To celebrate Argonne's 60th anniversary, the University of Chicago hosted a reception at Longworth House Building in Washington D.C. April 25. From left to right are 13th Dist. U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, Argonne Director Robert Rosner, and Tom Rosenbaum, University of Chicago vice president for research and for Argonne.

May 8, 2006 -- Some of this week's stories:

D.C. reception marks Argonne's 60th

To celebrate Argonne's 60th anniversary, the University of Chicago hosted a reception at Longworth House Building in Washington D.C. April 25.

Among the guests were the 13th Dist. U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, and the 3rd Dist. U.S. Rep. Vernon Ehlers of Michigan. Representing the U.S. Department of Energy were James Decker, principal deputy director of the Office of Science, and Patricia Dehmer, associate director of science for Basic Energy Sciences.

Tom F. Rosenbaum, vice president for research and for Argonne National Laboratory at the University of Chicago, welcomed the guests and introduced Congresswoman Biggert. Biggert hailed the event as a celebration of Argonne's 60 years of existence, the relationship of Argonne and the university, and a celebration of a scientific community under the stewardship of DOE.

"This is a celebration of unsung scientists that have produced baby steps and quantum leaps, and are in the forefront of basic science in several areas such as energy, and training and education of scientists," Biggert said. The United States must continue to push forward with creativity because the rest of the world is catching up, she said.

Biggert was followed by Decker, who said that Argonne had a great past to celebrate, "but the future is even greater." He went on to say that Center for Nanoscale Materials will be operational in the summer of 2006, the laboratory's IBM BlueGene supercomputer will soon provide world-class computing power and nuclear energy is back on the nation's agenda. He stated that Argonne has a bright future, is an asset to the State of Illinois and thanked Biggert for supporting Argonne and the Office of Science.

Argonne Director Robert Rosner said the national labs are fulfilling an important need: great science willing to take the risks of innovation without concern for profits. He said he was delighted to be part of such an exciting time at the laboratory and was happy to be part of the 60th anniversary celebration.

Argonne and Fermilab sign agreement, anticipate state funding

To increase cooperation on numerous research and development projects, including the proposed International Linear Collider, Fermilab and Argonne signed a Memorandum of Understanding Friday, April 21. Highlighting the State of Illinois' support of research, the signing ceremony took place at the James R. Thompson Center, site of the governor's Chicago office. In recognition of the labs' role as world leaders in accelerator technology, Governor Rod Blagojevich issued a proclamation declaring the day as "Particle Accelerator Day" in Illinois.

"Illinois has been recognized as an international leader in accelerator technology thanks to these laboratories," said Jack Lavin, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, who read the proclamation and signed the MOU as witness for the state. He emphasized the state's commitment to supporting accelerator research, helping the U.S. Department of Energy to "win the Olympic gold medal in the international [ILC] competition" and bring the ILC to Illinois. The governor's proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes $3 million to begin the construction of an Illinois Accelerator Research Center at Fermilab, which would strengthen the ability of Fermilab and Argonne to compete successfully for accelerator projects such as the ILC.

"There are so many opportunities [for research projects] for the State of Illinois," said Argonne director Robert Rosner. "We are not going to miss these opportunities. We are going for them. The ILC is one of them." The State of Illinois has committed $82.7 million in funding for projects at Argonne since 2003.

Fermilab director Pier Oddone welcomed the support of the state, citing it as a crucial element in hosting the ILC in Illinois. Pointing out the importance of accelerator research for applications beyond particle physics, such as light sources, he said, "There will be no accelerator in the future that will be untouched by this project."

A press release available online provides comments by House Speaker Dennis Hastert, U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert and DOE Office of Science Director Ray Orbach on the signing of the MOU.

Argonne researchers find 217
new targets for anti-cancer drugs

By identifying novel genes critical to cancer progression, biologists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have expanded the number of drug targets researchers have available for study to find ways to stop tumors in their tracks. The report was published in Cancer Research.

