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

H G H LI G H ,T,S . Psychiatrists Discuss Divorce, •" The 'Right Dust' Disruptive Behavior Zerhouni Plots 'Roadmap for Action' By Sophia Glezos Voit An Interview with For N1H Future If you think rearing children can be difficult, The New Director By Rich McManus you're not alone, according to·Dr. Edgardo Menvielle, w ho splits his time between he worst job Dr. Elias Zerhouni ever had was before he Exercise Touted as entered medical school at the University of Algiers. He Children's Hospital and NIMH on research Anti-Cancer Step related to stress and violence in children, Ttook a job with a construction and Dr. Regina Smith James, NIMH special laboratory, testing the strength and expert in research on attention deficit durability of concrete and steel bars for disorders in youth. Native Americans large construction projects. Project Visit NIH foremen had been complaining that But whatever a parent's professional batches of the company's concrete had background, he or she needs to know NIH Plans to 'Share been failing regularly, crumbling under · when problem behaviors have crossed the The Health' heavy loads. Zerhouni set out to discover line from why. occasional He read books on how to make concrete. defiance and An engineer showed him how to analyze Relay Race Returns sand, rocks and cement. Zerhouni found sassiness into To Campus pleas for that, of all the elements in the recipe for professional concrete, the most important is the fine Dr. Elias Zerhouni intervention, dust that acts as a binding agent for the said Menvielle larger stones. Without the right volume and type of dust, the and James, SEE ZERHOUNI. PAGE 6 who spoke at separate Exercise Is Key to Breast Cancer Prevention Dr. Regina Smith James sessions of the By Peggy Vaughn Seminar Cafe, xercise can play as important a role in cancer prevention as held for NIH staff at the Neuroscience Ethe latest screening tool or chemoprevention drug, said Dr. Center in Rockville. Leslie Bernstein, professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California in Los It isn't always the child who needs the help, Angeles. though. Disruptive behaviors (opposition, Epidemiological studies strongly suggest that just a few hours defiance, aggressiveness, etc.) sometimes each week of moderate to vigorous exercise can reduce a woman's end w hen parents get help for them­ exposure to ovarian hormones that cause breast cancer, she said. selves-whether to address their own "My message is ...we have wonderful opportunities in symptoms, emotional conflicts or marital chemoprevention, vaccines, surgical interventions and removal of discord, or to improve parenting and carcinogens from the environment," she told the audience filling communication skills. In other cases, U.S. Department Lister Hill Auditorium on Aug. 1 for the third annual Advances in however, it's the child w ho needs direct of Health and Cancer Prevention Lecture, sponsored by the National Cancer intervention, either in the form of psycho­ Human Services Institute. " But what's really important, also-and it's mostly therapy, medication or both. National Institutes free- is that lifestyle can offer important opportunities in the of I kalth prevention of breast cancer." Menvielle, whose recent presentation was Unfortunately, that message is not reflected in the choices made on the effects of divorce on children, September 17, 2002 by an American public that is becoming overweight and obese at SEE PROBLEM BEHAVIORS, PAGE 2 Vol. LIV, No. 19 SEE CANCER PREVENTION, PAGE 4 PROBLEM BEHAVIORS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 confirmed that marital breakup isn't ever easy on oppositional defiant disorder, attention deficit anyone. But when parting parents put children in hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders, and conduct the middle, work against or undermine each other disorder- some of which can co-occur. and compete with one another, they can expect their Known risk factors in the environment include offspring to suffer-whether emotionally or behav­ inadequate parental supervision and monitoring, iorally-he said. poor limit-setting, weak bonding between parent "It may seem basic," Menvielle explained, "but it's and child, ongoing family conflict and/or violence, the quality of the co-parenting or the way parents traumatic life experiences, head trauma and/or deal with each other in relation tO the child that's negative peer influences. going to predict problems, rather than the specific "The presence of risk factors doesn't mean a child custodial arrangement." T he best is doomed," James cautioned, "nor does the absence , predictor of a positive outcome