EMBC 2006: Workshop by Paolo Vicini

Biomedical model development in individuals and populations - From nonlinear regression to mixed effects models through case studies
Workshop Organizers: Paolo Vicini, Ph.D. (University of Washington)

Tuesday, August 29, 2006: 8.00 AM-4.00 PM

Abstract :

Actual data from the published literature will be used to walk participants through step-by-step practical applications of modeling analysis in various areas of biomedical research. We will focus on the transition from single-subject model development to modeling a population of subjects, e.g.during a clinical trial or a dose escalation protocol accounting for between-subject variation. Methodologically, this will expose attendees to statistical modeling tools ranging from nonlinear regression to mixed effects models, including differential equations models.

The workshop will feature: model identifiability, development and testing; hands-on introduction to differential equation and numerical modeling using available software; individual and population models, population distributions, pharmacostatistical models; assigning initial parameter estimates for individual and population models; assessing goodness of fit and model order; approaches to population analysis based on likelihood approximations. The understanding and especially the practical usage and implementation of the modeling concepts described in the workshop will be reinforced through the extensive use of published data sets.

The System for Population Kinetics (SPK) will be used for workshop training.The SPK is part of a web service for modeling and simulation provided by the Resource Facility for Population Kinetics, a NIH/NIBIB funded resource. SPK allows for nonlinear least squares and mixed effects modeling through a web browser and Java interface. The service is currently freely available and individual accounts will be provided to workshop participants, pursuant to the SPK Terms of Service. The SPK is accessible through the website of the Resource Facility for Population Kinetics, located at http://www.rfpk.washington.edu.

Workshop participants should bring their own laptop computer and a wireless Ethernet card. Attendance of the workshop is possible also without a computer, but it is greatly enriched by it. Software and workbooks will be provided.