At 75, GALCIT Is Still Learning

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The campus community biweekly December 4, 2003, vol. 3, no. 18 Clues on origins of brain tumors

Researchers in the Division of Biology at Caltech, in collaboration with UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center, have discovered that brain tumors may be derived from the cells that form the nervous system. These cells, called neural stem cells, may help researchers understand how this cancer begins, a finding that could one day lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. The study, which is being published in From left, Postdoctoral Scholars/Visitors the online edition of the peer-reviewed Services manager Eloisa lmel, Zoya Sprintson, journal Proceedings of the National and Megumi Arii enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at a Academy of Sciences, suggests that pedi recent meeting of the English conversation club. atric brain tumors develop from cells that have many of the same characteristics as neural stem cells. However, these cells Postdocs'spouses also have an abnormal ability to grow chat, find camaraderie and change. "We want to understand the transfor mation process from a normal stem cell They seemed a bit wary as they spooned to a cancer cell," says Houman Hemmati, the unfamiliar-looking food onto their the lead author and an MD/PhD student plates: roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry in the UCLA-Caltech Medical Scientist sauce. But cautious nibbles soon gave Training Program. "Recent work has way to smiles, along with animated con shown that some cancers can arise from versation about Thanksgiving and similar traditions in other countries. Project engineer Chris Krok and postdoc Tait Pottebaum demonstrate the workings of the Lucas abnormal cells that are like stem cells in Adaptive Wind Tunnel during a tour at GALCIT's 75th anniversary celebration. Guests were shown a that they self-renew and produce the "Oishii! Delicious!" proclaimed Hiromi visualization of the flow around a model of the proposed Thirty-Meter Telescope. different kinds of cells that make up a Koga, who came to Pasadena from Japan tumor. four months ago with her husband, a visit "This is a new way of thinking about ing researcher. Her tablemates-Takako the fundamental origins of cancer that Yoshida and her young sons, Shin and At 75, GALCIT is still learning promises to lead to better diagnostic Hiro, also from Japan; Sung-Eun Kim, tests and improved cancer-specific treat from Korea; and Phuong "Phoenix" Hoang, a LIGO staff member who is origi It might seem a stretch to see what a A special daylong symposium on the ments in the future," Hemmati says. nally from Vietnam-all seemed to agree. 747's flight-control system and the way 14th, "Contemporary Research in Solid see Tumors, page 2 Most of these women have been a boxfish maneuvers in turbulent water and Structural Mechanics," saw more gathering each Tuesday this fall as part have in common. But such thinking is all than a dozen alums presenting the latest of a new English conversation club for in a day's work at Caltech's Graduate findings in composites and other materi spouses of international postdoctoral Aeronautical Laboratories (GALCIT), als, processes, and mechanics on the scholars and visitors. Meeting from 6 which observes its 75th birthday this micro- and nanoscales. Speakers were L. Discounts offer to 7:30p.m. in the Winnett lounge and year-fittingly, the same year as the Catherine Brinson (PhD '90), Northwest clubroom, the group is intended to both 1OOth anniversary of flight. ern University; Weinong Chen (PhD '95), cheer on the cheap foster community and to provide a relaxed Since its inception in 1928 as the University of Arizona; Xiaomin Deng setting in which to practice language Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory, (PhD '90), University of South Carolina; With the holiday season now upon us, it skills. A certified TESOL (Teaching English GALCIT has broadened its mission Philippe Geubelle (PhD '93), University of behooves us to provide friends and rela to Speakers of Other Languages) instruc to include research in fluid and solid Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Pradeep tives with symbols of our regard and tor provides instruction and assistance, mechanics, awarded more than 1,800 Guduru (PhD '01), Brown University; tokens of our esteem. It also behooves and Caltech Children's Center staff provide degrees, and made substantial contribu Gilbert Hegemeier (PhD '64), UC San our financial health to avoid emptying free child care on a first-come, first-served tions to research, education, and science Diego; Sridhar Krishnaswamy (PhD '89), our bank accounts in the process. Mem basis. policy worldwide through its faculty and Northwestern University; Adrian Lew bers of the Caltech and JPL community The club is one of the means by which students. But the vision of its first direc (PhD '03), Stanford; Ken Liechti (PhD '80), have a couple of resources that can safe Caltech's Postdoctoral ScholarsNisitors tor, Theodore von Karman, has remained University of Texas, Austin; Hong bing Lu guard our wallets and chase away the Services office hopes to create a smooth intact: that GALCIT should be an institute (PhD '97), Oklahoma State University; Christmas credit-card blues this year. adjustment for new international in the European style, developing "a Jean-Fran9ois Molinari (PhD '01 ), Johns Caltech and JPL staff members re postdoctoral scholars and their families. tradition of research and teaching which Hopkins; R. Narasimhan (PhD '87), Indian ceived their own Pasadena.com VIP cards According to PDSN manager Eloisa lmel, stresses an appreciation for real applica Institute of Science; K. Ravi-Chandar in the fall. The card offers retailer dis there are approximately 550 postdocs and tions in a very broad and deep base of (PhD '82), University of Texas, Austin; counts from establishments throughout 100 visitors at Caltech, of which nearly 60 fundamentals." and Tony Waas (PhD '88), University of the city, typically in the form of a 10 to 20 percent are foreign nationals; of those, An anniversary celebration on Novem Michigan. percent discount off the regular prices. almost half are married, many with chil ber 14 and 15 reunited several hundred Opening the festivities on the 15th Select merchants provide a flat savings dren. GALCIT alums and friends for presenta were Hans Hornung, Johnson Professor in a fixed dollar amount. In late 2002, the Office of Human Re tions, tours, panel discussions, and social of Aeronautics and GALCIT director, Participating establishments include sources recognized the need for a position gatherings that recalled past accomplish emeritus, and Richard Murray, professor popular Pasadena restaurants and coffee to manage PDSN, and hired lmel from the ments, reviewed the current state of of mechanical engineering and chair of houses, nightclubs and bars, shops and Division of the Humanities and Social Sci research, and forecast trends for the Caltech's Division of Engineering and boutiques. Bargains are also available on ences. Her role is to oversee administration future. Applied Science. Following an address an entire range of personal services and of the office and to implement programs to see GALCIT, page 6 see Discounts, page 6 see ESL, page 6 2 Caltech 336, December 4, 2003

