E. E. Sercarz, and B. H. Hahn. "T cell determinants from autoantibodies to DNA can upregulate autoimmunity in murine systemic lupus erythematosus." Journal of Experimental Medicine 181, no. 6 (June 1, 1995): 2017–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1084/jem.181.6.2017.
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(NZB x NZW) F1 (BWF1) mice develop spontaneous T cell autoimmunity to VH region determinants of syngeneic anti-DNA before the onset of clinical disease. In this study, we characterized the immunogenicity, MHC binding, and lymphokine secretion patterns induced by T cell determinants from the VH region of one such anti-DNA mAb (A6.1) and examined their role in the regulation of autoimmunity. Determinants were identified by proliferation of syngeneic splenic T cells from young, unprimed BWF1 mice in response to overlapping 12-mer peptides representing the entire VH region sequence. Immunization of young BWF1 mice with any of three determinants (A6H 34-45 [p34], A6H 58-69 [p58], and A6H 84-95 [p84]) elicited proliferative responses upon in vitro recall. Upon immunization with the whole A6.1 molecule, however, proliferative responses could be recalled only to the p58 peptide, defining this as immunodominant. The other two peptides (p34 and p84) elicited minimal or no proliferation and could be termed cryptic. Proliferative responses elicited by the cryptic determinants were restricted by a single class II (I-Ed for p34 and I-Au for p84), whereas the immunodominant p58 determinant was restricted by both I-Ed and I-Eu. The cryptic p34 and p84 bound strongly to I-Ed and I-Au, respectively, whereas the immunodominant p58 peptide bound poorly to I-Ed. A6H p84 elicited T cells that secreted lymphokines in a pattern consistent with a Th1-like phenotype, whereas p58 induced a Th2-like cytokine pattern. Immunization with p34 or p84, or adoptive transfer of a p84-reactive T cell line to young BWF1 mice significantly increased IgG anti-DNA levels, accelerated nephritis, and decreased survival. In conclusion, in BWF1 mice, autoreactive T cells recognizing both cryptic and dominant self-determinants on anti-DNA autoantibodies escape deletion or anergy induction. Furthermore, since these cells are spontaneously activated before the onset of clinical disease, they may be involved in the development of the autoimmune process.
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Detkina, Anna, Aiden Peakman, Dzianis Litskevich, Jenq-Horng Liang, and Bruno Merk. "Evaluation of BWR Burnup Calculations Using Deterministic Lattice Codes SCALE-6.2, WIMS-10A and CASMO5." Energies 13, no. 10 (May 19, 2020): 2573. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/en13102573.
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The UK nuclear innovation programme supported by the government includes preparation for future ABWR construction. The UK has significant expertise in building and operating gas-cooled nuclear reactors and some experience with PWRs, while there is limited knowledge in BWR technologies. Hence, an important aim of this work is to understand the discrepancies between codes to assess uncertainties in BWR lattice and depletion calculations, while identifying specific development demands to progress existing tools into extended applications. The objective of the study is to quantify the discrepancy between SCALE-6.2, CASMO5 and the UK WIMS-10A deterministic lattice code for BWR lattice and burnup modelling. Two models of BWR systems were considered for this new systematic comparison. They are a single BWR pin-cell with UO2 fuel only, and a 3 by 3 array of BWR UO2 fuel rods with gadolinia rod in the centre. Criticality over burnup was estimated for both models using these codes. Spectral indexes, number densities and neutron spectrum were compared for several burnup stages using SCALE-6.2 and WIMS-10A. The study showed that kinf obtained with CASMO5 was in a good agreement with the SCALE-6.2. A clear discrepancy in behaviour was observed between WIMS-10A and SCALE-6.2 as well as CASMO5.
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Sánchez, V. H., M. Thieme, and W. Tietsch. "Validation and Application of the Thermal Hydraulic System Code TRACE for Analysis of BWR Transients." Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations 2012 (2012): 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/247482.
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The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is participating on (Code Applications and Maintenance Program) CAMP of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to validate TRACE code for LWR transient analysis. The application of TRACE for the safety assessment of BWR requires a throughout verification and validation using experimental data from separate effect and integral tests but also using plant data. The validation process is normally focused on safety-relevant phenomena for example, pressure drop, void fraction, heat transfer, and critical power models. The purpose of this paper is to validate selected BWR-relevant TRACE-models using both data of bundle tests such as the (Boiling Water Reactor Full-Size Fine-Mesh Bundle Test) BFBT and plant data recorded during a turbine trip event (TUSA) occurred in a Type-72 German BWR plant. For the validation, TRACE models of the BFBT bundle and of the BWR plant were developed. The performed investigations have shown that the TRACE code is appropriate to describe main BWR-safety-relevant phenomena (pressure drop, void fraction, and critical power) with acceptable accuracy. The comparison of the predicted global BWR plant parameters for the TUSA event with the measured plant data indicates that the code predictions are following the main trends of the measured parameters such as dome pressure and reactor power.
