Continuous Circulation Research Articles

Recent Advances in the Digestive, Metabolic and Therapeutic Effects of Farnesoid X Receptor and Fibroblast Growth Factor 19: From Cholesterol to Bile Acid Signaling.

Bile acids (BA) are amphiphilic molecules synthesized in the liver (primary BA) starting from cholesterol. In the small intestine, BA act as strong detergents for emulsification, solubilization and absorption of dietary fat, cholesterol, and lipid-soluble vitamins. Primary BA escaping the active ileal re-absorption undergo the microbiota-dependent biotransformation to secondary BA in the colon, and passive diffusion into the portal vein towards the liver. BA also act as signaling molecules able to play a systemic role in a variety of metabolic functions, mainly through the activation of nuclear and membrane-associated receptors in the intestine, gallbladder, and liver. BA homeostasis is tightly controlled by a complex interplay with the nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR), the enterokine hormone fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) or the human ortholog FGF19 (FGF19). Circulating FGF19 to the FGFR4/β-Klotho receptor causes smooth muscle relaxation and refilling of the gallbladder. In the liver the binding activates the FXR-small heterodimer partner (SHP) pathway. This step suppresses the unnecessary BA synthesis and promotes the continuous enterohepatic circulation of BAs. Besides BA homeostasis, the BA-FXR-FGF19 axis governs several metabolic processes, hepatic protein, and glycogen synthesis, without inducing lipogenesis. These pathways can be disrupted in cholestasis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, targeting FXR activity can represent a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and the treatment of liver and metabolic diseases.

Evidence of Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in Dogs and Cats from Households and Animal Shelters in Korea.

Simple SummaryWith the worldwide spread of COVID-19, and given the zoonotic nature of this virus, it is necessary to monitor companion animals in epidemic areas. Dogs and cats visiting local animal hospitals and animal shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic were randomly selected for inclusion in this survey. Although testing is recommended only for animals from a COVID-19-confirmed family showing clinical symptoms, this investigation was carried out in view of the highly contagious nature of the virus. Of the 1018 pets tested, we found 2 cats with the SARS-CoV-2 antigen, 16 dogs (2.38%) and 18 cats (5.20%) carrying antibodies, and 14 dogs (2.08%) and 17 cats (4.91%) carrying virus-neutralizing antibodies. Even in animal shelters, which were thought to be relatively safe from the virus, with contact with confirmed human cases being blocked due to strict self-quarantine measures, antigens and antibody positivity were detected. Since antigens or antibodies were detected in the investigated animals regardless of whether the companion family was infected, their presence may cause continuous viral circulation between humans and animals, and the disease that started with zoonosis may cause reverse zoonosis. Considering the high transmissibility of COVID-19, continuous monitoring in animals is required.The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by the zoonotic SARS-CoV-2. A variety of animals involved in human life worldwide have been investigated for infection. As the degree of infection increased, extensive monitoring in animals became necessary to determine the degree of infection in animals. The study was conducted on a sample of dogs and cats, which were randomly sampled according to the number of confirmed cases in the region. Animals from both COVID-19-confirmed households and generally disease-negative families and animal shelters were included. Tests included real-time qPCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 antigens, ELISA for antibodies, and plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT) for neutralizing antibodies. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected in 2 cats out of 1018 pets (672 dogs and 346 cats). A total of 16 dogs (2.38%) and 18 cats (5.20%) tested positive using ELISA, and 14 dogs (2.08%) and 17 cats (4.91%) tested positive using PRNT. Antigens of- and/or antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in the animals regardless of whether the companion family was infected; this was the case even in animal shelters, which have been regarded as relatively safe from transmission. In conclusion, continuous viral circulation between humans and animals is inevitable; therefore, continuous monitoring in animals is required.

Evaluating Driveway Cross Slopes and Social Equity in Cedar City, UT

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the most comprehensive law governing accessibility, and it requires local governments to develop transition plans to become compliant. Among the key ADA requirements is a continuous unobstructed pedestrian circulation network that consists of a sidewalk that has a cross slope of no more than two degrees. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate whether driveway cross slopes in Cedar City were ADA compliant, so a digital level was used to measure a random sample of driveway cross slopes. A secondary objective was to determine whether there is evidence of social inequities in Cedar City’s pedestrian environment. The estimated value of each residential property (a proxy for income) was retrieved from Zillow® to evaluate the statistical relationship between incomes and driveway cross slopes. The results of this study indicate that there was no widespread evidence of social inequities. However, most driveway cross slopes (78.8 percent) were not ADA compliant and, thus, require retrofitting that should incorporate more widespread use of sidewalk buffer strips. The results also highlight priority areas for sidewalk improvements and can be used to inform a transition plan for sidewalk enhancements and funding. KEYWORDS: Social Equity; ADA; Sidewalks; Advocacy Planning; Driveway Cross Slope; Walkability

Comparative Genetic Features of S1 Gene from Six Massachusetts and Variant Avian 2 Infectious Bronchitis Viruses Isolated in Iran.

