INSIDE Pelusi Family Life Skills Program...... 2 Focus on healthy aging...... 3

PittNewspaper of the University of PittsburghChronicle Volume XII • Number 33 • December 5, 2011 Pitt’s Cory J. Rodgers Is Named Pitt Inducts 16 New 2012 Rhodes Scholarship Winner Members Into Its By Patricia Lomando White Brackenridge Circle Cory J. Rodgers—who has been study- affected by displacement, urbanization, and By Lynn Shea ing for a Honors cultural pluralism. College and Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest of the The University of Pittsburgh welcomed Arts and Sciences BPhil degree in Africana international study awards available to U.S. 16 new members to the Brackenridge studies and the history and students, provide two or three Circle—a giving society comprising philosophy of science and years of study at the Univer- individuals and couples whose planned for a Dietrich School BS Rodgers is the sev- sity of Oxford in England. gifts and pledges to the University total $1 degree in biological sciences “The coveted Rhodes million or more—during a Nov. 16 awards with a minor in chemis- enth winner of the Scholarship is one of the high- ceremony in the Hall of Sculpture at the try—has been named a 2012 est honors available to young Carnegie Museum of Art. Rhodes Scholarship winner. prestigious Rhodes adults who successfully com- The new inductees joined the 2010 Rodgers is the seventh Scholarship to have bine intellectual excellence, inaugural group of 112 living and deceased winner of the prestigious positive character, effective donors who qualified for inclusion in the Rhodes Scholarship to have received a Pitt under- leadership, and a genuine Brackenridge Circle. With the addition of received a Pitt undergradu- concern for others,” said Pitt this year’s honorees, the combined planned ate education, the fourth in graduate education, Chancellor Mark A. Nor- gift commitments of the 75 living members the past seven years. There denberg. “This prestigious of the Brackenridge Circle will total more are only 14 universities or the fourth in the past award publicly recognizes than $99 million for the University. colleges in the United States individuals who have built Cory J. Rodgers Planned gifts are made by individuals who have claimed the award seven years. an existing record of high who have included the University in at least four times in the last achievement and impact and their estate plans through bequests, by seven years. Pitt is one of only two public who are judged to have exceptional poten- excellence and leadership in his journey to naming the University as a beneficiary in institutions to have done so; the other 12 are tial for future service to humankind. The become an outstanding physician and global a life insurance policy, or by establishing private schools. entire University of Pittsburgh community health practitioner.” charitable trusts and gift annuities. Rodgers is a first-generation university congratulates Cory for earning this very Rodgers is in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Sam Zacharias (A&S ’64), a University student from Somerset, Pa. In 2011, he special form of recognition and for further working on an urban agricultural project for trustee and chair of the board’s Institutional was Pitt’s inaugural recipient of the 2011 strengthening Pitt’s rich legacy of student people with HIV/AIDS in the low-income Advancement Committee, told the group, Samuel Huntington Public Service Award. success.” Manzese area. He and two HIV support “Private support from people like you, He is spending this year in Tanzania on a “Cory Rodgers has the extraordinary groups are using innovative farming tech- at all levels, is changing lives and is project that assists people living with HIV curiosity and drive that characterize the niques, raising free-range chickens, and certainly helping to continue Pitt’s legacy and AIDS. As a Rhodes Scholar at the finest undergraduate students at the Uni- managing water resources to improve the of excellence in education and research.” University of Oxford, Rodgers will seek to versity of Pittsburgh,” said Pitt Honors groups’ capacity to generate a sustainable The Brackenridge Circle was named for incorporate anthropological, cross-cultural, College Dean Edward Stricker. “He has source of food and income. The project Pitt founder Hugh Henry Brackenridge, who and human rights frameworks into an inter- sought opportunities, both at Pitt and utilizes participatory design techniques to secured Commonwealth financial support disciplinary approach to designing partici- abroad, in which he could explore disease involve group members at all stages of proj- for the establishment of the Pittsburgh patory health programs. He will pursue the modeling, administration of palliative care, ect research, planning, and implementation. Academy, which became the University of MSc in medical anthropology during his and health policy, and his graduate work in In 2010, Rodgers conducted a research Pittsburgh. first year and the MSc in migration studies medical anthropology at Oxford will further project through Karagwe Development and The new Brackenridge Circle inductees during his second year. His goal is to be a that education. The Rhodes Scholarship is were honored individually during the medical practitioner working among people recognition of his commitment to academic Continued on page 2 evening and were each given a mantle clock symbolizing the perpetuity of their extraordinary contributions to Pitt. Clyde B. Jones III, Pitt vice chancellor “Brain Food”: Eating Fish Cuts Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s, Pitt Study Finds for health sciences development, and By Megan Grote Quatrini Albert J. Novak Jr., Pitt vice chancellor for institutional advancement, expressed their People who eat baked or broiled fish Cardiovascular Health Study. Information Greater hippocampal, posterior cingulated, gratitude to the inductees for all that they on a weekly basis may be improving their on fish consumption was gathered using the and orbital frontal cortex volumes in have done for the University. brain health and reducing their risk of National Cancer Institute Food Frequency relation to fish consumption reduced In his closing remarks, Novak said, developing Mild Cognitive Impairment Questionnaire. There were 163 patients fivefold the risk for a five-year decline to “This recognition dinner is a way for us to (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease, according who consumed fish on a weekly basis Alzheimer’s or MCI. MCI is thought to be express our thanks to you. Your generosity to a University of Pittsburgh School of and the majority ate fish one to four times a precursor form of Alzheimer’s in which will ensure there will be financial support Medicine study that was presented Nov. per week. Each patient underwent 3-D memory loss is present but to a lesser extent. for our students and their everyday needs; 30 at the Radiological Society of North volumetric MRI of the brain. Voxel-based “Consuming baked or broiled fish research dollars to encourage breakthroughs America annual meeting in Chicago. morphometry, a brain mapping technique promotes stronger neurons in the brain’s in science and technology; and funding “This is the first study to establish that measures gray-matter volume, was gray matter by making them larger and available to recruit and retain outstanding a direct relationship between fish used to model the relationship between healthier,” Raji noted. “This simple lifestyle faculty.” consumption, brain structure, and weekly fish consumption at baseline and choice increases the brain’s resistance to The following inductees were honored Alzheimer’s risk,” said Cyrus Raji, the brain structure 10 years later. The data Alzheimer’s disease and lowers risk for at the event. study’s lead author, a researcher at the were then analyzed to determine whether the disorder.” • Paul R. Bridges (A&S ’58, ENGR ’59) University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine gray-matter volume preservation associated The results also demonstrated increased and Ann T. Bridges and an internal medicine resident at UPMC with fish consumption reduced the risk for levels of cognition in people who ate fish. • James T. Cain (ENGR ’65, ’67G Mercy. “The results showed that people who Alzheimer’s disease. The study controlled “Working memory, which allows & ’70G), Pitt professor emeritus in the consumed baked or broiled fish at least one for age, gender, education, race, obesity, people to focus on tasks and commit Swanson School of Engineering, and time per week had better preservation of physical activity, and the presence or information to short-term memory, is one Jacquelyn S. Cain (SIS ‘75G) gray-matter volume on MRI in brain areas absence of apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), a of the most important cognitive domains,” • The late William S. Dietrich II (A&S at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.” gene that increases the risk of developing Raji said. “Working memory is destroyed ’80G, ’84G) Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable, Alzheimer’s. by Alzheimer’s disease. We found higher • Deborah Jeanne Gillotti (A&S ’77) progressive brain disease that slowly Brain volume is crucial to brain health. levels of working memory in people who and Joseph P. Gillotti destroys memory and cognitive skills. When it remains higher, brain health is ate baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis.” • Richard S. Johnson According to the National Institute on being maintained. Decreases in gray matter The researchers noted, however, that • Joseph C. Lang, Jr. (KGSB ’45, A&S Aging, as many as 5.1 million Americans indicate that brain cells are shrinking. eating fried fish did not increase gray- ’49G, ’51G) and the late Martha P. Lang may have Alzheimer’s disease. People with The findings show that the consumption matter volume or protect against cognitive (KGSB ’45, SIS ’67G) MCI often develop Alzheimer’s. of baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis decline. • The late Edgar L. Levenson (A&S ’43) For the study, the researchers selected was positively associated with gray matter Funding for the study was provided by 260 cognitively normal individuals from the volumes in several areas of the brain. the National Institute on Aging. Continued on page 2 2 • Pitt Chronicle • December 5, 2011 Scholars&Stewards Pitt Trustee John Pelusi Cares Deeply About Student-Athletes’ Lives On and Off the Field He and his wife, Cathy, commit $1.5 million to Life Skills Program for Pitt players services through a team of dedicated Pitt The Pelusis have a special interest staff who advise Panther student-athletes.” in the community service aspect of Pelusi is the executive managing direc- the life-skills program, believing that tor and managing member of Holliday Feno- changing people’s lives for the better glio Fowler, L.P. (HFF), a leading commer- today allows those individuals to change cial real estate and capital market services others’ lives for the better in the future. provider, and CEO and vice chair of HFF, John Pelusi recalled that former Incorporated, a New York Stock Exchange Pitt football coach John Majors insisted public holding company for HFF. He has that football players spend time visiting served on the Pitt Board of Trustees for 15 Children’s Hospital. “Because of that, I years, received Pitt’s Varsity Letter Club learned early on how my trials and tribu- Award of Distinction in 2005, was named lations paled in comparison to those of a University of Pittsburgh Legacy Laure- others,” said Pelusi. ate in 2007, and also serves as a University Pelusi said Majors was one of the of Pittsburgh Trustee for the University of best teachers he had. It is not surprising CHARLES LECLAIRE CHARLES Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). He and that Majors and his wife, Mary Lynn, Cathy and John Pelusi Cathy Pelusi, who is an active community were among several individuals whom volunteer, are also members of the Cathedral the Pelusis have chosen to honor through By Lynn Shea of Learning Society—a recognition society gifts to the life skills program. for donors who have made lifetime contribu- Other gifts have been made in University of Pittsburgh alumnus forgotten the encouragement, support, and tions to the University of $1 million or more. honor of John’s parents, John and Jean John Pelusi values the solid foundation mentoring he received along the way, espe- “The Pelusis are wonderful people,” Anne Pelusi, Sr.; Chancellor Mark for life that Pitt helped him build during cially during his Pitt undergraduate and commented Penny Semaia, the Pitt assistant Nordenberg and his wife, Nikki Nor- his college days in the classroom and on graduate years. In honor of all of those life- athletic director who manages the Pelusi denberg; Frances and Charles “Corky” the football field. affirming gifts, Pelusi and his wife, Cathy, Family Life Skills Program coordinating Cost; Ryta and Sam Sciullo; Jacqueline He remembers vividly the thrill of have made a commitment of $1.5 million to team. “They share great ideas and resources and Pitt men’s basketball coach Jamie the Pitt Panthers winning an NCAA support the Cathy and John Pelusi Family with us, and they are so passionate about Dixon; and the 1976 national champion- national football championship in 1976 Life Skills Program. The program helps developing character and supporting the ship Panther football team. when he was the starting center for the develop and prepare Pitt student-athletes for community.” The Pelusis have also acknowl- team. And he recalls the intellectual success off the field, providing instruction Semaia said student-athletes need edged their own four children with a gift discipline required to obtain his two in career development, life financial skills, to balance their studies with demanding to the program, recognizing daughters degrees from Pitt: a BA from the Kenneth leadership and character development, and athletic schedules. The time required for Jamie, Jacquie, and Jodie and their son, P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences community development. workouts, practices, competitions, and travel John. John and Jamie are both recent in 1977 and an MPA degree in public “This is our way of continuing the often means that student-athletes must limit graduates of Pitt and both were student- management and policy from the Gradu- proud tradition of alumni supporters helping other activities, such as job opportunities athletes—Jamie (SOC WK ’06) was ate School of Public and International student-athletes succeed during their play- and participating in other campus programs. the goalkeeper for the women’s soccer Affairs in 1979. ing years and beyond,” Pelusi said. “We are They are also in the spotlight and therefore team, and John (CBA ’09, KGSB ’11) Now a devoted family man and a thrilled that the life skills program enables bear the responsibility of representing the was a member of the Panther football successful businessman, Pelusi hasn’t the University to provide comprehensive University. team.

