Towards system-level simulation of a miniature electromagnetic energy harvester model

Energy harvesting, a solution to provide a lifetime power supply to wireless sensor nodes, has attracted widespread attention in the last two decades. An energy harvester collects ambient energy, e.g., solar, thermal, or vibration energy, and transforms it into electrical energy. In this work, we work on an electromagnetic energy harvester model, which is composed of four magnets oscillating along a coil. Such a device converts the vibrational energy into electrical energy. We reproduce the electromagnetic energy harvester model in finite element-based software. In order to include this model in a system-level simulation, the methodology of extracting a look-up table-based equivalent circuit model is presented. Such an equivalent circuit model enables the interaction of the electromagnetic energy harvester model with both electrical and mechanical compact models at the system-level. Furthermore, the matrix interpolation-based and algebraic parameterization-based parametric model order reduction methods are suggested for speeding up the generation of the equivalent circuit model and the design optimization process with respect to magnet dimensions. The efficiencies of these two methods are investigated and compared

Design and optimal control of a multistable, cooperative microactuator

In order to satisfy the demand for the high functionality of future microdevices, research on new concepts for multistable microactuators with enlarged working ranges becomes increasingly important. A challenge for the design of such actuators lies in overcoming the mechanical connections of the moved object, which limit its deflection angle or traveling distance. Although numerous approaches have already been proposed to solve this issue, only a few have considered multiple asymptotically stable resting positions. In order to fill this gap, we present a microactuator that allows large vertical displacements of a freely moving permanent magnet on a millimeter-scale. Multiple stable equilibria are generated at predefined positions by superimposing permanent magnetic fields, thus removing the need for constant energy input. In order to achieve fast object movements with low solenoid currents, we apply a combination of piezoelectric and electromagnetic actuation, which work as cooperative manipulators. Optimal trajectory planning and flatness-based control ensure time- and energy-efficient motion while being able to compensate for disturbances. We demonstrate the advantage of the proposed actuator in terms of its expandability and show the effectiveness of the controller with regard to the initial state uncertainty

A succinate/SUCNR1-brush cell defense program in the tracheal epithelium

Host-derived succinate accumulates in the airways during bacterial infection. Here, we show that luminal succinate activates murine tracheal brush (tuft) cells through a signaling cascade involving the succinate receptor 1 (SUCNR1), phospholipase Cβ2, and the cation channel transient receptor potential channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5). Stimulated brush cells then trigger a long-range Ca2+ wave spreading radially over the tracheal epithelium through a sequential signaling process. First, brush cells release acetylcholine, which excites nearby cells via muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. From there, the Ca2+ wave propagates through gap junction signaling, reaching also distant ciliated and secretory cells. These effector cells translate activation into enhanced ciliary activity and Cl− secretion, which are synergistic in boosting mucociliary clearance, the major innate defense mechanism of the airways. Our data establish tracheal brush cells as a central hub in triggering a global epithelial defense program in response to a danger-associated metabolite

A ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest model with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats: 8 minutes arrest time leads to increased myocardial damage but does not increase neuronal damage compared to 6 minutes

IntroductionExtracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an emerging strategy in highly selected patients with refractory cardiac arrest (CA). Animal models can help to identify new therapeutic strategies to improve neurological outcome and cardiac function after global ischemia in CA. Aim of the study was to establish a reproducible ECPR rat model of ventricular fibrillation CA (VFCA) that leads to consistent neuronal damage with acceptable long-term survival rates, which can be used for future research.Materials and methodsMale Sprague Dawley rats were resuscitated with ECPR from 6 min (n = 15) and 8 min (n = 16) VFCA. Animals surviving for 14 days after return of spontaneous resuscitation (ROSC) were compared with sham operated animals (n = 10); neurological outcome was assessed daily until day 14. In the hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 region viable neurons were counted. Microglia and astrocyte reaction was assessed by Iba1 and GFAP immunohistochemistry, and collagen fibers in the myocardium were detected in Azan staining. QuPath was applied for quantification.ResultsOf the 15 rats included in the 6 min CA group, all achieved ROSC (100%) and 10 (67%) survived to 14 days; in the 8 min CA group, 15 (94%) achieved ROSC and 5 (31%) reached the endpoint. All sham animals (n = 10) survived 2 weeks. The quantity of viable neurons was significantly decreased, while the area displaying Iba1 and GFAP positive pixels was significantly increased in the hippocampus across both groups that experienced CA. Interestingly, there was no difference between the two CA groups regarding these changes. The myocardium in the 8 min CA group exhibited significantly more collagen fibers compared to the sham animals, without differences between 6- and 8-min CA groups. However, this significant increase was not observed in the 6 min CA group.ConclusionOur findings indicate a uniform occurrence of neuronal damage in the hippocampus across both CA groups. However, there was a decrease in survival following an 8-min CA. Consequently, a 6-min duration of CA resulted in predictable neurological damage without significant cardiac damage and ensured adequate survival rates up to 14 days. This appears to offer a reliable model for investigating neuroprotective therapies

Population genomics of the Viking world.

