24,451 research outputs found
A variational approach for continuous supply chain networks
We consider a continuous supply chain network consisting of buffering queues and processors first proposed by [D. Armbruster, P. Degond, and C. Ringhofer, SIAM J. Appl. Math., 66 (2006), pp. 896–920] and subsequently analyzed by [D. Armbruster, P. Degond, and C. Ringhofer, Bull. Inst. Math. Acad. Sin. (N.S.), 2 (2007), pp. 433–460] and [D. Armbruster, C. De Beer, M. Fre- itag, T. Jagalski, and C. Ringhofer, Phys. A, 363 (2006), pp. 104–114]. A model was proposed for such a network by [S. G ̈ottlich, M. Herty, and A. Klar, Commun. Math. Sci., 3 (2005), pp. 545–559] using a system of coupling ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations. In this article, we propose an alternative approach based on a variational method to formulate the network dynamics. We also derive, based on the variational method, a computational algorithm that guarantees numerical stability, allows for rigorous error estimates, and facilitates efficient computations. A class of network flow optimization problems are formulated as mixed integer programs (MIPs). The proposed numerical algorithm and the corresponding MIP are compared theoretically and numerically with existing ones [A. Fu ̈genschuh, S. Go ̈ttlich, M. Herty, A. Klar, and A. Martin, SIAM J. Sci. Comput., 30 (2008), pp. 1490–1507; S. Go ̈ttlich, M. Herty, and A. Klar, Commun. Math. Sci., 3 (2005), pp. 545–559], which demonstrates the modeling and computational advantages of the variational approach
Epigenetic Chromatin Silencing: Bistability and Front Propagation
The role of post-translational modification of histones in eukaryotic gene
regulation is well recognized. Epigenetic silencing of genes via heritable
chromatin modifications plays a major role in cell fate specification in higher
organisms. We formulate a coarse-grained model of chromatin silencing in yeast
and study the conditions under which the system becomes bistable, allowing for
different epigenetic states. We also study the dynamics of the boundary between
the two locally stable states of chromatin: silenced and unsilenced. The model
could be of use in guiding the discussion on chromatin silencing in general. In
the context of silencing in budding yeast, it helps us understand the phenotype
of various mutants, some of which may be non-trivial to see without the help of
a mathematical model. One such example is a mutation that reduces the rate of
background acetylation of particular histone side-chains that competes with the
deacetylation by Sir2p. The resulting negative feedback due to a Sir protein
depletion effect gives rise to interesting counter-intuitive consequences. Our
mathematical analysis brings forth the different dynamical behaviors possible
within the same molecular model and guides the formulation of more refined
hypotheses that could be addressed experimentally.Comment: 19 pages, 5 figure
Point queue models: a unified approach
In transportation and other types of facilities, various queues arise when
the demands of service are higher than the supplies, and many point and fluid
queue models have been proposed to study such queueing systems. However, there
has been no unified approach to deriving such models, analyzing their
relationships and properties, and extending them for networks. In this paper,
we derive point queue models as limits of two link-based queueing model: the
link transmission model and a link queue model. With two definitions for demand
and supply of a point queue, we present four point queue models, four
approximate models, and their discrete versions. We discuss the properties of
these models, including equivalence, well-definedness, smoothness, and queue
spillback, both analytically and with numerical examples. We then analytically
solve Vickrey's point queue model and stationary states in various models. We
demonstrate that all existing point and fluid queue models in the literature
are special cases of those derived from the link-based queueing models. Such a
unified approach leads to systematic methods for studying the queueing process
at a point facility and will also be helpful for studies on stochastic queues
as well as networks of queues.Comment: 25 pages, 6 figure
Continuum limit of self-driven particles with orientation interaction
We consider the discrete Couzin-Vicsek algorithm (CVA), which describes the
interactions of individuals among animal societies such as fish schools. In
this article, we propose a kinetic (mean-field) version of the CVA model and
provide its formal macroscopic limit. The final macroscopic model involves a
conservation equation for the density of the individuals and a non conservative
equation for the director of the mean velocity and is proved to be hyperbolic.
The derivation is based on the introduction of a non-conventional concept of a
collisional invariant of a collision operator
Numerical schemes for the optimal input flow of a supply-chain
An innovative numerical technique is presented to adjust the inflow to a
supply chain in order to achieve a desired outflow, reducing the costs of
inventory, or the goods timing in warehouses. The supply chain is modelled by a
conservation law for the density of processed parts coupled to an ODE for the
queue buffer occupancy. The control problem is stated as the minimization of a
cost functional J measuring the queue size and the quadratic difference between
the outflow and the expected one. The main novelty is the extensive use of
generalized tangent vectors to a piecewise constant control, which represent
time shifts of discontinuity points. Such method allows convergence results and
error estimates for an Upwind- Euler steepest descent algorithm, which is also
tested by numerical simulations
Membrane penetration and trapping of an active particle
The interaction between nano- or micro-sized particles and cell membranes is
of crucial importance in many biological and biomedical applications such as
drug and gene delivery to cells and tissues. During their cellular uptake, the
particles can pass through cell membranes via passive endocytosis or by active
penetration to reach a target cellular compartment or organelle. In this
manuscript, we develop a simple model to describe the interaction of a
self-driven spherical particle (moving through an effective constant active
force) with a minimal membrane system, allowing for both penetration and
trapping. We numerically calculate the state diagram of this system, the
membrane shape, and its dynamics. In this context, we show that the active
particle may either get trapped near the membrane or penetrates through it,
where the membrane can either be permanently destroyed or recover its initial
shape by self-healing. Additionally, we systematically derive a continuum
description allowing to accurately predict most of our results analytically.
This analytical theory helps identifying the generic aspects of our model,
suggesting that most of its ingredients should apply to a broad range of
membranes, from simple model systems composed of magnetic microparticles to
lipid bilayers. Our results might be useful to predict mechanical properties of
synthetic minimal membranes.Comment: 16 pages, 6 figures. Revised manuscript resubmitted to J. Chem. Phy
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