ALBERT

Notes: Abstract This paper is a sequel to a paper by the author entitled “Restricted Transition Probabilities and Their Applications to Some Problems in the Dynamics of Biological Populations” (Bull. Math. Biophysics, 1966,28, 315–331). The paper is divided into two parts. In part one some aspects of the maximum size attained by the population during a finite time interval are studied for the case the stochastic process underlying the evolution of the population is a birth process. Two interesting by-products emerge from the study presented in part one; namely a combinatorial method of finding solutions to the Kolmogorov differential equations in special cases, and secondly, a set of criteria for the optimum allocation of genotypes in the host population of a host-pathogen system. The optimum allocation of genotypes in the host population is a problem of practical importance in controlling plant pathogens. In part two the theory of restricted transition probabilities developed in the companion paper is applied in finding the distribution of the time to the appearance of the first mutation for the case of a two dimensional birth process. The distribution of the time to the appearance of the first mutation is of importance in understanding the role mutation plays in the evolution of a population, particularly in the pathogen population of a host-pathogen system.

Notes: Abstract The complex arrangement of the muscle fibers in the ventricular wall and the nonsymmetric contraction and expansion of the ventricle preclude the writing of a differential equation of motion for the ventricle as a whole. We can, however, describe the motion of the ventricle by describing the motion of the dimensional parameters length and diameter; the radius, circumference, cross-sectional area, and volume following naturally from these. The ventricle is assumed to be an ellipsoid of revolution and the dimensional parameters to be periodic functions of time. Each of the parameters is expressed as a Fourier series.

Notes: Abstract Le modèle de Nelson peut-être considéré comme une approximation du modèle de Hodgkin-Huxley. Moins précis, il est plus maniable. Le modèle de Nelson peut également être considéré comme une généralisation du modèle de Hodgkin-Huxley. En effet, il introduit des liaisons synaptiques localisées ou diffusantes, et un processus de facilitation. Le mécanisme des liaisons synaptiques ne se traduit pas facilement dans le langage de Hodgkin-Huxley. Par contre, le processus de facilitation s'interprète facilement. Nelson's model can be taken as an approximation of Hodgkin-Huxley's model. Its precision is lesser, but it is more usable. Nelson's model can also be taken as a generalization of Hodgkin-Huxley's one; for it introduces localized or diffusing synaptic connexions and a facilitating process. The mechanism of synaptic connexions cannot be easily translated into Hodgkin-Huxley's language. On the contrary, the facilitating process is easily interpreted.

Notes: Abstract A spherical model for the human left ventricle with two different types of aneurysms, circular and rectangular-square, is proposed and meaningful relations are derived between the parameters of the aneurysms and ventricle. Such ventricular parameters as stroke volume, end-diastolic volume, and end-systolic volume are given normal human values to compute values for end-systolic radius and percentage shortening of muscle for various sized circular and rectangular-square aneurysms.

Notes: Abstract The Volterra theory of two competing populations is extended to the contemporary social problem of crime control. Domains of stability for the time dependence of the numbers in the criminal and enforcement groups are exposed by a numerical example. Both augmentation and reduction of enforcement can produce a stable system. Average values of the ratio of members in each group show great sensitivity to the control policies adopted by the remaining sector of the total population.

Notes: Abstract The paper deals with interactions of substances via an enzymatic reaction (Bull. Math. Biophysics,25, 141–154, 1963). The substances are the activators, inhibitors and/or substrates of the reaction. Due to the bimolecularity of the processes in the reaction, the quantitative relation between the steady state amount of complexes and the amounts of the substances assumes a typical form. In multiple enzymatic reactions this form is more complicated, though basically similar. Because the substances may influence the steady state amounts of the complexes in opposite directions, the compensation and blocking effects are the properties of enzymatic reactions. The substances with the same direction of influence may potentiate each other. In the enzymatic reaction here considered, the potentiation is always non-negative.

Notes: Abstract Growth-rate functions in analytic form have been obtained for cell cultures in which the doubling times follow the Gaussian and Poisson distributions. The growth-rate functions are calculated by using Laplace transforms to solve an integral equation previously presented. Oscillatory solutions result if a substantial fraction of the cells in a culture are synchronized to divide at some particular time. The synchrony and, hence, the oscillatory character of the growth-rate function eventually disappear because of the non-zero variance of the doubling-time distribution. If their variances are sufficiently small, the Gaussian and Poisson doubling-time distributions lead to growth-rate functions that become identical in the limit of large time.

Notes: Abstract IfN(t) is the expected number of cells in a culture at timet, $$\dot N(t)$$ the corresponding time derivative, andf(t−τ)dt the probability that a cell of aget−τ at timet will divide in the succeeding time intervaldt, then according to Hirsch and Engelberg (this issue) there obtains the integral equation $$\dot N(t) = 2\int_{ - \infty }^t {f(t - \tau )\dot N(\tau )d\tau }$$ for describing the dynamics of the cell population. It is the purpose of this note to give two alternative derivations of this equation, one based on the age density equation of Von Foerster, and the other based on a generalized form of the Harris-Bellman equation describing the first moment of an age dependent, branching process. In addition, a probability model is posed from which the Von Foerster equation and, hence, the Hirsch-Engelberg equation readily follows.

Notes: Abstract A model of the dissolution kinetics of powdered enamel is developed based on the kinetic rate termq, $$q = K'H - k'C \cdot P_1$$ , whereH=[H +],C=[Ca ++] andP 1=[HPO 4 = ]. The differential equations describing the rate of mineral dissolution (and the linearly related rate of appearance of calcium and phosphate in solution) have been derived and solved for three basic cases: (1) when thepH of the solution and surface area of the enamel are considered constant, (2) when thepH is assumed constant, but the reduction in surface area during dissolution is considered, and (3) when the rise ofpH resulting from the buffering effect of the dissolved enamel is considered along with the change in surface area. Analytical solutions have been obtained for cases (1) and (2), while a numerical solution has been found for case (3). Data from a study on enamel dissolution are presented that agree with the theory of case (3), and it is noted that apH rise as large as 0.5 can occur, as has been shown elsewhere in the literature.

Notes: Abstract On the basis of Landahl's theory of two-choice learning it is shown that application of punishment for wrong responses, without giving award for correct ones, does not lead to complete learning, no matter how many trials are used. If initially a “wrong response” was learned, then an attempt to inhibit it by punishment alone will in a class of cases lead only to a 50% suppression of that wrong response. Possible connection with the problem of effectiveness of punishment as a deterrent for crime is mentioned.

Notes: Abstract A set of characteristic parameters is given for electrophoresis accompanied by diffusion, followed by a method of simplification of the transport equation. The concept of electrophoretic similarity is introduced in connection with the presentation of solutions and the final section contains some dimensional considerations of the potential equation.

