---------------------------------------------------- Subject: SMB Digest v08i15 SMB Digest April 15, 2008 Volume 08 Issue 15 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: Mentoring at the 2008 Annual SMB Meeting 2008 Kronauer Prize for Excellence in Biomathematical Modeling Virtual Cell Short Courses Workshop: "R0 and related concepts: methods & illustrations", Paris Introduction to Mathematical Models: Epidemiology ... Diseases NSF Program Solicitation: Faculty Early Career Development Program TOC: Bulletin Of Mathematical Biology, Volume 70 Number 4 Graduate Student Positions: Mathematical Biology, Simon Fraser U PhD Student Position: Mathematical Ecology, Umeå University Post Doctoral Associate: Mathematical Biology, University of Miami Postdoc Position: Theory of Evolvability, U Arizona Tucson Computational Biologist Position, Dow AgroSciences SMBnet Reminders ---------------------------------------------------- From: Caroline Bampfylde Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:11:16 -0600 Subject: Mentoring at the 2008 Annual SMB Meeting Mentoring programme for junior scientists attending the 2008 Annual SMB conference in Toronto (30 Jul - 2 Aug). Following the successful mentoring programme at previous meetings, applications are invited for this year's annual meeting. Junior and senior scientists are encouraged to participate. The Society for Mathematical Biology recognizes the importance of mentoring in the development of a successful career in mathematical biology. The goal of this program is two-fold: - to optimize the educational and professional experience of mentees attending the conference; - to assist the mentees' socialization into the field of mathematical biology. Anyone attending the conference can sign up, either as a mentee, a mentor, or both. Junior scientists can request to be matched with a senior scientist. Junior scientists include students (both undergraduate and graduate), postdoctoral fellows, research assistants, newly appointed faculty members, etc. Senior scientists include postdoctoral fellows, research assistants, faculty members, etc. Because of the overlap in our definitions of junior and senior scientists, some individuals may sign up both as a mentee and a mentor. We attempt to find suitable matches between mentees and mentors, based on research interests and/or special requests. To sign up, visit the SMB mentoring webpage, at http://www.smb.org/meetings/mentoring.shtml and follow the instructions there. Enquiries can be sent to the chair of the mentoring committee, Caroline Bampfylde (cbampfylde@math.ualberta.ca). ---------------------------------------------------- From: Elizabeth Klerman Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 10:16:32 -0400 Subject: 2008 Kronauer Prize for Excellence in Biomathematical Modeling To honor the distinguished career of Professor Richard Kronauer, we will again award the Richard E Kronauer Prize for Excellence in Biomathematical Modeling. This is presented to a graduate student or post-doctoral fellow who has made significant contributions to Modeling Circadian Rhythmicity, Sleep Regulation or Neurobehavioral Function. If you would like to be considered for this prize or would like to nominate someone, please send a recent abstract or paper as well as a current C.V. to ebklerman@hms.harvard.edu before April 27 2008. The award will be presented in Boston in June 2008 at the Farrell Day festivities (http://sleep.med.harvard.edu/what-we-do/farrell-prize-in-sleep-medicine) at which Drs. Kronauer and Borbély will be honored. The recipient will receive a cash award plus travel to the ceremony. ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Blinov,Michael" Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 15:23:30 -0400 Subject: Virtual Cell Short Courses 9th Annual VCell Short Course, June 2 - June 4, Farmington, CT 9th Annual VCell Short Course June 2 - June 4, 2008 The Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA The Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling is hosting its annual Virtual Cell Short Course, June 2-4th. This is an intense hands-on course designed to enable cell biologists and biophysicists to develop a Virtual Cell model of their experimental system. Visit http://www.vcell.org/news/shortcourse_08.html for details. Applications deadline: April 30th. -- Computational Cell Biology Course, June 27 - July 17, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY Computational Cell Biology Course June 27 - July 17, 2008 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY, USA Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is hosting the Computational Cell Biology Course, June 27th - July 17th. The three week course in Computational Cell Biology will incorporate a series of didactic lectures on the mathematics of dynamical systems, computational simulation techniques, cell biology and molecular biology. Visit http://meetings.cshl.edu/course/courseapp_instr.shtml for details. Applications deadline: April 30th. ---------------------------------------------------- From: elisabeta vergu Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:08:49 +0200 Subject: Workshop: "R0 and related concepts: methods & illustrations", Paris Dear colleagues, Please forward the advert about the following workshop to anyone who may be interested. "R_0 and related concepts: methods and illustrations" https://colloque.inra.fr/r0/ A two-day conference and a one-day tutorial for students. Paris (France), 29-31 October, 2008 Invited speakers (to be confirmed): Simon Cauchemez - Imperial College, UK