NOVEMBER 20 • 2009 TheWeekly PUBLISHED FOR THE USC HEALTH SCIENCES CAMPUS COMMUNITY VOLUME 15 • NUMBER 36 Tiny worm leads Massry Prize winners to huge medical insight

By Ryan Ball “In an effort to understand a Gary Ruvkun has come a long little worm a little better, work- way from living in his van after ing together we’ve accomplished being denied medical school much more than we ever imag- admission by USC and UCLA in ined we would,” said Ambros. the early 1970s. Like it or not, we are genetical- He and fellow molecular biolo- ly only a few base pairs removed gist Victor Ambros recently re- from worms, and the work of Am- ceived the prestigious Meira and bros, Ruvkun and others in the Shaul G. Massry Prize for their field are likely to change the way revolutionary research in micro diseases are treated in humans. “In an effort to RNA (miRNA). Ruvkun, now a The knowledge that miRNAs are understand a Harvard professor, and Ambros, a linked to certain types of cancer professor at the University of Mas- and genetic diseases can poten- little worm a little sachusetts, presented lectures on tially lead to the development of better, working their findings in Mayer Audito- new life-saving drugs. rium on Nov. 12. “It’s a tremendous discovery,” together we’ve Gary Ruvkun MiRNA are single-stranded Jon Nalick remarked Shaul G. Massry, accomplished RNA molecules that regulate professor emeritus of medicine gene expression. When Ambros at the Keck School of Medicine much more than and Ruvkun discovered these of USC and founder of the Meira we ever imagined tiny strips of genetic material just and Shaul G. Massry Founda- over a decade ago, they set off an tion. “It opened a new field and we would.” explosion in the field of genetic a new understanding of how the research. genome really functions. In es- “None of us had been think- sence, it’s trying to decipher the — Victor Ambros, ing of looking for something that secret of life—how we come to professor of small,” Ruvkun commented be what we are.” during his lecture at USC. “We’ve The Massry Prize was es- molecular medicine been riding this wave, and it’s tablished in 1996 to recognize at the University of been an amazing ride.” outstanding contributions to Massachusetts Ruvkun and Ambros inde- the biomedical sciences and the pendently began studying the advancement of health. Massry presence and role of miRNA in this year turned over manage- tiny roundworms known as C. Victor Ambros ment of the award to USC to elegans. They eventually joined Jon Nalick ensure that it will continue to forces to push their research promote education and research further. The result was the breakthrough discovery that RNA, like in nephrology, physiology and related fields well into the future. proteins, can regulate the actions of DNA, slowing genes down, “I feel loyalty to USC,” Massry explained. “I’ve been doing speeding them up or turning them off and on. It was previously [the Massry Prize] now for 13 years and I’m not going to live believed that RNA was merely a carrier of DNA instructions. See MASSRY, page 2 USC updates policy governing Polk named chair of Dept. of Pediatrics relationships with industry D. Brent Polk has been named chair of the benefit from his care and expertise.” By Sara Reeve research and patient care.” Department of Pediatrics at the Keck School Richard D. Cordova, president and CEO Responding to the Ameri- The policy provides new of Medicine, and chair of pediatrics and vice of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, joined can Association of Medical guidance in a variety of areas, president of academic affairs at Childrens Puliafito in expressing enthusiasm for Polk’s College’s (AAMC) challenge several of which were high- Hospital Los Angeles, effective April 1, 2010. See POLK, page 3 to universities to instill lighted in the memo to faculty A distinguished researcher and clinician, transparency with regard to and staff: Polk will serve as professor of pediatrics and relationships with industry, • Consulting arrangements biochemistry and molecular biology at the the deans of the Keck School with outside organizations Keck School. of Medicine, the USC School must now be disclosed, As chair of pediatrics, he will be responsible of Pharmacy and the USC reviewed and approved prior for the department’s educational, research School of Dentistry an- to beginning work, effective and service missions, and he will oversee nounced an update to the Jan. 1, in order to ensure they faculty working at affiliate hospitals Childrens university’s policy. do not present a conflict of Hospital Los Angeles and the Los Angeles In a memo to faculty and interest or commitment, and County+USC Medical Center. staff sent on Nov. 2, Keck must be disclosed to students, He will also serve as vice dean for clinical School Dean Carmen A. residents and fellows when affairs (Childrens Hospital Los Angeles). Puliafito, School of Den- relevant. “Dr. Polk is nationally and internationally tistry Dean Avishai Sadan and • Industry-sponsored recognized for his innovative research and School of Pharmacy Dean R. speaker’s bureaus are strongly comprehensive, caring treatment of pediatric Pete Vanderveen wrote that discouraged, as they are patients,” said Keck School Dean Carmen A. while relationships with in- defined by federal regulations Puliafito. “His achievements have placed him dustry have been vital to dis- as part of industry marketing on lists of America’s Top 100 Pediatricians and covering and developing new activities. Best Doctors in America in Pediatric Gastro- technologies and treatments, • Faculty must remain in enterology for the past five years. Dr. Polk’s “under no circumstances can control of content presented leadership will enhance the partnerships we allow these collaborations and ensure it is based on between the Keck School and both Childrens to have or appear to have the best scientific evidence Hospital Los Angeles and LAC+USC hospital. Dana Johnson improper influence over our available. He is a gift to the young patients who will D. Brent Polk core missions of education, See POLICY, page 2 NOVEMBER 20 • 2009

