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A finite element method for a fourth order surface equation with application to the onset of cell blebbing

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Stinner, Björn, Dedner, Andreas and Nixon, Adam (2020) A finite element method for a fourth order surface equation with application to the onset of cell blebbing. Frontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, 6 . 21. doi:10.3389/fams.2020.00021 ISSN 2297-4687.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fams.2020.00021

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Abstract

A variational problem for a fourth order parabolic surface partial differential equation is discussed. It contains nonlinear lower order terms, on which we only make abstract assumptions, and which need to be defined for specified problems.We derive a semi-discrete scheme based on the surface finite element method, show a-priori error estimates, and use the analytical results to prove well-posedness. Furthermore, we present a computational framework where specific problems can be conveniently implemented and, later on, altered with relative ease. It uses a domain specific language implemented in Python. The high level program control can also be done within the Python scripting environment. The computationally expensive step of evolving the solution over time is carried out by binding to an efficient C++ software back-end. The study is motivated by cell blebbing, which can be instrumental for cell migration. Starting with a force balance for the cell membrane, we derive a continuum model for some mechanical and geometrical aspects of the onset of blebbing in a form that fits into the abstract framework.
It is flexible in that it allows for amending force contributions related to membrane tension or the presence of linker molecules between membrane and cell cortex. Cell membrane geometries given in terms of a parametrisation or obtained from image data can be accounted for by the software. The use of a domain specific language to describe the model makes is straightforward to add additional effects such as reaction-diffusion equations modelling some biochemistry on the cell membrane.Some numerical simulations illustrate the approach.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics
Q Science > QH Natural history
Q Science > QP Physiology
Divisions: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Science > Mathematics
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Science > Centre for Scientific Computing
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Cytology , Cell migration, Cells -- Motility -- Mathematical models, Cell membranes, Membranes (Biology), Finite element method, Differential equations, Partial
Journal or Publication Title: Frontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Publisher: Frontiers
ISSN: 2297-4687
Official Date: 23 June 2020
Dates:
DateEvent
23 June 2020Published
8 May 2020Accepted
Volume: 6
Article Number: 21
DOI: 10.3389/fams.2020.00021
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Open Access (Creative Commons)
Date of first compliant deposit: 13 May 2020
Date of first compliant Open Access: 13 May 2020
RIOXX Funder/Project Grant:
Project/Grant IDRIOXX Funder NameFunder ID
EP/K032208/1[EPSRC] Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Councilhttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000266
EP/H023364/1[EPSRC] Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Councilhttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000266
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