Infectious bronchitis (IB) disease, avian Infectious Bronchitis disease in one of the major cause of respiratory problems and economic loss in poultry industry, even in developed countries with good biosecurity practice. Since the first isolation of the virus in 1931, a lot of serotypes and genotypes of the virus have been reported around the world. The GI-1 lineage, including Massachusetts (Mass) serotype viruses, is one of the most widely spread types worldwide. Moreover, the GI-23 lineage with a growing incidence rate was reported approximately 20 years ago in the Middle East, with no or little homologues vaccine use. The genotype was previously restricted to the Middle East; now, there is evidence that it has spread to European countries, raising concerns regarding potential outbreaks. In the present study, our attempt was to phylogenetically analyze the S1 gene of six isolates from Massachusetts and variant 2 genotypes, which were isolated from broiler and broiler breeder flocks in Iran. The variant 2 viruses were compared to other reported variant 2 viruses from neighboring countries and they had more than 98% identity with the latest reported Iranian variant 2. In addition, Three Mass type viruses were similar to vaccine strains which may be shows continuous circulation of vaccine viruses in the field. This event can cause increasing the risk of their mutation or even reversion to virulence after several passages in natural host, furthermore circulating viruses may recombinant with virulent field viruses and cause emergence of new variants. Considering the variable nature of IB viruses in which few changes lead to important differences, continuous epidemiological surveillance along with clinical studies of new isolates, are crucial to a better understanding of their pathogenicity and subsequent disease control.

Study on degradation of Basic Violet 1 and heat generation by parallel orifice plate hydrodynamic cavitation

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) technology with double parallel orifice plates can further enhance the degradation effect and heat generation efficiency and play an important role in practical large-scale organic wastewater treatment and energy saving. In this study, based on the optimal hole numbers in single orifice plate, the influences of the hole number and distribution in double parallel orifice plate on Basic Violet 1 (BV-1) degradation and heat generation are studied in detail. Furthermore, the effects of some experimental parameters (inlet pressure, initial concentration, solution temperature and solution volume) on BV-1 degradation and heat generation in 4 + 4 parallel orifice plate HC system are deeply studied. Then, the effect of added H2O2 on the BV-1 degradation and heat generation is also investigated. In addition, the capturing experiments of free radicals (•OH and •O2-) are carried out. Finally, the BV-1 degradation pathway and possible degradation mechanism are proposed by analyzing the data of UV–vis spectrum, LC-MS and total organic carbon (TOC). The final results show that the solution temperature can be raised from 20.05 °C to 57.71 °C under the experimental conditions of 4 + 4 parallel orifice plates, 3.0 bar inlet pressure, 5.0 L total solution volume and 10 mg/L initial concentration for 90 min continuous circulation and the BV-1 degradation ratio can be achieved by 75.98 %. The system can generate 785.40 kJ heat at 48.50 USD/m3 cost and achieve 29.09 % thermal efficiency. For 1:30 molar ratio of BV-1 and H2O2, the solution temperature can be further raised to 63.32 °C in 90 min continuous cycling. 95.38 % BV-1 degradation ratio can be obtained and the 909.72 kJ heat can be generated, reaching the 33.69 % thermal efficiency. It is hoped that this work can provide a new strategy for enhancing the degradation of organic dyes and resource utilization of heat by using double parallel orifice plate HC technology.

Continuous Circulation of Yellow Fever among Rural Populations in the Central African Republic.

Yellow fever remains a public-health threat in remote regions of Africa. Here, we report the identification and genetic characterisation of one yellow-fever case observed during the investigation of a cluster of nine suspected haemorrhagic fever cases in a village in the Central African Republic. Samples were tested using real-time RT-PCR targeting the main African haemorrhagic fever viruses. Following negative results, we attempted virus isolation on VERO E6 cells and new-born mice and rescreened the samples using rRT-PCR. The whole viral genome was sequenced using an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencer. Yellow-fever virus (YFV) was isolated from one woman who reported farming activities in a forest setting several days before disease onset. Phylogenetic analysis shows that this strain belongs to the East–Central African YFV genotype, with an estimated emergence some 63 years ago. Finally, five unique amino-acid changes are present in the capsid, envelop, NS1A, NS3, and NS4B proteins. More efforts are required to control yellow-fever re-emergence in resource-limited settings.