Notes: Abstract We show that when we represent (ℓ, ℛ)-systems with fixed genome as automata (sequential machines), we get automata with output-dependent states. This yields a short proof that ((ℓ, ℛ)-systems from a subcategory of automata—and with more homomorphisms than previously exhibited. We show how ((ℓ, ℛ)-systems with variable genetic structure may be represented as automata and use this embedding to set up a larger subcategory of the category of automata. An analogy with dynamical systems is briefly discussed. This paper presents a formal exploration and extension of some of the ideas presented by Rosen (Bull. Math. Biophyss,26, 103–111, 1964;28, 141–148;28 149–151). We refer the reader to these papers, and references cited therein, for a discussion of the relevance of this material to relational biology.

Notes: Abstract A two-dimensional nonlinear integro-differential equation with time-varying coefficients describing the behavior of the fluttering wing-body systems typical of natural flight mechanisms has been deduced from the Navier-Stokes equation which generalizes local pressure and velocity distributions in the externally oscillating air field. The resulting equation for the wing forces is combined with an analogous expression for the forces of gravitation and acceleration associated with the body. The air acceleration force, not previously considered in bio-physical models of insect and bird flight, is shown to arise from a formal analysis of unsteady or time-varying contributions to the velocity field, while the square form of the conventional steady state aerodynamic forces is derived from the intertial terms in the Navier-Stokes equation with the aid of the approximations of Newtonian impact theory. Previous calculations (Houghton, 1964) have indicated that the contribution to gravitational stability of air acceleration and aerodynamic life are roughly in the ratio of 3:1.

Notes: Abstract Certain types of cortical electrical events are non-propagated so that the associated electric fields must have standing wave characteristics. However, cortical electric events typically are generated by neurone populations which cannot be activated simultaneously on impulse driving. Hence the sum of the standing wave fields due to asynchronous activation of adjoining regions of cortical neurones must give the appearance of a traveling wave. Analysis of cortical waveforms is further complicated by curvature in cortical surfaces. A model is presented that shows the effects of curvature and time lag in activation on the form of the potential at points in space around a laminar array of elements simulating a population of cortical neurones. The results are compared with waveforms evoked by single-shock stimulation of the prepyriform cortex in cats.

Notes: Abstract A continuity equation for cell-number density in a population of cells is derived, and a system of equations for eliminating parameters between the general solution and the initial distribution obtained.

Notes: Abstract Use of an electrical model of the left ventricle of the heart and the arterial system permits analysis of the changes which take place as the capacity of the myocardium for generation of force decreases. The model is simple in structure, and its construction and practical testing would not be difficult. It demonstrates that, as the heart muscle weakens, the peak of intracardiac force occurs later in systole, and the difference between the intracardiac pressure and the aortic pressure in the second half of systole is much greater than for the normal heart. The feedback mechanisms which are proposed to affect myocardial contractility would affect this compensation for cardiac weakening. Indices to categorize the behavior of the normal, compensated though weakened, and decompensated myocardium are proposed.

Notes: Abstract The frequency distribution in a population of cells of the quantityCD (defined as the amount of some chromosomal substance in a cell which containsC chromosomes) is calculated using the distribution in the population of the amount per chromosome,D, and the distribution of chromosome number,C.

Notes: Abstract The rate of chromosomal DNA synthesis in an exponentially growing population of cells having chromosome-number dispersion is calculated using DNA histogram data, chromosome-number distribution data, and the assumptions that the synthesis rate is constant and DNA double exactly.

Notes: Abstract An estimate is made of the rate coefficient for linear DNA synthesis with exact doubling in an exponentially growing population of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells having chromosome-number dispersion. Comparison of calculated and experimental results suggest that the assumptions used in the calculation are tenable, but further experimental evidence is needed to prove this.

Notes: Abstract The paper develops further some suggestions made previously (Bulletin of Mathematical Biophysics,28, 283–308, 1966) that certain biological phenomena may be more easily interpreted from a “sociological” point of view by considering the organism as a social aggregate of cells and a cell as a social aggregate of genes. In this light the problems of origin of life on earth, of aging, and of parasitism and symbiosis are discussed. The notion of social aggregates of different orders is introduced.

Notes: Abstract A theoretical and experimental study was made of the mechanical behavior of the cornea. The theoretical analysis included an analytical solution for the symmetrical constraint of a thin, shallow, spherical shell by a rigid indenter. The experimental study investigated the rheology of the cornea with particular emphasis on its compliance with the requirements of the Boltzmann Superposition Principle. Representative results of tests on twenty enucleated hog eyes and two human eyes have been reported. The corneas of the human and hog eyes behaved as linear viscoelastic solids; the human eyes differed from the hog eyes in having a long term creep component. Several eyes were tested at the site of procurement, six to seven minutes after the animal's death, and it was established that creep is not an artifact due to aging or enucleation. The analytical and experimental results were combined to study some instruments used to detect the level of pressure in the eye. The theoretical analysis predicted that a type of elastic instability occurs during the process of flattening a small portion of the cornea; this is discussed with reference to the Goldmann and Mackay-Marg tonometers. The role of corneal creep was considered with reference to the response of the Schiøtz indentation tonometer during the time dependent process known as tonography.

Notes: Abstract Following previous studies, differential equations are established which determine the variation of the stimulus towards a corrective turn of the steering wheel and its effect on the excitation of the centers in the brain which results in the production of the corrective turn. The equations are derived under the highly oversimplified assumption that all excitation thresholds are so small that they can be neglected. Under these assumptions it is found that the tracking curve of a car is a sinusoid with negative damping, that is, with an ever increasing amplitude. Driving under these assumptions is imposible since the car will always eventually jump off the road. The possible effects of the threshold as well as stimuli towards corrective turns other than the distance from the edge of the lane are very briefly discussed. In spite of the negative results of the paper, its interest lies in the circumstance that with the complication of the model, we find that driving depends not only on the reaction times as the only “purely biological” parameter, but on three other neurobiophysical constants. In a subsequent paper (Rashevsky, 1967) it is shown how the introduction of one or more purely biological parameters of the driver makes a stable driving regime possible.

Notes: Abstract The parameter domain for which the quasi-steady state assumption is valid can be considerably extended merely by a simple change of variable. This is demonstrated for a variety of biologically significant examples taken from enzyme kinetics, immunology and ecology.

Notes: Abstract The ability of random fluctuations in selection to maintain genetic diversity is greatly increased when generations overlap. This result has been derived previously using genetic models with very special assumptions about the population age structure. Here we explore its robustness in more realistic population models, with very general age structure or physiological structure. For a range of genetic models (haploid, diploid, single and multilocus) we find that the condition for maintaining genetic diversity generalizes almost without change. Genetic diversity is maintained by selection if a product of the form (generation overlap)×(selection intensity)×(variability in the selection regime) is sufficiently large, where the generation overlap is measured in units of Fisher's reproductive value. This conclusion is based on a local evolutionary stability analysis, which differs from the standard “protected polymorphism” criterion for the maintenance of genetic diversity. Simulation results match the predictions from the local stability analysis, but not those from the protected polymorphism criterion. The condition obtained here for maintaining genetic diversity requires fitness fluctuations that are substantial but well within the range observed in many studies of natural populations.