16 New Brackenridge Circle Members Rodgers Named Rhodes Scholar Continued from page 1 Relief Services (KADERES) to identify the chosen will enter the University of Oxford barriers created by HIV and AIDS, inter- next October. viewing those affected, getting their per- Rhodes Scholarships are the legacy spectives, and capturing their experiences. of British colonial pioneer, statesman, and KADERES plans to use Rodgers’ report in philanthropist Cecil J. Rhodes, who died planning for its microfinancing programs, in 1902. Although intellectual distinction which provide loans to local peasants and is a necessary requirement for selection small-holder farmers, funding for area clin- as a Rhodes Scholar, it is not sufficient. ics, and building projects. The selection process seeks excellence in Rodgers’ 2010 research experience in qualities of mind and of person, which, in Tanzania included study in Swahili, cultural combination, offer the promise of effective immersion, and service learning. In 2009, service to the world in the decades ahead. he also studied at the National University of Thus, winners are chosen on the basis of high Mongolia in Ulaabaatar, Mongolia, through academic achievement, personal integrity, a Pitt Honors College program. leadership potential, and physical vigor, As a Pitt undergraduate laboratory among other attributes. researcher in chemistry, Rodgers also took The value of the Rhodes Scholarship time to volunteer. Through the Pitt program varies depending upon the academic field, “Keep It Real,” he tutored a Somali-Bantu the degree (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral), refugee family; he also served as a hospice and the Oxford college chosen. The Rhodes volunteer, assisting in daily patient care, and Trust pays all college and university fees, worked with Habitat for Humanity through provides a stipend to cover necessary Pitt’s Alternative Spring Break program. expenses while in residence at Oxford as Rodgers also served in UPMC Patient well as during vacations, and transportation Transport. to and from England. Among Rodgers’ many honors are a Pitt’s other six Rhodes Scholars are University Honors College Scholarship, a David Frederick (1983), who graduated from Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Fel- Pitt’s Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and lowship, a Brackenridge Undergraduate Sciences in 1983; Donna Roberts (1987), Fellowship from Pitt’s Honors College, the who graduated from the Dietrich School in Helen Pool Rush Award from Pitt’s National- 1985; Nathan Urban (1991), who received an ity Rooms Summer Study Abroad Scholar- undergraduate degree in 1991 and graduate Brackenridge Circle dinner in Carnegie Museum of Art’s Hall of Sculpture ship Program, a Foundation for Asia Pacific degrees in 1996 and 1998 from the Diet- Continued from page 1 Education Scholarship, the Sigma Phi Epsi- rich School; Justin Chalker (2006), who lon Balanced Man Scholarship Award, and graduated from the Dietrich School in 2006; The following individuals who were Daphna Lederman. election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa. Daniel Armanios (2007), who graduated unable to attend the event, as well as two For more information on planned This year’s Rhodes U.S. winners—32 from the Dietrich School and the Swanson anonymous donors, also were inducted into giving at Pitt, or to make a gift, visit students from 18 institutions of higher learn- School of Engineering in 2007; and Eleanor the Brackenridge Circle: Kevin Corcoran www.giveto.pitt.edu or call 1-800-817- ing—came from a pool of 210 interviewees Ott (2010), who graduated from the Dietrich (SOC WK ’80G, ’80G) and Frank and 8943. from 99 colleges and universities. Those School in 2009. December 5, 2011 • University of Pittsburgh • 3

