1,869 research outputs found
An NPZ Model with State-Dependent Delay due to Size-Structure in Juvenile Zooplankton
The study of planktonic ecosystems is important as they make up the bottom
trophic levels of aquatic food webs. We study a closed
Nutrient-Phytoplankton-Zooplankton (NPZ) model that includes size structure in
the juvenile zooplankton. The closed nature of the system allows the
formulation of a conservation law of biomass that governs the system. The model
consists of a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equation coupled to a
partial differential equation. We are able to transform this system into a
system of delay differential equations where the delay is of threshold type and
is state-dependent. The system of delay differential equations can be further
transformed into one with fixed delay. Using the different forms of the model
we perform a qualitative analysis of the solutions, which includes studying
existence and uniqueness, positivity and boundedness, local and global
stability, and conditions for extinction. Key parameters that are explored are
the total biomass in the system and the maturity level at which the juvenile
zooplankton reach maturity. Numerical simulations are also performed to verify
our analytical results
Comparative parasitism of the fish plagioscion squamosissimus in native and invated river basins.
Biological invasions are considered a major threat to biodiversity around the world, but the role of parasites in this process is still little investigated. Here, we compared parasite infections of a host species in the areas where it originated and where it was introduced, and in native and introduced species in the same environment, using the endoparasites of the fish Plagioscion squamosissimus (Sciaenidae) in 3 Brazilian basins. Samples were taken in 2 rivers where the species is native, i.e., SolimÔes River (SO) and Tocantins River (TO), and where the species was introduced, the upper ParanaŽ River (PR). In addition, abundances of diplostomids and larval nematodes were compared between P. squamosissimus and 2 native competitors in the PR, Hoplias malabaricus and Raphiodon vulpinus. In total, 13 species of endoparasites were recorded, but only Austrodiplostomum sp. and cestode cysts were present in all localities. Although infracommunity richness was similar, their species composition was slightly different among localities. General linear models using the relative condition factor of fish as response variables, and abundance of the most prevalent parasites as possible predictors showed that the condition of fish is negatively correlated with parasite abundance only in the native range (TO). Abundance of diplostomid eye flukes was higher in the PR, and in the native species H. malabaricus when compared to the invader, which might present an advantage for P. squamosissimus if they compete for prey. However, although P. squamosissimus may have lost some of its native parasites during its introduction to the PR, it is now possibly acting as a host for native generalist parasites
Self-sensing cellulose structures with design-controlled stiffness
Robots are often used for sensing and sampling in natural environments. Within this area, soft robots have become increasingly popular for these tasks because their mechanical compliance makes them safer to interact with. Unfortunately, if these robots break while working in vulnerable environments, they create potentially hazardous waste. Consequently, the development of compliant, biodegradable structures for soft, eco-robots is a relevant research area that we explore here. Cellulose is one of the most abundant biodegradable materials on earth, but it is naturally very stiff, which makes it difficult to use in soft robots. Here, we look at both biologically and kirigami inspired structures that can be used to reduce the stiffness of cellulose based parts for soft robots up to a factor of 19 000. To demonstrate this, we build a compliant force and displacement sensing structure from microfibrillated cellulose. We also describe a novel manufacturing technique for these structures, provide mechanical models that allow designers to specify their stiffness, and conclude with a description of our structure's performance
On compatibility and improvement of different quantum state assignments
When Alice and Bob have different quantum knowledges or state assignments
(density operators) for one and the same specific individual system, then the
problems of compatibility and pooling arise. The so-called first
Brun-Finkelstein-Mermin (BFM) condition for compatibility is reobtained in
terms of possessed or sharp (i. e., probability one) properties. The second BFM
condition is shown to be generally invalid in an infinite-dimensional state
space. An argument leading to a procedure of improvement of one state
assifnment on account of the other and vice versa is presented.Comment: 8 page
Many-body Theory vs Simulations for the pseudogap in the Hubbard model
The opening of a critical-fluctuation induced pseudogap (or precursor
pseudogap) in the one-particle spectral weight of the half-filled
two-dimensional Hubbard model is discussed. This pseudogap, appearing in our
Monte Carlo simulations, may be obtained from many-body techniques that use
Green functions and vertex corrections that are at the same level of
approximation. Self-consistent theories of the Eliashberg type (such as the
Fluctuation Exchange Approximation) use renormalized Green functions and bare
vertices in a context where there is no Migdal theorem. They do not find the
pseudogap, in quantitative and qualitative disagreement with simulations,
suggesting these methods are inadequate for this problem. Differences between
precursor pseudogaps and strong-coupling pseudogaps are also discussed.Comment: Accepted, Phys. Rev. B15 15Mar00. Expanded version of original
submission, Latex, 8 pages, epsfig, 5 eps figures (Last one new). Discussion
on fluctuation and strong coupling induced pseudogaps expande
The effect of stochastic perturbations on plankton transport by internal solitary waves