Notes: Abstract Premised on relatively simple assumptions, mathematical models like those of Monod, Pirt or Droop inadequately explain the complex transient behavior of microbial populations. In particular, these models fail to explain many aspects of the dynamics of aTetrahymena pyriformis-Escherichia coli community. In this study an alternative approach, an individual-based model, is employed to investigate the growth and interactions ofTetrahymena pyriformis andE. coli in a batch culture. Due to improved representation of physiological processes, the model provides a better agreement with experimental data of bacterial density and ciliate biomass than previous modeling studies. It predicts a much larger coexistence domain than rudimentary models, dependence of biomass dynamics on initial conditions (bacteria to ciliate biomasses ratio) and appropriate timing of minimal bacteria density. Moreover, it is found that accumulation ofE. coli sized particles andE. coli toxic metabolites has a stabilizing effect on the system.

Notes: Abstract At the core of contemporarymorphometrics—the quantitative study of biological shape variation—is a synthesis of two originally divergent methodological styles. One contributory tradition is the multivariate analysis of covariance matrices originally developed as biometrics and now dominant across a broad expanse of applied statistics. This approach, couched solely in the linear geometry of covariance structures, ignores biomathematical aspects of the original measurements. The other tributary emphasizes the direct visualization of changes in biological form. However, making objective the biological meaning of the features seen in those diagrams was always problematical; also, the representation of variation, as distinct from pairwise difference, proved infeasible. To combine these two variants of biomathematical modeling into a valid praxis for quantitative studies of biological shape was a goal earnestly sought though most of this century. That goal was finally achieved in the 1980s when techniques from mathematical statistics, multivariate biometrics, non-Euclidean geometry and computer graphics were combined in a coherent new system of tools for the complete regionalized quantitative analysis oflandmark points together with the biomedical images in which they are seen. In this morphometric synthesis, correspondence of landmarks (biologically labeled geometric points, like “bridge of the nose”) across specimens is taken as a biomathematical primitive. The shapes of configurations of landmarks are defined as equivalence classes with respect to the Euclidean similarity group and then represented as single points in David Kendall'sshape space, a Riemannian manifold with Procrustes distance as metric. All conventional multivariate strategies carry over to the study of shape variation and covariation when shapes are interpreted in the tangent space to the shape manifold at an average shape. For biomathematical interpretation of such analyses, one needs a basis for the tangent space compatible with the reality of local biotheoretical processes and explanations at many different geometric scales, and one needs graphics for visualizing average shape differences and other statistical contrasts there. Both of these needs are managed by thethin-plate spline, a deformation function that has an unusually helpful linear algebra. The spline also links the biometrics of landmarks to deformation analysis of the images from which the landmarks originally arose. This article reviews the history and principal tools of this synthesis in their biomathematical and biometrical context and demonstrates their usefulness in a study of focal neuroanatomical anomalies in schizophrenia.

Notes: Abstract A competition model describing tumor-normal cell interaction with the added effects of periodically pulsed chemotherapy is discussed. The model describes parameter conditions needed to prevent relapse following attempts to remove the tumor or tumor metastasis. The effects of resistant tumor subpopulations are also investigated and recurrence prevention strategies are explored.

Notes: Abstract Increasing attention is being paid to the configuration and development of vascular structures and their possible correlations with physiological events. The study of angiogenesis in normal and pathological states as well as in the embryo and adult has provided new insights into the mechanism of vessel growth and organization of the vasculature. Various mathematical branching models have been developed. These constructions are mainly geometrical and only involve a branching phenomenon. We propose the use of a deterministic non-linear model based on physiological laws and hydrodynamics. Growth, branching and anastomosis, the three actual main events occurring in vascular growth, are included in this model. Space growth, including cells and vessels, is defined by a decreasing transformation. Space density and the length of new sprouts are controlled by a set of parameters. The conditions on these parameters are well established, which allows the production of realistic patterns.

Notes: Abstract The quasi-stationary distribution of a population within a system of interacting populations is approximated by a stochastic logistic process. The parameters of this process can be expressed in the parameters of the full system. Using the diffusion approximation, an expression for the expected extinction time is derived from this logistic process. Since the expected extinction time is expressed in the parameters of the full system, the effect of these parameters on the extinction risk can be easily evaluated, which may be of use for studies in ecology, conservation biology and epidemiology. The outcome is compared with simulation results for the case of a prey-predator system.

Notes: Abstract The cytokines are the information superhighway of the immune system. They are an important component of the integrated behavior of the system. In order to be able to have a good understanding of the immune system, we must be able to model the effect of cytokines and their combined effect. This work is a step in that direction. We study the combined effect of two cytokines: interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) on some cells of the immune system. Interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 are important growth and differentiation factors for B and T cells. Interleukin-4 antagonizes the effect of interleukin-2 on B cells and some T cells while it synergizes with interleukin-2 on other T cells. We build a mathematical model of the interaction of both cytokines on T and B cells as a building block toward a model of the Th1/Th2 cross-regulation. The response of a given cell to the combination of interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 is shown to involve competing dynamical effects which can lead to either antagnostic or synergistic combined effect.

Notes: Abstract We propose a mathematical approach to the modelling of self-organizing hierarchies in animal societies. This approach relies on a basic positive feedback mechanism that reinforces the ability of a given individual to win or to lose in a hierarchical interaction, depending on how many times it won or lost in previous interactions. Motivated by experiments carried out on primitively eusocial waspsPolistes, the model, is based on coupled differential equations supplemented with a small stochastic term. Numerical integrations allow many different hierarchical profiles to be obtained depending on the model parameters: (1) the particular form of the probability for an individual to win or lose a fight given its history, (2) the probability of interaction between two individuals, (3) the forgetting strength, which determines the rate at which events in the past are forgotten and no longer influence the force of an individual and (4) two individual recognition parameters, which set the contribution of individual recognition in the process of hierarchical genesis. We compare the results, expressed in terms of a hierarchical index or of the Landau number that describes the degree of linearity of the hierarchy, with various experimental results.

Notes: Abstract The normal process of dermal wound healing fails in some cases, due to fibro-proliferative disorders such as keloid and hypertrophic scars. These types of abnormal healing may be regarded as pathologically excessive responses to wounding in terms of fibroblastic cell profiles and their inflammatory growth-factor mediators. Biologically, these conditions are poorly understood and current medical treatments are thus unreliable. In this paper, the authors apply an existing deterministic mathematical model for fibroplasia and wound contraction in adult mammalian dermis (Olsenet al., J. theor. Biol. 177, 113–128, 1995) to investigate key clinical problems concerning these healing disorders. A caricature model is proposed which retains the fundamental cellular and chemical components of the full model, in order to analyse the spatiotemporal dynamics of the initiation, progression, cessation and regression of fibro-contractive diseases in relation to normal healing. This model accounts for fibroblastic cell migration, proliferation and death and growth-factor diffusion, production by cells and tissue removal/decay. Explicit results are obtained in terms of the model processes and parameters. The rate of cellular production of the chemical is shown to be critical to the development of a stable pathological state. Further, cessation and/or regression of the disease depend on appropriate spatiotemporally varying forms for this production rate, which can be understood in terms of the bistability of the normal dermal and pathological steady states—a central property of the model, which is evident from stability and bifurcation analyses. The work predicts novel, biologically realistic and testable pathogenic and control mechanisms, the understanding of which will lead toward more effective strategies for clinical therapy of fibro-proliferative disorders.