In times of crisis, NewsBriefs help is available An estimated 2 to 3 percent of men and 4 to 9 percent of women in the United States are depressed at any given time. Suicide in the young has tripled over the past 45 years, and it is now the second leading cause of death among U.S. col lege students. Angels line up "Though these numbers are stagger for gifts ing, depression can be treated and sui cide can be prevented," says Dr. Kevin Austin, Caltech's senior director for Adali, 10, wants skates this year. Daria, 9, health and counseling services. In re asked for a camera. Boys and girls from sponse to the U.S. Surgeon General's call the San Gabriel Valley attached their for increased measures to address de Christmas wishes to paper angels that pression and prevent suicide, the Caltech adorn a wall in the Human Resources Student Counseling Center and the Staff office as part of the Caltech Angel Pro and Faculty Consultation Center (SFCC) gram. are reminding the campus community Every one of these cherubim repre that help is available right here. sents a needy child from the community Staff or faculty members who may be as well as an appeal to the generosity of feeling depressed or suicidal can contact San Fernando Middle School students view their new cosmic-ray detector, the Caltech staff and students. And there are 50th one installed at an area school as part of the California High School Cosmic the SFCC at ext. 8360 to discuss their many angels that have yet to find a spon Ray Observatory (CHICOS) project. The students will help Caltech, Cal State concerns, and students may contact the Northridge, and UC Irvine astrophysicists study the nature of cosmic rays. sor. Student Counseling Center at ext. 8331. "We started out with 75 angels," says Both centers have professional staff Dlorah Gonzalez, head of Caltech's em available for consultation and all inquir Personals Deaths ployment office. "Each one has the ies are kept strictly confidential. child's name, and the things that they A comprehensive resource guide on Mergie Jo Keeney, former assistant to the want, such as clothes or toys, and their depression and suicide prevention is also Welcome to Caltech director of property management in the sizes. They're a II different ages." Pa rtici Treasurer's Office, died on October 30. She had available at www.counseling.caltech.edu; pants may select an angel or two and November retired in 1986, after 42 years at Caltech. go to "Articles on ... " and then "Depres leave their unwrapped gift at Human sion." The website includes information on Francois Ayoub, information services generalist Resources by Friday, December 12. a variety of topics related to mental health, support, geology and geochemistry; Olivier While some of the younger children such as stress management, relationships, Beyssac, visitor in geology; Patrick Colucci, put Gameboys and PS2s at the top of maintenance coordinator, Facilities Management; sleep, anxiety, and eating disorders. Addi their wish lists, most children asked only Thomas Costa, computing analyst, Owens Valley Honors and awards tional resources on issues affecting day-to Radio Observatory; Michele Cucullu, investment for modest necessities, like Brittney, 16, day well-being are available at the SFCC analyst, Treasurer's Office; Sayuri Desai, research David Baltimore, president of Caltech and Nobel who needs socks and a jacket. Gift do site at www.its.caltech.edu/-sfcc. assistant I, Humanities and Social Sciences; Salva laureate, is the seventh most-cited scientist of the nors are asked to buy presents in the $15 "We hope this information will help dor Escobar, general helper, Dining Services; last two decades, according to the top-50 list range. Avishay Gal-Yam, postdoctoral scholar in as published by Thomson lSI in Science Watch. "The prevent suicide and result in people get Although the program has presented a tronomy; Lisa Girard, scientific editor, biology; rankings are based on the number oftimes the ting the help they need for depression," Oleksandr Kutana, postdoctoral scholar in researchers' papers were cited by their peers popular holiday giving opportunity in the says Austin. chemical engineering; visitors Tadashi lijima, in between 1983 and 2002 in journals indexed by three years that Caltech has participated, Along with several other staff mem civil engineering, and Dean Lauritzen, in bioengi Thomson lSI." (The organization, which pioneered Gonzalez reports that dozens of angels bers, Austin is also part of the Crisis neering; Vi Luo, scientist, chemistry; Dominic citation indexing, was founded as the Institute for are still available. Caltech community Assessment and Response Team {CAR Scientific Information over 45 years ago.) Mayers, senior scientist, computer science; Chris members are invited to select an angel Padula, assistant equipment and grounds man Team), available to Caltech faculty, staff, ager, Athletics; postdoctoral scholars Rigo Barry Barish, Linde Professor of Physics and this holiday season and bring some joy and students. Comprising campus pro Pantoja, in biology, Bradley Plaster, in physics, director of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational into a child's life. fessionals with experience in risk assess Robert Raussendorf, in physics, and Justin Wave Observatory Laboratory, has been elected This program is affiliated with ment and response, the team responds Romberg, in applied and computational math a fellow of the American Association for the Monrovia's Foothill Unity Center, a non to situations in the work or student envi ematics; Yuling Sheng, research assistant I, Advancement of Science. Barish joined Caltech's profit organization that provides holiday chemistry; Cherie Silvestre, loan coordinator, faculty in 1963 as a research fellow, and he has ronment in which there may be potential Financial Services; Robert Storer, postdoctoral been Linde Professor since 1991 