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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Thursday, Dec. 6. OSUToday is published daily Monday-Friday. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

RESEARCHERS DISCOVER POSSIBLE MARKERS FOR MENTAL ILLNESS

Researchers have discovered natural genetic differences that might help predict the most effective antipsychotic drugs for particular patients with mental disorders such as schizophrenia, Parkinson’s and drug addiction. They found the differences in the gene for a molecule called the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2), a protein present on brain cells that are sensitive to the neurotransmitter dopamine. The findings could lead to tests that will enable doctors to match patients with certain mental illnesses to the most effective therapy, something they cannot do now. Principal investigator Wolfgang Sadee, program director in pharmacogenomics at the OSU Medical Center collaborated on the study with Professor Alessandro Bertolino, University of Bari, Italy. Read more >

OSU PROFESSOR RECOGNIZED WITH NATIONAL AWARD

T.H. Wu, OSU professor emeritus, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Geodetic Science, has received the 2008 Ralph B. Peck Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers Geo-Institute. The national award is presented for outstanding contributions to the geotechnical engineering profession through the publication of a thoughtful, carefully researched case history or histories or the publication of recommended practices or design methodologies based on the evaluation of case histories.

LATEST ISSUE OF ONCAMPUS NOW AVAILABLE

The Dec. 6 issue of onCampus is now available, so please check your Ohio State mailbox. Here’s a preview from the online version of onCampus:
- New editor Jeff McCallister brings community newspaper experience, vision to onCampus. Read more >
- College of Engineering researchers say it’s time to generate energy solutions – not speculate about peak oil supply. Read more >

RABIN TO DISCUSS EFFECT OF STRESS ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

Bruce S. Rabin, professor of Pathology and Psychiatry and Medical Director, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Healthy Lifestyle Program, will present: “Effective Countermeasures for the Effect of Stress on Mental and Physical Health: Do They Work in a Community Setting?” at 10 a.m. Wednesday (12/12) in Davis Heart Lung Auditorium 170. The event is sponsored by the OSU Center for Personalized Health Care, the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research and the Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology & Medical Genetics. Contact: Carolyn Evans, 292-2252. Read more >

SUBMISSIONS SOUGHT FOR UNIVERSITY’S ANNUAL DIVERSITY REPORT

The OSU Collaborative Diversity Initiative is accepting submissions for the 2008 edition of “Facets of Diversity,” Ohio State’s annual diversity report. The theme of this year’s publication is “Diversity and Social Responsibility.” Submissions should be 500 words or less. The deadline for submission is Monday (12/31), with a publication date of spring 2008. For details or a copy of last year’s report, contact Trina Phillips at phillips.564@osu.edu or 688-4240. Read more >

MEETINGS, ANNOUNCEMENTS ON THE ONCAMPUS BULLETIN BOARD

There will be a memorial service at the Faculty Club at 6:30 p.m. Friday (12/7) to honor Jules LaPidus, former dean of the OSU Graduate School and arts supporter, who died on Monday (12/3) after a short illness. The local chamber music ensembles have volunteered to participate. For details of this and other meetings that may be of interest to OSU faculty and staff, check out the Announcements/Meetings section of the onCampus Bulletin Board. The bulletin board is available to all OSU faculty and staff. All you need to do is register using your OSU Internet ID (name.#).

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Nominations should be submitted by Friday (12/14) for the university’s Distinguished Service Award, that recognizes individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the university. Nominees may include those who have served in academic or administrative positions at the university, as well as alumni and other non-university individuals. Recipients are recognized at each Commencement ceremony. For details and a list of past recipients are available online.

OHIO SCHOLASTIC PLAY-BY-PLAY CLASSIC TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (12/7) for the Play-by-Play Classic at Value City Arena, featuring some of the best high school players in the nation and around Ohio. The event will take place Saturday (1/12/08) and consists of five games starting at 1:15 p.m.. Teams competing are Zanesville, Harding, Chillicothe, Newark, St. Edwards, Libbey, Northland, DeSales, Canal Winchester and Withrow. Tickets range from $40 to $14 and are available at the Schottenstein Center Box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge at 431-3600 or ticketmaster.com