Interpretation of epicardial mapping by means of computer simulations: Applications to calcium, lidocaine and to BRL 34915

The aim of this work was to compare experimental investigations on effects of lidocaine, calcium and, BRL 34915 on reentries to simulated data obtained by use of a model of propagation based on the Huygens' construction method already described in previous works. Calcium and lidocaine effects are investigated on anisotropic conduction conditions. In both cases, reduction in conduction velocities are observed. In lidocaine case, a refractory area is located along the longitudinal axis. In agreement with experimental electrical mapping, the simulations show that the stabilization of reentrant excitation is mainly due to the existence of this refractory area around which the reentrant circuit …

New method for field studies on the parapatric distribution of sibling species

Abstract Spatial segregation (parapatry) often occurs between closely related species. The distributions of the two species are sometimes defined with a small overlapping zone (called a `sympatric area') which generally shifts. Exclusion is necessary to explain the persistence and shift of such a spatial pattern. Field studies are carried out to identify the type of interaction that leads to the required exclusion. This is usually achieved by estimating competition and predation parameters to define the type of interaction strong enough to imply exclusion. But interaction parameters are estimated by quantitative methods which require prolonged observation (5–10 years). These estimations are…

FAST OSCILLATING MIGRATIONS IN A PREDATOR-PREY MODEL

The aim of this paper is to give a method which permits us to describe how individual properties can emerge at the population level, in population dynamics. We consider interacting populations. In order to take into account the spatial or behavioral heterogeneity, we subdivide each population into subpopulations. A given subpopulation corresponds to those individuals having the same behavior and who are in a homogeneous environment. Furthermore, we assume that the migration process is faster than the growth and interaction processes. Therefore, we must study models with many variables coupled together into large scaled differential systems. Firstly, our method permits us to reduce these co…

Effect of local ischemia on induction of cardiac reentries

In this paper, we study the effects of local ischemia on the process of triggering of reentry mechanism. We present computer simulations based on a cellular automata model of the propagation of the depolarizing wave through a ventricular surface element. We simulate a local area of ischemia where effects of refractory period dispersion are investigated. We use a gaussian distribution of the refractory periods characterized by a mean value and a standard deviation. These simulations show that there exist critical conditions necessary to initiate a reentry mechanism invading progressively the whole ventricle.

Perturbations of the classical Lotka-Volterra system by behavioral sequences

The complexity and the variability of parameters occurring in ecological dynamical systems imply a large number of equations.

EMERGING PROPERTIES IN POPULATION DYNAMICS WITH DIFFERENT TIME SCALES

The aim of this work is to show that at the population level, emerging properties may occur as a result of the coupling between the fast micro-dynamics and the slow macrodynamics. We studied a prey-predator system with different time scales in a heterogeneous environment. A fast time scale is associated to the migration process on spatial patches and a slow time scale is associated to the growth and the interactions between the species. Preys go on the spatial patches on which some resources are located and can be caught by the predators on them. The efficiency of the predators to catch preys is patch-dependent. Preys can be more easily caught on some spatial patches than others. Perturbat…

Comparison Between Influence Of The Conduction Velocity And the Refractory Period Variations On The Reentry Mechanism

Complex ecological models with simple dynamics: From individuals to populations

The aim of this work is to study complex ecological models exhibiting simple dynamics. We consider large scale systems which can be decomposed into weakly coupled subsystems. Perturbation Theory is used in order to get a reduced set of differential equations governing slow time varying global variables. As examples, we study the influence of the individual behaviour of animals in competition and predator-prey models. The animals are assumed to do many activities all day long such as searching for food of different types. The degree of competition as well as the predation pressure are dependent upon these activities. Preys are more vulnerable when doing some activities during which they are …

Growth factors and cell kinetics: a mathematical model applied to Il-3 deprivation on leukemic cell lines.

We assume the existence of a specific G1 protein which is an initiator of DNA replication. This initiator is supposed to be synthesized according to Michaelis-Menten kinetics. In order to start DNA replication, it is assumed that this G1 specific protein must be produced in a required amount. Intra-cellular growth inhibitors and extra-cellular growth factors control the production of the initiator. This model allows to calculate the average G1 phase time as a function of the various chemical concentrations of nutrients, enzymes, growth inhibitors and growth factors. This model is compared to cell kinetics experiments on a leukemic cell line responding to Interleukin 3 deprivation. The curve…