title: Nonlinear stochastic compartmental models.
abstract: Compartmental models have been widely applied to biological systems where material is transferred between compartments. The simple assumption of linear transfer functions results in a mathematically tractable system, but can underestimate the variation. Processes with some particular forms of nonlinear transfer functions are analysed, and numerical results suggest that concave transfer functions increase variability, whereas convex transfer functions decrease variability.
mesh_terms: D001699:Biometry; D008954:Models, Biological; D013269:Stochastic Processes