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PubMed1993

["Systemic psychiatry"--recognition and therapeutic use?].

In this paper the question is discussed, whether the use of systems theory in psychiatry can improve the success of psychiatric intervention as being proclaimed by systemic therapists. On the contrary: Taking into account the logical conditions to be considered when referring the model of self-organizing systems from biological to social and cognitive systems, one must come to the conclusion, that systemic therapy implicates the improbability of successful intervention.

Family Therapy↗
PubMed2000

Canonical modeling: review of concepts with emphasis on environmental health.

The article reviews concepts of canonical modeling in the context of environmental health. Based on biochemical systems theory, the canonical approach was developed over the past thirty years and applied to complex systems primarily in biochemistry and the regulation of gene expression. Canonical modeling is based on nonlinear ordinary differential equations whose right-hand sides consist of products of power-law functions. This structure results from the linearization of complex processes in logarithmic space. The canonical structure has many intriguing features. First, almost any system of smooth functions or ordinary differential equations can be recast equivalently in a canonical model, which demonstrates that the model structure is rich enough to deal with all relevant nonlinearities. Second, a large body of successful applications suggests that canonical models are often valid and accurate representations of quite complex, real-world systems. Third, a set of guidelines supports the modeler in all phases of analysis. These guidelines address model design, algebraic and numerical analysis, and the interpretation of results. Fourth, the structure of canonical models, especially those in S-system form, facilitates algebraic and numerical analyses. Of particular importance is the derivation of steady-state solutions in an explicit symbolic or numerical form, which allows further assessments of stability and robustness. The homogeneous structure of canonical models has also led to the development of very efficient, customized computer algorithms for all steps of a typical analysis. Fifth, a surprising number of models currently used in environmental health research are special cases of canonical models. The traditional models are thus subsumed in one modeling framework, which offers new avenues of analysis and interpretation.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1994

Role analysis of the advanced practice nurse using the Neuman Health Care Systems Model as a framework.

The role of the advanced practitioner of nursing is perceived and operationalized differently from practice setting to practice setting. These differences should compel practitioners to analyze and differentiate role expectations within specific practice situations. The Neuman Health Care Systems Model provides a systematic framework for role analysis, development, enactment, and evaluation. The analysis should serve to decrease role stress, strain, and ambiguity while ultimately increasing role implementation success. The purposes of this article are: (a) to describe the general systems theory that is the basis of the Neuman model, (b) to describe the Neuman Health Care Systems Model to provide a basis for role analysis, and (c) to provide a structure for role analysis of the CNS. The benefit of a systematic microanalysis of the role of the CNS will be to develop a template to be used in the analysis of a particular position in the real world.

Humans↗
PubMed1980

[Towards the end of Kraepelin era?].

The kraepelinian conception which still prevails in contemporary psychiatry no longer allows us to express all the diversity of observed mental disorders. Moreover, some classical resistances and innovations had foreshadowed the necessity of its renewal. Nowadays the quantitative studies using statistics and the computer, as well as the application of scientific theories to the qualitative aspect of disorders have until now failed in improving the situation. However the theory of communication, cybernetic, the general system theory have shown the possibility of seeing mental disorders as dysfunction of systems. Likewise a new method of operatory observation has permitted to result in an integrated system of permanently open functional models. Moreover the transformations of the disorders among some patients lead to evoke the abstract notion of psychopathologic continuum. The latter allows to view mental pathology, no longer as syndromes and entities, but as functional disorders of a same psychodynamic whole. Consequently, the disorders are the evidence of dysregulations of various mental organizations and the result of a dysfunction in the integration of the latter. Their expression in terms of integrated functional models better shows their diversity, polymorphism, and mobility. What is at stake in such a debate is not only theoretic but also practical and therapeutical.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The nursing process in the care of the mental patient--nursing diagnosis].

The nursing process, in the area of mental health nursing, is a philosophy and a scientific method of holistic and personalized nursing care. It includes four main nursing theories: the holistic theory, the theory of human needs, the general systems theory and the interpersonal theory. Nursing diagnosis, the crucial part of the first stage of the process, is especially discussed with emphasis on the criteria of its appropriateness, the dimensions of the patient to be assessed and the already available psychiatric nursing diagnoses system as a frame of reference.

Holistic Health↗
PubMed1981

[Psychophysiology and behavioral medicine. Reformulation of the psychosomatic approach].

