The NIH Record

U.S. Department August 28 National of Health 1984 Institutes and Vol. XXXVI of Human Services No. 18 Health $10.5 Million Project Dr. G. Khoury Will Present NIH and Howard Hughes Medical Institute G. B. Mider Lecture Join to Train More Biomedical Researchers The National Institutes of Health and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute are launch­ ing a multi-million dollar cooperative program to help increase the vigor of American biomedical research and continue the flow of new doctors into research careers, Health I and Human Services Secretary Margaret M. Heckler announced on Aug. 16. "When at full capacity, the new program will offer approximately 30 medical students a year, chosen competitively from the na­ tion's medical schools, six months to one year of research train ing on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Md., under the guidance of leading NIH scientists," Secretary Heckler said " Many medical leaders perceive a shortfall in one important category of health research personnel: individuals who simultaneously Dr. Khoury have medical knowledge, clinical skills and scientific expertise," according to Dr. James Dr. George Khoury, chief of the Laboratory B. Wyngaarden, NIH Director. of Molecular Virology, NCI, will deliver the Dr. Donald S. Fredrickson, HHMI President 1984 G. Burroughs Mider Lecture, "Enhanc­ and onetime NIH Director, said the joint proj­ ers-Regulatory Elements in Eukaryotic ect will enlarge the pool from which future Dr. James B. Wyngaarden, Director of NIH, (r.) Gene Expression," at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, physician researchers can be drawn. and Or. Donald S. Frederickson, president of Sept. 12, in the Clinical Center's Jack Masur HHMI, located in Coconut Grove, Fla., will the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, sign an agreement under which HHMI will provide Auditorium. The lecture is open to the public. support the program at a cost of approxi­ $10.5 mllllon to house and train about 30 medi­ mately $10.5 million for the first 5 years. This cal students In biomedical research at NIH for (See MIDER LECTURE, Page 8) will include stipends, travel and miscellane- 5 years. A new wing (at left In archltectural model) wlll house the students at what was a Convent of the Sisters of the Visitation. The Dr. John Seal, Eminent Scientist-Researcher present convent build Ing Is depicted at right In In Infectious Diseases, Dies at Age 72 model. ous support for the students, as well as build­ Dr. John R. Seal, 72, former Special Assist­ ing renovation and construction for residen­ ant to the NIH Director and former Deputy Di­ tial quarters, classrooms and teaching rector of the National Institute of Allergy and laboratories. Infectious Diseases, died Saturday, Aug. 11, HHMI will administer the program, and at the National Naval Medical Center follow­ HHMI and NIH will cooperate on selection of ing a long illness with cancer. students, counseling, teaching, and on con­ Dr. Seal conducted infectious disease re­ tinuing contact with students upon their re­ search and administered research programs turn to their home institutions. for more than 40 years, both as a medical of­ Recruitment will begin this fall with the first ficer in the U.S. Navy and as a NIH civilian group of students entering the program in the employee. fall of 1985. The center for the Hughes Re­ Through the years, he played a pivotal role search Scholars will be the Mary Woodard in directing research to control streptococcal Lasker Center for Health Research and Edu­ infections, hepatitis, influenza, cholera, and cation on the NIH campus, formerly a con­ other viral and bacterial diseases. vent of the Sisters of the Visitation. A native of Charleston, W. Va., Dr. Seal at­ " It is expected that this early exposure to tended Davidson College in North Carolina, the excitement and intellectual challenge of received his Doctor of Medicine from the Uni­ research-after the second year of medical versity of Virginia School of Medicine, and in­ school-will encourage more medical stu­ terned at Strong Memorial Hospital in dents to undertake careers in biomedical re- Rochester, N.Y. (See DR. SEAL, Page 10) Dr. John R. Seal (See BIOMEDICAL PROJECT, Page 8) The NIH Record

Published biweekly al Bethesda. Md . by the Ed1tor1al Opera• t1ons Branch, Oiv1s1on of Pubhc ln formahon. for tne 1nlormat1on of employees o f the Nahonal lnstitute-s of Health, OepaJtment or Health and Human Services, and c,rculaled by requesl 10 wrners and 10 researchers in biomedical and , elated fields The contenl 1s reprmtable without permission Pictures may be available on reQuest

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NIH Record Office Bldg 31, Room 28-03, PllOne 496-2125

Edito r Herschet Cribb

Stoll Writer• Edltorlol Aaalat• nt Joyce F, McCarthy Marilyn Berman Anne Barber

Staff Correapondenta CC, Richard McManus; DCAT, Joan P. Sobel; DPM, Harry Marshall; DAG, Sue Meadows. DAR, Barbara Menick; DRS, Jorn Do~erty; FIC, Susan P Stark; NCI, Patnc,a A Newman· NEI, Marsha Corbell, NHLBI, Larry Blaser; NIA, Marian Emr; NIAID Jeanne w ,nmck NIAOOK, Barba, a Weldon; NICHO, James The National Institute of Neurologlcal and Communicative Disorders and Stroke honored out­ Hadley; NIDA. Jody Dove; NIEHS Hugh J, Lee, NIGMS, Wanda standing scientists and support staff at the lnstftute's annual awards ceremony June 28 In the Warddett; NIMH Harry Bell; NINCOS. Carol Rowan; NLM, Roger ACRF auditorium. WIiiiam Weiss, (not shown) chief of the Office of Biometry and Field Studies L. G1lkeSQn (OBFS), received a Public Health Service (PHS) Superior Service Award, the highest PHS award for Civil Service employees. A PHS Special Recognition Award was presented to Dr. Richard TRAINING Quarles, Intramural Research Program. Sylvia Edelstein (r) OBFS, was congratulated for having been named DHHS Outstanding Handicapped Employee of the Year. NINCDS Director Dr. Murray Goldstein pointed out that Ms. Edelstein had beern selected from among candidates representing The following courses sponsored by the Di­ not Just NIH but the entire Department. Dr. Goldstein also presented PHS Citations to Dr. Edward vision of Personnel Management are given in Ginns, " for outstanding research in the biochemistry and molecular genetics of the sphlngollpl­ Building 31. doses," and to Dr. Norman Barton, " for outstanding achievement In clinical research In the Executive. Management Course study of Inherited disorders of metabolism." Dr. Goldstein also presented wooden plaques, hon­ and Supervisory Starts Deadline oring exceptional contributions to NIH, to six winners of the NIH Merit Award: Barbara Nichols, OBFS; Dr. Emanuel Stadlan, Demyellnatlng, Atrophic and Dementlng Disorders Program; Dr. The Federal Budget Process 9/17 8/31 Maneth Gravell!, Anita Ley, Susan Titman, and Thelma Fletcher, all from IRP. Technical Telephone Techniques 9112 8/31 Effective English Workshop 10/15 10/ 1 NIH Fitness Center Announces WMTI Selectees Announced Travel Orders & Vouchers 10/1 9/17 Fall Exercise Schedule Secretarial Techniques 11/5 10/22 By Secretary Heckler Administrative Registration for the NIH Fitness Center's Fourteen NIH employees are among the Files Maintenance & To Be Announced fall exercise class begins Aug. 29 for theses­ 121 DHHS employees selected by □ H HS Disposal sion starting Sept. 10. Secretary Margaret Heckler to participate in DELPRO Workout sessions continue through the "Women's Management Training Initia­ (for new users only) 9110 8127 Dec. 15 (with exceptions as noted), with a tive" (WMTI). Competition was keen, with Computer Literacy makeup .week of Dec. 17-22. over 1800 applicants evaluated. A Hands-on Course In June of 1984, Secretary Heckler an­ Fall Schedule (for GS 9-12) 9125 9/11 nounced the initiation and implementation of (for GS 13 & above) 9/27 9/11 The fall exercise class schedule is: a Department-wide " Women's Management Using an Electronic Quik Fit (cardiovascular and total body Training Initiative". This program was de­ Spreadsheet workout)-Monday, Wednesday, Friday from signed to offer select supervisory and mana­ A Hands-on Course 9/10 8127 noon to 12:45 p.m. and 5:15-6 p.m. : Monday gerial training for high potential non­ and Wednesday from 6:05-6:50 p.m. (GS 13 and above) supervisors in grades 9 through 12. Alive! (ballet-like stretching, strengthening (GS 12's eligible on a Applications were screened by a Depart­ and body awareness)-Tuesday, Thursday mental panel and final selections were made space available basis) from 11 a.m.-noon, 5-6 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.: by the secretary. Persons selected for Friday from 6:05-7:05 p.m.; Saturday from DHHS/WMTI will receive training during Fis­ To learn more about these and other 9:15-10:15 a.m. cal Year 1985. courses, contact the Development and Train­ Beginning Fitness (very moderate exer­ Orientation sessions and drafting of Indi­ ing Operations Branch, □ PM. 496-6371 . cises with gradual progression and fitness vidual Development Plans will begin in education)-Tuesday, Thursday from noon to September. Retirement Planning Offered 12:45 p.m. This class runs Oct. 9 to Nov. 15. Those NIH candidates selected to the Pre- and Postnatal (Moderate stretching, WMTI are: The Recruitment and Employee Benefits strengthening, cardiovascular and relaxation Lynda Bennett, NICHD; Marion Blevins, Branch, Department of Personnel Manage­ exercises for pregnant or postpartum NIDR; Christine Chastain, NIEHS; Nancy ment, is offering another Retirement Planning women.) Class dates are Sept. 24 to Oct. 29. Cherry, NHLBI; Sylvia Cunningham, NIAID; Program for NIH employees on Oct. 16 and Physician's consent is required. Patricia Gallahan, NCI ; Alice Hines, NIA; 17. Information and schedules may be picked Joann Holmes, OD; Dorothy Moore, NLM; A personnel bulletin will be distributed up at the Fitness Center-Bldg. T-39 (phone: Catherine Quigley, NLM; Linda Stalvey, desk-to-desk giving more detailed 496-TRIM), Activities Desk, Bldg. 31 (phone: NIADDK; Fu Sing Temple, NIGMS; Carol information. D 496-4600) and all R&W Gift Shops. D Watkins, NINCDS; Anne Zimmer, NIA. D