The study centers on capillary formation, or angiogenesis, a process shown to be essential to tumor progression as tumors attract capillaries to provide oxygen essential for growth and frequently use those same vessels to send out metastatic cells. By zeroing in on these capillary-forming proteins, drug researchers may be able to treat a tumor by directly cutting off its blood supply.

Drug researchers, using tools available since the human genome was sequenced, seek specific targets to develop more precise cancer drugs with fewer side effects. "Once you have a unique target," explained biologist Diane Rodi (BIO), "you don't have the side effects of the drugs -- most cancer drugs are anti-growth drugs that kill all the growing cells in the body. Most cancer therapies are not very specific and that is why they are so toxic."

The Argonne biologists identified 217 proteins involved only in capillary formation -- morphogenesis -- by finding all the gene products turned on during capillary formation and subtracting out those related only to growth, or proliferation, in a novel process called subtractive transcriptomics.

Argonne biologists grew human endothelial cells -- the cells involved in blood vessel formation -- on a tumor tissue-mimicking plate. As the capillaries grew over an eight-hour period, researchers isolated RNA samples at intervals -- at 30 minutes, one hour, two hours, four hours and eight hours. To determine which genes do not contribute specifically to blood vessel formation, endothelial cells were grown on gelatin-coated plastic. RNA was isolated at the same intervals as on the tumor tissue-mimicking plate.

Each RNA sample was tested using microarray analysis at the University of Chicago. The microarrays hold 44,000 samples of known RNA coded by the human genome. A reaction reveals the RNA that is being produced at each stage of the biological process. RNA codes for proteins.

"We wanted to find the proteins that are only made when the endothelial cells are making a capillary, not when they are just growing," Rodi said. "We took all of the genes that were made on the tissue plate and subtracted out those from the plastic plate. And we were left with 217."

The researchers sought the proteins in the capillaries using commercially available antibodies. Of the 16 morphogenesis-specific proteins tested, all were found in the capillaries after they were completely formed.

The capillary research revealed a bonus insight into a still mysterious nature of cells -- their polarity. Cells are not the same all over their surface -- different sections perform different tasks. like acting as environmental sensors or making little "feet" to mediate cell movement. But researchers do not yet know all of the genes which are involved in polarity.

The majority of the 217 proteins identified by the Argonne group manage movement within the cell, long-distance migration, cytoskeletal reorganization and cellular stickiness -- all processes involved in cell polarity. The Argonne study revealed that more angiogenic genes are involved in polarity than previously believed, and identified a large number of novel proteins which may be rate-limiting for the angiogenic process.

"This information will help with developing new drugs," Rodi said. "Once you know a gene product helps out in a process, it automatically becomes a possible drug target."

All electrical equipment to be inspected

Every piece of electrical equipment on the Argonne site must be identified and checked under a new electrical equipment inspection program. The program is required by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Energy and other regulatory agencies and is being adopted in stages.

Equipment to be inspected includes anything that plugs into an electrical power outlet or is wired directly to electrical power. Many machines, computers, office and laboratory equipment will require inspection.

If a check reveals a piece of unmodified equipment that is listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) such as Underwriters Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association, it does not require inspection, since that laboratory has already tested the design of the equipment. A complete list of NRTLs is available on the OSHA Web site. All equipment that does not bear an NRTL marking will require an inspection.

The laboratory has identified and trained about three dozen inspectors to conduct these inspections. The inspectors will be called Designated Electrical Equipment Inspectors (DEEI's). Inspectors in three organizations (ES, APS, and TSD-CS) have completed all training and have already begun to conduct limited trial inspections within their areas. In June all previous inspectors and new ones will complete the required training and the lab-wide inspection process will begin.

Equipment that has passed the check or an inspection will be labeled with one of three labels or will bear an NRTL marking. All new equipment will need to bear an NRTL marking or be inspected by a DEEI before it is used at the laboratory. A five-year program is being implemented to inspect all existing equipment at Argonne.

