B ~ C 0 R a Still The Second Best Thing About Payday

Katz Sees Directorship as H I G H L I G H ,T., S Campus' Major Unseen Construction Chance to Make a Difference

By Robert Bock Project-'NIH Business System' NIH Business By Rich McManus " I viewed it as a tremendous challenge," Community Plans said NIAMS director Dr. Stephen Katz about New System here is a large construction project on campus that began accepting his institute's direct orship in last September and will likely last for the next 5 years, 1995. "It was an opportunity t o take all consuming the attention of hundreds of workers, costing an Human vs. Ape T that I had learned in science and medicine estimated $50 million over 5 years, and affecting the daily activi­ Differences Probed and make a greater impact than I ever had ties of at least 5,000 NIH'ers. Unlike the turned earth, diverted before." traffic and unsettled parking prompted by construction of the new Clinical Research Center and laboratory Bldgs. 50 and 40, this He came to NIAMS from the National STEP Plans Session project- the NIH Business System (NBS)-is going up without the Cancer Institute, where he served as chief On Addiction usual signs visible to the average employee. And unlike the new of the Dermatology Branch, a position he buildings, the new system will eventually affect everyone who continues to hold. An expert in cancerous works at NIH. and inflammatory disorders of the skin, NCI, Japan Society If you purchase a pipette, prepare travel papers, pay bills, loan Katz has demonstrated that skin is a critical Collaborate or move a piece of equipment, or seek the advice of an outside part of the immune system. In particular, Against Cancer expert, you use a piece of infrastructure often taken for granted his work'has focused on Langerhans cells. called the Administrative Data Base, or ADB, which has been These outermost sentries of the immune around for the last 22 years. An invention of technical wizards at system occur in the outside layer of the the former Division of Computer Research and Technology (now New Executive skin, but frequently report back to immune Officer for NCCAM CIT), it was once a novel tool for handling the approximately cells within the body. 150,000 transactions a day in such fields as inventory, procure­ SEE KATZ, PAGE 8 ment, property, travel, human resources and central accounting. Rowley To Give Pittman Lecture SEE BUSINESS SYSTEM, PAGE 6 Mammography Oxygen Atom Makes Difference Dr. Janet D. Row ley, who is internationally Screening Offered recognized for her work on leukemias and Sugar Chemistry, At Least, Separates lymphomas, will present the NIH Director's Man from Primate Ancestors Margaret Pittman Lecture in the By Rich McManus Wednesday here is a ubiquitous sugar molecule on the cells of humans Afternoon Lect ure Tthat differs only by the lack of a single oxygen atom from a Series, Wednesday, cousin sugar commonly found on cell surfaces of our nearest Apr. 26, at 3 p.m. in genomic ancestors, the great apes. Thus far, it is the sole genetic Masur Auditorium, difference- species-wide- disti nguishing man from chimp, Bldg. 10. The title orangutan, gorilla and bonobo. And from a ll other mammals of her t alk is studied so far. "Cancer Cytogenet­ The sugar in question is sialic acid, which has long been known ics: Is it Passe?" U.S. Department to take two major forms-Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc. While both of Health and have been found in all mammalian cells, including apes, the latter Follow ing the Human Services appears only in trace amounts in humans, probably due to meat D1: Janet Rowley development of National Institutes consumed in the human diet. Thus, while humans are missing banding techniques of Health this common form of sialic acid, their closest evolutionary in the 1970's, Row ley and her colleagues cousins- the great apes- express it in amounts similar to other led the w ay in characterizing a w ide variety April 18, 2000 animals. SEE ROWLEY , PAGE 2 Vol. LIi, No. 8 SEE HUMAN VS. PRIMATE, PAGE 4 ROWLEY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 of specific translocations associated with subgroups STEP Plans Session on Addiction of leukemias and lymphomas. Her research demon­ A Science for All session entitled "Addiction: O ld strated the fundamental role of somatic genetic Problems, N ew Science," will be presented by the alterations in the pathogenesis of human tumors and their clonal development. Subsequently, her labora­ staff training in ext ramural programs committee on tory and many others have utilized modern molecu­ Thursday, Apr. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon in the lar techniques to identity and characterize the Neuroscience Center Bldg., 6001 Executive Blvd., Conf. Rm. C. Dr. Huber R. altered growth regulatory genes at the sites of these Alcoholism, caffeine and nicotine dependence, and Warner has been chromosomal abnormalities, in both hematopoietic named associate and solid tumors. The results are already being various forms of drug a buse have major social and director of the widely used in diagnosis, prognosis and patient economic influence today, touching nearly Biology of Aging management, and recently have demonstrated that everyone's family or associates. The session will Program at the their ultimate promise is leading to specific thera­ explain what is mea nt by addiction, dependence and National Institute pies. abuse; what is known about the development a nd on Aging. BAP In addition, Rowley is a forerunner in applying the underlying mechanisms of addictive disorders: and funds basic current strategies for prevention and treatment. The i-esearch to polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and other molecular techniques to featured speakers w ill be: Dr. Mark Goldman, identify and University of South Florida; Dr. George Koob, characterize the clinical work. The precision and sensitivity of such Scripps Research Institute; and Dr. M a rc Schuckit, genetic and tools have brought a bout a revolution in clinical environmental oncology. This is especially important in establish­ University of California, San D iego. factors that play a ing an accurate diagnosis and prognosis, along with All IH'ers are welcome. Seating is on a fi rst­ role in aging and a reasonable treatment plan. come, first-served basis. No advance registration is are risk factors Rowley has served on numerous boards, including necessary. Inform the STEP office ar 435-2- 69 for age-related most recently as chair of the board of scientific about any need for sign language interpretation or pathology. counselors for the ational Human Genome reasonable accommodation by M onday, Apr. 24. Ill Warner expects the program to Research Institute, as well as the National Cancer M anaging t he Writing of Others expand its Advisory Board, National Cancer Institute and the research in the American Board of Medical Genetics. She is a past If you spend seemingly endless hours rewriting areas of func­ president of the American Society of Human material that comes across your desk, you may want tional genomics, Genetics and is presently on both the scientific and to attend " Managing the Writing of Others'' ro learn stem cells, use of medical advisory boards of the Howard Hughes a writing, coaching and reviewing process. Using microarray Medical Institute. She is also a member of a number the techniques from the class, you will reduce t he analysis, and gene of societies including the National Academy of time you spend reworking documents and increase and cell replace­ Sciences. Rowley is the cofounder and coeditor of writing productivity. For course details, visit http:// ment therapy. He the journal Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer and trainingcenter.od.nih.gov/. Iii joined NIA in 1984 to manage sits on the editorial boards of numerous scientific the Molecular publications. Biology Program, She has received many honors and awards, includ­ and the following ing the Charles S. Mott Prize from the General N I H A f 0 A □ year was pro­ Motors Cancer Research Foundation, the Albert Published biweekly at Bethesda, Md .