Welcome

Welcome and General Information

The 26th Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology will take place June 10-14, 2007, at the Westin Rio Mar in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. This Caribbean island, visited by Christopher Columbus in 1493, offers amazing natural beauty, historical and cultural sites, outdoor activities, and sparkling beaches.

The Westin Rio Mar Beach Golf Resort & Spa is a self-contained resort that is 20 miles from the Luiz Muñoz Marin International airport, which is near San Juan. The Westin offers a wonderful family environment and activities for all interests including one mile of white, sandy beach, a water sports center and dive shop, golf, two seaside pools, a spa, and eleven restaurants. You can enjoy the beach on a sunny day and watch the weather systems evolve over the El Yunque tropical rainforest in the adjacent Luquillo mountain range.

You are encouraged to make early plans to attend this unique venue. In contrast to the clusters of hotels available at meetings held in large cities, The Westin Rio Mar is a 500-acre property and does not have other hotels in close proximity.

Toxicologic Pathology and Novel Technologies

“Toxicologic Pathology and Novel Technologies,” is the theme of the 26th Symposium, which is divided into six half-day sessions. As has always been true, innovation leads to the discovery of new technologies and provides the engine for new generations of tools and products. This year's STP symposium will highlight a few of the key areas where innovative technologies are impacting the practice of toxicologic pathology. Sessions will focus on drug delivery technologies, medical devices, genetically based and other novel therapeutic technology platforms, and emerging tools in toxicologic pathology. While each session will focus on a technology platform, there will be a clear emphasis on the toxicology and pathology issues that emerge from the platform. Change is inevitable and the pace of innovation and emergence of new technologies is continually accelerating. This year's STP symposium will demonstrate some of the challenges and opportunities that abound for toxicologic pathologists within this wave of innovation.

Agenda

STP is very fortunate to have Dr. Edith Mathiowitz, Professor of Medical Science and Engineering and Director of the Graduate Program in Artificial Organs, Biomaterials, and Cellular Technology in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biotechnology of Brown University as the keynote speaker. Dr. Mathiowitz received her Ph.D. in the Department of Structural Chemistry at the Weizmann Institute. At MIT, she continued her research as a postdoctoral student under Dr. Robert Langer. Since then, Dr. Mathiowitz has been involved in research, developing oral bioadhesive delivery systems for proteins and genes, microencapsulation of proteins and genes, and tissue engineering of vascular grafts. She has published 90 papers, has 30 patents, and is a consultant to many biotech companies. She is also the founder of Spherics. a Rhode Island biotech company.

Continuing Education Courses

NTP Symposium — Pathology Potpourri — Saturday, June 9
Free Event; registration required

The interactive symposium is organized by Susan Elmore, MS, DVM, DACVP of NIEHS. The object of this symposium hasn't changed from the last couple of years-it is to provide continuing education on interpreting pathology slides, to generate lively and productive conversation, and to have a good time. This is a free session, for meeting attendees, but due to space limitations, registration is required.

A select group of images from each speaker on the Website listed below. This is something new that we are trying this year and we hope that attendees will have a chance to view some or all of these images before the symposium. Follow the directions below to view the images at a variety of magnifications.

1. Go to http://sci-images.niehs.nih.gov/pwg/STP_07

2. Open the folder that corresponds with the image that you are looking
for.

3. Scroll to the bottom of that folder.

4. Click on the file named "Zoomify_AutoResize.htm"

5. Use the characters at the bottom to manipulate the image (move image,
increase or decrease the magnification).

CE Courses

Two half day and one full day Continuing Education Courses will be offered this year on Sunday, June 10.
Additional fee

CE 1 — Sunday AM
Toxicologic Pathology of Natural Products, Co-sponsored with the C. L. Davis Foundation

CE 2 — Sunday PM
Carcinogenomics: An Evolution of Oncogenicity Assessment for Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals

SOLD OUT—CE 3 — Sunday AM and PM
Toxicogenomics for Pathologists: Transcriptome Data Bring H&E Slides to Life (limited to 30 people)

Please see Agenda for course details.