What you can do

Argonne employees are a vital component of this program. Before plugging in or otherwise using a new piece of equipment, verify that it bears an NRTL marking or that it has one of these three green labels. If it doesn't or if there is any question, consult a division ES&H Coordinator before connecting or using it.

"Though the program was only recently started, it has already been a huge success," said Electrical Safety Engineer Joe Kilar (EQO). "Inspectors started the process by checking some in-house built equipment and uncovered flaws in almost every piece of equipment they have inspected." In some cases, these defects posed a significant hazard to people and the equipment was been taken out of service until repaired.

"The program allowed us to identify these problems and fix them before someone was hurt," Kilar said.

Deception used to hack computers, gather information

Whether Argonne employees communicate by e-mail, Blackberry, instant messaging or the telephone, they are all at risk of falling prey to social engineering: the practice of obtaining confidential information through deception.

Computer hackers leverage the natural tendency to trust others to gain access to passwords in addition to installing unwanted software on computers. For example, a recent social engineering attack against the U.S. Department of Energy involved a malicious CD-ROM postmarked from DOE Headquarters mailed to a number of employees. The employees were requested to insert the CD-ROM into the computers and review a number of new DOE guidelines. When they inserted the CD in their computer, it installed software that recorded everything they typed, including their passwords, and then sent that information to attackers on the Internet.  The CD was not, in fact, from DOE HQ, it just looked like it was. Sometimes social engineering takes the form of a phone call from someone who claims to be from a legitimate organization and uses deception to gather confidential information.

The laboratory has spent a great deal of time and effort in protecting its digital assets, but deterring the effects of social engineering must start with each employee. There are some basic counter measures that can help prevent social engineering from being successful.

• Never provide your username or password to anyone. This includes face-to-face conversations, e-mail and phone conversations. Never provide this information to anyone, including those that you know and trust.

• Be very cautious when you receive electronic material that you did not request. This includes e-mail attachments, Web links within an e-mail, CD-ROM/DVD and USB thumb drives that you have received through the physical mail or at a meeting or conference. These items can carry malicious software that when installed attempt to steal your password and sensitive information.

• Argonne system administrators and Cyber Security staff will never ask you to install system patches or upgrades via e-mail.

• Never provide your bank account information to anyone who requests to update or confirm their records.

'Personal Safety Plans' can help employees reach safety goals

A "personal safety plan" template is now available online to help Argonne employees define and reach their safety goals.

"A personal safety plan provides an opportunity to look carefully at the activities that affect your safety while at home, at work, in the car or during leisure time," said Bob McCook, Director of Environment, Safety and Health/Quality Assurance. "It's an opportunity to assure that you are taking time to think about your actions, and considering the impact of those things you are and aren't doing."

Defining and writing your safety goals is proven to increase the likelihood of achievement, McCook said.

"Writing a goal makes it real," he said. "You will remember it and you are more likely to think about it. You are more likely to change your behavior to match your goals."

After careful consideration, employees should enter their safety goals on the personal safety plan, print it out and post it prominently in their workspaces. The plans are PowerPoint documents, and are available on Inside Argonne.

Happy birthday Argonne!

Argonne marked its 60th birthday April 19 with a celebration in the Building 213 Cafeteria. The date is the anniversary of the University of Chicago acceptance of a contract to operate something called a "national laboratory." At the time, Argonne didn't yet have a name, or a location, but the intent was clear: science in the national interest.

Travelers should be cautious during mumps outbreak

Due to an outbreak of mumps in the Midwest , the Argonne Medical Department advises that all employees who may travel by air to take precautions to avoid potential infection. Avoid other passengers who appear to be ill or are coughing and sneezing. If you develop a fever or any of the symptoms mentioned below after work-related travel or while at work, call the Medical Department immediately.

The Medical Department does not carry the mumps vaccine; contact your personal doctor if you think you need to be vaccinated or if symptoms develop after non-work-related travel.

The United States is experiencing the largest outbreak of mumps since the vaccine for mumps was introduced in 1967. More than 1,000 people have been infected, and 20 have been hospitalized. So far, all patients have recovered.