• by the Editorial Operations moted to chief of Lasker Clinical Research Award, and the N ational Branch, Division of Public Information, for the information of the Molecular and Medal of Science, presented by President Clinton. employees of the National b1Stitutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Ser,•ices. The content is reprintable without Cell Biology Rowley has been a visiting scientist at Oxford and Branch. In 1988, permission. Pictures may be available on request. Use of funds for distinguished visiting professor at Memorial Sloan­ priming this periodical has been approved by the director of the he became deputy Kettering Cancer Center and the Mt. Sinai School of Office of Management and Budget through Sept. 30, 2000. associate director Medicine. She has received honorary degrees from a for the BAP. He NIH Record O ffice Phone 496-2125 spent 20 years at number of institutions. Bldg. 31, Rm. 2B03 Fax 402-1485 the University of The lecture series honors Dr. Margaret Pittman, Minnesota as a who was named, in 1958, chief of the Laboratory of Web address professor in the Bacterial Products in the Division of Biologics http://www.nih.gov/ncws/NIH-Record/archives.htm department of Standards, which was part of NIH at the time. She Editor The NIH Record reserves biochemistry is recognized for her significant contributions to Richard McManus the right to make before moving to microbiology, including work on the development of [email protected] corrections, changes, or NIA. pertussis and tetanus toxin vaccines. She was also deletions in submitted Assistant Editor copy in conformity with the first woman to hold the position of lab chief at Carla Garnett the policies of che paper NIH. [email protected] and HHS. For more information or for reasonable accommo­ dation, call H ilda Madine, 594-5595. Ill .!'i Tl,e Record is recyclable as office white paper. NCI, Japan Society Present Symposium on Cancer Research

he United States-Japan Cooperative Cancer the proposition that the development of all types of TResearch Program, jointly sponsored by NCI human tumor cells are governed by a finite number and the Japan Society fo r the Promotion of Science, of critical mutations. recently presented a symposium entitled "Common Other distinguished speakers Frontiers in Cancer Research" at the atcher discussed various genetic and Conference Center. The purpose was to bring molecular approaches to cancer researchers and scientists together from the United research as promising methods for States and Japan to share their expertise and insights cancer treatment. They provided about cancer research. an overview of cancer genetics, Dr. Joe Harford of NCI welcomed the audience and biomarkers/early detection, acknowledged the contributions that the Japanese apoptosis and angiogenesis. have made not only to science but also to the Tidal Discussions on the first day of the Basin, referring to the cherry trees presented by the symposium included the identifica­ Japanese that bring thousands of visitors to D.C. tion of the functions of specific every year. He said NCI supported 124 Japanese genes that are amplified in the late visiting scientists during fiscal year 1999-more than stages of cancer and the study of from any other country. Dr. Shiro Miwa, director of the function of tumor suppressor JSPS,spoke genes. During the second day, about the discussion shifted from genetics to organization's cell biology. Speakers discussed 5-year plan investigation of the genes respon­ initiated with sible for apoptosis control in Dr. .folm Reed NCI to train human cancers and the proteins that regulate cell discusses the young cancer death during apoptosis, as well as molecular ap­ balance of cell researchers proaches that make cancer cells more susceptible to Ii f e and cell through an cancer drugs. Dr. John Reed of the Burnham death. exchange of Institute explained that using small molecular personnel. approaches to restore the balance of cell life and cell This exchange death via the apoptotic pathway may make cancer allows cells more susceptible to cancer drugs and thus Among members of the U.S.-Japan Japanese and easier to eradicate. Cooperative Cancer Research Program American The organization responsible for bringing these steering committee are NCI's Dr. Joe scientists the speakers to the NIH, the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Harford (/) and Dr. Shiro Miwa. opportunity Cancer Research Program, was launched in 1974 to share with an agreement between NCI and JSPS. The information and cutting-edge laboratory techniques, cooperative program supports research in three the tools of collaborative cancer research. areas: basic, clinical and epidemiology/behavioral On the symposium's first day, Dr. Robert Weinberg science. Since its inception, the cooperative program of MIT, the 1997 recipient of the highest science has held 250 scientific meetings and supported 400 honor in the U.S., the National Science Medal, spoke exchanges. The program now typically sponsors on "Creation of Human Cancer Cells with Defined one seminar per year as well as one major sympo­ Genetic Elements." The focus of his research has sium, whose location rotates between the two been on the distinct defects in regulatory circuits that countries each year. The cooperative program has govern normal cell proliferation and are disrupted been instrumental in establishing a close relationship when a cell becomes cancerous. Weinberg explained between researchers that has significantly contrib­ that his current research took advantage of the uted to the progress made in recent years in cancer recent isolation of the hTERT gene, which encodes research and treatment. For more information on the human telomerase. Telomerase is an enzyme that JSPS, visit http://www.jspsusa.org.-Clare Collins Iii becomes active in cancer cells, enabling unlimited replication. According to Weinberg, greater under­ R&W Holds Spring Bazaar standing of the role of telomerase in cancer cell Mark your calendars for the Spring Bazaar on growth may provide insights for new prevention and Wednesday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the treatment strategies. His construction of a cancer patio outside Bldg. 31. Crafters will be selling a cell with defined genetic elements represents a variety of handmade items such as jewelry, quilts, turning point for cancer genetics, introducing a new pictures, clothes and much more. Iii tool to the research. It may now be possible to test HUMAN VS. PRIMATE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 This difference is the outcome of years of study of no means does he suggest a single sugar accounts for what separates great ape D A from human DNA. the myriad differences between man and ape. "Very The investigation was launched 25 years ago with little is known about glycan diversity in nature," he publication of a paper showing that the DNA said. The field is considered "too descriptive and sequences of man and great ape differ very little, nonmechanistic" to attract funding nowadays. only by 1 to 1 'h percent. More recent studies have "Charles Darwin couldn't get funding in this kind of National Institute reduced the figure further, to about 1 percent. a climate," he jibed, taking aim at the popularity of on Aging clinical Though many have investigated similarities in the mechanistic rather than naturalistic inquiry (though director Dr. he is quick to ackno\\'ledge that NIH funds his work Darrell R. genomes of the two species, relatively few have Abernethy looked into what sets us apart, what makes humans with a MERIT gram). recently received human. Showing various evolutionary charts, Varki the Rawls-Palmer In a talk provocatively titled "Explaining Humans: explained that ''human