Lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration with Plant Stanol Esters to Reduce the Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Events at a Population Level: A Critical Discussion

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) cause every fifth death worldwide. However, it is possible to prevent the progression of ASCVDs by reducing circulating concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Recent large meta-analyses demonstrated that by reducing the dietary intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, it is possible to reduce the risk of ASCVD events. Plant stanols, as fatty-acid esters, were developed as a dietary adjunct to reduce LDL-C levels as part of a heart-healthy diet. They reduce cholesterol absorption so that less cholesterol is transported to the liver, and the expression of LDL receptors is upregulated. Ultimately, LDL-C concentrations are reduced on average by 9–12% by consuming 2–3 g of plant stanol esters per day. In this review, we discuss recent information regarding the prevention of ASCVDs with a focus on dietary means. We also present new estimates on the effect of plant stanol ester consumption on LDL-C levels and the risk of ASCVD events. Plant stanol esters as part of a heart-healthy diet plausibly offer a means to reduce the risk of ASCVD events at a population level. This approach is not only appropriate for subjects with a high risk of ASCVD, but also for subjects at an apparently lower risk to prevent subclinical atherosclerosis

ICONE10-22646 AN IMPROVED MODEL FOR POSTULATING FABRICATION FLAWS IN REACTOR PRESSURE VESSELS FOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY EVALUATION

ABSTRACT This paper presents an improved model for postulating fabrication flaws in reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) and for the treatment of measured flaw data by probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) codes that are used for structural integrity evaluations. The model used to develop the current pressurized thermal shock (PTS) regulations conservatively postulated that all fabrication flaws were inner-surface breaking flaws. To reduce conservatisms and uncertainties in flaw-related inputs

Hydrogen recycling in tandem mirror machines

This paper describes hydrogen recycling in tandem mirror machines. In TMX, hydrogen (or deuterium) is introduced by the neutral beam injection system and by the solenoid gas feed system. Pumping is achieved by titanium gettering on liquid nitrogen panels. Mirror machine recycling differs from that in a tokamak. In mirrors, plasma losses are mainly to the large volume at the ends of the machine, remote from the hot plasma region. Similar techniques have been employed on 2XIIB. The design of the TMX vacuum system was described by Atkinson. MFTF also employs an integral beam line vacuum system. However, since in MFTF the pulse length is 0.5 sec, helium cryopanels are used to extend the pumping duration. Also special neutral beam and beam-ion dumps are employed

Tandem mirror thermal barrier experimental program plan

This report describes an experimental plan for the development of the Tandem Mirror Thermal Barrier. Included is: (1) a description of thermal barrier related physics experiments; (2) thermal barrier related experiments in the existing TMX and Phaedrus experiments; (3) a thermal barrier TMX upgrade; and (4) initiation of investigations of axisymmetric magnetic geometry. Experimental studies of the first two items are presently underway. Results are expected from the TMX upgrade by the close of 1981 and from axisymmetric tandem mirror experiments at the end of 1983. Plans for Phaedrus upgrades are developing for the same period

Plant Stanol Esters Reduce LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Aggregation by Altering LDL Surface Lipids The BLOOD FLOW Randomized Intervention Study

OBJECTIVE: Plant stanol ester supplementation (2-3 g plant stanols/d) reduces plasma LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol concentration by 9% to 12% and is, therefore, recommended as part of prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In addition to plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration, also qualitative properties of LDL particles can influence atherogenesis. However, the effect of plant stanol ester consumption on the proatherogenic properties of LDL has not been studied. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Study subjects (n=90) were randomized to consume either a plant stanol ester-enriched spread (3.0 g plant stanols/d) or the same spread without added plant stanol esters for 6 months. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after the intervention. The aggregation susceptibility of LDL particles was analyzed by inducing aggregation of isolated LDL and following aggregate formation. LDL lipidome was determined by mass spectrometry. Binding of serum lipoproteins to proteoglycans was measured using a microtiter well-based assay. LDL aggregation susceptibility was decreased in the plant stanol ester group, and the median aggregate size after incubation for 2 hours decreased from 1490 to 620 nm,P=0.001. Plant stanol ester-induced decrease in LDL aggregation was more extensive in participants having body mass index CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of plant stanol esters decreases the aggregation susceptibility of LDL particles by modifying LDL lipidome. The resulting improvement of LDL quality may be beneficial for cardiovascular health. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01315964. GRAPHIC ABSTRACT: A graphic abstract is available for this article.Peer reviewe

Axisymmetric Magnetic Mirror Fusion-Fission Hybrid,”

ABSTRAC

A pilot application of risk-informed methods to establish inservice inspection priorities for nuclear components at Surry Unit 1 Nuclear Power Station. Revision 1

As part of the Nondestructive Evaluation Reliability Program sponsored by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed risk-informed approaches for inservice inspection plans of nuclear power plants. This method uses probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) results to identify and prioritize the most risk-important components for inspection. The Surry Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 was selected for pilot application of this methodology. This report, which incorporates more recent plant-specific information and improved risk-informed methodology and tools, is Revision 1 of the earlier report (NUREG/CR-6181). The methodology discussed in the original report is no longer current and a preferred methodology is presented in this Revision. This report, NUREG/CR-6181, Rev. 1, therefore supersedes the earlier NUREG/CR-6181 published in August 1994. The specific systems addressed in this report are the auxiliary feedwater, the low-pressure injection, and the reactor coolant systems. The results provide a risk-informed ranking of components within these systems

The Mission and Technology of a Gas Dynamic Trap Neutron Source for Fusion Material and Component Testing and Qualification

The successful operation (with {beta} {le} 60%, classical ions and electrons with Te = 250 eV) of the Gas Dynamic Trap (GDT) device at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (BINP) in Novosibirsk, Russia, extrapolates to a 2 MW/m{sup 2} Dynamic Trap Neutron Source (DTNS), which burns only {approx}100 g of tritium per full power year. The DTNS has no serious physics, engineering, or technology obstacles; the extension of neutral beam lines to steady state can use demonstrated engineering; and it supports near-term tokamaks and volume neutron sources. The DTNS provides a neutron spectrum similar to that of ITER and satisfies the missions specified by the materials community to test fusion materials (listed as one of the top grand challenges for engineering in the 21st century by the U.S. National Academy of Engineering) and subcomponents (including tritium-breeding blankets) needed to construct DEMO. The DTNS could serve as the first Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF), called for by ReNeW, and could provide the data necessary for licensing subsequent FSNFs