Development of In-Service Inspection Rules for Liquid-Metal Cooled Reactors Using the System Based Code Concept

2019 ◽  
Vol 142 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigeru Takaya ◽  
Tai Asayama ◽  
Hiroki Yada ◽  
A. Thomas Roberts ◽  
Frank J. Schaaf
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Metal ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Stage Ii ◽  
Indirect Detection ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Piping System ◽  
Class 1

Abstract Inservice inspection rules for liquid-metal cooled plants were historically provided by Section XI, Division 3 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. However, some parts of the Code, such as acceptance standards for the examination of class 1 and 2 components remained as being in the course of preparation. Although no major revisions were made to Division 3 since the first issue in 1980, a newly developed and published Code Case N-875 now provides alternative examinations to the methods previously contained in Division 3. The Code Case was developed using the System Based Code (SBC) concept pursuing rationalization of codes and standards based on reliability targets throughout a plant's service life. In this paper, an overview of the Code Case is presented. The technical foundation to establish the applicability of these alternative examinations as delineated in the Code Case consists of stage I and II evaluations with compensating individual considerations. Stage I is a structural integrity evaluation without the contribution of inservice inspections, while stage II is evaluation of the detectability of a postulated flaw. Not only conventional direct detection methods, but also indirect detection methods are permitted to be employed through the stage II evaluation. Furthermore, the detailed evaluation procedures are illustrated through the application of the Code Case's evaluation criteria to the primary heat transport piping system of a prototype sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor in Japan, specifically Monju.

An improved method for detection of methylated circulating tumor DNA in colorectal cancer.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15120-e15120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicky Boulter ◽  
Gregor Tevz ◽  
Betty Yu ◽  
Michelle Chan ◽  
David Murray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Circulating Tumor Dna ◽  
Qpcr Assay ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Stage Ii ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Assay Sensitivity ◽  
Crc Screening ◽  
Tumor Dna

e15120 Background: Assays detecting methylated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) hold promise for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, but there is a need to develop more accurate assays for early stages. In this study, we examined modifications to COLVERA (an IKZF1 and BCAT1 methylation marker qPCR assay) that added a third biomarker (IRF4) as well as introducing double stranded detection. Methods: Bisulfite converted DNA extracted from plasma collected from subjects undergoing diagnosis for CRC was assayed using either a double-stranded (ds) specific multiplexed qPCR for BCAT1 and IKZF1 detection (Assay 1) and/or a single-stranded (ss) specific BCAT1/IRF4, ds-specific IKZF1 multiplexed qPCR (Assay 2). The unmodified COLVERA test (Clinical Genomics) was used for comparison. Detection of any marker was considered positive. Results: Assay 1 performance evaluated against COLVERA on bisulfite converted DNA from 1453 samples showed an improved sensitivity for CRC detection (93/134 (69.4%) vs 79/134 (59.0%) COLVERA, p = 0.02), but specificity was suboptimal (no neoplasia: 861/1023 (84.2%) vs 946/1023 (92.5%) COLVERA, p < 0.0001). The decrease in specificity resulted primarily from modifications in the BCAT1 assay component (1023 no neoplasia: 60 positive with ss- BCAT1 vs 146 positive with ds- BCAT1, p < 0.0001). Thus, a novel configuration, Assay 2 (ss- BCAT1, ss- IRF4 and ds- IKZF1) was compared to Assay 1 using 189 previously untested specimens. Assay 2 showed a notable improvement in specificity (99/104 (95.2%) vs 93/104 (89.4%) Assay 1; p = 0.0351). Both assays exhibited comparable sensitivities for CRC (41/49 (83.7%) vs 39/49 (79.6%), Assay 1, p = 0.3633). Assay 2 was positive in: adenomas, 9/36 (25.0%); Stage I, 3/7 (42.9%); Stage II, 17/19 (89.5%); Stage III, 6/6 (100%); Stage IV, 7/7 (100%) and 8/10 (80%) unstaged CRCs. Prior COLVERA sensitivity estimates were 9% adenoma, 41% Stage I and 76% Stage II. Conclusions: Targeting both of the non-complementary bisulfite converted strands of selective regions of interest markedly improve ctDNA assay sensitivity for cancer including early lesions while achieving good specificity. Prospective evaluation in a true CRC screening population is now underway. Clinical trial information: 12611000318987.

