Numerical Simulation of Particle Separation in the Fluid Flow in a Microchannel Including Spiral and Acoustic Regions

Particulate separation has many applications in medicine, biology and industry. In this research, the separation of polystyrene particles with a diameter of 10, 20 and 30 μm in the fluid flow of a microchannel is investigated. The microchannel consists of a spiral region and a straight region under the influence of acoustic waves. In the spiral region, the particles under hydrodynamic effects undergo the initial separation; then the particles enter the straight region of the microchannel, and the final separation of the particles is done by the force generated and exerted through the acoustic waves. The effects of acoustic frequency and the number of spiral region loops on separation are investigated. The results show that for measured dimensions and parameters, at 1 MHz acoustic wave, when the number of loops is 2 for the spiral region, the particles at the end of the path are in a suitable position for separation. In addition, the results show that the separation of particles with this hybrid system is better than that done by the simple methods, and the separation rate can be as high as 100

A New Model for Cognitive IVT based on loT for Critical Safety Solutions: Firefighter Use Case

Immersive visual technologies and Internet of things are considered the main paradigms in defining new models of immersive training for critical safety applications. Accordingly, matching appropriate devices and technologies with the training requirements and its individual, technological, and operational factors is mandatory to achieve the training goals. In this context, we investigate and classify different factors based on immersive technologies, emerging devices, and sensors. Furthermore, we propose a new model for cognitive immersive visual technologies for critical safety solutions. The proposed model is validated in a use case of a fire brigade intervention after an earthquake. The use of this model mitigates heterogeneity conflicts due to the variety of immersive technologies for a specific situation by respecting stakeholders' requirements. This paper helps future researchers, industrial and enterprise stockholders to select adequate immersive visual technologies, devices, and engines for creating further critical safety solutions

Biodistribution, kinetics, and biological fate of SPION microbubbles in the rat

Åsa Barrefelt,1,2,* Maryam Saghafian,2,* Raoul Kuiper,3 Fei Ye,4 Gabriella Egri,5 Moritz Klickermann,5 Torkel B Brismar,1 Peter Aspelin,1 Mamoun Muhammed,4 Lars Dähne,5 Moustapha Hassan2,6 1Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Medical Imaging and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Radiology, Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; 2Experimental Cancer Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; 3Karolinska Institute Core Facility for Morphologic Phenotype Analysis, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; 4Division of Functional Materials, Department of Materials and Nano Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden; 5Surflay Nanotec GmbH, Berlin, Germany; 6Clinical Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: In the present investigation, we studied the kinetics and biodistribution of a contrast agent consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microbubbles containing superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPION) trapped between the PVA layers (SPION microbubbles). Methods: The biological fate of SPION microbubbles was determined in Sprague-Dawley rats after intravenous administration. Biodistribution and elimination of the microbubbles were studied in rats using magnetic resonance imaging for a period of 6 weeks. The rats were sacrificed and perfusion-fixated at different time points. The magnetic resonance imaging results obtained were compared with histopathologic findings in different organs. Results: SPION microbubbles could be detected in the liver using magnetic resonance imaging as early as 10 minutes post injection. The maximum signal was detected between 24 hours and one week post injection. Histopathology showed the presence of clustered SPION microbubbles predominantly in the lungs from the first time point investigated (10 minutes). The frequency of microbubbles declined in the pulmonary vasculature and increased in pulmonary, hepatic, and splenic macrophages over time, resulting in a relative shift from the lungs to the spleen and liver. Meanwhile, macrophages showed increasing signs of cytoplasmic iron accumulation, initially in the lungs, then followed by other organs. Conclusion: The present investigation highlights the biological behavior of SPION microbubbles, including organ distribution over time and indications for biodegradation. The present results are essential for developing SPION microbubbles as a potential contrast agent and/or a drug delivery vehicle for specific organs. Such a vehicle will facilitate the use of multimodality imaging techniques, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and single positron emission computed tomography, and hence improve diagnostics, therapy, and the ability to monitor the efficacy of treatment. Keywords: biodistribution, microbubbles, superparamagnetic iron oxide, pharmacokinetics, magnetic resonance imaging, histopatholog

Trained macrophages support hygiene hypothesis

International audienceReplacement of resident alveolar macrophages by monocyte-derived macrophages after herpesvirus infection protects against asthma