ALBERT

Notes: Abstract In the theory of organismic sets (Bull. Math. Biophysics,31, 159–198, 1969) we considered organisms as sets endowed with certain “activities,” the latter’s resulting in a set of “products.” Those products may be of a material nature, like a hormone secreted by a cell, or of a non-material nature, like a feeling or an attitude. In the present paper aggressiveness and submissiveness are considered as such non-material products of the activities of the brain cells. A general description of aggressiveness and submissiveness is given in terms of organismic sets. Cycles in “peck order” are thus naturally explained.

Notes: Abstract In line with previous studies on organismic sets, the division of all organismic sets intogeneral autotrophic and heterotrophic is introduced. The first produce their food themselves from some external source of energy, which in general may be an energy of any kind. The others use other organismic sets as the source of their food and energy. On earth we know only one kind of generalgeneral autotrophic organismic sets, namely, the autotrophic plants which use solar radiation as their source of energy and for production of their own food. It is shown why autotrophic animals do not exist on earth except as microorganisms like, e.g.,Euglena. A rigorous proof of the previously derived theorem that in an organismic set of ordern〉1 no element can be completely specialized is given. It requires the introduction of new postulates. Finally, in considering the organic world as a whole, the notion of organismic sets ofmixed order is introduced.

Notes: Abstract It appears to be axiomatic that termolecular and higher order reactions occur relatively rarely. The basis for this judgment seems to lie in the supposition that successful 3-Body collisions of 3 interactive species of molecules cannot occur frequently enought to account for chemical or biochemical transformation. In order to provide a more complete mathematical framework than now exists for examining this hypothesis the probability of effective termolecular “δ-collisions” as a function of time is derived. This amounts to adding to the class of reactions for which stochastic models are now available the termolecular reaction. In common with the unimolecular and bimolecular cases this process is seen to satisfy the criterion of consistency-in-the-mean with respect to deterministic formulations. It is planned next to use the termolecular process and the lower order processes in computer-assistedin numero experimental studies aimed at comparing alternative mechanisms of reaction.

Notes: Abstract Small sample properties of the maximum likelihood estimator for the rate constant of a stochastic first order reaction are investigated. The approximate bias and variance of the maximum likelihood estimator are derived and tabulated. If observations of the system are made at timesiτ,i=1, 2, ...,N; τ〉0, the observational spacing τ which minimizes the approximate variance of the maximum likelihood estimator is found. The non-applicability of large sample theory to confidence interval derivation is demonstrated by examination of the relative likelihood. Bartlett’s method is employed to derive approximate confidence limits, and is illustrated by using simulated kinetic runs.

Notes: Abstract The representation of biological systems by means of organismic supercategories, developed in previous papers (Bull. Math. Biophysics,30, 625–636;31, 59–71;32, 539–561), is further discussed. The different approaches to relational biology, developed by Rashevsky, Rosen and by Băianu and Marinescu, are compared with Qualitative Dynamics of Systems which was initiated by Henri Poincaré (1881). On the basis of this comparison some concrete result concerning dynamics of genetic system, development, fertilization, regeneration, analogies, and oncogenesis are derived.

Notes: Abstract Some years ago (Rosen 1958a, b; 1959) we described a class of metaphorical, relational paradigms for cellular activity which we termed (M, R)-systems. A sizable amount of subsequent work, to be itemized below, has been devoted to an exploration of some of the properties of these systems. The main purpose of the present paper is to put this class of paradigms into a general system-theoretic perspective, with a particular view to appraising the relation between the type of system description embodied in the (M, R)-system and other kinds of physical and mathematical descriptions of cellular systems. Thus, the principal aim is to establish the relationships and connections between the global relational formalism embodied in the (M, R)-systems and the empirical descriptions which still represent the bulk of our biological knowledge.

Notes: Abstract After giving a brief review of the theory of organismic sets (Bull. Math. Biophysics,29, 139–152, 1967;31, 159–198, 1969), in which the concept of relational forces, introduced earlier (Bull. Math. Biophysics,28, 283–308, 1966a) plays a fundamental role, the author discusses examples of possible different structures produced by relational forces. For biological organisms the different structures found theoretically are in general agreement with observation. For societies, which are also organismic sets as discussed in the above references, the structures can be described only in an abstract space, the nature of which is discussed. Different isomorphisms between anatomical structures, as described in ordinary Euclidean space, and the sociological structures described in an abstract space are noted, as should be expected from the theory of organismic sets.

Notes: Abstract Current psychological research into the inference (diagnostic) process is briefly reviewed, using as a vehicle an investigation of the prediction of the probability of success of hypothetical applicants to a graduate program in biology. Brunswik’s lens model and multiple regression analysis are used, as is a Bayesian approach. Four judges’ (biologists’) predictions are analyzed. Some general conclusions about inference, drawn from the current data in psychology, are presented.

Notes: Abstract A mathematical model has been developed to simulate the glucose-insulin interaction following a glucose load such as occurs in an IVGTT. This model differs from earlier models in that the insulin response to glucose loading is a recurring all or none threshold response. The model has been simulated on a digital computer using the digital analog simulation language CSMP.