for of them signify protection. But although there are :_ kids, he said, "is when the adults no quick, inexpensive and fail-safe solutions, we do - cooperate with each other, at least have a better understanding of risks for disruptive where the children are concerned." disorders, and help is available when they do occur." He added that although research Treatments for disruptive behaviors include before the last decade showed many cognitive-behavioral therapy and social-skills negative consequences of divorce on training, both of which help the child gain new children, more current findings show problem-solving and coping skills, learn how to ongoing marital conflict as the culprit. manage anger more effectively and better tolerate In fact, he said, some research has frustration. Family therapy is also a common indicated that problems in social approach used in helping members better communi­ functioning, emotional adjustment cate with each other. In some cases, antidepressant and schoolwork experienced by and/or mood-stabilizing medications can also be .____ 11!:t...._.....L _ __..,:.:;...;:...... :i children of broken families developed effective. When ADHD is diagnosed, stimulant Dr. Edgardo 4 ro 12 years before the split-implicating marital medications can improve behavior and self-esteem. Menvielle of discord rather than divorce. But children who have NIMH recently For families with children who exhibit antisocial, offered a seminar pre-existing emotional and behavioral problems are delinquent or suicidal behavior, James described a on the effects of at particular risk in stressful situations such as home-based intervention called multisystemic divorce on discord and divorce. therapy that has helped many youngsters avoid children. Given this, Menvielle said, some parents do well to hospitalization or incarceration. enter couples therapy for a brief time, even well after For more information about children's mental the split, so they can learn strategies for putting their health issues visit www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/ personal feelings aside in the interest of their childmenu.cfm. Ill children's parenting needs. But there are far less clear-cut causes of bad behavior, which James discussed in her presentation in June on disruptive behaviors-namely, the combination of genetic influences and environmental N I H R f 0 R a factors, such as family issues. Signs of a behavioral Published biweekly at Bethesda, Md., by the Editorial Operations disorder, she reported, include deceptiveness, Braach, Division of Public Information, for the informa11on of hostility, argumentativeness, blaming, theft, aggres­ employees of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. The content is reprimable without sion toward animals or people, property damage, permission. Pictures may be available on request. Use of funds ior deliberate annoyance, running away, vindictiveness printing this periodical has been approved by the director of the and/or violation of rules. Office of Management and Budget through Sept. 30. 2002. "There are still gaps in our knowledge regarding NIH Record Office Phone 496-2125 the contribution of the child, the family, peers and Bldg. 31, Rm. 5B41 Fax 402-1485 the whole school community," James said, "but we do know there's usually a dynamic interaction Web address between the child and the environment" when http://www.nih.gov/news/NIH-Record/archives.hon disruptive behaviors are ongoing. Editor The NIH Record re,crves When behavior problems emerge early and persist, Richard McManus the right 10 make she said, the research suggests that for some chil­ [email protected] corrections. changes, or dren, genetic factors may contribute more than deletions in submitted Assistant Editor copy in conformity with environmental factors, although favorable social Carla Garnett the policies of the paper influences can be protective. [email protected] and HHS. The types of disorders usually associated with disruptive behaviors, according to James, are U Tl,e Record is recyclable as office white 1,aper. NCI Brings Native Americans to Visit NIH epresentatives of the Cherokee and Navajo the students some of NIH's history and how it Rtribes and young people from as far away as evolved. "It's a wonderful place to work," she said. Alaska met at NIH on July 26 to begin a day of She wanted to add one thing to von Eschenbach's tours, speeches and visiting. In hopes of presenting advice: "Follow your noses," she said. "If it seems them with an exciting introduction, the National and feels right, even if it seems like a long shot, take Cancer Institute hosted 13 inspirational Native it." American fellows and scholars, joined later