Abstract: The present invention discloses a key mechanism of action of itolizumab that involves a decrease in an activating ALCAM-CD6 co stimulatory signal by directly reducing CD6 hyperphosphorylation and preventing the docking of key molecules associated with T cell activation and signaling.

Abstract: A system for controlling the power level of a natural circulation boiling water nuclear reactor (NCBWR) may include a heating subsystem for heating feedwater flowing into an annulus of the NCBWR to increase the temperature of recirculation water flowing through the core above a predetermined recirculation water operating temperature. Additionally the system may include a temperature sensor operable to sense the temperature of the feedwater flowing into the annulus. The temperature sensor is communicatively connected to a temperature controller operable to command the heating subsystem to increase the temperature of the feedwater flowing into the annulus to a requested temperature above a predetermined operating temperature of the feedwater flowing into the annulus.

Abstract: A passive shutdown system for a liquid metal cooled reactor may include a tube and a neutron absorber within the tube. The tube may be configured to extend through a core of the liquid metal cooled reactor. The tube has an upper end and a lower end. The tube defines a flow path for a liquid metal coolant. The neutron absorber is a mobile structure configured to partially obstruct a flow of the liquid metal coolant within the flow path. A method of operating a liquid metal cooled reactor may involve the use of the passive shutdown system.

Abstract: A method of removing a radioactive material from a gas includes directing the gas through a bed of salt, wherein the gas includes water vapor and the radioactive material. The salt constitutes more than 50 percent by weight of the bed. The method additionally includes condensing the water vapor in the bed and dissolving a portion of the salt to form a salt solution. The method further includes absorbing the radioactive material into the salt solution while a remainder of the gas passes through the bed. A salt filtration system configured to perform the method may be implemented as a pre-filter (or post-filter) to an existing filter unit or as a standalone filter.

Abstract: A method of removing a radioactive material from a gas includes directing the gas through a bed of salt, wherein the gas includes water vapor and the radioactive material. The salt constitutes more than 50 percent by weight of the bed. The method additionally includes condensing the water vapor in the bed and dissolving a portion of the salt to form a salt solution. The method further includes absorbing the radioactive material into the salt solution while a remainder of the gas passes through the bed. A salt filtration system configured to perform the method may be implemented as a pre-filter (or post-filter) to an existing filter unit or as a standalone filter.

Abstract: A passive shutdown system for a liquid metal cooled reactor may include a tube and a neutron absorber within the tube. The tube may be configured to extend through a core of the liquid metal cooled reactor. The tube has an upper end and a lower end. The tube defines a flow path for a liquid metal coolant. The neutron absorber is a mobile structure configured to partially obstruct a flow of the liquid metal coolant within the flow path. A method of operating a liquid metal cooled reactor may involve the use of the passive shutdown system.

Abstract: A system for controlling the power level of a natural circulation boiling water nuclear reactor (NCBWR) may include a heating subsystem for heating feedwater flowing into an annulus of the NCBWR to increase the temperature of recirculation water flowing through the core above a predetermined recirculation water operating temperature. Additionally the system may include a temperature sensor operable to sense the temperature of the feedwater flowing into the annulus. The temperature sensor is communicatively connected to a temperature controller operable to command the heating subsystem to increase the temperature of the feedwater flowing into the annulus to a requested temperature above a predetermined operating temperature of the feedwater flowing into the annulus.

Abstract: A system for controlling the power level of a natural circulation boiling water nuclear reactor (NCBWR) is disclosed. The system, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, may include a controller configured to control a power output level of the NCBWR by controlling a heating subsystem to adjust a temperature of feedwater flowing into an annulus of the NCBWR. The heating subsystem may include a steam diversion line configured to receive steam generated by a core of the NCBWR and a steam bypass valve configured to receive commands from the controller to control a flow of the steam in the steam diversion line, wherein the steam received by the steam diversion line has not passed through a turbine. Additional embodiments of the invention may include a feedwater bypass valve for controlling an amount of flow of the feedwater through a heater bypass line to the annulus.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a system for controlling the power level of a natural circulation boiling water nuclear reactor (NCBWR) is provided. In various embodiments, the system includes a heating subsystem for heating feedwater flowing into an annulus of a NCBWR to increase the temperature of recirculation water flowing through the core above a predetermined recirculation water operating temperature. Additionally the system includes a temperature sensor operable to sense the temperature of the feedwater flowing into the annulus. The temperature sensor is communicatively connected to a temperature controller operable to command the heating subsystem to increase the temperature of the feedwater flowing into the annulus to a requested temperature above a predetermined operating temperature of the feedwater flowing into the annulus.

Abstract: An electromagnetically formed fluid circuit joint (276) includes a hollow fitting (272) and a tubular conduit (274). The hollow fitting (272) has an outer surface (280) with a groove (278). The tubular conduit (274) is received over the hollow fitting (272). The tubular conduit (274) includes a fitting overlay section (284), a first wall deformation for extension of the fitting overlay section (284) over the hollow fitting (272), and an electromagnetic field formed wall deformation (291) that extends into the groove (278). Another electromagnetically formed fluid circuit joint (642) includes a hollow fitting (654) and a tubular conduit (648). The hollow fitting (654) has an inner surface (668) with a groove (666). The tubular conduit (648) is mechanically separate from and is received within the hollow fitting (654). The tubular conduit (648) includes an externally applied electromagnetic field formed wall deformation (667) that extends into the groove (666).

Abstract: An electromagnetically formed fluid circuit joint (150) includes a tubular conduit (58) that has an outer surface (154) with a groove (72). A hollow fitting (56) is mechanically separate from and received over the tubular conduit (58). The hollow fitting (56) includes an electromagnetic field formed wall deformation (165) that extends into the groove (72).

Abstract: A method of forming a torque-transmitting coupling (193) includes forming at least one fitting (192) having a tube conforming area (200). The forming area (200) includes a material overflow groove (194) and multiple flat surfaces (202). The forming area (200) has an associated tube arc length that is approximately equal in length to a formed area length of the flat surfaces (202) with the elongated overflow groove (194). An elongated tube (190) is procured. The elongated tube (190) is formed onto the tube conforming area (200) to form the torque-transmitting coupling (193).