Annals of Biomedical Engineering

, Volume 1, Issue 4, pp 385–445 | Cite as

Finite level models of biological systems

  • Donald S. Gann
  • George L. Cryer
  • James D. Schoeffler
Article
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Abstract

This paper attempts to define the concept of finite level models within the context of systems theory and to indicate the applicability of this concept to biological systems. The rationale for finite level models is considered, and the concepts of quantization and the techniques for achieving it are described. The utility of these models, particularly for hypothesis testing, is examined in some detail.

There follows a thorough consideration of a static model of adrenocortical control as well as some examples of dynamic models. It is shown that the requirement for computational ability can be met in each case by the development of techniques for the solution of simultaneous boolean equations, since the problems of parameter estimation and of ascertaining controllability or reachability reduce to the solution of such equations. The paper concludes with a discussion of two techniques for the solution of simultaneous boolean equations, both of which have been implemented on the computer.

Keywords

Parameter Estimation Static Model Biological System System Theory Hypothesis Testing 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Academic Press, Inc. 1973

Authors and Affiliations

  • Donald S. Gann
    • 1
    • 2
  • George L. Cryer
    • 1
    • 2
  • James D. Schoeffler
    • 1
    • 2
  1. 1.Departments of Biomedical Engineering and SurgeryThe Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimore
  2. 2.Systems Research CenterCase Western Reserve UniversityCleveland

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