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Subject: SMB Digest v12i52
SMB Digest December 24, 2012 Volume 12 Issue 52
ISSN 1086-6566
Editor: Ray Mejía ray(at)smb(dot)org
Happy Holidays, Feliz Navidad, Prospero Año y Felicidad!
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:
Evolutionary Demography Society
Invitation: Participate in EduCienciaVirtual
REU: NIMBioS 2013 Summer REU Program, June 10 - Aug 2, UTK
REU: Modeling and Simulation in Systems Biology, May 28 - Aug 3, VT
Okinawa Computational Neuroscience Course 2013, June 17 - July 4
Workshop: Molecular and Nanoscale Communications, June 9-13, Budapest
Creating a DMS REU Leadership Group, NSF
New theory for constructionist attempts at reverse-engineering the brain?
PhD Studentship: Maths Biology, Nottingham Trent University
Postgraduate Fellowship: Computational Ecology, USEPA, Athens GA
Division Director: Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS), NSF
SMBnet Reminders
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From: Hal Caswell <hcaswell@whoi.edu>
Date: Mon, Dec 17, 2012 at 10:55 AM
Subject: Evolutionary Demography Society
Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to announce the formation of the
Evolutionary Demography Society (EvoDemoS)
and to invite interested researchers to join. While many societies include
life-history evolution or evolutionary demography within the range of topics
they consider, no active society focuses on these topics across taxa and
disciplines. EvoDemoS is intended to fill this gap.
EvoDemoS is an interdisciplinary scientific society dedicated to the study
of the interactions of ecology and evolutionary biology with demography,
including but not limited to patterns of mortality, reproduction and migration
over age, stage and state and the evolutionary processes that produce those
patterns. All taxa and methodologies are of interest. Our primary goal is to
facilitate communication between researchers, and as such we are pleased to
offer free membership for 2013 to any interested researcher. We invite members
from students to established experts. We will organize yearly meetings to
provide a specific forum for evolutionary demography. Our first meeting will
be in Odense, Denmark in October of 2013, and will be open only to society
members. Membership can be gained by emailing your name, preferred email
address, affiliation and a sentence describing your research interests to:
evodemo-list@demogr.mpg.de
Questions and comments can be addressed to this same address.
Please feel free to distribute this announcement broadly.
Sincerely,
The Board of the Evolutionary Demography Society
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From: Klaus Jaffe <klaus.jaffe@gmail.com>
Date: 2012/12/17
Subject: Invitation: Participate in EduCienciaVirtual
Es un placer para mi poder saludarte y presentarte el proyecto
EduCienciaVirtual. Esta iniciativa busca atacar la muy deficiente educación
en Latinoemérica, mejorando la capacidad de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje
de la ciencia a nivel pre-universitario utilizando plataformas de tecnología
virtual.
Solicito tu apoyo para divulgar esta iniciativa, contribuir con material
didáctico y/o apoyarlo financieramente.
La prestigiosa plataforma Idea.me ha aceptado este proyecto para recaudar
fondos utilizando "crowd-sourcing". Puedes participar activando el vinculo
http://idea.me/proyecto/618/virtualscienceeducation. Los primeros 3 donantes
tendrán una recompensa sorpresa extra especial!
Muchas gracias por tu apoyo en construir una América Latina mas moderna y
global.
[Editor - There is an English-language announcement at
http://idea.me/proyecto/618/virtualscienceeducation.]
