---------------------------------------------------- Subject: SMB Digest v10i19 SMB Digest May 13, 2010 Volume 10 Issue 19 ISSN 1086-6566 Editor: Ray Mejía 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: Registration Open: SMB 2010 Annual Meeting/BIOMAT 2010, 24-29 July Workshop: Plant Systems Biology, 2-5 September, Black Forest, Germany Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Modeling Courses Workshop & Symp: Systems Biology & Approaches to Parkinson's Disease Workshop: Modélisation et Biologie des Systèmes, 07 - 09 juin Cancer Modelling Summer School and Workshop, 15-28 August, Dundee CfP: SIAM Conference on Computational Science and Engineering CfP: CBMS2010 - Special Track (ST-04) on HealthGrid & Cloud Computing Call for Papers: Mathematical Modelling of Zombies The Spiking Neuron Model Bites the Dust PhD Positions: University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands Postdoc: SIMCARD, CEMAT - Math Department of IST, Lisbon Postdoc: Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center Postdoc: Mathematical Ecology or Infectious Diseases Modeling Postdoc: Dept. Math & Stat, University of Guelph, Closing Date May 24 SMBnet Reminders ---------------------------------------------------- From: Biomat Consortium Date: Thu, 6 May 2010 19:30:43 -0300 Subject: Registration Open: SMB 2010 Annual Meeting/BIOMAT 2010, 24-29 July 5th Circular / SMB 2010 Annual Meeting Dear Participant / Prospective Authors of the SMB 2010 Annual Meeting / BIOMAT 2010 Symposium - Rio de Janeiro, 24th - 29th July 2010. 1) On behalf of the Scientific Advisory Committee of SMB 2010 Annual Meeting and the BIOMAT Consortium (http://www.biomat.org) and due to many requests from participants worldwide , we now announce the Last Call for Abstracts of Contributed Talks. The deadline for abstract submission is 10th May. Application forms are available at http://www.biomat.org/smb/contributedtalk.htm. 2) Registration is now open. Please find the corresponding format http://www.coppeteccongressos.org.br/script/FctCadFisica.asp?pStrIdioma=US&CodCongresso=70 3) A list of suggested hotels with special daily rates can be found at http://www.biomat.org/smb/accommodation.html  Looking forward to meeting you in Rio de Janeiro. With best regards, Prof. R.P.Mondaini Chairman SMB 2010 Scientific Advisory Committee President of the BIOMAT Consortium ---------------------------------------------------- From: Christian Fleck Date: Mon, May 10, 2010 at 11:22 AM Subject: Workshop: Plant Systems Biology, 2-5 September, Black Forest, Germany First announcement: Plant Systems Biology workshop 2.-5. September 2010, Black Forest, Germany The workshop will cover systems biology of plants aiming to bridge the gap between biologists and biophysicists/mathematicians. We intend to do this by presenting successful interdisciplinary collaborations, where the results could only be obtained by a joint effort. We believe this will stimulate future dedication to the plant systems biology field, where we aim in particular at young researchers. Because of the excellent progress with genetic and molecular model systems many projects enable an unique opportunity to study the processes in great detail. Yet, the communication problems between biologists and biophysicists/mathematicians often prevent a meaningful collaboration. With this workshop we aim to foster such interdisciplinary collaborations. Scientifically the meeting will focus on: 1. Development 2. Light regulated processes 3. Circadian Clock For more details and to register please go to: http://www.frias.uni-freiburg.de/lifenet/veranstaltungen-en/plant-systems-biology-workshop/plant-systems-biology-workshop-en For all enquiries contact Christian Fleck (Christian.Fleck at fdm.uni-freiburg.de) ---------------------------------------------------- From: Gary M Raymond Date: Tue, 11 May 2010 13:54:13 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Modeling Courses Summer Courses in Modeling Transport and Metabolism in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems are scheduled for June 14­18, 2010 and August 23­27, 2010 http://www.physiome.org/Course/index.html ---------------------------------------------------- From: Wilhelm Huisinga Date: Thu, May 13, 2010 at 9:03 AM Subject: Workshop & Symp: Systems Biology & Approaches to Parkinson's Disease Registration is now open for the 3rd International Workshop on Systems Biology August 15th-18th(midday), 2010 and 1st Symposium on Systems Approaches to Parkinson's Disease August 18th (midday)-19th, 2010 at the National University of Ireland Maynooth, Ireland. Please see URL http://www.hamilton.ie/SystemsBiology/Workshop2010/ The aim of the 3rd International Workshop on Systems Biology is to provide a forum for international researchers working in key areas of Systems Biology to interact and discuss the major issues in the field, with a focus on Systems Biology of Disease. Academic faculty members, industrial and post-doctoral researchers and post-graduate students are encouraged to attend the workshop. The 1st Symposium on Systems Approaches to Parkinson's Disease takes a more focussed approach and looks at specific applications of Systems Biology approaches to study the etiopathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Early registration deadline ends June 15, 2010 ---------------------------------------------------- From: Delphine Dalla-Riva Date: 2010/5/12 Subject: Workshop: Modélisation et Biologie des Systèmes, 07 - 09 juin Cher(e) collegue, Dans notre précédent mail du 28/04/10, nous vous informions que le projet de GIS intitulé 'Modelisation et traitement de l'information pour la biologie des systemes' est en