On the solution of Fokker-Planck equation for electron transport

Two different techniques have been used to solve the Fokker-Planck equation for electron transport in infinite homogeneous medium namely, maximum entropy and flux-limited approach. The solutions obtained for the scalar flux function φ₀(x,s) by both methods are numerically compared.     

Morphogenetic action through flux-limited spreading

A central question in biology is how secreted morphogens act to induce different cellular responses within a group of cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Modeling morphogenetic output in multicellular systems has so far employed linear diffusion, which is the normal type of diffusion associated with Brownian processes. However, there is evidence that at least some morphogens, such as Hedgehog (Hh) molecules, may not freely diffuse. Moreover, the mathematical analysis of such models necessarily implies unrealistic instantaneous spreading of morphogen molecules, which are derived from the assumptions of Brownian motion in its continuous formulation. A strict mathematical model considering Fick?s diffusion law predicts morphogen exposure of the whole tissue at the same time. Such a strict model thus does not describe true biological patterns, even if similar and attractive patterns appear as results of applying such simple model. To eliminate non-biological behaviors from diffusion models we introduce flux-limited spreading (FLS), which implies a restricted velocity for morphogen propagation and a nonlinear mechanism of transport. Using FLS and focusing on intercellular Hh-Gli signaling, we model a morphogen gradient and highlight the propagation velocity of morphogen particles as a new key biological parameter. This model is then applied to the formation and action of the Sonic Hh (Shh) gradient in the vertebrate embryonic neural tube using our experimental data on Hh spreading in heterologous systems together with published data. Unlike linear diffusion models, FLS modeling predicts concentration fronts and the evolution of gradient dynamics and responses over time. In addition to spreading restrictions by extracellular binding partners, we suggest that the constraints imposed by direct bridges of information transfer such as nanotubes or cytonemes underlie FLS. Indeed, we detect and measure morphogen particle velocity in such cell extensions in different systems.     

On the solution of time-dependent transport equation with time-varying cross sections

The time-dependent neutron transport equation in an infinite medium with time-varying cross sections has been solved by means of two techniques namely, flux-limited approach and maximum entropy method. The behaviour of the distribution function are shown graphically. Knowing the distribution function allows us to calculate directly some physical parametres of special interest such as the reflection function. The results reported in this article provide further evidence of the usefulness of both maximum entropy and flux limited methods for obtaining time-dependent solution of neutron transport in compact form.     

Second order time evolution of the multigroup diffusion and P1 equations for radiation transport

An existing solution method for solving the multigroup radiation equations, linear multifrequency-grey acceleration, is here extended to be second order in time. This method works for simple diffusion and for flux-limited diffusion, with or without material conduction. A new method is developed that does not require the solution of an averaged grey transport equation. It is effective solving both the diffusion and P₁ forms of the transport equation. Two dimensional, multi-material test problems are used to compare the solution methods.