in the The visitors also met with Dr. Yvonne Maddox, day by 10 more minority students, all involved in deputy director of the National Institute of Child biomedical research or health policy. NCI's Office of Health and Human Development. They toured the Diversity and Employment Programs coordinated the Clinical Center and the National Library of Medi­ visit. cine and lunched with representatives of the Na­ Disability The guests came from three different summer tional Institute of General Medical Sciences and the programs: the Harvard Four Directions Summer National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. They Awareness Research Program and two programs from the also heard about NIH opportunities from Presiden­ Expo at CC Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation-the Barbara tial Management Interns, the director of the Office The Clinical Jordan Congressional Scholars Program and the of Loan Repayment and Scholarship and an official Center w ill ative American Health Policy Fellowships. This is of the NIH Academy. present a the second year in a row that the diversity office has "It was a dream of mine to visit the NIH for a long Disability sponsored such an event but the first year that time," said Rachel Okabe, a Native Hawaiian Awareness Expo participating in the Four Directions program. "It on Thursday, Oct. has exceeded my expectations. Thank you." Iii 3, from 10 a.m . to 2 p.m. Informa­ tion booths will 'Share the Health' Event Set, Oct. 26 be open to the public in the The Office of Community Liaison will hold its central exhibit fourth annual free community health forum­ area on t he first Share the Health: An Exposition of Health floor of Bldg. 10 Resources from NIH to Its Neighbors- on and in the Visitor Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Information the Natcher conference center. The event Center. Exhibits features health-related information, lectures, w ill feature such NIH deputy director Dr. Ruth Kirschstein (third from 1) workshops and screenings, with the goal of topics as disability visits with three Kaiser Family Foundation Native educating citizens about health promotion and resources, American Health Policy fellows. They are (from l) Helen disease prevention. accommodations, Pootoogooluk, Mark LeBeau and Herminia "Minnie" Community members can have their blood Frias. assistive technol­ pressure checked; attend seminars led by NIH ogy and section students from the Four Directions participated. Both experts; collect information on the latest re­ 508 requirements. search; visit institute-sponsored exhibits; and of the Kaiser Foundation programs provide their Participants are students and professionals opportunities to learn learn to use the Internet to gather health infor­ eligible to enter a more about national health and welfare policy. The mation (a new web site just for seniors will be drawing for two Four Directions Program participants, undergradu­ featured). prizes. ate and graduate Native Americans who are inter­ Children and teens can explore the "Drunken ested in becoming physicians or in careers in bio­ Brain," an interactive exhibit including a giant medical research, conduct research with Harvard brain model with flashing lights; learn about fire faculty members and have opportunities to attend prevention, good nutrition and the hazards of seminars and to observe clinical sessions. mercury; tour NIH fire and rescue vehicles; see Along their tour, they met with NCI director Dr. the NIH police canine team in action; and watch Andrew von Eschenbach and NIH deputy director the Halloween classic movie Abbott and Dr. Ruth Kirschstein. "Life's like a trapeze act with Costello Meet Frankenstein, shown by the swinging rings," said von Eschenbach. "You've got National Library of Medicine. to reach out and grab. In order to get to the higher For more information call (301) 650-8660 ring, you have to let go of the last one. Trust that (TTY users should call 1-800-877-8339) or visit you have something extraordinary to give. Be http://sharethehealth.od.nih.gov/index.html. flexible, optimistic and trust (yourself)." Kirschstein, who has been at NIH for 46 years, told CANCER PREVENTION, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 an alarming rate. Obesity prevalence increased by reduced the likelihood of de\ e: pmg breast cancer e 50 percent between 1991 and 1998, she said. before and after menopause. "Even worse, by 1998 more than 21 percent of In a cohort study of 21 s.:h '.girls aged 14-17, African-American children, and more than 21 she tracked menstrual b.eedi;:c ;rnd rates of physical percent of Hispanic children were overweight. More exercise for 9 month . -he found that girls