train de voir le jour sur le site toulousain (voir le site web: http://sites.google.com/site/mibstoulouse/). Ce projet s'articule autour de trois axes scientifiques : 1. Omique (génomique, protéomique, transcriptomique, etc), bio-statistiques & bio-informatique 2. Imagerie biologique et médicale 3. Systèmes complexes & modélisation Dans le cadre de ce dernier axe, un Workshop "Modélisation et biologie des systèmes" est organisé du 07 au 09 juin 2010 à l'Université Paul Sabatier de Toulouse. Le programme de ces journées est accessible sur la page : http://sites.google.com/site/mibs3toulouse/workshops L'inscription au Workshop est gratuite mais obligatoire. Vous trouverez en pièce jointe, ou en téléchargement sur le site, la fiche d'inscription à remplir et à renvoyer par mail à d.dallariva@math.univ-toulouse.fr Esperant vous compter parmi nous. Bien cordialement, Les organisateurs: Pierre Degond (Institut de Mathématiques de Toulouse) Marc Haenlin (Centre de Biologie du Développement, Toulouse) Manoel Manghi (Laboratoire de Physique Théorique de Toulouse) Franck Plouraboué (Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse) Guy Theraulaz (Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Toulouse) ---------------------------------------------------- From: Mark Chaplain Date: Thu, May 13, 2010 at 7:04 AM Subject: Cancer Modelling Summer School and Workshop, 15-28 August, Dundee Final Announcement: Mathematical Biology Group University of Dundee A Summer School and Workshop on "Mathematical Modelling of Cancer Growth and Treatment" will take place 15-28 August 2010. This event is the last in a series of 4 previous summer schools all funded by the European Union Marie Curie Conferences and Training Course programme. The Summer School will take place at The Westpark Conference Centre, Dundee: http://www.westpark.co.uk/ The Summer School is scheduled for 15-25 August. The Workshop will follow immediately after and is scheduled for 26-28 August. Registration is now open and details of how to apply for attendance and participation can be found at the Summer School website: http://www.maths.dundee.ac.uk/summerschool2010 Full details of the Instructors and Workshop Speakers can also be found at the website. Registration will close on Friday 21st May. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Kirsten Wilden Date: Wed, May 5, 2010 at 10:26 AM Subject: CfP: SIAM Conference on Computational Science and Engineering Conference Name: SIAM Conference on Computational Science and Engineering (CSE11) Location: Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Reno, Nevada, USA Dates: February 28 - March 4, 2011 The Call for Presentations for this conference is available at: http://www.siam.org/meetings/cse11/ SUBMISSION DEADLINES August 23, 2010: Minisymposium proposals August 30, 2010: Abstracts for contributed and minisymposium speakers TRAVEL FUND APPLICATION DEADLINE September 13, 2010: SIAM Student Travel Award and Post-doc/Early Career Travel Award Applications PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINE January 31, 2011: Disconnect time is 4:00 PM EDT HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE February 7, 2011 For additional information, contact the SIAM Conference Department at meetings@siam.org. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Maria Mirto Date: Thu, May 6, 2010 at 3:30 AM Subject: CfP: CBMS2010 - Special Track (ST-04) on HealthGrid & Cloud Computing 23rd IEEE International Symposium on COMPUTER-BASED MEDICAL SYSTEMS Perth, Australia 12-15 October 2010 4th Special Track on HealthGrid & Cloud Computing http://sara.unisalento.it/cbms2010/ CALL FOR PAPERS - Deadline June 17, 2010 ---------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Smith? Date: Thu, May 13, 2010 at 1:24 AM Subject: Call for Papers: Mathematical Modelling of Zombies Call for Papers: Mathematical Modelling of Zombies Last year's publicity surrounding "When Zombies Attack!: Mathematical modelling of an outbreak of zombie infection" http://www.mathstat.uottawa.ca/~rsmith/Zombies.pdf has led to significant interest in the possibility of making mathematics accessible to a wider audience via the fun topic of zombies. We are thus soliciting submissions for an academic book, entitled "Mathematical Modelling of Zombies" that would reach a wider than usual audience and would use modelling of zombie outbreaks to illustrate the power of mathematical modelling. If you wish to contribute a chapter, please email Robert Smith? to discuss your idea first. The aim of the book is to feature a wide range of topics. Furthermore, humour is strongly encouraged to make the subject more accessible, so don't be afraid to propose some wild ideas. Deadline for ideas: June 30. Please feel free to pass this along to anyone who may be interested. - Robert Smith? ---------------------------------------------------- From: Torabi Date: Wed, May 5, 2010 at 2:32 AM Subject: The Spiking Neuron Model Bites the Dust In 1964 W. Rall (1) published a book chapter as a technical piece based on informal discussions with J. Hearon to overcome problems with partial differential equation models of neurons. Ever since it has been taken for granted that these compartmental methods are just as "good" in modeling realistic neurons. Indeed based on an unquestioning acceptance of the validity of the compartmental model, the spiking neuron models (a hybrid of the compartmental model) have infiltrated computational neuroscience in software packages like NEURON and in the Blue Brain Project. In a paper published in the March issue of Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, Brzychczy and Poznanski have began to gauge how "good" these compartmental methods really are by using new mathematics of the brain. See http://www.worldscinet.com/jin/mkt/archive.shtml?2010&9 . (1) W.Rall (1964) Theoretical significance of dendritic trees for neuronal input-output relations. In, Neural Theory and Modeling, Reiss,R.F. (ed.) Stanford University Press, CA., pp.73-97. S M Torabi Department of Artificial Intelligence Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia E-mail:  torabi@perdana.um.edu.my ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Kretzschmar, M.E.E." Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 07:57:51 +0200 Subject: PhD Positions: University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands Project 1: Combining within host models for immune response and waning immunity with population level transmission models. The interaction between various strains of a pathogen is mediated by the immune system of the host. The level of immunity of an individual determines its susceptibility, but also its infectiousness, duration of the infectious period and severity of symptoms. In order to unravel the mechanisms behind shifts in (relative) incidence/prevalence of strains, e.g. as a result of a mass vaccination program, we therefore need nested models, i.e., models at the population level that have models for within host processes as building blocks. The aim of this project is to develop an efficient mathematical framework for the formulation and analysis of such nested models, building on established methodology for Physiologically Structured Population Models. The link to actual data will concentrate on Campylobacter (in close interaction with Prof. A. Havelaar (IRAS and RIVM) and Dr. A. Swart (RIVM)) and pertussis (collaboration with RIVM). Contact: Odo Diekmann (o.diekmann@uu.nl ) Project 2: Respondent driven detection and control strategies for emerging infectious diseases In recent years syndromic surveillance was explored as a means for detecting outbreaks of infectious diseases as timely as possible based on data other than routine surveillance data. However, it has proven difficult to implement syndromic surveillance in real time. Reasons are the difficulties in interpreting specific syndromes in terms of specific pathogens, the efforts involved in providing morbidity and mortality data on a population level in a timely manner, and the simple fact that only larger outbreaks will have a detectable impact on the population level. These factors preclude the effectiveness of syndromic surveillance for newly emerging pathogens that per definition occur in small localized clusters. The aim of this project is to develop and investigate web-based, respondent driven methods for investigating the transmission of infectious diseases and explore them as alternative methods for detection of small outbreaks of possibly unknown pathogens. We want to investigate whether a signal can be amplified by making use of localized information that is available to individual respondents only. To do this, a combination of social sciences tools and mathematical modelling will be used. One part of the project will be the development of a web-based questionnaire to explore social networks, the other part will be a theoretical analysis of the effectiveness of intervention in outbreaks using information obtained or spread via social networks. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with researchers at the RIVM and with the social sciences faculty at the UU. Contact: Mirjam Kretzschmar (m.e.e.kretzschmar@umcutrecht.nl) Project 3: Modelling the spread of multi-resistant Gram-negative enteric bacteria: the interaction between animal and human reservoirs http://www.math.uu.nl/Positions/62002.pdf Gram-negative bacteria producing extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBL) are rapidly emerging in Dutch hospitals and worldwide. Nosocomial infections caused by these bacteria are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs. However, ESBL are also frequently found in agricultural industry, where their prevalence probably results from extensive antibiotic use. Yet, the interaction between the animal reservoir and the human reservoir is not well understood. Curtailing spread of ESBL in health care settings will be a challenging task, and the most (cost)-effective strategy to do so is unknown. Intervention studies to fill this knowledge gap require long periods of follow-up, and are unlikely to provide answers in due course. This study will combine longitudinal prevalence and incidence ESBL surveillance data from ongoing (inter-) national studies in different human and patient populations, as well as "to-be-collected" data from missing epidemiological niches (i.e., veterinary reservoirs) with mathematical modelling to quantify the interaction between both reservoirs. The results of this study will also guide infection prevention strategies for controlling ESBL. The project will be conducted in collaboration with IRAS and the veterinary faculty. Contact: Marc Bonten (mbonten@umcutrecht.nl ) ---------------------------------------------------- From: Adelia Sequeira Date: Sat, May 8, 2010 at 9:23 PM Subject: Postdoc: SIMCARD, CEMAT - Math Department of IST, Lisbon A Postdoc position in Advanced Computing/Computational Mathematics is available at CEMAT- Center for Mathematics and its Applications, IST (Lisbon, Portugal), in the framework of the project "SIMCARD - Cardiovascular Imaging, Modeling and Simulation" UTAustin/CA/0047/2008, in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin. This position is funded by the Portuguese Science Foundation, FCT. The successful candidate will interact with national and