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From: Catherine Crawley <ccrawley@nimbios.org>
Date: Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 11:09 AM
Subject: REU: NIMBioS 2013 Summer REU Program, June 10 - Aug 2, UTK
Looking for a fun and challenging research experience this summer? The
National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)
is now taking applications for its eight-week long summer research program
for undergraduates (REU) interested in research at the interface between
mathematics and biology. The program takes place June 10 - August 2, 2013
on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus. Undergraduate majors in
biology, math, and related fields will live on campus and work in teams
with UT professors, NIMBioS researchers, and collaborators to conduct
research. This year's research topics include bioacoustics, biomedical
engineering, disease modeling, and genome evolution. Stipend and housing
are provided along with some funding for travel.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2013
For more information about this year's program, full
description of the projects, and the online application, go to
http://www.nimbios.org/education/reu
For questions, contact Kelly Sturner, NIMBioS Education and Outreach
Coordinator, at ksturner@nimbios.org or Suzanne Lenhart, NIMBioS Associate
Director of Education, Outreach and Diversity, lenhart@math.utk.edu
----------------------------------------------------
From: Kristopher Monger <kmonger@vbi.vt.edu>
Date: Wed, Dec 19, 2012 at 6:14 PM
Subject: REU: Modeling and Simulation in Systems Biology, May 28 - Aug 3, VT
Employer: Virginia Bioinformatics Institute (VBI) at Virginia Tech
Job Title: Virginia Tech Undergrad Research Opportunity (REU Site)
REU Site: Modeling and Simulation in Systems Biology (MSSB)
Funded by NSF Award Number 1062878
Who should attend: students majoring in a mathematical or computational
science
The intellectual focus of the program is mathematical systems biology.
Specifically, students' 2013 research projects will include two different
but related areas: (1) Mathematical modeling of mammalian iron metabolism
and (2) Mathematical algorithms and software for modeling and simulation
in systems biology. The program is hosted at the Virginia Bioinformatics
Institute (VBI) at Virginia Tech.
VBI is a multidisciplinary research institute integrating quantitative and
experimental approaches to biological systems.
Student Housing and Support Costs includes:
- Scholarship reimbursement - $3,500
- On-campus housing and meals are included
- Access and use of the library
- On campus parking and bus transportation available for a fee
- Workshop, social activities and more
The approximate total monetary value is $6,000 (this is including scholarship
reimbursement, lodging & food)
2013 Program Dates: May 28 - August 3
Application deadline is February 4, 2013.
website: http://biomath.vbi.vt.edu/
Contact:
Biomath Program Coordinator
email: biomath@vbi.vt.edu
----------------------------------------------------
From: Erik De Schutter <erik@tnb.ua.ac.be>
Date: Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 11:32 AM
Subject: Okinawa Computational Neuroscience Course 2013, June 17 - July 4
OKINAWA COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE COURSE 2013
Methods, Neurons, Networks and Behaviors
June 17 - July 4, 2013. Okinawa, Japan
new website: https://groups.oist.jp/ocnc
The aim of the Okinawa Computational Neuroscience Course is to provide
opportunities for young researchers with theoretical backgrounds to learn the
latest advances in neuroscience, and for those with experimental backgrounds
to have hands-on experience in computational modeling.
We invite graduate students and postgraduate researchers to participate
in the course, held from June 17th through July 4th, 2013 at an oceanfront
seminar house of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate
University. Applications are through the course web page only; they will
open January 7th and close February 10th, 2013. Applicants are required
to propose a project at the time of application. Applicants will receive
confirmation of acceptance in March.
Like in preceding years, OCNC will be a comprehensive three-week course
covering single neurons, networks, and behaviors with ample time for student
projects. The first week will focus exclusively on methods with hands-on
tutorials during the afternoons, while the second and third weeks will
have lectures by international experts. We invite those who are interested
in integrating experimental and computational approaches at each level,
as well as in bridging different levels of complexity.
There is no tuition fee. The sponsor will provide lodging and meals during
the course and may support travel for those without funding. We hope that
this course will be a good opportunity for theoretical and experimental
neuroscientists to meet each other and to explore the attractive nature
and culture of Okinawa, the southernmost island prefecture of Japan.
Invited faculty:
. Angelo Arleo (Université Pierre & Marie Curie, France)
. Avrama Blackwell (George Mason University, USA)
. Erik De Schutter (OIST)
. Karl Deisseroth (Stanford University, USA)
. Sophie Deneve (Ecole Normale Supérieure, France)
. Kenji Doya (OIST)
. Gaute Einevoll (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)
. Mike Hasselmo (Boston University, USA)
. Mitsuo Kawato (ATR, Japan)
. Bernd Kuhn (OIST)
. Henry Markram (EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland)
. Jonathan Pillow (University Texas Austin, USA)
. Idan Segev (Hebrew University, Israel)
. Jeff Wickens (OIST)
. Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama (OIST)
----------------------------------------------------
From: Pietro Lio' <pl219@cam.ac.uk>
Date: Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 9:06 AM
Subject: Workshop: Molecular and Nanoscale Communications, June 9-13, Budapest
The 3rd IEEE International Workshop on Molecular and Nanoscale Communications
workshop (MoNaCom 2013) will be held in conjunction with the International
Conference on Communications (ICC), June 9-13, 2013 in Budapest, Hungary. The
general chair of the workshop is Prof. Falko Dressler from the University
of Innsbruck, Austria. TPC co-chairs are Pietro Lio' from the University of
Cambridge, UK, and Michael Moore from Osaka University, Japan. As before,
the workshop is focused on nano and molecular networks that interconnect
nanomachines. The full CFP is available at: http://monacom.tssg.org/cfp/.