Laser Far-Field Spot Test System

2013 ◽  
Vol 823 ◽  
pp. 331-334
Author(s):  
Yi Fei Ma
Keyword(s):  
Laser Beam ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Beam Quality ◽  
Block Diagram ◽  
Single Pulse ◽  
Test System ◽  
Indirect Detection ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Single Chip ◽  
Detection Scheme

Measurement of the energy distribution of laser spots is an effective way in characterizing and diagnosing laser beam quality. After comparing conventional direct-detection and indirect-detection methods, a novel direct-detection scheme, which is based on detector-array controlled by single-chip microprocessors, is proposed. On the basis of analyzing key technologies such as data transmission and optical-electrical conversion, a block diagram of the system is proposed. In this system, a distributed structure was adopted which was composed of a host PC, a main microprocessor and lower microprocessors. This system is capable of measuring the parameters of laser beam in outfield such as size and shape of the spot, the energy of pulse and its distribution etc. It is suitable for most of lasers with repetition rate ranging from single pulse to several hundred per second and different energy up to moderate-high level. The system is more accurate than any former systems.

scholarly journals Retrospective Evaluation of Vector-borne Infections in Cats Living in Germany (2012-2020)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingo Schäfer ◽  
Barbara Kohn ◽  
Maria Volkmann ◽  
Elisabeth Müller
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Indirect Detection ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Diagnostic Panel ◽  
Vector Borne

Abstract Background: Blood-feeding arthropods can transmit parasitic, bacterial, or viral pathogens to domestic animals and wildlife. Vector-borne infections are gaining significance due to the increase of travel, import of domestic animals from abroad, and due to the changing climate in Europe. The main objective of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of some vector-borne infections in cats in which a ‘Feline Travel Profile’ had been conducted. Methods: This retrospective study included test results from cats for which a ‘Feline Travel Profile’ established by the laboratory LABOKLIN had been requested by veterinarians in Germany between April 2012 and March 2020. This above-mentioned diagnostic panel contains direct detection methods via PCR for Hepatozoon spp. and Dirofilaria spp. as well as indirect detection methods via IFAT for Ehrlichia spp. and Leishmania spp. The profile was expanded to include an IFAT for Rickettsia spp. from July 2015 onwards. The prevalence of the different vector-borne infectious agents was calculated. Results: A total of 624 cats were tested using the ‘Feline Travel Profile’. Serological samples for indirect detection methods were available for all 624 cats, EDTA-samples for direct detection methods for 618 cats. Positive test results were as follows: Ehrlichia spp. IFAT 73 out of 624 (12%), Leishmania spp. IFAT 22 out of 624 (4%), Hepatozoon spp. PCR 53 out of 618 (9%), Dirofilaria spp. PCR 1 out of 618 cats (0.2%) and, tested from July 2015 onwards, Rickettsia spp. IFAT 52 out of 467 cats (11%). At least one infection was present in 175 out of 624 cats. Three coinfections were detected before 2015; after including the Rickettsia spp. test results there were 19 cats with confections (in 14 out of these 19 cats Rickettsia spp. were involved).Conclusions: 175 out of 624 cats (28%) were tested positive for at least one vector-borne pathogen. Infections with multiple pathogens could be detected in 4% of the cats from 2012 to 2020. The data emphasizes the importance of considering the above-mentioned vector-borne infections as potential differential diagnoses in cats.

scholarly journals Retrospective evaluation of vector-borne pathogens in cats living in Germany (2012–2020)

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingo Schäfer ◽  
Barbara Kohn ◽  
Maria Volkmann ◽  
Elisabeth Müller
Keyword(s):  
Direct Detection ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Indirect Detection ◽  
Positive Test ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Retrospective Evaluation ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Diagnostic Panel ◽  
Vector Borne

