ALBERT

Notizen: Abstract A vast number of biologically important processes are based upon bimolecular systems. In these systems intermediate complexes are formed. Bimolecular systems in which no complex-complex interactions occur are called linear systems of complexes. A definition and some characteristic properties of these systems are given here. There may exist a contradiction of Onsager's principle of detailed balancing in these systems; however, no principal differences are found between the steady state behavior of an open system and that of a closed system. It is shown that the steady state behavior of a linear system of complexes of arbitrary complexity has some similarities with the steady state behavior of a simple bimolecular system, e.g., Michaelis-Menten enzymatic reaction. Multiplicity of action of the substances participating in biomolecular processes may produce some qualitative differences in the steady state behavior of the system.

Notizen: Abstract A time-dependent DNA histogram is calculated for an irradiated population of cells under the limiting assumption that the cells cannot pass through prophase due to the effects of the radiation. The population is assumed to increase exponentially prior to irradiation, but after irradiation to neither gain nor lose cells. Chromosome-number dispersion is taken into account in the calculation. The qualitative behavior of the calculated and experimental histograms are in reasonable agreement. The quantitative agreement between the two is relatively good at short post-irradiation times but is poor at long post-irradiation times (say, greater than half the doubling time). This suggests that recovery phenomena cannot be neglected at long post-irradiation times.

Notizen: Abstract It is pointed out that the three different stimuli for a corrective turn, namely the distance from the edge of the lane, the rate of approach to the edge, and the angle between the direction of the car and the direction of the lane (Bull. Math. Biophysics,28, 645–654, 1966,29, 181–186, 1967) may act all three simultaneously. It is found that in that case the tracking curve of the car is stable below a critical speed and becomes unstable above it.

Notizen: Abstract Continuing a previous study (Bull. Math. Biophysics, 28, 645–654, 1966), the biophysical mechanism of a corrective turn is investigated for the case where the stimulus for the corrective turn is produced not only by the perception of the nearness of an edge of the lane, but also by the rate of approach of the car towards the edge. In that case it is found that the tracking curve of the car may consist of a series of damped sinusoids and safe driving would be possible at any speed if it were not for the endogenous fluctuation in the driver's central nervous system. If the effect of the rate of approach increases sufficiently rapidly as the distance to the edge of the lane decreases, then a stable undamped oscillating tracking curve is possible. The case is also studied where the driver makes a corrective turn in response to a direct perception of the angle between the direction of the lane and the longitudinal axis of the car.

Notizen: Abstract The principle of minimal work requires that the conducting airways of the human lung should have a maximum radius for minimal resistance to gas flow. At the same time there is a requirement that the airways should have a minimal volume for economy of space. These two opposing requirements have been investigated mathematically, and a method for calculating the angle of branching which produces minimal volume has been derived. The relationship of the radii of the parent and daughter branches to produce minimal resistance has been similarly defined. By measurement of a bronchial cast from a human lung the extent to which the predicted optimum structure is realized in practice has been shown. The change in structure associated with change of function at the transition from conducting airway to diffusion zone has been demonstrated.

Notizen: Abstract This paper considers a class of set-theoretical entities, calledn-rank Linnaean structures, which are intended as abstract models of the taxonomic classificatory systems of biology. In the first part, devoted to formalism, finite Linnaean structures are discussed in complete generality; but, in addition, eight distinct subclasses are noted and some of the properties of their elements are explored. In the second part, concerned with applications, it is shown that taxonomic systems may be recast in the form of finite Linnaean structures, and an effort is made to show that some undesirable features of earlier models are avoided without artificiality and without abandoning extensional mathematics.

Notizen: Abstract Generalizing an idea of M. Richardson (Fundamentals of Mathematics, New York: Macmillan Co., 1958), an APS on a given populationP is a non-empty collection of non-empty subsets ofP such that ifA is in the collection andA⊆B, thenB is in the collection. From a structure of this kind a partial ordering ofP, called therelated bumping order, is derived. The question is raised as to what kinds of partial orderings can be so obtained. For structures determined by voting weights of the members of the population, a complete characterization of all possible bumping orders is obtained.

