ALBERT

Notes: Abstract A stochastic model is developed for a compartment with a single time-dependent input, and generalized to include inputs from several sources. With the number of particles of a given molecular species in the compartment as the random variable, the mean, variance and third central moment of this variable are calculated from its generating function, and compared with previous results. The behavior of the calculated moments is discussed, and the possibility of applying the model to chemical and biological systems is considered.

Notes: Abstract It is shown that from the definition of organismic sets (Rashevsky,Organismic Sets. Some Reflections on the Nature of Life and Society, Holland, Michigan, Mathematical Biology, Inc. and Grosse Pointe, Michigan, J. M. Richards Laboratory) a complete sensory deprivation of an organismic set of ordern=2 should result in malfunctioning of the set. A generalization to higher order sets is suggested.

Notes: Abstract Optimality in branching structure of the vascular tree was studied. Analysis on its physiological roles as the duct system for blood supply to the capillaries predicted that the vascular tree should be constructed with minimum volume under restriction of determinant pressure, flow and location at the origin and the terminals. Mathematical derivations of this conditional extremum problem yielded some equations expressing the relations between the radii of the branches and their branching angles, which provided numerical solutions for branching points of bi- and poli-terminal minimum volume trees. Comparison of the peritoneal vascular tree in a dog with the minimum volume one computed under the same restrictive conditions showed good agreement in their branching structure.

Notes: Abstract In order to determine the kinetics of passage of a substance through an organ containing a tangle of vessels, we study the response of a tube to various inflows (perfusion, brief injection, ...). The introduction of the catabolic terms and of the spatial dependence between bulk concentration and surface concentration allows one to account for the difference of arteriovenous concentrations observed experimentally for many metabolites. The relationships between the physico-chemical parameters of the organ and the operational parameters of the model demonstrate the importance of the transit time through the considered vessels. If one considers the different pathways as independent, the introduction of the transit time distribution for an inert substance enables one to compute the response of the organ analytically or by recurrence, using convolution. The parameters of the model can be obtained by the moments method.

Notes: Abstract The solution of the diffusion equation in the gas phase of the human lung is very difficult because of the structure of the bronchial tree. It is shown by means of physical arguments, how one can reduce the diffusion equation to a simple one-dimensional form. The solution is then obtained by a stochastic simulation, which is easily realized on a digital computer.

Notes: Abstract A new mathematical model of the oscillatory behavior of the respiratory center has been developed based upon published records of neuronal activity during respiration in the pons and medulla. In contrast with a previous model, four, rather than two, networks are assumed to interact in the respiratory center so as to produce the respiratory oscillation. A mathematical description of this interaction, in the form of a set of four first-order, nonlinear, coupled differential equations, is derived; the behavior of the solutions of this system is studied qualitatively, and expressions for the durations of the inspiratory and expiratory phases are obtained in terms of some parameters. It is found that central and chemical influences drive the medullar neurons to a position somewhere between saturation and full cutoff, and the pontine neurons deeply into cutoff. The control of the duration of the different phases by these chemical and central means is discussed. In order to effect a decrease in the magnitude of the various times, the neurons have to be driven towards operating points of higher central facilitation.

Notes: Abstract In vivo control of calcium is analysed under the assumption that hormonal influences via plasma levels of parathormone and calcitonin are of prime (but not absolutely dominating) importance. A brief review concerning the physiological significance of body calcium and the mode of action of these two hormones is presented as an introduction to the basic philosophy of the study. A theoretical quasi-linear lumped-parameter model is developed to describe variations in ionic calcium, parathormone and calcitonin plasma concentrations to specific input stimuli. Formal evaluation of the system response requires the determination of ten constants, together with quantitation of ingested calcium entry into the plasma compartment which isindependent of hormonal influences. Values for various parameters are deduced from published data and experimental procedures are outlined to facilitate determination of the remaining unknowns. It is suggested that the proposed model should prove useful for investigations concerning general hormonal actions on calcium homeostatic mechanisms in both normal and diseased states, with particular reference to calcitonin.

Notes: Abstract Ann species predator-prey chain is analyzed to determine what oscillations occur in population sizes. It is found that only the populations of the first and second species in the chain must necessarily oscillate around the point of equilibrium if they do not come to equilibrium. The other species may or may not oscillate.

Notes: Abstract Sangren and Sheppard developed a mathematical model for first-order processes taking place in the regional circulation, applicable—for example—to tracer studies of potassium transport. It permits calculation of specific activity at any point along a “tube of flow” or in the cuff of tissue surrounding it as a function of time following a spike injection of tracer. In efforts to relate to the exchange a rate curves obtained within vivo counters pointed at the region of interest, we developed a compartment-system model of the process. In investigating the properties of the Sangren and Sheppard model integrated over an entire circulatory bed, as thein vivo counter would see it, we found that when the distribution of transit times of the “tubes of flow” can be approximated by an exponential sum, the solution reduces to that of the compartment system model. This results in an important simplification in the calculation, and insight into the assumptions underlying the two different models. A curve-fitting computer program for the compartment model has been written and applied to double-isotope studies of potassium transport in the hind leg of the dog.

Notes: Abstract Two chemicals,A andB, are allowed to diffuse together and a reaction described by $$A + B\mathop \rightleftharpoons \limits_{K_{ - 1} }^{K_1 } C$$ is allowed to proceed. This system is described mathematically by a system of partial differential equations. A numerical procedure is presented to find the rate constants ofK 1 andK −1. A systematic analysis of the effects of errors is also presented.

Notes: Abstract Equations are developed to describe the energy expenditure of the human heart. As well as the external potential and kinetic energy terms, general consideration is given to other possible avenues of energy consumption. Emphasis is placed upon using mathematical variables which are readily available for experimental verification. The errors involved in assuming that mean values for the physiological parameters give reasonable estimations for the external mechanical performance are examined, and a theoretical estimation for the discrepancy in the kinetic component is presented. Logical extension of the mathematical derivation leads to a determination of cardiac external mechanical efficiency and clearly demonstrates the significance of the ventricular pressure-volume loop in this context. Finally, experimental procedures are suggested to clarify further some of the conclusions reached through the theoretical analysis.