who than 12 percent of non-Hispanic, white children exercised moderateh fur 2 :o .3 hours a week were were overweight," she said. "We have a tremendous twice as likely to be.an ·-.tl.i,or-. he conducted a problem we need to deal with." second, larger study ot Lr e emenrary school girls Dr. Nonnan Studies show that overweight and obesity accounts and found that 5 hour~ per w ~ oi physical activity Salem, chief of for 10 percent of cancer mortality among men, 15- delayed menarche. NIAAA's Labora­ 20 percent among women and affects the risk of She next did a case-comro! ,:ud} of breast cancer tory of Membrane colorectal, endometrial, breast, kidney, prostate and among women aged 40 or •-au _er and tracked the Biochemistry and esophageal cancers. average hours of exercise pe; wtt - rn the 10 years Biophysics, recently won the "The issue with obesity is that the gene pool hasn't after menarche. Supelco-Nicholas changed," she said. "The (obesity) epidemic is "There was a reduction in n, o:: ~reast cancer Pelick/American solely due to lifestyle changes. We don't need to among women who were m-,;;: r~,s1..-ally active in Oil Chemists' look for genetic causes or intermediate biomarkers." the first 10 years after menarche.· she ,aid. "Then Society Research When Bernstein first started looking at breast we looked at (exercise races o\e- :helI lifetime. award, a major cancer risks in the early Women who exercised on a\er.1.:e .1N>U: 4 hours per honor for research 1980's, it was already week over their reproducri\·e \~.Jh h.ad more than a in lipid chemistry. clear that incidence rates 50 percent reduction in risk m ur stud}'. - The award increased most rapidly A similar study of posrmenopausa: \' 'lmt'.n. aged recognizes during the reproductive 55 to 64 years, found a similar reducrion 111 risk outstanding original research years. Early menarche when women exercised moderaceh· for about -l in fats, oils, lipid (first menstruation) and hours a week, she said. - chemistry or late menopause increased However, the effects of exercbe on breast cancer biochemistry. The the risk, as did a woman's risk were stronger among rhrnner women or those 2002 award to lactation history and who had not gained substanual amounts of weight Salem is for ivork number of births. during adulthood. that, over 30 Studies also revealed a "The ovaries may have turned off... but a heavy years, has direct correlation between woman becomes her own estrogen factory," she explored and Dr. Leslie Bernstein these life events and the said, since the body converts the testosterone and elucidated the total levels of hormone androstenedione found in body fat into estrogen. physiological role ,111d importance of exposure. A study of 200 Finnish schoolgirls that The effects of exercise on breast cancer risk were key fatty acids in followed them into their 20's and 30's found the restricted to women who did not have a family health and earlier the menarche, the higher the levels of circu­ history of breast cancer, she added. In contrast, the development. In lating estrogen during each menstrual cycle. effects of obesity were stronger among women with particular, Salem's "(Menarche) is not just a chronological marker, it a family history of the disease. work has focused doesn't just mark the onset of the exposure to cyclic Bernstein laments that only 25 percent of adults, on docosahexa­ hormones," Bernstein said. "It also indicates the and 27 percent of students, engage in recommended enoic acid (DHA), intensity of hormone exposure during adolescence. levels of physical activity. She believes getting a long-chain It's an effect that persists." children to exercise regularly is key co ending the polyunsaturated Having been an athlete all her life, Bernstein knew obesity epidemic. fa tty acid that is present in high from personal experience that intensive training "By promoting physical activity, we not only co11ce11trations in alters ovarian hormone production. For example, impact breast cancer, but also colon cancer and brain and retinal female marathon runners often experience anovula­ possibly endometrial cancer," she said. "We can tissue. DHA and tion, where there is still a menstrual flow but the look towards lifestyle, in particular physical activity related fatty acids levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones are and the reduction of obesity, as important targets for are of key much lower. cancer prevention." Iii importance in the "An athlete has nearly a six-fold risk of being development of anovulatory," she said. "You might miss a cycle or Volunteers Needed newborns and are cycles become irregular. Even if a woman ovulates, An NIH study is seeking individuals currently raking present in breast if she's an athlete she's likely exposed to lower levels milk; these an anti-depressant (Wellburrin . Par:icipanrs will be compounds are of hormones." asked to donate 4 tablespoons oi blood for routine 11ot required in, Bernstein decided to test the connection between screening and ernluation of p!J:eler function. The and until recently moderate physical exercise and ovarian function visit will be no longer than an hour and compensa­ were absent from, after menarche. She wanted to determine whether tion is provided. Call Donna Jo :-.fcCloskey for infant formulas. or not exercise affected the age at menarche and if it more information. 