Notizen: Abstract The “second method” of Liapunov is used to perform a stability analysis of a mathematical model of the neuron. This analysis is based on the hypothesis that the firing of the neuron coincides with a temporary state of instability of the system, and that the initiation of all-or-none process depends on the magnitude of membrane depolarization and its first time derivative. It is found that the stability (and hence the possibility of a second firing) is restored approximately when the rate of membrane repolarization is at a maximum. This result predicts that the duration of the period of absolute refractoriness in neurons would be about 75 per cent of the spike duration, and thus shorter than the value usually obtained from experimental measurements.

Notizen: Abstract Some aspects of masking phenomena are considered in terms of the simplest possible model of two-factor neural elements. The effect of a number of variables can be accounted for, but the introduction of an internuncial element results in a masking function which need not be symmetric about zero delay interval. As an illustration, the results for a special case are compared with available data. In general, such a model results in a masking function which depends on the intensity, area, and duration of the stimuli, as well as on the temporal and spatial separation between them.

Notizen: Abstract The general equations are discussed describing two species in competition or in symbiosis or feeding one on the other.

Notizen: Abstract It is shown that the principle of biological epimorphism (Rashevsky,Mathematical Principles in Biology and Their Applications, Springfield, Ill.: Charles Thomas, 1960) is contained in the theory of organismic sets (Bull. Math. Biophysics,29, 139–152, 1967) if an additional postulate not directly connected to mappings is made.

Notizen: Abstract This paper deals with bimolecular systems in which also complex-complex interactions occur. Because of the complexity of the problem, an approximation in a form of coupled linear systems of complexes (Bull. Math. Biophysics,29, 1–16, 1967) is considered. Two types of couplings, serial and parallel, are studied. In the serial coupling the nonlinear system of complexes has the same behavior as its subsystems. An entity, initial sensitivity, has interesting properties: in serial coupling it is at most equal to the product and in parallel coupling, at most equal to the sum of partial initial sensitivities.

Notizen: Abstract Amplification effect in the catalytic bimolecular systems is a consequence of the kinetic characteristic of the catalyst. Two types of the coefficient of amplification are defined. The applicability of these definitions is given by the type of the bimolecular system. In a simple example it is shown that the concept of amplification is meaningful in these systems. Furthermore, two rules, analogous to those for a coupling of amplifiers, are derived for the two basic modes of coupling of catalytic systems. Thus, in biological systems the catalytic reactions may be regarded as biologically effective amplifiers.

Notizen: Abstract It is postulated that cell hydration is governed by adsorption of water on cell proteins in accord with the Bradley adsorption isotherm, and that the action of a solute in the surrounding solution is to lower the vapor pressure of the solution so that cell water adsorption is decreased by moving down the Bradley isotherm. From these concepts, it is derived that cell volume (V) should be related to solute concentration (x) by the equationV=−E log10 x+F whereE andF are constants which are independent of type of solute. For a non-adsorbed solute this agrees well with experimental data. For solutes which are adsorbed by cell proteins, a correction in the above equation may be necessary at higher solute concentrations, which is shown to be compatible with various experimental data. The types of experiments which are generally used to support the osmotic pressure theory of cell hydration agree equally well with the adsorption theory. The virtue of the adsorption theory is that, unlike the osmotic pressure theory of cell swelling, it is compatible with permeability of the cell membrane to solutes, which has been experimentally observed for various solutes.

Notizen: Abstract Conditions under which a time varying electromagnetic field problem (such as arises in electrophysiology, electrocardiography, etc.) can be reduced to the conventional quasistatic problem are summarized. These conditions are discussed for typical physiological parameters.