Gerardo Chowell - Arizona State University, USA Hans Heesterbeek - Utrecht University, The Netherlands Matt Keeling - University of Warwick, UK David Rogers - University of Oxford, UK Important dates: Abstract submission deadline 15th June 2008 Early registration deadline 15th July 2008 Student registration is free but mandatory! The workshop will focus on one of the most important concepts in epidemiology, population dynamics and ecology provided by the mathematical thinking, the basic reproductive number, R_0 , and its associated parameters. This meeting offers the opportunity to learn more about this concept and related ones, the mathematical models and estimation methods they involve and their practical implications. Rzeroconf@jouy.inra.fr Sincerely, the organizing committee Pauline Ezanno (INRA, National Veterinary School of Nantes) Renaud Lancelot (CIRAD, EDEN project, Montpellier) Amandine Lurette (INRA, National Veterinary School of Nantes) Elisabeta Vergu (INRA, Jouy-en-Josas) ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Yue, Betty Y S" Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:45:05 +0100 Subject: Introduction to Mathematical Models: Epidemiology ... Diseases Introduction to Mathematical Models of the EPIDEMIOLOGY & CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Short Course for Public Health Professionals, since 1990 1-12 September 2008 at Imperial College London Our understanding of infectious-disease epidemiology and control has been greatly increased in recent years through mathematical modelling. Insights from this increasingly-important and exciting field are now informing policy making at the highest levels, for pandemic influenza, SARS, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, foot-and-mouth disease and other infections. This course is the ideal introduction for mathematical modellers who are considering entering this exciting field, and many past participants have been mathematicians. Course teachers have backgrounds in mathematics, physics, statistics, molecular biology, microbiology, and epidemiology, and are highly experienced in multi-disciplinary collaboration. The course emphasises how to express biological and clinical principles mathematically, and how to interpret results from a biological and clinical perspective. Since 1990, this short course has introduced epidemiological modelling to public-health professionals, policy makers, and medical and veterinary researchers, and kept them up-to-date with what they need to know about this fast-moving field. It is taught by active researchers in the world-leading Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (http://www1.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/research/researchthemes/publicandint/ide/ ), which advises public health agencies, governments, international organisations, and pharmaceutical companies, and hosts the MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis & Modelling, UNAIDS Epidemiology Reference Group secretariat, Partnership for Child Development, and the Gates Foundation-funded Schistosomiasis Control Initiative that has treated over 12 million children to date in six countries in Africa. For further details visit the course website http://www.imperial.ac.uk/cpd/epidemiology which includes full information on how to apply for the course. Please download a PDF of the course brochure and application form here: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/pls/portallive/docs/1/31511700.PDF ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Warchall, Henry A." Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:16:18 -0400 Subject: NSF Program Solicitation: Faculty Early Career Development Program Dear Colleagues, An updated NSF program solicitation is now available: Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program Please see http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503214 for details, and see http://www.nsf.gov/career for additional information. Deadline for Proposals: July 24, 2008 Synopsis of Program: The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations. Such activities should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. NSF encourages submission of CAREER proposals from junior faculty members at all CAREER-eligible organizations and especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Springer Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:11:24 -0700 (PDT) Subject: TOC: Bulletin Of Mathematical Biology, Volume 70 Number 4 Volume 70 Number 4 of "Bulletin of Mathematical Biology" is now available on the SpringerLink web site at http://springer.r.delivery.net/r/r?2.1.Ee.2Tp.1gRqkl.BwPCXc..T.EygU.2yvw.ZEYFDT00 Asymptotic Enumeration of RNA Structures with Pseudoknots Author(s): Emma Y. Jin, Christian M. Reidys Page: 951 - 970 Effects of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Noise Can Accelerate Juxtacrine Pattern Formation Author(s): Tim Rudge, Kevin Burrage Page: 971 - 991 Reoxygenation and Split-Dose Response to Radiation in a Tumour Model with Krogh-Type Vascular Geometry Author(s): A. Bertuzzi, A. Fasano, A. Gandolfi, C. Sinisgalli Page: 992 - 1012 Sudden Shifts in Ecological Systems: Intermittency and Transients in the Coupled Ricker Population Model Author(s): Derin B. Wysham, Alan Hastings Page: 1013 - 1031 Bistability of the lac Operon During Growth of Escherichia coli on Lactose and Lactose + Glucose Author(s): Atul Narang, Sergei S. Pilyugin Page: 1032 - 1064 Understanding Clustering in Type Space Using Field Theoretic Techniques Author(s): Daniel John Lawson, Henrik