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Harder, James W., Anita Y. Chhabra, Pascale Alard, Xiang Zhang, Yuan Hua, Rachel Ferrill, and Michele M. Kosiewicz. "Male microbiota-associated metabolite protects female BWF1 mice from lupus possibly by restoring tolerogenic CD103+ DC function." Journal of Immunology 198, no. 1_Supplement (May 1, 2017): 224.18. http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.198.supp.224.18.
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Abstract Alterations in microbiota composition are associated with autoimmune diseases. We have found previously that microbiota composition differs significantly between female and male BWF1 mice, and transfer of male microbiota to females suppresses disease and increases survival. Protection appears to be mediated, at least in part, through male microbiota action on CD103+ dendritic cells (CD103DC) that induce Tregs in the periphery (pTregs). Female BWF1 CD103DC appear to have a defect in their ability to synthesize retinoic acid (RA; critical for Treg conversion and synthesis requires retinaldehyde dehydrogenase, RALDH2, activity) that is restored by male microbiota transfer. How the male microbiota protects against disease is unknown, but may be mediated through differential production of metabolites. We have performed multiple metabolomic analyses on feces from female and male BWF1 mice and from female recipients of male microbiota. We have identified >90 metabolites that are differentially produced, including those that can act as HDAC inhibitors, fatty acid synthesis inhibitors, and retinoid X receptor agonists (i.e., may enhance RALDH2 activity). We found that feeding the male microbial metabolite with RXR agonist activity to female BWF1 mice significantly increased CD103DC RALDH2 activity and the levels of pTregs in vivo, and delayed the onset of kidney disease. Taken together, these data suggest that at least one male microbiota-associated metabolite may be capable of suppressing disease directly, and may do so by enhancing tolerogenic CD103DC activity. Experiments are currently underway to test the effect of other male microbial metabolites on the immune mechanisms involved in lupus.
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Utami, Sri Rejeki Laku, Muh Zaini, and Adib Wajyu Hidayat. "Pengaruh Penambahan Waste Glass sebagai Agregat Kasar terhadap Kuat Tekan Beton." INERSIA lnformasi dan Ekspose Hasil Riset Teknik Sipil dan Arsitektur 17, no. 2 (December 31, 2021): 106–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.21831/inersia.v17i2.41223.
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ABSTRACTThis research aims to utilize glass waste as the basic material of coarse aggregate in the concrete mix used to reduce glass waste. This research uses 15 specimens with 150 x 300 mm in dimensions. The test results of normal concrete (BN) at 7, 14, and 28 days were 20.95 N/mm, 28.31 N/mm, and 34.54 N/mm. The BWG 1 at 7, 14, and 28 days was 24.35 N/mm, 25.48 N/mm, and 33.97 N/mm. BWG2 at 7, 14, and 28 days of 17.55 N/mm², 23.78 N/mm, and 29.44 N/mm. Waste glass (BWG3) at 7, 14, and 28 days of 20.38 N/mm², 20.95 N/mm, and 26.04 N/mm. BWG4 at 7, 14, and 28 were 13.02 N/mm, 19.82 N/mm, and 22.08 N/mm. Comparison of the compressive strength of normal concrete with waste glass concrete at the age of 7 days showed that BWG1 increased around 16%. As for other test specimens, there was a decrease in compressive strength compared to BN were the results for BW2, BW3, BW4 (16%, 3%, and 38%). At 14 days shows that the BWG1, BWG2, BWG3, and BWG4 decrease by 10%, 16%, 26%, and 30%. At 28 days showed the BWG1, BWG2, BWG3, and BWG4 decrease of 2%, 15%, 25%, and 36% compared to BN. ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk memanfaatkan limbah kaca sebagai bahan dasar agregat kasar dalam campuran beton yang digunakan untuk mereduksi limbah kaca. Penelitian ini menggunakan 15 benda uji dengan dimensi 150 x 300 mm. Hasil pengujian beton normal (BN) pada umur 7, 14, dan 28 hari adalah 20,95 N/mm, 28,31 N/mm, dan 34,54 N/mm. BWG 1 pada hari ke 7, 14, dan 28 adalah 24,35 N/mm, 25,48 N/mm, dan 33,97 N/mm. BWG 2 pada 7, 14, dan 28 hari sebesar 17,55 N/mm², 23,78 N/mm, dan 29,44 N/mm. BWG 3 pada 7, 14, dan 28 hari sebesar 20,38 N/mm², 20,95 N/mm, dan 26,04 N/mm. BWG 4 pada 7, 14, dan 28 adalah 13,02 N/mm, 19,82 N/mm, dan 22,08 N/mm. Perbandingan kuat tekan beton normal dengan beton limbah kaca pada umur 7 hari menunjukkan bahwa BWG1 meningkat sekitar 16%. Sedangkan untuk benda uji lainnya terjadi penurunan kuat tekan dibandingkan dengan BN yaitu pada hasil BW2, BW3, BW4 (16%, 3%, dan 38%). Pada 14 hari menunjukkan bahwa BWG1, BWG2, BWG3, dan BWG4 mengalami penurunan sebesar 10%, 16%, 26%, dan 30%. Pada hari ke 28 menunjukkan penurunan BWG1, BWG2, BWG3, dan BWG4 sebesar 2%, 15%, 25%, dan 36% dibandingkan dengan BN.