Page 2 The NIH Record August 28, 1984 MetroRail Metro Center is $1 .55, 19 minutes; $1 during Discounts and Access for Handicapped nonrush hours. Beginning Aug. 25 until mid-December, Plus Parking and Bus Service Explained 900 free parking spaces will be open at the Shady Grove West parking lot fo r those inter­ Discount fares are available for the elderly ested in taking a Ride-On bus (for 60 cents) and the handicapped riding MetroRail. Fares to the Grosvenor MetroRail station. Nonstop are half the prevailing rush or nonrush hour shuttle service will depart Shady Grove sta­ amounts with a maximum charge of 80¢. An tion every 15 minutes during rush hours. above-ground elevator is located at the cor­ Rush Hour Service ner of South Dr. and Rockville Pike for those Rush hours are from 6 to 9 a.m. and from unable to use the Medical Center escalator. Ride-On buses do not provide lifts for 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. This service is also avail­ those in wheelchairs. able from the White Flint parking lot which has 931 free parking spaces; Ride-On shuttle 80¢ Minimum service is available every 5 to 10 minutes MetroRail has a minimum charge of 80¢ from White Flint to Grosvenor. and a maximum charge of $2.40; fares are When full operation of the northern exten­ based on the distance traveled. For instance, sion of the Red Line to Shady Grove opens in when Shady Grove station opens in mid­ mid-December, parking fees are projected to December, it will cost $1. 75 during rush hour be $1 per day in the available parking lots at to ride to Medical Center or $1.10 during the different stations. non rush hour. The trip lasts 15 minutes. Grosvenor station has 580 spaces which Trips to Medical Center from Rockville will will go fast during rush hour. Drivers will have cost $1 .40, lasting 11 minutes; from White to find some other place to park once those Flint, 95¢, 9 minutes: and from Grosvenor, Metro offers discount fares to the elderly and are filled and connect with Ride-On in other 80¢, 3 minutes. From Medical Center to the handicapped. places. D

New Shuttle Bus Schedule Starts Sept. 4 10-Mile Anniversary Run To Be Held Sept. 16 Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 4, a new NIH Shuttle Bus schedule will go into effect. The new route/schedule will include the Medical Center Station and Parking Lot 41 B, the only new The 9th annual NIH Health's Angel anniver­ stops. The shuttle buses will start their route at the Clinical Center and end at the Westwood sary 10-mile run will be held Sunday, Sept. Bldg. They will be operating at 20-minute intervals from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will stop at 16, at 9:45 a.m. their currently designated pick-up points, plus the two new stops noted above. (See accom­ As usual, the race will be cosponsored by panying schedule.) the D.C. Road Runner's Club. For the first C ROUTE time, the race will be the 10-miler offered in METRO BLDG. 31 BLDG. 10 BLDG. 36-37 BLDG. 12A BLDG. 38A" METRO the club's championship series. DEPARTURE DCRRC will provide trophies for the first 7:30 a.m. 7:34 a.m. 7:36 a.m. 7:39 a.m. 7:43 a.m. 7:46 a.m. three finishers in each of six age groups for men and women. 7:55 a.m. 7:59 a.m. 8:01 a.m. 8:04 a.m. 8:08 a.m. 8:11 a.m. Ribbons Provided 8:20 a.m. 8:24 a.m. 8:26 a.m. 8:29 a.m. 8:33 a.m. 8:36 a.m. The Health's Angels will again provide rib­ 8:45 a.m. 8:49 a.m. 8:51 a.m. 8:54 a.m. 8:58 a.m. 9:02 a.m. bons for all 10-mile runners and special 9:10 a.m. 9:14a.m. 9:16 a.m. 9:19 a.m. 9:23 a.m. 9:26 a.m. awards for the fastest NIH man and woman, 4:32 p.m. 4:34 p.m. 4:37 p.m. 4:41 p.m. 4: 44 p.m. 4:47 p.m. and the traditional " unbody" award to the · fastest runner whose weight is 2.5 times or 4:57 p.m. 4:59 p.m. 5:02 p.m. 5:06 p.m. 5:09 p.m. 5:12 p.m. more his/her height in inches. 5:22 p.m. 5:24 p.m. 5:27 p.m. 5:31 p.m. 5:34 p.m. 5:37 p.m. The race starts and finishes at the Kengar 5:47 p.m. 5:49 p.m. 5:52 p.m. 5:56 p.m. 5:59 p.m. 6:02 p.m. Recreation Center in Kensington and is run out-and-back on the well-shaded bike path 'Pickup at MLP-7A. along Beach Dr. with a short hill on Old Spring Rd. Peter Nye holds the course record Enrollment Expanded Wolf Trap's of 52:12 for men, Patty Deuster set the wom­ Under Federal Health Program International Festival an's mark at 64:45. Jim Larkin has the best " unbody" time of 60:40. Employees who lose coverage under a O'ancers in swirling, colorful skirts tapping The 10-miler will be preceded by a one­ spouse's non-Federal health plan because out a Mexican beat, chants and dances from mile fun run for children 10 or under starting the spouse was involuntarily separated as a the heart of Africa and a folk country band at 9 a.m. and a 2-mile "Run For Your Life" at result of a layoff from his/her employment playing a fiddle, harmonica and washboard. 9:15 a.m. may now enroll in one of the Federal health These are just some of the more than 100 All Events Open plans. performances and workshops scheduled for All events are open lo all comers. Registra­ Under th~ same conditions, employees the 1984 International Children's Festival, tion will be on the day of the race with an en­ may also change from self to family enroll­ scheduled for Sept. 1-3 at the Wolf Trap try fee of $1 (50¢ for DCRRC members). Last ment. This eligibility exists within the period Farm Park in Vienna, Va. year's race, won by Robert Stack (54:44) and beginning 31 days before and ending 31 Magicians, mimes, story tellers and others Amy Jermann (66:13), saw 125 runners of days after the spouse's employment will choose child ren out of the audience to 128 starters finish with 60 finishers under 70 terminates. join in their performances. Although there will minutes. D This new regulation became effective Jan­ be concession stands, you may want to pack uary 9, 1984. a picnic lunch. Eligible employees may contact their BID Tickets may be purchased at the R&W Ac­ personnel office to get details on this added tivities Desk, Bldg. 31, and the Westwood opportunity to enroll under the Federal Em­ R&W Gift Shop, Rm. 10. Adults-$4; Children Conscience is the inner voice that warns us ployees Health Benefits Program. D 4 and over $3. D somebody may be tooking.- H.L. Mencken

