Modelling cell movement and chemotaxis pseudopod based feedback

A computational framework is presented for the simulation of eukaryotic cell migration and chemotaxis. An empirical pattern formation model, based on a system of non-linear reaction-diffusion equations, is approximated on an evolving cell boundary using an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian surface finite element method (ALE-SFEM). The solution state is used to drive a mechanical model of the protrusive and retractive forces exerted on the cell boundary. Movement of the cell is achieved using a level set method. Results are presented for cell migration with and without chemotaxis. The simulated behaviour is compared with experimental results of migrating Dictyostelium discoideum cells

Three dimensional complex plasma structures in a combined radio frequency and direct current discharge

We report on the first detailed analysis of large three dimensional (3D) complex plasma structures in experiments performed in pure rf and combined rf+dc discharge modes. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is generated by an rf coil wrapped around the vertically positioned cylindrical glass tube at a pressure of 0.3 mbar. In addition, dc plasma can be generated by applying voltage to the electrodes at the ends of the tube far from the rf coil. The injected monodisperse particles are levitated in the plasma below the coil. A scanning laser sheet and a high resolution camera are used to determine the 3D positions of about $10^5$ particles. The observed bowl-shaped particle clouds reveal coexistence of various structures, including well-distinguished solid-like, less ordered liquid-like, and pronounced string-like phases. New criteria to identify string-like structures are proposed.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figure