ernlution is more of a bush Award from the A Window into the 1 % Difference," Dr. Ajit Varki, than a ladder-we're a rwig chat emerged fairly American Society a pioneer in the field of glycobiology at the Univer­ recently." Man diverged from the orangutan about for Clinical sity of California, San Diego, brought both bio­ 12 million years ago. from the gorilla about 8 Pharmacology chemical rigor and catholicity of research tool use to million years ago, and from the bonobo and chim­ and Therapeutics this topic; he is as willing to seek clues from a fossil panzee about 6 million years ago. "Humans are at its annual show in Arizona as from Yerkes Regional Primate actually closer to chimps than chimps are to goril­ meeting in Los las," he noted. Angeles. The Research Center, where he spent a month catalogu­ award supports a ing many differences between humans and great While there is similarirv on a gross level, things are lectureship to apes. quite different at srructural and functional levels, provide continu­ Varki said he was happy to be "at the mecca of the Varki continued. ··for instance, we give seminars, ing medical genome," and immediately complicated the domi­ and (the great apes! don ·r." he said, jokingly. His education in an nant paradigm of molecular biology (DNA to RNA lab compared proteins from the plasma of a diverse effort to translate to protein) with a marvelously intricate cartoon range of humans with those of the great apes, and modern phanna­ introducing the roles of lipids (fats) and saccharides, discovered. as expected, great similarity, except with cology research to or sugars, in mediating all kinds of inter and respect to sialic acid and a protein called patient care. A intracellular activities. transthyrerin, which can influence thyroid hormone board-certified metabolism. intemist, clinical "The structure and function of the saccharides has pharmacologist, largely been left behind in the molecular biology "An intriguing finding is chat even in the chimpan­ and expert on the revolution," he noted, then suggested folks could zee and other mammals, eu5Gc is found in very management of catch up on the field by reading a textbook he low levels in the brain," Varki observed. "There hypertension in edited-Essentials of Glycobiology. "If you buy the seems to be some reason why this sugar is 'not the elderly, book, I get two bucks," he quipped. wanted' in the brains of mammals. Humans, of Abernethy leads Varki said sugar chains are found everywhere on course, have completely eliminated it, by a systemic NIA's expanded the cell surface, " like the leaves of the Amazonian genetic mutation."' efforts to translate forest" in their density and variety. One important A "friendly competition" between Varki's lab and laboratory family of sugars, sialic acids, have proven essential counterparts in Japan is therefore teasing out the findings to clinical consequence , for anatomy and behavior, of mice practice. His for cells' ability to recognize other cells as "self," or research focuses nonself, and to serve as receptors for pathogens. prompted to produce only the human form of sialic on the control of The most common form of the acid is known as acid (the Japanese group-using mice modified to vascular tone by Neu5Ac, which can be found throughout all mam­ have the same gene deletion that results in humans angiotensin, malian cells, including those of humans. Its chemi­ producing only _ eu5Ac) or transgenic mice raised endothelin, cal cousin Neu5Gc, which differs by addition of a to overexpress the enzyme that leads to Ncu5Gc calcium and their single oxygen atom, is found only in trace amounts production in rhe brain (Varki's group). inhibitors. in humans but is a major sialic acid in all great apes. The efforr to dissect the 1 percent difference in the Varki's group discovered that this is because of a genomes of man and ape is not terribly far from the genetic mutation that is shared by all humans on the headlines- a few days before Varki's Mar. 16 talk, planet. His lab has recovered only traces of Neu5Gc researchers in Blacksburg, Va., announced the from human tissues including the spleen and liver, cloning of five piglets, which is an effort to supply and from testes (prompting a woman in Varki's lab organs for human transplantation eventually. Varki to joke that this is "the last vestige of the great concluded his talk by noting that "all attempts at ape"). But these trace amounts may originate from xenocransplanracion of organs from other primates human consumption of animal foods, Varki specu­ to humans have fa iled for reasons yet unknown," lated, He speculated that the difference he has found may Varki has estimated that about 1 percent of the account, at least in part, for these failures. Until the primate genome is involved in the biosynthesis and mysteries of the 1 percent are better understood, recognition of sugar chains, perhaps more. But by those pigs might be good only for pork sandwiches. Ill Liu Gives NCI 'Partners in Research' Lecture s part of NCl's Office of Management series, According to Liu, recent research implicates this A "Partners in Research," Dr. Edison Liu recently mutation as a marker for a good responder to lower presented a lecture on "Molecular Oncology and doses of chemotherapy. Treatment Selection" to members of the administra­ According to Liu, these new technologies in cancer tive staff. diagnosis are based on well-characterized biological He began by describing past tumor classification and genetic differences among tumor cells that tell practices, then introduced techniques in cancer precisely how aggressive a tumor will genetics currently used in the identification of this be and how best to treat it. For a disease. He showed how such techniques have given treatment, doctors will be better discovered genetic mutations in subpopulations of able to predict which patients will do patients with breast cancer or multiple myelogenous well and which will do poorly. Liu leukemia. "This information gives oncologists a ended his lecture expressing hope that better understanding of how to treat the patient," NCI's sophisticated databases and said Liu. "Rather than basing diagnosis and technology will help cancer research treatment on symptoms and pathology slides, to progress from single marker doctors are beginning to identify molecular symp­ identification to discovery of multiple toms- genetic patterns distinctive for certain cancer markers and eventually of genetic types." These findings suggest that specific gene fingerprints for all cancer types. abnormalities could render tumor cells responsive to When he arrived at NCI in 1996 as certain therapeutic interventions. "Molecular director of the Division of Clinical abnormalities will not only tell us who will do well Sciences, he established a molecular or not, but also how to treat that person and at signaling and oncogenesis section. what level of chemotherapy," said Liu. Within the past 3 years, Liu has been elected to the Dr. Edison Liu He has been studying the human epidermal growth board of directors of the American Association for discusses the factor receptor 2 (HER-2), an oncogene that can be Cancer Research, chaired the NIH committee on benefits of overexpressed in as many as 25-30 percent of extramural/intramural investigations in the Clinical molecular cancer women with breast cancer. In his research, he has Center, and cochaired the Clinical Center advisory research. found that patients administered Herceptin, a council. He will receive the 24th AACR-Richard molecularly targeted chemotherapeutic agent, have and Hinda Rosenthal Foundation Award Lecture responded well to high-dose drug treatment. this month for his discovery that HER-2 status Another molecular symptom under study is the determines response to adjuvant chemotherapy with Ras+ gene. Mutations in this gene are found in Doxorubicin.-Stacey Kolesar EJ ma11y patients with multiple myelogenous leukemia.