Notes: Abstract The composite nature of bone dictates the use of a model for bone which is transversely isotropic. We solve the associated sets of partial differential equations governing the dynamic elastic behavoor of a two-layered cylindrical-shaped bone. The solution is analyzed for long, short, and intermediate length waves. The special case of compact bone is treated for long and short wave lengths and a numerical example is worked out to determine the wave speeds (for short wave lengths) given a set of elastic constants, determined by ultrasonic methods, and the bone density, wave frequency, and radius.

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 X-ray diffraction patterns obtained experimentally for fibers, together with their chemical structures, can be analyzed theoretically in terms of an integral equation. The partially unknown electron density function can be solved by iteration. This mathematical technique has been applied with success to study the secondary structures of DNA fibers.

Notes: Abstract A general mechanism underlying bursting is proposed and described. It consists of two coupled nonlinear oscillators with different frequencies, where the slower oscillator alternatively switches the faster one on and off. This mechanism is shown to work in an extended Bonhoefer-van der Pol oscillator as well as in a modified version of the Hodgkin-Huxley equations.

Notes: Abstract Pointwise upper and lower bounds for the solution of a class of nonlinear diffusion problems with Michaelis-Menten kinetics are presented. Simple analytical bounding curves are obtained and for an illustrative case the calculated values bound the recent numerical solution of P. Hiltmann and P. Lory, 1983.Bull. math. Biol. 45, 661–664.

Notes: Abstract The cellular response in terms of steady-state variance of cell mass concentration to fluctuations in incoming nutrient concentration to a chemostat has been examined. A white noise process is assumed to describe incoming nutrient concentration fluctuations and the variance of cell mass concentration has been found to depend on cell yield (a lumped measure of nutrient concentration fluctuation magnitude and lifetime) and two system time constants.

Notes: Abstract In a well-known collection of his essays in cognitive psychology Miller (The Psychology of Communication. Penguin, 1974) describes in detail a number of experiments aiming at a determination of the limits (if any) of the human brain in processing information. He concludes that the ‘channel capacity’ of human subjects does not exceed a few bits or that the number of categories of (one-dimensional) stimuli from which unambiguous judgment can be made are of the order of ‘seven plus or minus two’. This ‘magic number’ holds also, Miller found, for the number of random digits a person can correctly recall on a row and also the number of sentences that can be inserted inside a sentence in a natural language and still be read through without confusion. In this paper we propose a dynamical model of information processing by a self-organizing system which is based on the possible use of strange attractors as cognitive devices. It comes as an amusing surprise to find that such a model can, among other things, reproduce the ‘magic number seven plus-minus two’ and also its variance in a number of cases and provide a theoretical justification for them. This justification is based on the optimum length of a code which maximizes the dynamic storing capacity for the strings of digits constituting the set of external stimuli. This provides a mechanism for the fact that the ‘human channel’, which is so narrow and so noisy (of the order of just a few bits per second or a few bits per category) possesses the ability of squeezing or ‘compressing’ practically an unlimited number of bits per symbol—thereby giving rise to a phenomenal memory.

Notes: Abstract Electrical polarization of an artery or an arteriole may be modeled by the use of equations developed for two-dimensional cable theory. Two special cases have previously been solved: those corresponding to the case in which the radius is either zero (one-dimensional cable theory) or infinite. This paper presents the general solution.

Notes: Abstract The distance geometry approach for computing the tertiary structure of globular proteins emphasized in this series of papers (Goelet al., J. theor. Biol. 99, 705–757, 1982) is developed further. This development includes incorporation of some secondary structure information—the location of alpha helices in the primary sequence—in the algorithm to compute the tertiary structure of alpha helical globular proteins. An algorithm is developed which estimates the interresidue distances between chain-proximate helices. These distances, in conjunction with the global statistical average distances obtainable from a database of real proteins and determined by the primary sequence of the protein under study, are used to determine the tertiary structure. Five proteins, parvalbumin, hemerythrin, human hemoglobin, lamprey hemoglobin, and sperm whale myoglobin, are investigated. The root mean square (RMS) errors between the calculated structures and those determined by X-ray diffraction range from 4.78 to 7.56 Å. These RMSs are 0.21–2.76 Å lower than those estimated without the secondary structure information. Contact maps and three-dimensional backbone representations also show considerable improvements with the introduction of secondary structure information.

Notes: Abstract If a plane membrane consists of patches, each with a given area and a given diffusion coefficient, then the transient of the total unidirectional flux of a diffusing substance (as defined experimentally by Ussing) is predictable. Here the inverse problem is studied: given only the observed transient of the total unidirectional diffusion flux, the unknown membrane heterogeneity transverse to the flux is to be quantified. The ratio of the arithmetic and of the harmonic means (both area-weighted) of the diffusion coefficients, evaluated over the membrane, is expressed in terms of the observed transient alone and is used to characterize the heterogeneity. A unique exact solution of the inverse problem for two kinds of patches is obtained in closed form. A singular limit of this solution pertains to currently postulated models of endothelial membranes, for which a characteristically shaped transient is predicted.

