Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “stochastic processes”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

A model of ion channel kinetics using deterministic chaotic rather than stochastic processes.

Models of ion channel kinetics have previously assumed that the switching between the open and closed states is an intrinsically random process. Here, we present an alternative model based on a deterministic process. This model is a piecewise linear iterated map. We calculate the dwell time distributions, autocorrelation function, and power spectrum of this map. We also explore non-linear generalizations of this map. The chaotic nature of our model implies that its long-term behavior mimics the stochastic properties of a random process. In particular, the linear map produces an exponential probability distribution of dwell times in the open and closed states, the same as that produced by the two-state, closed in equilibrium open, Markov model. We show how deterministic and random models can be distinguished by their different phase space portraits. A test of some experimental data seems to favor the deterministic model, but further experimental evidence is needed for an unequivocal decision.

Animals↗

Manifestation of carcinogenesis as a stochastic process on the basis of an altered mitochondrial genome.

Computer calculations are used to show the feasibility of a concept which explains the manifestation of a pathological cell function from a latent state by the phenomenon of extrachromosomal inheritance (through the mitochondrial genome) in mammalian cells. A hypothesis is submitted in which this principle is applied to the process of carcinogenesis. According to this concept, the manifestation of a tumor cell--after the initiation stage--entirely depends on stochastic events, i.e., random distribution of mitochondria during cell divisions, with an accumulation of the lesion in a few out of many cells. We feel that this concept comprises a better explanation of many characteristics and peculiarities of the phenomenon of carcinogenesis than do attempts which explain tumor formation as a phenomenon caused by mutation in a nuclear genome. A consideration of the principles presented automatically leads to a number of specific consequences with regard to carcinogenesis. Some of these consequences are discussed. They include: 1. the process of malignant transformation should not be irreversible for all the cells of a progeny; 2. the number of mitochondria in a cell type should be inversely correlated to tumor frequency; 3. the latent period should mainly be determined by the cell division rate and the "extent" of the initiating event; 4. susceptibility to carcinogenesis may be substantially higher if the number of mitochondria per cell line is increasing or decreasing, i.e., during the embryonic and fetal periods; 5. heterogeneous types of cells may arise from a single "initiated" cell, and 6. the process of malignant transformation should not necessarily be confined to one generation of the species. In addition, experimental approaches to support the submitted concept are suggested.

Animals↗

Aging correlation functions for blinking nanocrystals, and other on-off stochastic processes.

Following recent experiments on power law blinking behavior of single nanocrystals, we calculate two-time intensity correlation functions I(t)I(t+t') for these systems. We use a simple two state (on and off) stochastic model to describe the dynamics. We classify possible behaviors of the correlation function and show that aging, e.g., dependence of the correlation function on age of process t, is obtained for classes of the on time and off time distributions relevant to experimental situation. Analytical asymptotic scaling behaviors of the intensity correlation in the double time t and t' domain are obtained. In the scaling limit I(t)I(t+t('))-->h(x), where four classes of behaviors are found: (i) finite averaged on and off times x=t' (standard behavior); (ii) on and off times with identical power law behaviors x=t/t' (case relevant for capped nanocrystals); (iii) exponential on times and power law off times x=tt' (case relevant for uncapped nanocrystals); (iv) for defected off time distribution we also find x=t+t'. Origin of aging behavior is explained based on simple diffusion model. We argue that the diffusion controlled reaction A+B <==>AB, when followed on a single particle level exhibits aging behavior.

Journal Article↗

Assessing hepatitis A virus epidemic stochastic process in eight cities in China in 1990.

BACKGROUND: In The People's Republic of China in 1990, the age-specific seroprevalence of hepatitis A was investigated in eight large cities. METHODS: A stochastic model, the two-state Markov chain, was applied to hepatitis A virus seroprevalence data by age group. An age-specific risk rate, Markov Risk Rate (MRR), and its weighted sum, Total MRR, are defined and used as novel measure indices to prioritize age groups for allocating vaccine or to decide in which cities vaccine should be used to prevent hepatitis A. RESULTS: In 1990, the MRR1- in Xi'an, Jinan, Ha'erbin and Huhehaote, and the MRR10- in Chongqing were over 40. The MRR10- in Xi'an, Nanjing, Jinan and Ha'erbin and the MRR20- in Chongqing and Nanjing were over 20. The Total MRR in Chongqing and Ha'erbin were over 160, which was higher than the warning value. CONCLUSIONS: All age groups whose MRR was over 20 are strongly recommended to be vaccinated first. Chongqing and Ha'erbin are cities at high risk of a hepatitis A virus epidemic in the 1990s and therefore should be under close surveillance.

Adolescent↗

Anomalous pulse delay in microwave propagation: A stochastic process interpretation.

An experiment involving microwave propagation in the near-field region with two horn antennas demonstrated a superluminal behavior which is strongly dependent on the frequency. The models previously proposed are found to be inadequate for interpreting the results. An attempt is made within the framework of a stochastic model, which can be improved by a path-integral analysis.

Journal Article↗

Tunneling as a stochastic process: a path-integral model for microwave experiments.

Delay time results obtained in microwave experiments at frequencies above and below the cutoff frequency of different waveguide sections are interpreted on the basis of wave propagation in the presence of dissipative effects. Kac's original suggestion was the starting point for the formulation of a stochastic model, which has now been substantially improved, also in relation to the transition-elements theory of Feynman-Hibbs. In this way, an approach to the problem is provided, which is completely distinct from the ones formulated elsewhere.

Journal Article↗

Evidence that hematopoiesis may be a stochastic process in vivo.

To study the behavior of hematopoietic stem cells in vivo, hematopoiesis was simulated by assuming that all stem cell decisions (that is, replication, apoptosis, initiation of a differentiation/maturation program) were determined by chance. Predicted outcomes from simulated experiments were compared with data obtained in autologous marrow transplantation studies of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) heterozygous female Safari cats. With this approach, we prove that stochastic differentiation can result in the wide spectrum of discrete outcomes observed in vivo, and that clonal dominance can occur by chance. As the analyses also suggest that the frequency of feline hematopoietic stem cells is only 6 per 10(7) nucleated marrow cells, and that sem cells do not replicate on average more frequently than once every three weeks, these large-animal data challenge clinical strategies for marrow transplantation and gene therapy.

Animals↗

Computer simulation of stochastic processes through model-sampling (Monte Carlo) techniques.

A simple Monte Carlo simulation program is outlined which can be used for the investigation of random-walk problems, for example in diffusion, or the movement of tracers in the blood circulation. The results given by the simulation are compared with those predicted by well-established theory, and it is shown how the model can be expanded to deal with drift, and with reflexion from or adsorption at a boundary.

Journal Article↗