August 28, 1984 The NIH Record Page 3 Diagnostic Criteria for Alzheimer's Disease Visiting Scientist Program Participants Proposed by Broad Group of Scientists Sponsored by Fogarty International Center 7/8 Dr. John Scott, U.S. Sponsor: Dr. Bruce J. By Emily Rudin tive secretary of the work group and deputy Baum, Patient Care Branch, NIDA, Bg. 10, Rm . director of NINCDS' Demyelinating, Atrophic, 2601 . An interdisciplinary work group has pro­ and Dementing Disorders Program. 7/8 Dr. Joseph Zohar, Israel. Sponsor: Dr. posed uniform criteria for collaborative thera­ The report was reviewed by six profes­ Dennis L. Murphy, Clinical Neuropharmacology peutic trials in Alzheimer's disease, and has sional societies concerned with research and Branch, NIMH, Bg. 10, Rm . 3D41. recommended approaches for assessing the clinical care for Alzheimer's disease. 7/9 Dr. Alvar Gronberg, Sweden. Sponsor: Dr. disorder's natural history. John Ortaldo, Biological Therapeutics Branch, " With Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. NCI FCRF, Bg. 560. The work group, jointly established by the Stadlan, "basic research from many different 7/9 Dr. Paul Edwards, Jamaica. Sponsor: Dr. National Institute of Neurological and Com­ approaches is necessary before the etiology Carl Kupfer, Ophthalmic Genetics and Pediatric municative Disorders and Stroke and the and pathogenesis are uncovered. Ophthalmology Section, NEI, Bg. 10, Rm. Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders "I hope that an understanding of the dis­ 10N226. Association, worked under the auspices of ease, as enhanced by the contribution of this 7/9 Dr. Giovanni Salerno, Italy. Sponsor: Dr. the DHHS Task Force on Alzheimer's work group, will lead to ways to treat. pre­ Edward G. Lakatta, Clinical Physiology Branch, Disease. vent, or arrest the progression of this disor­ NIA, GRC, Baltimore, MD. Published in Neurology, July 1984, the der," he said. 7/10 Dr. Jun-lchl Miyazaki, Japan. Sponsor: Dr. Keiko Ozato, Laboratory of Developmental and work group's report is the result of a compre­ The group's participants were neurologists, Molecular Immunity, NICHD, Bg. 6, Rm . 1A03. hensive review of the requirements for diag­ psychiatrists, psychologists, pathologists, 7/11 Dr. Yoshihiro Furukl, Japan. Sponsor: Dr. nosing possible, probable, and definite neuroradiologists, and other laboratory John W. Kebabian, Experimental Therapeutics Alzheimer's disease, a brain disorder marked specialists. Branch, NINCOS, Bg. 1OB, Rm. 5C114. by progressive dementia in middle or late Their affiliations included the NINCDS, 7/11 Dr. Ram Prashad Gupta, India. Sponsor: life. Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Dr. G. E. Hook, Laboratory of Pulmonary Function Such diagnostic standards are important Association, National Institute on Aging, Na­ and Toxicology, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, for uniform comparison of research results tional Institute of Mental Health, and many NC. among different institutions and nations, and medical centers and universities. 7/11 Dr. Ryuichi Konno, Japan. Sponsor: Dr. Pe­ ter J. Wirth, Laboratory of Experimental Carcino­ for correlation of clinical diagnoses with path­ "The consensus of this work group is a sig­ genesis, NCI, Bg. 37, Rm. 5C30. ological findings. The criteria will also help nificant step toward establishing an accurate 7111 Dr. Susan Laurie, Canada. Sponsor: Dr. E. guide physicians in properly diagnosing and base for research on Alzheimer's disease," F. Neufeld, Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, caring for Alzheimer's disease patients. Dr. Stadlan noted. "The need for generally NIADDK, Bg. 10, Rm. 9D15. Highlights of the criteria include: agreed upon criteria has long been 7/13 Dr. Jacov Tai, Israel. Sponsor: Dr. Barrie • The clinical diagnosis of definite recognized. Carter, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Genetics, Alzheimer's disease requires autopsy or bi­ "This wasn't the first attempt at developing NIADDK, Bg. 4, Rm. 316. opsy confirmation of a clinical diagnosis of criteria," he explained. "What our work group 7/16 Dr. S. Nalm Ahmad, India. Sponsor: Dr. probable Alzheimer's disease. did was to identify criteria compatible with Forrest Weight, Laboratory of Preclinical Studies, NIAAA, 12501 Washington Avenue, Rockville, • The clinical diagnosis of probable previous efforts, and to re fine them so that MD. Alzheimer's disease is based on clinically de­ 'possible ' and ' probable' diagnoses could be 7/16 Dr. Mohamed H. Haddada, France. Spon­ termined dementia, confirmed by neuro­ made with some confidence. That neurolo­ sor· Dr. Arthur S. Levine, Section on Viruses and psychological tests; two or more cognitive gists, psychiatrists, and psychologists could Cellular Biology, NICHD, BG. 31, Rm. 2A50. deficits; progressive worsening of memory agree upon and work with these criteria is 7/1 6 Dr. Takao Vora, Japan. Sponsor: Dr. Jacob and other cognitive functions; no disturbance significant." Robbins, Clinical Endocrinology Branch, of consciousness; onset between ages 40 Dr. Stadlan emphasized that there is still NIADDK, Bg. 10. Rm. 8N315. and 90 (most often after age 65); and ab­ much to learn about Alzheimer's disease and 7/17 Dr. Peter Paul Muller, Switzerland. Spon­ sence of systemic disorders or other brain that further refinement of these criteria will be sor: Dr. Alan G. Hinnebusch, Laboratory of Mo­ disorders that could cause progressive defi­ lecular Genetics, NICHD, Bg. 6, Rm. 408. inevitable. 7/17 Dr. Kenjl Tanimoto, Japan. Sponsor: Dr. cits 1n memory and cognition. "We still need to identify specific diagnos­ Thomas N. Chase, Experimental Therapeutics • The clinical diagnosis of possible tic markers of the disease," he said. "The de­ Branch, NINCDS, Bg. 10, Rm. 5C103. Alzheimer's disease should be used in re­ velopment of more precise criteria is crucial, 7118 Dr. Jose Esteban, Spain. Sponsor: Dr. Da­ search studies when a single, gradually pro­ since a substantial number of cases diag­ vid Colcher, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology gressive, severe cognitive deficit is identified nosed as Alzheimer's disease are discovered and Biology, NCI , Bg. 10, Rm . 8B11 . in the absence of another cause. at autopsy to have had other diseases." 7118 Dr. Rafick Sekaly, Canada. Sponsor· Dr. "This project was a productive collabora­ The report stresses the importance of en­ Thomas Kindt, Laboratory of lmmunogenetics, tion among scientists from Government, a couraging those who treat demented patients NIAID, Bg 5, Rm. 8104. voluntary health agency, and academic insti­ to seek to identify possible reversible causes 7/22 Dr. Juan Bernar, Spain. Sponsor: Dr. Mi­ chael A. Zasloff, Human Genetics Branch, tutions," said Dr. Emanuel M. Stadlan, execu- for the dementia. D NICHD, Bg. 10, Rm. 8C429. nity as a jovial person who was always willing James H. M. Austin Dies; In Radiation Safety 25 Years to help with both routine and special prob­ James H.M. Austin, chief of the Radiation lems relating to radioactive waste and radio­ Support Section, Radiation Safety Branch, Di­ active materials shipments. He was an avid vision of Saiety, died August 12 after a short sports fan, especially Redskins 1ootball. illness. He was 52 years old and had been He is survived by his wife, Mable, a nurse with the NIH Radiation Safety Program for in the Clinical Center, and two daughters, over 25 years. Sharon and Carolyn. Mr. Austin joined NIH in 1959 as a physical science aide and rose to the position of chief, Maryland Renaissance Festival Radiation Support Section, where he had re­ R&W will once again have tickets to the sponsibilities for radioactive waste manage­ Maryland Renaissance Festival which begins ment and receiving and shipping of radioac­ on Aug. 25 and will run through Sept. 30. tive materials as well as operation of the " Hot R&W's tickets are discounted to $5; $2 off Labs" in Building 21 . He spent 4 years in the the regular $7 fee. U.S. Air Force prior to joining NIH. Jim Austin is remembered by his The Maryland Renaissance Festival is lo­ coworkers and by the NIH research commu- James H.M. Austin cated at Symphony Woods adjacent to Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, Md.

Page 4 The NIH Record August 28, 1984 Pharmacological Whodunit: Tracing and Reducing acetaminophen. They are now studying NAPOI to learn how it is formed within a living Harmful Side Effects of Various Drugs organism and how it kills cells. Like acetaminophen, certain components "No drug produces a single effect," states Datri!®) can be toxic in huge doses of pennyroyal oil are metabolized to toxic in­ a pharmacology textbook by L.S. Goodman Pennyroyal oil, which is sold in health-food termediate substances. Dr. Nelson and his and A. Gilman. An important goal of stores for use in minute quantities to add fla­ group decided to isolate and examine these pharmacologists- scientists who study the vor or fragrance, can cause fatal lung and components, focusing on pulegone-a sub­ effects of biologically active compounds on liver damage in larger doses. stance that constitutes 80 percent of the oil. living systems- is to help design drugs that It is sometimes used by women attempting Interestingly, they found that pulegone have desirable therapeutic results with few self-induced abortions, and although it is not shows stereo-selectivity-that is, it is com­ adverse side effects. clear how effective the oil is in achieving that posed of two structures, called enantiomers, Toxic reactions- which can range from un­ result, its ability to cause death is well­ which are mirror images of each other but pleasant to fatal-are often caused by chem­ documented. cause markedly different toxic reactions. ical changes made by the body in the proc­ Both acetaminophen and pennyroyal oil R-( + )-pulegone is much more toxic than its ess of metabolizing or breaking down a drug. are metabolized in the liver by a process enantiomer, S-( - )-pulegone. Tracing the metabolic pathways taken by known as oxidation that involves the addition The researchers will now analyze the meta­ chemical substances is painstaking work for of oxygen atoms to the compound. A group bolic pathways of R-( + )-pulegone to investi­ laboratory detectives. of enzymes (substances that catalyze or gate mechanisms by which the toxic metabo­ There are frequently many pathways as speed up chemical reactions) called the lite or metabolites are formed. well as many different metabolites (products cytochrome P-450s play a key role in the Studies of this sort are important not only of metabolism), some of which are both diffi­ transformation by oxidation of these and because they may lead to a possible treat­ cult to isolate and unstable, that must be in­ other foreign substances. ment or antidote for a single substance, but vestigated before the toxic culprit or culprits Within therapeutic doses, acetaminophen also because they contribute to a general un­ are cornered. is transformed by the P-450 system to a me­ derstanding of the mechanisms by which Dr. Sidney Nelson, a National Institute of tabolite that is eliminated from the body with­ whole c lasses of to xic substances operate. General Medical Sciences grantee at the Uni­ out any adverse effects. Huge doses, how­ Often relatively minor modifications to a versity of Washington in Seattle, is a pharma­ ever, overwhelm the usual protective chemical structure can alter metabolism and cologist studying metabolic pathways in sev­ mechanisms and the resulting sequence of thereby modify toxicity. eral compounds, including acetaminophen events can lead to cell death. The outcome of research like Dr. Nelson's and a mint-like flavoring agent called penny­ Dr. Nelson's group has been able to suc­ can be the development of techniques that royal oil. Although it is usually a beneficial cessfully complete the difficult task of result in the synthesis of compounds that will substance, acetaminophen (an ingredient in synthesizing for study a pure form of the not produce these undesired, and potentially many non-aspirin-containing pain relievers highly toxic chemical N-acetyl-p-benzo- serious, reactions.- Doris Brody D and cold remedies such as Tylenol® and