Notizen: Abstract A compartmental lung model with any number of synchronously filling and emptying functional chambers and a common dead space or conducting region is considered. It is shown that the model gives rise to an output, in an open circuit washout determination, which is a weighted sum of exponentials. From estimates of these weights and exponential components, estimates of the model parameters can be recovered. Relations giving the unique correspondence between the output parameters and the model parameters are derived and the existence and uniqueness of solutions established.

Notizen: Abstract A physical model that incorporates all the experimental information on the formation of the visual pigment rhodopsin is presented. The visual pigments consist of a chromophore bound to an appropriate protein. Thus rhodopsin (λm 505 mμ) is formed by a Schiff’s base linkage C19H27CH=NH+-opsin (λm 440 mμ) between 11-cis retinal (λm 380 mμ) and the protein opsin (λm 280 mμ). It is found that there exists a red shift in the spectrum of rhodopsin from the Schiff’s base. The model brings an explanation for this red shift. It is shown that such a shift may be due to a charge transfer process (R. S. Mulliken,J. Am. Chem. Soc.,74, 811–824, 1952) between an electron at the double bond of carbons C11−C12 and an atomic orbital of the sulphur present in cysteine. This provides an explanation of the presence of SH-groups in the protein after the absorption of light. A one-electron approximation is used and the dipole momentμ NV ; hence, the oscillator strengthf of the transitionNV is estimated and compared with the experimentally determined extinction coefficient ∈m by mixing 3.5×10−3 M of 11-cis retinal with 8.3×10−5 M of cysteine at pH ranges 6 through 8. Reasonable agreement is found. Solvent, concentration and temperature dependence are shown also.

Notizen: Abstract By assigning coordinates to the environmental function space comprising all physical and mental stimuli, mathematical interpretations can be based on such terms as adaptability, and reactivity which relate to individuals interacting with their environment within a society. These psychometric concepts are incorporated into a framework of functional analysis, which permits the optimization of social change by maximizing the satisfaction integral through the use of variational or dynamic programming methods in conjunction with some optimal social policy. The approach provides a mathematical connection between psychology and sociology, and further demonstrates that existing forms of government are simulated by differential equations belonging to the same general class. The synthesis of new classes of functional equations describing social progress is visualized as a legitimate objective for abstract mathematical sociology.

Notizen: Abstract The theory of imitative behavior as developed hitherto by the author was based on the assumption that each individual has a natural preference for one of the two mutually exclusive behaviors. The endogenous fluctuations in the central nervous system then result in the individual’s exhibiting the two behaviors alternately with a relative frequency determined by the natural preference. Imitation shifts the natural preference towards one or the other of the two mutually exclusive behaviors. In the present approach it is suggested that the relative frequency of the two mutually exclusive behaviors exhibited alternately is determined by maximizing the “satisfaction function” of the individual, that is by hedonistic factors rather than by purely random fluctuations. Corresponding equations are developed. It is shown that in certain cases, even when the imitation effect is absent, a sort of “pseudoimitation” may occur. Another situation leads, in the case of two individuals only, to a complete “division of labor” between them, with respect to the two behaviors. Each one exhibits only one behavior. After that imitation is introduced explicitly by assuming that imitation by one individual or another increases the satisfaction function of the imitating individual. Results thus obtained show similarities to the results of the old theory.

Notizen: Abstract A theorem is proved, concerning expected values of a multitype branching process in a varying environment. The consequence of the theorem is that the branching process can be treated (in the sense of expected values) as a dynamical system with control terms. This is of importance in situations where the process serves as an abstract model of the dynamics of malignant cells for use in chemotherapy. A simple example of this kind is given.