Effectiveness of combination of heat water disinfection, continuous water circulation, and minimalized dead space for dialysis piping in maintaining ultrapure dialysis fluid and preventing biofilm formation in a central dialysis fluid delivery system.

Various benefits have been attached to purifying the dialysis fluid used for hemodialysis therapy. The central dialysis fluid delivery system can treat approximately 50 dialysis patients simultaneously and is convenient to operate. In contrast, the dialysis fluid supply piping is complicated, and bacterial growth can cause biofilms. This study aimed to develop sustainable cleaning strategies to solve the complicated dialysis fluid piping, which is a weakness of the central dialysis fluid delivery system, and provide ultrapure dialysis fluid for a long term. Combination of heat water disinfection, continuous water circulation, and minimalized dead space in the dialysis piping were designed for a central dialysis fluid delivery system and used in a clinic for 6years. As an index of water purification, endotoxin concentrations and microbial colony counts in reverse osmosis water and dialysis fluid were measured. In addition, we performed scanning electron microscopy of the silicon tube surface that had been used for 5years to confirm the presence or absence of biofilm formation. For 6years, endotoxin concentrations and microbial colonies were not detected in reverse osmosis water and dialysis fluid using the multiple-patient dialysis fluid supply equipment. The purity of the dialysis fluid was maintained. No biofilm formation was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Combination of heat water disinfection, continuous water circulation, and minimalized dead space designs for dialysis piping can supply ultrapure dialysis fluid with minimal biofilm formation in the piping in the long term.

Development of a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator

With thermal fluctuation strongly suppressed, low temperature environment is essential for studies of condensed matter physics and developments of quantum technologies. Ultra-low temperature below 20 mK has demonstrated its importance and significance in physical sciences and information techniques. Dilution refrigeration is by far the best feasible and reliable method to generate and keep lattice temperature in this range. With a potential shortage of helium supply, cryogen-free dilution refrigerator (CFDR), eliminating the necessity of regular helium refill, becomes the main facility for the purpose of creating ultralow temperature environments. Here we describe our successful construction of a CFDR which reached a base temperature of around 10.9 mK for continuous circulation and 8.6 mK for single-shot operation. We describe its operating mechanism and the designs of key components, especially some unique designs including heat switch and alumina thermal link. Possible improvements in the future are also discussed.

Revealing the mechanism of stability loss of a two-fraction granular flow in a rotating drum

The qualitative nature and quantitative parameters of motion instability of a two-fraction granular filler of a rotating drum were determined. The factors of motion instability and key parameters of the oscillating system were identified and their influence on the self-excitation of pulsed self-oscillations was estimated. Two continuous and one periodic steady-state modes of filler motion were found. Periodic self-oscillations due to the development of instability during the transition from continuous circulation mode to the wall layer mode were revealed. As factors of motion instability, filler dilatancy and damping effect of fine fraction particles on the pulsed interaction of coarse fraction particles were taken. It turned out that the main key parameter of the oscillating system is the drum speed, which determines a change in dilatancy. The increase in instability is realized as a reduction of the bifurcation values of speed and dilatancy. Other key parameters are the content of the fine fraction in the filler κff and the filling degree of the chamber κlf, the growth of which increases the self-oscillating instability. The features of the oscillatory system are the relaxation type, discontinuous nature of self-oscillations and hard self-excitation mode under bistability. The discontinuous character and oscillatory hysteresis increase with decreasing κff and κlf. The limit values of the dynamic motion parameters corresponding to the conditions of self-excitation of self-oscillations in the absence and presence of fine fraction were determined: 0.96–1.11 and 0.218–0.382 for the bifurcation value of relative speed, 0.745–0.855 and 0.24–0.322 for the bifurcation value of dilatancy. The effects found make it possible to substantiate the parameters of the self-oscillating process of processing polygranular materials in drum-type machines.

