AALAS 2010 National Meeting Video Recap

Utah Wins Branch of the Year

The Branch Challenge Award was presented to the Utah Branch because it met all of the criteria for participation and had the largest percent increase of national AALAS members.

These Branches were also recognized for qualifying: Arizona Branch, Central Ohio Branch, Florida Branch, Iowa Branch, Louisiana Branch, Orange County Branch, Southern Wisconsin Branch,and Three Rivers Branch.

Congratulations to AALAS National Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2010 AALAS national award winners! They were honored at the Opening General Session on October 10 in Atlanta during AALAS' National Meeting:

Charles A. Griffin Award

William J. White

$2,500 honorarium

Nathan R. Brewer Scientific Achievement Award

Jean Nemzek

$2,000 honorarium

Joseph J. Garvey Award

Don Bradford

$2,000 honorarium

George R. Collins Award

Eileen Morgan

$2,000 honorarium

Pravin N. Bhatt Young Investigators Award

Diana Scorpio

$1,000 honorarium

Technician of the Year

Nicole Libal

$1,500 honorarium

Technician Publication Award

Dominic Montani

$500 honorarium

New Educational Support for Branches

By Dr. Ann Turner, Executive Director

During the AALAS National Meeting in Atlanta, the Board of Trustees announced the establishment of the Ben Cohen Branch Educational Fund. This program honors one of the founding fathers of AALAS, Dr. Ben Cohen, who was committed to enhancing the training and education of all those who work in the laboratory animal science field. It is fitting that this fund was established to support educational programs offered through the AALAS branches.

Branches may apply for up to $1,000 per year for regular programming, and up to $5,000 for supplemental funding for large or special events in addition to the regular funding. Examples of eligible expenses include speaker’s fees, travel, and expenses; workshop/wet lab expenses; and local AREA (student) program expenses.

To be eligible to apply for financial support, the branch must meet these criteria:

• have at least 10 members who are AALAS national members;
• provide to the AALAS national office a list of current officers within 30 days of the election;
• provide a current membership roster, including contact information for members, to the AALAS national office by May 1;
• provide a current copy of their constitution and bylaws; and
• provide evidence of IRS tax-exempt status or evidence of IRS tax filing.

Compliant branches may submit to the national office (by mail or email, addressed to me) a request for funding to support qualified educational programs offered by the branch. Applications must include a letter of support from at least one Trustee from the applying branch’s district. Applications for regular funding (up to $1,000) must be received by the national office at least 60 days prior to the event. Applications for supplemental funding (up to $5,000) must be received approximately 6 weeks prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting preceding the event. Funding cannot be awarded retroactive to the event or program.

For questions about the Ben Cohen Branch Educational fund, contact me at the national office at ann.turner@aalas.org.

Last Minute Tips for National Meeting

The National Meeting is only three weeks away! Here are some last minutes news and tips.

• Late registration closes this week! Although you may register onsite, it's quick and easy to do so online.
• Although the housing bureau is no longer open, you can still contact the hotels directly to make reservations. Click here for a list of hotels in the AALAS block and a map.
• The following workshops have sold out: W-5, W-10, W-13, W-23, and W-24.
• To get to your hotel from the airport, Atlanta Airport Shuttle is offering a round-trip price for $27. Pre-registration is not required. Contact them at 404-762-3007 or online.

See you in Atlanta!

National Meeting Update

The 61st annual AALAS National Meeting is just a little over a month away! Early registration ends on September 1. Be sure to take advantage of this discount!

Please be aware of spam emails, faxes, and phone calls claiming to help you book housing for the AALAS National Meeting. These hotels are not in the AALAS housing block, and many are much farther away. Use this housing link or send email to housing@atlanta.net to be included in the AALAS block. AALAS does not call or fax you. Ignore email that doesn't come from aalas.org.

Program and Events
The education program starts on Sunday, October 10 and runs through Thursday, October 14. To browse the sessions and events and create an online itinerary, click here.