Abstract Background Blood-feeding arthropods can transmit parasitic, bacterial, or viral pathogens to domestic animals and wildlife. Vector-borne infections are gaining significance because of increasing travel and import of pets from abroad as well as the changing climate in Europe. The main objective of this study was to assess the percentage of cats with positive test results for selected vector-borne pathogens in Germany and explore any possible association of such results with time spent abroad. Methods This retrospective study included test results from cats included in the “Feline Travel Profile” established by the LABOKLIN laboratory at the request of veterinarians in Germany between April 2012 and March 2020. This diagnostic panel includes the direct detection of Hepatozoon spp. and Dirofilaria spp. via PCR as well as indirect detection assays (IFAT) for Ehrlichia spp. and Leishmania spp. The panel was expanded to include an IFAT for Rickettsia spp. from July 2015 onwards. Results A total of 624 cats were tested using the “Feline Travel Profile.” Serum for indirect detection assays was available for all 624 cats; EDTA samples for direct detection methods were available from 618 cats. Positive test results were as follows: Ehrlichia spp. IFAT 73 out of 624 (12%), Leishmania spp. IFAT 22 out of 624 (4%), Hepatozoon spp. PCR 53 out of 618 (9%), Dirofilaria spp. PCR 1 out of 618 cats (0.2%), and Rickettsia spp. IFAT 52 out of 467 cats (11%) tested from July 2015 onwards. Three cats had positive test results for more than one pathogen before 2015. After testing for Rickettsia spp. was included in 2015, 19 cats had positive test results for more than one pathogen (Rickettsia spp. were involved in 14 out of these 19 cats). Conclusions At least one pathogen could be detected in 175 out of 624 cats (28%) via indirect and/or direct detection methods. Four percent had positive test results for more than one pathogen. These data emphasize the importance of considering the above-mentioned vector-borne infections as potential differential diagnoses in clinically symptomatic cats.

scholarly journals Retrospective evaluation of vector-borne pathogens in cats living in Germany (2012-2020)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingo Schäfer ◽  
Barbara Kohn ◽  
Maria Volkmann ◽  
Elisabeth Müller
Keyword(s):  
Direct Detection ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Indirect Detection ◽  
Positive Test ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Retrospective Evaluation ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Diagnostic Panel ◽  
Vector Borne

Abstract Background: Blood-feeding arthropods can transmit parasitic, bacterial, or viral pathogens to domestic animals and wildlife. Vector-borne infections are gaining significance due to increasing travel and import of pets from abroad, as well as the changing climate in Europe. The main objective of this study was to assess the percentage of cats with positive test results for selected vector-borne pathogens in Germany and explore any possible association of such results with time spent abroad.Methods: This retrospective study included test results from cats for which a ‘Feline Travel Profile’ established by the laboratory LABOKLIN had been requested by veterinarians in Germany between April 2012 and March 2020. This above-mentioned diagnostic panel includes the direct detection of Hepatozoon spp. and Dirofilaria spp. via PCR as well as indirect detection assays (IFAT) for Ehrlichia spp. and Leishmania spp. The panel was expanded to include an IFAT for Rickettsia spp. from July 2015 onwards.Results: A total of 624 cats were tested using the “Feline Travel Profile”. Serum for indirect detection assays was available for all 624 cats, EDTA-samples for direct detection methods were available from 618 cats. Positive test results were as follows: Ehrlichia spp. IFAT 73 out of 624 (12%), Leishmania spp. IFAT 22 out of 624 (4%), Hepatozoon spp. PCR 53 out of 618 (9%), Dirofilaria spp. PCR 1 out of 618 cats (0.2%) and, Rickettsia spp. IFAT 52 out of 467 cats (11%) tested from July 2015 onwards. Three cats had positive test results for more than one pathogen before 2015. After testing for Rickettsia spp. was included in 2015, 19 cats had positive test results for more than one pathogen (Rickettsia spp. were involved in 14 out of these 19 cats).Conclusions: At least one pathogen could be detected in 175 out of 624 cats (28%) via indirect and/or direct detection methods. Four percent had positive test results for more than one pathogen. This data emphasizes the importance of considering the above-mentioned vector-borne infections as potential differential diagnoses in clinically symptomatic cats.