and director of gifts to underprivileged children. for violence or harm. scholar in chemistry; Albert Swarthout, guest the LIGO Lab since 1997. • Examples of situations in which the relations coordinator, Athenaeum; Yolenta team has intervened include threats Tensasmaka, cook, and Jesus Valladares, Philip Hoffman has been named the Richard against coworkers; possibly suicidal indi general helper, both in Dining Services; and Barbara Rosenberg Professor of History and postdoctoral scholars Timothy Van Reken, in Social Science, effective December 1; this title viduals; missing persons; domestic vio environmental science and engineering, and replaces that of professor of history and social lence; and individuals whose emotional Mandy Vink, in chemical engineering; Huiqun science. Having received his AB from Harvard in instability caused concern. Tumors. from page 1 Wang, research assistant, planetary sciences; 1969, his MA from UC Berkeley in 1971, and his Caltech community members who Charles Winters, assistant animal lab technician, PhD from Yale in 1979, Hoffman joined Caltech 's "This study makes an important ad face a situation in which someone poses biology; Iris Yuen, accounting clerk, Athenaeum. faculty in 1980. vance by demonstrating a previously an immediate risk of harm to herself, December Alexander Kechris, professor of mathematics, unrecognized connection between stem himself, or others should call Campus has been selected to give the 2004 Alfred Tarski cells and pediatric brain tumor-derived Security at ext. 5000. In developing situa Changhuei Yang has been appointed assistant Lecture at UC Berkeley. Tarski founded Berkeley's cells. By viewing tumors as a type of tions in which an individual's well-being, professor of electrical engineering, effective Group in Logic and the Methodology of Science, embryonic cell gone awry, this opens up emotional stability, or potential for vio December 1. An expert in optical instrumentation and each spring a scholar considered outstanding new possibilities for diagnosis and treat and its applications to biology and medicine, he in a field to which Tarski contributed is invited to lence may be in question, any CAR Team works in the area of biophotonic devices. He Berkeley to meet with faculty and students and ment," says Marianne Bronner-Fraser, a member may be contacted by e-mail, earned dual BSs (in electrical engineering and give several lectures. Kechris received his MS developmental biologist and the Ruddock with "CAR Team" in the subject heading, computer science and in physics) as well as an from the National Technological University of Professor of Biology at Caltech. or by phone in more urgent situations. MEng (electrical engineering and computer Athens in 1969 and his PhD from UCLA in 1972, "We believe that neural stem cells, In addition to Austin {ext. 8331, kpa@its. science), all in 1997 from MIT, and a BS (math and he has been a member of the Caltech faculty found normally within our brain and ematics) and his PhD (electrical engineering and since 1974. He served as executive officer for caltech.edu), the team includes Susan spinal cords, could transform into cancer computer science). also from MIT, both in 2002. mathematics from 1994 to 1997. Cross, director of counseling services, cells," says Harley Kornblum, a pediatric SFCC (ext. 8360, [email protected]); January Bruce Kennedy, facility manager/senior neurologist, a member of UCLA's Helen Hasenfeld, director, Ombuds Office research associate II in the biology division's Jonsson Cancer Center, and an associate {ext. 6990, [email protected]); Gregg Ralph Adolphs will join Caltech as professor of Transgenic Mouse Core Facility, has received the professor of molecular and medical phar psychology and neuroscience, effective January George R. Collins Award from the American Henderson, chief of campus security 1. He is regarded as a leading authority in social Association for Laboratory Animal Science macology and pediatrics at UCLA. {ext. 4701, [email protected]); cognitive neuroscience-a subfield of cognitive (AALAS) "for outstanding contributions to the "This work also demonstrates that ma and April White, director of consulting neuroscience that involves the investigation of field of laboratory animal technology." The recipi jor advances can be made by combining services, SFCC {ext. 8360, [email protected]). the neural basis of sociality and social cogni ent of several AALAS service awards, Kennedy different scientific perspectives-tumor All concerns will remain confidential tion-with his work bridging the gap between has been affiliated with various AALAS branches biology, stem cell and developmental biol biology and the social sciences. He received his as well as with the Society for Experimental and the team will work with the requester ogy. The joint UCLA/Caltech program fos BS and MS from Stanford University, both in Biology and Medicine, the American Physiologi to develop an action plan. Requesters are 1986, and his PhD from Caltech in 1993. cal Society, and the Lab Animal editorial board, ters this important and cross-disciplinary also encouraged to involve their supervi among others. He received his BS in zoology in discovery," says Bronner-Fraser. sors, department heads, or resident advi 1975 and his MS in avian sciences in 1980, both Retirements • sors in any situation of concern. from UC Davis, and he is a registered laboratory For future reference, visit www. George Scharf will retire on January 1. A mem animal technologist. ber of the maintenance service staff for faculty counseling.caltech.edu/carteam.html. housing, he has worked at Caltech for 21 years. • the acad em ic week at Ca It ec h is a printed version of selected events from the online master calendar. http://today.caltech.edu/calendar/. To publish events online, register as an event planner on the Caltech Today calendar. If unable to submit electronically,