Drug Shown Safe, Effective in Youth with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Enbrel (etanercept) has been shown co be a safe and of Cincinnati. Its success is the culmination of effective drug in the treatment of children and many years of basic research supported by NIAMS teenagers with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid and other NIH components. arthritis (JRA), according to clinical trial results "These findings show a significant-often pro­ reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. found-improvement for most children with JRA In this trial, 69 children, ages 4 to 17, were injected when treated with Enbrel compared to placebo," with Enbrel twice a week; 74 percent responded said Dr. Daniel J. Lovell, principal investigator and with measurable improvement when treated for 3 lead author. "Before Enbrel, many children with months. At the end of 3 months of treatment, on severe JRA had a poor response to existing treat­ average, there was a 56 percent decrease in the ment options. Often, they would have to stop number of joints with active arthritis, a 75 percent attending school. Now, there is hope for these decrease in the amount of joint stiffness and a 63 children." percent decrease in the amount of joint pain. All JRA is a type of arthritis that causes joint inflam­ measures of arthritis impact- symptoms, joint mation and stiffness for more than 6 weeks, abnormalities, ability to perform daily functions and beginning when the child is 16 years of age or less. laboratory tests-were dramatically improved. The There are three types of JRA: polyarticular (affect­ drug was well tolerated. ing fi ve or more joints), pauciarticular (affecting The trial was coordinated at the ational Institute four or fewer joints) and systemic, also called Stilt's of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases disease (joint swelling, fever, rash and organ Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Dis­ involvement).-Janet Howard Ii) eases Center at Children's Hospital Medical Center BUSIN ESS SYSTEM. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 "For its time, it was cutting-edge," says Colleen emerged: buy, on the commercial market, what is Barros, executive officer at che National Institute on known as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Aging, and the leader tapped by N IH Deputy package, or develop a homegrown, or proprietary, Director for Management Tony ltteilag to head the customized application such as the ADB. analytical effort to decide to renew or replace the Almost 200 people from all pares of the NIH ADB. "This software, now including 1.5 million administrative and business communities formed lines of code, was built in the 1970's, based on the workgroups and, under guidance of a steering COBOL computer language and IMS database committee chaired by Itteilag (and including the software," Barros explains. Housed on a main­ executive officers, the scientific community and OD frame computer, the ADB is maintained and tuned functional managers), a process was crafted to for the NTH business community by identify the requirements of a new system as well as CIT. the best avenues for meeting those requirements. "The ADB has been an absolutely For the option associated with commercial products, critical piece of IH infrastructure­ major vendors responded with proposals, and a really first-rate product and service demonstrations of their ERP packages. Each offered by the men and women who product had to comply with standards established designed and maintained it," Barros by the Joint Financial Management Improvement said. "You won't see the ADB Program, a government-wide certifying body. credited on papers published in Cell "We had a really intense set of demonstrations or Nature, but it has supported the over the course of 2 weeks, then we evaluated all of dail y activities that are associated the proposed software packages," Barros said. with ]H's progress during its "Each working group, including representatives growth years. It has served NIH well." "The business community at NIH knows But like its physical counterpart that the ADB has been its lifeblood, but Bldg. 10, the ADB has become realizes that a next-generation version is technologically obsolete, cumber­ overdue," said Barros. some and expensive to maintain. Where Bldg. 10 has sprouted new from the scientific community, gave its assessment. wings and additions on all sides, That phase is concluding now. All involved are to eventually exhausting its capacity to be congratulated for their commitment and serious­ NIA Executive adapt, the ADB has similarly bulged with new ness of purpose demonstrated throughout this Officer Colleen features as information technology (IT) has ex­ period-they were doing this plus their regular jobs Barros has held ploded in the past decade. Also, the generation of simultaneously and worked extremely hard during down her regular this period." job while juggling engineers that built ADB is now retiring, and today, leadership of the only four or five people support the behemoth. At the same time, CIT considered the feasibility of new NIH "The business community at IH knows that the evolving the ADB into a next-generation system. Business System ADB has been its lifeblood, but realizes that a next­ "The phase I business case includes both options," for the past 8 generation version is overdue," said Barros. "With reports Barros. "Later this month, NIH will decide months. electronic commerce and the World Wide Web in which to choose." our everyday lives, the ADB seems even more aged BS planners have also been interviewing aca­ and in need of serious attention. Personal comput­ demic medical centers, commercial ventures and ers, the 'mouse' that sits on our desk, the 'dot-com' other federal agencies for lessons learned and hints revolution, and buying airline tickets online-none on how to proceed. "The limitation with other of those existed when the ADB was designed, and it federal agencies is that their uses thus far are more would take significant resources to upgrade to focused on finance and accounting," Barros ob­ today's standards." served, "and less on travel, property, procurement, As it became apparent that something had to be acquisition, research-and-development contracts" done, officials at CIT approached the NIH executive and other fields more typical of NIH. "We need a officers about the need to address shortcomings in more holistic approach." ADB. "These things are always a matter of money," Like the public, which is doing more of its shop­ notes Barros. "We all realized that a 'fix' would be ping and banking online, N IH is being drawn into very expensive and very challenging technically." the boom in e-commerce. "It is affecting procure­ ltteilag asked Barros to lead a study of the business ment dramatically," Barros pointed out. "Our options available tO update !H's administrative scientists want goods and services in the fastest way computing systems. In September 1999, Barros possible, and we need an administrative system that began a project ro write a "business case" for