Notes: Abstract Major types of sequence similarity searching (often, and incorrectly, called ‘homology’ searching) are reviewed and examples of each are presented. The features and limitations of each type of program, and individual implementations of each type are discussed. Two pairs of sequences are used as examples to show how implementations of each type differ in their results and their presentation. Both local and global alignment programs are examined, and the programs reviewed run on many different types of computer architectures, from laboratory computers such as the IBM PC, minicomputers such as the VAX, to large mainframe computers such as DEC-10/20 series.

Notes: Abstract Criteria for the existence of globally stable equilibria in classical Volterra predator-prey systems represented by loop graphs are provided by comparing the community matrix with a matrix belonging to matrix classS W .

Notes: Abstract Ordinary reaction-diffusion mechanisms do not account for size invariance properties of morphogenetic fields. We show that such a failure results from ignoring cell individuality. By considering purely topological factors, such as the number of intercellular contacts or the extent of the cell surface in contact with neighbouring cells, size invariance exists in reaction-diffusion systems. Our results are general, model independent and may be applied to any multi-unit ensemble exhibiting coherent behaviour.

Notes: Abstract The artery is treated as a thick-walled cylindrical shell. Using the large deformation theory, an analytical expression for the pulse wave speed is obtained and the effect of twist on the wave speed is discussed. Numerical results indicate that although phase velocity increases with pressure, it decreases with increasing twist angle.

Notes: Abstract The effect of the shape of stenosis on the resistance to blood flow through an artery with mild local narrowing has been studied. It is shown that the resistance to flow decreases as the shape of stenosis changes and the maximum resistance is attained in the case of symmetric stenosis.

Notes: Abstract A set of 2n−2 relations (edges) and a set ofn−1 hypothetical taxonomic units (HTUs) derive from the estimation of a binary phylogeny of a set ofn operational taxonomic units (OTUs). We propose an easy way for numbering thesen−1 hypothetical taxonomic units, as well as for then−2 interior points of an unrooted binary phylogeny. We also present an alternative method to the one proposed by Rohlf (Bull. math. Biol. 45, 33–40, 1983) for numbering the π i=1 n (2i−3) possible rooted binary phylogenies and the π i=1 n−1 (2i−3) possible unrooted binary phylogenies conerning a set ofn operational taxonomic units. An illustrative example of the method is presented. It is hoped that some studies in phylogenetics will become more accessible, from the viewpoint of computational economy, by the use of this method.

Notes: Abstract The heterogeneity of rat brain opiate receptors was examined by analyzing competition data. The binding of three prototypical tritiated opioid agonists, [3H]-dihydromorphine ([3H]-DHM), [3H]-D-ala2-D-leu5-enkephalin ([3H]-DADLE), and [3H]-ethylketocyclazocine ([3H]-EKC) was determined in the presence of varying concentrations of each of these unlabeled ligands, generating nine displacement curves. A computer program was then used to find the best fit of a model system to these data, assuming two, three or four independent binding sites. The best fit was a four-site model. One of these sites is specific for DHM; two are relatively selective for DHM and DADLE respectively, but also bind EKC. The remaining site binds only EKC with high affinity. These results, together with displacement data using naloxone, FK33824, and D-ala2-met5-enkephalinamide, are discussed in terms of current opiate receptor models.

Notes: Abstract This work continues with an examination of capillary exchange models as operators, namely the operatorsO k andK αk relating extravascular and intravascular concentration to input for the Krogh cylinder model of a single capillary, a model basic to many organ models. Fundamental algebraic and analytic properties are presented: the operators belong to a commutative Banach algebra; an addition theorem holdsK αk +K βk =K α+β,k ; the operatorK αk has an inverse;K αk -1 , (as an operator on LebesgueL p space or on the locally integrable functions); partial derivatives are given forK αk [f](t) andO k [f](t) (sensitivity functions); and inequalities are established for the derivatives. Dominance relations between model curves are inferred. Error bound formulas are presented forK andO as bounds on ‖K αk f-K βl f‖ p and ‖O k f-O l f‖ p for allL p . Consequent limitations on relative errors are shown. The implications for operators on a finite time interval are deduced.

Notes: Abstract The nonlinear nature of the hydraulic permeability, as well as the corresponding pressure and displacement fields, in a soft tissue are studied for steady-state permeation. From a two-phase continuum model analytical expressions are derived that can be used with the results from a permeation experiment to determine the dependence of the permeability on the strain. In the process it is found that, because of the compaction of the tissue arising from fluid flow, it is necessary to distinguish between the apparent and intrinsic permeability. The former, which is an averaged quantity, is the permeability usually obtained in permeation studies. However, as shown from the analysis, it can differ substantially from the latter, which is the local permeability in the tissue.

