University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 12-06-2012

Spanning the cell: This image shows a fiber-optically trapped and rotated human smooth muscle cell in the center of two transversely offset fibers.

Physicists create fiber-optic wrench

UT Arlington physicists have developed a fiber-optic spanner, or wrench, that uses two laser beams to stably rotate and move microscopic objects, such as living cells, an innovation that will help scientists work more efficiently at the microscopic level.

The new technology surpasses current methods of fiber-optic rotation because it allows the object to be rotated at any axis, giving a fuller view. Through this method, cancer cells could be imaged during rotation or oocyte cells could be moved during in vitro fertilization, researchers say. The spanner also can use a “rotating bead handle” to twist and untwist DNA molecules to allow sequencing more rapidly than current methods.

The innovation is detailed in a new report, “Fiber-optic Spanner,” published in the journal Optics Letters. Samarendra Mohanty, assistant physics professor, led the research team and co-authored the paper with doctoral student Bryan Black.

“This technique overcomes many of the challenges to working with optically trapped microscopic objects and has numerous possibilities for nanotechnology and biotechnology,” Dr. Mohanty says. “It is widely applicable because it is not limited by the sample’s shape and does not require any mechanical motion of the fiber. Also, because the tools are fiber-optic, they can be used at a larger depth inside closed environments such as the body.”

Read more about the fiber-optic spanner.

Dr. Khosrow Behbehani

Bioengineering chair named IEEE fellow

Khosrow Behbehani, chair of the Department of Biogengineering, has been named a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Dr. Behbehani, also a bioengineering professor, was honored for his contributions to the development of respiratory therapy devices in chronic pulmonary diseases. He becomes the seventh UT Arlington faculty member to be elevated to IEEE fellow.

The majority of Behbehani’s work has focused on inventing devices and methods for diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. In the 1990s, he and his team developed a device for treating sleep apnea patients, which was commercialized and used for treatment on several hundred people. Behbehani and his colleagues hold nine U.S. patents on devices and methods related to sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment.

“Behbehani’s work on sleep apnea is so important because the malady affects so many people in various ways,” says Jean-Pierre Bardet, dean of the College of Engineering. “And Behbehani’s sleep apnea research could lead to all kinds of different applications from here. What’s important is that better detection can lead to early and effective treatment.”

Read more about Behbehani and the IEEE.

Planetarium to include 3-D

The Planetarium at UT Arlington is making changes that will give patrons an even better picture of the galaxy and beyond, including the opportunity to experience 3-D features.

A new Digistar 5 projection system will be installed this month and will be used for shows beginning in 2013. The planetarium, which is part of the College of Science, is the only North Texas facility with the new software.

“With these new features, we will be able to act as if we’re riding in an alien spacecraft visiting other vistas of the universe, such as extra-solar planets orbiting distant stars,” says Levent Gurdemir, the planetarium’s director. “The new software also will allow us to virtually fly from one location to another on Earth because they’ve integrated Google’s terrain map data. So, we can visit volcanoes, fault lines, or even take a tourist trip to New York City.”

Read more about the Planetarium and Digistar 5.

Holiday reception Dec. 12 features fun, food, festivities

"Sharing the Spirit of the Holidays" is the theme for the annual Faculty and Staff Holiday Reception 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12. The event will be held in College Park Center for the first time.

President James D. Spaniolo is the host and featured speaker, delivering his Maverick interpretation of a traditional holiday reading. Enjoy the festive sounds of the UT Arlington Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Tim Ishii, professor of music.

Holiday refreshments will be served. The reception is sponsored in part by UT Arlington Dining Services.

HUB Vendor Fair features 38 underutilized businesses

Representatives of 38 historically underutilized businesses will have information available at the HUB Vendor Fair 9-11 a.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 6, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Get information on computers, laptops, printers, logoed apparel, banners, furniture, lab equipment, leather items, art samples, and more. Door prizes, snacks, and giveaways are included.

For information, contact Jean Carlton, director of the HUB program, at 2-2140 or carlton@uta.edu.

Maverick ornaments available

Add some Maverick blue and orange to your holiday decorations with ornaments from the UTA Bookstore.