Self-Defense, Not Attack, Is Keynote compete in the Olympics, Dr. Anderson said. Another requirement is membership in the Of Tae Kwon Do as Taught at NIH American Athletic Union, to which the NIH Tae kwon do is often called "Korean club belongs. karate," and it does have some resemblance Dr. Anderson also serves as team physi­ in style to.karate. cian for the American national tae kwon do However, it differs greatly from some other team, a job that he has held for 4 years. He martial arts, according to Dr. W. French became acquainted with the tae guek forms Anderson, chief of the Laboratory of Molecu­ and switched the NIH club to them. lar Hematology in the National Heart, Lung Dr. Anderson became interested in tae and Blood Institute, and an expert in tae kwon do "purely as self-defense" in 1969, kwon do. following the 1968 riots in Washington and Dr. Anderson noted, for example, a basic trouble at NIH itself. Also during this time, he difference between judo and tae kwon do. helped establish the NIH Police Force, and Judo is more of a wrestling, throwing sport the club maintains a close relationship with whereas tae kwon do is like "boxing with the them, he said. hands and feet," he said. Since 1979, the NIH Tae Kwon Do Club Dr. Anderson now holds a third-degree has offered basic, intermediate and ad­ black belt and acts as an instructor fo r the vanced training. Dr. Anderson founded the NIH club. Three other black belt instructors are associated with the organization: Mike club and serves as its president. Dr. Anderson (background) works with two of "Ours is one of the larger American Ath­ the other black belt Instructors In the NIH Tae Choi, an NHLBI summer research assistant; letic Union clubs in the country," he said. The Kw,s,n Do Club, Mike Chol (1) and Wllllam MIiier Dr. Daniel Eskinazi of the Laboratory of Oral membership at present is about 60 partici­ Medicine, NIDA, William Miller of the Office of pants. Most of the students are NIH employ­ for this purpose. the Director, NIA. ees, Dr. Anderson said, but any R&W mem­ In fact, members of the NIH club have no These instructors hold 1- to 6-week clinics ber can join. trouble blending in with mainstream clubs. for various specialized areas of tae kwon do Dr. Anderson said the club has a practi­ "Our students have found that their tech­ on Wednesay and Friday nights. Monday cally Injury-free record-the most serious nique is as good or better than schools nights are devoted to regular instruction at was a broken wrist when one student tripped around the country," Dr. Anderson said. the basic, intermediate and advanced levels. and fell. Another reason they find transition easy is Another offshoot is a special self-defense Although individual club members have the development in the last three years of the class for women, taught at noon once a week competed in tournaments, the focus of the tae guek forms, a standardized set of moves. for 8 weeks at various locations as re­ NIH organization is not on that aspect. " We These were developed because tae kwon do quested. orient much more around self defense and will become an Olympic sport in the 1988 Dr. Anderson sees no end to the club for body control than fighting," he said. games and a more uniform set of moves was the forseeable future. "The future of the For those who desire advanced competi­ needed to replace the older ones which club," he said, "is to continue to provide NIH tion-type instruction, the club maintains a varied from place to place. people a place where they can learn-in a "reciprocal relationship" with professional The tae guek forms became mandatory safe, friendly and non-competitive atmos­ clubs in the area, so students can go to them one-and-a-half years ago for clubs wishing to phere-self-defense."- Susan Pierce D

August 28, 1984 The NIH Record Page 5 Sylvia Funk Awarded First Prize MEDLINE Subsets Offered In American University Honors Contest To Individuals, Institutions

Fogarty International Center's Sylvia M. The development of sophisticated and rel­ Funk has been awarded the first prize in the atively low cost mini- and microcomputers American University Honors Contest for her has prompted the National Library of Medi­ undergraduate thesis on Ellis Island. Mrs. cine (NLM) to offer subsets of its well known Funk attended American University as a MEDLINE bibliographic data base for use on STRIDE intern, and graduated this year personal and institutional computers. A magna cum laude with honors in history. subset licensing policy and agreement have The Honors Committee of AU noted that been adopted, and the Library is now pre­ Mrs. Funk's essay, which took sharp issue pared to provide citations from MEDLINE and with the popular view of Ellis Island as an its backfiles on magnetic tape (and later on ''Isle of Tears," had made an original and diskettes) for storage and reuse locally. creative contribution in her field. MEDLINE (MEDLARS Online) and its Particularly interesting are the conditions backfiles contain citations to articles from under which U.S. Public Health Service phy­ I some 3,000 journals. MEDLINE is part of the sicians worked during the first two decades Library's computerized system, MEDLARS of this century, the peak years of immigration. (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval "The medical officers had the grinding job System). of trying to identify the physical and mental Mrs. Funk hold Ing the essay which won her Those wishing to receive MEDLINE subsets disabilities of a different individual every 6 first place In the AU contest. are allowed considerable latitude in defining seconds throughout a 12-hour day, 7 days a the portion of the data base they require. week.. .. Indeed, line medical inspection at can University, Mrs. Funk served as the un­ More than 4 million citations from biomedical Ellis Island became regarded by the profes­ dergraduate representative on the History journal ·articles from 1966 to the present are sion as one of the 'best schools for physical Council. available. Subsets may be defined by sub­ diagnosis in the world.'" A former employee of NCI, Mrs. Funk was ject, time period, language of publication, Early this spring, another paper by Mrs. selected for the STRIDE Program by Dr. journal title, and other delimiting factors. Funk, on Brazilian-U.S. relations, won the first Philip Scharnbra, Chief, International !Information Varies place award at the Regional Conference of Coordination and Liaison Branch, FIC, who The amount of information in each record Phi Alpha Theta, the International Honor So­ served as her supervisor/advisor for the 2½ may vary with the needs of the requester­ ciety in History. During her last year at Ameri- years of her internship. □ c itation only, citation with indexing terms, ci­ tation with abstract, etc. Requesters may Mary Dasher Retires After 20 Years at NIH lease a one-time subset or elect to receive monthly or quarterly updates as new citations Mary Dasher, a fellowship technical assist­ supported by foreign organizations. are added to MEDLINE. ant in the International Research and Awards During her years of Government service, The charge for the service varies with the Branch, Fogarty International Center, retired Mrs. Dasher has been the recipient of several size of the subset and the medium of distri­ recently after 21 years of Government honors and awards. In 1980 and 1981 , she bution, whether updates are chosen, and service. received a Group Award. In 1974, she was whether the subset is intended for use by one Mrs. Dasher's entire career has been de­ awarded a certificate of recognition and ap­ person or by more than one in an institutional voted to the international activities of DHHS preciation of special achievement. setting. In setting prices, the Library recovers except for a year in Florida with the Social Her coworkers and friends honored her at the costs of providing the subsets, including Security Administration. Her first 3 years at a reception, and FIC Director, Dr. Craig K. NLM computer costs, materials, shipping, NIH were with the Visiting Program and later Wallace, presented her with the John E. staff costs, and overhead. with the International Research Fellowship Fogarty International Center Service Award. Those leasing subsets are prohibited from Program. In 1975 she transferred to the newly Mrs. Dasher is the first recipient of this republishing, duplicating, or offering the established Senior International Fellowship award; her loyalty and dedication to the subset for sale to others. Program and in 1982 became involved with goals of FIC were instrumental in the initiation For an information packet on how to order the fe llowship programs for U.S. scientists of this award. subsets write to: MEDLARS Management Section, National Library of Medicine. Bldg. 38A, Rm. 4N421 , Bethesda, MD 20209. □

Former Fogarty Scholar Gets Israel's Top Science Prize

Dr. Meir Wilchek, a former Fogarty Interna­ tional Center Scholar-in-Residence, was awarded Israel's most prestigious prize in science, the Rothschild Prize for 1984, at a ceremony of the Israeli Parliament on June 10. The prize was given for work he initiated at the National Institutes of Health, together with Ors. Chris Anfinsen and Pedro Cuatrocasas, on affinity chromatography. Dr. Wilchek was a Fogarty Scholar during 1981 and 1983 and was also a postdoctoral fellow at NIH from 1966 to 1968. He is pres­ ently chairman of the Biophysics Department at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. □ Mrs. Dasher (c) received the John E. Fogarty International Center Service Award at her retire­ ment party from Dr. Craig K. Wallace (I) while Dr. Bettle J. Graham, chief, International Research and Awards Branch, looks on.