pl ea se call (626) 395·3630. For further information or a schedule of deadlines, call (626) 395-3630, fax (626) 449-2159, write 336 Calendar, 1·71, California

Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, or e-mail [email protected].

December 8-14, 2003

Monday, December 8 Carnegie Observatories Colloquium Thursday, December 11 Series Events for High Energy Physics Seminar William T. Golden Auditorium, 813 Santa Von Karman Lecture Series entrepreneurs 469 Lauritsen, 4 p.m.-"Eta Transitions Barbara Street, 3:30 to 5 p.m.-"Evolution JPL, von Karman Auditorium, 7 p.m. in Heavy Ouarkonium Enhanced by the of Gas and Ice in Star-Forming Regions: "Pointing the Way to Exoplanetary Sys Pasadena Entretec, a nonprofit corpora Axial Anomaly in QCD," and "Relative A VLT-ISAAC 3-5 Micron Spectroscopic tems: New Initiatives in Space Astronomy tion that is located on the Caltech cam Yield of B"+B"- and B"O Bbar"O at Survey of Low-Mass Protostars," Ewine and the Legacy ofthe Hubble Space Tele pus and that helps high-tech start-ups Upsilon(4S)," Professor Misha Voloshin, van Dishoeck, Moore Distinguished scope," John Trauger, senior research gain financing and resources, will be department of physics and astronomy, Scholar in astrophysics, Caltech. Refresh scientist, earth and space sciences divi sponsoring several events this month. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. ments, 3:30p.m. sion, JPL. Admission is free. Information: On Tuesday, December 9, James L. Information: www.theory.caltech.edu/ www.jpl.nasa.gov/lecture. Brown & Co . will present "Venture Phys people/helen/seminar1.html. Chemical Physics Seminar ics," a practical workshop on turning a 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, research idea into an enterprise. Attend Inorganic-Electrochemistry Seminar 4 p.m.-" Spectroscopy and Astrophysics ees are encouraged to bring their current 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, of Aromatic Compounds," Dr. Lou Friday, December 12 business plans for critique. The session 4 p.m .-"Designing Porphyrinoid and Allamandola, NASA Ames Research is $15 for members, $35 for nonmem Nitrogen/Sulfur Complexes for Hydroly Center. High Energy Physics Seminar bers, and will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. sis, Oxygen-Atom-Transfer Reactions, 469 Lauritsen, 11 a.m.- Topic to be at Pasadena Entretec, 295 South Hill and Other Biomimetic Themes," David General Biology Seminar announced. Sergei Gukov, department Avenue. Reservations should be made P. Goldberg, assistant professor of chem 119 Kerckhoff, 4 p.m .-"MicroRNAs and of physics, Harvard. Information: www. by December 5; call (626) 356-9933 or istry, Johns Hopkins University. Growth Control," Stephen Cohen, Euro theo ry.ca ltech .ed u/people/sem ina r/ e-mail [email protected]. pean Molecular Biology Laboratory, schedule.html. Later that week, Pasadena Entretec Molecular, Cellular, and Heidelberg, Germany. and Nestle will present the Signature Developmental Biology Seminar Condensed Matter Physics Seminar Luncheon, featuring G. Steven Burrill, 119 Kerckhoff, 4 p.m.- Topic to be an 107 Downs Lab, noon-litle to be founder and chief executive officer of nounced. Pernille R¢rth, European Mo Post Your Event Here announced. Dr. Vivien Zapf, Millikan Burrill & Company. The event will take lecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Over 5,000 readers would have seen the Postdoctoral Scholar in Physics, Caltech. place on Thursday, December 11, from Germany. announcement of your event if you had 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Athenaeum. posted it in Caltech's master calendar. High Energy Theory Seminar Regarded as an original architect of Call 395-3630 or e-mail debbieb@ 469 Lauritsen, 1 p.m.-"On Low Rank the biotechnology industry and one of caltech.edu to get signed up. Classical Groups in String Theory, its most avid developers, Burrill heads Tuesday, December 9 Gauge Theory, and Matrix Models," a venture capital fund with $485 million Masaki Shigemori, department of phys under management. His talk, " Biotech Thesis Seminar ics and astronomy, UCLA. Information: nology and Investment: Expectations for 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, Wednesday, December 10 www.theory.caltech.edu/people/seminar/ 2004," will review the past year and 9 a.m.-" Delivery and Activation of Con schedule.html. forecast investment trends in the indus trast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Astronomy Colloquium try for the coming 12 months. Imaging," Matthew Allen, graduate 155 Arms, Robert Sharp Lecture Hall, lnorganic-Organometallics Seminar Cost for the luncheon is $20 for mem student in chemistry, Caltech. 4 p.m.-Topic to be announced. Stanford 151 Crellin, 4 p.m.-" Kinetic Resolution bers and $30 for nonmembers; seating Woosley, professor of astronomy and of Chiral Alpha-Oiefins Using Ziegler is limited and reservations are required Thesis Seminar astrophysics, UC Santa Cruz. Informa Natta Polymerization Catalysts," Jeffery by December 8. Contact Janine Sabin, 151 Crellin, 10 a.m.-"Development of tion: www.astro.caltech.edu/-gma/ Byers, graduate student in chemistry, events manager at Pasadena Entretec, at a New Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Claisen colloquia.html. Caltech. (626) 356-9933 or scy@pasadenaentretec. Rearrangement and Studies Toward the com. The event is also supported by Total Synthesis of Erythrolide E," Tristan Biochemistry Seminar Von Karman Lecture Series Hogan & Hartson, LLP. Lambert, graduate student in chemistry, 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado, A one-day workshop on Tuesday, Caltech. 4 p.m.-"Damage Sensing and Check the Vosloh Forum (south of Colorado on December 16, will give prospective en point Activation in Human Cells," Dr. Lee Bonnie), 7 p.m.-" Pointing the Way to trepreneurs the tools and techniques to Caltech Library System Presents: Zou, Harvard Medical School. Refresh Exoplanetary Systems: New Initiatives in write successful SBIR (Small Business Patents ments. Space Astronomy and the Legacy of the Innovation Research) proposals target Sherman Fairchild Library, multimedia Hubble Space Telescope," John Trauger, ing the NIH. Participants will receive conference room, noon to 1:30 p.m. Empirics Seminar Series senior research scientist, earth and expert advice and leave with a proposal This session will provide a quick review 25 Baxter, 4 p.m.-"Do Shareholders space sciences division, JPL. Admission outline. Cost is $200; register online at of the patenting process, searching for Vote Strategically? Evidence from Corpo is free. Information: www.jpl.nasa.gov/ www.nasaincubator.csupomona.edu. patents and patent equivalents, legal rate Voting," Kristian Rydqvist, Zurack lecture. This event will take place at the NASA status issues, and current awareness Professor of Finance and Economics, Commercialization Center, 3660 Temple techniques. Information: http://library. Binghamton University (SUNY) and Avenue, Suite 1330, Pomona. Registra ca Itech .ed u/1earning /default. htm. CEPR. Refreshments. tion begins at 7:30a.m., and the work shop will be from 8 a.m . to 5 p.m . Mechanical Engineering Seminar More information is available at www. 206 Thomas, 3 p.m.-" Acoustic Absorp pasadenaentretec.com. tion by a Perforated Liner with Mean Bias Flow," Jeff D. Eldredge, assistant • professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, UCLA. Refreshments, 210 Thomas, 2:45p.m . the acad em ic week at Ca It ec h is a printed version of selected events from the online master calendar. http://today.caltech.edu/calendar/. To publish events online, register as an event planner on the Caltech Today calendar. If unable to submit electronically, please ca ll (626) 395-3630. For f urther information or a schedule of deadlines, call (626) 395-3630, fax (626) 449-2159, write 336 Calendar, 1-71, California