A view on psychosomatic research is presented, based ona simplified version of general systems theory. Taking into account the difficulties derived from energetic and economic theories of affect, it is suggested that the three main relevant systems in the psychosomatic approach -person, two-persons, and group- could be studied resorting to the distinction between overt and covert behavior. This distinction is based on the position of the observer, which, along with the specification of the system under study and of the relationships between systems, constitutes an integral part of any general theory of behavior. Although the question concerning the usefulness of concrete, abstract and conceptual systems is left open, it is suggested that the system person might be profitably studied as a concrete system, thus granting an unified approach which could be provisorily defined as psychophysiological. Here the term is meant to imply a broad background to behavioral medicine, one of the major tenets being the notion of the information processing paradigm. From this viewpoint, affect is viewed as an aspect of information-processing mechanisms operating in living systems. Although the position outlined is primarily descriptive, it is contended that it might solve the difficulties posed by the "practical dualism" which has pervaded psychosomatic research, and lead as well empirically testable hypotheses related to the mechanisms responsible for psychophysiological dysfunction. From a broad notion of behavioral medicine, discrepancies derived from the use of apparently differing languages in psychosomatic research may be avoided.

Behavior↗
PubMed1978

Some control conditions for self-organization--what the control theorist can learn from biology.

The general control task, as expressed formally in engineering science or mathematical systems theory, is presented briefly. Characteristics of technological control systems are then contrasted with the control processes revealed by molecular biology. It is emphasized that the control processes of living systems have certain features not represented in formal control theory. One of these features is the use of positive feedback in a novel way to achieve a "positive control potential." The environmental conditions necessary for positive control potential to arise are considered. It is concluded that achievements in life sciences offer a challenge to extend formal control theory into new domains, but at the same time, existing control theory helps to highlight what it is that living systems uniquely do, even though it cannot explain how they do it.

Homeostasis↗
PubMed2005

Migraine--new perspectives from chaos theory.

Converging from a number of disciplines, non-linear systems theory and in particular chaos theory offer new descriptive and prescriptive insights into physiological systems. This paper briefly reviews an approach to physiological systems from these perspectives and outlines how these concepts can be applied to the study of migraine. It suggests a wide range of potential applications including new approaches to classification, treatment and pathophysiological mechanisms. A hypothesis is developed that suggests that dysfunctional consequences can result from a mismatch between the complexity of the environment and the system that is seeking to regulate it and that the migraine phenomenon is caused by an incongruity between the complexity of mid brain sensory integration and cortical control networks. Chaos theory offers a new approach to the study of migraine that complements existing frameworks but may more accurately reflect underlying physiological mechanisms.

Brain↗
PubMed2006

The hidden order of preformation: plans, functions, and hierarchies in the organic systems of Louis Bourguet, Charles Bonnet and Georges Cuvier.

In eighteenth-century French natural history, the notion of preformation was not only a model for a small preexisting embryo that gradually extended its shape through the influx of particles, but also for an order that coordinated the dynamic relation between organic parts. Preformation depended therefore also on a hidden order behind the continuity of visible forms. Louis Bourguet, Charles Bonnet, and Georges Cuvier distinguished three organizational levels: First, the synchronic or functional order of organic systems; second, the diachronic order of the initiation of mechanical processes; and third, the hierarchical order that regulates the interaction of organic parts. In this essay, I reconstruct and compare the three organizational levels in the writings of Bourguet, Bonnet and Cuvier, relate their models of organic unity to the principle of perfection, and contrast these models with Georges Buffon's critique of system theories.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Optimization of biochemical systems by linear programming and general mass action model representations.

A new method is proposed for the optimization of biochemical systems. The method, based on the separation of the stoichiometric and kinetic aspects of the system, follows the general approach used in the previously presented indirect optimization method (IOM) developed within biochemical systems theory. It is called GMA-IOM because it makes use of the generalized mass action (GMA) as the model system representation form. The GMA representation avoids flux aggregation and thus prevents possible stoichiometric errors. The optimization of a system is used to illustrate and compare the features, advantages and shortcomings of both versions of the IOM method as a general strategy for designing improved microbial strains of biotechnological interest. Special attention has been paid to practical problems for the actual implementation of the new proposed strategy, such as the total protein content of the engineered strain or the deviation from the original steady state and its influence on cell viability.

Biochemical Phenomena↗
PubMed2000

Subjective uncertainty, purposeful behavior, and theory of functional systems.

Neglect of probability prognosis orients the theory of functional systems to description of rigidly determined forms of behavior (congenital behavior, frontal syndrome, etc.). The authors suggest an original concept for analysis of behavior under conditions of subjective uncertainty based on probability estimations. It contains all classical components of a behavioral act model developed by P. K. Anokhin. The role of probability prognosis at the stages of making decision (purpose) and formation and realization of the program of actions is argued. Two new components are added to the classical model: memory buffer and system of making probabilistic decision for modifying the program of actions. Such an approach essentially extends the potentialities of using the theory of functional systems, making it usable not only for rigidly determined behavior but for behavior under conditions of subjective uncertainty.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Computation and analysis of time-dependent sensitivities in Generalized Mass Action systems.