496-51 -0. Ii) Wednesday Afternoon Lectures The Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series-held on its namesake day at 3 p.m. in Masur Auditorium, Bldg. 10- features Dr. Terry Sejnowski on Sept. 25, speaking on the topic, "The Dynamic Brain." He is HHMI investigator and professor, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, University of California, San Diego. On Oct. 2, Dr. Michael E. Goldberg will lecture on "The Physiology and Psychophysics of Visual Attention." He is David Mahoney professor of Theater Group Presents Checks- In the photo above, brain and behavior, departments of neurology and Mary Ann Williamson (l) and Alice "Frankie" Smyth psychiatry, and Center for Neurobiology and (second from 1) of the Bethesda Little Theatre present a Behavior, Columbia University College of Physicians check to Dr. Lauren Wood {c) and Dave Smith for Camp and Surgeons. Funshine, a program of Special Love Inc. for children For more information or for reasonable accommo­ who have HIV Also pictured is Mary Graham (fourth dation, call Hilda Madine, 594-5595. Iii from 1) of the theatre group. Below, Williamson (l) gives a check to Deborah Dozier-Hall (second from l) of the NIAAA acting Clinical Center social work department. The money is director Dr. for the Patient Emergency Fund, administered by the Raynard Kington social work department. Also shown are Smyth and presents NIAAA's Graham, officers of the Bethesda Little Theatre. Deputy Executive Officer Linda Hilley with the third annual Martin K. Trusty Excel­ lence in Manage­ ment Award at the institute's annual employee picnic at Clarksburg, Md. 's High Point Farm. The Trusty award-named for a former NIAAA executive officer-was established by the institute to recognize long-term, outstanding commitment to and excellence in the management of institute programs and administration. In presenting the award, Kington noted Hilley's simultaneous service as acting budget officer and grants management officer as an example of her Distinguished Teacher To Be Named contributions to NIAAA. "Her managerial and technical skills have contributed enormously to the The winner of the 2002 NIH Distinguished successful performance of the mission of NIAAA over Clinical Teacher's Award will be named at Clinical the past 20 years," he said. Center Grand Rounds, held from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25 in Lipsett Amphitheater, At the annual NIGMS awards Bldg. 10. The award is the highest honor be­ ceremony recently, acting director stowed collectively by the clinical fellows on a Dr. Judith Greenberg (second front senior clinician, staff clinician or tenure-track/ l) recognized three employees with tenured clinical investigator for excellence in the NIH Award of Merit. Traci Melvin (1), a personnel management mentoring, teaching and research. specialist in the Personnel Manage­ The award has been presented annually, since ment Branch, was cited for her 1985, to an individual who has demonstrated dedication and exemplary service to excellence in both mentoring healthcare profes­ the institute's personnel and ethics sionals and teaching them on issues related to programs. Sue Thompson (second from r), a secretary in the Office of the direct patient care, and made outstanding contri­ Director, was cited for consistent, exemplary performance and team spirit in butions to the advancement of clinical research. assisting the OD and NIGMS as a whole. Jim Onken (r), chief of the Office of Clinical fellows from nine institutes nominated Program Analysis and Evaluation and assistant director for resource allocation 14 individuals for the honor. and analysis in the Division ofExtramural Activities, was cited for developing and implementing innovative strategies to manage the NIGMS research and research training operational budget. ZERHOUNI, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 concrete lacks strength. research projects he hopes one day to pursue here. Zerhouni presented his findings to the company, "I think it's important initially, when