Institute of Tec hnology, Pasa dena, CA 91125, or e-mail [email protected].

December 15, 2003-January 11,2004

1- u.

Tuesday, December 16 Wednesday, January 7 Friday, January 9

Carnegie Observatories Colloquium Ulric B. and Evelyn L. Bray Seminar Fluid Mechanics Seminar Series 25 Baxter, 4 p.m.-Topic to be announced. 101 Guggenheim Lab, Lees-Kubota Lec William T. Golden Auditorium, 813 Santa Jacob Goeree, professor of economics, ture Hall, 3 p.m.-"Viscosity of Argon at Barbara Street, 3:30 to 5 p.m.-" CNO University of Amsterdam. Refreshments. Temperatures> 2,000 K from Measured Abundances and Globular Cluster and Shock Thickness," Dr. Michael Macrossan, Halo Formation," David Burstein, Ari General Biology Seminar senior lecturer, department of mechanical zona State University. Refreshments, 119 Kerckhoff, 4 p.m .- Topic to be an engineering, University of Queensland. 3:30p.m. nounced. Polly Matzinger, Laboratory Information: www.galcit.caltech.edu/ of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Seminars/Fiuids/CurrentFiuids/index.html. General Biology Seminar National Institute of Allergy and Infec 119 Kerckhoff, 4 p.m.-Topic to be an tious Disease, NIH. lnorganic-Organometallics Seminar nounced. Professor Michael Merzenich, 151 Crellin, 4 p.m.-"Forays into Pal Keck Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Materials Research Lecture ladium(ll) Oxidation Chemistry," Raissa UC San Francisco School of Medicine. 106 Spalding Lab, Hartley Memorial M. Trend, graduate student in chemistry, Seminar Room, 4 p.m.-Topic to be Caltech. announced. Caroline A. Ross, Flemings Career Development Associate Professor Wednesday-Friday of Materials Science and Engineering, MIT. Refreshments, 113 Spalding Lab, December 24-26 3:45p.m . Information: www.matsci. caltech.edu/seminars.html. Christmas Holiday Organic Chemistry Seminar 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, 4 p.m.-"Five Natural Products and Five Wednesday-Thursday Solutions to the Sequence-Selective December 31-January 1 Recognition of Duplex DNA," Professor Dale L. Boger, Scripps Research Institute.

New Year's Holiday

Post Your Event Here Over 5,000 readers would have seen the Monday, January 5 announcement of your event if you had posted it in Caltech's master calendar. Geological and Planetary Sciences Call 395-3630 or e-mail debbieb@ Seminar caltech.edu to get signed up. 155 Arms, Robert Sharp Lecture Hall, 4 p.m .-"Composition and Petrogenesis of the Martian Crust," Harry Y. McSween J r. , professor of planetary geoscience, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Thursday, January 8

Biophysics Lecture 153 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, Tuesday, January 6 4 p.m.-"Eukaryotic Cellular Chemotaxis: Sensing Chemical Signals at Membrane Biochemistry Seminar Surfaces," Professor Joseph Falke, de 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, partment of chemistry and biochemistry, 4 p.m.-"Biosynthesis of the Antituber University of Colorado, Boulder. cular Antibiotic Rifamycin by a Modular Protein Assembly Line," Dr. Suzanne Physics Research Conference Adm iraal , department of biological 201 E. Bridge, 4 p.m.-" The Neutrino ch em istry and molecular pharmacology, World: Present and Future," Boris Kayser, Harvard Medical School. Refreshments. Fermilab. Refreshments, 114 E. Bridge, 3:45p.m. Information: www.pma.caltech. General Biology Seminar edu/-physcoii/PhysColl.html. 119 Kerckhoff, 4 p.m.-"From Peppers to Peppermints: The Molecular Logic of Social and Information Sciences Nociception," Professor David Julius, Laboratory Seminar Series department of cellular and molecular 25 Baxter, 4 p.m.-Topic to be announced. pharmacology, UC San Francisco. Efi Gildor, Gildor Investments. Refresh ments. Caltech 336, December 4, 2003 5 CampusEvents