this meets that need." substantial investment. Two choices quickly New products for e-commerce have built-in, automated data analysis, tracking, financial recon­ Hoover Named NCCAM Executive Officer ciliation, and reporting functions that the ADB simply can't deliver without major rebuilding. Camille Hoover was recently appointed executive Barros credits the very people who invented the officer for the National Center for Complementary ADB (including Emmett Ward of CIT and his staff) and Alternative Medicine. She will serve as an with being the first to prescribe a successor to their administrative partner to the director, Dr. Stephen E. creation. Straus, identifyi ng opportunities and leading the "When it became obvious that new technology was design and implementation of innovative business outstripping their ability to keep pace, they were the and management systems. first to propose a change," she said. "It was a "Camille's vast experience reflection of their professionalism that they set aside makes her particularly sensitive ego and pressed for the consideration of alternatives. to human resource and inter­ Once again, they did the heroic thing and looked for personal issues, as well as what _works best and would serve the community providing her important best, Just as they had done in the 1970's." insights into the patient's Whichev~r option is selected at the end of April, perspective and needs in the NBS will continue to operate as a major enter­ medical research," Straus said. prise-wide system along with a number of other Hoover began her career as a large "enterprise systems" at NIH including CCRIS social worker at Johns Hopkins (the medical information computer system for the Camille Hoover Hospital in 1986. Two years Clinical Center and CRC), IMPAC II, and the later, she joined NIH's Clinical hm:1an resourc~s_system (which itself has undergone Center as a social worker for the Surgery Branch of maior HHS rev1s10n and wilt one day have to the National Cancer Institute. In this capacity, she "marry up with NBS," according to Barros). And developed a comprehensive social work program for the many thousands of NIH'ers who use the system more than 1,000 patients participating in branch will need training on ADB's successor, a process that protocols while she served as a field instructor for may take as long as 5 years. master's level social work interns, and as a member "This is a big, complex, expensive effort," said of the NCI intramural review board. In 1991, Barros. "It will embed lots of best practices from Hoover was selected for the Management Intern t?e commercial community into a more comprehen­ Program, providing an opportunity for her to switch sive system that will reflect potentially new ways of from clinical to administrative work. doing business. There will be a tremendous amount Building on her skills as a social worker, Hoover of computing power behind a very friendly user face. expanded her talents by becoming administrative We're going to make it easy for the occasional user, officer for NCI's Surgery Branch in 1992. In 1995, as well as for the user who needs the system's full she was promoted to manager of one of Cl's power for his or her job." largest Administrative Resource Centers, where she To learn more about NBS, and progress of its was responsible for the leadership and oversight of implementation, visit its web site at http:// more than 700 program staff within the Division of nbs.nih.gov/. Ii) Clinical Sciences. Dr. Edison Liu, director of the division, commented on Hoover's style: "She is a African-American Volunteers Needed cross between Mother Teresa and Gen. Norman The Heart Disease Risk Factors in African Ameri­ Schwartzkopf...a strange but wonderful mix of cans Study is investigating the relationship of obesity comfort and command, of gentleness and drive." Iii to heart disease risk factors in healthy, nondiabetic African American men and women ages 18-55 who Hispanic Employee Organization Recruits are normal weight, overweight or obese. New participants are needed. Specifically, the study is The NIH H ispanic Employee Organization is a group of Latinos who looking at risk factors for triglyceride concentration work at _NIH. There are no dues; the organization's purpose is to and the triglyceride-related risk factors of unhealthy address issues that affect Hispanics in general and those at NIH in cholesterol, good cholesterol and body fat distribu­ particular. All at NIH, including employees, fellows, IRTAs, contrac­ tion. There will be a series of four outpatient visits tors, etc., who share these interests, are eligible for membership. The to the Clinical Center. Participants will have body NIH-HEO meets every third Wednesday of the month from noon to fat analyses, an electrocardiogram, blood tests 1:30 p.m. in Bldg. 10, Rm. 8N241 (Aurbach room). To receive the including cholesterol profiles, an oral glucose age~da for meetings a~d o_ther notices, join NIH-HEO by sending tolerance test and an intravenous glucose tolerance email to [email protected] or by contacting Ray Mejia at 496- test. If interested, call 402-7119 for more informa­ 997~. De~ailed information may be found at: http://list.nih.gov/ tion. All subjects wiII be compensated for their arch1ves/mh-heo.html and http://mrb.niddk.nih.gov/ray/file/. participation. Iii KATZ, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Although at the top of his own research field when him, to listen to what they have to say, and to he assumed the NI AMS directorship, he faced the encourage laughter. immediate challenge of learning rapidly about the "An organization without laughter is not worth institute's other component areas: arthritis and being in," he said. "Although we need to be serious, other rheumatic diseases, and disorders of muscle we can't be so serious that we forget what we're here and bone. to do." "It was a steep learning curve," be said. "But I did In running any large organization, he said, leaders what I always do: read voraciously, talk with must know where the organization is today, where it people, ask lots of questions-and read vora­ was yesterday, where it will be tomorrow, and where ciously." it will be 5 to 10 years He also credited his staff with quickly bringing him from now. But while a up to speed. The nature of managing science, he clear purpose is said, is first to understand the science itself. His important in charting a program staff, he said, has done an excellent job of scientific organization's filling in gaps in his knowledge. course, scientific "There's no way you can be an expert in every­ discovery demands Chamber thing," he said. "But, because of the expertise of the spontaneity as well. Singers' Spring people around me, I can now make decisions from a "In science, you can't Concerts scientifically knowledgeable standpoint." stick to a road map, Katz said the focus of his institute is translating because new roads are All are invited to basic scientific advances into practical means to popping up all the join the NIH benefit patients. Recent successes from this ap­ time," he said. "You Chamber Singers proach include