Notizen: Abstract A method is developed for a full nonlinear evaluation of all velocities and stresses represented in the Navier-Stokes equations and in the general stress tensor. The information required is essentially that for solution of linearized forms. The solution is analytical except for the calculation of the axial velocity, which requires computer assistance to step through time and space. The treatment of the problem, although directed towards solutions involving fluid flow in elastic vessels, is also adaptable to solid deformations (strain vs rate of strain) where the general stress tensor applies. A special case for the distorting ellipse is presented as well as a limited, spatially analytic, solution.

Notizen: Abstract The stability characteristics and dynamical behavior of a system of mutually excitatory neurons in close spatial proximity are investigated with a mathematical model. The model predicts the existence of uniform, intermediate levels of activity other than those of no activity and maximal activity. The model also, yeilds a good explanation of data obtained from periglomerular neurons in the olfactory bulb of the cat.

Notizen: Abstract A multicompartmental model in which particles enter the system from the environment and reproduce according to a Markov branching process has been considered. Explicit expressions have been obtained for the mean vector and the correlation structure for the numbers of particles in different compartments in different time points of the system. Growth rates of the mean vector and some special cases of the system are also discussed.

Notizen: Abstract The study of bi-directionally coupled oscillators is relevant in biological modelling of such systems as gastro-intestinal electrical activity, cardiac pacemarkers, cardiovascular and respiratory interactions and circadian rhythms. Interconnecting pathways in biological systems often exhibit pure time-delay characteristics. In this paper the multiple-mode limit-cycle behaviour of such systems is analysed using the method of harmonic blance. It is shown that the coupling time delay radically affects the number, frequency and amplitudes of entrained limit-cycles.

Notizen: Abstract The effect of keeping all the parameters constant, except the diffusion coefficients, in a pair of reaction-diffusion equations is studied. It is shown that the stability of the constant solution and the bifurcation points can be easily established by constructing a simple stability diagram. The possible qualitatively different diagrams are enumerated.

Notizen: Abstract We have numerically examined more than one million Large Complex Systems (LCS) of interacting variables (interpretable as interacting populations) governed by Generalized Lotka-Volterra Equations (GLV), with self-regulation term. The scope was to have some insight on the stability-complexity relationship. We considered systems of prey-predator type, and we gave appropriate rules for constructing the model systems, rules that specify the behaviour of model systems in order to put them near the biological reality. The results show, among other things, a strict correlation between the stability and the prey-predator ratio (which, in our model, uniquely determines the connectedness of the system).

Notizen: Abstract The rate-controlling process in the oxygenation of red blood cells is investigated using a Roughton-like model for oxygen diffusion and reaction with hemoglobin. The mathematical equations describing the model are solved using two independent techniques, numerical inversions of the Laplace transform of the equations and numerical solutions via an implicit-explicit finite difference form of the equations. The model is used to re-examine previous theoretical models that incorporate either a red cell membrane that is resistive to oxygen diffusion or an unstirred layer of water surrounding the cell. Although both models have been postulated to be equivalent, the results of the computer simulations demonstrate significant differences between the two models in the rate of oxygenation of the red cells, depending upon the values chosen for the diffusion coefficient for O2 in the membrane and the thickness of the water layer. The difference is apparently due to differences in the induction and transient periods of the water layer model relative to the membrane model.

Notizen: Abstract We examine certain mathematical structures presented in Part I. The most important of these are the energy structures determined by the couple (ω×E, ψ) the space of causality defined by ψ-1(0) and the notion of collapsibility, i.e., the descent of a species from a higher to a lower equilibrium configuration as a result of energy loss.

Notizen: Abstract This paper discusses a general stochastic model for a two-compartment reversible system with non-homogeneous Poisson inputs, arbitrary residence times at each of the compartments and time-dependent transition probabilities. The probability distributions of the number of particles in each compartment and in the system are obtained together with the number of particles which depart from the system. In addition, various covariance functions with a time lag are obtained. Some of the above obtained results are deduced for time-independent arrivals, exponential residence times and time-independent transition probabilities. Fluctuations of the particles present in the system are also analysed. Similar analysis is provided for the model into which some particles are initially introduced at the system. Some possible applications are discussed at the end.