Fetters awarded Division of Physical Therapy’s first endowed chair

By Sara Villagran and Beth Dunham goals. She has been a member of A $1 million gift has established the the Division’s Board of Councilors first endowed faculty chair within the since 2004 and has lent her sup- USC Division of Biokinesiology and port to many initiatives, including Physical Therapy. the Bice Clinical Research Center Linda Fetters, professor and director campaign. of the division’s Developmental Mo- Sykes also supports research tor Performance Laboratory, has been and education in physical therapy named the inaugural holder of the Sykes that benefits children, even allow- Fetters’ research Family Chair in Pediatric Physical ing her own children to take part is focused on Therapy, Health, and Development. in classroom activities within the Tracy Sykes, a graduate of the USC division and help students master improving the Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of pediatric strength evaluation and Phil Channing quality of life 1998, and husband Gene T. Sykes, a development assessment. Linda Fetters managing director with Goldman Sachs Fetters was selected to fill for infants and and Co., established the chair with a the chair based on her extensive $1 million gift, along with a $250,000 record in pediatric physical therapy, advancement of cutting edge pediatric children with matching pledge. including experience in clinical practice, research, and outreach to communities movement The division will seek additional research, teaching and administration. neighboring the University of Southern funding sources to bring the total Her research is focused on improving California,” Fetters said. difficulties due endowment to a $1.5 million. the quality of life for infants and chil- Fetters teaches courses in devel- to neurological “We are extremely grateful for the dren with movement difficulties due to opment, pediatric physical therapy, Sykes’ generosity and vision,” said neurological insults. She has developed and evidence-based physical therapy insults. James Gordon, associate dean and chair very early physical therapy treatments practice. In addition, she has developed of the division. “This gift will help using an innovative computerized physical therapy distance education and us further establish our program as a mobile paradigm for infants at risk for taught evidence-based physical therapy national leader in pediatric physical developing cerebral palsy. practice within a distance education therapy education, clinical practice, “The establishment of the Sykes format. service and research.” Family Chair in Pediatric Physical “Dr. Fetters’ combined expertise will After graduating from the Doctor of Therapy, Health, and Development sup- support the continuing vision of pedi- Physical Therapy program, Tracy Sykes ports a vision that focuses on enhancing atric physical therapy at USC and the worked in outpatient physical therapy the health and well-being of children translation of this vision to excellence in Santa Monica while continuing to through education of leaders in pediatric in education, practice, research and support the division and its research physical therapy and rehabilitation, service,” Gordon said.