Notes: Abstract The question is discussed as to the reason why some animal societies, such as bees or ants, are sexually differentiated, that is, onlysome of its members are exhibiting reproducing activities. It is indicated that human society may be on its way to such a sexual differentiation which may eventually come.

Notes: Abstract The chromosomal theory of inbreeding based on a gametic interaction system lead us to define a depression coefficientD. Comparison of random, sib and half-sib matings (with inbreeding coefficientF=0, 1/4 and 1/8) shows thatD depends on the structure of the starting population and on values of the model parameters. This result accounts for responses of lines whose depression does not depend directly on the inbreeding coefficient and which theories of inbreeding based on increasing homozygosity fail to explain.

Notes: Abstract An idealization of chemical combination is formulated as a model of computability, and it is shown that this model has universal computational power just in case assembly has at least two-dimensional space in which to occur. It is also shown that this model, under reinterpretation, corresponds to a cellular automaton in which growth occurs by differentiation only (i.e., the state into which any cell is born is thereadfter fixed). Hence this latter model of growth is also computationally universal.

Notes: Abstract Kinetics of biological light emission processes do not mean what they seem to mean, because measured light intensity is not proportional to reactant concentration but to reaction rate. Therefore, the differential equation for light decay is usually different from that of concentration decay, so that mass action interpretations cannot be applied directly to light intensity decay. An observed second order light decay for Chlorella at 6.5°C, implies Elovich solid state reaction kinetics, which agrees with other evidence for solid state processes in photosynthesis. An observed 1.5 order light decay for Cholorella at 28°C implies second order liquid or solid state reaction kinetics. First ordere light decay implies first order reaction kinetics.

Notes: Abstract Analysis based on the integration of differential inequalities is employed to derive upper and lower bounds on the total populationN(t) = ∫ R θ(x 1,x 2,t) dx 1 dx 2 of a biological species with an area-density distribution function θ=θ(x 1,x 2,t) (≥0) governed by a reaction-diffusion equation of the form ∂θ/∂t =D∇2θ +fθ −gθ n+1 whereD (〉0),n (〉0),f andg are constant parameters, θ=0 at all points on the boundary ∂R of an (arbitrary) two-dimensional regionR, and the initial distribution (θ(x 1,x 2, 0) is such thatN(0) is finite. Forg≥0 withR the entire two-dimensional Euclidean space, a lower bound onN(t) is obtained, showing in particular thatN(∞) is bounded below by a finite positive quantity forf≥0 andn〉1. An upper bound onN(t) is obtained for arbitrary bounded or unbounded)R withn=1,f andg negative, and ∫ R θ(x 1,x 2, 0)2 dx 1 dx 2 sufficiently small in magnitude, implying that the population goes to extinction with increasing values of the time,N(∞)=0. Forg≥0 andR of finite area, the analysis yields upper bounds onN(t), predicting eventual extinction of the population if eitherf≤0 or if the area ofR is less than a certain grouping of the parameters in cases for whichf is positive. These results are directly applicable to biological species with distributions satisfying the Fisher equation in two spatial dimensions and to species governed by certain specialized population models.

Notes: Abstract The equilibrium probability distribution of the process level is studied for a general class of reversible stochastic reactions. A calculationally convenient approximation for equilibrium probabilities is derived and its accuracy is investigated over a range of values of the equilibrium constant. A method of approximating the equilibrium means and variance is developed and illustrated forQ th-order processes.

Notes: Abstract Beside the concept of material inputs and outputs of components of the representation of biological systems given to us by Rosen, the concept of energy is incorporated. The interaction of material and energy is represented by a cartesian product; and separate material and energetical mappings are considered as the new representation of components. These developments generate aMα category, and it is shown thatMα is isomorphic to theM category of previous developments.

Notes: Abstract This paper discusses the solution of a generaln-compartment system with time dependent transition probabilities utilizing the technique described by Cardenas and Matis (1975) (hereafter abbreviated (CM)). In addition, the cumulant generating function is derived for a special class of reversiblen-compartment systems where the time-dependent intensity coefficients corresponding to the migration and death rates are some multiple of each other. The immigration rates can be any integrable function of time. The moments are also obtained and the solution to the two-compartment system is presented explicitly. The solution is illustrated with a linear and a periodic function which forms have been widely reported in the literature.

Notes: Abstract The relations (inflow) = (dose)/(area under indicator curve), and (volume of distribution) = (throughflow) × (mean transit time) are derived by a matrix method for a system of interconnected subsystems, within which spatial indicator activity gradients may exist, and for compartments, within which the indicator activity is spatially uniform. The inflow theorem, is different from the outflow theorem. Equivalent labeling of multi-input systems reduces them formally to single input systems. Foreign indicator flow-volume kinetics are more general than, and include as a special case, tracer flux-mass (metabolic) kinetics. Volume of distribution in the indicator steady state may be different from the equilibrium volume of distribution.

Notes: Abstract Perturbation methods are applied to a differential equation predator-prey model to find the approximate amplitudes and period of limit cycle solutions. In the model the feeding rate per unit predator per unit prey decreases as the prey become scare. The rigorous applicability of the perturbation technique depends on the assumptions that the limit cycle amplitude is relatively small and that near the equilibrium point the growth rate of each species is most sensitive to changes in the density of the other species. The second assumption is usually roughly satisfied in practice and examples are considered which suggest that the first assumption can be greatly relaxed.

Notes: Abstract Signal Detection Theory can be used to provide a mathematical model describing the choice of a predator trying to distinguish between a model and a Batesian mimic. The mathematical model yields a number of a deductions, in particular that it may or may not assist the mimic population if mimics more closely resemble their models. The assumptions underlying the analysis are discussed in some detail.