you take on a which selected a new quarry for its sand dust and new job, to focus 100 percent on the new job, build soon realized that the young employee's hypothesis teams, have appropriate interactions with the IC had been correct. Concrete no longer broke under directors and all of the management team, set up stress, and the company could avoid the costly some operating principles, and become also a process of demolishing substandard batches. But it spokesman for NIH, across many constituencies," he took someone willing to dig deep, and deal with the said. "That requires 100 percent commitment and fine particles to solve the focus." problem. The forum, he said, would enable him to define a F---~~~-~~----~ These days, five months into "roadmap for action" that he had been thinking his post as the 15th director of about for the previous three months, and which NIH, Zerhouni is again ac­ would cover the next 3-5 years of NIH's future. quainting himself with the fine Focus groups composed of both intramural and particles, this time of a $27 extramural scientists helped set an agenda that was billion agency. By immersing to include such topics as: access to research re­ himself in the small parts of the sources, databanks, bioinformatics, molecular institutes-by late August he libraries, clinical research networks-"a whole slew had been to nearly half the 27 of issues that seem to be multidisciplinary, requiring institutes and centers and impressed many IC directors with his quick grasp of their 'How's the New Director Doing?' Zerhouni poses issues (see sidebar), not to mention the many t the end of a half-hour interview with the for one of his new individuals he has surprised with his warmth­ Record, NIH director Dr. Elias Zerhouni official portraits Zerhouni hopes eventually to mold a stronger, more A proposed something unorthodox: "Maybe the on the lawn of enduring NIH. thing you should do is talk to other people about Bldg. 1. "After being a [construction ] consultant, I said what they have seen of me over the past three 'That's a great job, but I think I like research better, in the lab," Zerhouni recalls. "That was before I months... ! think it's more interesting than me speaking... After all, how much can you get out of a decided to go to med school. I had wanted to be an engineer because I was good at math and physics .. .! 30-minute interview? Maybe you want to ask the worked (construction] for 6 months, and it was IC directors and some people around here, 'How's the new director doing?"' good money, but I didn't like the engineering aspect. I liked more the research aspect. My experience was "It is impressive to see how quickly Dr. Zerhouni to test, to test, to test and ask 'Why is it failing?' has become knowledgeable regarding the quality and loyalty of the ::-..lH senior staff," observed Dr. PHOTOS: BILL That's when someone said, 'You know, you should BRANSON Yvonne Maddox, deputy director of NICHD and go into research-you seem to ask the questions rather than implement the solutions.' That's what recently NIH depury director as well. "In doing so, he has re-instilled a tremendous amount of confi­ convinced me to go into medicine, actually." dence among staff. He seeks their counsel, gives Business Before Pleasure them significant responsibility and lets them get their jobs done." As the Labor Day holiday weekend approached, Zerhouni was not preparing to enjoy a few days of Said Dr. Michael Gottesman, NIH deputy director for intramural research, "Dr. Zerhouni has been a windsurfing or boating at his house fronting the very quick study, absorbing huge amounts of NIH Chesapeake Bay. Rather, he was planning for the lore and policy and adeptly adding his own, unique NIH director's annual Leadership Forum, a tradi­ perspective. He has impressed everyone by his tional exercise he embraced for its opportunity to grasp of both basic science and clinical research, identify priorities in conjunction with the IC direc­ tors, build consensus and "really go into depth" on and his goal is to maxin1ize the return on the public's investment in the NIH. He understands the the major issues confronting NIH. An unabashed important contributions made by the NIH intramu­ lover of the water-he grew up on the Mediterra­ nean Sea and spent hours of every summer day ral program and has encouraged intramural scientists to take full advantage of the opportunities swimming and diving with friends (he can hold his afforded by the resources in the intramural pro­ breath for nearly 3 minutes, and is still able to dive gram. He favors facts over opinions, and all of his to depths of 30 or 40 feet and linger for up to half a decisions so far have been data-driven. All