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Charles Limoli, UCI radiation oncology associate professor and study senior author, and colleagues found that human embryonic stem cells can alleviate the side effects of brain tumor radiation in rats. Photo by Steve Zylius, University Communications.
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Stem Cells Alleviate Brain Tumor Treatment Side Effects, Study Finds
Human embryonic stem cells could help people with learning and memory deficits after radiation treatment for brain tumors, suggests a new UCI study. Research with rats found that transplanted stem cells restored learning and memory to normal levels four months after radiotherapy. In contrast, irradiated rats that didn’t receive stem cells experienced a more than 50 percent drop in cognitive function.
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Campus News & Announcements
UC Post-Employment Benefits Task Force to Visit Campus Nov. 20
UC President Mark G. Yudof has established a task force to review the university’s post-employment benefits. The university aims to provide competitive pension and retiree health benefits, and the task force will develop options for balancing the long-term costs of post-employment benefits with providing competitive total compensation. Throughout the fall, the task force is holding forums at UC campuses to give faculty and staff an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. Representatives from the UC Post-Employment Benefits Task Force will hold meetings for UCI staff and faculty on Friday, Nov. 20:
*Medical Center Forum: 9-11 a.m., Auditorium, Building 53
*Staff Forum: noon-2 p.m., University Club Library
*Faculty Forum: 2:30-4:30 p.m., University Club Library
H1N1 Clinics to Be Held on Campus
While vaccine supplies last, UCI is conducting two H1N1 vaccine clinics for students, faculty and staff only in the following Centers for Disease Control priority groups: persons age 18-24, pregnant women, persons who live with or care for children six months or younger, healthcare and emergency medical personnel, and persons age 25-64 with medical conditions that put them at risk for flu-related complications. UCI ID is required. Clinics will be from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Anteater Recreation Center and Monday, Nov, 23, at the Student Center’s Pacific Ballroom. All others not in these priority categories should contact their healthcare provider regarding availability of H1N1 vaccine. Public clinics may also be offered through Orange County Health Care Agency.
Black Holes Focus of Breakfast Lecture
Giant black holes – among the strangest and most fascinating objects in the universe – exist in the centers of most large galaxies, including the Milky Way. And their role in the formation and evolution of galaxies is the subject of extensive astrophysical research. Aaron Barth, physics & astronomy associate professor, will speak on “Supermassive Black Holes in Galaxies” as part of the 2009-10 Discover the Physical Sciences Breakfast Lecture Series, sponsored by the School of Physical Sciences. Free and open to the public, the event will take place 7:30-9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Student Center. Reservations are requested at 949.824.7252 or events@ps.uci.edu. Photo by Steve Zylius, University Communications.
‘Threepenny Opera’ Still on the Money
“The Threepenny Opera,” which opened Nov. 13 at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, may have been written more than 80 years ago, but the characters’ struggles with unemployment, homelessness, love and revenge are just as timely today, says Keith Fowler, drama professor and the production’s director. The Tony Award-winning play – enjoying its third revival at UCI – has something of a star-studded history here. Robert Cohen, drama founding chair, directed the campus’s first “Threepenny Opera” in 1980 and cast Donna Soto-Morettini as Mrs. Peachum. Photo by Paul R. Kennedy.
Making History Come Alive
Courtney Amaya’s students are learning about the French Revolution from diary entries and political cartoons instead of traditional textbooks. Her classroom at Canyon High School in Anaheim Hills is a laboratory for new methods of teaching history. Amaya (shown) joined the UCI History Project five years ago to boost her knowledge of world history. The project fosters collaboration between the UCI Department of History and K-12 history/social science teachers in Orange County. Photo by Steve Zylius, University Communications.