Notes: Abstract A new type of physical transition, denotedS→S *, has been detected in irradiated organic molecules (λ=546 nm) through their interaction with specific biological macromolecules. In a specific enzyme-substrate interaction, a clear enhancement of the reaction rate is observed, when the substrate is irradiated with sharply well defined times. These “efficient irradiation times” are always of the 5k sec type (k=1, 2, 3, …). They have been consistently revealed in a great number of specific biological interactions. The present note demonstrates an important property, i.e. that forevery irradiation time aS→S * transition is induced in organic molecules. It is shown that for any irradiation times different from the 5k sec type (k=1, 2, 3, …) states of theS * type may occur, but the biological macromolecules may “detect” only theS * states induced by irradiations of the 5k sec type.

Notes: Abstract A semi-empirical model applicable to the flow of blood and other particulate suspensions through narrow tubes has been developed. It envisages a central core of blood surrounded by a wall layer of reduced hematocrit. With the help of this model the wall layer thickness and extent of plug flow may be calculated using pressure drop, flow rate and hematocrit reduction data. It has been found from the available data in the literature that for a given sample of blood the extent of plug flow increases with decreasing tube diameter. Also for a flow through a given tube it increases with hematocrit. The wall layer thickness is found to decrease with increase in blood hematocrit. A comparison between the results of rigid particulate suspensions and blood reveals that the thicker wall layer and smaller plug flow radius in the case of blood may be attributed to the deformability of the erythrocytes.

Notes: Abstract Three dimensional laminar, viscid flow is developed for Newtonian fluids which provides absolute values for axial, radial and tangential velocity fields everywhere if the dimensions of the vessel are known and two simultaneous axial velocities e.g. on and off the central axis in the same plane, and the central axis axial velocity gradient are measured. In addition, normal and shear stresses are determinable. The equation set satisfies geometric and other known flow limiting conditions such as no slip at surfaces etc. and are amenable for inclusion in general, dynamic flow expressions. Alternatively they may be used alone for certain problems involving gradients and secondary flows. A range of illustrations are shown for a distorting vessel with elliptic cross-section and small axial taper (analogous to the pulmonary trunk during ejection).

Notes: Abstract A regulated left ventricular dynamics model is presented which involves interaction of the dynamics of the left ventricular and circulatory systems and their regulation by the central nervous system. On-line human parametric simulation (parameter estimation) and consequential prognostic implications (based on parametric values) are demonstrated. Model responses to simulated physiologic stresses help delineate tolerances of subjects. In order to have an estimate of the reliability of the model, the sensitivity of the model's responses to changes in the values of its intrinsic parameters is assessed. Also determined is the extent to which errors in measuring the pressure affect the calculated values of the model's simulation parameters and subsequently influence the values of other diagnostically useful variables (such as contractility, oxygen consumption rate, heart rate), when the model is used to determine the limiting physiological stress sustainable by the subject. A comparison of the model's composition with those of other similar cardio-circulatory models is included.

Notes: Abstract Then-stage harvesting strategy of Elizarov and Svirezhev is examined. As a result, some important new features appear. A discussion is presented on whether or not one should harvest a species at one time stage or wait until a later time. The paper is concerned with contributions which are primarily mathematical formulations and results for continuous, as well as discrete time, logistic growth of a single species being harvested. Age class structure is ignored.

Notes: Abstract In order to evaluate the effect of anatomic asymmetries on the gas concentration distribution in the pulmonary airways, a Monte Carlo simulation of combined bulk flow and molecular diffusion was carried out in a realistic distal airway model (Parkeret al., 1971). This airway model, composed of branches distal to the 0.5-ram diameter airways, contained an upper symmetric segment consisting of four generations of conducting airways and a lower asymmetric segment of alveolar ducts and sacs arranged in five transport paths of varying lengths. In accounting for the volume increases of these ducts and sacs occurring during normal respiration, uniform alveolar filling rates and a fixed length-to-diameter ratio of all airways were assumed. For a pulse injection of inert tracer gas, the simulation was employed to determine the longitudinal concentration profiles in the conducting airways. In the alveolated airways, not only were the longitudinal profiles determined along each path, but radial transport from the core to the periphery of the airways was considered. The results of the simulations indicate that geometric asymmetries alone contribute substantially to regional concentration variations in the distal airways. For example, when a gas bolus is injected at mid*inspiration, there are concentration differences as great as 40% between two points along different transport paths located equi-distant from the proximal end of the model. As viewed from the terminal end of the model (acinus), average concentration differences as large as 6-to-1 exist between the longest and shortest transport paths respectively for gas boli introduced near the end of inspiration. The results further indicate because of large radial diffusion rates, no significant concentration differences exist between the periphery a-ld the central core of alveolated airways. Simulation of the expired concentration profiles indicate that boll injected very late during inspiration exhibit a sloping tail, unlike the earlier injected boll whose tails are virtually horizontal. Through the use of superposition teehniqnes, it was found that these sloping tails correspond to an alveolar slope of 1.5 vol% between 750 and 1250 ml expired for a continuous washing of tracer. This result is in disagreement with other transport analyses which did not directly account for the effect of geometric asymmetries.

Notes: Abstract Assuming a spherical geometry for the left ventricle, passive elastic stiffness-stress relations have been obtained on the basis of linear elasticity theory and large deformation theory. Employing pressure-volume aata taken from rat hearts of various age groups, it is shown that young rat heart muscle (1 month) is stiffer than either adult (7 months) or old rat heart muscle (17 months). Although the qualitative results are similar for both elasticity theories, the large deformation theory gave results in closer agreement with those obtained from papillary muscle studies. These results imply that stiffness of muscleper se can be assessed from left ventricular pressure-volume data.

Notes: Abstract Deliberate evaluation of the quantum theory of nerve excitation is made by comparing it with Hill's theory in fitting the experimental data on threshold-frequency relation, optimum frequency (v0) for nerve excitation and strength-duration relation. Decrease of v0 and increase of all the time constants (Hill's λ andk, Wei'sT 2 and spike durationw) with decreasing temperature are interpreted on the basis of the dipole relaxation timeT 2 but inexplicable from Hill's theory or any other existing theory. The closeness ofk,T 2 andw values is explained. A variety of experimental results obtained by others is discussed. Finally, a comparison is made between the Hodgkin-Huxley equations and the quantum theory. Most of the facts (electrical and non-electrical) tend to support the thesis that nerve excitation is a macroscopic expression of quantum transitions of dipoles between energy states.