Jeldtoft Jensen Page: 1065 - 1081 New Analytic Results for Speciation Times in Neutral Models Author(s): Tanja Gernhard Page: 1082 - 1097 On the Delayed Rossâ^Ā^ĶMacdonald Model for Malaria Transmission Author(s): Shigui Ruan, Dongmei Xiao, John C. Beier Page: 1098 - 1114 Mixed-up Trees: the Structure of Phylogenetic Mixtures Author(s): Frederick A. Matsen, Elchanan Mossel, Mike Steel Page: 1115 - 1139 Does Dormancy Increase Fitness of Bacterial Populations in Time-Varying Environments? Author(s): Tufail Malik, Hal L. Smith Page: 1140 - 1162 Tuberculosis Transmission Model with Chemoprophylaxis and Treatment Author(s): C. P. Bhunu, W. Garira, Z. Mukandavire, M. Zimba Page: 1163 - 1191 An Integrative Computational Model of Multiciliary Beating Author(s): Xingzhou Yang, Robert H. Dillon, Lisa J. Fauci Page: 1192 - 1215 The Geographic Spread of "El mal de las caderas" in Capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) Author(s): Norberto Aníbal Maidana, Wilson Castro Ferreira Page: 1216 - 1234 Spectral and Fractal Analysis of Cerebellar Activity After Single and Repeated Brain Injury Author(s): Sladjana Spasic, Milka Culic, Gordana Grbic, Ljiljana Martac, Slobodan Sekulic, Dragosav Mutavdzic Page: 1235 - 1249 >>>Erratum<<< Analytical Study of the Multiplicity of Regulatory Mechanisms in the Tryptophan Operon Author(s): Moisés Santillán, Eduardo S. Zeron Page: 1250 ---------------------------------------------------- From: Eirikur Palsson Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 17:34:00 -0700 Subject: Graduate Student Positions: Mathematical Biology, Simon Fraser U Fully funded PhD or masters graduate student positions in mathematical biology available at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada. For fall 2008 or spring 2009. Possible research projects are: Cell-cell signaling in Dictyostelium discoideum or possibly using a 3-D model to study the effect that cell adhesion and cell-cell signaling has on the movement and the sorting out of different cell-types. Other options are using the model to study wound healing, somitogenesis in Zebrafish, gastrulation and cancer cell invasion. Another project is studying the flow of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Carbon between various Phyla in marine systems. We have a bare bone model that lets us study how the stoichiometry of various organisms in the system, combined with the availability of nutrients affects the loss and accumulation of organically available N and P. The project would involve improving existing model or designing a new model to study how stoichiometry affects competition in environments with varying nutrients and how a complete system could evolve. If you are a biologist with interest in some mathematical applications or if you are a mathematician or physicist with interest in biology and are interested in mathematical biology, please email me with a brief resume, and summary of research interests. Dr Eirikur Palsson, Department of Biology Simon Fraser University, 8888 University dr, Burnaby, BC V5A1S6 Tel: +1 778 782 4808 FAX: +1 778 782 3496 Email: epalsson@sfu.ca (Internet) http://www.sfu.ca/~epalsson ---------------------------------------------------- From: Åke Brännström Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:46:33 +0200 Subject: PhD Student Position: Mathematical Ecology, Umeå University PhD position in mathematical ecology, Umeå University, Sweden. We are looking for a PhD student in mathematical ecology, to study evolution in response to exogenous ecosystem changes such as exploitation and climate change. A major part of the work will consist of the development and use of mathematical and computational tools. The position is a joint appointment by the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science and the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, and the PhD student is expected to work with and take relevant courses at each of these departments. Depending on the direction in which the PhD student takes his or her research, the position may lead to a degree in mathematics or ecology. For this position, strong quantitative skills and an interest in ecology and applied mathematics are required. Candidates need a university Bachelor degree, with a minimum of 120 ECTS in relevant fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, or ecology. Your application should include a cover letter describing your interest in and suitability for the position, a Curriculum Vitae, relevant publications (if available), copies of degree certificates, and contact information of two academic references. The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen chpts. 5 and 7). The position is available for a four year period (48 months) with an estimated pre-tax salary from 20,700 SEK per month (first year) to 24,100 SEK per month (final year). With the current exchange rate, this is approximately $3,500 USD to $4,000 USD per month before taxes. For more information about this position, contact Åke Brännström ake.brannstrom@math.umu.se, +46-(0)90-786 78 62 or Lennart Persson lennart.persson@emg.umu.se, +46-(0)90-786 63 16. For a general presentation of the two departments, see www.emg.umu.se and www.math.umu.se. See also www.umu.se for a general presentation of Umeå and the University. Union information is available from SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65, SEKO civil, +46-(0)90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31. Your complete application, marked with reference number 313-1420-08, should be sent to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden to arrive May 15, 2008 at the latest. We look forward to receiving your application! ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Brooks, Andrae W." Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:18:23 -0400 Subject: Post Doctoral Associate: Mathematical Biology, University of Miami Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship in mathematical biology at the University of Miami. The position, funded in part by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, is set to begin in the Fall of 2008 and is for two years. The primary responsibility of the fellow in the fall of each year will be to develop an upper level undergraduate course in mathematical biology suitable for a combined audience of mathematics and biology students that the fellow will teach in the spring semester. The fellow is also expected to conduct research at the interface of mathematics and biology in conjunction with University of Miami faculty. Position #036663. Currently the University of Miami has faculty with research interests in ecology, population dynamics, epidemiology, and bioeconomics. In addition, the University is also home to the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy and to the newly established Institute for Theoretical and Mathematical Ecology. Applicants should have received a Ph.D. in the mathematical sciences and should have demonstrated interest in research at the interface of mathematics and biology. We offer a competitive salary plus benefits. Review of applications will commence May 1, 2008 and will continue until the position has been filled. Please send a letter of application, professional resume, teaching philosophy and contact information for 3 references to: Professor Stephen Cantrell Chairman of Hiring Committee P.O. Box 249085 Coral Gables, Florida 33124-4250. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Joanna Masel Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:40:53 -0700 (MST) Subject: Postdoc Position: Theory of Evolvability, U Arizona Tucson A postdoc position is available to work with PI Joanna Masel (http://eebweb.arizona.edu/faculty/masel) at the University of Arizona in Tucson. The Masel group's main research interests are in evolvability, gene networks, canalization, and evolutionary capacitance, using a mixture of analytical theory, bioinformatic and simulation approaches. Funding is not tied to a specific project, but applications that do not demonstrate substantial familiarity with our work will not receive a reply. Ph.D. with strong quantitative background and computational and/or modeling experience is required. A background in evolutionary theory is strongly preferred. Funding is secured, the position is renewable over multiple years, with a start date in mid-2008. Contact Joanna Masel at masel@u.arizona.edu for more information and to apply. ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Caraviello, Daniel (D)" Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:06:46 -0400 Subject: Computational Biologist Position, Dow AgroSciences Dow AgroSciences seeks a Computational Biologist to assist in the analyses of biological datasets. This position is located in Indianapolis, IN, USA. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in computer sciences, bioinformatics, computational biology, statistics or closely related field, with emphasis in machine learning. A solid foundation on statistics is preferred. The successful candidate will join the R&D Operational Excellence function and will work closely with scientists in the company's Plant Genetics & Biotechnology R&D organization. Key job responsibilities will include development and application of machine learning and statistical algorithms and software to mine biological datasets. Extensive development of software to integrate and automate data for mining is also expected. Topics of interest include bioinformatics, Bayesian networks, support vector machines, instance-based algorithms, decision trees, neural networks, and mixed models. Analysis of biological experiments, interpretation and presentation of results are also expected; as well as to act as a guide for the ongoing research process. The candidate will also be expected to identify and implement new quantitative methods that improve the integrity and efficiency of Dow AgroSciences product development cycle. Demonstrated ability to write scientific papers is also desirable. Strong communication skills are essential along with an ability to collaborate effectively with both laboratory and field scientists. Please visit www.dowagro.com/careers to apply online for this position. The deadline for the submission of applications is May 10, 2008. Dow AgroSciences, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, one of the top companies for research and development in the US. Dow AgroSciences, LLC is a top tier agricultural company providing innovative crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seed, and agricultural biotechnology solutions to serve the world's growing population. We do this through a people-centric performance culture, through our commitments to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, and through collaborations with world-class institutions. Dow AgroSciences is an equal opportunity employer offering excellent career opportunities, as well as competitive compensation and benefits package. ---------------------------------------------------- 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 **************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------