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PubMed1985

Gregory Bateson, Alcoholics Anonymous, and stoicism.

In 1971 Gregory Bateson put forward an "entirely new epistemology," or view of the world, that he described as cybernetic. In a very influential article, which appeared in this journal, Bateson claimed that his cybernetic epistemology "coincides closely" with the epistemology of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), for which he claimed "the only outstanding record of success" in the treatment of alcoholism (1971, p. 310). However, Bateson's discussion of AA dealt with only four of the Twelve Steps of AA's program. Although the epistemology of cybernetics and AA congrue in some respects, they contradict each other in many others. Common ground is found in the ancient philosophical tradition of Stoicism. In Stoicism the contradictions between the two are sources for an ethics and psychology of great power. Stoicism offers the cybernetic epistemologist a solid base for theory. It offers the clinician who deals with chemical dependency practical insights into the process of recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous↗
PubMed1998

Theorie und Erfahrung in der Medizin: Orthodoxe Wissenschaft und ganzheitliche Kybernetik.

Theory and Practice in Medicine: Orthodox Science and Comprehensive Cybernetics The problems of today's health care system require a radical change of view. With its orientation towards the modern materialistic-reductionistic natural science, the focus of university research moved from a subjective ascertainable healing towards pathogenesis, which is objectively measurable by physical and chemical methods. Natural science research is especially interested in the distinct pathological changes expressed by the various diseases and their causes, but not in the constantly similar normal condition of a healed person. This led to the idea that the reversal of the investigated causal chain equals healing; healing and disease are considered as opposites. This way of thinking led to growing problems, which result from the dubious nature of a causal principle, that is transferred from everyday thinking into the micro world. Each of those causal chains represents an artificial linearization of complex natural interrelations and, additionally, can never be followed up to its ends. This infinite regress of reductionistic thinking can only artificially be stopped by unlikely hypotheses, which are responsible for missing healing success and the manifold side effects of modern therapies - for the discrepancy between theory and experience. With an holistic-spiritual view of nature today cybernetics shows us a new route. Cybernetics leads to a lergely hypothesis-free insight into life's processes and to a scientifically sound definition of disease: Disease and healing should not be considered as opposite, as healing is already laid down in the pathogenesis! Cybernetics will especially lead to the long-awaited scientific proof of homoeopathy and, apart from this, will prove that the healing principle of homoeopathy is the general natural principle of all successful therapies in the whole field of medicine.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A social pathology of human conflict.

Cybernetics Academy Odobleja commemorates the name of the Romanian physician, psychologist and cybernetician Stefan Odobleja. Its Vice-President in France organized the First Seminar on Human Autonomy and Interdependence which was held in June 1988. This paper reviews some of the contributions to the Seminar. It also describes individual and social modes of human behaviour in terms of cybernetics and systems analysis, with a focus on group conflict. Some extracts from a provisional glossary of social cybernetics are appended.

Cybernetics↗
PubMed1984

Family theory and the scientific method.

The evolution of family interactional research reveals a transformation from the theoretical concerns of a novel cybernetic paradigm to methodological problems of a prior mechanistic one. This change can be understood, within a cybernetic perspective, as an example of the characteristic functioning of adaptive systems attempting to maintain themselves unchanged under changed circumstances. A turn to a focus on method results in theoretical self-correction and the implicit retention of a mechanistic paradigm. This eliminates those most novel aspects of family interactional research that suggested the beginning of a cybernetic paradigm. A mechanistic methodology for family interaction research can be understood as an analogue to ritual in social systems. A primary attribute of ritual, sanctity, self-reflexively defines certain basic premises as unquestionable. By this, it regulates the beliefs of those who act it out, and eliminates the most radial novelty that confronts these beliefs. The evolution of family interactional research and its changing relationship to its methodology is an example of this process, the introduction and rejection of novelty by self-regulating systems. In this case, a challenge to the basic premises of a mechanistic paradigm is subverted, using its method as the arbitrator of validity in family interactional research.