finding that osteoporosis in older have to be willing to for spring concerts women can be prevented with much lower doses of take a chance." featuring a w ide estrogen than previously thought, and the develop­ Dr. Stephen Katz Openness, too, plays variety of material ment of a new arthritis drug that targets the causes a crucial role in his ranging from jazz of the disease, not just its symptoms. management practices. Katz said the only secrets in to sacred Russian " Our work in this institute touches nearly every his organization are those that must be kept confi­ music. Two human being," Katz said. "Skin diseases, os­ dential as part of the scientific review process. performances are teoporosis, arthritis, sports injuries, low back pain­ "My staff can ask me any questions they want," he scheduled: what family do you know that isn't affected by one said. "They may not always agree with me, but I Thursday, Apr. 27, of these?" should always be able to explain my actions." Bldg. 10, 14th floor He said NIAMS' mission traverses the human life Katz relies heavil y on communicating often with auditorium at 7:30 span, dealing with disorders that are common, both the scientific and non-scientific public. His p.m.; and Friday, chronic, costly and sometimes disabling. schedule is brimming with speaking engagements to May 5, Bldg. 10, "Even if you improve life an inkling, with so many such diverse groups as the American Academy of Masur Auditorium people affected, you've made a tremendous impact," Orthopedic Surgeons and patient advocacy groups at noon. For more he said. for arthritis, fibromyalgia and skin diseases. information about Katz said that when he became NIAMS director, he "Sometimes the patients' groups are as perceptive the group, see the and the staff undertook a thorough review of all as the people who know the science, because they web site at http:// programs, keeping some as they were, making may see a bigger picture," he said. "Who can argue www.recgov.org/ modifications in others, and changing still others with people affected by these diseases?" r&w/chamber/ completely. As change is often unwelcome, this Like many other institute directors, Katz also runs default.htm. remodeling hasn't always been easy for him. a laboratory of his own. The research process, he The transition from scientist to leader of an said, helps clarify his sense of purpose in carrying institute, however, was easy for him, he said, out his duties. because he has frequently held leadership positions "As an active scientist, I get the sense of how hard during his career. At various times, he has served as it is to make substantive advances in knowledge." president and board member for both the Society for Born in New York City, he would sometimes cut Investigative Dermatology, and the Association of classes to attend Brooklyn Dodgers' games. Later in Professors of Dermatology; secretary-general of the his childhood, he moved to the Washington, D.C., World Congress of Dermatology; and secretary­ area. He earned a B.A. cum Laude from the Univer­ treasurer of the Clinical Immunology Society. In sity of Maryland, an M .D. from Tulane University 1997 he was named to a 5-year term as president of Medical School, and a Ph.D. in immunology from the Lnternational League of Dermatological Societ­ London, England. ies. After work, Katz likes to spend time reading, and In leading his institute, he said, he tries to set a attending the theater and opera. His diverse musical good example, to be fa ir to the people who work for tastes run the gamut from opera to hard rock, and he plays guitar for the NIH band, The Directors. Four Join NIAAA Advisory Council Keeping such a demanding schedule isn't easy, he admits. He said he is helped in large measure by his Four new members have been appointed to the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and staff and his secretaries- all of whom he is grateful to. The secret, though, to keeping on rop of it all, is Alcoholism. They are: to give his full attention to whatever needs it. Dr. Alpha Estes Brown, "You need to be able to compartmentalize your senior minister of Community life," he said. "You have to be able to focus com­ United Methodist Church, pletely on what you're doing at the moment." and chair and founder of the Cause Children Count (The author is press officer for the National Institute of Coalition, Inc., in Washing­ Child Health and Human Development and a member of ton, D.C. He has served in the NTH Management Cadre class of 2000. This article various adjunct and clinical resulted from an assignment to study science and leadership at NIH. Information about the cadre faculty positions related to program is available at http://mcp.11ih.gov/.) El alcohol and other drug issues and currently is adjunct assistant professor at the Mobile Mammography Screening Begins M ay 2 George Washington Univer­ The George Washington University Breast Care sity School of Public Health. Center will be visiting NIH for its spring 2000 Dr. Richard A. Deitrich, professor and vice chair­ NIAAA director mammography screening. All NIH employees, their man of pharmacology, University of Colorado Dr. Enoch Gordis (front, r) families and others associated with NIH (such as School of Medicine, and faculty research associate, and deputy IRTAs, visiting scientists, contractors, volunteers) Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of director Dr. Mary are eligible to participate. The screening dates and Colorado. For nearly 30 years, he has lectured on D~1four welcome van locations are as follows: the subject of alcoholism in society. new members to Bldg. 31 (Lot 31D) May 2, 18 Dr. Rueben A. Gonzales, associate professor, their institute's Bldg. 10 (Lot l0H) May 10, 17 department of pharmacology, University of Texas, council. They EPN/EPS May 16 Austi n. In addition to teaching on topics in pharma­ are (standing, from 1) Di: Alpha (Parking lot behind complex) cology and neuroscience to graduate and pharmacy students, his research activities include the use of Estes Brown, Dr. Rockledge June 7 Richard A. (Visitor parking behind RKL I) microdialysis techniques tO explore the neurochemi­ cal basis of alcohol-induced behavior. Deitrich and Dr. Bldg. 45 (front of building) May 9, July 12 Reuben Sheryl Ramstad Hvass, commissioner, Minnesota The van will be onsite from 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Gonzales. Not department of corrections. She is a strong advocate taking prescheduled appointments, Each screeping shown is new for the provision of alcohol and other drug treat­ is conducted by a female technologist; a board­ member Sheryl ment to offenders and is a national leader in the field certified radiologist specializing in mammography Ramstad Hvass. wilI interpret the films. Appointments should take of alcoholism and corrections policy. Iii about 20 minutes and will cost $138. GW will bill BLT Presents Spring Musical some insurance companies directly or payment can be made by cash or check at the screening (check The Bethesda Little Theatre will present its spring with your insurance company for reimbursement) . musical, A