The exhibit hall has new hours this year. The exhibit hall will open on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. instead of the usual Monday. It will stay open until Thursday, 1 p.m. In addition to the commercial exhibitors, the exhibit hall also includes the poster sessions, Cyber Café, and booths for the affiliated organizations of AALAS.

Don't miss the Opening General Session! Held on Sunday, October 10 at 5 p.m., the program will feature the 2010 awards ceremony, as well as a keynote speech by Paul Wolpe. Following the session is a welcome reception open to all attendees.

The General Membership Meeting takes place on Monday at 5 p.m. Meet the new AALAS leadership and enter to win a drawing for $200!

For additional news about the AALAS National Meeting, visit our website.

Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteers are still needed to facilitate sessions in Atlanta. Responsibilities will vary with each session, but usually include passing out handouts, working with the moderator to ensure that the speaker can be heard at the back of the room, and helping attendees find seats after the session has started. Facilitators do not introduce speakers.

If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form here.

Atlanta T-Shirts
The Local Arrangements Committee has created a commemorative T-shirt for the 61st National Meeting in Atlanta. Who doesn't want a piano playing mouse on their shirt? They look great and only cost $10 for short sleeve and $15 for long sleeve. To get yours today, click here.

The shirts can be picked up at the Local Arrangements Committee booth with your receipt as verification. Shipping is not available, so please designate someone to get your shirt if you are unable to attend. A small number will be sold at the meeting but don't wait in case you miss out!

New Guide Comparison Document

AALAS has created a free comparison table for the 1996 vs. 2010 Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Go to the Free Downloads section of the AALAS website where you can download the document.

AALAS National Election Results

Please congratulate the newly elected Vice-President Elect, Trustees, and Alternate Trustees. Terms begin at the close of the 2010 AALAS National Meeting.

Vice President-Elect: Kim E. Saunders, DVM, DACLAM
District 1 Trustee: Laura A. Conour, DVM, DACLAM
District 1 Alternate Trustee: Marie A. Ortega, BA, RLATG, CPIA
District 3 Trustee: Shannon A. Stutler, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, CPIA, DACLAM
District 5 Trustee: Stacy R. Wells, BS, MBA, RLATG
District 6 Trustee: Paige A. Ebert, BS, MBA, CMAR, RLATG
District 7 Trustee: Cindy A. Buckmaster, PhD, CMAR, RLATG
District 8 Trustee: Gene M. Rukavina, AAS, RVT, RLATG
District 8 Alternate Trustee: Vickie R. Riojas, RLATG

June 2010 Issue of Comparative Medicine Now Online

The June issue of Comparative Medicine is now online.

Essential Criteria for Manuscript Review
pp. 176-176(1)
Authors: Toth, Linda A.; Compton, Susan; Tolwani, Ravi; Bagaglio, Melissa H.

Animal Models of Substance Abuse and Addiction: Implications for Science, Animal Welfare, and Society
pp. 177-188(12)
Authors: Lynch, Wendy J.; Nicholson, Katherine L.; Dance, Mario E.; Morgan, Richard W.; Foley, Patricia L.

Effects of Murine Norovirus Infection on a Mouse Model of Diet-Induced Obesity and Insulin Resistance
pp. 189-195(7)
Authors: Paik, Jisun; Fierce, Yvette; Drivdahl, Rolf; Treuting, Piper M.; Seamons, Audrey; Brabb, Thea; Maggio-Price, Lillian

Male CD81 Knockout Genotype Disrupts Mendelian Distribution of Offspring
pp. 196-199(4)
Authors: Mordica, Whitney J.; Gallagher, Ryan J.; Kennedy, Jenna L.; Chapes, Stephen K.

Etiopathogenesis of Mandibulofacial and Maxillofacial Abscesses in Mice
pp. 200-204(5)
Author: Lawson, Gregory W.

Cellular Compensatory Mechanisms in the CNS of Dysmyelinated Rats
pp. 205-217(13)
Author: Kwiecien, Jacek M.