2010 Campus Publications Available
UCI’s 2010 Facts & Figures brochures and Fact Cards will be available for distribution in early January. Campus Map brochures and map pads are not being reprinted, but the current maps may be ordered. Please place department orders using the online form; deadline for orders is 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. Products available include:
* 2010 Facts & Figures brochures, $1.75 each on a recharge basis (minimum order of 10 required)
* Fact Cards (4 panels, 3”x5”), $0.60 each (minimum order of 10 required)
* 2009 Campus Map brochures, $0.60 each (minimum order of 10 required)
* Campus Core map pads (8.5”x11”contains 50 maps), $1.75 each
To place orders, log in with UCInetID to access the order form at http://today.uci.edu/forms/orderPublications.php. Be sure to fill out the form completely; incomplete orders will not be processed. Please anticipate the quantities needed for the year, as orders after the deadline will be fulfilled only as supplies allow. Photo by Daniel A. Anderson, University Communications.
Contact: 949.824.6922 or publications@uci.edu
Campus Celebrates Diversity at Rainbow Festival
UCI celebrated its diversity with the 2009 Rainbow Festival and Conference Nov. 3-5. Video by Steve Zylius, University Communications.
UC Ramps Up Advocacy Campaign
The University of California is calling on all students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to unite behind an aggressive push to make funding UC a state priority. With the state 2010-11 budget cycle beginning in early January, UC is stepping up efforts now to let legislators and the governor know how critical their support is in preserving the university’s commitment to quality and student access.
UCi brief Holiday Schedule
UCi brief continues the modified publication schedule for the holiday season. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will not be an issue Nov. 25, but regular weekly publication will resume Dec. 2. As always, UCi brief welcomes your comments and suggestions. We wish you and your loved ones a restful, joyful holiday.
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Research Discoveries
The Mummy’s Curse: Hardened Arteries
Hardening of the arteries has been detected in Egyptian mummies, some as old as 3,500 years, suggesting that the factors causing heart attacks and strokes are not solely byproducts of modern times. “Atherosclerosis is widespread among modern-day humans and – despite differences in ancient and modern lifestyles – we found that it was rather common in ancient Egyptians of high socioeconomic status living more than three millennia ago,” says cardiology associate clinical professor Dr. Gregory Thomas, who was part of an international team that conducted the study. Photo by Dr. Michael Miyamoto, UC San Diego.
Researchers Create Compound That Boosts Anti-Inflammatory Fat Levels
UCI pharmacology researchers have discovered a way to boost levels of a natural body fat that helps decrease inflammation, pointing to possible new treatments for allergies, illnesses and injuries related to the immune system. For decades, it has been known that this fat, called palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), is a potent anti-inflammatory substance that reduces both allergic symptoms and occurrences of rheumatic fever, but researchers understood little about how PEA works. Shown: Daniele Piomelli, Louise Turner Arnold Chair in Neurosciences.
Race Colors Public Opinion of Obama
Racial prejudice plays a role in driving reactions to President Obama and his policies, UCI psychologist Eric Knowles has found. Subtle racism among study subjects correlated with reluctance to vote for Obama and opposition to his healthcare reform plan. When presented with identical healthcare proposals, participants previously determined to be biased were more likely to support the one attributed to former President Clinton than the one attributed to Obama. Photo by Daniel A. Anderson, University Communications.
Glimpsing a Greener Future: STREET Hydrogen Model
It’s the year 2060, and 75 percent of drivers in the Greater Los Angeles area have hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that emit only water vapor. Look into Advanced Power & Energy Program doctoral candidate Shane Stephens-Romero’s crystal ball – a computer model called STREET – and find that air quality has significantly improved. Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 60 percent lower than in 2009, and levels of microscopic soot and ozone are about 15 percent and 10 percent lower, respectively. Photo by Daniel A. Anderson, University Communications.
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Involvement Opportunities
‘Adopt a Family’ with the Medical Center
UC Irvine Medical Center Child Life and Social Work invites the campus community to participate in the “Adopt a Family” program. Established in 1998, the program has helped more than 600 families celebrate the holidays. In addition to having a significant financial need, families are selected because a member has recently been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness or been involved in a serious trauma, or there has been a recent death. To participate, fax, e-mail or send an “Organization to Adopt” form to the Child Life Director. An “organization” can be made up of friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members or any group that is willing to help. A completed family information sheet will be sent in mid-November with the family’s needs.