In order to have a successful workshop, we would appreciate your submission
of workshop papers, distributing the CFP to colleagues, and encouraging
colleagues to submit.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Registration of Abstracts for Workshops: 4 January 2013
Submission Deadline for Workshops: 11 January 2013
Notification of Acceptance for Workshops: 22 February 2013
Camera-ready deadline: March 8, 2013
----------------------------------------------------
From: Tie Luo <tluo@nsf.gov>
Date: Thu, Dec 20, 2012 at 5:39 PM
Subject: Creating a DMS REU Leadership Group, NSF
Dear Colleagues,
The DMS REU Site Management Team (Noel Brady, Jennifer Slimowitz Pearl,
Tara Smith) is soliciting feedback from the mathematical sciences REU
community on the topic of setting up a DMS REU Leadership Group. An REU
Leadership Group would be composed of members of the DMS REU community
and would serve as a liaison between the NSF program officers and the REU
PIs in support of the REU community. Functions might include maintaining a
website with information for the DMS REU community, sharing best practices,
holding meetings/workshops for PIs at the annual professional meetings,
or leading a discussion about the possibility of developing centrally
available assessment tools for REU sites.
The NSF Chemistry REU Leadership Group has existed for some time, and you
can view their website here http://www.nsf-reu.org/lghistory.htm to get an
idea of what might be done.
We are planning to have an initial discussion at the Joint Meetings in
January, and then following up with a web conference. If you are interested
in exploring the idea of a DMS REU Leadership Group further, please email
Noel Brady (nbrady@nsf.gov) by Friday, December 28 2012, indicating which
of the following apply to you.
1. I am attending the Joint Mathematics Meetings in January 2013, and I am
interested in meeting briefly with members of the DMS REU Sites Management
Team to further explore the idea of a Leadership Group.
2. I am not attending the Joint Mathematics Meetings this year, but I am
interested in partaking in future discussions about the Leadership Group.
The DMS REU Site Management Team
Noel Brady, Jennifer Slimowitz Pearl, Tara Smith.
----------------------------------------------------
From: Prof Dr Roman Richard Poznanski <roman@utar.edu.my>
Date: Thu, Dec 20, 2012 at 11:05 AM
Subject: New theory for constructionist attempts at reverse-engineering the brain?
A New theory for constructionist attempts at reverse-engineering the brain?
What if "localist representation" is not in digital spikes, but is in
electrical patterns? I see nothing wrong with connectionism, if redefined
within a biological context where integration and dynamic continuity are part
of the equation. This is what McClelland calls distributed processing afforded
by a network style of representation. Sure, connectionism has relied in the
past on computational modeling (machine learning, reinforcement learning,
Bayesian models), but the dichotomy between connectionism and continuity is
pivotal for extracting the correct theories of the brain. It is continuity
that drives integration and if connectionism is used as a metaphor for dynamic
continuity and integration then McClelland's assertion is correct. If there
is no continuity then there is a set of discrete rules and symbols that
govern rule-guided behaviour. Without dynamic continuity you have a 'binding'
problem. The paper of Poggio in 1990 (ref.1) has considered and put emphasis
on how the brain might work based on symbolic processing which is an extension
of grandmother theories via look-up tables or representations in the brain. In
such scenario, localist processing would be viable construct underlying the
neural basis of cognition. Thus, theories of cognition residing in a single
neuron have been applied from motor and sensory processing parts of the brain
that have certain specificity, where a firing-rate analysis may be enough,
but not necessarily in other parts of the brain, as for example, in MTL where
the firing-rate alone doesn't discriminate well between presented images
or behaviour. Taking the firing-rate idea from sensory and motor neurons,
indicated that extending the model to MTL neurons and deriving the 'concept
cell' is the 'grandmother' concept. What if the same 'grandmother' concept is
carried over and over as an explanatory attribution for neural constructivism?