Scaling control of gasketed plate heat exchanger by using very low frequency electromagnetic resonance fields

This paper deals with the influence of a low-intensity electromagnetic field of very low frequencies on the calcium carbonate deposit, in a gasketed plate heat exchanger by using a continuous circulation of water with a high scaling power at the laboratory level.To estimate the effect of this physical treatment, the results of two experimental campaigns are presented in this document. The first campaign shows the reduction effect on the quantity deposited in the exchanger in grams per day per unit area by the determination of Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations with ICP-OES after dissolving the deposit in 2 % nitric acid solution, and by monitoring the carbonate with TOC analyzer. The 2nd set of experiments aims to study the impact of electromagnetic field on polymorphism of calcium carbonate by RAMAN spectroscopy and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the elemental composition was determined by the EDX probe.Then, chemical speciation has been modeled with the geochemical Phreeqc software. The obtained results have then been compared to the experimental measurements in the presence or not of an electromagnetic treatment.Overall, in all the tested conditions, a reduction of 78.8 % of the deposit was observed without modification of the polymorphism of calcium carbonate.

Screening of Healthy Feral Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in the City of Zurich Reveals Continuous Circulation of Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1 and a Serious Threat of Transmission to Domestic Poultry.

Pigeon paramyxovirus-1 (PPMV-1) is predominantly isolated from pigeons or doves and forms a separate group of viral strains within Avian Orthoavulavirus-1, the causative agent of Newcastle disease in poultry. Since the introduction of PPMV-1 into Europe in 1981, these strains have rapidly spread all over Europe, and are nowadays considered to be enzootic in feral and hobby pigeons (Columba livia domestica). Infections with PPMV-1 can range from asymptomatic to fatal. To assess whether PPMV-1 continuously circulates in healthy feral pigeons, 396 tissue samples of pigeons from the city of Zurich were tested by reverse transcriptase real-time PCR over the period of one year. PPMV-1-RNA was detected in 41 feral pigeons (10.35%), determined as the dominant European genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2. In 38 of the 41 pigeons where organ samples tested positive, PPMV-1-RNA was also detected in either choana or cloaca swabs. There were no significant differences in positivity rates between seasons, age, and sex. The current study shows that feral pigeons without clinical signs of disease can harbour and most likely excrete PPMV-1. Spill-over into free-range holdings of chickens are therefore possible, as observed in a recent outbreak of Newcastle disease in laying hens due to PPMV-1 genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2. in the canton of Zurich in January 2022.

A dominant internal gene cassette of high pathogenicity avian influenza H7N9 virus raised since 2018.

The zoonotic H7N9 avian influenza virus emerged with the H9N2-origin internal gene cassette. Previous studies have reported that genetic reassortments with H9N2 were common in the first five human H7N9 epidemic waves. However, our latest work found that the circulating high pathogenicity H7N9 virus has established a dominant internal gene cassette and has decreased the frequency of reassortment with H9N2 since 2018. This dominant cassette of H7N9 was distinct from the cocirculating H9N2, although they shared a common ancestor. As a result, we suppose that this dominant cassette may benefit the viral population fitness and promote its continuous circulation in chickens.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11262-022-01928-2.

Active Surveillance and Genetic Characterization of Prevalent Velogenic Newcastle Disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 Viruses Among Migratory Wild Birds in Southern Egypt During 2015-2018.

A total of 1007 samples (910 fecal droplets and 97 cloacal swabs) were collected from 14 species of migratory wild birds in most wetlands during 3 successive migration seasons from September to March (2015-2018) in Southern Egypt. The samples were propagated inembryonated chicken eggs and positive allantoic fluids by hemagglutination test were tested for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and avian influenza virus (AIV) prevalence using RT-PCR and specific primers targeting the NDV fusion (F) and AIV matrix genes. Further subtyping of the AIV hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) was conducted, and representative isolates were selected and sequenced for full F gene of NDVs and HA and NA genes of the AIV. Overall isolation rate of hemagglutinating viruses was 5.56% (56/1007), from them 5.36% (3/56) AIV, 85.71% (48/56) NDV and 8.93% (5/56) co-infection of NDV and AIV was detected. The sequences analysis of full F genes of 10 NDV isolates revealed that they have multi-basic amino acid motifs 111E/GRRQKR/F117 as velogenic strains with nucleotides and amino acids similarities of 96-100%. In addition, they phylogenetically clustered into groups and subgroups within genotype VII.1.1 and sub-genotype VIIj with a close relation to NDVs isolated from chickens in Egypt. The AIVH5N8 subtype was in clade 2.3.4.4b with a highly pathogenic nature and close relation to Egyptian domesticated H5N8 viruses rather than those from wild birds. The current data showed the contribution of migratory birds to the continuous circulation of virulent NDV and AIVH5N8 among domesticated chickens in Southern Egypt.