Page 6 The NIH Record August 28, 1984 Dr. Philip Schambra Joins Fish-Borne Bacterium Can Cause Rampant Blood Poisoning

U.S. Embassy in India Vibrio vulnificus-a bacterium which can treatment with antibiotics, surgery and, on cause blood poisoning, shock, and severe occasion, limb amputation. The Fogarty International Center is bidding hypotension (low blood pressure) in persons It is not practical to prevent exposure of a temporary farewell to Or. Philip E. with liver disease-has been isolated from 80 wounds to vibrios, since small cuts and Schambra who has assumed the post of Sci­ sites along the Atlantic coast from Miami to wounds are so common during contact with ence Attache at the U.S. Embassy in New Portland, Me. marine life and coastal waters. Delhi, India. He will be replacing Dr. Dennis Although only about 100 cases of Vibrio However, food-borne vibrio infections can, Johnsen of NIH, who has held this position vulnificus infection have been reported to the according to Dr. Paul A. Blake of the Centers for the past 4 years. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, the for Disease Control, be prevented by cooking consequences of this infection can be severe seafoods thoroughly, protecting them from for persons with chronic cirrhosis, hepatitis, cross-contamination after cooking, and eat­ and other liver diseases that cause higher­ ing them promptly or storing them at tempera­ than-normal iron levels in the blood. tures too hot (140°F or higher) or too cold In research supported by the National In­ (4Q°F or lower) to prevent vibrios from stitute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. multiplying. James D. Oliver and colleagues at the Uni­ Trad itional methods of cooking seafood, versity of North Carolina at Charlotte report such as steaming clams only until they open, that a form of blood poisoning known as ful­ may be insufficient to sterilize them, Dr. minating septicemia, which causes a greater Blake adds. than 40 percent mortality, apparently is Vibrio vulnificus is one of at least nine caused by Vibrio vulnificus. disease-causing Vibrio species in the U.S., The bacteria enter the body through the di­ but it is the deadliest. The best known, Vibrio gestive tract after a person at high risk eats cholerae, causes severe diarrhea and fre­ raw seafood, especially oysters_. Few, if any quently-but not always- is sewage­ cases, have been traced to eating raw sea­ associated. food by healthy individuals. Vibrio vulnificus is not sewage-associated Both healthy and high-risk individuals can and abounds, as Dr. Oliver's studies have / occasionally develop a severe Vibrio vulnifi­ shown, in coastal waters. He has found the cus infection in wounds such as those in­ bacterium in seawater, sediment, plankton, Dr. Schambra curred while cleaning or stepping on shell­ and marine animals such as oysters and fish, or while harvesting oysters and crabs. clams. Dr. Schambra will work with the Embassy's Wound infections are usually minor, but a Vibrio vulnificus infections that are re­ Science Counselor, Mr. Ahmed Meer, and few cases have been characterized by ported in the U.S. almost always occur during U.S. Ambassador to India, Mr. Harry Barnes, marked swelling and tissue death requiring the warm months of May to October. to oversee and coordinate DHHS cooperative - Maureen Mylander D activities with the Indian biomedical and health services research community. Visiting Women Engineers Tour NIH Facilities Based in New Delhi The Society of Women Engineers at its in­ ACRF mechanical systems and the materiel From his base in New Delhi, Dr. Schambra ternational conference recently offered handling distribution center. will also be responsible for oversight and attendees the chance to tour and discuss the Various design, con~truction, and mainte­ coordination of cooperative activities be­ diverse and complex NIH facilities. nance techniques applied by NIH engineers tween DHHS agencies and counterparts in The tour, coordinated and conducted by were presented to the visitors. Guests left Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Doug Abramson, a mechanical engineer in with a feeling for the engineering challenges Nepal. Division of Engineering Services. included and demands offered and required by a so­ For the past 3½ years, Dr. Schambra th e Clinical Center Clinical Pathology Labo­ phisticated biomedical research and patient served as chief of the International ratory, Surgical Intensive Care Units, Surgery care center such as NIH. Coordination and Liaison Branch, FIC, which Branch Laboratory, the maintenance center, is responsible for overseeing and facilitating the participation of NIH Institutes in bilateral cooperative research agreements with for­ eign countries. Dr. J. R. Schmidt will take over his responsibilities as Chief, ICLB, FIC. Or. Schambra received his undergraduate degree from Rice University, and a doctoral degree from Yale University. He worked un­ der a research fellowship from the lnstitut feur Strahlenbiologie, Karlsruhe, Germany, from 1962 to 1963. He also did research un­ der a fellowship from NASA at the University of California at Berkeley.

Received NIH Merit Award Before leaving for India, Dr. Schambra re­ ceived an NIH Merit Award "for exceptional creativity and achievement in carrying out the Fogarty International Center's responsibilities for the coordination of international relation­ ships of the National Institutes of Health ." He will return to FIC after ending his tour of serv­ ice in India. □

Hanry Fulkoskl, a dispatcher In the CC Maintenance Section, axplalns the operation to the visit­ A practical man is a man who practices the errors Ing women scientists and engineers as Ken Waddell, chief, CCMS (second from I) and Mr. of his forefathers. -Benjamin Disraeli Abramson look on.

August 28, 1984 The NIH Record Page 7 Can Babies 'Learn' Before They Are Born? MIDER LECTURE (Continued from Page 1) Rat Fetuses Can, NICHD Study Indicates The Mider Lecture series, begun in 1968 as part of the NIH Lecture Series, to honor the By Tlneke Bodde received the apple juice linked with the lith­ distinguished service of Dr. G. B. Mider, a ium chloride in utero showed the least prefer­ former NIH Director of Laboratories and Clin­ Can babies learn before they are born? ence for the apple juice coated nipples (43 ics. The lecture is awarded each year to an Can prenatal experiences of unborn infants percent of the time). NIH scientist in recognition of outstanding influence their behavioral development as The pups from the three control groups scientific achievement and serves as an ex­ children and adults? No one knows for sure, preferred the apple juice coated nipples 60 c hange of research information. but a· group of scientists in Oregon has dem­ percent, 59 percent, and 64 percent of the onstrated that rat fetuses who learned to as­ time, respectively. The scientists concluded Noted for Work on Enhancers sociate apple juice with physical discomfort, that 20-day-old rat fetuses are sufficiently de­ Dr. Khoury is noted for his work in continued to show a dislike for apple juice af­ veloped to learn and retain a conditioned elucidating and describing ''enhancer se­ ter birth. taste aversion which may guide later quences," genetic elements that activate and The study, supported by the Human Learn­ behavior. regulate certain genes. Understanding how ing and Behavior Branch of NICHD, was To determine whether just smelling apple enhancers work may help to explain why a carried out by Dr. William P. Smotherman of juice after birth would affect the pups· behav­ body's cells, virtually all with the same Oregon State University in Corvallis, and ior, Dr. Smotherman conducted a similar ex­ genes, can be as different as blood cells and Gregory Stickrod, M.S. , and Dr. Daniel P. periment as before but he released the odor brain cells. Kimble of the University of Oregon in Eugene, of apple juice near the mother rat instead of Enhancers may also control the genes that Oregon. The research involved 48 rat fe­ painting her nipples with the juice. He found allow some cells to do specialized work, such tuses. and was based on the knowledge that that it took the conditioned rat pups about as making antibodies. In some cases, the fetal rats swallow amniotic fluid in the latter twice as long as the controls to run the presence of enhancers may contribute to the part of the 22-day pregnancy. 20-cm.-long runway toward their mother and transformation of normal cells into cancer some did not reach her at all within the 100 cells. seconds allotted. Dr. Khoury received his undergraduate de­ "These findings indicate that brief expo­ gree cum laude from Princeton University in sure of rats to chemical stimuli before birth 1965. He received his medical degree in can have long lasting effects on their behav­ 1970, also cum laude, from Harvard Medical ior and physiological responsiveness as School, where he studied virology with adults," Dr. Smotherman said. Nobelist Dr. John Enders. Dr. Khoury com­ Present and future research seeks to fur­ pleted his internship at Massachusetts Gen­ ther explore the earliest age at which in utero eral Hospital in internal medicine before com­ conditioning is possible, whether male fe­ ing to NIAID in 1971. tuses respond differently than females, and At NIAID, he started research with Dr. how chemosensory stimulation of the rat fe­ Malcolm Martin on gene transcription and tuses affects fetal activity. gene expression, using as model systems "This work is one of a series of branch­ the small DNA tumor viruses. supported studies on prenatal behavioral de­ In 1976, Dr. Khoury was named head of the velopment," said Dr. Norman A. Krasnegor, virus tumor biology section in NCl's Labora­ chief of the Human Learning and Behavior tory of Molecular Biology, and became chief Branch. " It is an excellent example of the rig­ of the laboratory in 1980. orous research now being conducted in this Dr. Khoury received the 1977 Outstanding new frontier of behavioral science." D Young Maryland Scientist Award and the 1981 Arthur S. Flemming Award. He belongs Rat pups show little liking for apple juice after to many professional societies and serves on prenatal aversive conditioning, according to studies by a group of Oregon psychologists. Dr. A. Lilienteld, Pioneer the editorial boards of the Journal of Virology Shown here is a 20-day old rat fetus opening and of Cell. D its mouth. Photo by Dr. Wit/tam P Smotherman, Oregon In Epidemiology, Dies at 63 State UnrversitY. Dr. Abraham Lilienfeld, recognized interna­ BIOMEDICAL PROJECT On the 20th day of gestation, the research­ tionally as a pioneer in the development of (Continued from Page 1) ers gave four groups of 12 rat fetuses a com­ chronic disease epidemiology, died Aug. 6 in bination of injections. The first group re­ Baltimore at age 63. A University Distin­ search," said Dr. Frederickson. ceived apple juice into the amniotic fl uid guished Service Professor at the Johns "This unique public-private partnership," followed by a lithium chloride injection into Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health said Dr. Wyngaarden, "will be an important the abdominal cavity to induce gastrointesti­ and an alumnus of the School, Dr. Lilienfeld addition to America's capacity for main­ nal illness. was active as a teacher and scientist until his taining its leadership in medical research The second dozen received a saline injec­ death. and health care." tion into the amniotic fluid followed by lithium He was associated with NIH as a consult­ NIH, the Federal government's major chloride in the abdomen. The third received ant and advisor at various times over the last biomedical research component, supports apple juice into the amniotic fluid and saline three decades. biomedical research and training at medical in the abdomen, and the fourth was given " His contributions to the epidemiology of schools, universities and other institutions one saline injection into the amniotic fluid chronic disease have been extensive and of around the country. It also maintains an intra­ and one saline injection into the abdomen. seminal importance," says Dr. D. A. mural research program with more than The last three groups served as controls. Henderson, dean of the School of Public 2,000 scientists centered primarily at its Be­ Two days later the rat pups were delivered Health. "So important were they, that Dr. thesda campus. by cesarean section and placed with foster Lilienfeld is often referred to as the father of HHMI, founded in 1953, is one of the mothers whose own litters had been re­ contemporary chronic disease epidemi­ largest private medical research organiza­ moved. Sixteen days after the pups' birth, the ology." tions in the world. HHMI includes among its investigators painted the nipples of the Among his many prestigious awards was a programs the maintenance of biomedical re­ nursing foster mothers with either apple juice Research Career Award from NIH. search laboratories affiliated with more than or saline. He is survived by his wife, the former 12 research-intensive teaching hospitals and When the pups were allowed to approach Lorraine Zemil, three children, Julie, Saul, academic medical centers over the United and suckle the nipples, the group that had and David, and five grandchildren. States. D