Notes: Abstract Populations often exhibit abrupt changes in abundance associated with a smooth, continuous change in some component of their environment, with the abruptness usually attributed to inter-specific interactions or physical extremes. This paper presents a spatially explicit single-species population model in which intra-specific interactions alone are responsible for such an abrupt change. The essential mechanism involves cooperation in both colonization (through enhanced recruitment near other individuals) and mortality (protection through a “safety-in-numbers” interaction). Large fluctuations in population density would likely be observable near the transition region.

Notes: Abstract A mathematical model of the nitrogen transformation cycle in an aquatic environment is studied. Using Pontryagin's maximum principle, a preferential utilization of ammonium to nitrate by phytoplankton is explained and verified by experimental data. A multiparameter bifurcation is given. The model was found to have four types of equilibrium sets. It is shown that a Hopf bifurcation may occur.

Notes: Abstract Parallel computation employing a domain decomposition method was used to calculate precisely without approximations the spatio-temporal distribution of Ca2+ in nerve terminals. The results showed, contrary to expectations, that for equal admitted Ca2+ currents at low (one channel open) and high (four channels open) depolarization, the average Ca2+ concentration at the release area is higher at the low depolarization. These calculations provide additional support for the Ca2+-voltage hypothesis for neurotransmitter release.

Notes: Abstract Type I hypersensitivity, which functions to protect the organism from parasites, is caused by binding of antigen to IgE antibodies pre-attached to the cell surface of tissue mast cells and their circulating counterparts, the basophils. In “allergy,” type I hypersensitivity is inappropriately induced by protein-based foreign substances (such as pollen) or protein components of insect stings, which in the normal course of events would be cleared from the organism without causing any damage. Paradoxically, a successful clinical treatment of allergy involves repeated immunization of allergic persons with low doses of the allergen—immunotherapy. Investigation of the available experimental evidence leads to the conclusion that the phenomena of immunotherapy are best addressed in terms of the interplay among the mechanism(s) of immune memory—Th1/Th2 cross-regulation—and the physical compart-mentalization of the immune system. These conclusions are illustrated with a numerical simulation.

Notes: Abstract In the presence of seasonal forcing, predator-prey models with quadratic interaction terms and weak dissipation can exhibit infinite numbers of coexisting periodic attractors corresponding to cycles of different magnitude and frequency. These motions are best understood with reference to the conservative case, for which the degree of dissipation is, by definition, zero. Here one observes the familiar mix of “regular” (neutrally stable orbits and tori) and chaotic motion typical of non-integrable Hamiltonian systems. Perturbing away from the conservative limit, the chaos becomes transitory. In addition, the invariant tori are destroyed and the neutrally stable periodic orbits becomes stable limit cycles, the basins of attraction of which are intertwined in a complicated fashion. As a result, stochastic perturbations can bounce the system from one basin to another with consequent changes in system behavior. Biologically, weak dissipation corresponds to the case in which predators are able to regulate the density of their prey well below carrying capacity.

Notes: Abstract The standard method for measuringin vitro antibiotic efficacy is based on a point observation of bacterial activity 18 hours after inoculation. The method, while simple, forgoes significant information by ignoring the dynamics of the interations between antibiotic and bacteria. This paper proposes a simple dynamic model describing these interactions. The model consists of two non-linear differential equations of the S-system type. Its parameter values are estimated, through the minimization of residual errors, from data on the effect of the carbapenem antibiotic imipenem onPseudomonas aeruginosa. The model adequately describes the dynamic behavior of the bacterial populations in the presence of the antibiotic: beginning with drug administration, then through the decline of the bacterial population and possibly ending with bacterial resurgence.

Notes: Abstract We have studied an ecological system of two species, which we denotestrong andweak, respectively, that compete for a single food resource. This system is modelled as a three component reaction-diffusion process. In the presence of a solitary pulse of increased resources, the weaker competitor can diffuse toward this surplus, gaining a competitive advantage and hence persisting in contraposition with the classical Lotka-Volterra result. An exact analytical solution has been found through a quantum mechanical analogy. A stability analysis of this solution against changes in different parameters has been carried out.

Notes: Abstract Collapsible-tube flow with self-excited oscillations has been extensively investigated. Though physiologically relevant, forced oscillation coupled with self-excited oscillation has received little attention in this context. Based on an ODE model of collapsible-tube flow, the present study applies modern dynamics methods to investigate numerically the responses of forced oscillation to a limit-cycle oscillation which has topological characteristics discovered in previous unforced experiments. A devil's staircase and period-doubling cascades are presented with forcing frequency and amplitude as control parameters. In both cases, details are provided in a bifurcation diagram. Poincaré sections, a frequency spectrum and the largest Lyapunov exponents verify the existence of chaos in some circumstances. The thin fractal structure found in the strange attractors is believed to be a result of high damping and low stiffness in such systems.

Notes: Abstract In this work, we show that a one-dimensional model of the blood flow across the lungs can reproduce the evolution of a bolus versus the time. Solving the differential equation governing the bolus concentration in the framework of this model, we determine the solution which fulfills Gaussian initial boundary conditions. An effective parameter related to the ratio of a diffusion coefficient to the square of the mean speed of the flow is defined. The determination of its numerical values following a semi-empirical approach enables us to know accurately the mean transit time and the cardiac output. The results have been compared to other methods, and were found in good agreement. Such an approach could be of interest in all studies where the knowledge of flow—including micro-circulation—is needed.

Notes: Abstract How two species interact during and after colonization influences which of them will be present in each stage of succession. In the tolerance model of ecological succession in a patchy environment, empty patches can be colonized by any species, but the ability to tolerate reduced resource levels determines which species will exclude the other. Here, we analyze a meta-population model of the possible roles of competition in colonization and succession, using non-linear Markov chains as a mathematical framework. Different kinds of competition affect the final equilibrial, abundances of the species involved in qualitatively different ways. An explicit criterion is given to determine which interactions have stronger effects on the final equilibrial levels of the weaker, species. Precise conditions are stated for the co-existence of both species. Both species are more likely to co-exist in the presence of an intermediate disturbance frequency.

