Model-based process optimization of black soldier fly egg production.

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae () serve as a valuable protein source for animal feed. Limiting factors in the industrial rearing of BSF are the reproduction process and egg output. Studies indicate the potential to shorten preoviposition time and increase egg output through better utilization of environmental variables, such as temperature and light, in industrial settings.

Epidemic management with admissible and robust invariant sets.

We present a detailed set-based analysis of the well-known SIR and SEIR epidemic models subjected to hard caps on the proportion of infective individuals, and bounds on the allowable intervention strategies, such as social distancing, quarantining and vaccination. We describe the admissible and maximal robust positively invariant (MRPI) sets of these two models via the theory of barriers. We show how the sets may be used in the management of epidemics, for both perfect and imperfect/uncertain models, detailing how intervention strategies may be specified such that the hard infection cap is never breached, regardless of the basic reproduction number.

A comprehensive dynamic growth and development model of Hermetia illucens larvae.

Larvae of Hermetia illucens, also commonly known as black soldier fly (BSF) have gained significant importance in the feed industry, primarily used as feed for aquaculture and other livestock farming. Mathematical models such as the Von Bertalanffy growth model and dynamic energy budget models are available for modelling the growth of various organisms but have their demerits for their application to the growth and development of BSF. Also, such dynamic models were not yet applied to the growth of the BSF larvae despite models proven to be useful for automation of industrial production process (e.

Response to IL-6 trans- and IL-6 classic signalling is determined by the ratio of the IL-6 receptor α to gp130 expression: fusing experimental insights and dynamic modelling.

Background: Interleukin-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine with high clinical relevance and an important mediator of cellular communication, orchestrating both pro- and anti-inflammatory processes. Interleukin-6-induced signalling is initiated by binding of IL-6 to the IL-6 receptor α and subsequent binding to the signal transducing receptor subunit gp130. This active receptor complex initiates signalling through the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway.

Comparison of Different Calibration Methods in a Non-invasive ICP Assessment Model.

Objective: Previously we described the method of continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) estimation using arterial blood pressure (ABP) and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). The model was constructed using reference patient data. Various individual calibration strategies were used in the current attempt to improve the accuracy of this non-invasive ICP (nICP) assessment tool.

Identification of growth phases and influencing factors in cultivations with AGE1.HN cells using set-based methods.

Production of bio-pharmaceuticals in cell culture, such as mammalian cells, is challenging. Mathematical models can provide support to the analysis, optimization, and the operation of production processes. In particular, unstructured models are suited for these purposes, since they can be tailored to particular process conditions.

Photonic crystal light collectors in fish retina improve vision in turbid water.

Despite their diversity, vertebrate retinae are specialized to maximize either photon catch or visual acuity. Here, we describe a functional type that is optimized for neither purpose. In the retina of the elephantnose fish (Gnathonemus petersii), cone photoreceptors are grouped together within reflecting, photonic crystal-lined cups acting as macroreceptors, but rod photoreceptors are positioned behind these reflectors.

ADMIT: a toolbox for guaranteed model invalidation, estimation and qualitative-quantitative modeling.

Summary: Often competing hypotheses for biochemical networks exist in the form of different mathematical models with unknown parameters. Considering available experimental data, it is then desired to reject model hypotheses that are inconsistent with the data, or to estimate the unknown parameters. However, these tasks are complicated because experimental data are typically sparse, uncertain, and are frequently only available in form of qualitative if-then observations.

A predictive computational model of the kinetic mechanism of stimulus-induced transducer methylation and feedback regulation through CheY in archaeal phototaxis and chemotaxis.

Background: Photo- and chemotaxis of the archaeon Halobacterium salinarum is based on the control of flagellar motor switching through stimulus-specific methyl-accepting transducer proteins that relay the sensory input signal to a two-component system. Certain members of the transducer family function as receptor proteins by directly sensing specific chemical or physical stimuli. Others interact with specific receptor proteins like the phototaxis photoreceptors sensory rhodopsin I and II, or require specific binding proteins as for example some chemotaxis transducers.

Identification of Archaea-specific chemotaxis proteins which interact with the flagellar apparatus.

Background: Archaea share with bacteria the ability to bias their movement towards more favorable locations, a process known as taxis. Two molecular systems drive this process: the motility apparatus and the chemotaxis signal transduction system. The first consists of the flagellum, the flagellar motor, and its switch, which allows cells to reverse the rotation of flagella.

Quantitative analysis of signal transduction in motile and phototactic cells by computerized light stimulation and model based tracking.

To investigate the responses of Halobacterium salinarum to stimulation with light (phototaxis and photokinesis), we designed an experimental setup consisting of optical devices for automatic video image acquisition and computer-controlled light stimulation, and developed algorithms to analyze physiological responses of the cells. Cells are categorized as motile and nonmotile by a classification scheme based on the square displacement of cell positions. Computerized tracking based on a dynamic model of the stochastic cell movement and a Kalman filter-based algorithm allows smoothed estimates of the cell tracks and the detection of physiological responses to complex stimulus patterns.

Flagellar rotation in the archaeon Halobacterium salinarum depends on ATP.

Halobacterium salinarum swims with the help of a polarly inserted flagellar bundle. In energized cells, the flagellar motors rotate continuously, occasionally switching the rotational sense. Starving cells become immotile as the energy level drops.