Notes: Abstract The analytic, eccentric spheres model of the torso was used to examine the validity of approximating the ‘infinite medium’ potential by integrating ‘finite medium potentials’ over the torso surface. Although idealized, the analytic model is sophisticated enough for all important torso conductivity and geometry parameters to be preserved in the formulation. The model generates both ‘finite medium’ potentials (for which the torso is surrounded by air) and also ‘infinite medium’ potentials (for which the outermost layer of the torso extends outward to infinity). The finite medium torso potentials were integrated over the torso surface in accordance with the approximation used by many investigators in an effort to make the surface distribution more representative of the primary cardiac sources. The resulting potential distribution was compared with the true infinite medium potential, in which the effects of internal inhomogeneities (secondary sources) were taken into account. The difference between the two representations was found to be significant, and caution should be used when interpreting such data.

Notes: Abstract Environ analysis, an input-output analysis for models of ecological systems, has been previously formulated for linear systems. This note has a twofold purpose: first, we indicate that a variation of parameters technique can be applied, at least in principle, to computeboth input and output environs; and second, we show that this technique may be used for computation of environs in nonautonomous, nonlinear compartment models. This nonlinear theory, obtained as a direct extension of dynamical system developments, allows the traditional environ partitioning of compartmental storages and flows. An example of a nonlinear nutrient-producer-consumer system whose output environs can be computed asymptotically is presented to illustrate these concepts.

Notes: Abstract Prolonged exposure to cyanide leads to a delayed but reversible disappearance of tetanic hyperpolarization in theXenopus node (G. M. Schoepfle,Am. J. Physiol. 231, 1033–1038, 1976). This effect is attributed to a pronounced decline in the absolute values of the ATP and ADP concentrations, such that the ATP-driven ion translocation is no longer possible, regardless of the existing values for (Na)i, (K)i and the (ATP)/(ADP) ratio. Mathematically, this would imply a vanishing of a constant pump conductance gp in the exression for electrogenic pump current densitityJ p, whereJ p=g p (V m −E p) in whichV m is membrane potential andE p is an ATP-and sodium-dependent e.m.f.

Notes: Abstract For the two-parameter (A, α) exponentially-stiffening constituitive relation, typical of many biological materials, it is shown that the uniaxial stress-strain behavior of an initially curved strip is significantly changed by the residual bending stresses. Closedform theoretical results depend on the thickness to radius ratio (h/R) and the relative strain level ε(h/R). The bending stresses tend to obscure accurate measurement ofA and α unless care is taken. However, it is shown that by changing co-ordinates to (dℝ/d∈, ℝ)-space, bothA and α can be recovered from the high stress data, and α alone can be recovered from the low stress data. This has practical application to the mechanics of cornea, sclera, and heart muscle.

Notes: Abstract An axisymmetric flow of a power law fluid through circular tubes under constant pressure gradient with the flow parameters varying radially is analyzed theoretically. The main finding is that for the Fahraeus-Lindqvist (F-L) effect to occur, it is necessary to have at least one of the parametersK (consistency) andn (index) as a discontinuous function ofr in the absence of wall slip; and with slip condition the parameters could be continuous functions ofr under specific conditions. In both the cases the existence of more than one discontinuity cannot be ruled out. The results obtained are consistent with experimental findings of blood flow through narrow tubes.

Notes: Abstract This is a study of the properties of a zygotic algebra of two linked autosomal loci with different recombination rates in males and females, without selection or mutation and with random mating. The above-mentioned zygotic algebra contains a genetic subalgebra. A canonical basis of this subalgebra is constructed and the train roots are calculated.

Notes: Abstract Among the conformations which the DNA molecule can adopt, the transition beween the A and B families, controlled by water content (relative humidity), seems to be implicated in the transcription process. Focusing on the main structural difference involved (tilting of base normals with respect to the helix axis), a model is constructed, solitary wave solutions of the resulting equation of motion are demonstrated and possible experimental implications indicated.

Notes: Abstract Balls are removed one-at-a-time at equal time intervals from an urn initially containingw 0 white balls and a large number b of black balls and each black or white ball is immediately replaced by a black ball. The distribution of the number of white balls remaining aftert iterations (under certain limiting operations) is taken from the literature. The problem is to use this result to find the time required to remove a fixed number of white ballsw 1 from the urn. We then find the mean and variance of this distribution and also look at the special case whenw 1 =w 0.

Notes: Abstract Approximate equations for epithelial solute and water transport have been combined with the relations of mass conservation to yield a single differential equation representing volume flow along the proximal tubule. This flow equation is first order, quasilinear and may be integrated directly. For the steady state, the result is an implicit relation between volume flow and distance along the tubule. For two time-dependent problems (step change of tubule inlet velocity or osmolality) the trajectories (distance as a function of transit time) of a fluid element starting at the inlet are obtained. Differentiation of the steady-state relation with respect to the inlet velocity yields a first-order differential equation relating inlet and outlet velocity. This equation is considered in detail, particularly with regard to the influence of solute-linked water reabsorption. Model calculations with parameters representing rat proximal tubule indicate that it will be difficult to discern coupled water flux in this epithelium from only outlet and inlet flows. Calculations using lower transport rates and lower permeabilities suggest that this equation may be useful in quantifying coupled water flow in proximal tubules from other species.