Notes: Abstract In the periodic Leslie model the asymptotic period of total population is a divisor of the asymptotic period of the population vector. Under reasonable circumstances these periods are identical.

Notes: Abstract A number of biological branching systems, such as the bronchial and pulmonary arterial trees, are being investigated in an ongoing study in order to define their physiological properties. The technique involves the description of branching trees by the use of hierarchical systems of ordering, especially those described by Horsfield and by Strahler. During this work some mathematical properties of branching trees were demonstrated and these are described in this paper.

Notes: Abstract Luteinizing hormone (LH) is secreted continuously from the anterior pituitary gland. The concentration in the blood of this gonadotropic hormone plays a regulatory role in the development of puberty in both sexes, in the induction of ovulation in females, and in the production of testosterone in males. The secretion of LH is in turn controlled by luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) secreted by the hypothalamus. LH and LHRH are removed from the blood by degradation and excretion. This hormonal system is modelled by a system of ordinary differential equations based upon specific physiological and biochemical assumptions current among experimentalists in this field. The one exception is the assumption that LHRH may bind reversibly to a serum protein; an analysis of the data shows that this or a similar mechanism is a crucial specification. Data on the serum levels of LH and LHRH in two human subjects were fitted using the model. The data consist of the transients and subsequent decays created by a bolus intravenous injection of LHRH.

Notes: Abstract A thick-wall incompressible, elastic sphere was used as a model for the diastolic rat left ventricle. A model for myocardial nonhomogeneity was derived assuming that fiber (circumferential) stress was independent of position in the ventricular wall. The theoretical implications of the resulting constitutive relations together with the spherical model were analyzed in the context of large deformation elasticity theory. It was found that muscle stiffness at a given level of uniaxial stress increased monotonically from the endocardium to the epicardium. In addition, fiber stress was found to be essentially a linear function of transmural pressure above a pressure of 6 g/cm2. It was also shown theoretically that neglecting the nonhomogeneity of the myocardium resulted in a state of stress which differed significantly from that predicted by the nonhomogeneous model. For example, at a transmural pressure of 14 g/cm2, fiber stress in the nonhomogenous model was equal to 17 g/cm2 while fiber stress in the homogeneous model varied between 100 g/cm2 at the endocardial surface and 2 g/cm2 at the epicardial surface. The change in muscle stiffness with position which characterized the nonhomogeneous model also tended to linearize the highly curvilinear radial stress distribution predicted by the homogeneous model at a given transmural pressure.

Notes: Abstract The phenomenon of axonal transport has been well documented (Ochs, 971; Lasek, 1970; and Grafstein, 1967). In a previous paper, we showed how diffusion alone could not account for this process. In this report we show that convection or convection with diffusion can account for the observed build-up of material. By including a first-order catabolic sequestration term, we are able to offer an understanding of the several apparent rates of transport with the same underlying velocity and variable sequestration.

Notes: Abstract It is known that the Lotka-Volterra coupled nonlinear differential equations for a two-species prey-predator ecosystem possess a periodic solution, although its exact form is not yet obtained analytically. The conventional linearization approximation for solving these nonlinear equations leads to a harmonic oscillator whose frequency depends only on the intraspecific coefficients. We propose here a prescription for obtaining nonlinear correction to the linear frequency by using the Hamilton-Jacobi canonical formalism of classical mechanics. It is found that the first-order correction, which also involves interspecific parameters, exhibits the basic qualitative features of the nonlinearity.

Notes: Abstract Environmental safety testing typically requires procedures for extrapolating from the relatively high experimental to the very low use doses of potentially harmful substances. In the present paper, a stochastic mammillary compartmental model for environmental safety testing is proposed and extrapolation procedures based on its dose-response relationship are developed. The proposed model is a direct generalization of one of the basic safety models, the one-hit model, in that a harmful reaction is assumed to occur if at any time any of the peripheral compartments attains a specified threshold of particles. Consideration of a closed model yields an upper bound on the probability of attaining a certain threshold level, thus providing a conservative procedure for extrapolating to a low dose, while a lower bound obtained from a related open model provides a useful monitoring device as to the sharpness of the upper, bound. The extrapolation procedure is illustrated with simulated data and approximations for initial values are developed.

Notes: Abstract By using chromosome images as a framework, algorithms for finding most dissimilar images are presented and illustrated by examples. In terms of angles, a chromosome image consists of two exterior biangles and two interior biangles. Biangles are defined and classified into 180° biangles, 〉180° biangles and 〈180° biangles. The dissimilarity of biangles and its geometric interpretation together with various properties of biangles are also presented. The results may have useful applications in pattern recognition, scene analysis, information storage and retrieval, artificial intelligence and fuzzy set theory.

Notes: Abstract The Volterra equations which represent competitions between two species are utilized to examine the phenomenon of boundary formation between two species of plants. The set of stable stationary points for these equations is determined and is illustrated in a product space of parameters and dynamical variables. The stages of boundary appearance and succession are visualized by considering slow changes of the parameters as functions of time and space.

Notes: Abstract We postulate that the biomass distribution function for an ecological population may be derived from the condition that the biomas diversity functional is maximal subject to an energetic constraint on the total biomass. This leads to a biomass distribution of the form $$p(m) = \bar m^{ - 1} \exp ( - m/\bar m)$$ , where $$\bar m$$ is the mean biomass per individual. The same condition yields a unique value for the biomass diversity functional. These predictions are tested against fishery data and found to be in good agreement. It is argued that the existence of a unique value for biomass diversity may provide a preliminary theoretical foundation for the observed upper limit to species diversity.

