Biological Feedback / Edition 1

by Rene Thomas, Richard D'Ari

Overview

Clearly explaining the logical analysis of biological control phenomena, Biological Feedback answers questions concerning everything from regulation to logic. This rare monograph presents a formal methodology for analyzing the dynamic behavior of complex systems. The easy-to-read text describes a simple logical formalization called "kinetic logic". The reader discovers how this method is used to predict all possible patterns of behavior of which a system is capable. It includes specific conditions required for each pattern. It also explains how to modify an incorrect model in order to account for the observed behavior. The authors give special attention to the two basic types of simple feedback loops: positive and negative. This volume is filled with easy-to-use tables, providing quick reference throughout the book. The subject matter is of great interest to everyone working in molecular genetics and developmental biology. Researchers, immunologists, physical chemists, physicists, electrical engineers, economists, and mathematicians will find this unique text to be an informative, indispensable resource.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780849367663
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/25/1990
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Rene Thomas, Richard D'Ari

Table of Contents

PART I: TOOLS. Introduction to Part I. Elements of Combinatorial Logic. Kinetic Logic I: From Logical Structure to Behavior. Kinetic Logic II: The Conditions Determining the Choices Among Pathways. Inductive Use of Kinetic Logic. Elements of the Differential Description. Generalized Kinetic Logic. Generalized Logical vs. Differential Description. PART II: FEEDBACK LOOPS. Introduction to Part II. Simple Negative Feedback Loops Generate Homeostasis: Differential Description. Simple Negative Feedback Loops Generate Homeostasis: Logical Description. Simple Positive Feedback Loops Generate Differentiation: Differential Description. Simple Positive Feedback Loops Generate Multistationarity: Logical Description. How Can a Transient Signal Switch a Function on Permanently? Many Steady States. Systems with Positive and Negative Feedback Loops. PART III: APPLICATIONS. Epigenetic Differences and Multiple Steady States. The Logical Treatment of Diffusion. The SOS Response. Bacteriophage l. Logical Modelization of Neuronal Networks. A Model Analysis of the Immune Response. On Determination and Differentiation. Appendix 1: How to Find a Steady State Value by Iteration. Appendix 2: Trajectories and Evolution. Appendix 3: A Little More About Linear Stability Analysis. Appendix 4: Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Description. Index.