Notes: Abstract The branching characteristic of the arterial system is such that blood pressure pulses propagate with minimum loss. This characteristic depends on the geometric and elastic properties of branching vessels. In the current investigation, mathematical relations of branching geometry and elastic properties are formulated and their relative contributions to pulse reflection at an arterial junction are analyzed. Results show that alteration of pulse transmission through the junction is more significantly affected by changes in branching vessel radii and wall thickness than by corresponding percentage changes in vessel wall elastic moduli.

Notes: Abstract Galerkin's finite element-Laplace transform technique (GAFELTTE) has been used to study transient temperature distribution in human skin and subcutaneous tissues. This study incorporates heat conduction, heat carried by perfusion of blood in the capillary beds and metabolic heat generation in the tissues. Different values of various quantities have been considered in all three parts, namely epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissues, depending on physiological considerations. The GAFELTTE provides interface temperatures for a wide range of the values of skin surface temperatures. These values have been used to obtain temperature profiles in the region considered. Steady-state temperature distribution has been deduced from the solution obtained by GAFELTTE and has been compared with the results obtained by using different methods.

Notes: Abstract Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for three equilibria to occur in a predatorprey model and conditions are given for two of these to be stable. The existence of two stable equilibria requires predator intraspecific competition for either space or food, and the lower the prey growth rate the stronger this predator self-regulation must be. A prey growth rate that is skewed to the right, the ability of a few predators to survive at low prey densities, and predators with high searching effectiveness, long handling times, and large maximum per capita rate of increase all make two stable equilibria more likely.

Notes: Abstract Drawing evidence from a variety of cardiovascular studies on the heart rate in homeothermic animals, the author establishes the following thesis. The servocontrol (i.e. the autonomic and reflex control) by the medulla oblongata of the heart (rate) is a negative feedback dynamic which is isomorphic (i.e. ‘diffeomorphic’) to the dyamic underlying the heat rate control in those animals (cf. Kuyk,Bull. math. Biol. 46, 81–102, 1984). In fact, unlike in the heat rate case, the qualitative evidence supporting this thesis can not be fully complemented by quantitative data stemming from experiments, because of a lack of pertinent experiments—which, indeed, should measuresimultaneously the heart rate state parameter and thefour control parameters at the input side of the medulla. The results of some of the existing experiments on animal preparations can nevertheless be adduced to recognize that this dynamic can be graphed by the five-dimensional butterfly catastrophe type. The theory leads to new ways of looking at experiments in the field and/or setting up such experiments in the future.

Notes: Abstract A model based upon minimization of surface energy is proposed as an explanation for compaction and internalization of cells during mammalian embryo development. The model is used to simulate and graphically display these phenomena on a computer.

Notes: Abstract This paper describes a growth model for binary topological trees. The model defines the branching probability of all segments in the tree. The branching probability of a segment is formulated as a function of two variables, one indicating its type (intermediate or terminal), the other representing its order, i.e. the topological distance to the root segment. The function is determined by two parameters, namely the ratio of branching probabilities of intermediate and terminal segments and the strength of the order dependency, implemented in an exponential form. Expressions are derived for the calculation of symmetry properties of the partitions and it is indicated which part of the parameter domain results in predominantly symmetrical trees.

Notes: Abstract The problem of cellular differentiation and consequent pattern generation during embryonic development has been mathematically investigated with the help of a reaction-diffusion model. It is by now a well-recognized fact that diffusion of micromolecules (through intercellular gap junctions), which is dependent on the spatial parameter (r), serve the purpose of ‘positional information’ for differentiation. Based on this principle the present model has been constructed by coupling the Goodwin-type equations for RNA and protein synthesis with the diffusion process. The homogeneous Goodwin system can exhibit stable periodic solution if the value of the cooperativity as measured by the Hill coefficient (ρ) is greater than 8, which is not biologically realistic. In the present work it has been observed that inclusion of a negative cross-diffusion can drive the system into local instability for any value of ρ and thus a time-periodic spatial solution is possible around the unstable local equilibrium, eventually leading to a definite pattern formation. Inclusion of a negative cross-diffusion thus makes the system biologically realistic. The cross-diffusion can also give rise to a stationary wave-like dissipative structure.

Notes: Abstract A nes software system is described for building simulation programs on micro- and minicomputers. Model equations are written as C subroutines, compiled and linked to the SCoP package to produce a menu-driven, interactive program. The system maintains a database of names, values, and units for all model parameters and variables. Run-time options include several methods for interactive parameter modification and both graphic and tabular outputs, with output values presented as they are calculated. Simulation output values can be compared with experimental data graphically and a companion program SCoPFit is provided for formal optimization of parameter values.