Notes: Abstract Pigment distribution presages hydranth regeneration in the marine hydroidTubularia. We suggest that such a distribution could result from a reaction-diffusion system. A model system based on a practical reaction scheme is studied and spatial structures found which closely resemble this pigment distribution. Finite-amplitude spatial structures in reaction-diffusion systems are considered. Whereas in one spatial dimension the final structures are normally very similar to the transient patterns which emerge from a linear analysis, it is shown that in more than one dimension this is not necessarily the case. The reasons for this are discussed.

Notes: Abstract An analytical model is used to described the behavior of inhaled particulate matter in the human respiratory tract. Three different geometries, symmetric and asymmetric, are utilized to simultate the tracheobronchial (TB) tree. The suitability of each geometry for representing the human is evaluated by comparing calculated aerosol deposition probabilities with experimental data from inhalation exposure tests. A symmetric, dichotomously branching pattern is found to be a reliable description of the TB tree for studies of factors affecting aerosol deposition in the human lung. Calculations with the theoretical model are in excellent agreement with measured aerosol deposition efficiencies. Furthermore, the model accurately predicts experimentally observed features of inhalation exposure data, such as effects of inter-subject lung morphology differences and relative efficiencies of specific deposition mechanisms, on aerosol deposition patterns in the TB tree.

Notes: Abstract In this paper we are concerned with problems of the long-term behavior for nonlinear systems in random environment. The general model is assumed to be given by an ordinary differential equation with random parameters or random input. The disturbance process can be taken from a fairly general class of Markov processes having a bounded state space. In terms of the system’s dynamics we give sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of invariant probabilities. Finally, we apply these results to the two-dimensional biochemical model which is known as the Brusselator.

Notes: Abstract In various applications one faces the problem of estimating a signal from discontinuous observations. For example, in biomedical applications the signal may be the ‘state’ of a given organ and one observes through an external counter the amount of radioactivity sequestered by the organ after injection of a radioactive tracer. Here the problem is studied in the context of nonlinear filtering when the signal can be modelled as either a random variable or a diffusion process, and the observations have a continuous and a purely discontinuous component; both components may be affected by the signal. When the signal is a random variable an explicitly computable solution is obtained; for the diffusion case the solution is given as a sequence of approximating filters that can be computed recursively.

Notes: Abstract Eigenvalue problems arise in various biological models. We outline a useful comparison method and a technique using Lyapunov functions that can be applied in many cases. An application to lateral diffusion is discussed.

Notes: Abstract This paper reviews, up to their recent developments, two types of models of the cell cycle: those considering the size controls over the cycle events and the transition probability models. The distribution of inter-mitotic time and the sister-sister and motherdaughter correlations implied by the two approaches are discussed in view of some relevant experimental data.

Notes: Abstract The development of a blood cell line originating from a pluripotent stem cell pool is modelled by a chain of multidimensional branching processes in which the sojourn times of the cells in certain resting states depend on the size of the following subpopulation. The stability of such a model is discussed qualitatively and some considerations concerning a possible malignant degeneration are presented. The behaviour of models for normal and malignant cell production are illustrated by stochastic stimulations. The model presented here describes the development of a certain line of blood cells (e.g. erythrocytes, monocytes or granulocytes) originating from the pluripotent stem cell up to the functional cell in the blood (for related models see, e.g., Rubinow and Lebowitz,J. math. Biol. 1, 87–225;Biophys. J. 16, 897–910).

Notes: Abstract This paper reviews some recent advances in single population stochastic differential equation growth models. They are a natural way to model population growth in a randomly varying environment. The question of which calculus, Itô or Stratonovich, is preferable is addressed. The two calculi coincide when the noise term is linear, if we take into account the differences in the interpretation of the parameters. This clarifies, among other things, the controversy on the theory of niche limiting similarity proposed by May and MacArthur. The effects of correlations in the environmental fluctuations and statistical methods for estimating parameters and for prediction based on a single population trajectory are mentioned. Applications to fisheries, wildlife management and particularly to environmental impact assessment are now becoming possible and are proposed in this paper.

Notes: Abstract A survey is given of the application of (functions of) continuous-time Markov chains in the statistical analysis of behavioural time series.

Notes: Abstract This paper demonstrates that there is one and only one solution to a non-linear singular two-point boundary-value problem which describes oxygen diffusion in a spherical cell. Previous authors have calculated numerical results that differ substantially. Numerical computations using the multiple shooting method support the results of McElwain.

Notes: Abstract The mathematics of distance geometry constitutes the basis of a group of algorithms for revealing the structural consequences of diverse forms of information about a macromolecule's conformation. These algorithms are of proven utility in the analysis of experimental conformational data. This paper presents the basic theorems of distance geometry in Euclidean space and gives formal proofs of the correctness and, where possible, of the complexity of these algorithms. The implications of distance geometry for the energy minimization of macromolecules are also discussed.

Notes: Abstract A fully developed pulsatile flow in a circular rigid tube is analysed by a microcontinuum approach. Solutions for radial variation of axial velocity and cell rotational velocity across the tube are obtained using the momentum integral method. Simplified forms of the solutions are presented for the relevant physiological data. Marked deviations in the results are observed when compared to a Newtonian fluid model. It is interesting to see that there is sufficient reduction in the mass flow rate, phase lag and friction due to the micropolar character of the fluid.

Notes: Abstract A mathematical model of the transport of fluorescein across the blood-retina barrier in the transient state and the subsequent diffusion of fluorescein in the vitreous body is presented. The function of the barrier is lumped in a single parameter—the permeability. The sensitivity of this parameter due to changes in the other parameters of the model is given. This establishes the foundation for the quantitative assessment of the barrier function through vitreous fluorophotometry.

Notes: Abstract The objective of this preliminary study was to develop a new quantitative method of setting the initial insulin infusion patterns in treatment of diabetic patients. The method is based upon the mathematical estimation of the insulin profile required to maintain the glucose level within the normal range after glucose loading in diabetic patients. Using our previously developed equivalent circuit model of glucose kinetics and the reported data of an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) in two groups of normal and diabetic patients, two important physiological parameters of the model (the peripheral tissue's insulin resistivity and the hepatic sensitivity to glucose level) were computed for two clinical groups. Then the insulin profile was obtained by computing the plasma insulin concentrations required to keep the total glucose utilization rate of the tissue and the liver in the diabetic group equal to that of the normal group. The simulation result indicated that the computed insulin profile produced a plasma glucose profile which was more closely matched to the normal group's glucose profile than with the case of emulating the normal group's insulin profile in the diabetic group.