in all, minute)-Zerhouni nonetheless put aside pleasure to an outstanding beginnjng." focus again on leading NIH, an activity he says takes ''In my opinion, Dr. Zerhouni is doing an excel- all of his time, postponing even the radiological Director's teamwork. How do we encourage that, and more Changes in OD and Recruitment Town M eeting, importantly, what new areas of science do we need With respect to the Office of the Director, Oct. 4 to focus on that have a lot of promise to them, but Zerhouni said he's mulling some eventual changes. may need NIH encouragement? Systems biology is On Friday, Oct. 4, "I'm really thinking one, biological engineering, mathematics of model NIH director Dr. systems-those are the issues ... My philosophy is that through that," he said. Elias Zerhouni will "At this point I have every institution and its people have a certain host his first NIH not made up my mind amount of energy, and you don't want to diffuse it­ Tow n Hall yet. .. Change for the try to be all things to all people-bur try ro focus it Meeting in Masur sake of change is not strategically on the things that will make the most Auditorium, Bldg. difference." something that I 10, from 1 to 2 encourage. I want to Zerhouni said the briefings he has been getting at p.m. It w ill be an his fact-gathering visits to the ICs have been an identify what are the opportunity for right things to do." He inspiration as he learns the ropes at NIH. "It's been him to communi­ envisions an OD that terrific, actually. I have to say that the quality of the cate his vision for works more closely presentations, the discussions, the people- it's just NIH and address with the ICs, communi­ outstanding," he said. "I'm very pleased to walk issues of impor­ cates more effectively around and meet people, and get a sense of the tance to t he Director plans new roadmap. with the outside world, challenges and the opportunities for the institution." community. The and that adopts a session w ill follow decision-making process that is more cogent and less with a question taxing on staff. and answer Of several vacancies at the top of some institutes, period. Visit lent job as the new NIH director," said NIDCD he said, "One of the most, if not the most important http://townhall director Dr. James Battey, whom Zerhow1i has jobs of a director is to recruit the best and brightest meeting.nih.gov tapped to lead a new NIH task force on embryonic as heads of institutes and centers. I consider that to submit your stem cell research and related issues. "He has probably my highest priority. ..I t is not good to leave ideas for what taken the time to listen closely to his colleagues at institutes without permanent leadership for too long might be ad• NIH about research opportunities, and has actively a time .. .l think we'll be making some announce­ dressed at the sought input from the research community. Based ments pretty soon. I'm very pleased by our ability to meeting if you on this broadly-based input, I am confident he will attract some outstanding candidates to the NIH. It's have not done so chart a course for NIH that will capitalize on the caking me some personal effort and many, many yet. All NIH many opportunities and compelling needs of the phone calls, but I think that's what you need-you employees are biomedical research community." need to create a sense of excitement and positive invited to attend. "Dr. Zerhouni has rapidly proven himself to be a energy so that the best people out there will consider Seating will be knowledgeable and highly capable leader," noted a leadership position at NIH. After all, being an IC available on a Dr. Francis Collins, director of NHGRI. "His director is an outstanding opportunity for someone first-come, first• command of basic and clinical biomedical research who would want to make an impact on science." served basis. Sign is impressive, and he has a real vision for the future Town Meeting Series Planned language of NIH. Furthermore, he has already demonstrated interpretation w ill remarkable skills in organizational leadership. We To improve morale on campus, Zerhouni has be available and are fortunate indeed to have such an inspiring and proposed a series of "town hall" meetings, the first accommodations dynamic new director." of which is scheduled for Masur Auditorium at 1 can be made for Adds NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci, "I have p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. "For an organization as persons needing been very favorably impressed with Dr. Zerhouni, large as NIH, town meetings need to be regular special assistance. both as a person and as a talented scientist/adminis­ events," he said, "where the