Notes: Abstract We consider the existence and global stability of aq-member equilibrium (1≤q≤n) in partially closed food-chains of lengthn having an abiotic component as resource. We observe that such existence demands bounds of resource supply rate and these bounds are weighted sums of interaction coefficients. Particular results of global sector-stability of partially feasible equilibria of simple food-chains obeying Lotka-Volterra dynamics are shown. Lastly the elasticity of such food-chains when a new species is introduced at the highest trophic level is investigated.

Notes: Abstract Criteria are established for three classes of models of single-species dynamics with a single discrete delay to have a globally asymptotically stable positive equilibrium independent of the length of delay.

Notes: Abstract The main concern of this paper is with survival or extinction of predators in models of predator-prey systems exhibiting group defence of the prey. It is shown that if there is no mutual interference among predators, enrichment could result in their extinction. However, if there is mutual interference, the predator population survives (at least deterministically).

Notes: Abstract In this paper a general class of semi-Markov compartmental systems is studied. Two models for different input processes are analysed. Attention has been paid to the recurrence times associated with each compartment and to the distribution of the number of particles in each compartment. As an example, a three-compartment system is discussed to study the movement between three health states of patients with chronic diseases.

Notes: Abstract A strategy is presented for searching the gene and protein sequence data banks which combines the use of two previously described algorthms. The implementation of this strategy is thoroughly evaluated with respect to sensitivity, specificity and speed. The establishment of standard benchmarks for comparing programs that rearch the sequence data banks for homology is proposed.

Notes: Abstract During functional linkage, ligand receptors are coupled to other receptors and to the cell's metabolic-transport apparatus. The linkage guides the cellular processing of matter, energy and information. Previous conceptions of functional linkage have used the ideas of classical physics appropriate to macroscopic objects. This study presents an initial quantum mechanical model of functional linkage in the case of ligands moving through lipid bilayers and hydrophilic transmembrane channels (‘pores’) of molecular dimensions. On the basis of permeability data, energy surfaces consisting of piecewise-constant potential regions are used to model the lipid bilayers and transmembrane channels. The centre-of-mass wavefunction for a ligand on such energy surfaces is analysed and the permeability coefficients calculated from the wavefunction's transmission characteristics. It is found that quasi-bound states in the several ligand-binding regions of a bilayer or pore system can functionally link to facilitate the passage of the molecule across the permeability barrier. Appearance of the linkage is a sensitive function of the ligand's energy. If the centre-of-mass energies are distributed as in a thermalized fluid, the flux via the quantum functional linkage can equal or exceed that of a classical flux for proton transport through rigid pores in which the intrasite barriers are relatively high (0.25–1 eV) and narrow (0.1–1 Å). The functional linkage plays a less important role in bilayer (rather than pore) energy surfaces and at higher molecular weights. If the ligand-receptor interaction is accompanied by energy transfer to or from ligands, the flux via the quantum functional linkage can equal or exceed the classically expected flux at all relevant ligand molecular weights. These findings are discussed in relation to earlier work and the limitations of the model emphasized.

Notes: Abstract A new measure of subalignment similarity is introduced. Specifically, similaritys(l,c) is defined as the logarithm to the basep of the probability of findingc or fewer mismatches in a subalignment of lengthl, wherep is the probability of a match. Previous algorithms can not use this measure to find locally optimal subalignments because, unlike Needleman-Wunsch and Sellers similarities, this measure is nonlinear. A new pattern recognition algorithm is described for finding all locally optimal subalignments of two nucleotide sequences. The DD algorithm can uses(l, c) or any other reasonable similarity function to assess the relative interest of subalignments. The DD algorithm searches only the diagonal graph, which lacks insertions and deletions. This search strategy greatly decreases the computation time and does not require an arbitrary choice of gap cost. The paths of the resulting DD graph usually draw attention to likely locations for insertions and deletions. A heuristic formula is derived for estimating significance levels fors(l, c) in the context of the lengths of the two aligned sequences. The DD algorithm has been used to find interesting subalignments between the nucleotide sequences for human and murine interleukin 2.

Notes: Abstract The entropy budget of a white-tailed deer (50kg) on a maintenance diet and a full-feed diet in a standing posture in an open field under clear nocturnal skies with an air temperature of −20°C is investigated based on the energetics given by Moen. Entropy inflow into a white-tailed deer due to infra-red radiation and entropy outflows from a deer due to infra-red radiation, convection, evaporation of water and conduction to ingested food are calculated. Also the entropy production due to metabolic heat production is estimated. Net entropy flow into a deer from its environment becomes negative. On the assumption that a white-tailed deer is in a steady state in entropy, the total entropy production in a deer on a maintenance diet becomes +0.46 J/sec/K. Positiveness of the entropy production shows that the Second Law of Thermodynamics certainly holds in a white-tailed deer. The entropy production per effective radiating surface area of a deer on a maintenance diet is 0.32×10−4 J/cm2/sec/K. On the other hand, the entropy production in a deer on a full-feed diet is 0.59 J/sec/K and that per effective surface area is 0.41×10−4 J/cm2/sec/K. Uptake of 1 g of food produces 22 J/K of entropy within the body of a white-tailed deer. Comparison is made with the results for entropy production in a lizard and in plant leaves.