Internal solitary and solitary-like waves are a commonly observed feature of density stratified natural waters, including lakes and the coastal ocean. Since such waves induce significant currents throughout the water column they can be responsible for significant transport of both passive and swimming biota. We consider simple models of moving zooplankton based on the Langevin equation. The small amplitude randomness significantly alters the nature of particle motion. In particular, passage through the wave leads to strongly non Gaussian particle distributions. When the plankton swims to return to its equilibrium photic level, a steady state that balances randomness, swimming and wave-induced motions is possible. We discuss possible implications of this steady state for organisms that feed on plankton
Lieb-Robinson Bounds for the Toda Lattice
We establish locality estimates, known as Lieb-Robinson bounds, for the Toda
lattice. In contrast to harmonic models, the Lieb-Robinson velocity for these
systems do depend on the initial condition. Our results also apply to the
entire Toda as well as the Kac-van Moerbeke hierarchy. Under suitable
assumptions, our methods also yield a finite velocity for certain perturbations
of these systems
Defect structures and torque on an elongated colloidal particle immersed in a liquid crystal host
Combining molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation we study defect
structures around an elongated colloidal particle embedded in a nematic liquid
crystal host. By studying nematic ordering near the particle and the
disclination core region we are able to examine the defect core structure and
the difference between two simulation techniques. In addition, we also study
the torque on a particle tilted with respect to the director, and modification
of this torque when the particle is close to the cell wall
Topological Defects and Interactions in Nematic Emulsions
Inverse nematic emulsions in which surfactant-coated water droplets are
dispersed in a nematic host fluid have distinctive properties that set them
apart from dispersions of two isotropic fluids or of nematic droplets in an
isotropic fluid. We present a comprehensive theoretical study of the
distortions produced in the nematic host by the dispersed droplets and of
solvent mediated dipolar interactions between droplets that lead to their
experimentally observed chaining. A single droplet in a nematic host acts like
a macroscopic hedgehog defect. Global boundary conditions force the nucleation
of compensating topological defects in the nematic host. Using variational
techniques, we show that in the lowest energy configuration, a single water
droplet draws a single hedgehog out of the nematic host to form a tightly bound
dipole. Configurations in which the water droplet is encircled by a
disclination ring have higher energy. The droplet-dipole induces distortions in
the nematic host that lead to an effective dipole-dipole interaction between
droplets and hence to chaining.Comment: 17 double column pages prepared by RevTex, 15 eps figures included in
text, 2 gif figures for Fig. 1
A niche perspective on the range expansion of symbionts
Range expansion results from complex eco-evolutionary processes where range dynamics and niche shifts interact in a novel physical space and/or environment, with scale playing a major role. Obligate symbionts (i.e. organisms permanently living on hosts) differ from free-living organisms in that they depend on strong biotic interactions with their hosts which alter their niche and spatial dynamics. A symbiotic lifestyle modifies organismâenvironment relationships across levels of organisation, from individuals to geographical ranges. These changes influence how symbionts experience colonisation and, by extension, range expansion. Here, we investigate the potential implications of a symbiotic lifestyle on range expansion capacity. We present a unified conceptual overview on range expansion of symbionts that integrates concepts grounded in niche and metapopulation theories. Overall, we explain how niche-driven and dispersal-driven processes govern symbiont range dynamics through their interaction across scales, from host switching to geographical range shifts. First, we describe a background framework for range dynamics based on metapopulation concepts applied to symbiont organisation levels. Then, we integrate metapopulation processes operating in the physical space with niche dynamics grounded in the environmental arena. For this purpose, we provide a definition of the biotope (i.e. living place) specific to symbionts as a hinge concept to link the physical and environmental spaces, wherein the biotope unit is a metapopulation patch (either a host individual or a land fragment). Further, we highlight the dual nature of the symbionts' niche, which is characterised by both host traits and the external environment, and define proper conceptual variants to provide a meaningful unification of niche, biotope and symbiont organisation levels. We also explore variation across systems in the relative relevance of both external environment and host traits to the symbiont's niche and their potential implications on range expansion. We describe in detail the potential mechanisms by which hosts, through their function as biotopes, could influence how some symbionts expand their range â depending on the life history and traits of both associates. From the spatial point of view, hosts can extend symbiont dispersal range via host-mediated dispersal, although the requirement for among-host dispersal can challenge symbiont range expansion. From the niche point of view, homeostatic properties of host bodies may allow symbiont populations to become insensitive to off-host environmental gradients during host-mediated dispersal. These two potential benefits of the symbiontâhost interaction can enhance symbiont range expansion capacity. On the other hand, the central role of hosts governing the symbiont niche makes symbionts strongly dependent on the availability of suitable hosts. Thus, environmental, dispersal and biotic barriers faced by suitable hosts apply also to the symbiont, unless eventual opportunities for host switching allow the symbiont to expand its repertoire of suitable hosts (thus expanding its fundamental niche). Finally, symbionts can also improve their range expansion capacity through their impacts on hosts, via protecting their affiliated hosts from environmental harshness through biotic facilitation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
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