---------------------------------------------------- Subject: SMB Digest v08i10 SMB Digest March 10, 2008 Volume 08 Issue 10 ISSN 1086-6566 Editor: Ray Mejķa ray(at)smb(dot)org Note: Information about the Society for Mathematical Biology, including an application for membership, may be found in the SMB Home Page, http://www.smb.org/ . Access the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, the official journal of SMB, at http://www.springer.com/11538 . Inquiries about membership or BMB fulfillment should be sent to membership(at)smb(dot)org . Issue's Topics: Call for Abstracts: MODSIM World 2008 Climate Math Summer School at MSRI, July 2008 ICNC'08-FSKD'08: Papers due 25 March, Jinan, China CfP: ICAI-08 Papers due April 1, Beijing, China Sangster Award Call for Papers: Special Issue on Image Processing, IJT&S New Book on Mathematical Population Dynamics & Epidemiology PhD Studentships: Infectious Disease Modelling Positions: Computational Neuroscience, CNCR, Amsterdam Tenure-Track/Tenured Investigator Positions, NCI, NIH SMBnet Reminders ---------------------------------------------------- From: Holly D Gaff Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 16:10:55 -0500 Subject: Call for Abstracts: MODSIM World 2008 MODSIM World 2008 is an international conference and exposition for researchers and practitioners in modeling and simulation and related areas, and for the diffusion of knowledge in modeling, simulation, visualization, and game-based learning. MODSIM World Conference & Expo 2008 will be held at the Virginia Beach Convention Centerin Virginia Beach, Virginia, September 15-18, 2008. The Health & Medicine Trackis currently seeking a variety of speakers for this conference. Other TRACKS are also seeking speakers. If you are interested, please visit the MODSIM World Conference & Expo 2008 Website (http://www.modsimworld2008.com/index.htm). ---------------------------------------------------- From: Mary Lou Zeeman Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:57:33 -0500 Subject: Climate Math Summer School at MSRI, July 2008 Dear Colleagues, Would you like to learn more about the mathematical challenges in Climate Change research? Come to the MSRI Climate Change Summer School, July 14th - Aug 1st, 2008! http://www.msri.org/calendar/workshops/WorkshopInfo/462/show_workshop This 3 week summer school combines a research conference, interdisciplinary brainstorming sessions and a graduate student workshop. Are you a graduate student? You can APPLY FOR FUNDING to attend. More information and application instructions can be found at http://www.msri.org/calendar/sgw/WorkshopInfo/453/show_sgw. Please be aware that the deadline for applications is in mid March. Please help to spread the word! We hope to see you there, Chris Jones, Guthridge Distinguished Professor of Mathematics, U.N.C. Chapel Hill Mary Lou Zeeman, R. Wells Johnson Professor of Mathematics, Bowdoin College ---------------------------------------------------- From: Conference Publicity Date: Sun, 9 Mar 2008 19:14:27 +0800 Subject: ICNC'08-FSKD'08: Papers due 25 March, Jinan, China The 4th International Conference on Natural Computation (ICNC'08) The 5th International Conference on Fuzzy Systems and Discovery (FSKD'08) 25-27 August 2008, Jinan, China Submission Deadline: 25 March 2008 http://www.icnc-fskd2008.sdu.edu.cn Call for Papers, Invited Sessions & Sponsorship For more information, visit the conference web page. If you have any questions after visiting the conference web page, please email the secretariat at nc2008@sdu.edu.cn ---------------------------------------------------- From: Xingquan Zhu Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:16:03 -0400 Subject: CfP: ICAI-08 Papers due April 1, Beijing, China The 1st International Conference on Advanced Intelligence (ICAI-08) October 19-22, 2008 Beijing, China http://caai.cn:8086/icai08/ Deadline of Paper Submission: April 1, 2008 Acceptance Notification: June 1, 2008 Camera-ready Paper Submission: July 10, 2008 ---------------------------------------------------- From: Marc Roussel Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:45:23 -0700 Subject: Sangster Award The Canadian National Committee of CODATA administers the Sangster award for graduate work that supports the goals and activities of CODATA. These are * To improve the quality and accessibility of data, as well as the methods by which data are acquired * To facilitate international cooperation among those collecting, organizing, and using data * To promote an increased awareness in the scientific and technical communities of the importance of these activities * To consider data access and intellectual property issues. The Sangster award is awarded every second year to a person who is either currently enrolled in a graduate program at a Canadian University, or who completed their degree in the last three years. The award provides travel support to facilitate a presentation by the recipient of his or her work at the biennial International CODATA Conference, which will be held in Kyiv, Ukraine this Fall. Note that data activities eligible for the Sangster award are construed in a fairly broad way. The first two recipients of this award were a computer science student working on data compression algorithms, and a geomatics engineering student working on methods to integrate data from multiple sensors to determine vehicle attitude (http://www.codata.org/canada/sangster/sangster_previous_e.shtml). This award, unique to Canada, has rapidly become a highlight at the CODATA Conference. This is