Monday, December 8 Friday, December 12 Friday, December 19 Caltech Shorinji Kempo Club See Tuesday, December 9, for details. Baby Furniture and Household Equipment Messiah Sing-Along Caltech Tai Chi Club 234 S. Catalina, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.-Loans Ramo Auditorium, noon-Join us for this annual See Tuesday, December 9, for details. Caltech Tai Chi Club of kitchen and household necessities and baby community tradition. Bring your voice; musical See Tuesday, December 9, for details. fu rniture are made to members of the Caltech scores will be provided. Admission is free. community. Information: 584-9773. Caltech Tai Chi Club Saturday, December 20 Almost Heaven: The Story of Women in See Tuesday, December 9, for details. VVednesday,December31 Space Men's Basketball Avery Library, noon-Join author Bettyann Kevles vs. Luther College, 3 p.m. New Year's Holiday as she discusses her latest book, for which she interviewed 40 women who have been in space. Saturday, December 13 Caltech Folk Music Society Presents Cyntia Credit Union Closure Kevles recently held the Charles A. Lindbergh Smith and the Water Lilies All branches of the Caltech Employees Federal Chair at the National Air and Space Museum, in Children's Holiday Party Winnett lounge, 8 p.m.-Tickets and information: Credit Union will be closed in observance of the Washington, D.C., and is now an instructor at Winnett lounge, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.-There will be 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or events@caltech. New Year's holiday. Ya le. Rese rvations: [email protected]. holiday crafts for the children, storytelling, and a edu. Individuals with a disability: 395-4688 (voice) possible appearance by Santa at this potluck or 395-3700 (TOO). Visit the Folk Music Society at Wednesdays in the Park FOCAL's Annual Authors Dinner sponsored by the Caltech Women's Club. Bring http://folkmusic.caltech.edu. See Wednesday, December 10, for details. Athenaeum, Hall of Associates, 6 p.m.-Friends your family and your favorite dish to share; paper of the Caltech Libraries (FOCAL) presents products and beverages will be provided. Men's Basketball Bettyann Kevles, who will speak about her new Consolation game, 2 p.m. Championship game, book, Almost Heaven: The Story of Women in Men's Basketball Sunday, December 21 4p.m. Space. Fee: $70 for FOCAL members and their at Chapman University, 2 p.m. guests, $75 for nonmembers. Paid reservations Caltech Shorinji Kempo Club by December 3. Information and registration: Braun Gym, multipurpose room, 3:30 p.m.-See 395-6411 . Tuesday, December 9, for details. Thursday, January 1 Sunday, December 14 New Year's Holiday Caltech Shorinji Kempo Club Tuesday, December 9 Braun Gym, multipurpose room, 3:30p.m. Monday, December 22 Credit Union Closure See Tuesday, December 9, for details. All branches of the Caltech Employees Federal Preschool Playgroup Baby Furniture and Household Equipment Credit Union will be closed in observance of the Tournament Park, 10 a.m. to noon-Song and See Monday, December 8, for details. New Year's holiday. storytime, crafts and free play for toddlers and preschoolers (from walking to age 4). Informa Monday, December 15 tion: 793-4099 or [email protected]. Women's Basketball Tuesday, December 23 Friday, January 2 Caltech Shorinji Kempo Club at Cal State-Monterey Bay, 6 p.m. Brown Gymnasium, 7 p.m.-Learn effective self Preschool Playgroup Women's Basketball defense and martial arts with the Shorinji Kempa See Tuesday, December 9, for details. vs. Washington College, 6 p.m. cl ub. Sessions are free. No experience required. Wear comfortable clothing. Tuesday, December 16 Caltech Shorinji Kempo Club Caltech Tai Chi Club See Tuesday, December 9, for details. See Tuesday, December 9, for details. Caltech Tai Chi Club Preschool Playgroup Winnett lounge, 7 p.m.-Meets Tuesdays and See Tuesday, December 9, for details. Caltech Tai Chi Club Fridays weekly. Sessions are free. Information: See Tuesday, December 9, for details. w ww.its.caltech.edu/-taichi. Caltech Shorinji Kempo Club Saturday, January 3 See Tuesday, December 9, for details. Amnesty International Letter Writing Men's Basketball Tournament Athenaeum Rathskeller, 7:30 p.m.-Caltech/ Caltech Tai Chi Club VVednesday,December24 At Caltech. Participants: Caltech, Whitworth Col Pasad ena AI Group 22 will host an informal See Tuesday, December 9, for details. lege, Cabrini College, and UC Santa Cruz, 5 p.m. meeting to write letters on human-rights abuses Christmas Holiday around the world. All are welcome. Refresh ments. Information: (818) 354-4461 or lkamp@ Credit Union Closure lively.jpl.nasa.gov. Visit our website at www.its. All branches of the Caltech Employees Federal Sunday, January 4 ca Ite ch .ed u/ - a i g p22. Post Your Event Here Credit Union will be closed in observance of the Over 5,000 readers would have seen the Christmas holiday. Men's Basketball Tournament announcement of your event if you had posted At Caltech. Participants: Caltech, Whitworth Col it in Caltech's master calendar. Call 395-3630 or Wednesdays in the Park lege, Cabrini College, and UC Santa Cruz, 1 p.m. VVednesday,December10 e-mail [email protected] to get signed up. See Wednesday, December 10, for details.