Loverly Evening in Camelot, featuring To see if your insurance is accepted or to make an the music of Lerner & Loewe. Come hear songs appointment, call (202) 994-9999. Iii from several Broadway hits including Camelot, Paint Your Wagon, My Fair Lady, Brigadoon and Calling Computer Users in Offices Gigi. The show opens Friday, May 5 and will continue for three weekends. Friday and Saturday Individuals working full time and using a computer evening performances will be May 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 keyboard a minimum of 3-4 hours a day are needed and 20 at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee performances will for a research study on the role of workstyle in be May 7 and 14 at 3 p.m. All performances are in occupational health. Volunteers with and without Masur Auditorium, Bldg. 10. Ticket prices are $10 upper extremity symptoms (fingers, hands, wrists, for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children 12 and forearms, elbows, shoulders and neck) are needed to under. Tickets may be purchased at NIH R&W participate in 2-hour focus group interviews. Focus stores or at the door. Group discounts are available. groups are being conducted by researchers at Patients and their families are invited to attend all Georgetown University Medical Center. Compensa­ performances free of charge. For ticket information, tion will be provided and groups will be scheduled at call Elaine at (301) 589-0720 or see http:// convenient times and locations. For more informa­ www.recgov.org/r&w/blt. BLT is an R&W organi­ tion, call Stacy Chambers at (202) 687-2392. Iii zation whose proceeds benefit NIH charities. Ill NHLBI Mourns Robin Hill By Susan Czajkowski Dr. Dana "Robin" Hill, a psychologist and social a member of Action in Montgomery, a coalition of science analyst in the behavioral medicine scientific houses of worship that promote social issues. She research group at the National Heart, Lung, and also enjoyed Irish literature and Celtic music, and Blood Institute, died Mar. 3 after a year-long was quire knowledgeable about the history of struggle with breast cancer. Hill, who was 44 years Ireland. old, is being mourned by her many colleagues and Dr. Peter Kaufmann, leader of the behavioral friends at the institute not medicine research group at NHLBI, observed, only for her dedication to "Robin was an extraordinary individual whose her work and her many special character touched so many of us that it was Renewal of professional accomplish­ difficult to believe that she wouldn't ultimately 'win' ments, but also for her her battle with cancer. The institute will miss her NIH Parking kindness, generosity of competence, her energy, her dedication, and above Permits spirit and positive all, her unyielding conviction in the fundamental NIH General outlook that profoundly goodness of all people." At her funeral services, Parking Permits affected the lives of held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of for campus everyone who had the Rockville, her family, friends and colleagues echoed employees whose privilege of knowing and these sentiments, reflecting on Hill's ability to see the last names begin working with her. good in everyone, her kindness and consideration with H, I and J will Hill was born in for others, and her devotion to friends and family. expire on the last Kinston, N .C., and Survivors include her husband of 14 years, See-Yan day of May 2000. earned her B.A. in Lam of Olney; her son, Benjamin Hill-Lam; her In order to obtain psychology from Di: Dana "Robin" Hill parents, Thomas and Rita Hill of Richmond; and a new General Dartmouth College in three siblings, Artie Hill, Morgan Hill and Karen Parking Permit, an 1978. In 1984, she received a master's degree in Hillman, all of Richmond. A memorial fund in employee must psychology from the University of the Pacific, and Hill's name is being planned. Contributions may visit the NIH graduated with a doctorate in medical psychology also be made in her name to the charity of one's Parking Office in from the Uniformed Services University of the choice. Ii) Bldg. 31, Rm. Health Sciences in 1989. She also served a psycho­ B3B04. Hours are logy residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in FAES Announces Chamber Music Series 7:30 a.m. to 4 Baltimore. She assumed her position as social 2000-2001 Schedule p.m., Monday science analyst at NHLBI in 1989. through Friday. At NHLBI, Hill managed a variety of research The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences Chamber Music Series announces the Off-campus programs concerned with psychosocial factors and employees will be health, and was known to many behavioral and following 2000-2001 program schedule. The location for all concerts is Masur Auditorium, issued the "Off social scientists for her work in stress and coping Bldg. Concerts start at p.m. on Sundays. Campus Employee with chronic illness, minority health, women's 10. 4 For ticket information, call FAES at 496-7975. Parking Permit." health, smoking cessation, obesity prevention and These permits maintenance of behavio r change. She was the project officer for the Raynaud's Treatment Study, Oct. 1 Brentano String Quartet allow you to park Nov. 5 Thibaud String Trio an NHLBI multicenter clinical trial that assessed at the NIH Nov. 19 Ysaye String Quartet with Jean Claude Bethesda campus temperature biofeedback and calcium-channel Pennetier and Regis Pasquier or leased facilities blockade treatments for Raynaud's syndrome. In Dec. 3 Auryn String Quartet with Peter Orth, piano that require an recognition of her exceptional efforts in the study, Jan. 28, NIH parking she won an N IH Award of Merit in 1997. 2001 Wolfgang Holzmair, baritone permit in the Hill was active in many professional organizations, Feb. 4 Trio di Parma general employee including the American Psychological Association's Feb. 18 Tokyo String Quartet 11 Ignat Solzhenitsyn, piano parking lots. task force on women's health and the Society for the Mar. Mar. 25 Winners of the Paolo Borciani String Quartet Remember, when Psychological Study of Social Issues, serving on the Competition applying for new/ society's fellowship committee and as chair for its 1993 program at the American Psychological renewal permits, Day of Prayer Set, May 4 you must bring a Association convention in Toronto. She was a valid NIH member of the editorial board of the Journal of A National Day of Prayer will be observed Thursday, identification card, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Health and a May 4 by the Noontime Christian Fellowship, which valid driver's reviewer for numerous health-related journals. She will hold a prayer vigil on the lawn in front of Bldg. license and a valid also belonged to a number of civic and community 1 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The guest speaker will vehicle registra­ organizations, where she worked to promote a be Minister Kevin Williams of Love & Faith World tion certificate. variety of social justice issues; most recently she was Outreach Church, Fort Washington, Md. Ii) HRDD Training Tips ~ QT Computer Classes