international collaborators, in particular at UT Austin, and will be part of an integrated team led by Prof. Adélia Sequeira http://web.ist.utl.pt/adelia.sequeira/simcard/. Research will be focused on the computational modeling of cerebral aneurysm progression, in particular on the development of computational codes for realistic vascular wall biomechanics and fluid-solid interaction models. Suitable candidates should hold a PhD in applied mathematics, physics, or engineering, with a strong background in computational mechanics, biomechanical problems and numerical methods (e.g. finite elements). Excellent programming skills are required and experience in biomedical research is highly desired. The position is initially available for one year with the possibility of extension to two or three years, pending availability of external funding. There are no teaching duties associated to this position. To ensure full consideration, interested candidates should send by email (adelia.sequeira@math.ist.utl.pt ) a CV, a statement of purpose describing relevant expertise and research interests, and three letters of recommendation (with contacts information: e-mail addresses and telephone numbers). The same email address may be used for further information. The position will remain open until filled. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Katarzyna Rejniak Date: Sun, May 9, 2010 at 6:59 PM Subject: Postdoc: Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center Postdoctoral research position in computational oncology: modeling bio-mechanics of tumor development and treatment Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in the Integrated Mathematical Oncology group at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Florida. We are seeking a highly motivated person interested in applying mathematical modeling and computer simulations to study various aspects of tumor initiation, progression and treatment. The appointed candidate will work with Dr. Kasia Rejniak on one of the following projects involving model development and its integration with experimental and/or clinical data: * bio-mechanics of normal vs. tumor-like tissue morphogenesis; * micro-fluids in drug delivery; * bio-physics of tumor microenvironment. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in computational fluid dynamics and experience in computer programming and visualization. As well as good communications skill and enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary team. The working knowledge of one of the following methods: immersed boundary, immersed interface or regularized Stokeslets, will be an asset. The Mathematical Oncology (http://www.moffitt.org/imo) group is a team of researchers, including mathematicians, computer scientists, imaging specialists, experimental and clinical oncologists, that are interested in developing novel translational approaches to the prevention and cure of cancer. To apply visit: http://www.rejniak.net/KARresearch/jobs.html and send a cv, cover letter and contact information of three reviewers to Dr. Kasia Rejniak at Kasia.Rejniak@moffitt.org The position will remain open until filled. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Rongsong Liu Date: Wed, May 12, 2010 at 12:49 PM Subject: Postdoc: Mathematical Ecology or Infectious Diseases Modeling A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Mathematics and Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming . The position is supported by the NSF EPSCoR. The candidate can do research in mathematical ecology or mathematical epidemiology, for example, modeling the dispersal of mistletoe, modeling the dynamics of Chronic Wasting Disease, etc. Funding is in place. The appointment can be 2 years beginning September 2010 or later. Extension is possible depending on funding availability. Salary is based on the NSF scale plus fringe benefits. If interested, please send a CV, statement of research interests, and contact information of three references, to Rongsong Liu (rongsong.liu@uwyo.edu). ---------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Bauch Date: Fri, May 7, 2010 at 9:39 PM Subject: Postdoc: Dept. Math & Stat, University of Guelph, Closing Date May 24 Postdoctoral Researcher Simulation modelling of mitigation strategies for emerging infectious diseases Department of Mathematics and Statistics The University of Guelph Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher position on developing simulation models for mitigation of emerging infectious diseases. The position is funded under the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship program. Successful applicants will be expected to have a PhD in mathematics, experience in infectious disease modelling, and experience in programming complex models. Experience in writing scientific papers is a plus. Individuals should be ready to work in an exciting, interdisciplinary environment as part of a team of experts from various health-related and quantitative fields. The successful applicant will be based in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Guelph. The initial appointment is for one year, with renewal for an additional year subject to satisfactory performance. To apply, please send a CV, cover letter, representative publications (if available), and the names and contact details of three references to Dr. Chris Bauch (cbauch@uoguelph.ca). References will be sought from short-listed applicants only. The closing date for applications is May 24, 2010. ---------------------------------------------------- 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 **************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------