Page 8 The NIH Record August 28, 1984 New National Study on Premature Births Dr. Peter Kerekes, 43, Dies Announced by HHS Secretary Heckler From Heart Attack

Inauguration of a major national study on tus, may stimulate contractions. Researchers Dr. Peter Kerekes, Visiting Scientist in the the cause and prevention of premature births have also found that this same enzyme is re­ Section of Medicinal Chemistry, NIADDK, has been announced by HHS Secretary leased by bacteria that cause genitourinary died unexpectedly from a heart attack on Margaret M. Heckler. The findings from this infections. July 31, three days short of his 44th birthday. study could represent a major turning point in In the first phase of the project, women in efforts to reduce the number of babies born their sixth month of pregnancy will be tested prematurely, she said. to determine if the organisms are present. A The study of 15,000 pregnant women over sample of women who exhibit growth of any the next 4 years will examine the role of bac­ of the three organisms being tested but show teria in stimulating early labor. The National no other symptoms, will be asked to partici­ Institute of Child Health and Human Develop­ pate in the study. ment will oversee the $6.8 million project be­ Half of the women will be treated with an ing conducted at five university medical cen­ antibiotic and the other half with a placebo ters around the country. until the 38th week of pregnancy or delivery, " More than half of the infant deaths in our whichever occurs first. country occur in children born prematurely," After delivery, the outcome of pregnancy Secretary Heckler said in announcing the and the incidence of babies born prema­ study. " Even though infant mortality has been turely to all of the women will be assessed. declining, the rate of premature births has "This important clinical trial has the poten­ not decreased in the past 30 years. By better tial of producing the first eflective method of understanding the causes of prematurity, we preventing many premature births-a devel­ hope to accelerate the progress we're mak­ opment that would eliminate a tremendous ing in further lowering infant mortality." amount of infant death and disability," said Certain bacterial infections in the female Dr. Sumner Yaffe, director of the NICHD Cen­ genital and urinary tracts are found more of­ ter for Research for Mothers and Children. Dr. Peter Kerekes ten in women delivering premature babies. The principal investigators are: The study will determine if these infections Dr. David A. Eschenbach, University of Dr. Kerekes was well known for his work on cause premature labor and if treatment with Washington in Seattle; Dr. Ronald S. Gibbs, isoquinolin and morphine derivatives. He had antibiotics can prevent early labor from University of Texas, Health Sciences Center spent the last eleven months collaborating starting. in San Antonio: Dr. L. Stanley James, Colum­ with section chief, Dr. Arnold Brossi. His work " Accumulating research suggests that the bia University in New York; Dr. David H. Mar­ at NIADDK on unnatural morphinans is pres­ bacteria causing these infections may be re­ tin, Louisiana State University Medical Center ently in press, and his investigation of sponsible for starting premature labor," ac­ in New Orleans; Dr. Philip J. Rettig, Univer­ colchinoids will be presented at the Ameri- cording to Dr. Mortimer B. Lipsett, Director of sity of Oklahoma Sc iences Center in can Chemical Society meeting in Philadel­ NICHD. Oklahoma City. phia, Pa. by one of his colleagues. Recent studies on why labor starts indicate Experts from the National Institute of Al­ He came to NIH from the department of or­ that an enzyme, phospholipase Ag, released lergy and Infectious Diseases will collaborate ganic chemistry at the University of in the anmiotic membrane surrounding the le- extensively on the project. D Debrecen, Hungary. He had just decided to extend his stay for another year. Dr. Kerekes received a Ph.D. degree from the Kossuth Lajos University in Debrecen, Hungary, studying under Professor R. Bognar. His postdoctoral work was per­ formed with Professor S. Pfeifer at Humboldt - University in Berlin, East Germany, and also with Professor G. Snatzke at the Ruhr Univer­ sity 1n Bochum, West Germany. He spoke fluent German and English in ad­ dition to his native Hungarian.and could read and write Russian. Colleagues in the section were shocked to learn of his death. Dr. Brossi described his colleague and friend as a soft­ spoken, talented chemist whose kindness will be sorely missed. Dr. Kerekes is survived by a brother, Antal. On Aug. 31, Dr. Brossi will give a memorial lecture at the Central Institute of Chemistry in Budapest, Hungary, on work done by Peter Kerekes entitled " New Results on Colchicine and Congeners."

Attention: Photographers

The Fogarty International Center held Its annual awards ceremony June 29 at the Stone House. Join others who enjoy photography as a Dr. Craig K. Wallace, FIC Director, presented the NIH Merit Award to Dr. Morris Jones, chief, Spe­ hobby and share the fun while improving cial Foreign Currency Program, for "sustained leadership In developing, guiding, and coordinat­ your skills. The NIH R&W Camera Club meets ing NIH's role In the highly complex Special Foreign Currency (PL 480) Program over a 19-year the second Tuesday of the month al 7:30 period." Receiving awards tor their outstanding contributions to the FIC are (front row, I to r): p.m. The first meeting of the new season will Frances S. Anderson, International Coordination and Liaison Branch (ICLB); Stephanie J. be on Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m., Bldg. 31 , Cont. Bursenos, ICLB; Nanci Brice, Office of the Director (00); Regina Toler, Office of Administrative Rm. 4, Management; (second row, I to r): Wanda J. Pifer, chief, Foreign Scientists Assistance Branch; Dr. Jones; Dr. Wallace; Nancy Dennison, Scholars-In-Residence Branch (SIRB). Not pictured: For more information, call Leroy Kerney, Josephine Schiaffino, SIRB; Judy Ireland, ICLB; Sondra Laskin, ICLB; and Myra Halem, OD. 496-3401 , or Catherine Quigley, 496-3261 . D

