We numerically investigate deformations and modes of networks of semiflexible biopolymers as a function of crosslink coordination number z and strength of bending and stretching energies. In equilibrium filaments are under internal stress, and the networks exhibit shear rigidity below the Maxwell isostatic point. In contrast to two-dimensional networks, ours exhibit nonaffine bending-dominated ...

Normal Stresses and Interface Displacement: Influence of Viscoelasticity on Enhanced Oil Recovery Efficiency — One of chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods consists in injecting aqueous solutions of polymers into the reservoir in order to improve mobility ratio between the injected fluid and the remaining oil. This “polymer flooding” process is usually only characterized with the low she...

Obstructive lung diseases in the lower airways are a leading health concern worldwide. To improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of lower airways, we studied airflow characteristics in the lung between the 8th and the 14th generations using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model, where we compared normal and obstructed airways for a range of breathing conditions. We em...

ten solanum tuberosum cultivars and accessions from 11 wild solanum species were evaluated for their tolerance to salt (200 mm nacl or 100 mm na2so4), drought (35% peg), cold (-4ºc) and heat (37ºc). evaluation was based on electrolyte leakage from de-tached leaves of in vitro plantlets. testing involved a rinsing treatment with three changes of distilled water to remove electrolytes from leaf a...

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to measure the biomechanical response of the human posterior sclera in vitro and to estimate the effects of age and glaucoma. METHODS Scleral specimens from 22 donors with no history of glaucoma and 11 donors with a history of glaucoma were excised 3 mm posterior to the equator and affixed to an inflation chamber. Optic nerve cross-sections were graded ...

University students are often depicted as carefree young adults; however, many struggle to manage the “normal” stresses of university life and may experience high rates psychological distress. This study compared a traditional delivery model shorter (i.e., Southern Cross Model) in terms students’ distress, their perceived time pressure, academic performance. The results indicated significant di...

Interface stresses on a below-knee amputee residual limb during the stance phase of gait calculated using an analytical finite element model were compared with experimental interface stress measurements. The model was quasi-static and linear. Qualitatively, shapes of analytical and experimental interface stress waveforms were similar in that they were double-peaked with some distinct features a...

Natural floral organ degeneration or abortion results in unisexual or fully sterile flowers, while abiotic stresses lead to sterility after initiation of floral reproductive organs. Since normal flower development is essential for plant sexual reproduction and crop yield, it is imperative to have a better understanding of plant sterility under regular and stress conditions. Here, we review the ...

Non-carious cervical lesions are characterized by the loss of dental hard tissue at the cement-enamel junction (CEJ). Exceeding stresses are therefore generated in the cervical region of the tooth that cause disruption of the bonds between the hydroxyapatite crystals, leading to crack formation and eventual loss of enamel and the underlying dentine. Damage identification was performed by image ...