Contact: Eileen Andrade-Kitching, 714.456.8391 or eandrade@uci.edu
Medical Center Seeks Volunteers
Michelle Sinclair, volunteer services recruiter, is looking for volunteers who want to give three hours a week for six months to work at UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange. Volunteer opportunities include directing patients, assisting in the Cancer Center, helping in the hospital and working in reception areas. For more details about the volunteer program, call Michelle Sinclair at 714.456.6551.
White Ribbon Campaign Seeks to End Sexual Violence
Challenging All Men to Prevent Sexism (CHAMPS) and the UCI Police Department are hosting the White Ribbon Campaign 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every day through Friday, Nov. 20, at the Ring Mall. A ceremony will be held noon-1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the Student Center Terrace. The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest global effort of men working to end violence against women. For the past two years, Campus Assault Resources & Education has collected signatures of UCI men who have taken this pledge and want to continue the tradition.
Contact: Rob Buelow, 949.824.7273 or rbuelow@uci.edu
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Work/Life
Open Enrollment Reminder
Did you miss an Open Enrollment session? View the Open Enrollment e-learning and the Individual Health Plan Podcasts. Remember, Open Enrollment ends 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24. Log in to At-Your-Service and make as many changes, as many times as needed until then. Don’t miss out. Even if employees are not making any changes to health benefits, they must enroll in Flexible Spending and Dependent Care every year.
CACSS Hosts Staff Diversity Town Hall Dialogue Series
The Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Staff and UCI Staff Assembly invite all employees to attend the Staff Diversity Town Hall Dialogue Series to further discussions about campus diversity. The second hourlong session, focused on diversity-related affinity groups, takes place noon Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the Cross-Cultural Center’s Dr. Joseph White Conference Room. Register via TED. Shown: Chancellor Michael Drake with Living Our Values Award recipients.
Cheer Up UCI
Campus Recreation announces the launch of Cheer Up UCI, an online program offering stress-management techniques. The program can be completed in 21 successive days or over the course of months. Try several meditations and breathing exercises, or continue a favorite every day. After registering for the free program online, employees can pick up a Cheer Up UCI journal at the Anteater Recreation Center. After completing 21 days, participants can pick up a Cheer Up UCI incentive T-shirt.
OIT Offers New Tools: Blogs and UCI Replay
The Office of Information Technology offers two new services for faculty and staff: Blogs@UCI and UCI Replay. Both help the UCI community improve and expand instructional, research and public service communication. Blogs@UCI is a publishing tool that allows faculty, staff and graduate students to create their own blog in seconds. Use it to share academic thoughts, photos, videos and more with UCI and the world. UCI Replay is an easy-to-use computer-screen and audio-recording service. The software is freely installable on both Windows and Apple computers and a portable version runs from USB “thumb drives.” Classroom Technology Support has pre-installed the recording software in all SmartClassrooms.
OEOD Features Firestone on Finding Common Humanity
The Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity’s Campus Conversations Series presents “Finding Our Common Humanity in the Religious Texts of Judaism and Islam” with Reuven Firestone, Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement co-director and medieval Judaism and Islam professor at Hebrew Union College, noon-1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at the Cross-Cultural Center. Firestone served on the international “Voice of Peace” radio project and has been involved in various committees and commissions exploring Jewish-Muslim and Jewish-Arab relations. The free event is part of OEOD’s series, which provides the campus community with opportunities to engage in dialogues about contemporary topics related to equal opportunity and diversity.