August 28, 1984 The NIH Record Page 9 NINCDS Clones Gene for Gaucher's Disease, Conference on Brain Tumors The Most Common Jewish Genetic Disorder Planned at NIEHS Center The National Institute of Environmental NINCDS scientists have cloned the gene quences of the clone detected by the Health Sciences/National Toxicology Pro­ for the enzyme whose deficiency causes antibody-confirmation that the team had gram and Duke University Medical Center will Gaucher's disease, the most common Jewish cloned the gene for glucocerebrosidase. sponsor a conference on " Brain Tumors in genetic disorder. The research team plans to use recombi­ Man and Animals," Sept. 5-6 at the NIEHS Cloning of the gene for glucocerebro­ nant DNA techniques on the newly cloned Conference Center, Research Triangle Park, sidase, an enzyme that helps regulate fat gene for glucocerebrosidase as a step to­ N.C. within a cell, is considered a major step to­ ward producing the large quantities of this The conference will emphasize the latest ward improved diagnosis and understanding scarce enzyme needed to treat the non­ technologies and methods for detecting and of this neurological disorder. neurologic form of Gaucher's disease classifying brain tumors in humans and ani­ "We now have the key to open the door to The cloning research may also one day en­ mals in in vivo and in vitro differentiation of a large number of experiments with the able scientists to replace the genetic material spontaneously-occurring and experimentally­ gene," said Dr. John Barranger of the that makes the enzyme. " If we can learn induced central neuroepithelial tumors. NINCDS Developmental and Metabolic Neu­ enough about the gene's structure and its Human and veterinary neuropathology ex­ rology Branch. operation within the cell." said Dr. Ginns, perts will discuss the use of rodent models to Dr. Barranger and NINCDS scientist Dr. "gene replacement in tissues such as bone detect environmental inducers of brain Edward Ginns predict that continued re­ marrow may be feasible within the next 10 neoplasms. search will enable them to better describe years." This research will appear in Bio­ For further information, contact Jacqueline the different mutations of the gene. These c hemical and Biophysical Research Commu­ Russell, NIEHS, FTS 629-3208. □ mutations result in three types of Gaucher's nications, Sept. 17, 1984, Vol. 123(2), pp. disease, two of which affect the nervous 574-580.- Dlane Striar D system. grams. For 8 years he chaired the NIH chol­ If descriptions of the genetic mutations that DR. SEAL era advisory committee, with responsibilities cause Gaucher's can be improved, more (Continued from Page 1) for the operation of the Southeast Atlantic sensitive methods of both prenatal and post­ Rochester, N.Y. Treaty Organization (SEATO) Cholera Pro­ natal diagnosis can be developed, according He completed his residency in medicine gram and the Cholera Research Laboratory to Dr. Barranger. and cardiology at New York Hospital-Cornell in Dacca, Pakistan (now Bangladesh). He Gaucher's disease affects about 20,000 Medical Center in New York City. also played a key advisory role in develop­ Americans- many of whom are children. In During World War II, Dr. Seal received four ment of high level containment facilities for these patients glucocerebroside, a lipid or fat battle stars while serving as medical officer recombinant DNA research. which is a normal part of every cell, accumu­ aboard the USS Anthony in the Central and Dr. Seal's excellence as a scientist and ad­ lates excessively in body tissues. The abnor­ South Pacific. ministrator won him the Founder's Medal of mal buildup results from an inherited defect After the war, he directed naval medical re­ the Association of Military Surgeons twice: in glucocerebrosidase, an enzyme or protein search units in Georgia, Illinois, and Egypt. tn the first Stitt Award of the same association that normally breaks the lipid down. Illinois, he investigated the development and for outstanding contributions in the field of In young children, the buildup of gluco­ spread of infectious diseases in naval re­ antibiotics; and the Medal of Commendation cerebroside can be life threatening. Patients cruits and treatment of bacterial diseases of the Secretary of the Navy. He served as may suffer from spleen and liver enlarge­ with the antibiotics just corning into common President of the Society of Medical Consult­ ment, anemia, and bone problems. Symp­ usage. He was among the first to use penicil­ ants to the Armed Forces in 198i . toms of the neurologic types of the disease lin to treat streptococcal infections for pre­ He was also honored with HEW's Superior include loss of intellectual function and vention of rheumatic fever. and Distinguished Service Awards and, in seizures. Following 2 years as head of Navy's Com­ 1980. was among the first to receive desig­ The gene for glucocere brosidase was municable Disease Control Branch in the Bu­ nation as a Meritorious Executive in the Fed­ cloned by Ors. John Barranger, Edward reau of Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Seal be­ eral Government's Senior Executive Service. Ginns, Prabhakara Choudary, Brian Martin, came Commanding officer of the Naval In 1983 Dr. Seal was elected to senior mem­ and Gary Murray, all of NINCDS, who isola­ Medical Research Unit No. 3 in Cairo, Egypt, bership in the prestigious Institute of Medi­ ted pure glucocerebrosidase from samples in 1958. There he directed an intensive re­ cine of the National Academy of Sciences. of human placenta and made antibody to this search program in viral diseases, nutrition, On June 4, 1976, the University of Virginia purified material. and medical entomology. School of Medicine observed "John R. Seal Dr. Barranger and his colleagues used the In 1961 , Dr. Seal became commanding of­ Day," highlighting his numerous contribu­ antibody as a tool to detect clones that pro­ ficer of the Naval Medical Research Institute tions to infectious disease research. duce or express glucocerebrosidase. These in Bethesda, where he directed a staff of 275 In March 1983, the Kamal-Seal Biomedical clones were isolated from a human cDNA li­ physicians. scientists, and technical special­ Research laboratory was dedicated in Cairo, brary provided by Ors. John O'Brien and Jeff ists in research programs relating to naval Egypt. Named for Dr. Seal and Dr. Ahmed N. DeWet of the University of California, San personnel both in this country and abroad. Kamal, epidemiologist and founder of the Diego. Following his retirement from the Navy in Egyptian public health service, and the only To confirm that these were indeed clones 1965, Dr. Seal began a second career in one of its kind in Africa, the Laboratory will of the gene for glucocerebrosidase, the medical research by becoming NIAID Direc­ provide state-of-the-art facilities for both NINCDS research team began describing the tor of Intramural Research. He rapidly gath­ Egyptian and American scientists to join in amino acid sequence of the enzyme. ered and organized a staff of internationally_ the study of infectious diseases in that part of Amino acids, the building blocks of pro­ recognized scientists to strengthen and the world. teins like glucocerebrosidase, are arranged broaden the lnstitute's research objectives. Survivors include his wife, Frances; a sis­ 1n long chains in a unique, identifying se­ particularly in developing new vaccines, in­ ter. Jane Anne Miller of San Francisco: and a quence. The sequence of these amino acids cluding those for bacterial pneumonia, influ­ niece, Nancy Miller. is determined by sets of nucleotide enza. meningitis, and hepatitis. A memorial "John R. Seal Fund" has been bases-the hereditary units or components He became NIAID's scientific director in established to aid research in international of DNA. 1969 and served as Deputy Director of the health. Those who wish may donate to this The NINCDS scientists identified 250 of the Institute from 1975 until 1981 when he was fund by sending a check made out to the 400 amino acids that make up glucocerebro­ asked to establish the NIH disease preven­ "John R. Seal Fund" to the attention of Dr. sidase, and deduced the sequences of tion research program. Kenneth W. Sell, Scientific Director, NIAID: nucleotide bases that determine their ar­ During 17 years at NIH, Dr. Seal provided Bldg. 10, Rm. 11 C103: NIH: Bethesda. Md. rangement. These nuc leotide base se­ leadership for several government-wide pro- 20205. quences were identical to the nucleotide se-

