Modelling of Complex Signals in Nerves

This book describes fundamental physical principles, together with their mathematical formulations, for modelling the propagation of signals in nerve fibres. Above all, it focuses on the complex electro-mechano-thermal process that produces an ensemble of waves composed of several components, besides the action potential. These components include mechanical waves in the biomembrane and axoplasm, together with the temperature change. Pursuing a step-by-step approach, the content moves from physics and mathematics, to describing the physiological effects, and finally to modelling the coupling effects. The assumptions and hypotheses used for modelling, as well as selected helpful concepts from continuum mechanics, are systematically explained, and the modelling is illustrated using the outcomes of numerical simulation. The book is chiefly intended for researchers and graduate students, providing them with a detailed description of how to model the complex physiological processes in nerve fibres.

Step-by-step modelling of a complex physiological process Combination of physical, mathematical and physiological descriptions Modelling illustrated by numerical simulation with explanations of a code for users

Autorentext

Jüri Engelbrecht, Prof, DSc, Dr h c is the Head of Centre for Nonlinear Studies (an Estonian Centre for Excellence in Research). His research interest is nonlinear wave motion, mathematical physics and complexity. He is author of several monographs on nonlinear waves (published by Pitman, Longman, Kluwer, World Scientific, Springer), has served Euromech Council and IUTAM Bureau for many years, has been awarded with the Estonian Science Awards (two times) and the Humboldt Research Award, has been the President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences (1994-2004) and the President of ALLEA (2006-2011).

Inhalt
Introduction.- Part I Complexity and Waves.- Part II Dynamical Processes in Nerve Axons.- Part III Modelling of Dynamical Physiological Processes.- Appendix: The Numerical Scheme.- Index.