Notes: Abstract This work addresses the design of LoG filters in the frequency domain within a structure formed by the cascade of quasi-Gaussian and discrete Laplacian filters. The main feature of such a structure is that it requires half the number of convolutions of the classical structure in which the LoG transfer function is expressed as the sum of two separable transfer functions of 1-D Gaussian and LoG type. Such a perspective allows one to rephrase the design of IIR and FIR filters for edge detection as a frequency domain approximation problem solvable by standard digital filter design tools. The zero-phase IIR solutions have a good performance at low orders and approximation errors practically independent of the aperture parameter. The characteristics of the nearly linear-phase IIR filters solving the problem suggest the consideration of linear-phase FIR filters with zeros constrained on the unit circle. The use of such filters leads to remarkable computational savings with respect to the filters designed by impulse response sampling. The agreement between the edge values obtained by the filters designed according to the scheme proposed in this work and those obtained by standard techniques is very good.

Notes: Abstract We study boundary value problems for the time-harmonic form of the Maxwell equations, as well as for other related systems of equations, on arbitrary Lipschitz domains in the three-dimensional Euclidean space. The main goal is to develop the corresponding theory for Lp-integrable bounday data for optimal values of p's. We also discuss a number of relevant applications in electromagnetic scattering.

Notes: Abstract Beurling's algebra $A^*=\{f:\sum_{k=0}^{\infty} \sup_{k\le |m|} |\hat f (m)| 〈 \infty \}$ is considered. A* arises quite naturally in problems of summability of the Fourier series at Lebesgue points, whereas Wiener's algebra A of functions with absolutely convergent Fourier series arises when studying the norm convergence of linear means. Certainly, both algebras are used in some other areas. A* has many properties similar to those of A, but there are certain essential distinctions. A* is a regular Banach algebra, its space of maximal ideals coincides with $[-\pi,\pi],$ and its dual space is indicated. Analogs of Herz's and Wiener-Ditkin's theorems hold. Quantitative parameters in an analog of the Beurling-Pollard theorem differ from those for A. Several inclusion results comparing the algebra A* with certain Banach spaces of smooth functions are given. Some special properties of the analogous space for Fourier transforms on the real axis are presented. The paper ends with a summary of some open problems.

Notes: Abstract We construct an algebra of left-invariant pseudodifferential operators on SU(2). We require only that the symbols be homogeneous and C2. For Fourier-bandlimited symbols, we derive the expected formulae for composition and commutators and construct an orthonormal basis of common approximate eigenvectors that could be used to study spectral theory. Some remarks on applications to matrices of operators are made.

Notes: Abstract A novel and complete method is presented for constructing the generalized Bezout identity in polynomial form of the transfer matrix from its state-space representation of a reachable and observable system. As a result, one can easily apply well-developed synthesis and analysis theories to systems described in the frequency domain.

Notes: Abstract The aim of this paper is to obtain the uncertain value set in the complex plane for systems with real and complex parameters that are known to lie inside a ball in a weightedl p-norm. It generalizes previously available results and may be used to test the robust stability of polynomials whose coefficients lie in a weighted lp-ball.

Notes: Abstract This paper describes a new approach—a Fixed-Level Least Squares (FLLS) method for linear-phase FIR filter design. It is intended for rejection of the Gibbs phenomenon through the introduction of a set of equally spaced fixed levels in the transition band and subsequent redefinition of the approximated and weighted functions. Detailed mathematical solutions of the problem as well as many examples are given. The results in graphical form are shown as an output of the FLLS software model.

Notes: Abstract In this paper we examine order reduction of parabolic systems using modal truncation. The parabolic distributed system is first approximated using the Galerkin method. The system matrices have a special structure that allows us to find the approximate spectrum of the parabolic system. To do this we compute approximate inverses of tridiagonal, diagonally dominant symmetric matrices. The approximation leads to algorithms of orderO(n), as opposed to traditional algorithms of orderO(n), wheren is the order of the system. Finally, an example is presented to illustrate the proposed algorithm.

Notes: Abstract We give results concerning the problem of approximating the input-output maps of nonlinear discrete-time approximately finite-memory systems. Here the focus is on the linear dynamical parts of the approximating structures, and we give examples showing that these linear parts can be derived from asingle prespecified function that meets certain conditions. This is done in the context of an approximation theorem in which attention is focused on what we call “basic sets.” We also consider the related but very different problem of approximating nonlinear functionals using lattice operations or the usual linear ring operations. For this problem we give criteria, not just sufficient conditions, for approximation on compact subsets of reflexive Banach spaces (any Hilbert space is a reflexive Banach space).

Notes: Abstract New calibration methods are presented for bearing estimation with sensor location uncertainties, which are based on eigenvalue decomposition of the sample covariance matrix and three or more nondisjoint sources in known bearings. The methods can be applied to arbitrary arrays, including linear arrays, require fewer computations, and are suitable for low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) cases. Computer simulations are given to illustrate the performance of the proposed methods.

Notes: Abstract A doubly recursive algorithm for time domain convolution with a piecewise linear weighting function is presented that combines the speed of a recursive (IIR) digital filter with the flexibility and ease of design of a nonrecursive (FIR) digital filter. The approach approximates the desired FIR weighting function by a sum-of-triangles weighting function. ForL triangles (or triangle pairs for a linear phase filter) the algorithm is of orderLN. The approximation improves with the number of triangles. A significant advantage of the algorithm compared to FFT filtering or direct convolution is that there is no necessity of a tradeoff between frequency response accuracy and computation time per output point as the data spacing decreases in the filtered signal. The computational complexity is dependent on the number of triangles chosen, not the width of the weighting function, so the algorithm is especially effective for filters with an inherently wide FIR weighting function.

Notes: Abstract A solution of the problem of correlation analysis of stochastic amplitude-angle modulated signals is presented. The solution is obtained on the basis of the theory of linear stochastic processes for the general case of nonstationary correlated Gaussian noises in both modulation channels. These noises are regarded as the results of a linear filtration of Gaussian white noise processes. As an example of the analysis a case of band-pass modulation noises is considered.

Notes: Abstract Two-dimensional (2-D) periodically shift-variant (PSV) digital filters are considered. These filters have applications in processing video signals with cyclostationary noise, scrambling digital images, and 2-D multirate signal processing. The filters are formulated in the form of a Givone-Roesser (GR) state-space model with periodic coefficients. This PSV model is then presented in block form as a shift-invariant system that also has the same GR state-space form. This block form has reduced computations and ease of analysis. An algorithm is developed that transforms any given 2-D PSV GR system to its equivalent shift-invariant model. Invertibility of this model is an important consideration, especially in image scrambling applications. A condition is established for the invertibility of the shift-invariant model of the 2-D PSV system. Also, the inverse system can be easily computed from the original. The established results are illustrated with an example.

Notes: Abstract In a recent paper a method is described for constructing certain approximations to a general element in the closure of the convex hull of a subset of an inner product space. This is of interest in connection with neural networks. Here we give an algorithm that generates simpler approximants with somewhat less computational cost.

