Automatising the analysis of stochastic biochemical time-series

BMC Bioinformatics. 2015;16 Suppl 9(Suppl 9):S8. doi: 10.1186/1471-2105-16-S9-S8. Epub 2015 Jun 1.

Abstract

Background: Mathematical and computational modelling of biochemical systems has seen a lot of effort devoted to the definition and implementation of high-performance mechanistic simulation frameworks. Within these frameworks it is possible to analyse complex models under a variety of configurations, eventually selecting the best setting of, e.g., parameters for a target system.

Motivation: This operational pipeline relies on the ability to interpret the predictions of a model, often represented as simulation time-series. Thus, an efficient data analysis pipeline is crucial to automatise time-series analyses, bearing in mind that errors in this phase might mislead the modeller's conclusions.

Results: For this reason we have developed an intuitive framework-independent Python tool to automate analyses common to a variety of modelling approaches. These include assessment of useful non-trivial statistics for simulation ensembles, e.g., estimation of master equations. Intuitive and domain-independent batch scripts will allow the researcher to automatically prepare reports, thus speeding up the usual model-definition, testing and refinement pipeline.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Automation
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Computational Biology*
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Predatory Behavior*
  • Software*
  • Stochastic Processes