Communication↗
PubMed2006

Hierarchical amino acid utilization and its influence on fermentation dynamics: rifamycin B fermentation using Amycolatopsis mediterranei S699, a case study.

BACKGROUND: Industrial fermentation typically uses complex nitrogen substrates which consist of mixture of amino acids. The uptake of amino acids is known to be mediated by several amino acid transporters with certain preferences. However, models to predict this preferential uptake are not available. We present the stoichiometry for the utilization of amino acids as a sole carbon and nitrogen substrate or along with glucose as an additional carbon source. In the former case, the excess nitrogen provided by the amino acids is excreted by the organism in the form of ammonia. We have developed a cybernetic model to predict the sequence and kinetics of uptake of amino acids. The model is based on the assumption that the growth on a specific substrate is dependent on key enzyme(s) responsible for the uptake and assimilation of the substrates. These enzymes may be regulated by mechanisms of nitrogen catabolite repression. The model hypothesizes that the organism is an optimal strategist and invests resources for the uptake of a substrate that are proportional to the returns. RESULTS: Stoichiometric coefficients and kinetic parameters of the model were estimated experimentally for Amycolatopsis mediterranei S699, a rifamycin B overproducer. The model was then used to predict the uptake kinetics in a medium containing cas amino acids. In contrast to the other amino acids, the uptake of proline was not affected by the carbon or nitrogen catabolite repression in this strain. The model accurately predicted simultaneous uptake of amino acids at low cas concentrations and sequential uptake at high cas concentrations. The simulated profile of the key enzymes implies the presence of specific transporters for small groups of amino acids. CONCLUSION: The work demonstrates utility of the cybernetic model in predicting the sequence and kinetics of amino acid uptake in a case study involving Amycolatopsis mediterranei, an industrially important organism. This work also throws some light on amino acid transporters and their regulation in A. mediterranei. Further, cybernetic model based experimental strategy unravels formation and utilization of ammonia as well as its inhibitory role during amino acid uptake. Our results have implications for model based optimization and monitoring of other industrial fermentation processes involving complex nitrogen substrate.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A simple structured model describing the growth of Streptomyces lividans.

The growth of Streptomyces lividans in defined media was modeled using a simple structured growth model. Conventional unstructured models like Monod kinetics, substrate inhibition kinetics, and the logistic equation were also used in an attempt to fit the data, but the results were all unsatisfactory. The main reason for failure in applying simple unstructured models is that they cannot describe the long lag phases sometimes observed during growth of S. lividans. The simple structured growth model was derived along similar principles to cybernetic growth models. This model quite accurately describes the growth of S. lividans. It assumes that the rate of assimilation of a substrate depends on the concentration of a specific key enzyme. This key enzyme is only produced in the presence of the substrate, and it is broken down at a steady rate. An enzyme synthesis allocation variable, w, similar to the cybernetic variable, u, described in cybernetic growth models, is proposed to control enzyme synthesis. Until the key enzyme concentration approaches its maximum level, very little substrate is consumed. And consequently, the lag phase is sustained.

Models, Biological↗
PubMed1984

The dynamics of quantifiable homeostasis. III: a linear model of certain metrical diseases.

A generalization of the linear, lagged, homeostatic process shows that whether a displacement of the trait function dies out with time, continues indefinitely, or shows a steadily amplifying (wild) oscillation depends on the value assumed by the product of the lag time and the restoration constant. Moreover, it is shown that if a steady displacing force is used rather than an instantaneous displacement, a new homing value results which is given by the ratio of the displacing force to the restoration coefficient. Combining these two developments furnishes grounds for determining whether or not an overshoot will occur when administration of a drug is stopped (for instance, the rebound thrombosis on discontinuing heparin). Further developments of these ideas show how the diabetes that begins in mature patients can be wholly accounted for by the well-known prolongation of the lag in insulin response that occurs in that disorder. If wild oscillation is to be avoided as the lag time increases, the restoration constant must be weakened (evidently by a systematic reduction in insulin receptors) and this weakening means that the homing value is displaced. Thus the hyperglycemia in this diabetes is to be seen as the price paid for avoiding wild oscillation. Provided that the therapeutic use of exogenous insulin is systematic and regular, rather than cybernetic, its success where endogenous (cybernetic) insulin secretion has failed is readily understood. The point is illustrated by a familiar analogy of a car driver with slow responses. The genetic and evolutionary implications of these ideas are outlined.