Understanding biochemical system dynamics is becoming increasingly important for insights into the functioning of organisms and for biotechnological manipulations, and additional techniques and methods are needed to facilitate investigations of dynamical properties of systems. Extensions to the method of Ingalls and Sauro, addressing time-dependent sensitivity analysis, provide a new tool for executing such investigations. We present here the results of sample analyses using time-dependent sensitivities for three model systems taken from the literature, namely an anaerobic fermentation pathway in yeast, a negative feedback oscillator modeling cell-cycle phenomena, and the Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) kinase cascade. The power of time-dependent sensitivities is particularly evident in the case of the MAPK cascade. In this example it is possible to identify the emergence of a concentration of MAPKK that provides the best response with respect to rapid and efficient activation of the cascade, while over- and under-expression of MAPKK relative to this concentration have qualitatively different effects on the transient response of the cascade. Also of interest is the quite general observation that phase-plane representations of sensitivities in oscillating systems provide insights into the manner with which perturbations in the envelope of the oscillation result from small changes in initial concentrations of components of the oscillator. In addition to these applied analyses, we present an algorithm for the efficient computation of time-dependent sensitivities for Generalized Mass Action (GMA) systems, the most general of the canonical system representations of Biochemical Systems Theory (BST). The algorithm is shown to be comparable to, or better than, other methods of solution, as exemplified with three biochemical systems taken from the literature.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Nurse practice centers in academia: an emerging subsystem.

Nurse practice centers have been instituted by numerous schools of nursing throughout the United States. This study was done in part to better identify their components as well as the forces constraining and stimulating their development. General systems theory was used as the theoretical base. Academically-based nursing centers were identified as a subsystem of both the health care system and the higher education system in America. As a subsystem of both of these systems, the nurse practice center operated by a school of professional nursing represents an entity that has the capacity to foster all components of professional nursing including scholarly practice, education and research. Forty such centers were found to be sites for a wide variety of care, research and learning involving faculty and students. Forces stimulating the development of such centers were faculty clinical practice, clinical learning experiences and service opportunities. Constraining forces were time management and role ambiguity. Faculty members' job satisfaction correlated significantly with the budget at the .007 level.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗
PubMed1996

The root ideas in dealing with change.

Is there a prototype for dealing with change, a fixed and reliable strategy? Although the answer to this question is no, there are certain fundamental ideas that can help us think about our situations. These ideas come from a wide variety of sources, including: theories dealing with chaos and complexity; systems thinking and complex adaptive systems theory; family dynamics, and organizational development. None of these are simple ideas, easily implemented to make us masters of change. But we have to start somewhere, and the best place might well be a quick discussion of some of these fundamental ideas,

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1983

The application of theory in childhood asthma self-help programs.

Theories from research in health education and compliance (adherence) behavior are reviewed and examined for their applicability to studies of self-management of childhood asthma. Specific theories discussed include: (1) the health belief model, (2) models of health, illness, and sick-role behavior, (3) social learning theory, (4) models of physician-patient relationships, (5) self-regulation model, (6) communication theory, (7) attribution, control, and decision-making theory, (8) grounded theory, (9) ecologic theory, and (10) family and social systems theories. A scheme to guide development and testing of theories in children's health and illness behavior is presented. The key common elements in the examined theories on adherence behavior are integrated and organized into a paradigm for the family determinants of the self-management of chronic illness.

Asthma↗
PubMed2002

Enhancing support for health behavior change among women at risk for heart disease: the Mediterranean Lifestyle Trial.

This paper describes a randomized study to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive lifestyle management intervention for 279 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes who are at elevated risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). The intervention, called the Mediterranean Lifestyle Trial, is focused on dietary factors, physical activity, social support and stress management. The Mediterranean Lifestyle Trial relies on a synthesis of Social Cognitive Theory and Social Ecologic Theory, as well as goal-systems theory, to explicitly inform the lifestyle intervention and to address maintenance. Thus, the trial should help illuminate the theoretical mechanisms responsible for lifestyle change. Primary outcome variables are dietary, stress management and physical activity behavior change, quality of life, and CHD-related biological risk factors. Hypothesized mediating variables include self-efficacy, coping, and social and environmental support. Following the initial 6-month intervention, participants in the intervention condition are randomized to one of two groups designed to enhance maintenance of effects: either a peer-led support group or a personalized multilevel community resources maintenance condition. Unlike the peer group, the personalized approach focuses on multiple levels of community resources to promote healthful lifestyle change. Because this research focuses on issues of generalization and translation to practice, the RE-AIM evaluation framework is being used to evaluate Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance. This framework will help to translate research into practice by directing researchers' attention to important but seldom-investigated strategies for enhancing longer-term maintenance. Specifically, the study tests how long-term maintenance may be improved through the use of existing community resources, an intervention based on multiple environmental factors and multiple lifestyle behaviors, and lay leaders versus personalized professional support.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Closure in the emergence and evolution of life. Multiple discourses or one?

Evolutionary theory formulated in terms of complex systems dynamics shows interesting convergences with the approaches of developmental systems theory and biosemiotics, especially when applied to the problem of the origin of life. Although starting from difference conceptual assumptions, all three approaches agree on the importance of closure in the form of semipermeable chemical and informational boundaries and a more circumscribed role for DNA.

Communication↗