Development and Characterization of a Rat Model of Nonpenetrating Liver Trauma
pp. 218-224(7)
Authors: Cox, Jennifer M.; Kalns, John E.

Mapping the Anatomy of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection of the Upper Airways in Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera)
pp. 225-232(8)
Authors: Grieves, Jessica L.; Jurcisek, Joseph A.; Quist, Brian; Durbin, Russell K.; Peeples, Mark E.; Durbin, Joan E.; Bakaletz, Lauren O.

Comparison of Lactate, Base Excess, Bicarbonate, and pH as Predictors of Mortality after Severe Trauma in Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)
pp. 233-239(7)
Authors: Hobbs, Theodore R.; O'Malley, Jean P.; Khouangsathiene, Samone; Dubay, Christopher J.

AALAS National Meeting Registration Open

Online registration for the 61th AALAS National Meeting in Atlanta is now open.

Registered attendees may also sign up for workshops online. Remember, you must be registered for the meeting before you can register for workshops. Exhibitors must register through their companies.

The preliminary meeting program will be available soon. In the meantime, check the AALAS National Meeting website for the latest updates.

See you in Atlanta!

AALAS National Election is Now Open

The AALAS National Election opened June 1. If your AALAS National membership was current on May 1 but you have not received an email or a paper ballot, you may request a replacement ballot by contacting election@aalas.org. Please include your member number, current email and address information in your message. All ballots, whether paper or electronic, must be received by Survey & Ballot Systems no later than June 30. Only one ballot per eligible member will be counted (online or paper).

Did you Receive the Online Voting Test Email?

On May 11-12, Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) sent test emails to all national members whose memberships were current at the time the election reports were pulled. If you provided AALAS with a valid email address but did not receive the test message, check your junk mail and deleted items folders, and make sure that the following information is added to your email safe senders list.

From: AALAS Election Coordinator (AALASvote@directvote.net)
Subject: AALAS 2010 National Election login information below.

The election will open the first week of June and remain open for 30 days. Don’t miss your opportunity to vote for a Vice President-Elect candidate and, if positions are open within your district, a trustee and/or alternate trustee who will represent you for the next three years.

Eligible members who did not provide a valid email address will receive a paper ballot that must be returned to the election company no later than June 30. Alternatively, voters may use credentials provided on the paper ballot to cast their votes online. Only one ballot per eligible member will be counted (online or paper).

Online Buyers Guide Provides 3 Tools for Search Efforts

AALAS' online buyer's guide provides three tools to assist with your search efforts:

1. The Desktop Search Tool is a small "widget" that you download and install on your computer. It provides a floating search-engine window from which you can type in keywords.
2. The Firefox Search Plugin adds a search-engine plugin to your Firefox browser.
3. The RFI Tool lets you send one request for information to multiple companies.
   

(Click on image for larger view.)

Ensure Your Email System Accepts Online Voting Link

Don’t miss your chance to vote online in the 2010 AALAS election. All members, whose memberships are current at the time the election reports are pulled, will receive an email from the AALAS election company containing instructions and information to vote online. To ensure receipt of the email(s), please add the following information to your email safe senders list:

From: AALAS Election Coordinator mailto:AALASvote@directvote.net

Subject: AALAS 2010 National Election login information below.

April Issue of Comparative Medicine Now Online

The April issue of Comparative Medicine is now available online.

Knockdown of Bicaudal C in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Causes Cystic Kidneys: A Nonmammalian Model of Polycystic Kidney Disease

pp. 96-106(11)

Authors: Bouvrette, Denise J.; Sittaramane, Vinoth; Heidel, Jerry R.; Chandrasekhar, Anand; Bryda, Elizabeth C.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Morphology and Function in Xenopus

pp. 107-113(7)

Authors: Bartlett, Heather L.; Escalera, Robert B.; Patel, Sonali S.; Wedemeyer, Elesa W.; Volk, Kenneth A.; Lohr, Jamie L.; Reinking, Benjamin E.

