  We develop a formal analogy between configurational stresses in two distinct
physical systems, and study the flows that they induce when the configurations
of interest include topological de- fects. The two systems in question are
electrokinetic flows in a nematic fluid under an applied electrostatic field,
and the motion of self propelling or active particles in a nematic matrix (a
living liquid crystal). The mapping allows the extension, within certain
limits, of existing results on trans- port in electrokinetic systems to self
propelled transport. We study motion induced by a pair of point defects in a
dipole configuration, and steady rotating flows due to a swirling vortex
nematic director pattern. The connection presented allows the design of
electrokinetic experiments that correspond to particular active matter
configurations that may, however, be easier to conduct and control in the
laboratory.