The orange glass ball ornament is screen-printed with a finely detailed school graphic.

Handcrafted solid pewter is color-dipped blue with a matching cord and the mascot engraved on the front.

Both are $9.95.

Remember to complete compliance training; deadline is Friday

Complete your compliance training online by the end of the day Friday, Dec. 7. You must complete all of the training modules listed to receive credit. After the deadline, the names of faculty and staff who have not completed their training will be forwarded to their immediate supervisors.

Access the University's training website and insert your Net ID and password. Your training curriculum will appear after you log in. If you have questions or need assistance, contact the compliance help line at 2-2080 or compliance@uta.edu.

Maverick mentoring is In Reach

The In Reach Maverick Mentor Program is seeking faculty and staff to help students start their college career.

The program encourages academic excellence, enhances self-awareness, and promotes the personal growth of participating students by providing caring guidance from qualified faculty and staff, tools and opportunities to develop academically, and awareness of the University’s student support services and resources.

If you are interested in mentoring a first-year student, apply at uta.edu/diversity. Requirements are a monthly 30-minute meeting with your mentee, regular communication throughout the academic year, and attendance at sponsored activities for the In Reach program.

For more information, contact Zeb Strong in the Office of Human Resources at mentoring@uta.edu.

Dog days Duke, a three-year-old golden retriever, gets attention from Abby Wilson, therapy animal handler for Paws with Partners, and Jason Gonzales, electrical engineering junior. Duke was among the dogs providing therapy for students (and faculty and staff, if needed) as they prepare for final exams this week. The Paws for Finals program is a partnership of the UT Arlington Library and Paws with Partners, a registered dog therapy volunteer group.

Texas Tradition Chorus to perform

The Texas Tradition Chorus, a women's group that sings a cappella four-part barbershop harmony, will perform at the Friends of the Library holiday meeting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, in the sixth floor atrium of the Central Library.

Friends meetings are free and open to all. The program will be followed by a reception. The holiday meeting fills quickly, so RSVP to 2-1413 or email LibraryFriends@uta.edu.

For more information, contact Maggie Dwyer at 2-5366 or dwyer@uta.edu.

University Club special today

Enjoy the monthly University Club lunch buffet special today, Thursday, Dec. 6.

The special first Thursday lunch includes prime rib of beef au jus, grilled Portobello vegetarian mushrooms, fall salad with spring mix and red onions, herb-roasted new potatoes, broccoli spears with hollandaise, sautéed zucchini and squash with red and yellow peppers, and turtle cheesecake.

The University Club is on the ground floor in Davis Hall. Lunch is $8 and is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Help fill the SAC food drive

Bring non-perishable items to the Staff Advisory Council food drive through Friday, Dec. 14.

There are drop-off boxes in Davis Hall, the Central Library, E.H. Hereford University Center, University Hall, the Health Center, the Social Work Complex, Maverick Activities Center, and Arlington Regional Data Center.

The drive benefits the Tarrant Area Food Bank. For more information, email staff_advisory_council@uta.edu.

Planetarium hosts toy drive

The Planetarium is collecting toys for Cook Children’s Medical Center. Help make the holidays a little brighter by donating a new, unwrapped toy. Bring donations to the Planetarium ticket booth in the Chemistry and Physics Building.

In return, receive a $2 discount on any adult ticket through Sunday, Dec. 30.

Need ideas on what to donate? See the Cook Children’s wish list.

Staff Advisory Council

In this month's general meeting, hear presentations from Information Security on campus computer security and Human Resources on a new benefit with UT Southwestern. All staff members welcome to attend. Free. 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 11, Student Congress chambers, lower level, E.H. Hereford University Center. Staff Advisory Council, staff_advisory_council@uta.edu.

Dealing Effectively with Conflict and Confrontation

A basic introduction to managing conflict and improving skills to reduce conflict for win-win results, as presented by a licensed counselor from the Employee Assistance Program. Learn how to diffuse conflict in the workplace and in your personal life. Free. 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources training classes.

