A molecular diffusion based utility model for Drosophila larval phototaxis.
BACKGROUND
Generally, utility based decision making models focus on experimental outcomes. In this paper we propose a utility model based on molecular diffusion to simulate the choice behavior of Drosophila larvae exposed to different light conditions.


METHODS
In this paper, light/dark choice-based Drosophila larval phototaxis is analyzed with our molecular diffusion based model. An ISCEM algorithm is developed to estimate the model parameters.


RESULTS
By applying this behavioral utility model to light intensity and phototaxis data, we show that this model fits the experimental data very well.


CONCLUSIONS
Our model provides new insights into decision making mechanisms in general. From an engineering viewpoint, we propose that the model could be applied to a wider range of decision making practices.
College of Logistics Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430073. zhejungong@yahoo.com.cn
Zhejun
Z
Gong
Zhefeng
Z
Gong
D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D004330:Drosophila / Q000254:growth & development*; D007814:Larva / Q000502:physiology*; D008027:Light