Notes: Abstract In this paper, we gave an exponential estimate for the solutions of singular systems of differential equations with a delay and establish a comparison inequality for the systems. Based on this we estabish the criteria for asymptotic stability for the composite singular systems.

Notes: Abstract This paper presents the VLSI architectures for three-level correlator design based on 1-μm CMOS technology. The architecture performs very high speed, real-time, three-level cross-correlation of signals. Two architectures, one for serial incoming samples of signals (serial data) and the other for stored signal samples (parallel data), are described in the paper.

Notes: Abstract This paper gives the existence of and bounds for the branch voltages and currents in a given infinite network, which on each branch are related by a maximal monotone resistance function. We give a simpler proof than that of Minty, with smaller bounds, in the finite network case.

Notes: Abstract An efficient procedure is presented for computing the frequency-response templates of uncertain rational transfer functions depending on two independent interval polynomials. It consists of a modified Cohen-Sutherland algorithm for the intersection test of two rectangles and a pivoting algorithm. Because the proposed procedure traces out the boundary of a frequency-response template directly, it is, in general, more efficient than the previously proposed algorithms.

Notes: Abstract In this paper, a novel VLSI algorithm for the computation of a two-dimensional discrete cosine transform is proposed. The 2D-DCT equation can be expressed by the sum of high order cosine functions, and the algorithm can be realized by combining a highly efficient first order recursive structure with some simplified matrix multiplications, which results in highly regular hardware architecture and simple routing. The algorithm has temporal and spatial locality of connection and can be segmentized for pipeline operations, so the computation time is greatly reduced. Owing to the simplicity in hardware structure, it is especially good for VLSI implementation.

Notes: Abstract We examine a generalized matched-filter problem in which the interference is a nonstationary process generated by passing white noise through a general linear time-varying filter. First a matched filter is constructed by transforming the problem into an equivalent formulation involving stationary interference and a time-varying propagation channel. Whereas the response of a time-invariant matched filter is sampled at its peak, the response of this time-varying matched filter is normalized before sampling to account for variations in the signal power. Next a matched filter is constructed using a spectral characterization of the nonstationary interference. This construction is then used to formulate a simplified solution for the case where the rate of variation in the nonstationary interference is sufficiently small. The different solutions are illustrated by a numerical example.

Notes: Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the approximation capability of elliptic basis function (EBF) neural networks. The main results are: (1) A necessary and sufficient condition for a functionS′ (R 1) to be qualified as an activation function in the hidden layer of an EBF neural network is given. (2) Every nonzero functionG ε L 2(R n ) is qualified to be an activation function in the elliptic neural network to approximate any function in L2(Rn). (3) As applications, we give new proofs of the theorems concerning the approximation capability of affine basis function (ABF) neural networks and generalized radial basis function (GRBF) neural networks (including radial basis function neural networks) with arbitrary activation functions. In particular, we solve the problem of the approximation capability of sigma-pi neural networks.

Notes: Abstract The frequency response of linear interval systems under PID controllers is analyzed. A two-stage elimination algorithm is presented to describe the boundary of the response in the complex plane. Illustrative examples are included.

Notes: Abstract This article deals with a new intelligent analog circuit design system. Unlike previous design methods, this approach introduces a formal circuit representation for both the numerical and heuristic knowledge of the design system. The predicate logic circuit representation is proposed as a new formal analog circuit description language. The language's syntax and semantics provide a precise symbolic description of analog circuit functionality at higher levels of hierarchy and network component connectivities, together with CMOS transistor sizes as the lowest level of hierarchy. It is shown how sentence conversion rules of language grammer can be used to derive transistor level circuits from input performance specifications. Language sentences have the form of clauses. In addition to clause representation, a frame representation to reflect VLSI design hierarchy is also introduced. An original bidirectional inference mechanism with elements of hypothesis has been introduced to infer designs from the knowledge in clause and frame representations. The unique feature of this circuit knowledge representation is its ability to automate the analog CMOS circuit design process. The design methodology is described in detail. The proposed iterative closed loop design system adopts an expert system approach to provide topological synthesis, uses a SPICE circuit simulator to evaluate the circuit performance, and uses a new diagnostic expert system to provide advice on how to improve the design. The implementation of the methodology and associated experimental results for simple CMOS operational amplifier designs are also presented.

Notes: Résumé Les premiers étages sensoriels sont étudiés en utilisant notre modèle de neurone et en supposant que les réseaux responsables de la perception sont particulièrement solides, stables, économiques. Nous montrons que les premiers neurones doivent être spontanément périodiques et autorégulés. La nécessité fonctionnelle des premiers étages de la voie visuelle est démontrée. Par analogie, nous étudions la voie auditive.

Notes: Abstract The problem of the viscous flow of an incompressible Newtonian liquid in a converging tapered tube has been solved in spherical polar coordinates. The method of the solution involves the Stokes' stream function and a technique introduced by Stokes in the study of a sphere oscillating in a fluid. The theory for the flow in a rigid tube includes: (1) the pulsatile flow with both radial and angular velocity components; (2) the steady state flow with both radial and angular velocity components and (3) the very slow steady state flow with only a radial velocity component present. For a tapered elastic tube, the velocity of the propagated pulse wave is determined. The solution given is in terms of the elastic constants of the system and the coordinates for this type of geometry. The pulse velocity is then related to the velocity in an elastic cylindrical tube with the necessary correction terms to account for the tapered tube.

Notes: Abstract In this paper a class of branching processes applicable to populations reproducing by some asexual means or by a simple selfing system of mating is studied. The paper is divided into three parts. In part one the mathematical model is introduced, part two is a mathematical analysis of the model, and in part three concrete applications and examples are given. Many of the proofs of the theorems in part two are omitted but will appear in a subsequent issue of theBulletin.

Notes: Abstract The application of the earlier results (Pavlidis, T. 1965. “A New Model for Simple Neural Nets and its Application in the Design of a Neural Oscillator.”Bull. Math. Biophysics,27, No. 2, 215–229) to the design of more complex neural nets is attempted. The following cases are considered: 1. Chains of neurons where it is proven that the frequency of the output pulses does not depend on the value of the input as long as it is above a certain threshold. 2. Groups of neurons with backward inhibition which present an intermittent mode of operation. 3. Neural nets with periodic facilitation which permit time sharing of certain components for different functions. 4. A neural net which can detect the sign of the input even if the main receptor is sensitive only to the absolute value of it, is presented. 5. A velocity estimating neural net which in combination with one of the nets with intermittent response provides a model for the smooth eye tracking movements.

Notes: Abstract By assigning coordinates to the information space comprising all knowledge, rigorous mathematical interpretations can be placed on such terms as academic ability, memory and creativity such that these psychometric concepts can be incorporated into a framework of functional analysis which then permits the optimization of long-term academic learning processes through the location of the teaching trajectories in information space which will maximize the knowledge accumulated in a generalized educational system composed of a complex of subject-pupil-teacher interactions. The concepts of discrete and continuous information spaces are discussed in connection with subject-subject, subjectpupil and pupil-pupil interactions, and the advantages of using variational versus dynamic programming methods of optimizing alternative educational systems are evaluated.

