Abstract
We investigate algorithmic methods to tackle the following problem: Given a system of parametric ordinary differential equations built by a biological model, does there exist ranges of values for the model parameters and variables which are both meaningful from a biological point of view and where oscillating trajectories, can be found? We show that in the common case of polynomial vector fields known criteria excluding the existence of non-constant limit cycles lead to quantifier elimination problems over the reals.
We apply these criteria to various models that have been previously investigated in the context of algebraic biology.