Cybernetics↗
PubMed1984

The dynamics of quantifiable homeostasis. IV: Zero-order homeostasis.

A zero-order homeostatic process is one in which the corrective force a has sign opposite to that of what the displacement from the homing value was one lag (L) time earlier, but is unrelated to magnitude of displacement. The properties of a zero-order process are considered in some detail. Its stable state is an oscillation with a period of 4L and a maximum amplitude of aL. It is suggested that this property is exploited in evolution for intrinsically rhythmical processes, and several examples (respiration, menstruation, and heart beat) are discussed. The parameters may be modulated by an ancillary cybernetic (retreat) circuit and hence the properties of the oscillation controlled as need be. Zero-order oscillation has means of conserving information through phase shifts. Also, when it is combined with a linear cybernetic process (with restoration constant b), it prevents information in the latter from dying out, even if Lb is less than pi/2 (which in a pure linear process would ensure extinction of all signs of perturbation). A further elaboration is the Dilman process of zero order in which there is a threshold of displacement below which homeostatic responses are not evoked. The merits of the value of the threshold are discussed. The properties of the zero-order process with a first-order retreat function furnish a tentative explanation for why hormonal homeostasis does not operate directly through the pituitary but involves the hypothalamus and intermediate hormone-releasing factors.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed2005

Synthesizing cellular intelligence and artificial intelligence for bioprocesses.

Microbial processes operated under realistic conditions are difficult to describe by mechanistic models, thereby limiting their optimization and control. Responses of living cells to their environment suggest that they possess some "innate intelligence". Such responses have been modeled by a cybernetic approach. Furthermore, the overall behavior of a bioreactor containing a population of cells may be described and controlled through artificial intelligence methods. Therefore, it seems logical to combine cybernetic models with artificial intelligence to evolve an integrated intelligence-based strategy that is physiologically more faithful than the current approaches. This possibility is discussed, together with practical considerations favoring a hybrid approach that includes some mathematical modeling.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The patient as expert--introduction to evidence-based orthopedics].

The surgical act is based on the laws of causality from Newton and Galilei and it is determined by the principle of cause and effect. Therefore, the healing process must be interpreted as a turning back of pathogenesis or the linear chain of casualities. Scientific knowledge of this century demonstrates that biological healing processes are connected with the laws of cybernetics and the principles of semiotics. There are functional relations between the level of the organ (impairments) of the individual (disabilities) and of the society (handicaps). This International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH) serves as the key for the management of chronic diseases. An independent and a separate classification of the severity in each level is necessary to identify the consequences of the disease to the patient. Surgical interventions occur on the organ level, benefit and evidence are reflected especially on the individual level (gain of abilities). The assessment and the integration of the so-called "sensory impairment", influenced by the biographical events of the patient and the evaluation of the psychosocial resistance are important factors to recognize unfavourable conformity between the degree of impairment and the degree of disability. With this classification, a more patient-oriented discussion of the indications regarding operative procedures can be realised. The MARA model (mean age-related ability) serves as a pragmatic basis for the description of the benefits of carried out and omitted interventions as changes of abilities by using the MARA curve as an ethical guideline. This model, which is on ICIDH, the hierarchy of needs and the salutogenesis (semiotics, cybernetics), facilitate the introduction of evidence-based surgery. It helps to estimate the several predictive values and correlation factors influencing the manifestation of the disease. In this way astonishing results in evidence can be expected. Finally, many misunderstandings in health care discussions are explained by the fact that the differences between pathology and illness are not clearly interpreted.

