Multivariate statistical methods, flow cytometry, and network modeling.

描述（由申请人提供）：在生物或医学研究的许多领域，研究者面临着分析数据集的任务，这些数据集可以被描述为“大样本，中等维度”。一个重要的例子是多参数流式细胞术，这是本项目的重点，其中数据点的数量在数万到数百万之间，每个数据点可以提供多个变量（5到60）的测量。需要新的统计工具来分析和可视化这些数据，并解决相关的假设检验和建模挑战。本研究的目标是为这类多变量数据开发新的统计方法，并在此基础上，为多参数流式细胞术创建和提供更有效的数据分析和解释工具。首先，我们将开发一种基于简单函数逼近密度的多元密度估计新方法。这些估计基本上是基于基本多元域的数据自适应分区的直方图。目的是使用具有较强的理论依据和良好的经验性能的方法对这些分区进行有效的学习。我们还将实施和进一步发展这些方法来分析多参数流式细胞术数据。与经典的多色流式细胞术相比，质量细胞术是一种新的细胞术，可以大大增加每个细胞测量的变量数量。其目的不仅是改善细胞群体鉴定等初级分析任务，而且还为下游分析任务开发新方法，如所分析变量的图形建模。这些方法将通过计算机程序的分发和网络服务进行传播。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In many areas of biological or medical research, investigators are faced with the task of analyzing data sets that can be described as "large sample, moderate dimension". An important example, which is the specific focus of this project, is multi-parameter flow cytometry where the number of data points is in the range of tens of thousands to several millions, and each data point can provide measurements on multiple variables (5 to 60). New statistical tools are needed to analyze and visualize this data, and to address the associated hypothesis testing and modeling challenges. The goal of this research is to develop new statistical methods for this type of multivariate data, and based on these methods, to create and provide more effective data analysis and interpretation tools for multi-parameter flow cytometry. First we will develop a new approach to multivariate density estimation based on the approximation of the density by simple functions. These estimates are essentially histograms based on data adaptive partitions of the basic multivariate domain. The aim is to attain effective learning of these partitions using methods with strong theoretical justification and good empirical performance. We will also implement and further develop these methods for the analysis of multi-parameter flow cytometry data. Particular attention will be paid to mass cytometry which is a new cytometry modality that can greatly increase the number of variables measured per cell, as compared to classical polychromatic flow cytometry. The aim is not only to improve primary analysis tasks such as cell population identification, but also to develop new methods for downstream analysis tasks such as graphical modeling of the variables being analyzed. The methods will be disseminated though distribution of computer programs and also though web service.