Employment Information

Check out employment opportunities at uta.edu/jobs. Have questions? Call Human Resources/Employment Services at 2-3461 or TDD 2-8139, or email employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

On the rebound: Aron Garcia equaled her season high with 11 rebounds against UT Pan American. She leads the team with 6.6 per game.

Women lose close one to UT Pan American

Kiara Parker scored 16 points, but the women’s basketball team fell just short in a 59-57 loss to UT Pan American on Tuesday in College Park Center.

The defeat was the third straight for the Mavericks, who were beaten at Nebraska-Omaha and Fresno State last weekend and now stand 1-7.

After a break for final exams, the women visit North Texas at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, before hosting Oklahoma State at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22.

Men now 4-2, break for final exams

Greg Gainey scored 17 points to lead the men’s basketball team past UT Pan American on Monday in Edinburg, after the Mavericks fell to UT Austin on Saturday.

Coach Scott Cross' club is now 4-2 and will break for final exams before hosting Houston Baptist at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, in College Park Center.

Movin' Mavs notch tourney wins

The Movin’ Mavs wheelchair basketball team picked up wins over Houston and Austin but lost twice to the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks in a community tournament last weekend.

The Movin’ Mavs, now 13-2 and 5-0 in collegiate play, return to action Jan. 11-13 with a tournament at Birmingham, Ala., and then will host a college division tournament Jan. 18-19 in College Park Center.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, uta.edu/movinmavs, or uta.edu/campusrec.)

Friday, Dec. 7

Happy Holidays Gift Market Meet artisans and collectors while visiting DIY craft tables and shopping. Noon-7 p.m. Also 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Maverick Activities Center.

Psychology Colloquium Series Miguel Quinones, the O. Paul Corley Distinguished Chair in Organizational Behavior at the SMU Cox School of Business, discusses “Born to Network? A Longitudinal Examination of Social Capital Development Among MBA Students.” Dr. Quinones is an expert in human resource management as well as organizational development and change. Free. Noon, Room 122, Life Science Building. Psychology.

BFA Exhibition Opening Reception Artists' reception and awards ceremony for the graduating seniors exhibiting their work in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibit. Free. 5-7 p.m., The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

Friends of the Library Holiday concert features the Texas Tradition Chorus. RSVP to 2-1413 or LibraryFriends@uta.edu. Free. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Friends of the Library.

Coming up

Faculty and Staff Holiday Reception President James D. Spaniolo is the host and featured speaker, delivering his Maverick interpretation of a traditional holiday reading. Enjoy the festive sounds of the UT Arlington Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Tim Ishii, professor of music. Holiday refreshments will be served. 3-5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12, College Park Center. Faculty and Staff Holiday Reception.

Men's Basketball 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, vs. Houston Baptist; 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, vs. New Mexico State; 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, vs. Denver. Tickets $6-$15. College Park Center. Athletics.

Commencement December ceremonies. See schedule. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 14-16, College Park Center.

Planetarium: Not the End of the World Party Telescopic observations, lectures, planetarium shows, arts and crafts, and more. $2-$15. 7 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Dec. 21, Planetarium.

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Oklahoma State. Tickets $6. 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, College Park Center. Athletics.

Ongoing

BFA Exhibition Recent work created by 60 graduating seniors of the Department of Art and Art History is showcased in a variety of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, glass, printmaking, film/video, photography, and visual communication. Through Saturday, Dec. 15. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays, The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

African Art Collection Includes works collected by Jonathan Campbell, professor and chair of the Department of Biology, and his wife, Tanya Dowdey. Free. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Room 2109, Visual Resources Commons, Fine Arts Building. Through Friday, Dec. 21. African Art Collection.

India Unveiled: The Photography of Robert Arnett A collection of images highlighting the diversity of India and its various regions. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, through Jan. 5, 2013, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Special Collections.

Pearls of the Antilles: Printed Maps of Caribbean Islands A look at maps and how they reflect and shape the history of Caribbean islands. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, through Feb. 9, 2013, Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library.

Planetarium Enjoy the holiday schedule through Sunday, Dec. 30. Holiday shows include Holiday Music Magic and Season of Light. Planetarium.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)