Pathogenicity of Aeromonas hydrophila, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis to Brown Tree Frogs (Litoria ewingii)

pp. 114-117(4)

Authors: Schadich, Ermin; Cole, Anthony L.J.

The t(14,15) in Mouse Strain CBA/CaH-T(14;15)6Ca/J Causes a Break in the ADAMTS12 Gene

pp. 118-122(5)

Authors: Acar-Perk, Bengi; Bräutigam, Karen; Grunewald, Regina; Schmutzler, Andreas; Schem, Christian; Arnold, Norbert K.; Jonat, Walter; Weimer, Jörg

Experimental Infection of Mice with Hamster Parvovirus: Evidence for Interspecies Transmission of Mouse Parvovirus 3

pp. 123-129(7)

Authors: Christie, Rachel D.; Marcus, Emily C.; Wagner, April M.; Besselsen, David G.

Guinea Pig Adenovirus Infection Does Not Inhibit Cochlear Transfection with Human Adenoviral Vectors in a Model of Hearing Loss

pp. 130-135(6)

Authors: Hankenson, F Claire; Wathen, Asheley B.; Eaton, Kathryn A.; Miyazawa, Toru; Swiderski, Donald L.; Raphael, Yehoash

Expression Profiles of miRNA-122 and Its Target CAT1 in Minipigs (Sus scrofa) Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet

pp. 136-141(6)

Authors: Cirera, Susanna; Birck, Malene; Busk, Peter K.; Fredholm, Merete

Light Microscopic, Electron Microscopic, and Immunohistochemical Comparison of Bama Minipig (Sus scrofa domestica) and Human Skin

pp. 142-148(7)

Authors: Liu, Yu; Chen, Jun-Ying; Shang, Hai-Tao; Liu, Chang-e; Wang, Yong; Niu, Rong; Wu, Jun; Wei, Hong

Hypocitraturia in Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Assessing a Potential Risk Factor for Urate Nephrolithiasis

pp. 149-153(5)

Authors: Venn-Watson, Stephanie K.; Townsend, Forrest I.; Daniels, Risa L.; Sweeney, Jay C.; McBain, Jim W.; Klatsky, Leigh J.; Hicks, Christie L.; Staggs, Lydia A.; Rowles, Teri K.; Schwacke, Lori H.; Wells, Randall S.; Smith, Cynthia R.

Use of Biomarkers of Collagen Types I and III Fibrosis Metabolism to Detect Cardiovascular and Renal Disease in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

pp. 154-158(5)

Authors: Ely, John J.; Bishop, Micah A.; Lammey, Michael L.; Sleeper, Meg M.; Steiner, Jörg M.; Lee, D Rick

March Issue of JAALAS Now Available

The March issue of JAALAS is now available online.

The Response of C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ Mice to Increased Housing Density

pp. 136-137(2)

Foltz, Charmaine; DeLong, David

Response to Drs Foltz and DeLong's Letter to the Editor:

pp. 136-137(2)

Nicholson, Anthony; Malcolm, Rachel D.; Touma, Chadi; Palme, Rupert; Wiles, Michael V.

Diversity in Laboratory Animal Science: Issues and Initiatives

pp. 138-146(9)

Alworth, Leanne; Ardayfio, Krystal L.; Blickman, Andrew; Greenhill, Lisa; Hill, William; Sharp, Patrick; Talmage, Roberta; Plaut, Victoria C.; Goren, Matt

Moving Research to Patient Applications through Commercialization: Understanding and Evaluating the Role of Intellectual Property

pp. 147-154(8)

Patino, Robert M.