therefore a very good opportunity for a student to gain wider exposure for their work. Accordingly, please circulate this announcement widely, and encourage your students to apply if they are doing or have done relevant work. The deadline for applications this year is March 31st. For further details, potential applicants or their supervisors should feel free to contact me or to consult the CNC/CODATA web site: http://www.codata.org/canada/sangster/index.shtml ---------------------------------------------------- From: Joćo Manuel R. S. Tavares Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 20:41:28 -0000 Subject: Call for Papers: Special Issue on Image Processing, IJT&S Special issue on Image Processing Gest Editors: Joćo Manuel R. S. Tavares & Renato M. Natal Jorge - UP - Portugal International Journal of Tomography & Statistics ISSN 0973-7294 (Online) - 0972-9976 (Print) http://www.isder.ceser.res.in/ijts.html Dear Colleague, This special issue of the International Journal of Tomography & Statistics (IJT&S) is devoted to promote a broad exchange of information on technologies, applications, operations and quality assurance in the areas of Computed Tomography, Statistics as well as of Image Processing. This special issue on Image Processing is an opportunity for users, scientists, image equipment suppliers and all who are interested to present their works on image detectors and acquisition systems, signal processing, image processing and analysis, medical imaging, pattern analysis and recognition, volume scanning and reconstruction, features extraction and classification, telemedicine, virtual and augmented reality, enhanced computation and software applications of image processing. Thus, if you are working on the related areas of the special issue "Image Processing", It is an honour to invite you to submit your work to be published in the IJT&S. Important Dates and Instructions: Deadline for papers submission: 30/06/2008; Authors notification: 15/09/2008 Final version of accepted papers: 1/11/2008 If you intend to submit your work please notify as soon as possible the guest editors of your intention (tavares@fe.up.pt, rnatal@fe.up.pt) Papers for the special issue should be sent to the guest editors Instructions for authors are available at http://www.isder.ceser.res.in/ijts/instr4a.html. ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Petrovskiy, Dr S." Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:27:04 +0000 Subject: New Book on Mathematical Population Dynamics & Epidemiology Dear Colleagues, The following book has just appeared in the Chapman & Hall/CRC Mathematical & Computational Biology series: "Spatiotemporal Patterns in Ecology and Epidemiology: Theory, Models, and Simulation" (by Horst Malchow, Sergei Petrovskii and Ezio Venturino) Importance of the spatial dimension of ecosystem dynamics has now been widely recognized, and the mechanisms behind species patterning in space are of significant interest. However, in spite of a considerable progress in this field that has been made and published in periodic literature over the last ten or fifteen years, the existing books on mathematical biology very rarely go beyond the classical Turing scenario. This book is designed to close this gap. Apart from summarizing and updating the main findings on ecological pattern formation done over the last decade, a significantly novel feature of the book is that it takes a unified approach to population dynamics and epidemiology by presenting several ecoepidemiological models where both the basic interspecies interactions of population dynamics and the impact of an infectious disease are explicitly considered. The book also addresses the interaction between deterministic and stochastic processes in ecosystem/epidemic dynamics, discusses the corresponding modeling approaches, and examines how noise and stochasticity affect pattern formation. More information can be found at the publisher web link: http://www.crcpress.co.uk/shopping_cart/products/product_detail.asp?sku=C6749&prent_id=476&pc ---------------------------------------------------- From: Emilia Vynnycky Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 16:26:38 -0000 Subject: PhD Studentships: Infectious Disease Modelling PhD studentships in Infectious Disease Modelling Modelling and Economics Unit, Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections Applications are invited for three PhD studentships in infectious disease modelling, tenable from September 2008. The studentships will be based jointly between the Modelling and Economics Unit, in the Health Protection Agency (HPA) Centre for Infections in North London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine or the University of Strathclyde. As such the successful candidate will benefit from exposure to a stimulating and dynamic modelling group, access to rich national datasets and relevant post-graduate courses. The following research projects are available: Modelling the transmission of HIV in men who have sex with men in the UK http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/prospectus/howto/HPA_studentships.html Using mathematical modelling to estimate the extent of ongoing M tuberculosis transmission in the UK http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/prospectus/howto/HPA_studentships.html Developing serotype-specific models of the transmission of pneumococcal carriage and the effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on disease in the UK http://www.stams.strath.ac.uk/vacancies/student/Pneumo_PhD_project_description.pdf Applicants should possess a bachelors (2i or above) and (preferably) a masters degree in mathematics, science or other discipline with a strong analytical component, which is relevant to mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. Experience of computer programming is desirable. The studentship will cover EU tuition fees, together with a stipend of £15,080 (MRC rate) for three years. The application procedure depends on the studentship - follow the links for the corresponding studentship for further details. Any enquiries should be sent to: Ms Saila Shah (email: saila.shah@hpa.org.uk) The closing date for applications is 4th April 2008, with interviews during the week beginning 14th April, or as soon as possible thereafter. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Arjen van Ooyen Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:57:42 +0100 Subject: Positions: Computational Neuroscience, CNCR, Amsterdam Applications are invited for two research positions in the Neuroinformatics Group of the Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam. The positions are funded by a EU-FP7 grant for the Collaborative Large-scale Integrating Project Self-Constructing Computing Systems (SECO). Using a combined computational and experimental approach, the SECO project investigates the principles by which populations of real or artificial neurons can grow and assemble themselves into functioning circuits. The first 4-year project, for a postdoctoral researcher, is on the development of dendritic and axonal growth models. The aim is to create models for neuronal morphogenesis in which cells develop through growth cone migration and branching, and formation of synaptic connections in interaction with their environment. A major challenge is to find a balanced level of description of neuronal outgrowth based on local mechanisms and interactions in space and time that will be suitable for an algorithmic implementation. The models will be used to study the development of cortical and thalamic circuitry. The ideal candidate should combine a strong neurobiological interest and knowledge with a solid background in neuro-biophysics and extensive experience in computational modeling and computer programming. The second 4 (or 3)-year project, for a PhD student (or postdoctoral researcher), focuses on the reciprocal interactions between neuronal network structure and activity dynamics in developing neural circuits. Using computational models, we will explore the impact of activity-dependent plasticity rules on the evolution of developing neuronal networks under their own (spontaneous) firing activity. The research will be guided by the hypothesis that networks will evolve towards self-consistent states, in which firing patterns stabilizes the synaptic connectivity structure that also gives rise to these firing patterns. The ideal candidate should combine a strong neurobiological interest and knowledge with an excellent background in computational neuroscience and neuronal network research. Candidates of both projects will contribute significantly to the collaborative effort of the SECO consortium. For further information about these positions, please contact Dr. Arjen van Ooyen, arjen.van.ooyen@cncr.vu.nl, or Dr. Jaap van Pelt, jaap.van.pelt@cncr.vu.nl. Application letters including a CV, research experience, a short statement of research interests, and contact details of two referees should be sent by email to Dr. Arjen van Ooyen before the 1st of April 2008. ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Navard, Ingrid (NIH/NCI) [C]" Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 08:37:40 -0500 Subject: Tenure-Track/Tenured Investigator Positions, NCI, NIH EPIDEMIOLOGIST, INFECTIONS AND CANCER Tenure-Track/Tenured Investigator Position The new Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch (IIB, http://www.dceg.cancer.gov/iib) in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is recruiting for a tenure-track/tenured epidemiologist with experience and interest in the study of infectious agents and cancer risk. Research at the IIB focuses on understanding the causes and mechanisms involved in the development of tumors linked to infectious agents and in understanding the mechanisms underlying successful immune responses as they relate to cancer risk and to successful responses to vaccination. Both infectious and host immunological factors are considered in the context of human epidemiological studies. Studies undertaken by the group are often large, international and include rich biological specimen components to permit in-depth evaluation of biological processes, including immunological and inflammatory mechanisms, involved in tumor development using state-of-the-art techniques. The Branch houses the 7,500 woman community-based vaccine trial in Costa Rica designed to evaluate the efficacy and impact of a new HPV-16/18 virus-like particle vaccine and has an active set of studies aimed at evaluating the role of numerous infectious agents (including EBV , HIV, HPV, HTLV-1, and KHSV) and tumor sites (including cervical cancer, gastric cancer, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and oral/oropharyngeal cancers). Recent efforts have also begun to explore how the microbiome might affect immunity and long-term cancer risk. The successful candidate will receive research support from the intramural research program of NIH for conducting innovative studies aimed at elucidating the role of infectious agents in tumor development. Applicants must have an