The outbreak started in Iowa and is spreading to surrounding states, including Illinois . This recent outbreak is the same strain that was identified in Britain last December; it is suspected that an international traveler brought the virus to this country. The spread throughout the United States is thought to have occurred from air travel.

Mumps is caused by a virus that spreads like the flu: typically from infected people coughing and sneezing. The incubation period for the virus is two to three weeks. The most common symptoms are sore throat, body aches, fever and a swelling of glands in the jaw. Most people recover within about a week, but in rare cases there can be serious complications, including deafness and meningitis. Adult men can also have a painful swelling of the testicles that can cause sterility. Pregnant women can have miscarriages.

The mumps vaccine is the best way to prevent infection. However, 10 percent of those vaccinated do not develop immunity.

More information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Blood Drive planned for May 24

LifeSource Blood Center will conduct a blood drive at Argonne Wednesday, May 24, in Building 617 (Exchange Club). On any given day, an average of 38,000 units of red blood cells are needed. Blood transfusions are often needed for trauma victims, heart surgery, organ transplants, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases.

Contact the Medical Department at ext. 2-2800 for additional information and donation forms.

Club presidents invited to board meeting

The annual Argonne Club Presidents Meeting will be held in the Building 213 Cafeteria Tuesday, May 9, at 9:30 a.m. The agenda includes a review of last year's activities with an emphasis on expanded marketing support for affiliated clubs. All presidents or their representatives are strongly encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Janice Marco at ext. 2-8196 or jmarco@anl.gov.

Running Club Sponsors May flower run

The Argonne Running Club will sponsor a "May Flower Run" Tuesday, May 16, at noon. Participants should meet in the Building 205 Lobby. There will be a three-mile run and 1.7-mile walk.

There will be refreshments and a raffle at the finish line. Also, participants can enter a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to Dick Ponds Athletics. A special prize will be given to the person with the best theme appearance, such as flowers, pilgrims, ships or rocks. All employees and their guests are welcome.

Service award dinner photos posted in cafeteria

Service Award Photos will be posted in the Building 213 Cafeteria through May 19. Make print requests on the forms supplied in the cafeteria, indicating frame number, quantity and size, and place completed forms in the "orders to be filled" box. Upon request, service awardees will receive one complimentary (free 4x5-inch) photo of their choice (indicate "free" on the form). TSD Photo will accept orders for additional photos; prices are shown below.

• 4 x 5 - $10
• 5 x 7 - $12
• 8 x 10 - $15

For more information, contact Debbie Ritchie (TSD) at ext. 2-7451.

Argonne softball meeting planned

There will be an Argonne softball league meeting Thursday, May 11, at noon, at the north end of the Building 213 Cafeteria.

Any teams or players who are interested should attend the meeting, or contact Mike Jagger at jagger@cars.uchicago.edu. League fees are also due at the May 11 meeting. Cost is $350 per team.

The Argonne 16" Softball League 2006 Season starts Wednesday, May 17.

HR Classes

Human Resources will offer two language classes beginning in May:

• "Russian Language" (HR164) -- This course offers individualized fluency-level instruction in reading, writing, and speaking Russian. Learners will utilize newspapers and publications (employees can bring their own materials) to build conversational, business and technical Russian communication skills. The course will be held from May 4 - July 6. Beginning classes start at 9:30 a.m., intermediate classes begin at 11 a.m. and advanced classes start at 1:30 p.m. Classes will be held in Building 205, Room L235 (Note new location). Cost is $350.

• "Advanced Grammar Skills for English as a Second Language" (HR368) -- This hands-on workshop will help non-native speakers improve their grammar skills by recognizing the most problematic grammar points and using the correct grammar structures essential for scientific and technical writing.  The class is presented by University of Illinois at Chicago English as a Second Language tutorial staff. The course will be held May 17 - July 12 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in Building 201, Room 167C. Cost is $350. Register by May 5.

For more information, call Betty Iwan at ext. 2-3410 or see the Performance Development Web site.