Notes: Abstract This paper shows that the Na conductance changes can be explained quantitatively, based on the following assumptions: (1) there exist in nerve membranes the electron transfer (ET) complexes and traps, (2) there is energy migration among them. The gating mechanism is explained in physical terms. Its mathematical expression differs from the Hodgkin-Huxley equations, but resembles the Hoyt formulation. In the present model, the physical parameters for the squid axon can be estimated from currently available experimental data. The density of the ET complexes is on the order of 105/μm2, and the density of the traps is 103/μm2. The magnitude of the energy transfer rate between ET complexes is about 106/sec at large depolarization and decreases with decreasing depolarizations, as does the Na inactivation rate. The energy gap between the two stable states of the transfer electron in the ET complex is estimated to be around 0.1 eV, which is approximately the same as that for the photosynthetic systems.

Notes: Abstract The role of symmetry in simplifying the theory of complex neural systems is argued. When the structural symmetries of a network are expressed as an ismorphism group, implications emerge for the dynamics. Various qualitative possibilities concerning stability of uniform motion in homogeneous nets are discussed and an approach to neural hierarchies is outlined.

Notes: Abstract By constructing appropriate Liapunov functionals, asymptotic behaviour of the solutions of various delay differential systems describing prey-predator, competition and symbiosis models has been studied. It has been shown that equilibrium states of these models are globally stable, provided certain conditions in terms of instantaneous and delay interaction coefficients are satisfied.

Notes: Abstract Sensitivity analyses have been used to examine the flow structure of two hypothetical ecosystem models. These analyses have results which relate to important aspects of ecosystem theory. Cycles are shown to increase the sensitivity of the network, while increased throughflow is shown to decrease the sensitivity. Such results indicate that several factors can be modified to decrease the sensitivity of ecosystems to environmental stress.

Notes: Abstract A continous, deterministic mathematical model is used to predict population distributions by age at any time, given the initial distribution and the variation of birth and death rates with age and time. Solutions are obtained on a computer using a semi-discretization algorithm in which time derivatives in the partial differential equations are replaced by finite-difference expressions. The resulting sets of ordinary differential equations are solved by a predictor-corrector method. Graphical results are shown for some examples.

Notes: Abstract A new formula for the complexity of graphs is proposed and applied to the points lines and ‘connections’ of some chemically relevant graphs.

Notes: Abstract This paper reports general and specialized results on analytical solutions to the governing phenomenological equations for chemotactic redistribution and population growth of motile bacteria. It is shown that the number of bacteria cells per unit volume,b, is proportional to a certain prescribed function ofs, the concentration of the critical substrate chemotactic agent, for steady-state solutions through an arbitrary spatial region with a boundary that is impermeable to bacteria cell transport. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the steady-state solution forb ands is unique for a prescribed total number of bacteria cells in the spatial region and a generic Robin boundary condition ons. The latter solution can be approximated to desired accuracy in terms of the Poisson-Green's function associated with the spatial region. Also, as shown by example, closed-form exact steady-state solutions are obtainable for certain consumption rate functions and geometrically symmetric spatial regions. A solutional procedure is formulated for the initialvalue problem in cases for which significant population growth is present and bacteria cell redistribution due to motility and chemotactic flow proceeds slowly relative to the diffusion of the chemoattractant substrate. Finally, a remarkably simple exact analytical solution is reported for a stradily propagating plane-wave which features motility, chemotactic motion and bacteria population growth regulated by substrate diffusion.

Notes: Abstract This paper discusses the flow of blood in large artries under the influence of linear periodic acceleration. The governing equations and boundary conditions are established and analytical solutions for the velocity, fluid acceleration, bulk flow and shear stress are obtained. The results for these physical quantitites are computed for the case of an artery the size of a normal human aorta. It is found that the flow field variables are directly proportional to the external accelerating force. The behaviour of the velocity profile along the radial distance at different stages of times at fixed applied acceleration is also shown.

Notes: Abstract The evolutionary selection circuits model of learning has been specified algorithmically. The basic structural components of the selection circuits model are enzymatic neurons, that is, neurons whose firing behavior is controlled by membrane-bound macromolecules called excitases. Learning involves changes in the excitase contents of neurons through a process of variation and selection. In this paper we report on the behavior of a basic version of the learning algorithm which has been developed through extensive interactive experiments with the model. This algorithm is effective in that it enables single neurons or networks of neurons to learn simple pattern classification tasks in a number of time steps which appears experimentally to be a linear function of problem size, as measured by the number of patterns of presynaptic input. The experimental behavior of the algorithm establishes that evolutionary mechanisms of learning are competent to serve as major mechanisms of neuronal adaptation. As an example, we show how the evolutionary learning algorithm can contribute to adaptive motor control processes in which the learning system develops the ability to reach a target in the presence of randomly imposed disturbances.

Notes: Abstract In the present paper we discuss the behaviour of solutions of a dynamical system describing the growth of cells in a well-mixed continuous culture where the supply of the growth-limiting nutrient depends on the activity of an enzyme outside the cell membrane. It turns out that for positive dilution rates there exists an exponentially attractive two-dimensional simplex. Furthermore, the reversed system restricted to this simplex is quasimonotone. In every case all trajectories tend to an equilibrium state.

Notes: Abstract We present a Gause predator-prey model incorporating mutual interference among predators, a density-dependent predator death rate and a time lag due to gestation. It is well known that mutual interference is stabilizing, whereas time delays are destabilizing. We show that in combining the two, a long time-lag usually, but not always, destabilizes the system. We also show that increasing delays can cause a bifurcation into periodic solutions.

