Numerical Experiments in Complex Hæmodynamic Flows. Non-Newtonian Effects

Numerical experiments for non-trivial flows, close to realistic situations in hæmodynamics, are described and interpreted. Two geometries have been selected: an axisymmetric corrugated tube (with periodic boundary conditions) and a 3D bifurcation with an obstructed end (anastomosis). Results concern sensitivity of errors associated to the time-step size and mesh refinement, but essentially consist of the quantitative estimation of non-Newtonian effects based on Casson's rheological model, treated in retarded form. The time-step lag of such effects is the main reason for evaluating the sensitivity of errors. Due to the high computational cost characterizing the problems to be faced, we expect that the present results will be useful when real geometries should be modeled. The main conclusions are that non-Newtonian effects may be relevant (especially for secondary flows) and that, in most cases, for the same level of errors the use of Casson's law does not generate excessive additional computational costs. Thus, within this strategy, the user can accurately solve the problem using this rheological model without having to worry if the non-Newtonian effects are important or not.     

Finite Element Modeling of Liquid Deuterium Flow and Heat Transfer in a Cold-neutron Source

A finite element simulation of flow and heat transfer in the moderator cell of a cold-neutron source (CNS), in which liquid deuterium subject to internal heat generation is flowing, is reported. The numerical scheme consists of a stabilized equal-order method. A time-accurate approach is adopted to resolve the large-scale eddies of the flow, with a Smagorinsky's model for the subgrid-scale effects. The thermal coupling follows a staggered strategy, with SUPG-type upwinding. A specific wall-law is developed that accounts for the correct partition of the heat deposited at the wall by radiation between the liquid deuterium and the helium gas flowing at the outer side of the wall. The average flow and thermal structure are presented. The turbulent fluctuations are both illustrated in physical space and decomposed into spectral components. The wavenumber spectrum suggests that adequate resolution of the large-scale eddies has been attained with just 200,000 nodes, while a DNS analysis would have required at least 1010 nodes. Usefulness of the approach in the design process of the CNS is highlighted.     

Validation of a new HPLC‐UV method for determination of the antibiotic linezolid in human plasma and in bronchoalveolar lavage

A rapid and selective HPLC‐UV method was developed for the quantification of linezolid (LNZ) in human plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at the concentrations associated with therapy. Plasma samples were extracted by solid‐phase extraction followed by evaporation to dryness and reconstitution in mobile phase solution. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a C₁₈ column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of dihydrogen phosphate buffer 50 mm (pH 3.5) and acetonitrile (60:40 v/v). The detection was performed using a photodiode array. Under these conditions, a single chromatographic run could be completed within 12 min. The method was validated by estimating the precision and the accuracy for inter‐ and intra‐day analysis in the concentration range of 25–25600 ng/mL. The method was linear over the investigated range with all the correlation coefficients R > 0.999. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision was within 8.90% and the accuracy ranged from ?4.76 to +5.20%. This rapid and sensitive method was fully validated and could be applied to pharmacokinetic study for the determination of LNZ levels in human plasma and BAL samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.