Identification of biomarkers and functional modules from genomic data in stage-wise breast cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athira K ◽  
Vrinda C ◽  
Sunil Kumar P V ◽  
Gopakumar G
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Differential Expression Analysis ◽  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Stage Ii ◽  
Stage Iii ◽  
Functional Modules ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Multiple Stages

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women across the world, with high incidence and mortality rates. Being a heterogeneous disease, gene expression profiling based analysis plays a significant role in understanding breast cancer. Since expression patterns of patients belonging to the same stage of breast cancer vary considerably, an integrated stage-wise analysis involving multiple samples is expected to give more comprehensive results and understanding of breast cancer. Objective: The objective of this study is to detect functionally significant modules from gene co-expression network of cancerous tissues and to extract prognostic genes related to multiple stages of breast cancer. Methods: To achieve this, a multiplex framework is modelled to map the multiple stages of breast cancer, which is followed by a modularity optimization method to identify functional modules from it. These functional modules are found to enrich many Gene Ontology terms significantly that are associated with cancer. Result and Discussion: predictive biomarkers are identified based on differential expression analysis of multiple stages of breast cancer. Conclusion: Our analysis identified 13 stage-I specific genes, 12 stage-II specific genes, and 42 stage-III specific genes that are significantly regulated and could be promising targets of breast cancer therapy. That apart, we could identify 29, 18 and 26 lncRNAs specific to stage I, stage II and stage III respectively.

Cardiac transthyretin wild-type amyloidosis (ATTRwt): a prospective study of 400 patients followed at the Italian referral center

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Milani ◽  
L Obici ◽  
R Mussinelli ◽  
M Basset ◽  
G Manfrinato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Median Survival ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Stage Ii ◽  
Stage Iii ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Staging Systems ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Cardiac wild type transthyretin (ATTRwt) amyloidosis, formerly known as senile systemic amyloidosis, is an increasingly recognized, progressive, and fatal cardiomyopathy. Two biomarkers staging systems were proposed based on NT-proBNP (in both cases) and troponin or estimated glomerular filtration rate, that are able to predict survival in this population. The availability of novel effective treatments requires large studies to describe the natural history of the disease in different populations. Objective To describe the natural history of the disease in a large, prospective, national series. Methods Starting in 2007, we protocolized data collection in all the patients diagnosed at our center (n=400 up to 7/2019). Results The referrals to our center increased over time: 5 cases (1%) between 2007–2009, 33 (9%) in 2010–2012, 90 (22%) in 2013–2015 and 272 (68%) in 2016–2019. Median age was 76 years [interquartile range (IQR): 71–80 years] and 372 patients (93%) were males. One hundred and seventy-three (43%) had atrial fibrillation, 63 (15%) had a history of ischemic cardiomyopathy and 64 (15%) underwent pacemaker or ICD implantation. NYHA class was I in 58 subjects (16%), II in 225 (63%) and III in 74 (21%). Median NT-proBNP was 3064 ng/L (IQR: 1817–5579 ng/L), troponin I 0.096 ng/mL (IQR: 0.063–0.158 ng/mL), eGFR 62 mL/min (IQR: 50–78 mL/min). Median IVS was 17 mm (IQR: 15–19 mm), PW 16 mm (IQR: 14–18 mm) and EF 53% (IQR: 45–57%). One-hundred and forty-eight subjects (37%) had a concomitant monoclonal component in serum and/or urine and/or an abnormal free light chain ratio. In these patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy or mass spectrometry. In 252 (63%) the diagnosis was based on bone scintigraphy. DNA analysis for amyloidogenic mutations in transthyretin and apolipoprotein A-I genes was negative in all subjects. The median survival of the whole cohort was 59 months. The Mayo Clinic staging based on NT-proBNP (cutoff: 3000 ng/L) and troponin I (cutoff: 0.1 ng/mL) discriminated 3 different groups [stage I: 131 (35%), stage II: 123 (32%) and stage III: 127 (33%)] with different survival between stage I and II (median 86 vs. 81 months, P=0.04) and between stage II and III (median 81 vs. 62 months, P&lt;0.001). The UK staging system (NT-proBNP 3000 ng/L and eGFR 45 mL/min), discriminated three groups [stage I: 170 (45%), stage II: 165 (43%) and stage III: 45 (12%)] with a significant difference in survival: between stage I and stage II (86 vs. 52 months, P&lt;0.001) and between stage II and stage III (median survival 52 vs. 33 months, P=0.045). Conclusions This is one of the largest series of patients with cardiac ATTRwt reported so far. Referrals and diagnoses increased exponentially in recent years, One-third of patients has a concomitant monoclonal gammopathy and needed tissue typing. Both the current staging systems offered good discrimination of staging and were validated in our independent cohort. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Effective field theory analysis of dark matter-standard model interactions with spin one mediators