Focus on Healthy Aging Spotlight on Research Pitt clinicians, educators, and researchers link forces to break new ground through the Aging Institute Pitt Trustee John Pelusi Cares Deeply About Student-Athletes’ Lives On and Off the Field

He and his wife, Cathy, commit $1.5 million to Life Skills Program for Pitt players By Tricia Pil and Daniel Bates Forty years ago, a 65-year-old American had only a 14 percent chance of reaching the age of 90. Today, thanks to healthier lifestyles, better medical treatments, and wide-ranging geriatric research, that per- son’s chances have doubled to almost 30 percent. And that eye-opening statistic cer- tainly is not lost on Allegheny County, Pa., which includes the City of Pittsburgh. With nearly 205,000 residents above the age of 65, Allegheny County boasts the second-oldest population in the United States. A healthcare challenge, indeed, for the region—but an absolute boon for the Univer- sity of Pittsburgh and its collaborative, mul- tidisciplinary teams of geriatric researchers. These teams have worked with the region’s unique demographic population to develop and grow a diverse and world-renowned aging research program at Pitt. “Given Pittsburgh’s demographic, what we do here matters to the rest of the nation, whether in basic, clinical, social and eco- nomic sciences, or in the development of new models of care for older adults and their caregivers,” says Charles “Chip” Reynolds III, director of the Aging Institute of the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Senior Services and a professor of geriatric psychiatry and behavioral and community health sciences at Pitt. “Pittsburgh will be a microcosm for the rest of the nation in 15 to 20 years. Our opportunity to serve as a pacesetter and innovator in aging science and clinical programs—and in new methods to take them to scale—is second to none.” The University launched the Aging Institute in 2000 largely to address this burgeoning demographic and the attendant complexity of health-care issues. Since then, the institute has grown in scope and MARK D. MILLER renown and is said to provide one of the Charles “Chip” F. Reynolds III is director of the Aging Institute of the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Senior Services. He is also the UPMC Rodgers Named Rhodes Scholar nation’s largest and most diverse portfolios Endowed Professor in Geriatric Psychiatry in Pitt’s School of Medicine, a professor of behavioral and community health science in Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health, and director of Pitt’s of aging-related research and one of the most Intervention Research Center for Late Life Mood Disorders. Reynolds has become an internationally recognized expert on depression prevention and treatment in older adults. extensive geriatric and gerontological edu- cation programs in the country. In addition, the institute’s multidisciplinary network of ment of a formal Aging Institute.” has been at Pitt since 1988 and is follow- comprehensive clinical care is also one of “Given Pittsburgh’s demographic, Since 2000, institute-affiliated research- ing about 6,000 people ages 65 and older the nation’s largest. ers have established at least 21 aging until their deaths. For more than 40 years, In fiscal year 2010 alone, the University what we do here matters to the research-related centers of excellence at Kuller has been studying risk factors in received more than $79 million in aging- Pitt, focusing on everything from Alzheim- people with heart disease and diabetes and related research funding from the National rest of the nation, whether in er’s disease, bioethics, chronic disorders, in menopausal women, as well as investigat- Institutes of Health (NIH) to study cellular basic, clinical, social and economic integrative medicine, and epidemiology ing the prevention of cancer and cancer’s aging mechanisms, cell death and recovery, to geriatric medicine risk factors. prevention and treatment of balance and sciences, or in the development and psychiatry, reha- Kuller also has cham- mobility disorders, mood disorders, health bilitation technology, In fiscal year 2010 alone, pioned the use of non- services research, degenerative diseases of new models of care for older health-equity research, invasive technologies to such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s, and patient care, and social the University received predict, for instance, the adults and their caregivers. Pitts- even bioethics. and urban research. The more than $79 million in prevalence of disease in “The Aging Institute has helped to nur- burgh will be a microcosm for research programs spin- populations over time. ture, link, and leverage research expertise ning out of those centers aging-related research He was among the first across the University,” says Neil Resnick, the rest of the nation in 15 to 20 have proven broad and to use bone density mea- Pitt’s Thomas Detre Professor of Medicine diverse. funding from the National surements to study osteo- and chief of the UPMC Division of Geriat- years. Our opportunity to serve porosis; carotid artery ric Medicine and Gerontology, as well as a A study-rich Institutes of Health (NIH) ultrasound to measure founder and former director of the Aging as a pacesetter and innovator in demographic vascular disease risk; and Institute. to study cellular aging brain imaging to explore aging science and clinical pro- Even before the institute’s creation, Pitt Pittsburgh’s aging mechanisms, cell death epidemiology. had begun laying its foundation for aging grams—and in new methods to demographic has served research with the establishment of two Lewis Kuller and other and recovery, prevention Aging’s new National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded take them to scale—is second to Pitt researchers well over challenge: longer centers of excellence in aging research: the the years. Kuller, Dis- and treatment of balance lives, but shorter Alzheimer Disease Research Center and the none.” tinguished University memories Intervention Research Center for Late Life Professor Emeritus of and mobility disorders, Mood Disorders. Other researchers were —Charles “Chip” Reynolds III Epidemiology, is known Kuller says that some developing a major research program on for his establishment of mood disorders, health of his most recent research sleep, circadian rhythms, and aging. Still the Healthy Women’s suggests that the land- others had launched what became known examples that characterize the longstanding Study, the first and lon- services research, scape of aging and disease as the Cardiovascular Health Study and tradition of excellence in NIH-sponsored gest study of women has begun to change rap- the Health, Aging, and Body Composition aging research at Pitt,” says Reynolds, from pre- to post-meno- degenerative diseases idly because of healthier (Health ABC) Study. To date, thousands who also is director of Pitt’s Intervention pause. He also continues such as osteoporosis and lifestyles. But that raises of older adults from the Pittsburgh region Research Center for Late Life Mood Dis- to direct the Pittsburgh “an interesting new prob- have participated in those and other ongo- orders. “The rich and diverse research base site of the multicenter Alzheimer’s, and even lem now,” he says. “We ing studies. we cultivated throughout the late 1980s and Cardiovascular Health “These are just a few of the outstanding 1990s naturally lent itself to the establish- Study (CHS)—which bioethics. Continued on page 4 4 • Pitt Chronicle • December 5, 2011 Focus on Healthy Aging Pitt clinicians, educators, and researchers link forces to break new ground through the Aging Institute