POLICY: Guidelines intended to minimize potential conflicts of interest

Continued from page 1 support a culture of ethics, “Collaboration with mem- Health Care Compliance ance at (213) 740-8258. The • Gifts and free meals from while supporting meaningful bers of industry has produced Committee and the Aca- office is currently working industry may not be accepted. interactions with industry.” remarkable opportunities for demic Senate for their input with the various departments Food delivered by or paid for The updated policy applies the dental field in general and in shaping the policy,” said to educate affected employ- by industry marketing repre- to any university employee the USC School of Dentistry Capretta. “I look forward to ees. sentatives is defined as a gift, who has direct or indirect in particular,” said Sadan. working with faculty and staff “While we are grateful for and may not be accepted. influence over prescribing, “However, current and future to help them understand how and enthusiastic about our • Pharmaceutical samples dispensing or purchasing patients deserve treatment to implement these policy collaborations with industry, may no longer be distributed products made by pharma- backed by solid, unbiased evi- updates.” we are also careful to maintain through individual clinics. ceutical or biotechnology dence, and we will continue Faculty and staff with a healthy distance, keeping Instead, all samples must be companies, medical/dental to hold stringent standards questions about the policy can undue influence far from our delivered to campus phar- equipment and device manu- about the roles that industry contact the Office of Compli- work,” said Vanderveen. macies for distribution to facturers, and other health partners have in regards to patients. care suppliers. clinical, research and commu- World AIDS Day fair slated for Dec. 1 “Universities across the This would include doctors, nity activities.” country have been called on dentists, pharmacists, physi- According to Tammy By Joe Peters to review their policies with cal therapists, occupational Capretta, assistant vice presi- Organizers of the Dec. 1 World AIDS Day Health Fair at the regard to industry, and at therapists, nurses, clinic staff, dent for health care compli- LAC+USC Medical Center have a simple message for the public: USC, we felt it was important hospital staff, residents, ance for USC, the policy was Get tested. to ensure our practices were fellows and students. New created with the assistance Stella Quan, organizer of the fair and senior health educator at free from even the appear- language also emphasizes of university staff and faculty the Rand Schrader Health and Research Center, said, “Here in ance of a conflict of interest,” that the policy is applicable leadership. L.A. County, we have approximately 54,000 people living with HIV said Puliafito. “We want to whether on or off campus. “I have to thank the USC and/or AIDS. In addition, approximately 20 percent of people living with HIV are not even aware that they have this disease. Therefore there is definitely a need for education and to bring people in for The testing.” Weekly Next Issue: Dec. 4 The fair, which will include information booths, health screen- ings and rapid HIV testing, will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Courtyard Breezeway of the LAC+USC Medical Center, 2051 The Weekly is published for the faculty, staff, students, volunteers and visitors in the Univer- Marengo Way, Los Angeles. sity of Southern California’s Health Sciences Campus community. It is written and produced For more information, contact Stella Quan at 323-343-8258. by the Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing staff. Comments, suggestions and story ideas are welcome. Permission to reprint articles with attribution is freely given. MASSRY: Recipients often go on to win Nobel

Associate Senior Vice President, Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing: Jane Brust Continued from page 1 follow in their footsteps. The forever, so I need to set a duo also presented lectures at Executive Director of Communications and Marketing: Ina Fried system [through which] it will UCLA, and they were hon- Editor: Jon Nalick continue to work correctly. It’s ored with an elaborate cere- Contributors: Eva Blaauw, Ryan Ball, Cheryl Bruyninckx, Beth Dunham, Carol Matthieu, another thing the school can mony at the Council Chamber Katie Neith, Joe Peters, Sara Reeve, Leslie Ridgeway and Sara Villagran be proud of.” of the City of Beverly Hills on Nine previous recipients of Nov. 14. Chaired by Laurence Senior Vice President, University Relations: Martha Harris the Massry Prize have gone H. Kedes, the Massry Prize on to win the Nobel Prize, committee consists of Martin Phone: 323-442-2830 Fax: 323-442-2832 E-mail: [email protected] Web: theweekly.usc.edu and Massry is confident that Pera, Harvey R. Herschman Ambros and Ruvkun will and Joel D. Kopple. Oncologists re-examine best biopsy practices By Ryan Ball Organized every four years supported by an educational the main conclusions of the A push for less-invasive by Mel Silverstein, medical grant from Ethicon Endo- panel is that there are too testing for breast cancer took director of Hoag Breast Care Surgery Inc. many excisional biopsies done center stage as leading breast Center and clinical professor Among the participants was to diagnose breast cancer disease specialists met for the of surgery at the Keck School Debu Tripathy, an oncologist when core needle biopsies are recent International Con- of Medicine, the conference at the USC Norris Com- just as accurate but much less sensus Conference on Image in Newport Beach, Calif., prehensive Cancer Center. invasive.” Detected Breast Cancer III. was sponsored by USC and Tripathy reported, “One of Tripathy noted that he and colleagues in the field have issued a plea urging patients in need of biopsies to be seen at experienced centers where proper imaging and biopsy techniques are available. While roughly half of breast cancers can now be detected via mammogram and other imaging technologies, signs are often small and require further diagnostic steps such as biopsy. A report published in the October issue of the