Contact: 949.824.5594 or oeod@uci.edu
Academic Senate Awards Honor Faculty
The 2009-10 Academic Senate Awards will be presented 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the University Club. Kenneth Pomeranz (shown), Distinguished Faculty Award for Research recipient, will speak on “Land, Water and Economic Development in China: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Implications.” Chancellor Michael Drake will host a reception following the lecture. Recipients to be honored include: Victoria Basolo, planning, policy & design; Timothy J. Bradley, ecology & evolutionary biology; Maria Q. Feng, civil & environmental engineering; Stanislaw M. Jarecki, computer science; Linda J. Levine, psychology & social behavior; and Marcelo Wood, neurobiology & behavior. Admission is free. RSVP by Monday, Nov. 30, to 949.824.8340 or cgardner@uci.edu.
QRAM Meeting Features Morgan
The Office of Research Administration will hold its fall Quarterly Research Administration Meeting at 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, in Natural Sciences II, Room 2201 (second floor). The meeting will introduce Bruce Morgan, ORA’s new assistant vice chancellor for research. His presentation entitled, “ARRA – A New Paradigm in Reporting,” will focus on what’s new in ARRA reporting, the successes in the first reporting period and the lessons learned. In addition, Morgan will be announcing the changes ORA is making to the reporting process in both the near- and long-term. Seating is limited; register via TED (keyword: QRAM).
EH&S Provides Holiday Cooking Safety Tips
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 4,300 fires in the U.S. occur each year on Thanksgiving Day. Environmental Health & Safety reminds the UCI community to help prevent cooking fires at home by following these safety tips: Never leave cooking unattended – remain in the kitchen area in case a fire occurs; remove combustibles (oven mitts, wooden utensils, plastic bags, etc.) from the stovetop area; avoid wearing loose-fitting or dangling sleeves while cooking; introduce a “kid-free/pet-free zone” of about three feet around the stove area; turn handles inward to prevent pots and pans from accidentally being knocked over; and keep cooking surfaces clean and free from grease buildup.
Pedestrian Safety Reminder
UCI is committed to providing a safe and accessible environment – whether people choose to drive, bike or walk. Signage and stenciling on campus paths is one step in this direction. Pedestrians can do their part by staying in the designated lane and practicing good safety etiquette. Paying attention to surroundings will keep everyone safer and reduce stress. For more tips and a map of campus pathway designations, visit bike.uci.edu.
Wellness & Safety Partnership: Did You Know?
It’s never too late to quit. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and 90 percent of those are or have been smokers. When smokers quit, the benefits increase over time.
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People
Curry: A Veteran’s Message
David Curry, a U.S. Marine with two tours of duty in Iraq behind him, knows what it’s like to be recruited to a cause and see it through with pride. Now the 28-year-old UCI sociology/economics major has turned recruiter – not for the military but for veterans’ education. Photo by Daniel A. Anderson, University Communications.
George Earns ‘Visionary Women Award’
Valerie George, Program in Geriatrics physician assistant, received the Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter’s 2009 Visionary Women Award. The award is given to a person who displays extraordinary compassion in caring for patients and their families. The recipient communicates sensitively with the patient and the patient’s loved ones, listens carefully, shows empathy and instills a sense of hope; respects the patient’s values, culture, choices and decisions; and understands the significance of the patient’s family and community.
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Sports Update
Men’s Soccer Wins Second Straight Big West Tournament Title
The No. 3 seed UCI men’s soccer team (15-6) defeated No. 1 seed UC Santa Barbara 4-1 Nov. 14 in the championship match of the Big West Tournament at Harder Stadium. Carlos Aguilar was named Big West Tournament Most Valuable Player. The Anteaters will face either Stanford or St. Mary’s in their first match of the 2009 NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Anteater Stadium.
Highlight: Women’s Volleyball
Women’s volleyball hosts Cal State Fullerton 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the Bren Events Center.
Keeping Score
Follow these links to get the Anteaters’ latest results.
