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Biomedical subjects

R R Kampfner

Publications and source records attributed to R R Kampfner.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Dynamics and information processing in adaptive systems.

An adaptive system is capable of functioning despite some degree of environmental uncertainty. This requires an ability to identify relevant states of the environment, to adjust the value of internal variables so as to maintain a characteristic pattern of activity and, of course, to respond appropriately to environmental stimuli. Biological systems have responded to this challenge by developing information processing systems that are highly compatible with their functions. In this paper we analyze the relationship between dynamics and information processing in biological systems and refer to basic principles of biological information processing. An important trend that can be observed is that the specialization of information processing functions increases with the complexity of the environment faced by the systems. At the level of human populations, man-made organizations in particular, our study suggests that the design of computer-based information systems must be sensitive to the existing biological infrastructure if they are to effectively extend the cognitive and computational capabilities of organizations.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1995

Integrating molecular and digital computing: an information systems design perspective.

Biological systems use a non-programmable, but evolvable and efficient mode of information processing that can be traced to its underlying macromolecular basis (Conrad, 1985, Commun. ACM 28, 464-480). Digital computers, on the other hand, are structurally programmable, but not evolvable, nor efficient. In this paper we explore ways to provide effective support of function in organizations by combining the molecular and digital modes of information processing in a synergistic manner. In particular, we look at the potential of molecular computing technology for extending the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of humans in complex organizational systems. Synergies resulting from the integration of molecular computing (including both human and molecular computing devices) and digital computing, are analyzed from an information systems design perspective.

Biotechnology↗
PubMed1992

The analysis of distributed control and information processing in adaptive systems: a biologically motivated approach.

Biological systems have evolved hierarchical, distributed control structures that greatly enhance their adaptability. Two important determinants of biological adaptability considered here are: (i) the pattern of distribution of self-control capabilities; (ii) the degree of programmability of information processing. In this paper we model organizations as goal-oriented, adaptive systems, possessing properties similar to those of biological systems. We use the notion of implicit control (defined as the capability of self-control that is embedded in a system's own dynamics) in the analysis of the impact of specific patterns of distribution of control and information processing on the adaptability of organizations. A principle of design of organizational information systems, that captures important aspects of adaptability-preserving strategies of information processing in biological systems, is stated in terms of the implicit control concept.

Adaptation, Biological↗
PubMed1989

Towards an artificial brain.

Three components of a brain model operating on neuromolecular computing principles are described. The first component comprises neurons whose input-output behavior is controlled by significant internal dynamics. Models of discrete enzymatic neurons, reaction-diffusion neurons operating on the basis of the cyclic nucleotide cascade, and neurons controlled by cytoskeletal dynamics are described. The second component of the model is an evolutionary learning algorithm which is used to mold the behavior of enzyme-driven neurons or small networks of these neurons for specific function, usually pattern recognition or target seeking tasks. The evolutionary learning algorithm may be interpreted either as representing the mechanism of variation and natural selection acting on a phylogenetic time scale, or as a conceivable ontogenetic adaptation mechanism. The third component of the model is a memory manipulation scheme, called the reference neuron scheme. In principle it is capable of orchestrating a repertoire of enzyme-driven neurons for coherent function. The existing implementations, however, utilize simple neurons without internal dynamics. Spatial navigation and simple game playing (using tic-tac-toe) provide the task environments that have been used to study the properties of the reference neuron model. A memory-based evolutionary learning algorithm has been developed that can assign credit to the individual neurons in a network. It has been run on standard benchmark tasks, and appears to be quite effective both for conventional neural nets and for networks of discrete enzymatic neurons. The models have the character of artificial worlds in that they map the hierarchy of processes in the brain (at the molecular, neuronal, and network levels), provide a task environment, and use this relatively self-contained setup to develop and evaluate learning and adaptation algorithms.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed1989

Biological information processing: the use of information for the support of function.

In biological systems, the processing and use of information has evolved out of the need for survival in the face of an uncertain environment. As a consequence, the information-function relationship in these systems is shaped by their adaptability characteristics. In contrast, the information-function relationship in man-designed, goal-oriented organizational systems depends on the ability of the information processing system to support the achievement of the organization's goals. In this paper we use results from adaptability theory in the analysis of control-related aspects of the information-function relationship in man-designed organizational systems. In particular, we use a conceptual model of organizational control to characterize features of functional and control structures and their effect on the adaptability of these systems. The concept of implicit control and a design principle for adaptability-enhancing information systems are derived for this analysis.

Adaptation, Physiological↗