Use of a Body Condition Score Technique to Assess Health Status in a Rat Model of Polycystic Kidney Disease

pp. 155-159(5)

Hickman, Debra L.; Swan, Melissa

Lactate and Adenosine Triphosphate in the Extender Enhance the Cryosurvival of Rat Epididymal Sperm

pp. 160-166(7)

Yamashiro, Hideaki; Toyomizu, Masaaki; Kikusato, Motoi; Toyama, Natsuki; Sugimura, Satoshi; Hoshino, Yumi; Abe, Hiroyuki; Moisyadi, Stefan; Sato, Eimei

Extracellular ATP and Dibutyryl cAMP Enhance the Freezability of Rat Epididymal Sperm

pp. 167-172(6)

Yamashiro, Hideaki; Toyomizu, Masaaki; Toyama, Natsuki; Aono, Nobuya; Sakurai, Masahiro; Hiradate, Yuuki; Yokoo, Masaki; Moisyadi, Stefan; Sato, Eimei

Management and Care of African Dormice (Graphiurus kelleni)

pp. 173-176(4)

Authors: Kastenmayer, Robin J.; Moak, Hannah B.; Jeffress, Erin J.; Elkins, William R.

Disparities in Ammonia, Temperature, Humidity, and Airborne Particulate Matter between the Micro-and Macroenvironments of Mice in Individually Ventilated Caging

pp. 177-183(7)

Rosenbaum, Matthew D.; VandeWoude, Susan; Volckens, John; Johnson, Thomase

Endotoxin, Coliform, and Dust Levels in Various Types of Rodent Bedding

pp. 184-189(6)

Whiteside, Tanya E.; Thigpen, Julius E.; Kissling, Grace E.; Grant, Mary G.; Forsythe, Diane

Efficacy and Limitations of an ATP-Based Monitoring System

pp. 190-195(6)

Turner, Danielle E.; Daugherity, Erin K.; Altier, Craig; Maurer, Kirk J.

Predictors of Matrilineal Overthrows in Large Captive Breeding Groups of Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)

pp. 196-201(6)

Oates-O'Brien, Rhonda Sue; Farver, Thomas Buseck; Anderson-Vicino, Kristen Caron; McCowan, Brenda; Lerche, Nicholas William

Clinical Biochemistry Parameters in C57BL/6J Mice after Blood Collection from the Submandibular Vein and Retroorbital Plexus

pp. 202-206(5)

Fernández, Itziar; Peña, Arantza; Del Teso, Nahia; Pérez, Virginia; Rodríguez-Cuesta, Juan

Chronic, Constant-Rate, Gastric Drug Infusion in Nontethered Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)

pp. 207-214(8)

Strait, Karen R.; Orkin, Jack L.; Anderson, Daniel C.; Muly, E Chris

Diagnosis of Aeromonas hydrophila, Mycobacterium species, and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in an African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis)

pp. 215-220(6)

Hill, William A.; Newman, Shelley J.; Craig, Linden; Carter, Christopher; Czarra, Jane; Brown, J Paige

A Naturally Occurring Outbreak of Tuberculosis in a Group of Imported Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

pp. 221-225(5)

Panarella, Matthew L.; Bimes, Randy S.

Uterine Leiomyoma in a Guyanese Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus sciureus)

pp. 226-230(5)

Long, C Tyler; Luong, Richard H.; McKeon, Gabriel P.; Albertelli, Megan

AALAS at Vet Tech Fair

AALAS Board member Dee Drye, Executive Director Dr. Ann Turner and her husband Darrel at the Vet Tech Fair held in conjunction with the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas, Feb 14-18.

April 5 Deadline for Nominating Petitions

April 5 is the deadline to submit nominating petitions to run for open trustee and alternate trustee positions in the 2010 election. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria and submit nominating petitions with at least 25 signatures of current AALAS national members from within their district. Terms commence at the close of the 2010 AALAS National Meeting in Atlanta.

Open positions for 2011-2013 terms are:

• District 1 Trustee and Alternate Trustee
• District 3 Trustee
• District 5 Trustee
• District 6 Trustee
• District 7 Trustee
• District 8 Trustee and Alternate Trustee

Requirements for eligibility:

• AALAS national membership in good standing for the past five consecutive years.
• Have served in branch leadership and/or on a district, regional or national committee during the past five years.
• Make a three-year commitment to leadership.
• Reside in district of representation.