In Spivey's continuity of the mind thesis (ref.2), dynamics in single neurons
give no reminiscence of cognition while trajectories in assemblies of neurons
allows for a synthesis of dynamic continuity for higher-level cognition,
without using symbolic processing. While localist representation if in digital
spikes depends on symbolic processing for binding precepts, the case is not
so, however, if localist representation is in electrical patterns, which
includes synaptic interactions and electrical interactions inside and between
neurons (non-synaptic). What if a localist representation is in electrical
patterns? For example, retinal mechanisms of visual perception have been
associated with spiking patterns in directionally selective ganglion cells,
but presynaptically starburst amacrine cells have been shown to exhibit
directionally biased electrical patterns. Therefore, spiking in neurons
is insufficient for elucidating robust cognitive computation, and we may
need to take into consideration computation by physical interactions,
but the question that lingers is how does biological computation leading
to cognitive computation generate meaning and concepts? The top-down
approach, as for example, advocated by David Marr has been pivotal in
fostering further developments of connectionist vistas beyond Rosenblatt's
neurodynamics (ref. 3) without any success at answering this question. More
recent examples coming from neuroimaging to understand cognition require a
cortical homunculus (ref. 4), and deciphering brain connectivity based on the
connectome is also unable to answer this question. Fallacies about neural
information processing capabilities of neurobiological systems are common,
but understanding higher-level cognition rests on a different platform to
information processing. Based on selectionism (ref.5), cognitive semantics
that are fluidly engrained within the neural structure as a field of
influence of dynamic continuity requires no information processing. This
is where McClelland's views on distributed processing become entangled
(ref. 6). A half century of biological computation based on information
science has reached a cross-road. New brain theories (ref. 7) together
with modern mathematics of the brain (ref.8) are starting to weed out these
anomalies of the past. Rosen's relational biology extended by Chauvet (ref.9)
to include concepts of hierarchical and functional integration is a guidepost
for theoretical neuroscience as an alternative to constructionist attempts
at building the brain.
References
1. Poggio, T. (1990) A theory of how the brain might work. Cold Spring
Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol., 55, 899-910.
2. Spivey, M.J. (2007) The Continuity of Mind. Oxford University Press.
3. Rosenblatt, F. (1962) Principles of Neurodynamics. Spartan Books.
4. Dehaene, S. (1997) The Number Sense: How the Mind Creates
Mathematics. Oxford University Press.
5. Edelman, G.M. (1987) Neural Darwinism. The Theory of Neuronal Group
Selection. Basic Books.
6. Rogers, T. T. and McClelland, J. L. (2004). Semantic Cognition:
A Parallel Distributed Processing Approach. MIT Press.
7. Aur, D. and Jog, M.S (2010) Neuroelectrodynamics. Understanding the
Language of the Brain. IOS Press.
8. Brzychczy, S. and Poznanski, R.R. (2013) Mathematical
Neuroscience. Academic Press.
9. Chauvet, G.A. (1996) Theoretical Systems in Biology: Hierarchical and
Functional Integration. Pergamon Press.
----------------------------------------------------
From: Crofts, Jonathan <jonathan.crofts@ntu.ac.uk>
Date: Wed, Dec 19, 2012 at 6:41 AM
Subject: PhD Studentship: Maths Biology, Nottingham Trent University
The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University invites
applications from candidates for a PhD studentship entitled "Mathematical
modelling of epileptic seizure progression".
The project shall employ multiscale computational and asymptotic techniques,
to investigate thoroughly the influence of the geometry and connectivity
of the cortical surface of the brain on the progression of epileptic
seizures. Model development and validation will be undertaken in close
collaboration with experimental workers, employing relevant EEG and MRI data.
Candidates should have a first class honours degree or equivalent (and
preferably a Masters Degree) in mathematics, or a subject with high
mathematical content. Excellent programming skills (Matlab, C/C++) are
also desirable.
Funding is for 3 years and will pay UK/EU fees and provide a maintenance
stipend linked to RCUK rate (currently £13, 590 per annum) for up to 3 years.
