A new paradigm for theory in integrative biology: the principle of auto-associative stabilization: biochemical networks and the selection of neuronal groups.
(2006)
Journal - Journal of integrative neuroscience (England )
Abstract :
This paper discusses rationale for a theory in biology: what exactly is a theory in biology? Is it of a mathematical nature? How to conceive an integrative theory and why? Replies to these questions are offered for subsequent discussions as concerns the mathematical theory of integrative physiology (MTIP) proposed by the author. It is shown that such a theory is a theoretical framework built on a representation in terms of hierarchical functional interactions and a specific formalism, the S-Propagator, to traverse the levels of organization. As for all natural theories, the MTIP is based on a general principle specific to biology, the principle of auto-associative stabilization (PAAS). In this framework, two models are revisited for a novel interpretation: the first addresses the dynamics of biochemical networks, the second addresses the selection of groups of neurons (TSGN) as suggested by Edelman.
| ISSN : | 0219-6352 |
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| Mesh Heading : | Algorithms Animals Brain Chemistry Central Nervous System Energy Metabolism Feedback, Biochemical Humans Nerve Net Neuronal Plasticity Neurons Signal Transduction physiology physiology physiology physiology physiology |
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| Mesh Heading Relevant : | Neural Networks (Computer) physiology chemistry metabolism chemistry physiology |
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On the existence of physiological age based on functional hierarchy: a formal definition related to time irreversibility.
(2006)
Journal - Journal of integrative neuroscience (England )
Abstract :
The present approach of aging and time irreversibility is a consequence of the theory of functional organization that I have developed and presented over recent years (see e.g., Ref. 11). It is based on the effect of physically small and numerous perturbations known as fluctuations, of structural units on the dynamics of the biological system during its adult life. Being a highly regulated biological system, a simple realistic hypothesis, the time-optimum regulation between the levels of organization, leads to the existence of an internal age for the biological system, and time-irreversibility associated with aging. Thus, although specific genes are controlling aging, time-irreversibility of the system may be shown to be due to the degradation of physiological functions. In other words, I suggest that for a biological system, the nature of time is specific and is an expression of the highly regulated integration. An internal physiological age reflects the irreversible course of a living organism towards death because of the irreversible course of physiological functions towards dysfunction, due to the irreversible changes in the regulatory processes. Following the works of Prigogine and his colleagues in physics, and more generally in the field of non-integrable dynamical systems (theorem of Poincaré-Misra), I have stated this problem in terms of the relationship between the macroscopic irreversibility of the functional organization and the basic mechanisms of regulation at the lowest "microscopic" level, i.e., the molecular, lowest level of organization. The neuron-neuron elementary functional interaction is proposed as an illustration of the method to define aging in the nervous system.
| ISSN : | 0219-6352 |
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| Mesh Heading : | Aging Animals Central Nervous System Death Humans Models, Biological Nerve Net Nonlinear Dynamics Oxidative Stress physiology physiology |
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| Mesh Heading Relevant : | Entropy Systems Theory Time physiology physiology |
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The use of representation and formalism in a theoretical approach to integrative neuroscience.
(2005)
Journal - Journal of integrative neuroscience (England )
Abstract :
In the light of existing physical theories, it is shown that representation in terms of functional interactions and formalism (S-Propagators) should satisfy three physical and six biological constraints. Consequences are summarized for neurohormonal field, developmental phase, aging phase, functional hierarchy, Principle of Auto-Associative stability (PAAS), self-organization and neural selection, Darwinian evolution, and the intelligence of movement. Abstraction and complexity of the proposed theories are discussed relatively to their advantages for integrative neuroscience.
| ISSN : | 0219-6352 |
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| Mesh Heading : | Aging Animals Biophysical Phenomena Biophysics Brain Humans Mathematics Neurons Time Factors physiology cytology physiology physiology |
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| Mesh Heading Relevant : | Models, Biological Neurosciences Systems Integration |
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