scholarly journals Distinctive diffusive properties of swimming planktonic copepods in different environmental conditions

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaele Pastore ◽  
Marco Uttieri ◽  
Giuseppe Bianco ◽  
Maurizio Ribera d’Alcalá ◽  
Maria Grazia Mazzocchi

AbstractSuspensions of small planktonic copepods represent a special category in the realm of active matter, as their size falls within the range of colloids, while their motion is so complex that it cannot be rationalized according to basic self-propelled particle models. Indeed, the wide range of individual variability and swimming patterns resemble the behaviour of much larger animals. By analysing hundreds of three dimensional trajectories of the planktonic copepod Clausocalanus furcatus we investigate the possibility of detecting how the motion of this species is affected by different external conditions, such as the presence of food and the effect of gravity. While this goal is hardly achievable by direct inspection of single organism trajectories, we show that this is possible by focussing on simple average metrics commonly used to characterize colloidal suspensions, such as the mean square displacement and the dynamic correlation functions. We find that the presence of food leads to the onset of a clear localization that separates a short-time ballistic from a long-time diffusive regime. Such a benchmark reflects the tendency of C. furcatus to remain temporally feeding in a limited space and disappears when food is absent. Localization is clearly evident in the horizontal plane, but is negligible in the vertical direction, due to the effect of gravity. Our results suggest that simple average descriptors may provide concise and useful information on the swimming properties of planktonic copepods, even though single organism behaviours are strongly heterogeneous.

2017 ◽  
Vol 822 ◽  
pp. 364-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Jose Benavides ◽  
Alexandros Alexakis

We investigate a model of thin layer turbulence that follows the evolution of the two-dimensional motions $\boldsymbol{u}_{2D}(x,y)$ along the horizontal directions $(x,y)$ coupled to a single Fourier mode along the vertical direction ($z$) of the form $\boldsymbol{u}_{q}(x,y,z)=[v_{x}(x,y)\sin (qz),v_{y}(x,y)\sin (qz),v_{z}(x,y)\cos (qz)]$, reducing thus the system to two coupled, two-dimensional equations. The model, despite its simplicity and ad hoc construction, displays a rich behaviour. Its reduced dimensionality allows a thorough investigation of the transition from a forward to an inverse cascade of energy as the thickness of the layer $H=\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}/q$ is varied. Starting from a thick layer and reducing its thickness it is shown that two critical heights are met: (i) one for which the forward unidirectional cascade (similar to three-dimensional turbulence) transitions to a bidirectional cascade transferring energy to both small and large scales and (ii) one for which the bidirectional cascade transitions to a unidirectional inverse cascade when the layer becomes very thin (similar to two-dimensional turbulence). The two critical heights are shown to have different properties close to criticality that we are able to analyse with numerical simulations for a wide range of Reynolds numbers and aspect ratios.


2020 ◽  
Vol 787 (12) ◽  
pp. 21-24
Author(s):  
Y.A. Bozhko ◽  
◽  
K.A. Lapunova ◽  

The article reflects the authors view on the technical and aesthetic side of the use of face bricks in the architecture of our country. The term brick design combines such indicators of brickwork as the color, size and surface of the brick itself, as well as the type of masonry and seam parameters. Unfortunately, the analysis of the current situation shows that the culture of consumption of face bricks in Russia remains at a low level, which is due to the lack of proper knowledge and insufficient number of qualified master masons. The main goal of brick design development is to popularize various types of three-dimensional masonry and reveal the potential of using bricks as a basic unit. The comparison shows the architecture of European cities, which does not differ in the complexity of architectural forms, but has advantages in the form of unusual masonry, color combinations, vertical direction of masonry and other elements of technical aesthetics. The use of bricks in various levels of brick design will allow you to avoid using architectural decoration on the facades of buildings, while preserving its authenticity and individuality. The brick, as a basic unit, is self-sufficient and is able to fulfill not only its functional role, but also its aesthetic one. In this situation, a necessary and decisive action will be competent communication with industry specialists, architects and designers, leading manufacturers and technologists who realize that we have a unique material that does not need additional wrapping when used efficiently.