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiola Fortuna ◽  
Pablo Roig ◽  
José Wudka
Keyword(s):  
Field Theory ◽  
Dark Matter ◽  
Standard Model ◽  
Effective Field Theory ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Effective Field ◽  
Indirect Detection ◽  
Theory Analysis ◽  
Invisible Decay

Abstract We analyze interactions between dark matter and standard model particles with spin one mediators in an effective field theory framework. In this paper, we are considering dark particles masses in the range from a few MeV to the mass of the Z boson. We use bounds from different experiments: Z invisible decay width, relic density, direct detection experiments, and indirect detection limits from the search of gamma-ray emissions and positron fluxes. We obtain solutions corresponding to operators with antisymmetric tensor mediators that fulfill all those requirements within our approach.

scholarly journals Incidence and Severity of Nasal Injuries in Preterm Infants Associated to Non-Invasive Ventilation Using Short Binasal Prong

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2110104
Author(s):  
Débora de Fátima Camillo Ribeiro ◽  
Frieda Saicla Barros ◽  
Beatriz Luci Fernandes ◽  
Adriane Muller Nakato ◽  
Percy Nohama
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Stage Ii ◽  
Invasive Ventilation ◽  
Cause And Effect ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Non Invasive Ventilation ◽  
Nasal Injury ◽  
Cause And Effect Diagram

Short binasal prongs can cause skin and mucosal damage in the nostrils of preterm infants. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and severity of nasal injuries in preterm infants during the use of short binasal prongs as non-invasive ventilation (NIV) interfaces. A prospective observational study was carried out in the public hospital in a Southern Brazil. The incidence and severity of internal and external nasal injuries were evaluated in 28 preterm infants who required NIV using short binasal prongs for more than 24 hours. In order to identify possible causes of those nasal injuries, the expertise researcher physiotherapist has been carried empirical observations, analyzed the collected data, and correlated them to the literature data. A cause and effect diagram was prepared to present the main causes of the nasal injury occurred in the preterm infants assessed. The incidence of external nasal injuries was 67.86%, and internal ones 71.43%. The external nasal injuries were classified as Stage I (68.42%) and Stage II (31.58%). All the internal injuries had Stage II. The cause and effect diagram was organized into 5 categories containing 17 secondary causes of nasal injuries. There was a high incidence of Stage II-internal nasal injury and Stage I-external nasal injury in preterm infants submitted to NIV using prongs. The injuries genesis can be related to intrinsic characteristics of materials, health care, neonatal conditions, professional competence, and equipment issues.

scholarly journals A Preliminary Study on the Use of Xylit as Filter Material for Domestic Wastewater Treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 5281
Author(s):  
Marcin Spychała ◽  
Tadeusz Nawrot ◽  
Radosław Matz
Keyword(s):  
Quality Indicators ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
Filter Material ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Stage Ii ◽  
Septic Tank ◽  
Preliminary Stage ◽  
Wastewater Quality

The aim of the study was to verify two morphological forms (“angel hair” and “scraps”) of xylit as a trickling filter material. The study was carried out on two types of polluted media: septic tank effluent (STE) and seminatural greywater (GW). The basic wastewater quality indicators, namely, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), ammonium nitrogen (NNH4), and total phosphorus (Ptot) were used as the indicators of treatment efficiency. Filtering columns filled with the investigated material acted as conventional trickling filters at a hydraulic load of 376–472 cm3/d during the preliminary stage, 198–245 cm3/d during stage I, and 184–223 cm3/d during stage II. The removal efficiency of the two morphological forms of xylit did not differ significantly. The average efficiencies of treatment were as follows: for COD, over 70, 80, and 85% for preliminary stage, stage I and stage II, respectively; for BOD5, 77–79% (preliminary stage); for TSS, 42% and 70% during the preliminary stage, and 88, 91, and 65% during stage I; for NNH4, 97–99% for stage I and 36–49% for stage II; for Ptot, 51–54% for stage I and 52–56% for stage II. The study demonstrated that xylit was a material highly effective in wastewater quality indicators removal, even during the initial period of its use.

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