M.D. and/or Ph.D. in epidemiology or a related field, and considerable post-doctoral experience in cancer epidemiology, viral epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, microbial genomics and/or tumor immunology. A record of peer-reviewed publications in one of these fields is required. A demonstrated ability to lead complex epidemiologic investigations is highly desirable. The successful candidate should have strong analytical/quantitative skills, a good understanding of biological processes, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines. Strong or al and written communication skills are an important requirement. Applications will be evaluated on their ability to develop a creative, independent program of epidemiological research applicable to understanding infectious determinants of cancer risk; and to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary setting. IMMUNOEPIDEMIOLOGIST Tenure-Track/Tenured Investigator Position The new Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch (IIB, http://www.dceg.cancer.gov/iib) in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is recruiting for a tenure-track/tenured epidemiologist with experience and interest in the study of immunology and cancer. Research at the IIB focuses on understanding the causes and mechanisms involved in the development of tumors linked to infectious agents and in understanding the mechanisms underlying successful immune responses as they relate to cancer risk and to successful responses to vaccination. Both infectious and host immunological factors are considered in the context of human epidemiological studies. Studies undertaken by the group are often large, international and include rich biological specimen components to permit in-depth evaluation of biological processes, including immunological and inflammatory mechanisms, involved in tumor development and vaccination responses using state-of-the-art techniques. The Branch has an active set of studies aimed at evaluating the role of numerous infectious agents (including EBV, HIV, HPV, HTLV-1, and KHSV) and tumor sites (including cervical cancer, gastric cancer, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and oral/oropharyngeal cancers). Recent efforts have also begun to explore how the microbiome might affect immunity and long-term cancer risk. The successful candidate will receive research support from the intramural research program of NIH for conducting innovative studies aimed at elucidating inflammatory and immunological mechanisms of HPV-related or other cancers and/or vaccine responses. Applicants must have an M.D. and/or Ph.D. in epidemiology or a related field, and considerable post-doctoral experience in cancer epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, and/or tumor or vaccine immunology. A record of peer-reviewed publications in one of these fields is required. A demonstrated ability to lead complex epidemiologic investigations is highly desirable. The successful candidate should have strong analytical skills, a good understanding of biological/immunological processes, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines. Strong oral and written communication skills are an important requirement. Applications will be evaluated on their ability to develop a creative, independent program of epidemiological research applicable to understanding infectious determinants of cancer risk; and to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary setting. Interested individuals should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief summary of research experience, accomplishments and research interests and goals, copies of three publications or preprints, and three letters of reference to: Ms. Judy Schwadron Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics National Cancer Institute 6120 Executive Blvd. EPS/8073 Bethesda, MD 20892 Candidates should submit applications by May 30, 2008; however, the search will continue until a qualified candidate is found. Additional information about staff and ongoing research in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics and in the Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch is available at http://www.dceg.cancer.gov. Prospective applicants should send E-mail inquiries to Allan Hildesheim, Ph.D., Branch Chief (hildesha@exchange.nih.gov). This position is subject to a background investigation. DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers. ---------------------------------------------------- Subject: SMBnet Reminders To subscribe to the SMB Digest please point your browser at http://list.auckland.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/math-smbnet and complete the subscription information. Alternatively, if you prefer to simply receive notice when the next issue is available, send mail to LISTSERV@listserv.biu.ac.il with "subscribe SMBnet Your Name" in the body of the mail (omit the quotes and include your name). After you subscribe, you will receive a greeting with additional information. Submissions to appear in the SMB Digest may be sent to SMBnet(at)smb(dot)org Items of interest to the mathematical biology community may be submitted for inclusion in the SMBnet archive. See instructions at: http://smb.org/publications/SMBnet/pubs/fyi . The SMB Digest is also available on the SMB Home Page at http://smb.org/publications/SMBnet/digest/ The contents of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part with attribution. End of SMB Digest **************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------