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This book represents the first in a two-volume set on biological
rhythms. This volume focuses on supporting the claim that
biological rhythms are universal and essential characteristics of
living organisms, critical for proper functioning of any living
system. The author begins by examining the potential reasons for
the evolution of biological rhythms: (1) the need for complex,
goal-oriented devices to control the timing of their activities;
(2) the inherent tendency of feedback control systems to oscillate;
and (3) the existence of stable and powerful geophysical cycles to
which all organisms must adapt. To investigate the second reason,
the author enlists the help of biomedical engineering students to
develop mathematical models of various biological systems. One such
model involves a typical endocrine feedback system. By adjusting
various model parameters, it was found that creating a oscillation
in any component of the model generated a rhythmic cascade that
made the entire system oscillate. This same approach was used to
show how daily light/dark cycles could cascade rhythmic patterns
throughout ecosystems and within organisms. Following up on these
results, the author discusses how the twin requirements of internal
synchronization (precise temporal order necessary for the proper
functioning of organisms as complex, goal-oriented devices) and
external synchronization (aligning organisms' behavior and
physiology with geophysical cycles) supported the evolution of
biological clocks. The author then investigates the clock systems
that evolved using both conceptual and mathematical models, with
the assistance of Dr. Bahrad Sokhansanj, who contributes a chapter
on mathematical formulations and models of rhythmic phenomena. With
the ubiquity of biological rhythms established, the author suggests
a new classification system: the F4LM approach (Function;
Frequency; waveForm; Flexibility; Level of biological system
expressing rhythms; and Mode of rhythm generation) to investigate
biological rhythms. This approach is first used on the more
familiar cardiac cycle and then on neural rhythms as exemplified
and measured by the electroencephalogram. During the process of
investigating neural cycles, the author finds yet another reason
for the evolution of biological rhythms: physical constraints, such
as those imposed upon long distance neural signaling. In addition,
a common theme emerges of a select number of autorhythmic
biological oscillators imposing coherent rhythmicity on a larger
network or system. During the course of the volume, the author uses
a variety of observations, models, experimental results, and
arguments to support the original claim of the importance and
universality of biological rhythms. In Volume 2, the author will
move from the establishment of the critical nature of biological
rhythms to how these phenomena may be used to improve human health,
well-being, and productivity. In a sense, Volume 1 focuses on the
chronobio aspect of chronobioengineering while Volume 2
investigates methods of translating this knowledge into
applications, the engineering aspect of chronobioengineering. Table
of Contents: Time and Time Again / Walking on Air: An Empirical
Proof-of-Concept / Clock Tech, Part 1 / Clock Tech II From External
to Internal Timers / Clock Tech III Rise of the CircaRhythms / The
Circle Game: Mathematics, Models, and Rhythms / The Power of
Circular Reasoning
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