Notes: Abstract IfK is a partition of a setK which is partially ordered by the relationR andR is a collection of pairs of sets ofK such that the sets of each pair are related byR in the sense of Rashevsky, thenR is a relation which partially ordersK. Necessary and sufficient conditions thatK be a chain are obtained, and ifK is a chain under these conditions, it is shown thatK is unique.

Notes: Abstract This paper continues a comparison of the Taylor series and spherical harmonic forms of multipole representations initiated by Yeh (Bull. Math. Biophysics,24, 197–207, 1962). It is shown that while transformations from Taylor series form into spherical harmonic form is always possible, the inverse cannot be accomplished as suggested by Yeh; corrected transformation equations are given. It is also shown that direct measurement of Taylor coefficients, as outlined in Yeh, Martinek, and de Beaumont (Bull. Math. Biophysics,20, 203–216, 1958), is actually not possible. Accordingly, only the spherical harmonic coefficients can be determined by measurement of surface potentials, as in electrocardiography.

Notes: Abstract This paper is a continuation of a paper, “Some Multi-Dimensional Branching Processes as Motivated by a Class of Problems in Mathematical Genetics I,” by C. J. Mode, which appeared in a previous issue of theBulletin. Its purpose is two-fold; namely to discuss the mathematical existence of the model and to supply the mathematical proofs of some theorems in section two of the paper mentioned above. This paper should be read in conjunction with the previous paper.

Notes: Abstract Rosen (Bull. Math Biophysics. 1959) has argued that a self-reproducing automaton of the type originally described by von Neumann is impossible because of a logical paradox inherent in its definition. The paradox is resolved by explicitly allowing errors (mutations) in the system and thus introducing evolution. There is no paradox in an automaton, originating from a slightly different ancestor through mutation. The von Neumann model thus becomes realistic and useful for a discussion of biological phenomena.

Notes: Abstract Previously proposed formulae for the quantitative estimation of bidirectional shunts across ventricular septal defects require determination of the oxygen contents of mixed venous, pulmonary artery, pulmonary venous, and aortic blood. Because these formulae do not take into account the mixing of oxygenated with unoxygenated blood within the ventricles, their use must result in underestimation of shunt flows in each direction. A mathematical model for a ventricular defect is examined, in which it is assumed that mixing of blood occurs in each of six sites in the venae cavae or right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery, left atrium, left ventricle, and aorta. A total of fourteen streams of blood can flow from one to another of these mixing sites. As long as complete mixing occurs in the six specified mixing sites, any degree of mixing or non-mixing of the various streams is permitted. From the equations characterizing the model, formulae are derived in which the shunt flow in each direction is expressed in terms of the oxygen contents in the six mixing sites and the fractions of blood which enter the shunt from either side without prior mixing in a ventricular mixing site. The previously reported formulae, which apply when no ventricular mixing is allowed to occur, lead to theoretical minimum values for the shunt flows in each direction. At the opposite extreme where all the shunting blood is required to mix in a ventricle before entering the shunt, formulae for maximum possible shunt flows are also obtained. The absolute values for the left-to-right and right-to-left shunt flows, which must lie somewhere between the theoretical maximum and minimum values, cannot be computed from blood gas data alone.

Notes: Abstract Experimental evidence strongly suggests that the contractility of the intact heart in situ, in contrast to that of striated muscle elsewhere in the body, is controlled in a close-cycle system. Thus, the variation of intraventricular pressure during systole follows a complex pattern, whose relative form remains quite constant regardless of the duration of ejection. By use of the single-chambered model of the cardiovascular system, a mathematical representation of a feasible feedback mechanism is developed. The requirement that the feedback system must satisfy mathematical principles eliminates relationships apparently reasonable from a physiological viewpoint. A clinical application which the mathematical development suggests is that early arterial hypertension may arise from an abnormal feedback mechanism with excessively large cardiac output in the initial portion of systole.

Notes: Abstract Due to the lack of direct X-ray evidence for base pairing being the only mechanism for the formation of double helix in a DNA crystal, an alternative explanation is suggested so that the observed DNA loop becomes essential.

Notes: Abstract Validity of group ring expression of selfed population is shown for cases in which there are differences in recombination probabilities between two sexual sides of a plant.

Notes: Abstract An integral equation analysis of generaln compartment steady state systems imbedded in static media of arbitrary complexity has been developed. A set of initial entry functions can be found which serve to determine a corresponding set of partitioned initial entry functions. The partitioned functions, in turn, can be used to predict the probabilities and time courses of various transport histories and to determine all steady state rates of flow between measured compartments. The method is quite general, being completely applicable, for example, to closed systems, to cyclic systems and to systems in which relatively rapid (but finite) exchange between compartments occurs.

Notes: Abstract From the definition of a strong and weakn-ary relation betweenn sets, given in a previous paper (Bulletin of Mathematical Biophysics,27, 477–492), it follows that for a given set ofn sets and givenn-ary relationR between them there can exist only one strong relation, but a large number of weak ones. An expression for the total number of possible weak relations is derived and the notion of the degree of weakness of a relation is introduced and discussed.

Notes: Abstract The problem of determining the sequence of a biopolymer from its fragments is stated in mathematical terms. Using concrete properties of a free monoid, certain general classes of biopolymers are shown to be insolvable from fragment data produced by complete digestion where enzymes specific for any possible combination of chemical bonds are employed.

Notes: Abstract To the extent that all biological phenomena are perceivable only through their physical manifestations, it may be justified to assume that all biological phenomena will be eventually represented in terms of physics; perhaps not of present day physics, but of some “extended” form of it. However, even if this should be correct, it must be kept in mind that representing individual biological phenomena in terms of physics is not the same as deducing from known physical laws the necessity of biological phenomena. Drawing an analogy from pure mathematics, it is possible that while every biological phenomenon may be represented in terms of physics, yet biological statements represent a class of “undecidable” statements within the framework of physics. Such a conjecture is reinforced by the history of physics itself and illustrated on several examples. The 19th century physicists tried in vain todeduce electromagnetic phenomena from mechanical ones. A similar situation may exist in regard to biological and social sciences. Quite generally, the possibility of representing a class B phenomena in terms of class A phenomena does not imply that the phenomena of class B can be deduced from those of class A. The consequences of the above on the relation between physics, biology, and sociology are studied. A tentative postulational formulation of basic biological principles are given and some consequences are discussed. It is pointed out that not only can the study of biological phenomena throw light on some physical phenomena, but that the study of social phenomena may be of value for the understanding of the structures and functions of living organisms. The possibility of a sort of “socionics” is indicated.

Notes: Abstract It is shown that any (ℳ ℛ) has some component which cannot be re-established after it has been inhibited. If there is only one such component, it must be central, that is, its inhibition stops the whole system. These results hold even when it is not assumed that ℳ is connected.