Page 10 The NIH Record August 28, 1984 The Making of NIH Research Grants (II) A previous article described the receipt While councils generally agree with the ini­ and processing of research grant applica­ tial review groups' recommendations, they tions at the NIH, and first review by an initial may modify those recommendations based review group. This article discusses the rest on policy or program considerations. They of the process- the preparation of summary cannot change priority scores. If a council statements, project site visits, and the sec­ disagrees with the scientific merit review, ond level review by a national advisory coun­ they can return the applications to the initial cil or board (usually called a council). review group for re-review. Except for indi­ vidual fellowship applications and certain ap- Summary Statements CORRECTION Immediately after the initial review group In the first article on the making of research meeting and dec1sIon, the executive secre­ tary prepares a summary statement on each grants at NIH, published in Aug. 14 issue of application. Often called " pink sheets,"­ The Record, it was incorrectly stated that research project grant summary statements each reviewer used increments of 0.2 in arriving at a numerical rating on the scientific are printed on pink paper-these documents contain a brief description of the proposed merit of each grant application, using a scale project, the review group's critique of the from 1.0-the most meritorious-to 5.0, the Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Slulllkutapu project's strengths and weaknesses, and­ least acceptable. from Tongatapu, Tonga, recently visited NIH They use increments o1 0.1. not 0.2. and was briefed on the latest developments In for approval recommendations-a priority research on cancer, asthma, diabetes, ulcers score and a recommended budget and time plications with direct costs of no more than and heart disease by NIH scientists. Dr. limit for the project. $35,000 a year, grants cannot be awarded Thomas E. Malone, NIH Deputy Director, met Summary statements are sent to the appro­ without a council's recommendation for with the Princess In the Shannon Bldg. before priate institutes tor their review and are also approval. they departed for a tour of the Clinical Center. automatically and promptly sent to principal Alter the council's review, the NIH peer re­ (Tonga Is located In the southwest Pacific investigators following initial group meetings. view process is complete. The institute acts Ocean). on the council's recommendations in decid­ Project Site Visits ing which grants will be awarded, based on Nominations Open on Hazen Review of some applications req uires infor­ both scientific merit and program Clinical Research Awards mation that can only be gathered at the pro­ considerations. posed research or train ing site. Such site vis­ Chances for Success Nomination material is now available for its may occur before an initial review group the 1985 Lita Annenberg Hazen Awards for meeting, after a deferral recommendation Competition for research funds has be­ Excellence in Clinical Research. The purpose during such a meeting, or occasionally after come increasingly tough over the years. of the awards is to encourage increased par­ a council deferral recommendation. Thus, the number of competing research ticipation in clinical research by physicians. In each case, the executive secretary visits project grant (Ro1) applications has risen Prizes amounting to $1 00,000 are awarded: the site with a team of visitors, including ini­ dramatically-from 8,596 in FY 1972 to $50,000 (tax free) to an outstanding physi­ tial review group members, a program stciff 16.798 in FY 1983. The approval rate has cian investigator and $50,000 for the support person from the institute, and any other also increased-from 71 percent in FY 1972 of a research fellow(s). needed consultants. Their report is dis­ to 86 percent in FY 1983-but the award The award committee will select a cussed at the next review group meeting. (funding) rate has declined. physician-investigator or team who will be For example, in FY 1971 , 50. 7 percent of Council Review awarded $50,000 (tax free). An additional the approved applications were actually $50,000 will be provided for the support, for The second level of review for research funded: in FY 1979, 51.6 percent. But in th, up to 3 years, of a research fellow or fellows grant applications is by the appropriate insti­ last several years there has been a marked whom the award winner will select as tute's national advisory council or board. reversal of this pattern. In FY 1983, only 37.:2 associates. Councils are made up of both scientific and percent of the approved competing research Past recipients of the awards include: Dr. public representatives noted for their exper­ project applications were funded. Jesse Roth, National lnslilute o1 Arthritis, Dia­ tise, interest, or activity in matters re lated to Still, the situation is not hopeless. In FY betes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the mission of their institute. The 12 to 15 1983, NIH made 5,388 awards, an increase 1979. members of each council are appointed for of 361 awards from the previous fiscal year. Requests for nomination forms and nomi­ overlapping 4 year terms with about 25 per­ Furthermore, new principal investigators nations, which will be accepted until Feb. 28, cent of the positions becoming vacant each have been consistently able to enter the NIH 1985, should be sent to: Dr. James F. Glenn , year. extramural research support system at a President, The Mount Sinai Medical Center Councils meet at least three times a year to healthy rate. From 1978 to 1982, new, first­ and Chairman, The Lita Annenberg Hazen advise the institute on its programs and prior­ time principal investigators averaged over Awards Program; 1 Gustav L. Levy Place, ities as well as to review research grant ap­ 28.5 percent of the to tal number of principal New York, N.Y. 10029, or call (212) plications. Their recommendations on appli­ inve,stigators on competing research project 650-8832. D cations are based on scientific merit as well grants. as the proposed project's relevance to the in­ Summary Scientific Products Exhibit stitute's programs and priorities. For many applications, councils vote a The NIH peer or dual review system-which Will Be Held on August 30 group (e~ bloc) concurrence with the initial separates scientific merit reviews from policy review group recommendations. Other appli­ decisions on research areas to be sup­ A scientific products exhibit conducted by cations are discussed individually. These in­ ported- permits a more objective evaluation the Millipore Corporation, Bedford, Mass .. clude applications from foreign institutions; than would result from a single level of re­ will be held on Aug. 30 in Rm 1A15, Bldg. 37 those with identified human subject, animal view. This system provides NIH with the best on Thursday, Aug. 30 from 11 a.m. until 1 welfare, or potential biohazard concerns; available advice about scientific as well as p.m. The Continental Water Systems and those which received a split vote from an ini­ societal values and needs. Waters Associates will also participate. Lat­ tial review group; those requesting an un­ - Samuel Joseloff D est and newly improved products will be pre­ usually large budget; or those for which pol­ sented. Professional personnel will be avail­ icy issues have been identified. able for consultation. There are more old drunkards than old doctors. Scientific personnel are invited to -French Proverb attend. D

August 28, 1984 The NIH Record Page 11 Malaria Gene Cloned by New Technique

A new genetic engineering technique de­ Malaria Life Cycle veloped by Dr. Thomas F. Mccutchan and his colleagues at the National Institute of Al­ lergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), brings development of an effective malaria vaccine closer to reality. The technique, described in 7:JO (l) (l) z 7) :I: 0 the Aug. 10 issue of Science, enables scien­ Cl) - ro-o.,c tists to cut intact genes (DNA segments) di­ :) ~ CT g =. Q'. ~Q Cl) . 0 -· ~~ -o., cnw~ 0 rl> rectly out of the genome (the basic genetic -< - g~~I -◄ :ti blueprint) of the malaria parasite. - (l) :I:-◄ 0 C - JJ-'° Ro s:: ~ U> s::: 0:, ~ m In a second article in the same issue of 7) - 0 V) - ~ :, 0., 3 ~:::r :I: z Science, Dr. John 8. Dame and other NIAID - · (I) C-◄ < V) C (/) -<-N - (I) scientists working in collaboration with inves­ ~(/) s:: 0 tigators from the National Cancer Institute Cl) ~(l)~< ~,, C a. 6 o o· (NCI) and the Walter Reed Army Institute of V) NW -co (/') Cl) 0 m Research (WRAIR), applied the technique to N I l,'> 0 (I) :ti P!asmodium falciparum, a parasite causing w 01 ~ < 8 CT 0 the most virulent form of human malaria. m They succeeded in cloning the gene for the (/') complete major antigen of the sporozoite, the form of the parasite injected by an infected mosquito. This opens the door to large scale synthesis of the antigen, which in turn could copies of the genetic material (messenger be tried as a vaccine, priming the immune RNA) are extracted. Then, more complex system to kill sporozoites at the very begin­ procedures are required to reconstruct frag­ ning of malarial infection. ments of genes and isolate DNA clones that Earlier studies by NIAID-supported scien­ produce parts of the major sporozoite tists at New York University (NYU) showed antigen. that a sporozoite vaccine can protect hu­ Malaria remains one of the world's most se­ mans from malaria. The vaccine was made rious health problems. Increasing numbers of by irradiating infected mosquitoes and then drug-resistant parasites and insecticide­ allowing them repeatedly to bite volunteers. resistant mosquitoes are overwhelming con­ The injected sporozoites, made harmless by trol efforts and contributing to a resurgence the X-rays, stimulated the body's immune of the disease. In the last 10 years, the num­ system to produce protective antibodies. ber of cases doubled worldwide. In some Follow-up injection of virulent sporozoites did places, it increased 30 to 40 times. not cause disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) re­ This cumbersome technique was not suit­ ported 150 million new cases of malaria in able for a large-scale vaccine program, but it 1981, with an estimated 215 million persons did illustrate the feasibility of protection with chronically afflicted with the disease. In a vaccine. Later studies by the NYU group Africa alone, malaria kills more than one mil­ identified the sporozoite antigen that stimu­ lion people each year, most of them children lates the immune response of the host. They under the age of 5. went on to clone the gene for the sporozoite The importance of a malaria vaccine is in­ antigen of the monkey malaria parasite, P. creasingly recognized. However, develop­ knowlesi. ment is complicated by many factors, includ­ The malaria parasite has three major ing antigenic differences of several types of stages in its life cycle, and unique antigenic P/asmodium parasites that cause disease. components are present at each stage. How­ The use of this new technique will enable re­ ever, the instructions for manufacture of each searchers to quickly find and examine impor­ antigen are carried In the basic genetic blue­ tant genes from each of the parasites that print (genome) of the parasite throughout its cause most human malaria. life cycle. Until now, instructions have been As an indication of the possibilities, Dr. accessible only during the specific stage Dame and his colleagues note in their Sci­ during which the antigen is being produced. ence article that they have already discov­ The technique developed at the NIAID dif­ ered new regions of the P. falciparum sporo­ fers from other cloning procedures in that the zoite antigen that may be useful targets for scientists are able to cut intact genes directly vaccine development. out of the parasite's genome during any The new genetic engineering technique stage of the life cycle and in a form that will was reported by Drs. Mccutchan, Joanna L. produce the complete antigen product. This Hansen, Dr. Dame, and Judith A. Mullins, means that they do not have to work with Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID. The sporozoites, but they can use the more ac­ cloning of the gene for the sporozoite antigen cessible parasites from the blood (merozo­ was reported by Drs. Dame, NIAID; Jackie L. ites), which can be maintained in a laboratory Williams, (WRAIR); Drs. McCutchan. NIAID; culture. James L. Weber, Robert A. Wirtz, and Wayne Work with sporozoites is exceedingly diffi­ T. Hackmeyer, WRAIR; Greg S. Sanders, and cult. Their natural habitat is the salivary gland Dr. E. Premkumar Reddy, NCI; W. Lee Maloy, of the mosquito, and they cannot be grown or NIAID; J. David Haynes. Imogene Schneider, maintained in an artifical medium in the labo­ Donald Roberts, and Carter L. Diggs, WRAIR; ratory. Removal of the sporozoites by dissec­ and Dr. Louis H. Miller, NIAID. D tion of the gland is a painstaking process. -Patricia Randall After dissection, the sporozoites are

cleansed and purified of contaminants, and U.S GOVERNMENT PRINTIN G OFFICE 1984-421-134124

Page 12 The NIH Record August 28, 1984