ARS | Publication request: Winsaam: Software for Simulation, Analyis, and Modeling

Submitted to: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: January 10, 2003
Publication Date: January 10, 2003
Citation: Novotny Dura, J., Greif, P., Boston, R.C. 2003. Winsaam: Software for simulation, analyis, and modeling. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 537:343-356

Interpretive Summary: Understanding metabolism of nutrients and other compounds by the human body requires complicated computer software packages. This is because the human body is so complex that mathematics is often required to understand the research data. One such package is called WinSAAM. The WinSAAM modeling software is the newest version of the SAAM software series, which was initiated in the 1950's and has been continually enhanced to meet expanding needs of modeling research. WinSAAM combines the complex mathematical core of the original program (SAAM) with new state-of-the-art tools. These tools include a Windows environment, a text editor, a spreadsheet for manipulating data, and a graphics package for making formatted plots of results. The WinSAAM package also includes a complicated statistical routine to calculate metabolism rates for a large population of individuals from a smaller number of study subjects. This and the many other features of the WinSAAM software package make it a powerful tool for analysis of kinetic data from metabolism studies. This report will be used by scientists performing mathematical modeling for analysis of metabolism data.

Technical Abstract: The WinSAAM modeling software is the newest version of the SAAM software series, which was initiated in the 1950's and has been continually enhanced to meet expanding needs of modeling research. WinSAAM is an integrated package of mathematical, simulation, and graphical tools for analysis of biokinetic data. Among WinSAAM's capabilities are two basic functions for modeling: solving equations (which describe a model) and performing least squares fitting of model solutions to data for parameter estimation. This newest version of SAAM allows these functions to be executed through an easy-to-use graphical interface, which utilizes pull- down menus for common commands, multiple windows for model assessment and modification, spreadsheet tools for data manipulation, and a graphics package for display of results. One of the most sophisticated new functions of WinSAAM is the Project Management tool. This tool allows the modeler to investigate the distribution of parameter values associated with a population of individuals. Data pooling to calculate simple means and standard deviations does not provide an accurate description of the population parameters. The WinSAAM program takes into account the covariance of parameters and uses maximum likelihood criteria to converge to a final solution of population parameter values. This is a crucial mathematical tool for accurately describing rates of metabolism from modeling studies. This and the may other features of the WinSAAM software package make it a powerful tool for the analysis of biokinetic data.