Infinitesimal homeostasis in three-node input-output networks (Q2299278)

The capability of a sytem to maintain an optimal equilibrium by self-regulation is summed up by the term homeostasis. The paper in question deals with three-node input-output networks, in particular with the question of when the local version, infinitesimal homeostasis, occurs. Internally, the network has an input node, a regulatory node, and an output node, connected by simple coupling paths that can be excitatory, inhibitory or neutral at the equilibrium. Essentially, if the network has two simple paths from input to output node then infinitesimal homeostasis is given by feedforward excitation; in the corresponding case of one simple path, infinitesimal homeostasis comes from neutral coupling, e.g in substrate and product inhibition, or zero internal dynamics as for a negative feedback loop. An appendix presents a list of the 13 possible three-node networks.