Baby Furniture and Household Equipment See Monday, December 8, for details. Monday, January 5 Thursday, December 25 Wednesdays in the Park Women's Basketball Tournament Park, 10 a.m. to noon-Every VVednesday, December 17 Christmas Holiday vs. Gallaudet University, 6 p.m. Wednesday there's conversation and coffee for parents and caregivers, and playtime and snacks Baby Furniture and Household Equipment Credit Union Closure for children. Information: 403-7163 or ktclark@ See Monday, December 8, for details. All branches of the Caltech Employees Federal ca ltec h.edu. Credit Union will be closed in observance of the Tuesday, January 6 Wednesdays in the Park Christmas holiday. Asbestos Awareness Training See Wednesday, December 10, for details. Preschool Playgroup 11 8 Keith Spalding Building, 3 p.m.-This course See Tuesday, December 9, for details. is designed to enhance employee awareness of Women's Basketball asbestos and its potential health hazards, as well at Pacific Union College, Angwin, California, 2 p.m. Friday, December 26 as to provide guidelines for safely working around asbestos-containing materials. Registra Office Ergonomics Training Christmas Holiday VVednesday, January 7 tion: 395-6727 or safety.training@caltech .edu. 118 Keith Spalding Building, 3 p.m.-This course discusses ergonomic design of office environ Credit Union Closure Wednesdays in the Park ments, specifically computer use. Low-budget All branches of the Caltech Employees Federal See Wednesday, December 10, for details. techniques are emphasized. Space is limited. Credit Union will be closed in observance of the Thursday, December 11 Registration: 395-6727 or safety.training@ Christmas holiday. Bloodborne Pathogens caltech.edu. 118 Keith Spalding Building, 3 p.m.-This course, Reel Women's Series: Nu Shu-A Hidden Caltech Tai Chi Club designed for individuals who are exposed to Language of Women in China See Tuesday, December 9, for details. blood or other potentially infectious agents, Caltech Women's Center, noon-This film uncov presents information on preventing exposure to ers the written language and rich subculture of Thursday, December 18 bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis Band Nu Shu, which was developed by peasant women human immunodeficiency viruses. Registration: in one county in Hunan province at a time when Women's Wellness Series Monday, December 29 395-6727 or [email protected]. w omen were denied educational opportunities Caltech Women's Center, noon-" A Manner of an d lived a life of social isolation. Living: Nutrition, Diet, and Weight Loss" will be Baby Furniture and Household Equipment presented by registered dietician Carole Bartolotta, See Monday, December 8, for details. Caltech Shorinji Kempo Club who will share her expertise on nutrition, the food Saturday, January 10 See Tu esday, December 9, for details. pyramid, diet planning, and safe weight loss. Registration: [email protected]. Swimming and Diving Tuesday, December 30 at Pomona-Pitzer, 11 a.m. Men's Basketball vs. St. Mary's University of Minnesota, 3 p.m. Preschool Playgroup See Tuesday, December 9, for details. Caltech Shorinji Kempo Club See Tuesday, December 9, for details. Men's Basketball vs. Manchester College, 5 p.m. 6 Caltech 336, December 4, 2003

