3 August 2009

2.8. Functions of the graphical user interface

In this section, the functions of GNA are summarized. The overview is structured according to the menus in the toolbar (Figure 2.16).

Fig. 2.16.  Menu of the graphical user interface

Menu of the graphical user interface

2.8.1. File menu

This menu contains functions to manipulate models and initial conditions.

  • New project: Start a new project;

  • Open project...: Open project stored in .gnaml file;

  • Save project: Save project to .gnaml file;

  • Save project as...: Save project to .gnaml file under new name;

  • Import model: Import model stored in a .gna file;

  • Import initial conditions: Import initial conditions stored in .dat file;

  • Import property...: Import property stored in .prop file;

  • Import from SBML: Import model and initial conditions from an SBML Level 2 document;

  • Export model...: Export model to .gna file;

  • Export initial conditions...: Export initial conditions to .dat file;

  • Export property...: Export property to .prop file;

  • Export to SBML: Export model and initial conditions to an SBML document;

  • Export explicit graph to <model checker>...: Export state transition graph in a file that can be read by the <model checker>;

  • Export implicit graph to <model checker>...: Export implicit graph defined by given initial conditions in a file that can be read by the <model checker>;

  • Quit: Quit GNA.

Some of the above import and export functions are accessible by clicking the right mouse button in the Project tree or in the corresponding windows.

2.8.2. Edit menu

This menu contains functions for editing the model, in particular the variables composing the model.

  • New

    • Variable: Create a new variable;

    • Initial conditions: Create new initial conditions;

    • Atomic proposition: Create new atomic proposition;

    • Property: Create new property;

  • Edit: Edit selected variable, initial conditions, atomic proposition or property;

  • Rename: Rename selected variable, initial conditions, atomic proposition or property;

  • Delete: Delete selected variable, initial conditions, atomic proposition or property;

  • View comment: View comment for selected variable, initial conditions, atomic proposition or property;

  • Preferences: Edit preferences for GNA.

Most of the above functions are also accessible by clicking the right mouse button in the Project window. The Variable window for a variable contains an equation editor for defining the state equation. The following key combinations can be used to edit the information in the State equation field:

  • Ctrl+X: Cut and add to buffer;

  • Ctrl+C: Copy and add to buffer;

  • Ctrl+V: Paste buffer;

  • Ctrl+Z: Undo;

  • Ctrl+Y: Redo;

  • Ctrl+space: Complete current name.

2.8.3. Analysis menu

This menu contains functions to analyze the model defined.

  • Search attractors: Search phase space for steady states of the model;

  • Specify simulation: Specify simulation parameters for given initial conditions;

  • Specify verification: Specify verfication parameters for given property.

The above functions are also accessible by clicking the right mouse button in the Project tree.

  • Run: Run specified attractor search, simulation or verification;

  • Abort: Abort current running attractor search, simulation or verification.

These function are also accessible from the buttons in each Attractor search, Simulation or Verification window.

2.8.4. Results menu

This menu contains functions to view and analyze simulation results.

  • Deselect all states: Deselect all states in the state transition graph;

  • Filter instantaneous states: Generate the state transition graph from which all states that are instantaneously traversed have been removed. Display this graph in a new tab;

  • Subgraph spanning selected states: Construct the subgraph spanning the selected states in the state transition graph. Display this graph in a new tab;

  • Expand selected subgraph: Expand the state transition graph using several levels of successors and/or predecessors of the selected states. Display this graph in a new tab;

  • Display variables in selected path: Display the qualitative evolution of the variables in a selected path in the state transition graph;

  • Display focal sets in selected path: Display the qualitative evolution of the values toward which the state variables locally converge;

  • Zoom in graph: Zoom in on state transition graph;

  • Zoom out graph: Zoom out of state transition graph.

  • Fit graph: Zoom in or out so that the whole state transition graph is displayed in the window

  • Zoom actual size: Zoom to 1:1 level

The above functions are also accessible by clicking the right mouse button in the Transition graph window. States in the Transition graph window can be selected by means of the mouse while pressing the Ctrl key. Deselection is achieved by clicking and pressing the Ctrl key. Some shortcuts allow to easily navigate within the graph: while maintaining the Ctrl and Alt keys pressed, you can drag the graph with the mouse ; when the Ctrl key is pressed, the mouse wheel allows to zoom in and out.

2.8.5. Windows menu

This menu lists the active windows and allows you to make some of them invisible.

2.8.6. Help menu

  • Help: Open help pages;

  • About GNA: Display GNA version.