Cybernetics↗
PubMed2006

The principle of regulation in biology--from bone to eating behavior.

Cell physiology and molecular biology typically follow a reductionistic approach in science. In the last decade, molecular principles and pathogenetic factors involved in the development of many diseases have been successfully discovered. Therefore, early biological concepts based on systemic and cybernetic thoughts have been largely overshadowed by these more recent molecular and pathogenetic factors. This review highlights discoveries on bone development and hypothalamic controlled feeding and eating behavior with a cybernetic and systemic perspective. Interestingly, ancient ideas on bone development and hypothalamic function are still reasonable considerations to embed new molecular discoveries into a systemic concept of principles organizing nature.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

On description of family therapy.

This article offers a critical analysis of the convergence of two perspectives, constructivism and the cybernetics of cybernetics, as they affect the value placed upon description of family therapy. An analogy to the problem of describing interaction in family therapy is drawn from the history of the representation of reality in art. It is argued that (a) the "interactional approach" is incompatible with radical constructivism, and (b) "the shift from observed to observing systems" has resulted in an unnecessary devaluation of representational description of family interaction.

Cybernetics↗
PubMed1985

Alcoholics Anonymous and the family: a systemic perspective.

This paper is an attempt to utilize a cybernetic paradigm for understanding addictive drinking by those individuals defined as alcoholics. Their behavior is anomalous because it is so self-destructive and concurrently often produces a dysphoria that exacerbates the experiential state that is said to be its cause. A cybernetic perspective is illustrated by a description of two social systems: alcoholics and their families, and as members of Alcoholics Anonymous. For some alcoholics, alcoholism can be perceived as the "solution" to the paradoxical psychosocial context within which they find themselves, to which their addictive drinking is an adaptive response, and Alcoholics Anonymous a better "solution."

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2000

Introduction. Time and medicine.

Although historians work with the record of events in public time, they have not developed an explicit understanding of lived time. To set the stage for the other essays in this issue of Annals, this introductory essay explores how an understanding of lived or "private" time began to emerge in the early 20th century in the works of that era's major thinkers: Henri Bergson's philosophy of duration, Emile Durkheim's social time, Sigmund Freud's five psychoanalytic temporal narratives, and Eugene Minkowski's exploration of lived time. This essay then considers the reaction against the burden of history that began with the great 19th-century historicizers: Comte, Hegel, Marx, Darwin, and Spencer. It reflects on the effort, beginning in those years, of modern artists and intellectuals to focus on the personal past in place of the overbearing burden of the historical past. New ways of experiencing the present, made possible by new communication technologies, including the telephone and telegraph, have centered on the experience of simultaneity. Norbert Wiener's cybernetics, Marshall McLuhan's globalism, and the Internet have further transformed how both the medical and lay communities experience past, present, and future, as well as near and far. The discussion concludes with consideration of Eurotransplant, an Internet-based information and action network used by physicians to coordinate organ transplantation; it is a system that integrates cybernetics, globalism, and the Internet in an everyday, real drama of the electronic age of simultaneity.

Cybernetics↗
PubMed1990

[Laufberger's excitation theory].

The author gives an account of V. Laufberger's Excitation theory at the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birthday. This work was published as a monograph in 1947 and contains many data which foresee the further development of neuro-sciences and other scientific disciplines. From a certain aspect it is more cybernetic than Wiener's "Cybernetics" published one year later. It applies in a genial way the principle of logical elements made up of binary functional elements, backfeeds, parallel organization of neuron networks, and memories based on so-called spinning excitations. It is the first modern model of cerebral activity. It combines within one system the neuron and psychic level of organization of the brain.

Cybernetics↗
PubMed2003

Using a modified standard microscope to generate virtual slides.