For further information, contact Jonathan Crofts (jonathan.crofts@ntu.ac.uk)
or Reuben O'Dea (reuben.odea@ntu.ac.uk).
----------------------------------------------------
From: Tom Purucker <purucker.tom@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:22:16 -0500
Subject: Postgraduate Fellowship: Computational Ecology, USEPA, Athens GA
Postgraduate (BS, MS) Fellowship Program Opportunity
A postgraduate fellowship is available (via the Oak Ridge Institute for
Science and Education) with the Ecosystems Research Division of the USEPA
in Athens, GA. http://www.epa.gov/athensr/
This research training opportunity involves the integration and application
of existing ecological models to assess pesticide risks to threatened and
endangered species. Research under this project directly supports the EPA's
Endangered Species Protection Program to help promote the recovery of listed
species and the registration of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The objective of this project is to
integrate, improve, and further develop available EPA models for estimating
chemical exposures in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems while incorporating
important fate and transport processes. Relevant programming skills include
R, Python, and scripting languages for web applications.
Details on how to apply are here:
http://orise.orau.gov/epa/description.aspx?JobId=10572
and and the application form is here:
http://www.orau.gov/partform/EPA/EPA_Application.pdf
Review of applicants will commence on January 12.
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From: Tie Luo <tluo@nsf.gov>
Date: Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 4:33 PM
Subject: Division Director: Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS), NSF
Dear Colleagues,
The Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) has announced a
nationwide search to fill the position of Director, Division of Mathematical
Sciences (DMS). Applications are accepted from December 13, 2012 through
February 7, 2013. Appointment to this position may be on a one- to three-year
term Senior Executive Service basis, with a salary range of $155,500 to
$174,460, or the incumbent may be assigned under Intergovernmental Personnel
Act (IPA) provisions*.
The mission of the NSF Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) is to support
research at the frontiers of discovery in mathematics and statistics,
and to support education in the mathematical sciences through research
involvement of trainees. DMS is responsible for programs with a total annual
budget of over $230 million. These programs support research and education
that expand the knowledge base of the mathematical sciences through awards
to individual investigators and small groups, workforce training grants,
and a portfolio of national mathematical sciences research institutes.
The Division Director leads a team of program officers in managing a broad
portfolio of investments in research and education in the mathematical
and statistical sciences. The incumbent has managerial and oversight
responsibilities for the effective use of Division staff and resources in
meeting organizational goals and objectives. This includes directing the
activities of the Division, assessing the needs and trends in research
and education related to the Division's programs, implementing overall
strategic planning, and policy setting. The Director supervises and provides
leadership and guidance to senior level DMS staff (Deputy Division Director),
DMS program officers, administrative and support personnel. The Director
determines funding requirements, prepares and justifies budget estimates,
balances program needs, allocates resources, oversees the evaluation of
proposals and recommendations for awards and declinations, and represents
NSF to relevant external groups. The Director fosters partnerships with
other Divisions, Directorates, Federal agencies, scientific organizations,
and the academic community.
Details on qualification requirements and application instructions can
be found in the vacancy announcement (DMS-2013-0003) for this position at
USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/333630200. Applications
should be transmitted electronically to execsrch@nsf.gov or mailed or
delivered to the following address:
National Science Foundation
Division of Human Resource Management
Executive Personnel, Room 315
ATTN: DMS-2013-0003
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703)292-8267
General inquiries should be directed to:
Dr. Celeste M. Rohlfing
Search Committee Coordinator
(703)292-8800
crohlfin@nsf.gov
*Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment: This position may be filled
under provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). Individuals
eligible for an IPA assignment with a Federal agency include employees
of state and local government agencies, institutions of higher education,
Indian tribal governments, and other eligible organizations in instances
where such assignments would be of mutual benefit to the organizations
involved. Initial assignments under IPA provisions may be made for
a period of up to two years, with a possible extension for up to an
additional two-year period. The individual remains an employee of the
home institution and NSF provides funding toward the assignee's salary
and benefits. Further information regarding IPA positions is available at
http://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/rotators/ipa.jsp.
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Subject: SMBnet Reminders
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The contents of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part with
attribution.
End of SMB Digest
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