Notizen: Abstract The general multispecies prey-predator system with Gompertz's antisymmetric interactions is nonlinearly stable in the absence of dispersion and continues to remain stable with dispersion under both homogeneous reservoir and zero flux boundary conditions in a region containing the equilibrium state. It is proved that a general multispecies food-web model without antisymmetric interactions is stable in the absence of dispersion and remains stable with dispersion in the above-mentioned region.

Notizen: Abstract We introduce a graphical approach in the study of the qualitative behavior ofm species predator-prey systems. We prove that tree graphs imply global stability for Volterra models and local stability for general models; furthermore, we derive sufficient conditions so that loop graphs imply stability and boundedness of the solutions.

Notizen: Abstract A system of integro-differential equations is derived to describe epizootics of a fungal pathogen in an insect population. Because of piecewise continuous behavior under some parametric conditions, it is concluded that standard phase orbits can be misleading. Using a different analytic approach yields a simple system of finite difference equations. Both the continuous and discrete versions are compared to classical forms. The continuous version differs from a classical one in possessing a second derivative dependent on population density. The discrete version differs in maintaining positive, non-zero populations of both infectives and susceptibles in finite time.

Notizen: Abstract This note is an attempt to demonstrate that hypothalamic pulsatile GnRH secretion is not the result of a short-term, negative steroid hormone feedback. Clarification of this point is of importance for further modelling the control of gonads.

Notizen: Abstract A modern theory of the calculus of variations is used to form necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a Lagrangian representation of a system of first-order ordinary differential equations. There exists a theorem to the effect that when a system of ordinary differential equations is variationally self-adjoint, the fulfillment of such conditions is guaranteed. In addition, self-adjointness, allows establishement of an algorithm by which a Lagrangian for the system may be explicitly constructed. Examples in mathematical biology are given to illustrate the use of the stated theorem.

Notizen: Abstract Engineering optimal control theory is applied to equations describing insulin and glucose interactions. The nature of the optimal controller is established. It is shown how the results can be utilized in a closed loop feedback control system.

Notizen: Abstract An attempt is made to compare the conditions for the general error-optimality of linear systems developed by Kalman with the conditions for feasibility of linear models of neuromuscular and physiological control systems. Models of three actual physiological systems are tested for both the above criteria. Theoretical analysis presented here shows that there are no simple relationships between the two sets of conditions. Analysis carried out on the physiological systems models suggests the need for a general set of conditions for other optimality criteria, such as time and energy minimization, similar to Kalman's condition for error minimization.

Notizen: Abstract Following arteriolar occlusion, tissue oxygen concentration decreases and anoxic tissue eventually develops. Although anoxia first appears in the region most distal to the capillary at the venous end, it eventually spreads throughout the entire region of supply. In this paper the changing oxygen concentration, from the time of occlusion until the tissue is entirely anoxic, is examined mathematically. The equations governing oxygen transport to tissue are solved by iterating a nonlinear integral equation. This solution is valid until anoxia first appears. After anoxia develops it is necessary to solve a moving boundary problem. This is done using the method of matched asymptotic expansions, and accurate solutions are obtained for a wide range of physiological conditions.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: 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.

Notizen: Abstract A neuron is assumed to receive synaptic input of both excitatory and inhibitory natures from a large number of neighboring neurons; it is also assumed that a large number of such impulses are required to raise the neuron’s transmembrane potential to its threshold potential, at which it “fires” or “spikes”. The model is similar to one of Gerstein and Mandelbrot, except that in the absence of input an exponential decay of potential toward a resting level is introduced. Computational methods of determining the spike timeinterval distribution are discussed, along with the inverse problem of estimating the parameters of the system from observed spike time-interval data.

