Field-induced interactions in magneto-active elastomers - a comparison of experiments and simulations

In this contribution, field-induced interactions of magnetizable particles embedded into a soft elastomer matrix are analyzed with regard to the resulting mechanical deformations. By comparing experiments for two-, three- and four-particle systems with the results of finite element simulations, a fully coupled continuum model for magneto-active elastomers is validated with the help of real data for the first time. The model under consideration permits the investigation of magneto-active elastomers with arbitrary particle distances, shapes and volume fractions as well as magnetic and mechanical properties of the individual constituents. It thus represents a basis for future studies on more complex, realistic systems. Our results show a very good agreement between experiments and numerical simulations—the deformation behavior of all systems is captured by the model qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Within a sensitivity analysis, the influence of the initial particle positions on the systems' response is examined. Furthermore, a comparison of the full three-dimensional model with the often used, simplified two-dimensional approach shows the typical overestimation of resulting interactions in magneto-active elastomers

Repercussions psychologiques de la drepanocytose et coping chez les adolescents a Lome

La drépanocytose est une maladie très douloureuse, grave et chronique. La douleur drépanocytaire s’accompagne de manifestations psychiques, y compris psychopathologiques, souvent déroutantes. Cependant, peu d’études au Togo se sont intéressées au volet psychologique de cette pathologie.La présente étude explore les répercussions psychologiques de la drépanocytose, afin de proposer une démarche de prise en charge psychologique appropriée. Pour la réaliser, un questionnaire et un guide d’entretien semi-structuré ont permis de collecter les données auprès de 103 adolescents drépanocytaires, âgés de 12 à 18 ans. Les résultats indiquent que la plupart des adolescents drépanocytaires ont un vécu douloureux de la maladie qu’ils se représentent comme grave, mortelle et chronique. Ils sont confrontés à des perturbations psychiques intenses pendant les crises, notamment la douleur, la peur d’aggravation de la maladie, l’angoisse de mort. Pour y faire face, ils ont plus recours à la spiritualité et au soutien social. Les crises douloureuses de la drépanocytose affectent donc négativement la santé psychique des adolescents, d’où la nécessité d’intégrer le suivi psychologique à la prise en charge globale de la drépanocytose.Mots-clés: drépanocytose, répercussions psychologiques, coping, adolescents, LoméEnglish Title: Psychological effects of sickle-cell sickness and coping among teenagers in LomeEnglish AbstractThe sickle-cell sickness is very painful, serious and chronic. Pains of sickle-cell sickness cause psychological effects, which include complex psychopathological ones. However, few surveys, in Togo, have focused on the psychological aspect of this sickness. This survey examines the psychological effects of sickle-cell sickness so as to set up an adequate framework for psychological assistance. To embark on this survey, we relied on a questionnaire and a half-structured sampling guidebook which enabled us to collect the data of one hundred and three (103) teenagers suffering from sickle-cell sickness, aged 12-18. Results reveal that most of the teenagers affected by sickle-cell sickness so bitterly suffer from this sickness that they consider it as serious, deadly and chronic. They go through critical psychological hardships during its occurrence such as pains, fear of the sickness getting worse and anxiety of death. In response, they rather resort to spiritual and social assistance. Pains of the sickle-cell sickness have negative impacts on these teenagers’ psychological status, it is henceforth necessary to lay emphasis on the psychological aspect in the global assistance follow-up for the sickle-cell sick.Keywords: Sickle-cell sickness, psychological effects, coping, teenagers, Lom

Guidelines for the use of flow cytometry and cell sorting in immunological studies (second edition)

These guidelines are a consensus work of a considerable number of members of the immunology and flow cytometry community. They provide the theory and key practical aspects of flow cytometry enabling immunologists to avoid the common errors that often undermine immunological data. Notably, there are comprehensive sections of all major immune cell types with helpful Tables detailing phenotypes in murine and human cells. The latest flow cytometry techniques and applications are also described, featuring examples of the data that can be generated and, importantly, how the data can be analysed. Furthermore, there are sections detailing tips, tricks and pitfalls to avoid, all written and peer-reviewed by leading experts in the field, making this an essential research companion