Now that we have a generation of people living into their 80s and 90s, the most worrisome thing to them is the loss of cogntive abil- ity. The CHS Cognition Study, one of the nation’s largest studies on dementia, identifies risk factors and brain changes that might predict dementia before its onset.

Continued from page 3 have gotten so good at treating and prevent- ing cardiovascular disease that we now have a generation of people living into their 80s and 90s, and the most worrisome thing to them is losing cognitive ability. Loss of physical function may be depressing and unpleasant, but there is nothing worse than finding out that you can’t remember or can’t understand something someone said.” Such findings have motivated Kuller to delve more deeply into cognitive research, in collaboration with Oscar Lopez, professor of neurology in Pitt’s School of Medicine and director of Pitt’s Alzheimer Disease Research Center. As part of that endeavor, Kuller over the past 20 years has been leading the CHS Cognition Study, one of the nation’s largest prospective dementia MARY JANE BENT/CIDDE studies, which uses magnetic resonance Chester A. Mathis (standing), professor of radiology and director of the PET (positron emission tomography) facility in the Pitt School of Medicine’s Department of Radiology, imaging (MRI) to identify risk factors and and William E. Klunk, Pitt professor of psychiatry and codirector of Pitt’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, developed Pittsburgh Compound B, perhaps the most brain changes that might predict the onset significant diagnostic advance in Alzheimer’s research today. When used with a PET imaging scan, Pittsburgh Compound-B can help doctors spot a type of brain deposit of dementia long before it manifests itself that is a telltale sign of Alzheimer’s. The discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis of the disease and the possible development of prevention strategies. Mathis and Klunk in patients. received the 2008 American Academy of Neurology’s Potamkin Prize (known as the “Nobel Prize for Neurology”) for their work on developing Pittsburgh Compound-B. Among the rising research stars emerg- ing from Kuller’s CHS Cognition Study is Cyrus Raji, a newly minted MD/PhD graduate of Pitt’s School of Medicine. In Professors William Klunk and November 2010, at the annual meeting of the Radiological Association of North America, Chester Mathis have developed Raji and his colleagues presented findings from the 20-year study, which included 426 their own way to predict and diag- elderly adults, linking increased physical nose the early onset of Alzheim- activity to greater brain volume and reduced risk for cognitive impairment. er’s disease: They have pioneered Specifically, cognitively impaired indi- viduals, the study showed, need to walk at a radioactive imaging agent, which least 58 city blocks—approximately five miles—a week to maintain brain volume and they call Pittsburgh Compound- significantly reduce their risk for cognitive decline. Healthy adults, the study concluded, B, that has gained international should walk at least 72 city blocks—or six attention because it now allows miles—a week. doctors to diagnose Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s and Pittsburgh Compound-B early in a patient rather than Professors William Klunk and Ches- postmortem. ter Mathis have developed their own way to predict and diagnose the early onset of their innovation from the University and has Alzheimer’s disease: They have pioneered adapted it; the company is currently running a radioactive imaging agent, which they call Phase III clinical trials of the product. Pittsburgh Compound-B, that has gained international attention because it now allows Aging more gracefully doctors to diagnose Alzheimer’s early in a patient rather than postmortem. Pittsburgh Since 1996, Anne Newman, a profes- Compound-B helps doctors using a positron- sor and chair in the Pitt Graduate School of emission tomography imaging scan to Public Health’s Department of Epidemiol- spot beta-amyloid deposits in the brain—a ogy, has led another large aging-related telltale sign of Alzheimer’s. The scanning study, called the Health ABC Study. It’s a process can be done early in a person’s longitudinal investigation of 1,500 older development of Alzheimer’s and then used adults nationwide that assesses the relation- to monitor the disease’s progression. ship between aging-related physical changes As a result of their efforts, Klunk, a pro- and functional decline. Ultimately, her BURKE/CIDDEJIM fessor of psychiatry in Pitt’s School of Medi- research promotes the benefits of healthy cine, and Mathis, a professor of radiology aging, finding that cardiovascular fitness, Anne Newman, a professor and chair in the Pitt Graduate School of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology, interviews a in the medical school, earned the American a healthy body composition, and regular potential participant for a new study. Since 1996, Newman has led the Health ABC Study, which is a longitudinal investigation Academy of Neurology’s Potamkin Prize physical activity help maintain a person’s of 1,500 older adults nationwide that assesses the relationship between aging-related physical changes and functional decline. (known as the “Nobel Prize for Neurol- physical and cognitive health and function She is also the principal investigator of the Cardiovascular Health Study-All Stars Study, the Long Life Family Study, and the ogy”). Meanwhile, GE Healthcare licensed in old age. So far, she has parlayed her work LIFE Study. She has parlayed her work into more than 300 scientific journal articles on aging health and longevity. December 5, 2011 • University of Pittsburgh • 5