Send petitions to Amy Sauls at amy.sauls@aalas.org, (fax) 901-334-5150 or mail to 9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125.

February Issue of Comparative Medicine Now Available

Articles can be accessed here.

The AALAS Journals: 2009 in Review

pp. 8-9(2)

Authors: Toth, Linda A.; Compton, Susan; Tolwani, Ravi

7,12-Dimethylbenz[A]Anthracene Induces Sertoli-Leydig-Cell Tumors in the Follicle-Depleted Ovaries of Mice Treated with 4-Vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide

pp. 10-17(8)

Authors: Craig, Zelieann R.; Davis, John R.; Marion, Samuel L.; Barton, Jennifer K.; Hoyer, Patricia B.

Perturbations in Cytokine Gene Expression after Inoculation of C57BL/6 Mice with Pasteurella pneumotropica

pp. 18-24(7)

Authors: Patten, Calvin C.; Myles, Matthew H.; Franklin, Craig L.; Livingston, Robert S.

Spontaneous Coagulopathy in Inbred WAG/RijYcb Rats

pp. 25-30(6)

Authors: Booth, Carmen J.; Brooks, Marjory B.; Rockwell, Sara

Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection in Dutch Belted and New Zealand White Rabbits

pp. 31-37(7)

Authors: Panda, Aruna; Tatarov, Ivan; Melton-Celsa, Angela R.; Kolappaswamy, Krishnan; Kriel, Edwin H.; Petkov, Daniel; Coksaygan, Turhan; Livio, Sofie; McLeod, Charles G.; Nataro, James P.; O'Brien, Alison D.; DeTolla, Louis J.

Refinement of Pig Retroperfusion Technique: Global Retroperfusion with Ligation of the Azygos Connection Preserves Hemodynamic Function in an Acute Infarction Model in Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica)

pp. 38-44(7)

Authors: Harig, Frank; Hoyer, Evelyn; Labahn, Dirk; Schmidt, Joachim; Weyand, Michael; Ensminger, Stephan M.

Infection of Cesarean-Derived Colostrum-Deprived Pigs with Porcine Circovirus Type 2 and Swine Influenza Virus

pp. 45-50(6)

Authors: Wei, Huiling; Lenz, Stephen D.; Van Alstine, William G.; Stevenson, Gregory W.; Langohr, Ingeborg M.; Pogranichniy, Roman M.

Simian Betaretrovirus Infection in a Colony of Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

pp. 51-53(3)

Authors: Fujiomto, Koji; Takano, Jun-ichiro; Narita, Toyoko; Hanari, Koji; Shimozawa, Nobuhiro; Sankai, Tadashi; Yosida, Takashi; Terao, Keiji; Kurata, Takeshi; Yasutomi, Yasuhiro

A Challenge Model for Shigella dysenteriae 1 in Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

pp. 54-61(8)

Authors: Shipley, Steven T.; Panda, Aruna; Khan, Abdul Q.; Kriel, Edwin H.; Maciel, Milton; Livio, Sofie; Nataro, James P.; Levine, Myron M.; Sztein, Marcelo B.; DeTolla, Louis J.

Alterations in Cytokines and Effects of Dexamethasone Immunosuppression during Subclinical Infections of Invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae with Hypermucoviscosity Phenotype in Rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and Cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) Macaques

pp. 62-70(9)

Authors: Burke, Robin L.; West, Michael W.; Erwin-Cohen, Rebecca; Selby, Edward B.; Fisher, Diana E.; Twenhafel, Nancy A.

Orally Ingested 13C2-Retinol is Incorporated into Hepatic Retinyl Esters in a Nonhuman Primate (Macaca mulatta) Model of Hypervitaminosis A

pp. 71-76(6)

Authors: Escaron, Anne L.; Tanumihardjo, Sherry A.

