title: A new paradigm for theory in integrative biology: the principle of auto-associative stabilization: biochemical networks and the selection of neuronal groups.
abstract: This paper discusses rationale for a theory in biology: what exactly is a theory in biology? Is it of a mathematical nature? How to conceive an integrative theory and why? Replies to these questions are offered for subsequent discussions as concerns the mathematical theory of integrative physiology (MTIP) proposed by the author. It is shown that such a theory is a theoretical framework built on a representation in terms of hierarchical functional interactions and a specific formalism, the S-Propagator, to traverse the levels of organization. As for all natural theories, the MTIP is based on a general principle specific to biology, the principle of auto-associative stabilization (PAAS). In this framework, two models are revisited for a novel interpretation: the first addresses the dynamics of biochemical networks, the second addresses the selection of groups of neurons (TSGN) as suggested by Edelman.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire Développement et Complexité, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, 41, rue Gay-Lussac, Paris 75005, France. gilbert.chauvet@univ-angers.fr
authors.forename: Gilbert A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Chauvet
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D025461:Feedback, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology