Data-Driven Model Validation Across Dimensions

Data-driven model validation across dimensions in mathematical and computational biology assumptions are often made (e.g., symmetry) to reduce the problem from three spatial dimensions (3D) to two (2D). However, some experimental datasets, such as cell counts obtained via flow cytometry, represent the entire 3D biological object. For purpose of model calibration and validation, it is sometimes necessary to compare these biological datasets with model outputs. We propose a methodology for scaling 2D model outputs to compare with 3D experimental datasets, and we discuss the application of this methodology to two examples: agent-based models of granuloma formation and skeletal muscle tissue. The accuracy of the method is evaluated in artificially generated scenarios.