Spotlight on Research

as identifying a previously unknown cause Newman’s work promotes the ben- of geriatric incontinence, Resnick says he found that this approach was too narrow. efits of healthy aging, finding that His research has shown that inconti- cardiovascular fitness, a healthy nence results not only from lower urinary tract dysfunction but also from the body’s body composition, and regular inability to compensate for it—problems that occur even with relatively normal bladder physical activity help maintain a function. His studies further demonstrate that, contrary to popular belief, incontinence person’s physical and cognitive in older adults is not part of normal aging or dementia—and a broad diagnostic and health and function in old age. therapeutic approach focused on compensa- tory mechanisms leads to superior results not into more than 300 scientific journal articles just for incontinence, but for other geriatric on aging health and longevity. conditions as well. “When we first started doing our work, Resnick says these findings have helped many older people were not taking care of to inform his work with Medicare and the themselves,” explains Newman, who is a World Health Organization to devise a now colleague of Kuller. “They didn’t expect to widely applied approach to geriatric incon- live past 70, so they figured a healthy life- tinence that minimizes the need for invasive style wasn’t worth the effort. This too-late, testing and highly specialized consultative too-much-trouble attitude was pervasive expertise. That is, Resnick’s team now is throughout the older population.” exploring the brain’s role in incontinence. Newman, of course, challenged those beliefs and the results were transformational. Continued on page 6 “Our work found that this same group of Jane Cauley (seated), a Pitt professor of epidemiology, has spent 25 years studying skeletal health in aging adults and people stood to gain the most from preven- researching ways to prevent fractures in older men and postmenopausal women. She serves as the principal investigator for tive health services because, contrary to the Pittsburgh arm of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, a multicenter study funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Resnick’s research has shown that popular belief, older people’s bodies are Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Cauley also leads the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study in Pittsburgh, a multicenter, remarkably responsive,” she says. “Research observational study of nearly 6,000 men to determine risk factors for osteoporosis, fractures, and prostate cancer in older men. incontinence results not only from has shown that even 90-year-olds with At the time of this photo, Yahtyng Sheu (left) and Francesca Amati (right) were postdoctoral researchers at Pitt, working on a severely atrophied muscle mass can improve lower urinary tract dysfunction their strength by 100 percent.” project titled “Epidemiological Study of Bone Marrow Fat and Osteoporosis.” Sheu is now an assistant professor of epidemiology In a 2010 Journal of Aging and Health at Pitt; Amati is an assistant professor of physiology at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. but also from the body’s inability article, Newman and her colleagues, includ- to compensate for it—problems ing Kuller, published a report on one of their tive bone diseases that can leave sufferers affect their ability to stay upright and have most recent studies, titled “The 10 Keys to fragile and at greater risk of injury. Jane good balance.” that occur even with relatively Healthy Aging.” The study examined the Cauley, a professor of epidemiology, has Studenski, an expert on mobility, bal- effectiveness of a comprehensive, low-cost spent 25 years studying skeletal health in ance disorders, and falls in older adults, normal bladder function. His prevention program in improving adher- aging adults and researching ways to prevent serves as director of Pitt’s Claude D. Pepper ence to preventive health care goals and fractures in older men and postmenopausal Center, a National Institute on Aging-funded studies further demonstrate that, overall health for older adults. At the end women. Cauley serves as the principal center of excellence. She currently leads of the 12-month study, Newman says, the investigator for the Pittsburgh arm of the a group of more than 50 researchers from contrary to popular belief, inconti- participants had achieved significant health Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF), a across Pitt’s schools of the health sciences nence in older adults is not part of improvements, including lower cholesterol multicenter study funded by the National who have similar expertise. levels, improved control of high blood Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal normal aging or dementia—and pressure, better blood-glucose control in and Skin Diseases. Aging and incontinence diabetics, and higher rates of colon cancer Since 1986, SOF has followed a cohort a broad diagnostic and therapeutic screening. of more than 10,000 women ages 65 or As part of his own aging research, Neil older to determine what factors lead to the Resnick works to dispel myths, unravel approach focused on compensa- Plasticity and the aging brain development of degenerative bone diseases causes, and devise new treatments for one of such as osteoporosis that increase the risk of the most common syndromes affecting older tory mechanisms leads to superior Another professor of epidemiology, bone fractures. Among SOF’s major findings adults—incontinence. Historically, he says, results not just for incontinence, Caterina Rosano, has been undertaking her to date: Although women who experience research on incontinence has been focused own longitudinal population studies. She accelerated bone loss are more likely to sus- solely on the lower urinary tract. But after but for other geriatric conditions uses highly sophisticated neuroimaging tain debilitating fractures, a subset of older discovering the age- and disease-related methods to better understand the relation- women actually maintains bone mineral changes that occur in the bladder, as well as well. ship between the aging brain and cognitive density for up to 15 years, suggesting that and physical function. “There’s something bone loss is not an inevitable consequence mysterious about older adults,” Rosano of aging. The National Institute on Aging muses. “Why do some adults live longer and recently extended SOF for an additional 25 better, surviving against all odds?” years of follow-up research. In a pilot study, which she published in Cauley also leads the Osteoporotic 2010 in the Journal of Gerontology, Rosano Fractures in Men study in Pittsburgh, a reported that seniors older than 70 years who multicenter, observational study of nearly committed to physical activity over a two- 6,000 men to determine risk factors for year period— defined as walking at least osteoporosis, fractures, and prostate cancer 150 minutes a week—took cognitive tests in older men. So far, the study, which began faster, made fewer errors, and showed higher in 1999, has determined that risk factors such brain activation on MRI brain scans than as smoking, insulin therapy, and even height those who remained sedentary. However, can affect different bones. in another study examining data from the MRI scans and pen-and-pencil tests of 6,000 When older people fall aging adults, she found that an estimated Of course, osteoporosis and other 20 percent of participants scored poorly on degenerative bone diseases can contribute brain MRI scan measures but extremely well significantly to other serious problems in on the cognitive tests. older adults—in particular, falling, which “One-fifth of the people we look at can lead to broken bones and long-term completely escape any sort of prediction, and debilitation. But as Stephanie Studenski, this is what is fantastic to me,” Rosano says. a professor of geriatric medicine who has “These people function and move around built her research career around the issue of very well, but their brain MRIs don’t look falling, notes, this health threat often stems good, and we don’t understand why.” from several issues. “Falls are a serious problem and a lead- Neil Resnick is Pitt’s Thomas Detre Professor of Medicine and chief of the UPMC Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, The effects of skeletal health ing cause of accidental death, disability, and as well as a founder and former director of the Aging Institute. As part of his own aging research, Resnick works to dispel institutionalization in older people,” Studen- myths, unravel causes, and devise new treatments for incontinence, one of the most common syndromes affecting older Also taking a toll on the aging popula- ski says. “Most people who fall, though, fall adults. In addition, he’s now investigating ways to transform hospital processes to make acute care more effective, efficient, tion’s health and quality of life are degenera- because they have several conditions that and safer for older adults. 6 • Pitt Chronicle • December 5, 2011

Focus on Healthy Aging Spotlight on Research Pitt clinicians, educators, and researchers link forces to break new ground through the Aging Institute