Notizen: Abstract Moens-Korteweg relations are developed for the velocity of wave propagation through an orthotropic elastic tube based on the three dimensional equations of elasticity. Numerical examples are presented for the femoral artery of a dog and several other orthotropic materials. These results are compared with those obtained from the equations of motion for an orthotropic elastic medium.

Notizen: Abstract Up to the present time, the following property of the product component in the reversible one substrate-one intermediate-one product enzymic mechanism has been taken only as anassumption, viz., during the course of the reaction, the time-rate of change of product concentration is never negative and the product concentration never exceeds its equilibrium value. Applying the methods of the geometric theory of ordinary differential equations it is shown that this result follows as a direct deduction from the differential equations governing the mechanism together with the initial conditions. Further, the nature of the equilibrium point as a stable node is established.

Notizen: Abstract An integro-differential equation treatment of multi-compartment systems is developed which permits formal analysis of the incomplete data which is available from partly accessible, partly injectable systems. New transport functions are defined which can be obtained directly from the experimental data. These functions serve to characterize the communication and topology between different accessible compartments and also the reentrant contributions from inaccessible sites. The method gives solutions consistent with those of the differential equation approach when the system is uniformly contiguous and accessible, more complete solutions than those of the integral equation approach when all measured compartments are injectable, and in addition provides complete or partial solutions for certain otherwise analytically intractable systems. Detailed numerical illustrations of the method are given.

Notizen: Abstract In continuation of previous work (Rashevsky,Some Medical Aspects of Mathematical Biology, Springfield, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas, 1964, Chap. 23 and Appendix 14), the study of the effects of the physical parameters of the cells of endocrine glands on the onset of sustained periodical oscillations in the interaction between the anterior pituitary and the thyroid hormones is generalized to include the possible effect of the intercellular fluid and of the degree of vascularization. Some conclusions of the previous study remain valid although some modifications must be made. A decreased relative volume of the intercellular fluid and an increased vascularization favor the conditions for sustained oscillations. The permeability of the cells and the permeability of the capillaries appear explicitly in the expressions which show the conditions for sustained periodicities.

Notizen: Abstract A general model of a large 2m-ploid breeding population, withr loci ands h alleles at the h th locus is considered. It is assumed that the population is bisexual, non-overlapping and breeds by random mating. The genotypic structure of the population is presented as a bilinear form in the gametic output vectors where the genotype distribution is in the matrix form. Using the concept of the segregation distribution, the genotype proportions in the (n+1)st generation are given. An equilibrium condition for random chromosome segregation is obtained in terms of gene frequencies.

Notizen: Abstract The rigidity of the skull and the inertial characteristics and incompressibility of its contents cause the elastic cerebral arteries and veins to act over brief periods of time like rigid tubes of relatively small diameter. Poiseuille's law is applicable to their behavior. The use of this law, in combination with the fact that, during brief intervals, the total volume of the cerebral arteries and veins remains constant, permits derivation of a mathematical expression for the average arterial flow in terms of an average arterial radius. The differentiated equation has five positive roots which represent maxima and minima of the average flow in terms of the average arterial radius. The theoretical results have physiological implications and potential clinical usefulness, which are discussed.

Notizen: Abstract Equations are derived for the flow of an anisotropic fluid in a tube. It is argued that these provide a model for arterial blood flow. Particular attention is paid to the effect of radial differences in hematocrit. Sequels to this paper (Bull. Math. Biophysics,29, 565–574; forthcoming, 1967) will respectively demonstrate possible wall-directed forces on the erythrocyte and enlarge on the physiological consequence of hematocrit variations. The present article develops the basic equations and explores the possible role of anisotropic effects in blood flow.

Notizen: Abstract Concentric circular lines are present on X-ray diffraction patterns of DNA. They cannot be accounted for by the double helix model. It is suggested that they may indicate the presence of double helical side chains.