Notes: Abstract Biological adaptability has been proved to be analysable by means of the Maximum Entropy Formalism (MAXENT) in some cases of non-interacting systems. This formalism is extended to the biomass statistical structures of populations exhibiting internal interactions (i.e. predatorprey effects).

Notes: Abstract The temporal behaviours of the nonlinear substructure of a self-organized compartmental model of calcium metabolism were investigated. The order-two autocatalytic process included in this simple two-dimensional model is compared to some secondary nucleation mechanisms which should take place at the extracellular fluid-bone interface. The model gives rise to complex dynamic behaviours, and multistability properties, involving up to two stable periodic regimes (birhythmicity), were established in different topological configurations. The bifurcations occurring on the boundaries between regions of different qualitative behaviour have been determined. These properties are discussed in relation to the dynamical behaviour of other two-variable models, especially those including the same nonlinearity.

Notes: Abstract A linearized oscillation theorem due to Kulenović, Ladas and Meimaridou (1987,Quart. appl. Math. XLV, 155–164) and an extension of it are applied to obtain the oscillation of solutions of several equations which have appeared in population dynamics. They include the logistic equation with several delays, Nicholson's blowflies model as described by Gurney, Blythe and Nisbet (1980,Nature, Lond. 287, 17–21) and the Lasota-Wazewska model of the red blood cell supply in an animal. We also developed a linearized oscillation result for difference equations and applied it to several equations taken from the biological literature.

Notes: Abstract A theoretical approach to the explanation of the structural design of metabolic pathway is presented. It is based on the hypothesis that due to natural selection during evolution the cellular metabolism of present-day organisms may be characterized by optimal properties. Two cardinal terms enter the theory: (i) the efficiency of a metabolic pathway and (ii) the evolutionary effort for the change of the kinetic parameters of enzymes by mutations of the corresponding genes. For both quantities simple mathematical expressions are proposed. While the efficiency is related to the reaction rates of the enzymes constituting the metabolic pathway, the evolutionary effort is considered to be a monotonically increasing function of the parameter values. By maximizing the efficiency under the constraint of a fixed evolutionary effort the theory allows the calculation of the optimal parameter distribution as the outcome of evolution processes. The methods developed are applied to the following systems: (a) linear reaction sequences with very low affinities of the enzymes towards substrates, (b) linear sequences consisting of saturable enzymatic reactions, (c) branched metabolic pathways consisting of segments of linear chains and (d) glycolysis of erythrocytes. The conclusion is derived that the optimal distribution of kinetic constants depends strongly on the equilibrium constants of the reactions as well as on the total osmolarity of the metabolic intermediates. Without osmotic constraints the evolutionary effort is mainly spent on the enzymes at the beginning of the chain. Using Michaelis-Menten equations the optimal state is characterized by a decrease of the maximal activities of the enzymes towards the end of the chain. These results are modified if osmotic constraints are taken into account. At the investigation of branched pathways the following results were obtained: firstly, if a certain end product may be synthesized along different pathways those which are thermodynamically more unfavourable (e.g. characterized by a small change of free energy) are eliminated in the course of evolution; secondly, if a branched pathway leads to several important end products those reaction segments which are thermodynamically unfavourable are characterized by a higher evolutionary effort. The application of the theory to a realistic model of glycolysis of erythrocytes leads to a correct description of various functionally important properties of the system, such as the ratio between fluxes through different branches and the ATP/ADP ratio, whereas the theory cannot predict the strong separation of time constants observed in the real glycolytic system. It is concluded that the improvement of the predictive power of the theory necessitates the use of more complex functionals for the efficiency which take into account not only the fluxes but also other system properties such as the stability of the pathway or homoeostatic effects.

Notes: Abstract A dynamical model of the left ventricle as a thick-walled cylinder contracting radially is used to derive the P-V (pressure-volume) relation in the left ventricular cavity during contraction. It is shown how the mathematical results derived could apply to experimental results.

Notes: Abstract We give conditions for local and global stability of discrete one-dimensional population models. We give a new test for local stability when the derivative is −1. We give several sufficient conditions for global stability. We use these conditions to show that local and global stability coincide for the usual models from the literature and even for slightly more complicated models. We give population models, which are in some sense the simplest models, for which local and global stability do not coincide.

Notes: Abstract For an environmental system described by a system of nonlinear first-order differential equations, the problem of achieving specified terminal conditions in a given time with a minimum expenditure of resources is considered. The initial conditions and the minimum value are found numerically in a particular example.

Notes: Abstract We consider efficient methods for computing a difference metric between two sequences of symbols, where the cost of an operation to insert or delete a block of symbols is a concave function of the block's length. Alternatively, sequences can be optimally aligned when gap penalties are a concave function of the gap length. Two algorithms based on the ‘candidate list paradigm’ first used by Waterman (1984) are presented. The first computes significantly more parsimonious candidate lists than Waterman's method. The second method refines the first to the point of guaranteeingO(N 2 lgN) worst-case time complexity, and under certain conditionsO(N 2). Experimental data show how various properties of the comparison problem affect the methods' relative performance. A number of extensions are discussed, among them a technique for constructing optimal alignments inO(N) space in expectation. This variation gives a practical method for comparing long amino sequences on a small computer.

