Using experimental data and information criteria to guide model selection for reaction-diffusion problems in mathematical biology

Reaction–diffusion models describing the movement, reproduction and death of individuals within a population are key mathematical modelling tools with widespread applications in mathematical biology. A diverse range of such continuum models have been applied in various biological contexts by choosin...

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Main Authors: Warne, D, Baker, R, Simpson, M
Format: Journal article
Published: Springer Nature 2019
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author Warne, D
Baker, R
Simpson, M
author_facet Warne, D
Baker, R
Simpson, M
author_sort Warne, D
collection OXFORD
description Reaction–diffusion models describing the movement, reproduction and death of individuals within a population are key mathematical modelling tools with widespread applications in mathematical biology. A diverse range of such continuum models have been applied in various biological contexts by choosing different flux and source terms in the reaction–diffusion framework. For example, to describe the collective spreading of cell populations, the flux term may be chosen to reflect various movement mechanisms, such as random motion (diffusion), adhesion, haptotaxis, chemokinesis and chemotaxis. The choice of flux terms in specific applications, such as wound healing, is usually made heuristically, and rarely it is tested quantitatively against detailed cell density data. More generally, in mathematical biology, the questions of model validation and model selection have not received the same attention as the questions of model development and model analysis. Many studies do not consider model validation or model selection, and those that do often base the selection of the model on residual error criteria after model calibration is performed using nonlinear regression techniques. In this work, we present a model selection case study, in the context of cell invasion, with a very detailed experimental data set. Using Bayesian analysis and information criteria, we demonstrate that model selection and model validation should account for both residual errors and model complexity. These considerations are often overlooked in the mathematical biology literature. The results we present here provide a straightforward methodology that can be used to guide model selection across a range of applications. Furthermore, the case study we present provides a clear example where neglecting the role of model complexity can give rise to misleading outcomes.
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spelling oxford-uuid:3429fd6b-92fc-4205-a85d-5af64f7437a02022-03-26T13:24:25ZUsing experimental data and information criteria to guide model selection for reaction-diffusion problems in mathematical biologyJournal articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_dcae04bcuuid:3429fd6b-92fc-4205-a85d-5af64f7437a0Symplectic Elements at OxfordSpringer Nature2019Warne, DBaker, RSimpson, MReaction–diffusion models describing the movement, reproduction and death of individuals within a population are key mathematical modelling tools with widespread applications in mathematical biology. A diverse range of such continuum models have been applied in various biological contexts by choosing different flux and source terms in the reaction–diffusion framework. For example, to describe the collective spreading of cell populations, the flux term may be chosen to reflect various movement mechanisms, such as random motion (diffusion), adhesion, haptotaxis, chemokinesis and chemotaxis. The choice of flux terms in specific applications, such as wound healing, is usually made heuristically, and rarely it is tested quantitatively against detailed cell density data. More generally, in mathematical biology, the questions of model validation and model selection have not received the same attention as the questions of model development and model analysis. Many studies do not consider model validation or model selection, and those that do often base the selection of the model on residual error criteria after model calibration is performed using nonlinear regression techniques. In this work, we present a model selection case study, in the context of cell invasion, with a very detailed experimental data set. Using Bayesian analysis and information criteria, we demonstrate that model selection and model validation should account for both residual errors and model complexity. These considerations are often overlooked in the mathematical biology literature. The results we present here provide a straightforward methodology that can be used to guide model selection across a range of applications. Furthermore, the case study we present provides a clear example where neglecting the role of model complexity can give rise to misleading outcomes.
spellingShingle Warne, D
Baker, R
Simpson, M
Using experimental data and information criteria to guide model selection for reaction-diffusion problems in mathematical biology
title Using experimental data and information criteria to guide model selection for reaction-diffusion problems in mathematical biology
title_full Using experimental data and information criteria to guide model selection for reaction-diffusion problems in mathematical biology
title_fullStr Using experimental data and information criteria to guide model selection for reaction-diffusion problems in mathematical biology
title_full_unstemmed Using experimental data and information criteria to guide model selection for reaction-diffusion problems in mathematical biology
title_short Using experimental data and information criteria to guide model selection for reaction-diffusion problems in mathematical biology
title_sort using experimental data and information criteria to guide model selection for reaction diffusion problems in mathematical biology
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