The Human Resource Development Division, All courses are on the NIH campus and are given OHRM, will offer the courses below. Hands-on, without charge. For more information call 594- self-study, personal computer training courses are 6248 or consult the training program's home page at available through the HRDD's User Resource Center http://training.cit.nih.gov. Rowley at no cost to NIH employees. For details, visit Functional MRI Data Analysis using SPM HRDD online at http://trainingcenter.od.nih.gov/ or in MEDx 4/21 Reflects on call 496-621.1. Active Server Pages Workshop 4/24-25 Science Career Seeking Information on the Web 4/25 Administrative Systems The Bethesda 5/2 Basic Security for Unix Workstations 4/25 IMPACT II Institute Center Operations chapter of AWIS 5/11 Introduction to the Helix Systems 4/25 Foreign Travel (Association for Travel for Administrative Officers 518 BRMUG - Macintosh Users Group 4/25 Basic Time and Attendance Using ITAS 5/8 VMWARE 4/26 W omen in Science) Advanced Sequence Analysis Using GCG 4/26-27 is holding a series Communication Skills Using File.Maker Pro on the Web 4/27 of talks cospon­ Scientific and Technical Briefing 4/27 Avoiding Pitfalls in Statistical Analysis 4/28 sored by NIH's Speaking on the Job Part I: Presenting MEDx - MRI Analysis with Multiple Regression 4/28 Yourself (Frederick) 5/1 Office of Research Windows 2000 for System Administrators 5/1 on Women's Scientific and Technical Editing 5/2 Introduction to HTML 5/2 Writing Workshop 514 The NIH Contractor Performance System Update 5/2 Health and Office Scientific and Technical Writing 519 Advanced Oracle PUSQL of Community Computer Applications and Concepts for Application Developers 513-5 Liaison. The final Introduction to MS Excel 98 Office 98 4/27 Parachute for Windows 95/98 514 talk in the series, Introduction to MS Excel 97 Office 97 5/8 Data Warehouse Query: HR Personnel Costs 5/4 to be held at 5 Introduction co MS Word 98 Office 98 5/8 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. Intermediate MS Excel 97 Office 97 5/10 'Scientific and Technical Briefing' Course 25 at the Cloister Adobe PageMaker Production 2 5/15 Researchers, engineers and other technical profes­ (Bldg. 60) chapel, Financial and Procurement Management is titled "Reflec­ Delegated Acquisition Training Program (DELPRO) 5/15 sionals who present scientific research or other complex information may be interested in a 2-day tions on a Management, Supervision & Professional Development course, "Scientific and Technical Briefing," offered Scientific Career." How to Give Constructive Feedback 5/4 Speaker is Dr. by NIH's Human Resources Development Division. Assertive Leadership 5/9 Janet Rowley, Emotionall y Intelligent Leadership 5/10 Learn how to deliver presentations that are strategi­ cally organized and polished. For course details, Blum-Riese Facilitation Skills 5/15 distinguished How to Develop Team Skills for Success 5/15 visit http://trainingcenter. od.nih.gov/. Ii) service professor of medicine, NAGMS Council Member Neer Dies University of Dr. Eva J. Neer, a member of the ational Advisory from Barnard College, Chicago; she is General Medical Sciences Council, died on Feb. 20 and an M.D. from the also this year's NIH at her home in Massachusetts of complications due Columbia University Margaret Pittman Lecturer. to breast cancer. She was 62. College of Physicians and Neer, who had battled breast cancer for 11 years, Surgeons. was a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical She is survived by her School, and a senior biochemist in the department husband, Robert Neer, of medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, also and two sons, Robert Jr. in Boston. and Richard A. Her research focused on understanding the In addition to being an NAGMS Council molecular basis for cellular responses to external D1: Eva I- Neer signals and analyzing the function of G proteins. In member since 1998, Neer 1998, she was awarded the FASEB Excellence in had been an NIGMS grantee for the past 17 years. Science Award for " her pioneering contributions to She had also received research support for shorter knowledge of cellular signal transduction mecha­ time periods from FIC, NIAMS and NINDS. nisms, and her leadership as mentor and educator A scholarship fund has been established in her in the biochemical and biomedical sciences." memory. Contributions should be sent to the Eva Neer was a member of the National Academy of J. Neer Fund, Harvard University, c/o Recording Sciences and the Institute of Medicine as well as a Secretary, 124 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA fellow of the American Academy of Arts and 02138. Checks should be made payable to the Eva Sciences. She earned a B.A. in English literature J. Neer Fund. 'Metals in Medicine' Meeting The National Institute of General Medical Sciences and several other NIH components are hosting a meeting, "Metals in Medicine: Tar­ gets, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics," to be held June 28-29 in the Natcher Conference Center. Meeting participants will explore the role of metals in the development of therapeutic drugs and in vivo diagnostic agents. The meeting is free. For a printable meeting flyer and a list of speakers, topics and registrants, visit the Metals in Medicine web page at http:// pub.nigms.nih.gov/MIM/, where online registra­ tion is available and encouraged by May 1. For more details, contact meeting organizer Dr. Peter Preusch (594-5938 or [email protected] ih.gov).

Wednesday Afternoon Lectures The Wednesday Afternoon Lecture series- held on its namesake day at 3 p.m. in Masur Auditorium, Representatives of the Montgomery County bomb Bldg. 10- features Dr. Janet D. Rowley, who will squad, part of the county fire marshal's office, visited NIH Mai: 31 to give routine in-service training talks on give the NIH Direcror's Margaret Pittman Lecture explosive devices to members of the NIH Police. In the on Apr. 26. Rowley is Blum-Riese distinguished photo above, Cpl. Robert Buchanan of NIH models a service professor, departments of medicine and of bomb search suit in the company of Capt. Sam Hsu of molecular genetics, cell biology and human genetics, the bomb squad. The 52-poimd military suit costs University of Chicago (see story, p. 1). Her topic is almost Sl0,000. The suit doesn't offer much protection "Cancer Cytogenetics: Is It Passe?" from a bomb's blast, Hsu noted, but does offer thermal On May 3, Dr. Barry R. Bloom, dean of the faculty protection. Below, Lt. Brian Anderson of the bomb and professor of immunology and infectious dis­ squad demonstrates a "disruptor," (bottom, r) a robot­ eases, Harvard School of Public Health, will discuss mounted, laser-sighted shotgun-like tube capable of "A View of Public Health and Biomedical Re­ shooting air, water (at a stunning 1,000 feet per second), shot or slugs. It is used to incapacitate many types of search." T his is the NIH Director's R.E. Dyer explosives, and is particularly effective in blasting the Lecture. ends off of pipe bombs. For more information or for reasonable accommo­ dation, call Hilda Madine, 594-5595. Ii)