Preparing Figures for Publication

STP will again offer free technology theatre sessions on how to prepare figures for publication and the ethics of image manipulation. Learn more about making adjustments to your photomicrographs with photoimaging software. The sessions, which were very popular last year, will be lengthened to 30 minutes. They will be offered Monday through Wednesday at 7:30 AM and on Monday at 12:30 PM. To sign up for one of the free sessions, e-mail stp@toxpath.org. Sign up will also be available at the registration desk at the meeting.

Bring Your Problem Images

In addition, a photoimaging professional will be available by appointment to answer one-on-one questions about specific problem images at the NTP booth. For more information or to set up an appointment in advance for a one-on-one session, email stp@toxpath.org and you will be contacted to set an appointment time.

Session in Spanish

Free session for registrants­(during the lunch break)
Significance of Parameters from Hematology, Biochemistry and Clinical Lesions for Pathology Evaluation. Example: Lipopolysaccharide
(Significado de Parámetros Hematológicos, Bioquímicos y Síntomas Clínicos para la Evaluación de Estudios de Toxicología. Derivado de Lipopolisacáridos (LPS) ­ Un Ejemplo)

Dr. K. Weber, Dra. L.L.Romeo , RCC Ltd., Itingen, Switzerland
This session will be presented in Spanish and is open to all registrants. Please see Agenda for session details.
La presentación será en español.

Career Speaker

Free session for registrants­(during the lunch break)
The Career Development and Recruitment Committee will present a free short program for all attendees over the Monday lunch break on June 11.

Exhibit Hall

Registered scientific meeting attendees should take advantage of visiting the Exhibit Hall to view the latest trends and technology in the field of toxicologic pathology. In addition, enjoy a continental breakfast Monday through Wednesday, lunch Monday and Wednesday as well as the Opening Reception Sunday evening in the Exhibit hall. Be sure to schedule plenty of Exhibit Hall time while planning your meeting itinerary.

Exhibit Space Available

STP will again host an Exhibit Hall during the meeting for companies offering products and services related to the field of toxicologic pathology. Due to the popularity at the previous meeting, booth space has been expanded this year. More information is available under the Exhibits menu. Please contact Judy Brazel, at judy@toxpath.org. or (703) 438-7508 Exhibits Manager, if your company would like to reserve space or if you need more information.

Meeting Timeline

Abstract submission Deadline: April 15, 2007
Advance Registration Deadline: April 1, 2007
Pre-Registration Deadline: May 10, 2007
Hotel Reservation Deadline: May 4, 2007
Cancellation Deadline: May 1, 2007

Meeting Events

Town Hall Meeting

Members of the STP Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee will lead a discussion on Image Handling in Pathology at 5:30 PM Monday, June 11.

Awards Ceremony

The Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 13 at 5:30 PM. Student travel winners and other STP Award recipients will be recognized at this time.

Annual Business Meeting

The Annual Business Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 13, at 5:50 PM immediately following the Awards Ceremony, for members.

Student Travel Awards

Travel Awards are available to Graduate Students for participation in the 26th Annual Symposium of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology. Recipients will be awarded a grant to defray registration, travel, and logging costs associated with attending the convention, and complimentary student membership (for 2008). Recipients will be honored at an Awards Ceremony prior to the Annual Business Meeting on Wednesday.

Social Events

Welcome Reception

The Welcome Reception will be held on Sunday evening, June 10. Admission to the Welcome Reception is included in the member, non-member, student and spouse/guest registration fees. Come and enjoy a relaxing evening mingling with friends and colleagues. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and two drink tickets will be provided to all registered attendees.

Student Reception

Attention Students: on Sunday evening, June 10, the Society invites you to a special reception. This will be a fun opportunity to meet fellow students, and interact with scientists representing all facets of the Society as you discuss your future and the various career paths available to you. This function has been the highlight of past meetings for many students. Come and take advantage of the unique networking opportunity. All registrants are encouraged to attend.

President’s Reception

The President’s Gala Reception will be held on Wednesday evening, June 13. One ticket to this event is provided to Member, Nonmember, and Student Registrants as well as registered Spouse/Guests. Additional tickets can be purchased for $65. Attire will be casual.

Island Activities

Optional Tours

STP will organize optional tours on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. You can sign up for the tours when you use the online registration form (or print the pdf form). Please register for the tours by April 1. After that date tour registrations will be accepted contingent upon availability of additional buses.