Continued from page 5 Destigmatizing depression Late-life depression is a chronic dis- Recognizing that depression in older ease just like hypertension, COPD, adults is an increasingly common problem, particularly among hospitalized patients, or diabetes says Aging Institute Aging Institute Director Reynolds has Director Reynolds, and it’s impor- become an internationally recognized expert on the topic. In short, Reynolds urges older tant to take a long-term view. We adults and their caregivers to support a less stigmatizing approach to depression. can’t cure depression, he says, but “We use medications to relieve depres- sion symptoms and psychotherapy to help we can manage it very successfully. get and keep people well,” he explains. “Because late-life depression is a chronic, recurring condition, just like hypertension, Caregiver Stress chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or diabetes, it’s important that patients and On the other side of the issue of chronic family caregivers take a long-term view. We illness are the patients’ personal caregivers, can’t cure depression, but we can manage it whether spouses or other family or friends, very successfully to the point that people who experience their own quiet suffering. can be symptom-free and stay that way for Richard Schulz, professor of psychiatry long periods of time.” and director of the University Center for Among Reynolds’ depression research Social and Urban Research (UCSUR), has projects is his team’s study of potential been researching the connections between interventions for medically frail older mind and body and between caregiver and adults at high risk for full-fledged clinical patient for more than a decade. Schulz, depression. Reynolds and his research team, who also is associate director of the Aging with support from the University’s Clinical Institute, has earned his place among the and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), nation’s top experts on the social behavior also recently recruited subjects for a study and health largely because of his UCSUR- looking at the effectiveness of teaching based research team’s study of the impact of at-risk older adults problem-solving skills illness and disability in late life on people and improved dietary practices to prevent and their partners. depression. One such study, led by Schulz and KAPELEWSKI/CIDDEJOE The preliminary results are so promis- published in 2009 in the American Journal Richard Schulz, a Pitt professor of psychiatry and director of the University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR), ing, Reynolds says, that the study has been of Geriatric Psychiatry, focused on the has been researching the connections between mind and body and between caregiver and patient for more than two decades. extended further into old age and to under- prevalence and incidence of depression and Schulz, who also is associate director of the Aging Institute, has earned his place among the nation’s top experts on social served minority populations. In fact, the cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the spouses behavior and health because of his UCSUR-based research team’s study of the impact of illness and disability in late life on National Institute of Mental Health recently of people suffering from illness. Among the patients and their families. awarded funding to his team to establish a 1,330 older married couples in the study, five-year “center of excellence” focusing on husbands whose wives reported high levels late-life depression prevention. Reynolds of suffering were nearly twice as likely to serves as principal investigator and director have CVD and depression as compared to Taken together, the growing aging population, the complexities of aging- of the new center. those whose wives did not report suffering. In another laboratory-based study, related health care, and the politics affecting it, provide ample directive Chronic care considerations Schulz and a team of collaborators from for Pitt researchers to continue to make aging research an internationally across Pitt’s academic disciplines explored Ultimately, age and a host of debilitat- the physiological pathways by which expo- recognized academic and clinical priority at the University of Pittsburgh. ing health problems do catch up with some sure to a loved one’s suffering leads to CVD. older adults, leaving them to suffer for long periods with chronic illness. As such, Palliative care and communication the way through their careers by trial and who previously had limited or no prescrip- Resnick has teamed up with Edmund Ricci, error,” Arnold says. “We’re trying to develop tion drug coverage. Donohue’s early studies, a professor of behavioral and community Palliative care, perhaps the most dif- research projects to see if we can help doc- she says, indicate that Part D not only has health sciences and associate director of the ficult issue along the aging spectrum, often tors earlier in their careers learn the skills reduced out-of-pocket drug expenditures, Aging Institute, to tackle what he consid- conjures up disturbing thoughts of “giving they need to have these conversations with but also has increased medication use. ers one of the toughest problems in health up,” end-of-life hospice, withdrawal of life- patients.” However, until recently, no breakdown by care today: caring for the chronically and saving measures, and death, says Robert As a result of his recent research efforts, clinical condition, such as depression, had severely ill older adult. Out of their research Arnold, the Leo H. Criep Professor of Patient Arnold and a nationwide team of expert been performed. has emerged the Acute Care and Transitions Care in the Department of Medicine. But faculty researchers have developed what As part of her study, Donohue says she Program, an innovative care model designed he suggests that one of the most pressing they call the Oncotalk Communication analyzed medical and pharmacy insurance to focus on a complex systems approach to shortcomings around such care—and an Skills Toolkit, an online toolbox of teaching claims data throughout Western Pennsylva- geriatric care. area in need of improvement—is effective resources for medical educators teaching nia over a four-year period from more than “On any given day, hundreds of elderly communication. ethics and communication. He received 30,000 Medicare beneficiaries with a diag- patients are admitted to UPMC hospitals “Palliative care is about enhancing funding for the project from the National nosis of depression. Her outcome measures who are considered to be at high risk for communication among providers, patients Cancer Institute. included the initiation of antidepressant hospital readmission, frequent emergency and supporting suffering caregivers and therapy, duration of therapy, and adequate room visits, or both,” Resnick explains. families,” Arnold explains. “Traditionally, The politics of aging adherence before and after implementa- “Many of these patients have chronic dis- palliative care is offered only as an inpatient tion of Part D. Her results, published in the eases like congestive heart failure or chronic consult service. However, we are starting to Given the fast-growing population of American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, obstructive pulmonary disease that are recognize the need to provide palliative care aging adults in the United States, it should found that Medicare Part D was associated associated with multiple symptoms—short- support services in the outpatient setting, come as no surprise that this demographic with improvement in antidepressant use and ness of breath, weakness, palpitations, poor too—in nursing homes and communities— and its associated health issues have become adherence by depressed older adults who appetite, incontinence, just to name a few. so that patients, their caregivers, and their a serious political target, particularly with previously had no or limited drug coverage. Often these symptoms are not adequately physicians can all be on the same page with regard to health-care reform. As Julie Dono- Taken together, the growing aging addressed while the patients are in the hos- respect to understanding what the patients’ hue, a professor in the Pitt Graduate School population, the complexities of aging-related pital, and they end up slipping through the goals are, which may be very different from of Public Health’s Department of Health health care, and the politics affecting it, cracks at discharge.” the physicians.” Policy and Management, can attest, national provide ample directive for Pitt researchers Adds Ricci: “You really need a full Arnold, who has focused most of his health-care policy changes can affect medi- to continue to make aging research an inter- baseline assessment [of such aging patients], career on improving the communication cal treatment profoundly for older adults nationally recognized academic and clinical including caregiver capacity, financial skills of physicians dealing with patients’ suffering from chronic illnesses. She is priority at the University of Pittsburgh. resources, and the home environment. You end-of-life issues, actively trains oncologists conducting research on the effects of recent “Aging in this country and worldwide also need to include the assessments of and internal medicine physicians across changes in health-care policy on medication is the monumental issue of our generation,” multiple specialists. As the current system the country to engage more effectively in access and spending among older adults Resnick says. “It is a vast and unprecedented works, it is very difficult to get all of the difficult conversations with patients, such with depression and other chronic medical challenge to us all. Together as physicians, specialists to communicate, even with as how to share bad news, explain advance conditions. scientists, basic researchers, and policymak- the implementation of electronic medical directives, and discuss informed consent. In January 2006, for instance, a new ers, we can devise solutions that none of us records. Too often, 911 becomes the patient’s “The problem is that doctors often learn drug benefit plan from Medicare, known could do alone. In fact, imagination is our default case manager.” these communication skills two-thirds of as Part D, expanded access to beneficiaries only limit.” December 5, 2011 • University of Pittsburgh • 7

Exhibitions University Art Gallery, The Imprint Happenings of War: Responses in Print, through Dec. 5, exhibition showcasing artwork by war-inspired artists Jacques Callot, Nicolas Naughton, and Sandow Birk, sponsored by students in Pitt’s Museum Studies Seminar course, , 650 Schenley Dr., , 412-648-2400.

The Frick Art & Historical Center, Fabergé: The Hodges Family Collection, more than 100 objects made by Russian artist-jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, goldsmith and jeweler to the Russian court, through Jan. 15, 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze, 412-371-0600, www. thefrickpittsburgh.org.

