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The mass-action law (MAL) is a fundamental principle in biology and biophysics. Systematic input–output duplex enzymatic transitional combinatorial analysis led to the discovery of the 2nd-Degree (square) Triangle (Chou, 1970). Whereas Pascal's Triangle's sequential ratios relate to Euler's e (H. Brothers and R. Green), Chou's Triangle can be linked to Riemann's Zeta Function at Re(2). Chou's Triangle is derived from the biological and enzyme inputs-outputs duplex transitional patterns combinatorial analysis, e.g., the SP and PS signal transitions, of the (P, S), (↓,↑), (0,1), and (+,-) duplex form patterns for the (C n, r)2 combinatorial coefficient distributions. Extensive dose–effect dynamics research (1972–1984) established the MAL-based unified theory: the Median-Effect Equation (MEE), fa/fu = (D/Dm)m, for action, and the Combination Index Equation (CIE) for interactions, in which CI< 1, =1, and >1 quantitatively define synergism, additivity, and antagonism via computer simulation. In MEE, D is dose, fa (fraction affected), fu (fraction unaffected), Dm the median-effect dose, and m the dynamic order indicating the shapes of dose-effect or causal-effect curves. MAL-MEE's fa/fu and D/Dm are dimensionless relativity ratios, making the theory independent of unit, size, structure, state, or complexity, ensuring universality. Its broad applicability is evidenced by over 40,000 citations, 1,581 citing journals, and 1,621 citing patents (Nov. 2025), establishing a record for unified MAL-based frameworks across intra-, inter-, and cross-disciplinary R&D. Recent review of MAL-MEE/Doctrine of the Median (DOM) leads to the Unity Theory of One (UTO), using "One" as a universal standard, and the Life-Centric Universe (LCU), which positions Life among Mass, Force, Time, and Space to promote humanism over materialism. New conclusions include: (1) The universe contains Life and Non-Life domains. In Life, MAL-MEE's Floating Ratio (FR), fa/fu = fa/(1–fa) = (1–fu)/fu = (fu)-1-1 = [(fa)-1 -1]-1, forms a circular, closed, recyclable pattern; Non-Life domains (physics, mathematics, and AI) follow the Golden Ratio (GR), φ = 1 + 1/φ = (1 + √5)/2 = 1.618033…, an irrational open form extending to infinity. The Golden Ratio has been used or related broadly in geometry, the Fibonacci sequence, Lucas number, Penrose tiling, Kepler triangle, spiral galaxies, Golden Spiral, architectural designs, and plant floral patterns. (2) FR has the fractional form a/b = a/(1–a), while GR has a/b = (a+b)/a = 1 + b/a. (3) Both are fractional distribution functions of "1": FR finite, GR infinite. (4) Rearranging MEE yields fa = 1/[1 + (Dm/D)m] and fu = 1/[1 + (D/Dm)m], forms analogous to probability distributions, Logit, PROBIT, and Fermi–Dirac functions, except those containing Euler's e, limiting real-world biomedical utility. Log is often more practical than Ln. (5) While Michaelis–Menten, Hill, Henderson–Hasselbalch, Scatchard, Langmuir isotherm, and Hopfield activation functions for neural network contain no e, they are model-specific and not broadly expandable. (6) MAL-MEE’s Median = 0.5 parallels α = 1/2 in Alfaro’s Fundamental Density Theory and Re(s)=1/2 in the Riemann Zeta Function. (7) Ratios define relativity, including GR, FR, C14/C12 (time), E/M = C 2 (Einstein), F/M = a (Newton), and Dm/t1/2 (MAL/physics). (8) MAL-MEE provides algorithms illustrating competitiveness, exclusivity, symmetry, equilibrium, balance, homeostasis, feedback, visible input/output versus invisible intermediates, pathway, network, and harmony. These findings indicate that the MAL-Median Unified Theory aligns with major historical conclusions in mathematics and physics. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2026 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.
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Ting‐Chao Chou (2026) studied this question.
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