Notes: Abstract In this paper a theory of a class of restricted transition probabilities is developed and applied to a problem in the dynamics of biological populations under the assumption that the underlying stochastic process is a continuous time parameter Markov chain with stationary transition probabilities. The paper is divided into three parts. Part one contains sufficient background from the theory of Markov processes to define restricted transition probabilities in a rigorous manner. In addition, some basic concepts in the theory of stochastic processes are interpreted from the biological point of view. Part two is concerned with the problem of finding representations for restricted transition probabilities. Finally, in part three the theory of restricted transition probabilities is applied to the problem of finding and analyzing some properties of the distribution function of the maximum size attained by the population in a finite time interval for a rather wide class of Markov processes. Some other applications of restricted transition probabilities to other problems in the dynamics of biological populations are also suggested. These applications will be discussed more fully in a companion paper.

Notes: Abstract Equilibrium solubility considerations are presented based on the assumption that equating the kinetic expressionq, developed in part I, to zero can describe the equilibrium or steady state between hydroxyapatite and salt solutions. From this expression is derived Hodge's empirical equilibrium equation,C=KH. Further, a lograithmic transformation of this equation results in an expression that accounts for the equilibrium calcium, phosphorus andpH relation found by Levinskas and Neuman. Finally, it also shows the relation between log (C·P) andpH necessary for typical artificial carious lesions as found by Coolidge, Besic and Jacobs. A discussion of a recent theory of hydroxyapatite solubility of LaMer reveals calculation errors that vitiate his results. It is shown that logK 1 (K 1 is the ratio of the rate constants inq and can serve as a solubility equilibrium constant for hydroxyapatite) varies by only 1.2 units when calculated from three diverse sets of data. This variation is less than that reported by LaMer (when the errors of calculation in that work are corrected) and considerably less than the range of 11 among attempts to calculate a conventionalpK sp , as summarized by Hodge.

Notes: Abstract In imitative behavior, as studied previously by N. Rashevsky (Mathematical Biology of Sociol Behavior, Chapter XIII, The University of Chicago Press, 1950), the reason for the majority of a society to accept a particular behavior is based on purely voluntary action (band-wagon effect). In the present paper effects of coercion of the majority by a small minority group which poses the means for coercion, are studied. More general types of equations are thus obtained and threshold effects found, which bear a resemblance to some such effects studied previously.

Notes: Abstract Part III attempts to develop a diffusion controlled model of caries in the intact enamel employing the kinetic results of the previous two parts. A model of the enamel as a granular bed with a diffusible organic matrix filling the interstices is considered. The basic equations of diffusion and simultaneous reaction are developed under the assumption that all the reactions are so rapid as compared with the diffusion rate, that they are in a quasi-equilibrium state. The resultant system of seven coupled, non-linear parabolic partial differential equations is of such complexity that only numerical solutions could be attempted. Stability restrictions inherent in the problem dictated the use of the DuFort-Frankel numerical solution for parabolic boundary problems. Numerical solutions giving the concentration of all reactants, the rate of mineral loss, and the enamel porosity were obtained for a variety of boundary conditions. It is found that departure from the equilibrium condition expressed in part II is necessary for the occurrence of an attack on the enamel. The rate and pattern of penetration is then determined primarily by the concentrations of undissociated buffer, and salts, together with the rate of diffusion in the surrounding medium. The possibility of a relatively intact surface layer persisting over a demineralized subsurface region due solely to the composition of the demineralizing medium is noted. Remineralization behavior in portions of the carious lesion occurs in the model under certain boundary conditions.

Notes: Abstract A global kinetic analysis of a model consisting of an autocatalytic zymogen-activation process, in which an irreversible inhibitor competes with the zymogen for the active site of the proteinase, and a monitoring coupled reaction, in which the enzyme acts upon one of its substrates, is presented. This analysis is based on the progress curves of any of the two products released in the monitoring reaction. The general solution is applied to an important particular case in which rapid equilibrium conditions prevail. Finally, we suggest a procedure to predict whether the inhibition or activation route dominates in the steady state of the system. These results generalize our previous analysis of simpler mechanisms.

Notes: Abstract In this work, treating the artery as a thick-walled cylindrical shell made of an incompressible, isotropic and elastic solid, utilizing the large deformation theory and the stress-strain relation proposed by Demiray (1976b,Trans. ASME Ser. E, J. Appl. Mech.,98, 194–197), an explicit expression for the pulse speed is obtained and the effect of lumen pressure and the axial stretch on wave speed is discussed. Numerical results indicate that the wave speed increases with lumen pressure but decreases with the axial stretch. The results of the present model are compared with our previous work (Demiray, 1988,J. Biomech. 21, 55–58) on the same subject.

Notes: Abstract For a one-locus selection model, Svirezhev introduced an integral variational principle by defining a Lagrangian which remained stationary on the trajectory followed by the population undergoing selection. It is shown here (i) that this principle can be extended to multiple loci in some simple cases and (ii) that the Lagrangian is defined by a straightforward generalization of the one-locus case, but (iii) that in two-locus or more general models there is no straightforward extension of this principle if linkage and epistasis are present. The population trajectories can be constructed as trajectories of steepest ascent in a Riemannian metric space. A general method is formulated to find the metric tensor and the surface in the metric space on which the trajectories, which characterize the variations in the gene structure of the population, lie. The local optimality principle holds good in such a space. In the special case when all possible linkage disequilibria are zero, the phase point of then-locus genetic system moves on the surface of the product space ofn higher dimensional unit spheres in a certain Riemannian metric space of gene frequencies so that the rate of change of mean fitness is maximum along the trajectory. In the two-locus case the corresponding surface is a hyper-torus.

Notes: Abstract Most recent models of the immune network are based upon a phenomenological log bell-shaped interaction function. This function depends on a single parameter, the “field”, which is the sum of all ligand concentrations weighted by their respective affinities. The typical behavior of these models is dominated by percolation, a phenomenon in which a local stimulus spreads globally throughout the network. The usual reason for employing a log bell-shaped interaction function is that B cells are activated by cross-linking of their surface immunoglobulin receptors. Here we formally derive a new phenomenological log bell-shaped function from the chemistry of receptor cross-linking by bivalent ligand. Specifying how this new function depends on the ligand concentrations requires two fields: a binding field and a cross-linking field. When we compare the activation functions for ligand-receptor pairs with different affinities, the one-field and the two-field functions differ markedly. In the case of the one-field activation function, its graph is shifted to increasingly higher concentration as the affinity decreases but keeps its width and height. In the case of the two-field activation function, the graph of a low-affinity interaction is nested within the graphs of all higher-affinity interactions. We show that this difference in the relations among activation functions for different affinities radically changes the network behavior. In models that described B cell proliferation using the one-field activation function, network behavior was dominated by low-affinity interactions. Conversely, in our new model, the high-affinity interactions are the most significant. As a consequence, percolation is no longer the only typical network behavior.