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University Communications
Informing campus and community
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Quicklinks
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Quotable
Keirstead on Cervical Stem Cell Study
“What our therapy did to injured rodents is phenomenal. If we see even a fraction of that benefit in humans, it will be nothing short of a home run.” – Hans Keirstead, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center co-director and anatomy & neurobiology associate professor, commenting on new research on cervical stem cells and spinal cord injury. The Orange County Register, Nov. 9, 2009.
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UCI in the News
Get a Daily Dose:
UCI in the News, a compendium of articles featuring UCI, is available by e-mail each workday from University Communications.
Contact asamano@uci.edu to be added to the distribution list. Daily news clips are also available at: today.uci.edu/news
/newsclips.php
For breaking news, visit Zot!Wire – UCI’s frequently updated newswire.
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Featured Events
University Club Forum
Grading President Obama’s First Year.
With Matthew Beckmann, political science assistant professor. 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. University Club. $11.50-$13.50. RSVP.
Music
Showcase Concert.
Noon Wednesday, Nov. 18. Winifred Smith Hall. Free.
Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
Bartonella Quintana: A Proficiently Persistent Pathogen of Lice and Men.
With Dr. Jane Koehler, infectious disease professor, UC San Francisco. 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. Tamkin Hall, Room F114.
Studio Art
Lacan and the Americas: Roundtable Discussion.
In conjunction with Major Works of Art Series: 1968: El Culo Te Abrocho. With Roberto Jacoby, Argentine artist. 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. Reception follows. University Art Gallery. Free. Exhibit continues through Nov. 21.
Center for Machine Learning & Intelligent Systems
Data and Its Publics.
With Mark Hansen, statistics professor, UCLA. 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Bren Hall, Room 6011. Free. RSVP.
Calit2
Network Generation: Transforming the Global Infrastructure to Address Evolving Demands.
5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Calit2 Building, Atrium and Auditorium. $15-$50. RSVP.
Film & Video Center
Screen Activism: ‘The Yes Men Fix the World.’
Directed by Andy Bichlbaum, Mike Bonanno and Kurt Engfehr. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Humanities Instructional Building, Lucille Kuehn Auditorium (Room 100). $3-$6.
Distinctive Voices @ The Beckman Center
Developments in Climate Change.
With Donald Kennedy, Bing Professor of Environmental Science & Policy, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Beckman Center. Free.
Drama
Escape from Happiness.
Directed by Rob Salas. 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Little Theatre. $9-$18. Continues through Nov. 22.
Pathology Research Seminar Series
Chlamydia and Cancer?
With Dr. Ming Tan, microbiology & molecular genetics associate professor. 9-10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Tamkin Hall, Room F114.
Entrepreneur’s Forum
2010 Business Plan Competition by The Paul Merage School of Business.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Calit2, Room 3008. RSVP by Nov. 18. Free to UC faculty, researchers, students and staff; $10 general public.
EpiCenter Seminar Series
Deep Brain Stimulation in Epilepsy: Theory and Practice.
With Wytse Wadman, Center for Neuroscience Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences director, University of Amsterdam. 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24. Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, first-floor conference room.
Music
‘Messiah’ Sing-A-Long.
With Joseph Huszti, conductor. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24. Student Center. Free.
Event sponsors: Send information regarding upcoming events to
calendar@uci.edu.
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Classes & Workshops
Electronic Educational Environment
ARTSTOR: Organizing and Teaching with Visual Images.
10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Nov. 18. Science Library, Room 166. Faculty, staff, grad students and postdocs only. Free. Registration required.
EEE Communication Tools.
3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. Anteater Instructional & Research Building, Room 1020. Faculty, instructional staff, grad students and postdocs only. Free. Registration required.
Web Design – Creating Your Class Web Site.
1:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Anteater Instructional & Research Building, Room 1020. Faculty, instructional staff, grad students and postdocs only. Free. Registration required.
Power Point – Level 2.
10 a.m.-noon Friday, Nov. 20. Anteater Instructional & Research Building, Room 1020. Faculty, instructional staff, grad students and postdocs only. Free. Registration required.
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