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    J Biomed Semantics. 2010 Jun 22;1 Suppl 1:S4.

    An evolutionary approach to Function.

    Source

    School of Computing Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK. phillip.lord@newcastle.ac.uk.

    Abstract

    ABSTRACT : BACKGROUND : Understanding the distinction between function and role is vexing and difficult. While it appears to be useful, in practice this distinction is hard to apply, particularly within biology. RESULTS : I take an evolutionary approach, considering a series of examples, to develop and generate definitions for these concepts. I test them in practice against the Ontology for Biomedical Investigations (OBI). Finally, I give an axiomatisation and discuss methods for applying these definitions in practice. CONCLUSIONS : The definitions in this paper are applicable, formalizing current practice. As such, they make a significant contribution to the use of these concepts within biomedical ontologies.

    PMID:
    20626924
    [PubMed - in process]
    PMCID: PMC2903723
    Free PMC Article

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