Lee Salem Journal of the American College The Doctors of USC are in the game of Surgeons states that 35 percent of such biopsies per- The Doctors of USC have established a game-day presence at formed in the United States recent USC football games, pitching tents outside the Coliseum still involve unnecessary open to educate visitors and show off the latest high-tech surgical surgical techniques. equipment. Above, USC physicians Andre Berger, Inderbir Gill Tripathy and Silverstein are and Monish Aron display at a Oct. 24 game the da Vinci Si Surgical System, a cutting-edge device used for robotic surgery scheduled to participate in the prostatectomies. Right, a USC fan shows off the free tote bag American Society of Breast she received before the Nov. 14 Homecoming game where the Diseases Meeting on April Doctors of USC showcased their expertise in breast cancer. Both 16, 2010, in New York. More events also promoted USC University Hospital and USC Norris information on that forum can Cancer Hospital. be found at www.asbd.org. ©Brook Photography ©Brook POLK: New chair of Pediatrics praised as ‘visionary, thoughtful’ leader

Continued from page 1 where he is chief of the D. Brent Polk Polk’s accomplishments have Vanderbilt. Polk was honored with the recruitment. “We’re elated with the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, established him as a respected leader in Distinguished Alumnus award from appointment of Dr. Polk to this pivotal Hepatology and Nutrition, director of pediatrics and research. the University of Arkansas for Medical position, and it comes at an important the Digestive Disease Research Center “During my years as chair of Pedi- Sciences in September 2009. point in the history of Childrens Hos- and a tenured professor of pediatrics atrics at Vanderbilt, I encouraged and Polk is active in several professional pital Los Angeles. During the challeng- and cell and developmental biology. observed the maturation of Dr. Polk organizations, including the American ing days and months ahead, Dr. Polk The division recently named for into a thoughtful and visionary leader,” Academy of Pediatrics, the American will be called upon to help us open the Polk provides care, diagnostic evalua- said Arnold Strauss, Rachford Professor Gastroenterological Society, the Ameri- doors to our new hospital building, lead tions, research and testing, as well as and chair of Pediatrics at the University can Pediatric Society, the American our research agenda and forge new and management and treatment for infants, of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Physiological Society and the American stronger relationships with the com- children and young adults suffering “His ability to recruit outstanding Society for Biochemistry and Molecular munity and other health care providers, from nutritional, gastrointestinal or faculty and successfully mentor them Biology. while strengthening our already close liver disorders. He also served as both has been exemplary. His research He was recently elected to chair the partnership with USC.” interim chair of pediatrics and interim accomplishments have been exciting, American Gastroenterological Associa- Polk succeeds Roberta G. Williams, medical director at Monroe Carell Jr. well-funded, and directly applicable to tion (AGA) Institute Council. He also who served as professor and chair of the Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt. human disease. He will be an incred- is chair of the National Institutes of Department of Pediatrics at the Keck “Brent is one of our premier physi- ible leader for USC and Childrens Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney School of Medicine and vice president cians and has served Vanderbilt with Hospital Los Angeles and for academic Diseases Committee, and serves on of the Department of Pediatrics and distinction for nearly two decades,” pediatrics nationally.” the Scientific Advisory Board for the Academic Affairs at Childrens Hospital said Jeffrey R. Balser, vice chancellor Steven Gabbe, chief executive University of San Francisco’s Digestive Los Angeles since 2000. for health affairs and dean of the School officer of The Ohio State University Diseases Center. “I couldn’t be more excited about of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a former dean of He was the United States organizer the opportunity to come to Los Ange- Medical Center. “Under Brent’s leader- the Vanderbilt University School of and scientific advisor for the World les to work with the leadership of USC, ship, his division has experienced Medicine, describes Polks as some- Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, the Keck School of Medicine and Chil- significant growth in terms of faculty, one who “simply does everything Hepatology and Nutrition in Brazil in drens Hospital Los Angeles,” said Polk. programs and grant awards from the incredibly well. He’s a nationally and 2008. “I see this as a chance to strengthen NIH. His talents will be missed, but internationally recognized investiga- He has served as an ad hoc journal the ties between these historic institu- we are proud he will be occupying this tor, a skilled clinician, and an effective reviewer for nearly 40 medical jour- tions. I also look forward to assisting important leadership role with USC educator. He has helped hundreds nals, including the American Journal with the opening of the new Childrens and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.” of children who have suffered from of Pathology, Cancer Research, European Hospital in 2011. This unprecedented, As a renowned researcher on pedi- painful intestinal conditions and I’m Journal of Immunology, Gastroenterology, state-of-the-art facility will provide atric inflammatory bowel disease and always impressed with his ability to Journal of Pediatrics, and Nature. comprehensive and cutting-edge immune regulation of the gastrointesti- guide families through the complex Polk earned his bachelor’s degree services to children in the greatest nal tract, Polk’s research interests focus and stressful process of diagnosis and in biology and chemistry, graduat- need of medical care. The faculty and on regulation of growth and develop- treatment. It was a privilege to work ing magna cum laude from Ouachita staff in pediatrics, the Saban Research ment of the intestinal cell as related with him at Vanderbilt.” University in 1980, and his medical Institute, the Keck School of Medicine to ontogeny (the development of Polk’s achievements include be- degree from the University of Arkan- and USC will be an integrated team in organisms) and disease. He is currently ing named a Presidential Scholar at sas for Medical Sciences in 1984. He developing preventative, diagnostic, investigating epidermal growth factor Ouachita University (Arkadelphia, completed his internship and residency prognostic and therapeutic approaches and tumor necrosis factor receptor Ark.), winning the Turner Scholar in the Department of Pediatrics at the to a wide variety of childhood disor- family member signaling mechanisms Award at Vanderbilt University, and University of Arkansas for Medical ders, and I believe we can lead the leading to proliferation, differentiation winning the 2009 Grant W. Liddle Sciences, and served on a fellowship in country in this effort.” or migration of intestinal cells and the Award, which recognizes faculty who pediatric gastroenterology and nutri- Polk comes to USC from Vander- relationship between inflammation and demonstrate exemplary leadership in tion at Stanford University School of bilt University in Nashville, Tenn., how tumors grow. the promotion of scientific research at Medicine. NOVEMBER 20 • 2009

