Physics – Mathematical Physics
Scientific paper
2003-12-10
Physics
Mathematical Physics
Scientific paper
10.1016/j.physd.2004.07.002
Canalizing functions have important applications in physics and biology. For example, they represent a mechanism capable of stabilizing chaotic behavior in Boolean network models of discrete dynamical systems. When comparing the class of canalizing functions to other classes of functions with respect to their evolutionary plausibility as emergent control rules in genetic regulatory systems, it is informative to know the number of canalizing functions with a given number of input variables. This is also important in the context of using the class of canalizing functions as a constraint during the inference of genetic networks from gene expression data. To this end, we derive an exact formula for the number of canalizing Boolean functions of n variables. We also derive a formula for the probability that a random Boolean function is canalizing for any given bias p of taking the value 1. In addition, we consider the number and probability of Boolean functions that are canalizing for exactly k variables. Finally, we provide an algorithm for randomly generating canalizing functions with a given bias p and any number of variables, which is needed for Monte Carlo simulations of Boolean networks.
Just Winfried
Konvalina John
Shmulevich Ilya
No associations
LandOfFree
The number and probability of canalizing functions does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The number and probability of canalizing functions, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The number and probability of canalizing functions will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-726291