title: Improving the reuse of computational models through version control.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Only models that are accessible to researchers can be reused. As computational models evolve over time, a number of different but related versions of a model exist. Consequently, tools are required to manage not only well-curated models but also their associated versions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this work, we discuss conceptual requirements for model version control. Focusing on XML formats such as Systems Biology Markup Language and CellML, we present methods for the identification and explanation of differences and for the justification of changes between model versions. In consequence, researchers can reflect on these changes, which in turn have considerable value for the development of new models. The implementation of model version control will therefore foster the exploration of published models and increase their reusability.
authors: Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany. dagmar.waltemath@uni-rostock.de
authors: Dagmar
authors: D
authors: Waltemath
authors: Ron
authors: R
authors: Henkel
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Hälke
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Scharm
authors: Olaf
authors: O
authors: Wolkenhauer
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008954:Models, Biological; D012984:Software; D049490:Systems Biology