Calendar of Events This Calendar of events is also online at www.usc.edu/hsccalendar for the Health Sciences Campus community

Monday, Nov. 23

Noon. KSOM Research Seminar. “Cancer Stem Cells and Microenvironment in Prostate Cancer Progression,” Pradip Roy-Burman, USC. NRT Aresty Aud. Info: (323) 442-7874

Tuesday, Nov. 24

9 a.m. Neurology Grand Rounds. “Stroke,” Askiel Bruno, Medi- cal College of Georgia. ZNI 112. Info: (323) 442-7686

Wednesday, Nov. 25

Noon. “Uric Acid and Renal Disease,” Dalila Corry, UCLA. GNH 4420. Info: (323) 226-7307

Monday, Nov. 30 Jon Nalick

Noon. KSOM Research Seminar. “Stem Cells and the Liver Pete Delgado, LAC+USC Medical Center CEO, praises the hard work and dedication of the physicians and staff members of the Microcirculation,” Laurie DeLeve, USC. NRT Aresty Aud. Info: year-old LAC+USC Replacement Facility at a Nov. 7 celebration. (323) 442-7874

Noon. “Coronary Physiology for the Invasive Cardiologist,” Morton Kern, UCI. IPT C2J104-A. Info: (323) 442-7419 LAC+USC fetes new facility’s anniversary

