arXiv subjects

Fabio A. C. C. Chalub

Publications and source records attributed to Fabio A. C. C. Chalub.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

The frequency-dependent Wright-Fisher model: diffusive and non-diffusive approximations

We study a class of processes that are akin to the Wright-Fisher model, with transition probabilities weighted in terms of the frequency-dependent fitness of the population types. By considering an approximate weak formulation of the discrete problem, we are able to derive a corresponding continuous weak formulation for the probability density. Therefore, we obtain a family of partial differential equations (PDE) for the evolution of the probability density, and which will be an approximation of the discrete process in the joint large population, small time-steps and weak selection limit. If the fitness functions are sufficiently regular, we can recast the weak formulation in a more standard formulation, without any boundary conditions, but supplemented by a number of conservation laws. The equations in this family can be purely diffusive, purely hyperbolic or of convection-diffusion type, with frequency dependent convection. The particular outcome will depend on the assumed scalings. The diffusive equations are of the degenerate type; using a duality approach, we also obtain a frequency dependent version of the Kimura equation without any further assumptions. We also show that the convective approximation is related to the replicator dynamics and provide some estimate of how accurate is the convective approximation, with respect to the convective-diffusion approximation. In particular, we show that the mode, but not the expected value, of the probability distribution is modelled by the replicator dynamics. Some numerical simulations that illustrate the results are also presented.

q-bio.PE↗

arXiv2009

The SIR epidemic model from a PDE point of view

We present a derivation of the classical SIR model through a mean-field approximation from a discrete version of SIR. We then obtain a hyperbolic forward Kolmogorov equation, and show that its projected characteristics recover the standard SIR model. Moreover, we show that the long time limit of the evolution will be a Dirac measure. The exact position will depend on the well-know $R_0$ parameter, and it will be supported on the corresponding stable SIR equilibrium.

q-bio.PE↗

arXiv2009

A non-standard evolution problem arising in population genetics

We study the evolution of the probability density of an asexual, one locus population under natural selection and random evolution. This evolution is governed by a Fokker-Planck equation with degenerate coefficients on the boundaries, supplemented by a pair of conservation laws. It is readily shown that no classical or standard weak solution definition yields solvability of the problem. We provide an appropriate definition of weak solution for the problem, for which we show existence and uniqueness. The solution displays a very distinctive structure and, for large time, we show convergence to a unique stationary solution that turns out to be a singular measure supported at the endpoints. An exponential rate of convergence to this steady state is also proved.

math.AP↗

arXiv2008

From discrete to continuous evolution models: a unifying approach to drift-diffusion and replicator dynamics

We study the large population limit of the Moran process, assuming weak-selection, and for different scalings. Depending on the particular choice of scalings, we obtain a continuous model that may highlight the genetic-drift (neutral evolution) or natural selection; for one precise scaling, both effects are present. For the scalings that take the genetic-drift into account, the continuous model is given by a singular diffusion equation, together with two conservation laws that are already present at the discrete level. For scalings that take into account only natural selection, we obtain a hyperbolic singular equation that embeds the Replicator Dynamics and satisfies only one conservation law. The derivation is made in two steps: a formal one, where the candidate limit model is obtained, and a rigorous one, where convergence of the probability density is proved. Additional results on the fixation probabilities are also presented.

q-bio.PE↗

arXiv2006

Discrete versus continuous models in evolutionary dynamics: from simple to simpler -- and even simpler -- models

There are many different models--both continuous and discrete--used to describe gene mutation fixation. In particular, the Moran process, the Kimura equation and the replicator dynamics are all well known models, that might lead to different conclusions. We present a discussion of a unified framework to embrace all these models, in the large population regime.

math.AP↗

arXiv2006

The continuous limit of the Moran process and the diffusion of mutant genes in infinite populations

We consider the so called Moran process with frequency dependent fitness given by a certain pay-off matrix. For finite populations, we show that the final state must be homogeneous, and show how to compute the fixation probabilities. Next, we consider the infinite population limit, and discuss the appropriate scalings for the drift-diffusion limit. In this case, a degenerated parabolic PDE is formally obtained that, in the special case of frequency independent fitness, recovers the celebrated Kimura equation in population genetics. We then show that the corresponding initial value problem is well posed and that the discrete model converges to the PDE model as the population size goes to infinity. We also study some game-theoretic aspects of the dynamics and characterize the best strategies, in an appropriate sense.

math.AP↗