Notes: Abstract It is well documented, in the biological literature, that many species throughout the animal kingdom exhibit Gompertzian or Weibull-like population level total survival distributions. Many researchers have long assumed, believed, or otherwise postulated that an individual organism, in such a population, survived according to an exponential survival distribution. Using well-known results from reliability theory, it is shown that if every individual in the population has an exponentially distributed lifespan, then a Gompertzian or Weibull-like group/population level dynamics (or any other dynamics with a strictly increasing mortality rate for some interval) is not possible. This implies that, for species with a population level Gompertzian or Weibull (with the mortality rate strictly increasing) survival curve, some or all of the individual organisms must have non-exponentially distributed lifespans.

Notes: Abstract In flow cytometric measurement of cell DNA distribution one of the major problems is accounting for the effect of fragmentation in the staining process. This work considers a recent probabilistic model that has been proposed for the fragmentation process and species under which conditions it is possible to uniquely identify the DNA distributions of the original population using flow cytometric data. Attention is given both to the normal and to the polyploid case.

Notes: Abstract A kinetic model of neural systems is introduced and discussed with statistical mechanics techniques. It is assumed that, for a macroscopic description of the model, it suffices to consider only the distribution for the velocity and position of the impulses, and the distribution for the excitation and position of the neurons, at any timet. Making use of Boltzmann's method for the study of a dilute gas, coupled differential equations for the rate of change with time of the distributions have been constructed.

Notes: Abstract Creeping flow of a Newtonian fluid through a rigid permeable tube is considered and the transmural seepage is assumed to obey Darcy's law. Closed-form solutions for the pressure and velocity fields are presented and equations describing the axial variation of the mean cross-sectional pressure, the axial volumetric flow and the transmural fluid flux are derived. Approximate solutions for small seepage rates are given and are applied to the flow in the proximal renal tubule. Probable values for the epithelium permeability and the intraluminal hydrostatic pressure drop are obtained.

Notes: Abstract The paper demonstrates that it is possible to construct memory models where the information inserted is stored in disseminated form, using sequential coding, the changes in the units forming the models being determined by their geometrical connections and by the incoming stream of information. The models are shown to have large storage capacity and their efficiency can be made insensitive to loss of or damage to a large fraction of their units. The satisfactory verification by computer simulation of the analysis and results described in the present paper will be the subject of a future paper.

Notes: Abstract The nonlinear behavior of a particular Kolmogorov-type exploitation differential equation system assembled by May (1973,Stability and Complexity in Model Ecosystems, Princeton University Press) from predator and prey components developed by Leslie (1948,Biometrica 35, 213–245) and Holling (1973,Mem. Entomol. Soc. Can. 45, 1–60), respectively, is re-examined by means of the numerical bifurcation code AUTO 86 with model parameters chosen appropriately for a temperature dependent mite interaction on fruit trees. The most significant result of this analysis is that, in addition to the temperature ranges over which the single community equilibrium point of the system iseither globally stableor gives rise to a globally stable limit cycle, there can also exist a range wherein multiple stable states occur. These stable states consist of a focus (spiral point) and a limit cycle, separated from each other in the phase plane by an unstable limit cycle. The ecological implications of such metastability, hysteresis and threshold behavior for the occurrence of outbreaks, the persistence of oscillations, the resiliency of the system and the biological control of mite populations are discussed. It is further suggested that a model of this sort which possesses a single community equilibrium point may be more useful for representing outbreak phenomena, especially in the presence of oscillations, than the non-Kolmogorov predator-prey systems possessing three community equilibrium points, two of which are stable and the other a saddle point, traditionally employed for this purpose.

Notes: Abstract This note is concerned with a simple mathematical model of how a population of bacterial spores decrease with time when subjected to a uniform temperature. The model assumes that there is a Boltzman distribution of energy among water or other molecules surrounding the assumed single lethal target in a spore; it assumes that repair is not possible; and that only molecules with energies above a critical level cause inactivation. The model provides new insight concerning the ‘kill-rate’ of spores during ultra heat treatment.

Notes: Abstract We examine in detail Edward Kerner’s method for linearizing the equations of enzyme kinetics. Our main result is the determination of canonical forms for systems which can be linearized by the method. This is done both in general and in the special cases of two and three dimensions where complete results are obtained. The practical problem of identifying linearizable systems is also considered and computable necessary criteria are presented.

Notes: Abstract A general method for determination of the volume of a space in a non steady state condition, in case diffusion might be significant, is developed. Instantaneous mixing of indicators with native fluid is assumed in this first stage of investigation. Theoretical expressions are obtained for the volume of the space and the diffusion coefficient as a function of time. An analysis of feasibility of the method is also included.