VISUALIZATION-BASED ANALYSIS OF MULTIPARAMETER MODELS USING ENVIRONMENT FOR N-DIMENSIONAL MODEL ANALYSIS

We present a methodology, based on N-dimensional computer visualizatio n, for analyzing multiparameter models. This approach originally consi sted of three steps: behavior analysis, sensitivity analysis, identifi ability analysis. We have now developed a new way of calculating sensi tivity based on the statistical measure of the coefficient of variatio n. Furthermore, we extended the methodology through the addition of an extra step, visual regression. Visual regression allows the user to v isualize the process of actual parameter identification and presents a combined, empirical view of the first three steps in a single image. Next we applied this methodology to pulmonary capillary-transport mode ls. Finally, we implemented the model analysis process as a stand-alon e program. EN-DIMAN, the resulting software, allows researchers to car ry out model analysis in a graphical user interface (GUI)-based enviro nment. (C) 1997 Academic Press.