A semi-quantitative equivalence for abstracting from fast reactions

V. Galpin, J. Hillston and F. Ciocchetta

Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Computational Models for Cell Processes (CompMod 2011), EPTCS 67, Aachen, 2011, 34-49

Abstract

Semantic equivalences are used in process algebra to capture the notion of similar behaviour, and this paper proposes a semi-quantitative equivalence for a stochastic process algebra developed for biological modelling. We consider abstracting away from fast reactions as suggested by the Quasi-Steady-State Assumption. We define a fast-slow bisimilarity based on this idea. We also show congruence under an appropriate condition for the cooperation operator of Bio-PEPA. The condition requires that there is no synchronisation over fast actions, and this distinguishes fast-slow bisimilarity from weak bisimilarity. We also show congruence for an operator which extends the reactions available for a species. We characterise models for which it is only necessary to consider the matching of slow transitions and we illustrate the equivalence on two models of competitive inhibition. 


Full text - PDF 

Slides - PDF


Back to Publications page