We are writing to invite you to consider contributing to the Journal of Computational Physics: Special Issue on Multi-scale Modeling and Simulation of Biological Systems.

At the 2010 Multiscale Modeling (MSM) Consortium meeting, organized by the Interagency Modeling and Analysis Group (IMAG)[1] a white paper[2] titled “Cell scale to macro-scale integration” was presented to discuss and promote numerical methods that facilitate integration of cellular scale to macro-scale in the human body, and identify associated multi-scale modeling issues from the numerical standpoint. Due to the complexity of the human body, the strategies for model integration may be quite different depending on specific problems. Therefore, several biological applications of multi-scale model integration were discussed and several common themes on computational methods and modeling strategies emerged for discussion. They are:

1. Fluid-structure interaction
2. Image-registration driven simulation
3. Three-dimensional-to-one-dimensional model coupling and interface conditions
4. Combining continuum-mesoscale-atomistic-level simulation
5. Interface and boundary conditions: accuracy and dynamical importance
6. Multi-scale geometry representation and boundary conditions
7. Integration of imaging data with modeling and computer simulation
8. Direct versus indirect interactions between processes that operate at disparate scales
9. Uncertainty in materials properties and geometry
10. Sensitivity and uncertainty in multi-scale and multi-physics integration

Please note “Journal of Computational Physics thoroughly treats the computational aspects of physical problems, presenting techniques for the numerical solution of mathematical equations arising in all areas of physics.” Thus, this special issue aims at: (1) presenting novel computational methods, modeling strategies; and (2) applying these methods to predict integrative physics and physiology that take place from cell-scale to macro-scales of biological systems. The ultimate goal of this special issue is to advance the development and application of multi-scale methods for the study of biological problems where multi-scale interactions are important.

The contributions to this special issue will be reviewed for fits as well as quality. If you are interested in contributing to this issue, please submit a letter of intent, which contains the following:

1. tentative title,
2. authors and institutions,
3. brief statement of the novel computational method (from the list above or other),
4. biological application area (cardiovascular, immunology, etc.), and
5. a brief abstract of the paper

by email to ching-long-lin@uiowa.edu, by May 15th, 2011. Invited authors will then submit a paper for review.

If you have any questions about this special issue, please do not hesitate to contact us.

With Best Regards,

Guest Editors

Ching-Long Lin

The University of Iowa

Email ching-long-lin@uiowa.edu

Grace C.Y. Peng

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering, NIH

Email: grace.peng@nih.gov

George Karniadakis

Brown University

Email: george_karniadakis@brown.edu