Abstract : In this session, we highlight interdisciplinary efforts of mathematicians whose work integrates biological processes and mathematical tools. Often researchers focus on modeling or simulating with a particular biological scale in mind while neglecting the dynamical connections across scales. The aims of the work showcased in this symposium are to develop and use efficient algorithms, data structures, visualization, and communication tools with the goal of computer modeling of biological systems from the cellular to the population scale. This minisymposium features speakers who are currently working in this area and have an interest in establishing new collaborations.
[01865] A Multiscale, Interdisciplinary Approach to Blood Clot Degradation
Format : Talk at Waseda University
Author(s) :
Brittany Bannish (University of Central Oklahoma)
Nathan Hudson (East Carolina University)
Valerie Tutwiler (Rutgers University)
Abstract : Blood clots are critical to prevent bleeding, but complications arise when clots are not degraded effectively. We present a stochastic model of clot degradation that includes structural and biochemical details from the single fiber to full clot scales. We show that modeling in tandem with laboratory experimentation yields physiological insights that were impossible with models or experiments alone. We also discuss the need for future models that include mechanical forces.
[01970] Explorations of DNA Knot Shadows
Format : Talk at Waseda University
Author(s) :
Candice Price (Smith College)
Abstract : A core question in knot theory is: How do we identify whether two knots are equivalent under a specific set of operations? Knot theory deals not only with the curious variations in the underlying topological structure, e.g. strands, loops, choice of operations of knots, but also with invariants, e.g. Alexander, Jones, link homologies. Knot theory has been used in various fields of mathematics and has become an essential resource for understanding the topology and the geometry of DNA. In this presentation, we will describe and explore our work to interpret 2-dimensional projections of knots, called knot shadows.
[02104] A mathematical approach to understanding reproductive health disparities at the intersection of ovulatory and metabolic dysfunction
Format : Talk at Waseda University
Author(s) :
Erica J Graham (Bryn Mawr College)
Abstract : Endocrine physiology is a complex system of crosstalk between hormones in various tissues. Reproductive hormone dysregulation may disrupt ovulation and may be exacerbated by metabolic abnormalities. Racial and ethnic disparities are also prevalent at the intersection of metabolic and ovarian dysfunction. Here we introduce a mathematical model of the human ovulatory cycle and consider mechanisms of disruption to characterize ovulatory phenotypes. We then examine how health disparities might influence--or be influenced by--model-based phenotypes.
[02133] Harmonic Analysis on Simplicial Simplexes: How far could we take it?
Format : Talk at Waseda University
Author(s) :
Karamatou Yacoubou Djima (Wellesley College)
Abstract : Networks’ emergence as an ideal setting for studying complex systems brought enormous interest in extending powerful harmonic analysis (HA) tools from Euclidean spaces to graphs. Most efforts focused on the graph Laplacian’s eigendecomposition, producing results such as the graph Fourier transform. Recently, the same endeavor moved to higher-order network structures—simplicial simplexes. We survey classical Fourier analysis and its graph extensions before presenting new developments and challenges of HA on simplicial complexes based on the Hodge Laplacian.
[02145] Ecological consequences of heterogeneity in host-pathogen population dynamics
Format : Talk at Waseda University
Author(s) :
Arietta Fleming-Davies (University of San Diego)
Abstract : Variation within-species is key in evolutionary processes. We asked how quantitative variation changes along with mean differences in pathogen performance across populations of the hosts they infect. We fit statistical models incorporating a Gamma distribution of host disease susceptibility to experimental dose response data from an insect baculovirus system, to ask how variation in infectivity might change with genotype by genotype (G x G) combinations of pathogen and host populations.
[02146] Modeling microscale biofluids
Format : Talk at Waseda University
Author(s) :
Amy Lyn Buchmann (University of San Diego)
Abstract : Mathematical models can be used to study the role of hydrodynamic interactions in the coordination and self-organization of microorganisms. For example, cilia self-organize to form a metachronal wave that propels the surrounding fluid, yet how this organization occurs is not well understood. Additionally, the coordination of bacterial flagella may be studied to inspire the development of motors in microfluidic devices that can effectively mix and pump a viscous fluid. Here we present a mathematical model to study the interactions between elastic structures in a viscous fluid and investigate their coordination.
[02152] We are what we eat: a mathematical model of the gut-brain axis.
Format : Talk at Waseda University
Author(s) :
Ami Radunskaya (Pomona College)
Abstract : The ``gut-brain axis” is the communication between the enteric nervous system (in the gut) and the central nervous system (in the brain). Over the past few decades, scientists have collected data that confirms a bidirectional communication channel between these two nervous systems that is closely tied to the bacterial ecology of the gut, the production of serotonin in both the gut and the brain, and the interaction of serotonin with other hormones. We propose a mathematical model that illuminates both the dynamics of this communication channel and the effect of perturbations due to treatment strategies.
[02213] Modeling the long term effects of thermoregulation on human sleep
Format : Talk at Waseda University
Author(s) :
Alicia Prieto Langarica (Youngstown State University)
Abstract : The connection between human sleep and energy exertion has long been regarded as part of the reasoning for the need to sleep. We used to think that we sleep in order to rest. However, a recent theory proposes a different explanation, one that unifies sleep among all species. This talk presents a mathematical model of human sleep/wake regulation with thermoregulatory functions. The model is used to gain quantitative insight into the effects of ambient temperature on sleep quality and how this relates to the unifying theory for sleep.