AALAS Website and Database Update

AALAS recently upgraded its membership database and website coding. The upgraded version is PA-DSS compliant and provides greater security for credit card transactions. Part of the upgrade process required changing all usernames and passwords in the database. Because the AALAS web site (www.aalas.org) is connected to the membership database, your new username and password are required for logging into the AALAS website.

To retrieve your new login information, go to the AALAS website and click the "Forgot Info?" link located on the right side of the home page. At the prompt, enter the primary email address that corresponds with your membership contact information. The new username and password will be emailed to the primary email address associated with your membership record. (Example, if the AALAS database has bob@acme.com as your primary address, your login info will be sent to that address. If an alternate email address is used, such as bob@yahoo.com, the message "Primary E-mail address not found" will display.)

Usernames and passwords are case sensitive. Once you login, it is strongly recommended that you change your password.

Movie about Former AALAS National Meeting Speaker

Some of you may have seen Dr. Temple Grandin speak at the 2008 AALAS National Meeting. She is a world-renowned animal science expert who has written several books on animal handling and behavior. Dr. Grandin has designed approximately half of the animal handling systems in the major animal handling and processing operations in the United States.

If you missed her at the AALAS National Meeting, then you can learn more about her from the recently released TV movie, "Temple Grandin." Claire Danes stars as Dr. Grandin. Other notable performers include Catherine O'Hara, Julia Ormond, and David Strathairn.

Go to this link for more movie details: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1278469/

AALAS in Snow

AALAS Web and Database Maintenance

A reminder that the AALAS bookstore closes Thursday, January 28, at 4:00 CST due to a database update. The bookstore is scheduled to reopen Monday, February 1, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The database update will also affect your AALAS username and password for the AALAS website. All usernames and passwords will be reset, and AALAS will email you your new username and password, which you can change if you wish by logging into the AALAS website. If you need to login to the AALAS web site before you receive your new username and password, please call AALAS at 901-754-8620 so we can assist you.

AALAS Bookstore to Close for Maintenance

AALAS' Bookstore will close Thursday, January 28, at 4:00 CST for database maintenance. The Bookstore will reopen on Monday, February 1.

Griffin Foundation President Visits AALAS

Caryl Griffin, BSN, MSN, MDiv, presented a seminar to AALAS staff on January 11.

The Rev. Griffin is the president of the Elizabeth R. Griffin Research Foundation, and the mother of Elizabeth (Beth) who died from B virus infection, transmitted from a rhesus macaque.

Caryl and her family drew great strength in establishing the Foundation, turning the loss of a beloved daughter into a mission of educating the biosafety community about zoonotic diseases, providing a support network to those who have contracted or are at risk of contracting a zoonotic disease, and promoting safe research involving the use of animals.

Caryl shared the history of the foundation, its mission, and its initiatives. Because best biosafety practice depends on effective teamwork and communication among individuals who have the responsibility of safeguarding each other, Caryl also spoke on the mutual dependency of teams, in any profession, working collaboratively with unified goals.










From left, Dr. Ann Turner, AALAS Executive Director; Caryl Griffin; Dr. Nicole Duffee, Director of Education and Scientific Affairs; and Dr. Kathy Deshpande, Educational Resources Editor.

Verify Email Address to Vote Online

Online voting for AALAS vice president-elect and trustees will be available for the 2010 election. An email alert will be sent a few weeks before the election. Please verify that we have your current email address by April 15 to ensure that you receive your ballot email.

Please note that generic email addresses, such as “info@,” are not valid for the election. A unique, personal email address is needed to ensure the validity and security of the online voting. You can check the email address we have on file by logging in to the AALAS website and clicking Edit Profile.

Login information and instructions to access the ballot will be emailed at election time. The ballot will list the candidates for your district trustee and candidates for vice president-elect. Remember, the address where your publications are mailed is the district in which you must vote.

If you want to designate a different email for the AALAS election, this video explains how.