Notizen: Abstract An extension of an earlier model simulating the effects of light on the drosophila eclosion rhythm is presented. The effects of variable light intensity are described. This allows not only the simulation of certain experiments not covered by the earlier model, but also it permits an extension of the model to other organisms. By changing only its sensitivity to light the model simulates the phase response curves of certain mammals as well as Aschoff’srule.

Notizen: Abstract Previous derivations of the Stevens Power Law relating loudness to intensity assume, in addition to level invariance, that the relation must be analytic or at least differentiable. This last condition is replaced here by the weaker one of requiring only continuity.

Notizen: Abstract The concept of natural selection is examined, which is one of basic principles for the Darwinian interpretation of evolution. In this model selection is defined as a solution of the deterministic Eigen equation. Next, the random effect is introduced through the mutation term. However, the probability of finding the solution expressing the selection is shown to be smallest. The validity of the model and its applicability to polynucleotide replication are discussed.

Notizen: Abstract Using numerical methods, the initial rates of oxygen uptake by the red blood cell have been computed. The methods accommodate both a water layer and membrane which may act as diffusive impedance to gas influx. The differential solubilities of the gas in these two layers have also been incorporated in the methods. The presence of a 0.50–0.65 μm deoxygenated water layer has been calculated to simulate the experimental results by Roughton (1959). Experimental studies of CO and NO uptake by the red cell could also be simulated. Although a membrane-only model with given parameters can also account for the observed rates of oxygenation of the red cell (Weingardenet al., submitted for publication), the additional incorporation of differential solubilities of oxygen in the different layers of the RBC yields results that indicate a three layer model to be more plausible. Using a thin layer-red cell oxygenation system, the rates of oxygenation were determined for red cells surrounded by a 4.2 μm deoxygenated water layer. The rates were found to compare favorably to the results of the theoretical model.

Notizen: Abstract Due to the complicated physiological structure of soft biological tissues, stresses can only be measured after the specimen has been stretched to many times of its related length. Therefore, the classical constitutive equations of finite elasticity developed for vulcanized, rubbery materials and the linear theories developed for most engineering materials cannot be applied to soft tissues which are highly elastic in nature. In this article, utilizing a mechanical model developed by Demiray for soft tissues, a class of finite deformations of some tissues is studied and the results are compared with experiment and the existing literature. These problems are the simultaneous extension and twisting of a circular cylindrical bar, the bending of a rectangular block, and the pure shear of a rectangular prism. It is believed that solutions to these problems may find some applications in plastic surgery.

Notizen: Abstract In this paper, effects of convective and dispersive migration on the linear stability of the equilibrium state of a two species system with mutualistic interactions and functional response have been investigated. In both finite and semi-infinite habitats, it has been shown that the otherwise stable equilibrium state without dispersal remains so with dispersal also, both under flux and reservior conditions. In the case of finite habitat, the degree of stability increases as dispersal coefficients of the two species increase. The effect of convective migration also is to stabilize the equilibrium state in this case.

Notizen: Abstract A linear spatially distributed model of a chain of neurons and interneurons was investigated in relation to the generation of propagated alpha rhythmic activity. It was assumed that the elements of the chain were interconnected by means of recurrent collaterals and inhibitory fibres in such a way that the connectivity functions were assumed to be homogeneous and their strength was an exponentially decreasing function of distance. It was found that such a neuronal chain shows propagation properties for frequencies in the alpha band. The results obtained with the model are in agreement with the phase velocities encountered experimentally. In this way, it was possible to estimate the length of the neural fibres responsible for the phenomenon of propagated activity. The estimates obtained are in good agreement with recent quantitative neuroanatomical data on the circuitry of the neocortex.

Notizen: Abstract This paper characterizes the cycle structure of a completely random net. Variables such as number of cycles of a specified length, number of cycles, number of cyclic states and length of cycle are studied. A square array of indicator variables enables conveninent study of moment structure. Additionally, exact and asymptotic distributional results are presented.