Notes: Abstract The cycle structure of enzymatic neural networks may be characterized in terms of number of cycles exhibited, size of cycle state sets and cycle lengths. Simulation experiments show that the stability properties of these networks have some unusual features which are not exhibited by networks of two-state switching elements or by randomly constructed ecosystem models. The behavioral and structural stability of these systems decreases with their structural complexity, as measured by the number of components. The behavioral and structural stability of enzymatic neural networks also decreases with structural complexity, as measured by the number of excitase types, but only up to the middle level of excitases per neuron. This is the point of highest potential responsiveness of the system to environmental stimuli. Beyond this point the behavioral and structural stability increase. This is due to the fact that the number of possible states increases up to this point and decreases beyond it. The number of possible states, not the number of components, serves as the useful measure of complexity in these types of systems. The selection circuits learning algorithm has been used to evolve networks whose cycle structures have desired features.

Notes: Abstract Similarity criteria of the functional design of the mammalian cardiovascular system are scant. For the analysis of mammalian cardiac energetics physiological parameters such as mean arterial blood pressure, stroke volume, heart rate, metabolic rate and heart and body weights are considered pertinent. Based on these parameters, a new similarity principle is established via allometric equations, dimensional analysis and Buckingham's pi-theorem. The principle states that the ratio of left ventricular external work to metabolic rate is inversely proportional to resting heart rates of mammals. The proportionality constant is dimensionless and is invariant of mammalian body weights.

Notes: Abstract The mathematical theory of categories is used as a tool in the description of the structure and function of natural systems. The connections between the category of natural systems, with observables and dynamics, and the phenomenological calculus of response tensors, duality- and adjoint-invariance diagrams are established. The unified theory is applied to the analysis of hierarchies, pattern generation and the structure and dynamics of proteins.

Notes: Abstract This is an investigation of natural systems from the standpoint of the mathematical theory of categories. It examines the relationships which exist between different descriptions through measurement of observables and dynamical interactions. We begin with a category theory of formal systems with observables, and then proceed to a category theory of dynamical systems. The two categories are then combined to represent natural systems. Topological considerations enter in the study of stability and bifurcation phenomena. Special emphasis is placed on natural systems which model biological processes. The categorical system theory developed is applied to the analysis of several biological problems and biological system theories.

Notes: Abstract Tetanic hyperpolarization for theXenopus node is simulated by means of iterative solutions of the Frankenhaeuser-Huxley excitation equations together with an active transport current density term which is dependent on sodium and potassium levels as well as the ADP/ATP ratio. All time-dependent variables at the end of one interspike interval are introduced as initial conditions for the next response, whereupon all time-dependent changes in voltage and permeability factors appear identical for the third and fourth responses of a sequence. Net change in internal sodium concentration is zero throughout the third and fourth intervals if sodium loading of the system is initially adjusted to a critical level. Extent of tetanic hyperpolarization is a function of the pump conductance.

Notes: Abstract The properties of nonlinear equations describing the solute and solvent transport across a simplified Patlak-Goldstein-Hoffman model (two membranes in series without unstirred layers) are investigated both analytically and numerically. The analysis shows that the principal coefficients measured in transport experiments in the presence of active transport are dependent on the experimental conditions. These ‘apparent’ system parameters are extensions of the corresponding parameters determined both in passive systems and in the linear Kedem-Katchalsky theory. Moreover, they are related to the local phenomenological coefficients of the single membranes of the array. Several relationships between measurable quantities and the local system parameters are indicated, allowing the planning of experiments aimed at the measurement of the latter. Data in the literature have been used to check the proposed volume flow equation.

Notes: Abstract As a further attempt to determine the stresses and strains of the individual myocardial fibers, the heart muscle is considered as an orthotropic material. A theory is presented which leads to the expression of the equilibrium conditions for the left ventricle in the form of three simultaneous differential equations. Solution of these equations would give the changes in shape of the left ventricle throughout the cardiac cycle, and, in addition, the stresses and strains of the individual myocardial fibers. It is pointed out, however, that meaningful solutions of the equations cannot be obtained at the present time because of difficulties in experimental determination of certain parameters.

Notes: Abstract This paper compares two previously published neural models for epilepsies (Bull. Math. Biophysics,33, 539–553, 1971;34, 71–78, 1972). The second model is developed in more detail and an attempt is made to bring it more in line with established neurological findings. The question of classification of some epilepsies is briefly discussed.

Notes: Abstract A formal mathematical model is proposed for a spontaneously repetitively firing neuron. It is based on the assumption that an excitatory and inhibitory substance, possibly different from those involved in synaptic transmissions, is formed in the soma of everynormal neuron. Furthermore, the decay of the substances is ascribed to their combination with some other substances, present in healthy individuals. A generalized two factor system of differential equations is used. It is shown that when the normally present substances are absent, possibly due to genetic defects so that the decay constants become zero, the equations lead to undamped sinusoidal solutions of the difference between excitatory and inhibitory factors, thus producing a trulyspontaneous repetitive discharge, in the absence of external currents or other stimulation. It is suggested that convulsants may act by destroying the substances present in healthy individuals. It is further suggested that by administering to epileptics those substances, which are present in normal healthy persons, perhaps by using brain extracts fromhealthy higher animals which sometimes suffer from epilepsy, an actual cure rather than symptomatic treatment by anticonvulsants may be obtained.

Notes: Abstract The general kinetic behavior of a multicompartment system is shown to depend upon certain general structural features, including its connectivity, whether it is open, and whether it contains cyclic pathways. Structural influences are clarified by putting the system matrix in a certain form. For systems not strongly connected, a distinction is drawn between partially and completely open systems. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for non-singularity of the system matrix and for asymptotic stability of the system. Sufficient conditions are given for non-overshooting and monotonic transitions. A system is demonstrated whose solution may contain a prolonged series of damped oscillations; but the oscillations are very slow and small; and it seems unlikely that oscillations could be detected experimentally in any biological system.