Author(s):  
Daphne Schönegg ◽  
Raphael Ferrari ◽  
Julian Ebner ◽  
Michael Blumer ◽  
Martin Lanzer ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The close topographic relationship between vascular and osseous structures in the condylar and subcondylar region and marked variability in the arterial course has been revealed by both imaging and cadaveric studies. This study aimed to verify the previously published information in a large sample and to determine a safe surgical region. Methods We analyzed the three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography images of 300 individuals. Results The mean distance between the middle meningeal artery and the apex of the condyle or the most medial point of the condyle was 18.8 mm (range: 11.2–25.9 mm) or 14.5 mm (range: 8.8–22.9 mm) respectively. The course of the maxillary artery relative to the lateral pterygoid muscle was medial in 45.7% of cases and lateral in 54.3%. An asymmetric course was evident in 66 patients (22%). The mean distance between the maxillary artery and condylar process at the deepest point of the mandibular notch was 6.2 mm in sides exhibiting a medial course (range: 3.7–9.8 mm) and 6.6 mm in sides exhibiting a lateral course (range: 3.9–10.4 mm). The distances were significantly influenced by age, gender, and the course of the maxillary artery. Conclusion Our study emphasizes the marked inter- and intra-individual variability of the maxillary and middle meningeal arterial courses. We confirmed the proximity of the arteries to the condylar process. Extensive surgical experience and thorough preparation for each individual case are essential to prevent iatrogenic vascular injury.


2012 ◽  
Vol 696 ◽  
pp. 228-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kourmatzis ◽  
J. S. Shrimpton

AbstractThe fundamental mechanisms responsible for the creation of electrohydrodynamically driven roll structures in free electroconvection between two plates are analysed with reference to traditional Rayleigh–Bénard convection (RBC). Previously available knowledge limited to two dimensions is extended to three-dimensions, and a wide range of electric Reynolds numbers is analysed, extending into a fully inherently three-dimensional turbulent regime. Results reveal that structures appearing in three-dimensional electrohydrodynamics (EHD) are similar to those observed for RBC, and while two-dimensional EHD results bear some similarities with the three-dimensional results there are distinct differences. Analysis of two-point correlations and integral length scales show that full three-dimensional electroconvection is more chaotic than in two dimensions and this is also noted by qualitatively observing the roll structures that arise for both low (${\mathit{Re}}_{E} = 1$) and high electric Reynolds numbers (up to ${\mathit{Re}}_{E} = 120$). Furthermore, calculations of mean profiles and second-order moments along with energy budgets and spectra have examined the validity of neglecting the fluctuating electric field ${ E}_{i}^{\ensuremath{\prime} } $ in the Reynolds-averaged EHD equations and provide insight into the generation and transport mechanisms of turbulent EHD. Spectral and spatial data clearly indicate how fluctuating energy is transferred from electrical to hydrodynamic forms, on moving through the domain away from the charging electrode. It is shown that ${ E}_{i}^{\ensuremath{\prime} } $ is not negligible close to the walls and terms acting as sources and sinks in the turbulent kinetic energy, turbulent scalar flux and turbulent scalar variance equations are examined. Profiles of hydrodynamic terms in the budgets resemble those in the literature for RBC; however there are terms specific to EHD that are significant, indicating that the transfer of energy in EHD is also attributed to further electrodynamic terms and a strong coupling exists between the charge flux and variance, due to the ionic drift term.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 343
Author(s):  
Veronica Folliero ◽  
Carla Zannella ◽  
Annalisa Chianese ◽  
Debora Stelitano ◽  
Annalisa Ambrosino ◽  
...  

Despite advances in medical knowledge, parasitic diseases remain a significant global health burden and their pharmacological treatment is often hampered by drug toxicity. Therefore, drug delivery systems may provide useful advantages when used in combination with conventional therapeutic compounds. Dendrimers are three-dimensional polymeric structures, characterized by a central core, branches and terminal functional groups. These nanostructures are known for their defined structure, great water solubility, biocompatibility and high encapsulation ability against a wide range of molecules. Furthermore, the high ratio between terminal groups and molecular volume render them a hopeful vector for drug delivery. These nanostructures offer several advantages compared to conventional drugs for the treatment of parasitic infection. Dendrimers deliver drugs to target sites with reduced dosage, solving side effects that occur with accepted marketed drugs. In recent years, extensive progress has been made towards the use of dendrimers for therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic purposes for the management of parasitic infections. The present review highlights the potential of several dendrimers in the management of parasitic diseases.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 2950
Author(s):  
Hongwei Song ◽  
Xinle Li

The most active research area is nanotechnology in cementitious composites, which has a wide range of applications and has achieved popularity over the last three decades. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as possible materials to be used in the field of civil engineering. Previous research has concentrated on evaluating the effect of different NPs in cementitious materials to alter material characteristics. In order to provide a broad understanding of how nanomaterials (NMs) can be used, this paper critically evaluates previous research on the influence of rheology, mechanical properties, durability, 3D printing, and microstructural performance on cementitious materials. The flow properties of fresh cementitious composites can be measured using rheology and slump. Mechanical properties such as compressive, flexural, and split tensile strength reveal hardened properties. The necessary tests for determining a NM’s durability in concrete are shrinkage, pore structure and porosity, and permeability. The advent of modern 3D printing technologies is suitable for structural printing, such as contour crafting and binder jetting. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has opened up new avenues for the building and construction industry to become more digital. Regardless of the material science, a range of problems must be tackled, including developing smart cementitious composites suitable for 3D structural printing. According to the scanning electron microscopy results, the addition of NMs to cementitious materials results in a denser and improved microstructure with more hydration products. This paper provides valuable information and details about the rheology, mechanical properties, durability, 3D printing, and microstructural performance of cementitious materials with NMs and encourages further research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaojian Chen ◽  
Manjesh Kumar Singh ◽  
Katrin Wunderlich ◽  
Sean Harvey ◽  
Colette J. Whitfield ◽  
...  