GALC/T, from page 1 ESL, from page 1 by Hans Mark, a professor from the Uni thing from cardiovascular fluid dynamics, improve the quality of life for postdocs, News extras versity of Texas, Austin, a cross section combustion, and detonation, to fracture, visitors, and their families. The PDSN of alums from the past 30 years pre the mechanics of materials, and shock office, located in Human Resources on sented their current research: Brian waves. South Holliston, also includes Barbara Make sure your child is safe Cantwell (PhD '76), Stanford; Stelios All of which leads to the boxfish Avouac, Leah Carlson, and Fran Manley. Ninety-five percent of car seats for children Kyriakides (PhD '80). University of Texas, and the 747-part of the work of Mory lmel has hands-on experience with the are improperly installed. Don't take a Austin; Petros Koumoutsakos (PhD '93), Gharib, Caltech's Liepmann Professor of challenges facing postdocs. When she chance on yours--come to a free checkup ETH Zurich; and Raul Radovitzky (PhD Aeronautics and Bioengineering. Gharib started at Caltech more than 12 years on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to '98), MIT. believes the next wave of smart propul ago, she was herself the spouse of one, 2 p.m. at the southeast corner parking lot A panel discussion featured a half sion devices will be based on the biome David lmel (now a staff member at IPAC). at Del Mar Boulevard and Michigan Av century of alumni opining on challenges chanics of flying and swimming. So he She says, "Postdocs are often faced with enue. Staff from SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. will facing graduate education today: Arthur studies the humble boxfish, which, he social, cultural, and financial struggles, explain how to correctly install child seats Bryson (PhD '51), Stanford; Sebastien notes, is capable of staying within one and we hope the PDSN office can serve in your car. Call (310) 222-6860 for an ap Candel (PhD '72), Ecole Centrale; Paul millimeter of a sharp coral reef in highly as a resource that can help address those pointment. Sponsored by the Caltech MacCready (PhD '52), AeroVironment turbulent water using "seven fins that are challenges." Women's Club, Campus Life, and State Inc.; Yuan-Cheng (Bert) Fung (PhD '48), flapping and creating vortices here and Barbara Avouac, who with lmel coor Farm Insurance Companies. UC San Diego; Roddam Narasimha (PhD there, keeping the fish right there, dead dinates the English conversation club, '61), Indian Institute of Science; Tom accurate." By examining nature's engi also has personally experienced many of Change in emergency plan Tyson (BS '54, PhD '67), General Electric; neering, he hopes to glean further insight these issues, having moved to Pasadena The all-campus emergency evacuation and Max Williams (PhD '50), University of into aircraft design. from France earlier this year with her assembly location has been temporarily Pittsburgh. The celebration concluded Seventy-five years, and GALCIT is still husband, Professor of Geology Jean- changed to the south athletic field and with a gala Athenaeum dinner and a talk learning. Phi Iippe Avouac, and their three children. track until construction on the north ath by Paul Bevilaqua, chief scientist for For more information, visit www.galcit. While postdocs and visitors work long letic field is completed. This location is Advanced Development Projects, caltech.edu. hours in Caltech labs, she notes, their only for use in a campuswide evacuation; Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, on "The • spouses often feel isolated as they for building-specific evacuations, contact Challenge of Heavier Than Air Flight." struggle to adjust to a new culture and your building coordinator or the Safety From its beginnings under Director language, sometimes while caring for Office to determine where to assemble. von Karman-a pioneer in the aeronau children and dealing with tight finances. For more emergency information, visit tics field-GALCIT was at the forefront of Discounts, from page 1 I mel and Avouac hope the club will www.safety.caltech.edu or call ext. 6727. aeronautical research in Southern Califor conveniences; the card can provide a become a place where these spouses can nia, ultimately leading to the modern deal on a day at the spa and a markdown socialize and find support, as well as feel Update on SARS aerospace industry and the beginning of on the oil change. comfortable practicing English conversa There are currently no suspected cases U.S. supremacy in aeronautics research, A sampling of participating businesses tion. It has been gratifying to see most of of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome particularly for commercial and military includes Burger Continental ( 15 percent), the attendees returning regularly and (SARS) at Caltech, but winter's arrival aviation. Moose McGillycuddy's (15 percent), Hoot making friends. brings the potential for an outbreak. To GALCIT's most famous project was the ers (15 percent), the Pasadena Playhouse "The idea is to help postdocs adapt to help prevent the spread of SARS and founding of JPL. In 1935, GALCIT stu (buy one ticket, get another free), Outland Caltech and Southern California culture," other contagious illnesses, campus com dents and staff, including Frank Malina, Mountain Co. (10 percent), 24 Hour Fit Avouac says, "but we can do that only if munity members should avoid traveling A. M . 0. Smith, H. S. Tsien, and W. ness (no enrollment fee), and many more. the spouses and families are happy too." to known SARS areas, cover the mouth Arnold, joined two young explosives A list of participating businesses can be The PDSN office is also working with when sneezing or coughing, and wash entrepreneurs, Jack Parsons and Ed viewed online at www.pasadena.com. The the Caltech Postdoc Association, aca hands often. If experiencing a fever of Forman, to build and test rockets. The 2004 VIP cards may be purchased through demic divisions, and international clubs 100.5° For higher, a dry cough, and group created the first long-duration the site for $20. on a "buddy program" that will pair a shortness of breath, individuals should solid-propellant rocket motors, enabling If the object of one's gifts has a taste newcomer with a "veteran" postdoc, limit contact with others and call a phy development of takeoff rockets used in for home electronics, namely a new com ideally from the same research group sician. For more information, visit World War II; and spontaneously ignit puter or flat-screen television, a deal is and home country. The "buddy" would www.healthcenter.caltech.edu or able liquid propellants, later used in the available in the form of a discount at one contact the newcomer before arrival, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/index.htm. Apollo program and the Titan missile. of the nation's largest home-entertain meet the postdoc at the airport, and over JPL became an independent entity in ment stores. Good Guys makes good on see an orientation to help ease the transi Annual asbestos advisory 1943 and today is NASA's lead institute in its name with an offer of 10 percent off tion and provide support in Pasadena. The Safety Office has released its annual For more information on the conversa robotic deep-space and planetary explo purchases at any of the chain's stores. written notice of the presence of asbes tion club, call Avouac at (626) 395-2307 or ration. Unlike the credit card-size VIP card, the tos-containing building materials, as lmel at (626) 395-2098. The winter-term Originally, GALCIT's mission was Good Guys discount requires a coupon at required by California Health and Safety strictly aeronautics-the development the time of purchase. These coupons, session is scheduled to start the week of Code 25915.2. Copies of this legislation, and operation of aircraft-and many available at the Caltech Human Resources January 5. To register, e-mail barbara. as well as records of asbestos sampling contributions were made to aircraft struc office, are valid through the end of De [email protected] or eloisa.imel@ and air monitoring performed during tures, aerodynamics, and propulsion. But cember, and list details and restrictions caltech.edu; please indicate whether you campus asbestos abatement work, are will need child care, and the children's over the years the field has been inter that may apply. available for review at the Safety Office; preted to be a much broader discipline In addition to these deals, Caltech staff ages. call ext. 6727 to make an appointment. that includes basic and applied problems members can purchase passes to major • Asbestos in building materials does not in fluid dynamics and mechanics of ma local amusement parks at Human Re necessarily pose a health hazard unless terials, leading to research in these areas sources and discounted movie tickets at fibers become airborne and are inhaled. and the use of specialized facilities like the Caltech Y. Members of the Caltech Because it is crucial to handle asbestos the Lucas Adaptive Wall Wind Tunnel, credit union have long been able to buy containing materials carefully, Caltech supersonic shear layer facility, free sur new cars from local dealers at significant restricts such work to properly trained face shear flow tunnel, T5 hypervelocity discounts. Visit Human Resources to view and equipped personnel. For more shock tunnel, and Ludwieg tube. In addi the Fleet Discount Book, which provides details, visit http://safety.caltech.edu/ tion, smaller laboratories study every- details on the service. publications/asbestos.html . • • Caltech 336 .... "' "' ...... "' "' ....

The campus community biweekly California Institute of Technology December 4, 2003, vol. 3, no. 18 Pasadena, California 91125

Editor: Daryn Kobata ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED (626) 395-6240; [email protected] Assistant Editor: Javier Marquez (626) 395-6624; [email protected] Calendar Administrator: Debbie Bradbury (626) 395-3630; [email protected] Graphic Artist: Doug Cummings Photographer: Bob Paz Published by the Office of Public Relations