The maritime expansion of Scandinavian populations during the Viking Age (about AD 750-1050) was a far-flung transformation in world history1,2. Here we sequenced the genomes of 442 humans from archaeological sites across Europe and Greenland (to a median depth of about 1×) to understand the global influence of this expansion. We find the Viking period involved gene flow into Scandinavia from the south and east. We observe genetic structure within Scandinavia, with diversity hotspots in the south and restricted gene flow within Scandinavia. We find evidence for a major influx of Danish ancestry into England; a Swedish influx into the Baltic; and Norwegian influx into Ireland, Iceland and Greenland. Additionally, we see substantial ancestry from elsewhere in Europe entering Scandinavia during the Viking Age. Our ancient DNA analysis also revealed that a Viking expedition included close family members. By comparing with modern populations, we find that pigmentation-associated loci have undergone strong population differentiation during the past millennium, and trace positively selected loci-including the lactase-persistence allele of LCT and alleles of ANKA that are associated with the immune response-in detail. We conclude that the Viking diaspora was characterized by substantial transregional engagement: distinct populations influenced the genomic makeup of different regions of Europe, and Scandinavia experienced increased contact with the rest of the continent

System-level modelling and simulation of a multiphysical kick and catch actuator system

This paper presents a system-level model of a microsystem architecture deploying cooperating microactuators. An assembly of a piezoelectric kick-actuator and an electromagnetic catch-actuator manipulates a structurally unconnected, magnetized micromirror. The absence of mechanical connections allows for large deflections and multistability. Closed-loop feedback control allows this setup to achieve high accuracy, but requires fast and precise system-level models of each component. Such models can be generated directly from large-scale finite element (FE) models via mathematical methods of model order reduction (MOR). A special challenge lies in reducing a nonlinear multiphysical FE model of a piezoelectric kick-actuator and its mechanical contact to a micromirror, which is modeled as a rigid body. We propose to separate the actuator–micromirror system into two single-body systems. This step allows us to apply the contact-induced forces as inputs to each sub-system and, thus, avoid the nonlinear FE model. Rather, we have the linear model with nonlinear input, to which established linear MOR methods can be applied. Comparisons between the reference FE model and the reduced order model demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed methodology. Finally, a system-level simulation of the whole assembly, including two actuators, a micromirror and a simple control circuitry, is presented

Model Order Reduction of Microactuators: Theory and Application

This paper provides an overview of techniques of compact modeling via model order reduction (MOR), emphasizing their application to cooperative microactuators. MOR creates highly efficient yet accurate surrogate models, facilitating design studies, optimization, closed-loop control and analyses of interacting components. This is particularly important for microactuators due to the variety of physical effects employed, their short time constants and the many nonlinear effects. Different approaches for linear, parametric and nonlinear dynamical systems are summarized. Three numerical case studies for selected methods complement the paper. The described case studies emerged from the Kick and Catch research project and within a framework of the German Research Foundation’s Priority Program, Cooperative Multistable Multistage Microactuator Systems (KOMMMA)

Co-Design and Control of a Magnetic Microactuator for Freely Moving Platforms

A current goal for microactuators is to extend their usually small working ranges, which typically result from mechanical connections and restoring forces imposed by cantilevers. In order to overcome this, we present a bistable levitation setup to realise free vertical motion of a magnetic proof mass. By superimposing permanent magnetic fields, we imprint two equilibrium positions, namely on the ground plate and levitating at a predefined height. Energy-efficient switching between both resting positions is achieved by the cooperation of a piezoelectric stack actuator, initially accelerating the proof mass, and subsequent electromagnetic control. A trade-off between robust equilibrium positions and energy-efficient transitions is found by simultaneously optimising the controller and design parameters in a co-design. A flatness-based controller is then proposed for tracking the obtained trajectories. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the combined optimisation

Co-design and control of a magnetic microactuator for freely moving platforms

A current goal for microactuators is to extend their usually small working ranges, which typically result from mechanical connections and restoring forces imposed by cantilevers. In order to overcome this, we present a bistable levitation setup to realise free vertical motion of a magnetic proof mass. By superimposing permanent magnetic fields, we imprint two equilibrium positions, namely on the ground plate and levitating at a predefined height. Energy-efficient switching between both resting positions is achieved by the cooperation of a piezoelectric stack actuator, initially accelerating the proof mass, and subsequent electromagnetic control. A trade-off between robust equilibrium positions and energy-efficient transitions is found by simultaneously optimising the controller and design parameters in a co-design. A flatness-based controller is then proposed for tracking the obtained trajectories. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the combined optimisation