AbstractThe creation of synthetic polymer nanoobjects with well-defined hierarchical structures is important for a wide range of applications such as nanomaterial synthesis, catalysis, and therapeutics. Inspired by the programmability and precise three-dimensional architectures of biomolecules, here we demonstrate the strategy of fabricating controlled hierarchical structures through self-assembly of folded synthetic polymers. Linear poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) of different lengths are folded into cyclic polymers and their self-assembly into hierarchical structures is elucidated by various experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulations. Based on their structural similarity, macrocyclic brush polymers with amphiphilic block side chains are synthesized, which can self-assemble into wormlike and higher-ordered structures. Our work points out the vital role of polymer folding in macromolecular self-assembly and establishes a versatile approach for constructing biomimetic hierarchical assemblies.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilary Mary Clayton ◽  
Sarah Jane Hobbs

The piaffe is an artificial, diagonally coordinated movement performed in the highest levels of dressage competition. The ground reaction forces (GRFs) of horses performing the piaffe do not appear to have been reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe three-dimensional GRFs in ridden dressage horses performing the piaffe. In-ground force plates were used to capture fore and hindlimb GRF data from seven well-trained dressage horses. Peak vertical GRF was significantly higher in forelimbs than in the hindlimbs (7.39 ± 0.99 N/kg vs. 6.41 ± 0.64 N/kg; p < 0.001) with vertical impulse showing a trend toward higher forelimb values. Peak longitudinal forces were small with no difference in the magnitude of braking or propulsive forces between fore and hindlimbs. Peak transverse forces were similar in magnitude to longitudinal forces and were mostly directed medially in the hindlimbs. Both the intra- and inter-individual variability of longitudinal and transverse GRFs were high (coefficient of variation 25–68%). Compared with the other diagonal gaits of dressage horses, the vertical GRF somewhat shifted toward the hindlimbs. The high step-to-step variability of the horizontal GRF components is thought to reflect the challenge of balancing on one diagonal pair of limbs with no forward momentum.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Yue ◽  
Da Zhao ◽  
Duc T. T. Phan ◽  
Xiaolin Wang ◽  
Joshua Jonghyun Park ◽  
...  

AbstractThe vascular network of the circulatory system plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the human body. In this paper, a novel modular microfluidic system with a vertical two-layered configuration is developed to generate large-scale perfused microvascular networks in vitro. The two-layer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) configuration allows the tissue chambers and medium channels not only to be designed and fabricated independently but also to be aligned and bonded accordingly. This method can produce a modular microfluidic system that has high flexibility and scalability to design an integrated platform with multiple perfused vascularized tissues with high densities. The medium channel was designed with a rhombic shape and fabricated to be semiclosed to form a capillary burst valve in the vertical direction, serving as the interface between the medium channels and tissue chambers. Angiogenesis and anastomosis at the vertical interface were successfully achieved by using different combinations of tissue chambers and medium channels. Various large-scale microvascular networks were generated and quantified in terms of vessel length and density. Minimal leakage of the perfused 70-kDa FITC-dextran confirmed the lumenization of the microvascular networks and the formation of tight vertical interconnections between the microvascular networks and medium channels in different structural layers. This platform enables the culturing of interconnected, large-scale perfused vascularized tissue networks with high density and scalability for a wide range of multiorgan-on-a-chip applications, including basic biological studies and drug screening.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (163) ◽  
pp. 20190721
Author(s):  
J. Larsson ◽  
A. M. Westram ◽  
S. Bengmark ◽  
T. Lundh ◽  
R. K. Butlin

The growth of snail shells can be described by simple mathematical rules. Variation in a few parameters can explain much of the diversity of shell shapes seen in nature. However, empirical studies of gastropod shell shape variation typically use geometric morphometric approaches, which do not capture this growth pattern. We have developed a way to infer a set of developmentally descriptive shape parameters based on three-dimensional logarithmic helicospiral growth and using landmarks from two-dimensional shell images as input. We demonstrate the utility of this approach, and compare it to the geometric morphometric approach, using a large set of Littorina saxatilis shells in which locally adapted populations differ in shape. Our method can be modified easily to make it applicable to a wide range of shell forms, which would allow for investigations of the similarities and differences between and within many different species of gastropods.


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