Carnegie Museum of Art, Palladio and His Legacy: A Transatlantic Journey, through Dec. 31; Teenie Harris, Photographer: An American Story, through April 7; Picturing the City: Downtown Pittsburgh, 2007-2010, through March 2; 4400 Forbes Ave.,

Oakland, 412-622-3131, www.cmoa.org. TEENIE HARRIS ARCHIVE © 2006 CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART, PITTSBURGH

The Warhol, Fifteen Minutes: Homage Teenie Harris, Photographer: An American Story, to Andy Warhol, through Jan. 8; Carnegie Museum of Art I Just Want to Watch: Warhol’s Film, through April 7 Video, and Television, ongoing, 117 Sandusky St., North Side, 412-237-8300, www.warhol.org. Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Memphis, new Broadway musical The Hunt Institute for Botanical Sciences’ Department of Anthropology, whose dances and songs are wedded to a Documentation, Botany and History Pitt Center for Latin American Studies, tale of fame and forbidden love, Entwined: Rachel Hunt’s Legacy, rare Pitt World History Center, full schedule Dec. 27-Jan. 1, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn gems from the original collection of available at www.anthropology.pitt.edu, Ave., Downtown, PNC Broadway Across founder Rachel McMasters Miller Hunt 412-648-7530. America, PITT ARTS Cheap Seats (1882-1963), through Dec. 15, 5th floor Program, 412-624-4498, www.pittarts. of Hunt Library, 4909 Frew St., Oakland, “Beyond the Postdoc: Preparing pitt.edu. Carnegie Mellon University, 412-268- for Employment,” Gonzalo Torres, 2434, http://huntbot.andrew.cmu.edu/. Pitt professor of neurobiology, noon- Defending the Caveman, Broadway 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13, bring lunch, comedy that tackles contemporary Wood Street Galleries, Cell Phone beverages provided, 5100-A South Starzl feminism and masculine sensitivity, Disco, ongoing, Tito Way, Downtown, Biomedical Science Tower, Pitt Survival through Jan. 8, CLO Cabaret, 655 412-456-6666, www.pgharts.org. Skills and Ethics Program’s Grants over Penn Ave., Downtown, Pittsburgh Lunch, www.skillsandethics.org. CLO Cabaret, 412-325-6766, www. pittsburghclo.org/cabaret, PITT ARTS Lectures/Seminars/ Cheap Seats Program, 412-624-4498, Pitt Men’s Glee Club Holiday Concert, Opera/Theater/ www.pittarts.pitt.edu. First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, Readings December 10 Dance “The Imperative of Integration: Pitt PhD Dissertation Race and Education,” Elizabeth Mask of Moriarty by Hugh Leonard, Concerts Anderson, John Rawls Collegiate Sherlock Holmes and the faithful Dr. Defenses Professor of Philosophy and Women’s Watson come up against their most Yo-Yo Ma with the PSO, world- Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, 412- Studies and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, dastardly malefactor, Dec. 1-17, Charity Jing Ji, Graduate School of Public renowned cellist with conductor Manfred 392-4900, www.pittsburghsymphony.org. University of Michigan, noon Dec. 9, Randall Theatre within Stephen Foster Health’s Department of Environmental Honeck performing Dvorˇák’s Cello 20th floor, , Pitt’s Memorial, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical and Occupational Health, 3 p.m. Concerto, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Heinz Hall, B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert, Center on Race and Social Problems’ Theatre, www.picttheatre.org, PITT Dec. 5, “Neuronal Survival After 600 Penn Ave., Downtown, Pittsburgh nationally recognized recording and Fall 2011 Speaker Series sponsored by ARTS Cheap Seats Program, 412-624- Traumatic Brain Injury: Cardiolipin, A Symphony Orchestra, 412-392-4900, performing artist, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, 412- 4498, www.pittarts.pitt.edu. Critical Target,” 3rd-floor conference www.pittsburghsymphony.org. and 13, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., 624-7382, www.crsp.pitt.edu. room, Bridgeside Point, 100 Technology Downtown, Pittsburgh Symphony Red, 2010 Tony Award-wining Best Play Drive, Hazelwood. Turtle Island Quartet with Mike Orchestra, 412-392-4900, www. Madeleine Albright, lecture by former about artist Mark Rothko, through Marshall in Solstice Celebration, pittsburghsymphony.org. U.S. Secretary of State (1997-2001), Dec. 11, O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Jorge Zavaleta Balarezo, Dietrich 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Carnegie Music Hall, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Carnegie Music Ave., Downtown, Pittsburgh Public School of Arts and Sciences’ Department 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland, Pittsburgh Highmark Holiday Pops with Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland, The Theater, 412-316-1600, www.ppt.org, of Hispanic Languages and Literatures, Chamber Music Society, 412-624-4129, Marvin, featuring conductor Marvin Drue Heinz Lectures; the event will PITT ARTS Cheap Seats Program, 412- noon Dec. 7, “Hacia un Cuarto Cine: www.pittsburghchambermusic.org. Hamlisch, several vocalists, and the coincide with opening night of the 624-4498, www.pittarts.pitt.edu. Violencia, Marginalidad, Memoria y Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Read My Pins exhibition of Albright’s Nuevos Escenarios Globales en Ventiún University of Pittsburgh Symphony Dec. 15-18, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn personal jewelry collection of more than Fat Beckett by Gab Cody in Películas Latinoamericanas,” 1528 Orchestra, free performance featuring Ave., Downtown, PNC Pittsburgh 200 pins connected to her diplomatic collaboration with Rita Reis, a sly female Cathedral of Learning. works by Dvorˇák, Bach, Prokofiev, and Symphony Pops! 412-392-4900, www. career, on display in the Wertz Gallery of response to Samuel Beckett’s men who others, 8 p.m., Dec. 7, pittsburghsymphony.org, PITT ARTS Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s wait, through Dec. 18, The Old School Amy M. Furda, School of Medicine’s Auditorium, Pitt Department of Music, Cheap Seats Program, 412-624-4498, Hillman Hall, 412-622-8866, www. House, 4830 Hatfield St., Lawrenceville, Molecular Pharmacology Graduate 412-624-4125, www.music.pitt.edu. www.pittarts.pitt.edu. pittsburghlectures.org. Quantum Theatre, 412-362-1713, www. Program, 2 p.m. Dec. 8, “The Role quantumtheatre.com, PITT ARTS Cheap of mtDNA Damage in Mitochondrial Take 6, a cappella harmony-rich Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra: Holiday “Entropy, Entanglement and Seats Program, 412-624-4498, www. Dysfunction,” 1395 Starzl Biomedical arrangements of Christmas tunes, Performance, holiday classics receive Utility,” Jos Uffink, professor, pittarts.pitt.edu. Science Tower. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Manchester a jazz makeover, 6 p.m. Dec. 18, Department of Philosophy, University of Craftsmen’s Guild, 1815 Metropolitan August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Minnesota, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9, free, 817R The Nutcracker, ballet danced to Anupma Jha, School of Medicine’s St., Manchester, 412-323-4000, www. Ave., Downtown, August Wilson Center Cathedral of Learning, Pitt Center for Tchaikovsky’s musical score, Dec. 2-23, Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology mcgjazz.org. for African American Culture, www. Philosophy of Science’s Annual Lecture Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Downtown, Graduate Program, 2 p.m. Dec. 8, augustwilsoncenter.org, PITT ARTS Series 2011-12, 412-624-1052, www.pitt. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, www.pbt.org, “Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of Yolk Holiday Cheap Seats Program, 412-624-4498, edu/~pittcntr.. PITT ARTS Cheap Seats Program, 412- Protein in Drosophila Oocyte,” M3901 Concerts, 8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 3 p.m. www.pittarts.pitt.edu. 624-4498, www.pittarts.pitt.edu. Children’s Hospital. Dec. 11, Heinz Chapel, Pitt Department of Music’s Music at Pitt 2011-12, Miscellaneous The Second City in Laugh Out Loud, Matthew Fagerburg, School of 412-624-4125, www.music.pitt. America’s famed comedy troupe in Medicine’s Molecular Biophysics and edu. “Preparing Fellowship an evening of sketch comedy and Structural Biology Graduate Program, Proposals,” Michael Zigmond, improvisation, Jan. 5-7, O’Reilly 2 p.m. Dec. 9, “Single-Molecule Insights Men’s Glee Club Holiday Pitt professor of neurology, Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Downtown, Into PcrA-Driven Disruption of RecA- Concert, 8 p.m. Dec. 10, First psychiatry, and behavioral and Pittsburgh Public Theater, www.ppt.org, Fliaments,” 1018 Biomedical Science Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, 159 community health sciences, PITT ARTS Cheap Seats Program, 412- Tower 3. N. Bellefield Ave., Oakland, Pitt noon-1:30 p.m. Dec. 6, bring 624-4498, www.pittarts.pitt.edu. Department of Music’s Music lunch, beverages provided, Jonathan D. Steckbeck, School of at Pitt 2011-12, 412-624-4125, 5100-A South Starzl Biomedical A Musical Christmas Carol, join Medicine’s Biochemistry and Molecular www.music.pitt.edu. Science Tower, Pitt Survival Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and a Genetics Graduate Program, 10 a.m. Skills and Ethics Program’s host of colorful characters in this Dec. 15, “Experimental Determination Catfish Keith, blues singer, Grants Over Lunch, www. holiday presentation, Dec. 8-23, Byham of the Topology of the HIV-1 gp41 songwriter, and bottleneck slide skillsandethics.org. Theater, 101 Sixth St., Downtown, C-Terminal Tail During the Viral Life guitarist, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Pittsburgh CLO, 412-281-2822, www. Cycle,” 6014 Biomedical Science Carnegie Lecture Hall, Calliope Anthropology in the Era of pittsburghclo.org, PITT ARTS Cheap Tower 3. Acoustic Master Series, Calliope: Globalization: Ethnography, Seats Program, 412-624-4498, www. The Pittsburgh Folk Music Ethnology, and Comparative pittarts.pitt.edu. Rakshita Charan, School of Medicine’s Society, 412-361-1915, www. Analysis, daylong conference Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics calliopehouse.org, PITT ARTS marking 50 years of Piper’s Noel, performed by the Graduate Program, 11 a.m. Dec. 15, Cheap Seats Program, 412-624- anthropological research, Renaissance wind ensemble Ciaramella, “Deubiquitinating Enzyme A20 and 4498, www.pittarts.pitt.edu. teaching, and graduate training celebrating shepherds and the Christmas Its Role in NF-kappaB Regulation: at Pitt, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. followed music they inspired, 8 p.m. Dec. 11, Implications for Treatment of Duchenne Celtic Woman: A Christmas by 6-9 p.m. reception Dec. 9, Synod Hall, 125 N. Craig St., Oakland, Muscular Dystrophy,” 1595 Starzl Celebration with the PSO, keynote address by Sidney Renaissance & Baroque Society of Biomedical Science Tower. celebrated Irish entertainers perform Yo-Yo Ma with the PSO, Mintz, Johns Hopkins University Pittsburgh, 412-361-2048, www.rbsp.org, beloved holiday songs, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Heinz Hall, anthropology professor, events held at PITT ARTS Cheap Seats Program, 412- Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown, December 6 Posvar Hall and Frick Fine Arts Building, 624-4498, www.pittarts.pitt.edu.