Notizen: Abstract A class of nonlinear equations describing the steady propagation of a disturbance on the infinite interval in one dimensional space are shown under certain conditions to admit solution with a unique velocity of propagation. The class of equations describe both initial and final homogeneous steady states which are asymptotically stable with respect to uniform perturbations, in contrast to the Fisher equation, which does not.

Notizen: Abstract A model for insulin secretion with a storage and a labile compartment, as well as a provisionary factor, is combined with a signal model in which the signal can be the difference between an excitation and an inhibition, or the difference in concentrations inside and outside some cell components. The model, using a single set of values for the parameters, accounts in a semiquantitative manner for all of the regularly appearing features of the insulin secretion from thein vitro perfused pancreas to a wide range of patterns of glucose and tolbutamide stimulation. Among the features which can be accounted for are: early and late secretion of insulin as a function of glucose in terms of a single parameter; the apparent depletion and recovery during a pulsed pattern of stimulation by tolbutamide; the hypersecretion following a short period of rest during a prolonged stimulation by glucose; the negative spike which occurs when the concentration of glucose, which has been maintained for a period of time, is suddenly reduced to a lower level; and the appropriate responses to slow and fast ramp functions of glucose concentration.

Notizen: Abstract The incorporation of a chaotic component in a computing system is incompatible with its being effectively programmable. The example presented shows that concepts of programming suitable for biological systems may differ from those which have grown out of our experience with present day digital computers.

Notizen: Abstract An analysis of the interaction between stimulus molecules and the olfactory receptor cell membrane is presented. The model is based upon a sequence of events, i.e. stimulus delivery at the olfactory epithelium, absorption of molecules in the mucus layer, diffusion of the molecules towards the receptor cells and molecule-receptor cell membrane interaction. The mathematical analysis considers the situation during electrophysiological experiments, where an odour puff is delivered at an exposed olfactory mucosa. Such a situation resembles sniffing of odour samples. The analysis is discussed in relation to experimental evidence.

Notizen: Abstract A model is developed to calculate the deposition of hygroscopic aerosols in the human tracheobronchial (TB) tree. The TB airflow pattern assumed is consistent with experimental observations and accounts for anatomical features such as the larynx and cartilaginous rings in large airways. Some original deposition efficiency formulae are presented for laminar and turbulent airstreams. Stepwise growth is simulated by changes in particle size and density at each TB generation. The dose distribution of NaCl aerosols is studied as a function of inhaled particle size and flow rate. Two NaCl growth rate curves are used which differ in the mode of aerosol-air mixing in the trachea. The initial rate of aerosol mixing in the human due to the laryngeal jet is shown to be an important factor affecting the deposition of hygroscopic aerosols. Total TB deposition of NaCl exceeds that for nonhygroscopic particles of the same inhaled aerodynamic size. Hygroscopic growth can also influence the regional TB distribution of dose when submicron NaCl particles grow rapidly enough to deposit by impaction and sedimentation.

Notizen: Abstract Granted that a single or complex gene is responsible for inbreeding depression, theoretical expressions for fertility and viability are obtained in different diploid populations: brother-sister, half-brother-sister, cousins and double-cousins. The conclusions of the study of viability variations according to the coefficient of parentage are proved by the results of experiments and lead to a new view of genetic load.

Notizen: Abstract The Thom gradient model of morphogenesis poses the followinga posteriori problem: “From the observed morphology of a given natural process (effect) determine the dynamics of the process (cause)”. In this paper we consider the classicala priori problem: “Given the cause (dynamics) determine the effect (resultant morphology)”. We find that in biochemical processes the mechanisms for energy activation, energy-matter interaction and energy dissipation determine the dynamics. Furthermore there exists basic energy mechanisms which drive the equilibrium states through the elementary catastrophes of Thom. A comparison with current theories shows that our models describe open ecological food chains and their dynamical systems generalize the equations of organisation posed by M. Eigen.