Tuesday, Dec. 1 By Leslie Ridgeway “For all the work you have done, I express my and overcrowded, but stressed that she was not 11 a.m. 2009 World AIDS Day Health Fair. LAC+USC Breeze- appreciation,” said Pete Delgado, LAC+USC critical of hospital staff and physicians. “We will way. Info: (323) 343-8258 Medical Center CEO, addressing a group of overcome that because we have a dedicated about 50 physicians and employees celebrating group of people here,” she said. 11:30 a.m. Psychiatry Grand Rounds. “Psychodynamic Psy- chotherapy: Theory, Studies and Its Use in Treating Patients the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Philip Lumb, president of the medical staff, with Panic Disorder,” Marcia Goin, USC. ZNI 112. Info: (323) new LAC+USC facility. praised the partnerships that have sustained 442-4065 On Nov. 7, 2008, patients were moved from the hospital, as well as the “unique interac- the more than 100-year-old County Hospital tion of learning and community” that exists at Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Women’s and Children’s Hospital to the LAC+USC. new 600-bed facility, which officially opened for Lumb quoted the Eastern philosopher Lao Noon. “The Soul of Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Erin Quinn,” MCH 249. Info: (323) 442-2552. business on Nov. 8. More than two years of in- Tzu, who noted, “We hammer wood for a house, tensive planning preceded the move, which was but it is the inner space that makes it livable … Noon. “Vascular Access,” Vincent Rowe, USC. GNH 4420. facilitated by hospital staff, Emergency Medical We work with being, but non-being is what we Info: (323) 226-7307 Services, Navy and Air Force personnel, as well use.” as more than 1,000 volunteers from local county Thursday, Dec. 3 Lumb continued: “The magic of LAC+USC facilities, Delgado said. is the ‘non-being’ that brings these remarkable Noon. “Idiosyncratic Drug-induced Liver Injury – The Inflam- To underscore the growth of the new individuals together to create a powerhouse of matory Stress Hypothesis,” Robert Roth, Michigan State Univ. LAC+USC, Supervisor Gloria Molina introduced health care.” HMR 100. Info: (323) 442-1283 Arianna Estrella Villaverde, a one-year-old girl Supervisor Molina then cut one of four cakes who was the first baby born at the hospital. made for the event, which were decorated with Friday, Dec. 4 “I’m very proud of LAC+USC,” said Super- photos of LAC+USC. 9 a.m. Southern California Research Center for ALPD and visor Molina. “After many years of planning John Shunhoff, interim director of the County Cirrhosis and UCSD Diabetes and Endocrinology Research and construction, we now have the very best, of Los Angeles Department of Health Services, Center Joint Symposium. “Mechanisms of Liver Metabolism cutting-edge facility available to the public.” also spoke at the event. The Bravo High School and Fatty Liver,” Various speakers. MCH 149. Info: (323) 442- 3121 Molina noted that the hospital is too small Band provided entertainment.

Noon. Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar. “The Many Functions of APE1 as a DNA Repair and Redox Professional clothing sought for clothing drive to benefit job seekers Signaling Target for Cancer Therapeutics and Other Indica- tions,” Mark Kelly, Indiana Univ. Simon Cancer Ctr. PSC 104. The Southeast L.A.-Crenshaw Work Source Center, USC Employee Recruitment Services and USC Info: (323) 442-2341 Civic and Community Relations have launched a clothing drive to help local residents prepare for job interviews and give them confidence as they settle into new jobs. The drive, which runs through Saturday, Dec. 5 Dec. 18, seeks donations of clean, gently used items of professional clothing such as suits, shirts, 8 a.m. KSOM Continuing Medical Education Seminar. “Breast blouses and skirts. Job seekers also need slacks, belts, ties, purses and other accessories that are suit- Cancer Update: State of the Art for the Primary Physician,” able for the work environment. Clothing can be dropped off on Thursdays and Fridays during the Various speakers. NRT Aresty Conference Ctr. Info: (323) drive period at KAM 420. For more information, call (323) 442-3572. 442-2555 Tuesday, Dec. 8 In case of an emergency... 8 a.m. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Grand Rounds. “Inflammatory Skin Diseases for the General Surgical Patholo- Call the Emergency Information Phone: 213-740-9233 The emergency telephone system can handle gist,” Mark Wick, Univ. of Virginia Health System. NOR 7409. 1,400 simultaneous calls. It also has a backup system on the East Coast. Info: (323) 442-1180 Visit the USC Web: http://emergency.usc.edu This page will be activated in case of an emergency. 10:30 a.m. University Hospital Guild Holiday Luncheon. Backup Web servers on the East Coast will function if the USC servers are incapacitated. “Overlapping Drugs,” Kathy Besinque, USC. UNH Inpatient Café. Info: (323) 254-0600

Noon. Cancer Center Grand Rounds. “MiRNAs: Their Develop- USC Health Sciences Non-Profit Organization ing Role in Prostate Cancer,” Ralph De Vere White, USC. NRT Public Relations and Marketing U.S. POSTAGE PAID Aresty Aud. Info: (323) 865-0801 1975 Zonal Ave. University of Southern KAM 400 California Notice: Deadline for calendar submission is 4 p.m. Mon- Los Angeles, CA 90033 day to be considered for that week’s issue—although three weeks’ advance notice of events is recommended. Please note that timely submission does not guarantee an item will be printed. Send calendar items to The Weekly, KAM 400 or fax to (323) 442-2832, or e-mail to [email protected]. Entries must include day, date, time, title of talk, first and last name of speaker, affiliation of speaker, location, and a phone number for information.