A standard microscope was reconfigured as a virtual slide generator by adding a Prior Scientific H101 robotic stage with H29 controller and 0.1 microm linear scales and a Hitachi HV-C20 3CCD camera. Media Cybernetics Image Pro Plus version 4 (IP4) software controlled stage movement in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis, whereas a Media Cybernetics Pro-Series Capture Kit captured images at 640 x 480 pixels. Stage calibration, scanning algorithms, storage requirements, and viewing modes were standardized. IP4 was used to montage the captured images into a large virtual slide image that was subsequently saved in TIF or JPEG format. Virtual slides were viewed at the workstation using the IP4 viewer as well as Adobe Photoshop and Kodak Imaging. MGI Zoom Server delivered the virtual slides to the Internet, and MicroBrightField's Neuroinformatica viewing software provided a browser-based virtual microscope interface together with labeling tools for annotating virtual slides. The images were served from a Windows 2000 platform with 2 GB RAM, 500 GB of disk storage, and a 1.0 GHz P4 processor. To conserve disk space on the image server, TIF files were converted to the FlashPix (FPX) file format using a compression ratio of 10:1. By using 4x, 10x, 20x, and 40x objectives, very large gigapixel images of tissue whole-mounts and tissue arrays with high quality and morphologic detail are now being generated for teaching, publication, research, and morphometric analysis. Technical details and a demonstration of our system can be found on the Web at http://virtualmicroscope.osu.edu.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗
PubMed2002

(Physio)logical circuits: the intellectual origins of the McCulloch-Pitts neural networks.

This article examines the intellectual and institutional factors that contributed to the collaboration of neuropsychiatrist Warren McCulloch and mathematician Walter Pitts on the logic of neural networks, which culminated in their 1943 publication, "A Logical Calculus of the Ideas Immanent in Nervous Activity." Historians and scientists alike often refer to the McCulloch-Pitts paper as a landmark event in the history of cybernetics, and fundamental to the development of cognitive science and artificial intelligence. This article seeks to bring some historical context to the McCulloch-Pitts collaboration itself, namely, their intellectual and scientific orientations and backgrounds, the key concepts that contributed to their paper, and the institutional context in which their collaboration was made. Although they were almost a generation apart and had dissimilar scientific backgrounds, McCulloch and Pitts had similar intellectual concerns, simultaneously motivated by issues in philosophy, neurology, and mathematics. This article demonstrates how these issues converged and found resonance in their model of neural networks. By examining the intellectual backgrounds of McCulloch and Pitts as individuals, it will be shown that besides being an important event in the history of cybernetics proper, the McCulloch-Pitts collaboration was an important result of early twentieth-century efforts to apply mathematics to neurological phenomena.

Biology↗
PubMed1990

Blood plasma proteins on polyurethane and alkylsiloxane plasma-treated polyurethane surfaces. Dynamic approach by stimulus-response technique. Part 2. Evaluation of adsorption data by moment technique.

In this study, interactions of blood proteins (i.e. albumin and fibrinogen) with polyurethane biomaterial surfaces were investigated in an in vitro bead column test circuit using a stimulus-response technique. The dynamic sorption process of radiolabelled proteins on the surfaces was followed by detecting the radioactivity at the exit stream of the column, which was the response of a pulse stimulus at the inlet. The mathematical model was described and solved using 'parameter estimation by cybernetic moment technique', and the adsorption rate constants of plasma proteins on different biomaterial surfaces were calculated. By evaluation of the response curves with standard and cybernetic moment techniques, the following results were obtained. Albumin and fibrinogen adsorption is competitive, and the competition is strongly dependent upon the surface characteristics of the biomaterial. Preadsorption or preferential adsorption of albumin decreases the fibrinogen adsorption, and therefore increases the biocompatibility of material surface. Adsorption of blood plasma proteins are irreversible. The moment technique can also be used for the evaluation of stimulus-response data of biological systems, to determine the process parameters.

Adsorption↗