West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Overwintering in Italy.

In January 2022, West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 (L2) was detected in an adult female goshawk rescued near Perugia in the region of Umbria (Italy). The animal showed neurological symptoms and died 15 days after its recovery in a wildlife rescue center. This was the second case of WNV infection recorded in birds in the Umbria region during the cold season, when mosquitoes, the main WNV vectors, are usually not active. According to the National Surveillance Plan, the Umbria region is included amongst the WNV low-risk areas. The necropsy evidenced generalized pallor of the mucous membranes, mild splenomegaly, and cerebral edema. WNV L2 was detected in the brain, heart, kidney, and spleen homogenate using specific RT-PCR. Subsequently, the extracted viral RNA was sequenced. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis performed through a maximum-likelihood tree showed that the genome sequence clustered with the Italian strains within the European WNV strains among the central-southern European WNV L2 clade. These results, on the one hand, confirmed that the WNV L2 strains circulating in Italy are genetically stable and, on the other hand, evidenced a continuous WNV circulation in Italy throughout the year. In this report case, a bird-to-bird WNV transmission was suggested to support the virus overwintering. The potential transmission through the oral route in a predatory bird may explain the relatively rapid spread of WNV, as well as other flaviviruses characterized by similar transmission patterns. However, rodent-to-bird transmission or mosquito-to-bird transmission cannot be excluded, and further research is needed to better understand WNV transmission routes during the winter season in Italy.

Network Approach in Public Diplomacy: A Critical Analysis in the Context of Mass Society Practices

The concept of mass society is generally considered as an emphasis on the loss of the individual in society. Gustave Le Bon defines mass society as mindless, motivated masses. Today, it is assumed that the individual in the society can think independently, be rational and question. The network society approach is based on the idea of an independent and organized individual. According to Jan Van Dijk and Manuel Castells, with the help of technology and globalization, the way of production and communication has taken the form of a more organized and complex network. The network approach in public diplomacy (Metzl, 2001; Hocking, 2005; Zaharna R. , 2007; 2010) is accepted as an effective approach of public diplomacy. The approach, which is planned around volunteerism, synergy and team belonging, is based on the production of messages and the continuous circulation of the message within the system. In this study, the activities regarding the network society approach in public diplomacy is discussed through a critical perspective. The concepts of 'volunteering', 'synergy', 'team belonging', ‘flexibility` and ‘horizontal participation’, which constitute the basic principles of the network approach, were analyzed on the basis of the mass society approach. Purpose of the study: To critically consider the network-based public diplomacy approach and to analyze the concept of network society according to the principles of the mass society approach.

Onflow and consumption: Affect and first encounters

In this paper, we are concerned with how we might account for the under-appreciated relation of intensities that flow through and around consumption experiences. In pursuing clarity, researchers have tended to treat consumer experiences as bounded and discrete, segregated from the messy unfolding of life around them. In this work, we look to acknowledge this everyday unfolding of the experience to appreciate how we might articulate the more-than-representational excess of seemingly un-spectacular, quotidian moments of encounter, and how we might attune ourselves to the constant unfolding of consumer experiences. In addressing these concerns, we produce a series of narratives designed to reveal both the ecologies and processual registers of experience. These narratives seek not just to inform, but also to evoke and provoke. Moreover, they work to engage readers with the messiness of everyday life attempting to give form to phenomena that are essentially formless and in continuous circulation.