Notes: Abstract It is shown how the fundamental laws of chemical kinetics for either open or closed systems with an arbitrarily large number of reactants can be represented as a system of Riccati-like differential equations. Through the use of a concise tensor notation, it is shown when and how the differential system is exactly reducible to linear form, a reduction without approximation that parallels the well-known similar reduction of a single simle Riccati equation. An example is worked out to show how open kinetics can lead to oscillatory chemical concentrations of the Change-Higgins type. The biologically central problem of great chemical speciation is discussed from the viewpoint of Gibbs ensemble theory within the linearized kinetics and, approximately, within the starting nonlinear kinetics where it is shown roughly how to estimate, from an overall temperature-like parameter characterizing the whole system, mean chemical levels and mean frequencies of oscillation, and where a gross oscillation of the total mass is estimated in terms of an anharmonic oscillator whose general structure is fixed from the structure of the chemical kinetic laws.

Notes: Abstract A closed chain of compartments in which there is unidirectional transport between adjacent members can exhibit damped oscillations. For a system ofn equivalent compartments, the value ofn which gives the greatest difference between the first maximum and first minimum isn=11, the difference being 1.57%. The greatest difference between the first maximum value and the steady state value is 4% and is obtained whenn=25. The results are illustrated graphically forn equal to 5, 10, 25 and 100.

Notes: Abstract This paper is a concrete approach to the problem of the number of the sexes. We try to imagine—on the example of three sexes—the mechanisms which would have to accompany a reproduction with several sexes. We have limited our study to the monohybridism, dihybridism and determinism of the sex.

Notes: Abstract An analysis of the effect of cilia on fluid transport in tubules is presented. The applicability of the results for the flow rates observed in the ductus efferentes of the male tract is discussed.

Notes: Abstract The dipole models for steady-state currents in excitable membranes of Arndt, Bond and Roper and of Hamel and Zimmerman are compared by fitting the equations to the data of Gilbert and Ehrenstein. The more complex Hammel and Zimmerman model does not fit the data as well as does the simpler Arndt, Bond and Reper model. When fitting the data, the Hammel and Zimmerman current equation reduces to the Arndt, Bond and Roper current equation because of the values assumed by the parameters. An interpretation is given for the parameter values obtained with the Arndt, Bond and Roper model.

Notes: Abstract It is shown that, under rather general conditions, it is possible to formally decompose the dynamics of ann-dimensional dynamical system into a number of non-interacting subsystems. It is shown that these decompositions are in general not simply related to the kinds of observational procedures in terms of which the original state variables of the system are defined. Some consequences of this construction for reductionism in biology are discussed.

Notes: Abstract For a certain class of physical machines, termed “structure-determined,” the problem of self-reproduction can be reduced to the problem of serial message reproduction. Serial message reproduction however presupposes a sort of “open system” constraint. This leads to the principle of pseudo, or exogenously standardized, respectively, self-reproduction. It seems to be consistent with both chemical and biological self-reproduction. It thus may reflect a general principle of biological design. The proposed principle is a physico chemical analog to Robert Rosen's abstract relational self-reproduction constraint.

Notes: Abstract Equations are derived describing potentials due to an active muscle fiber in an infinite medium in terms of two surface integrals—one of the propagated action potential and the other of the membrane current density, both integrals being taken over the surface of the muscle. These equations are incorporated into an equivalent cardiac current generator in which the left ventricle (i.e. the current source) is represented by a three-dimensional wedge and the thorax (i.e. the volume conductor), by a homogeneous circular cylinder. Since this current generator expresses the body surface potentials in terms of the membrane current density and the membrane potential at any point on the surface of the electrically active muscle fiber, the calculated ECG can be correlated with theactual sources within the heart. This equivalent cardiac generator possesses many of the physical and physiological properties of cardiac muscle. The equations were evaluated numerically on a digital computer. The results indicate that equivalent cardiac current generators of this type can yield clinically significant results and that further research is necessary to investigate their properties fully.

Notes: Abstract Analytical solutions are presented for transient heat conduction in biological media. General boundary conditions and internal sources varied in both spatial and time variables are considered, thus, solutions for many special cases can be obtained with ease from the general solutions presented in this analysis.

Notes: Abstract Two mathematical models of pulmonary single breath gas washout (one analytic, one numerical) are developed and their predictions compared with experimental data on human subjects. Weibel's 23 generation symmetric anatomical model is used as a guide to bronchial tree geometry. Experimental plots of nitrogen concentration versus volume expired, dead space versus breath holding time, and dead space versus tidal volume are compared with plots predicted by the models. Agreement is good. A plot of nitrogen concentration in the airways as predicted by the numerical model at different times during inhalation and exhalation of a single breath of oxygen is shown. Model predictions for changes in dead space with changes in washout gas and expiratory flow rate are discussed. Use of the analytic model for obtaining average values of the path length from mouth to alveoli in a given subject is discussed. To the extent of their agreement with experiment, the models provide a sound physical basis for the correlation of airway structure and function.

Notes: Abstract The Roginsky-Zeldovich (or Elovich) equation, which is −dx/dt=m exp (nx) (x=substrate concentration,t=time,m andn=constants), describes the kinetics of various biological electron and ion transport processes, and has been derived from the concept of charge transport across an activation energy barrier at an interface between dissimilar phases, driven by a difference in redox or ion potentials, with the simplifying assumptions that charge carrier concentration is constant, backward current across the interface is zero, and diffusion of substrate is fast. If charge carrier concentration is proportional to substrate concentration, then the kinetic equation is −dx/dt=mx exp (nx). If backward current is not zero, then −dx/dt=m 1 exp (n 1x) −m 2 exp (n 2 x), wherem 1,m 2,n 1 andn 2 are constants. Kinetic equations for interfacial charge transport in the presence of a significant substrate diffusion potential are also derived.

Notes: Abstract The study of systems exhibiting a band-pass function is completed for systems whose parameters are time-dependent. In the case of periodic parametric excitations, it is demonstrated that some systems can get into “resonance” for a particular frequency. By studying this problem, a new and probably fruitful approach of some rhythmic behaviours can be made.