A Model for the Control of the Rat Estrous Cycle

1969 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neena B. Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Reproductive Cycle ◽  
Adaptive Significance ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Reproduction System ◽  
System A ◽  
Cyclic Function ◽  
And Function

This paper first reviews the basic elements of the reproduction system in female mammals and indicates the adaptive significance of the cyclicity of structure and function always observed in this system. A detailed description of the reproductive cycle in the laboratory rat is then presented, and a theoretical model of the control of the rat estrous cycle is described. The purpose of the model is to “explain” the mechanism of cyclic function of reproduction in the rat. Some examples of the heuristic value of the model are then outlined, including the beginning of computer simulation.

A lattice theory approach to the structure of mental models

1990 ◽  
Vol 327 (1241) ◽  
pp. 577-583 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical System ◽  
Mental Model ◽  
Lattice Theory ◽  
Decision Aids ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
System A ◽  
Physical Form ◽  
And Function ◽  
Objective Description

Lattice theory is proposed to provide a formalism for the knowledge base used as a mental model by the operator of a complex system. The ordering relation ‘>’ is interpreted as ‘is caused by’, and the lattice becomes a representation of the operator’s causal hypotheses about the system. A given system can be thought of causally in different ways (purposes, mechanics, physical form, etc.). Each gives rise to a separate lattice. These are related to each other and to an objective description of the structure and function of the physical system by homomorphic mappings. Errors arise when nodes on the mental lattices are not connected in the same way as the physical system lattice; when the latter changes so that the mental lattice no longer provides an accurate map, even as a homomorphism; or when inverse one-to-many mapping gives rise to ambiguities. Some suggestions are made about the design of displays and decision aids to reduce error.

Structure and function of the hamster corpus luteum during the estrous cycle

1973 ◽  
Vol 136 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. W. Leavitt ◽  
C. R. Basom ◽  
J. N. Bagwell ◽  
G. C. Blaha
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
And Function

scholarly journals Computer Simulations in Service of Biology

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Levitt
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Structural Biology ◽  
Computer Simulations ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Computer Game ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Important Research ◽  
Scientific World ◽  
The World ◽  
And Function

Computer simulation is an important research tool in today’s scientific world. Computers allow us to perform computations that mimic the behavior of complex (biological) systems in ways that we could not otherwise achieve. You could think of these simulations as a computer game, in which a virtual world is created that works according to certain (e.g., physical) rules. While we play the game, we learn the rules governing this virtual world and its environment, and also the way that we affect this world as players. In this article, I will explain how we use computer simulations in the world of structural biology to study the structure and function of molecules. I will also describe how I think that we could use insights from the world of biology and computer simulations to advance the society that we live in.

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