MODELING OF INTRA-ARTERIAL CIRCULATION: APPLICATION IN EXPERIMENTAL CARDIOLOGY

im of our investigation is to evaluate the use of the device for modeling of intra-arterial circulation and substantiate the possibility of its use in experimental cardiology. Materials and methods. The principle part of the model is the cone-shaped narrowed glass cylinder 365 mm long with an inlet diameter of 20 mm, an outlet diameter of 16,5 mm. Two-way fitting with a rubber valve is screwed from the input side. Flexible silicone tubes are attached to both sides of the cylinder, with the other end attached to an electric water pump. The water pump is connected with 12 Volt battery. In one of the outer corners, we insert a needle for introducing dyes (clerical ink) and a silk thread through the fitting valve into the glass tube. We filled the closed circuit with an aqueous solution of glycerin, the viscosity of which was similar to the blood. The water pump provides continuous or intermittent circulation of the glycerin solution in a closed system. We observed the thread movements and turbulent flow colored by the ink during the spread of the pulse waves. Results. We simulated the pulse waves occurring in the regular heart rhythm, as well as arrhythmias. When simulating the extrasystoles, we observed a turbulent fluid flow during the spread of the 1st post-extrasystolic wave behind the installed diaphragm. With the spreading of the 1st post-extrasystolic wave, the pressure level inside the tube is increased in comparison with the regular rhythm. Conclusion. Device for modeling of intra-arterial circulation is simple and reliable in its construction. It imitates the intra-arterial processes in different hemodynamic situations, such as regular heart rhythm, arrhythmias, and atherosclerotic plaques. It can be used in the wide spectrum of experimental works in cardiology, vascular surgery, physiology, pathophysiology, biophysics.

Development of process for obtaining crystalline food products with improved granulometric composition

The subject of this research is the process of isohydric crystallization of mass from solution in a circulating crystallizer with the ability to control the size of food crystals. The developed design of a continuous circulation crystallizer provides the opportunity to adjust the circulation rate and meet temperature conditions. The functions of the solution particles and solid phase distribution over the time of residence in the crystallizer filled with a circulating suspension are found for the modes of ideal mixing and displacement determined by the circulation ratio of the suspension in the apparatus. The ability to control solution supersaturation and the time of suspension particles residence in the apparatus enables to obtain large production crystals.

Chemical Looping Combustion of Petcoke Using Two Natural Ores in a 10 kWth Continuous Pilot Plant: A Performance Comparison

Chemical looping combustion (CLC) technology has emerged as one of the most important clean fossil fuel combustion technologies, because it allows for sequestration of CO2 with a minimal increase in energy requirements and fuel demand in comparison to traditional plants. In the framework of the Chinese–European Emission-Reducing Solutions project, the core technology of the CLC process is being developed in a 3 MWth system prototype for demonstration in an operational environment using petcoke as fuel. One of the main objectives is the selection of the oxygen carrier because it will impact the design and sizing of the demonstration unit as well as the nominal power of the unit. Two minerals, ilmenite T1 and LY Mn ore, with high potential for a well-performing oxygen carrier were tested in a 10 kWth continuous pilot unit. The collected fines were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis to characterize the compositional and morphological evolution of the particles during operation. The performance of both oxygen carriers was compared with respect to solid fuel conversion, capacity for oxygen transfer, and particle lifetime in continuous circulation. A higher methane conversion can be obtained using ilmenite, while LY Mn is better at converting petcoke. Where the reduction potential of oxygen carriers is concerned, it was observed that LY Mn ore has a high initial R0ΔX value (R0ΔX = 0.8), which leads to a shorter activation period in comparison to ilmenite T1, which requires a longer activation period to reach its full potential. LY Mn ore is however more sensitive to attrition than ilmenite, under similar operating conditions, which is a critical characteristic for large-scale deployment. Finally, key operating parameters were identified for large-scale unit operation, including fuel reactor temperature, oxygen carrier flow rate, and fuel flow rate.

Decadal Change in Seroprevalence of Chikungunya Virus Infection in Pune City, India.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus capable of causing large outbreaks. We aimed to determine the decadal change in the extent of chikungunya virus infection from 2009 to 2019. We implemented a prospective cross-sectional survey in Pune City using a 30-cluster approach with probability-proportion-to-size (PPS) sampling, with blood samples collected from 1654 participants in early 2019. The study also included an additional 799 blood samples from an earlier serosurvey in late 2009. The samples were tested by an in-house anti-CHIKV IgG ELISA assay. The overall seroprevalence in 2019 was 53.2% (95% CI 50.7–55.6) as against 8.5% (95% CI 6.5–10.4) in 2009. A fivefold increase in seroprevalence was observed in a decade (p < 0.00001). The seroprevalence increased significantly with age; however, it did not differ between genders. Modeling of age-stratified seroprevalence data from 2019 coincided with a recent outbreak in 2016 followed by the low-level circulation. The mean estimated force of infection during the outbreak was 35.8% (95% CI 2.9–41.2), and it was 1.2% after the outbreak. To conclude, the study reports a fivefold increase in the seroprevalence of chikungunya infection over a decade in Pune City. The modeling approach considering intermittent outbreaks with continuous low-level circulation was a better fit and coincided with a recent outbreak reported in 2016. Community engagement and effective vector control measures are needed to avert future chikungunya outbreaks.