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8 • Pitt Chronicle • December 5, 2011 PittChronicle Newsmakers Newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh

Pitt and Wuhan University PUBLISHER Robert Hill ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER John Harvith EXECUTIVE EDITOR Linda K. Schmitmeyer EDITOR Jane-Ellen Robinet Pitt LRDC CONFERENCE ART DIRECTOR Gary Kohr-Cravener STAFF WRITERS Sharon S. Blake John Fedele B. Rose Huber Audrey M. Marks Patricia Lomando White CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Daniel Bates Tricia Pil Megan Grote Quatrini Lynn Shea

The Pitt Chronicle is published throughout the year by University News and Magazines, University of Pittsburgh, 400 Craig Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Phone: 412-624-1033, Fax: 412-624-4895. E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.chronicle.pitt.edu The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate upon any basis prohibited by law. JEFF FLOTTAJEFF Courtney Cazden, professor emerita of education in the Harvard Graduate School of Education, addresses more than 120 researchers and scholars from U.S. and international PUBLICATION NOTICE The next edition of universities who attended a Sept. 23-25 education conference Pitt Chronicle will be published Jan. 9.

at Pitt. Titled “Socializing Intelligence Through Academic Talk BURKE/CIDDEJIM Items for publication in the newspaper’s Happenings calendar (See page 7) should and Dialogue,” the conference was convened and hosted by Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg (left) and Wuhan University President Li Xiaohong signed a student-exchange be received at least two weeks prior to Pitt’s Lauren B. Resnick, University Professor of Psychology agreement during their Nov. 16 visit in Nordenberg’s Cathedral of Learning office. Under terms of the accord, select the event date. Happenings items should and Cognitive Science, senior scientist and project director in Wuhan students can participate in a 3+2 program within the Pitt Swanson School of Engineering’s Department of include the following information: title Pitt’s Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), and Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. These select students will complete three years at Wuhan University of the event, name and title of speaker(s), date, time, location, sponsor(s), and a former LRDC director. Research presented during the conference and then finish their senior year and master’s degree at Pitt. Instrumental in achieving this agreement were Gerald phone number and Web site for additional solidified evidence for the growing theory of dialogic interaction D. Holder, Pitt’s U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering and a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering; Lawrence information. Items may be e-mailed to and its effect on disciplinary knowledge, transfer, and academic Feick, director of Pitt’s University Center for International Studies; Larry J. Shuman, senior associate dean for [email protected], or sent by campus mail to language development, as well as other skills. academic affairs and a professor of industrial engineering; and Minking K. Chyu, Leighton and Mary Orr Chair 422 Craig Hall. For more information, call Professor and Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. 412-624-1033 or e-mail [email protected].