About Us
- Director:
- James Bassingthwaighte, M.D., Ph.D.
- computer access for data analysis,
- guidance in selecting appropriate models,
- assistance in developing new models.
Contents
Purposes for Mathematical Models in Physiology and Medicine
Model Research and Development
Computer Simulation Summer Workshop
Purposes for mathematical models in physiology and medicine
1. Analysis of biomedical experimental or diagnostic data
In physiology and medicine, it is frequently not feasible to obtain direct measurements of processes or quantities of interest because of the complexity of the system or the invasive nature of the measurement. However, in many such cases it is possible to obtain quantitative and mechanistic results by analyzing tracer kinetics using an appropriate model.
2. Optimizing experimental design
A sound mechanistic model can be used to help optimize experimental design to increase the sensitivity of the available measurements for the processes of interest. This may be particularly important for distinguishing between alternate hypotheses or pathologcal versus normal states.
3. Development and refinement of scientific hypotheses
A mechanistic model is an explicit statement of a scientific hypothesis. As such, it serves as a vehicle for incorporating new insight obtained from critical experiments. In addition, the model can be used to predict behavior by which the hypothesis can be tested experimentally.
Model research and development
NSR has specific research projects for the development of new technology to be used for computer models, simulation analysis and the application of models for analysis of circulatory mass transport, blood-tissue exchange, and cellular metabolism and biochemistry. New model programs describe transmembrane transport at the biophysical level, nonlinear transport and chemical transformation and saturable nonequilibrium solute binding in multiple tissue regions of the perfused organ. Standard model features include descriptions of spatially distributed capillaries, flow heterogeneity, asymmetric membrane transport, and competition between tracer and nontracer species for transport, reaction or binding.
The central effort is toward developing convection-diffusion-reaction models for application in multiple indicator dilution experiments, positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS), and X-ray computed tomography. Fast numerical techniques enhance the utility of complex models. Emphasis is placed on the integration of models, display of experimental data, and robust parameter optimization techniques for analysis.
NSR Services
In order to further the National Simulation Resource's primary goal of giving biomedical investigators access to resources for advanced simulation of biological systems, NSR provides:
Qualified investigators are not charged for these services.
NSR also offers qualified investigators a library of blood-tissue exchange models and mathematical operators, an interactive simulation control interface, and optimizers to automate fitting of model output to experimental data. The portable library, interface and optimizers can be installed on researchers' computer systems with or without the assistance of NSR personnel.
Training in the use and techniques of computer simulation is available at NSR. Training from NSR personnel at other sites can be arranged, if NSR personnel are available and the cost to NSR is not prohibitive. Note also that workshops on simulation are organized and conducted by NSR staff in conjunction with regularly scheduled scientific meetings.
Computer Simulation Summer Workshop
Once a year in the summer, when funding allows, NSR holds a 3 to 5 day intensive workshop on the principles and application of mathematical models for the analysis of microvascular transport, exchange and reaction processes. Classes are held in a computer lab at the University of Washington to provide in-depth training and hands-on experience for participants. The presentations, by NSR personnel and occasionally by workshop participants, are designed for approximately 18 faculty and advanced researchers studying tracer and nontracer kinetics using multiple indicator dilution techniques, positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS), Xray CT, and increasingly, metabolic analysis. Many workshop sessions involve computer demonstrations and use of NSR models by the participants.
Please check Events on this web site or send email to nsrworkshop@bioeng.washington.edu for information on the next Workshop.
NSR Accounts
The services of NSR are available without charge for data analysis and experiment design in the field of circulatory mass transport and exchange when the results are to be published in open scientific journals and when no profit is involved. An investigator must submit a short proposal, including an estimate of resource use, for review by the NSR Executive Committee. Contact the Director or an Assistant Director for applications.
Computer Access
Dial-up service is no longer supported.
Address, Phone and FAX
National Simulation ResourceUniversity of Washington
Department of Bioengineering
Harris Hydraulics Rm. 310, Box 357962
Seattle, WA 98195-7962
Phone: 206-685-2005; FAX: 206-685-3300
Last modified 11Jul05, 12:29 pm.