Old San Juan plus Bacardi Rum Factory Tour
First you will be transported to the world famous Bacard Rum Ditillery for a guided tour of its 127 acre plant, museum, tropical gardens, open air pavilion and gift shop. Next you will visit charming Old San Juan, the second oldest city in the New World. The tour includes a visit to San Cristobal Fortress and a walking tour of the city. Duration: Approximately 6-7 hours

This tour is offered Tuesday (June 12) at 12:30 pm (Free afternoon) or Thursday, June 14 at 12:30 pm
Cost $60 per person (Sign up online when you register or on the mail/fax form.)

El Yunque Rainforest Tour
The Caribbean National Rain Forest, known as El Yunque, is the only tropical forest in the United States National Forest System. The rainforest is about ten minutes from the Westin. Its rugged land climbs from almost sea level to about 3,500 feet above sea level. It receives up to 200 inches of rain every year. Be sure to pack a light rain jacket for the short showers. It is home to thirteen species of coqui frog and the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours

This tour is offered Tuesday (June 12) at 1:00 pm (Free afternoon) or Thursday, June 14 at 1:00 pm
Cost $50 per person (Sign up online when you register or on the mail/fax form.)

A minimum of 30 participants will be needed to hold each tour.

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure and Other Tours Available through the Hotel

Another highly recommended activity is the bioluminescent bay kayak adventure. This is an evening tour that takes place in the nearby town of Fajardo. You can touch the waters that glow with bioluminescent organisms. For more information or to sign up for this and other tours, please contact the concierge desk at (787) 888-6000.

Water Sports

Wave runners, kayaks, waterbikes, windsurfers, and sailboats are available by calling (787) 888-6000 or visiting the water sports kiosk next to the beach bar and pool. Snorkeling and SCUBA diving trips for both beginning and advanced divers are also available. A discover SCUBA clinic is offered daily. A resort diving course or complete certification from experienced instructors is also offered.

Golf

Call (787) 888-7060 or email teetime@westinriomar.com to reserve golf tee off times at the Ocean Course (designed by Tom and George Fazio) or the River Course (Greg Norman).

Kids Club

The Westin has an excellent children’s program, Club Iguana, for a full day, half day or evening. Supervision and activities are offered for ages 4­12. Pre-registration is required. Extension 6255.

A Special Note for the Physically Challenged

STP wishes to take steps that are required to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services. If you need any auxiliary aids or services identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any assistance in registering for this meeting, please contact STP Headquarters at (703) 438-7508, ext. 1443 or e-mail stp@toxpath.org.

Temperature/Attire

The average summer temperature is 85º. Casual, comfortable attire is appropriate. A sweater or light jacket may also be needed for the air-conditioned meeting rooms.

Required Documentation to Enter Puerto Rico

U.S. Citizens

Citizens of The United States are not required to have a passport since Puerto Rico is a U.S. Commonwealth. Proof of citizenship is required such as a driver’s license with photo ID or a birth certificate (or passport). More information is available on the State Department Web site: http://travel.state.gov.

As a commonwealth, Puerto Rico subscribes to all the laws that apply to traveling and border crossing in the United States. Visitors from other countries must have a valid, scannable passport. Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (The EU, Australia, New Zealand, and some Latin American countries) do not need visas to enter Puerto Rico. Citizens of Canada will require a passport. Citizens of Mexico will require a nonimmigrant visa or border crossing card. Visit http://travel.state.gov to verify that you have current information.

Currency Exchange

The currency of Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar.

Electricity

Puerto Rico has the 110V AC system used in America.

Language

English and Spanish are the official languages of Puerto Rico.

Taxes & Tipping

There is no sales tax in Puerto Rico (as of October 2006), but a new tax is under consideration. Hotels with casinos charge 11% tax. A 15-20% tip is customary in resturants if not already included in the bill.

Time Zone

From early April until late October, the time in Puerto Rico is the same as New York and Washington, D.C. It is in the Atlantic Standard time zone, but does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Puerto Rico time is one hour later than Eastern Standard Time the remainder of the year.

Web Sites About Puerto Rico

www.gotopuertorico.com

www.meetpuertorico.com

Sponsors

STP wishes to thank its 2007 Corporate Sponsors for their generous support of the Society and its activities, which include all events and scientific sessions at the Annual Meeting. Their donations make it possible for STP to continue to offer high quality science at an affordable fee.

Sponsorship Opportunities