leadership of the The event also trator. He has quickly grasped the complexities of institution communicates with the members of NIH will be videocast the job, has shown leadership, insight, energy and and the community at large. It's a chance to share and can be viewed conviction, and importantly, he is a very enjoyable challenges and opportunities, have questions asked. from your office person to work with." I am very much in favor of an open and interactive computer at http:/ Concluded Charles Leasure, Jr., NIH deputy style of management. Good communications helps /videocast.nih. director for management and chief financial officer, morale, helps everyone continue their outstanding gov. For more " He appears to be the perfect person for the commitment to the NIH. I'm impressed with the information times-an outstanding scientist and physician who culture here of dedication to the NIH mission by contact Carol recognizes the need to apply the latest management everyone ... ! believe the NIH director should not be a Jabir at theories and techniques to make the best use of the remote figure. After all, transparency in who you [email protected] resources given to us by the taxpayers as NIH tries are, what you do and where you intend to go is very or 496-1776. to prioritize future research efforts." important not only for morale, but for effectiveness CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 of the organization. So I intend to communicate, An Appetite for Fun communicate, communicate." Turning to his hobbies, the director avidly de­ Addressing NIH relations with its parent Depart­ scribed a lifelong love affair with the water. "I ment of Health and Human Services, Zerhouni said started diving when I was probably 3 years old .. .! that, particularly after a period of growth, it's important to "harmonize interactions between grew up by the water. I spent probably 5 or 6 hours various functions ...So far we've had a very open per day in the water when I was a kid. From age 12 to 19, I was a competitive swimmer. From 10 dialogue in areas of public affairs and legislative affairs .. . Departmental and government-wide activi­ o'clock in the morning I was in the water ti! 3 in the ties need to be coordinated, but there are activities afternoon- like the kid who was swimming with that are NIH-specific that need to be preserved at Flipper (the dolphin star of a 1960s TV show) all the NIH, and they will be preserved. You need the time. I was also spearfishing-that was my hobby. proper balance between centralization and decen- Then when I grew up and had a little more means, I began recreational scuba diving, nor wreck-diving or deep-diving. I trained all my kids to scuba dive, 'Communicate, Communicate, Communicate' too. .. My daughter, she's the best of the group." He spent an August vacation simply enjoying th·e Whether or not Dr. Elias Zerhouni knew he pleasures of a waterfront home. "I love crabs," he was mimicking Joseph Pulitzer's journalistic said. "My wife hates them, but I love 'em, so I take admonition, "Accuracy, accuracy, accuracy," or her share." Playing music on the lute is probably his perhaps real estate's maxim, "Location, second favorite pastime, he said, chiefly Spanish and location, location," he nonetheless offered his Moorish tunes "from where I grew up." Of his own advocacy-in memorable triplicate-for home country, he said he rarely returns to Algeria communications. " because it is very troubled-maybe once every 2 or "The best scientists are great communica­ 3 years I'll have a trip." tors," he said. "I have not known a great Before the interview began, Zerhouni posed for scientist who was not a great NIH photographers on the lawn of Bldg. l; these communicator.. .When you have to compete for would be the official photos of the NIH director. your grants and your programs, you have to be The director's aides had been worried about the a very good communicator because you need to photographers' plans to have Zerhouni stand atop a convince people. I really believe that the best picnic table, in order to get the best angle of him science is served by the best communication. with Bldg. 1 in the background. What if he fell and To not communicate as a scientist means that got hurt? Would he look ridiculous? Discounting maybe you don't know or understand your their concerns, Zerhouni simply said, "Let's do it," science well enough to communicate it well. mounted the table without pause, and posed-chin What you understand well can be communi­ up, chin down, somber and grave, jovial and - -- cated well. It's a matter of not just discipline amused, arms crossed, arms at his side-whatever but obligation to the public for scientists to the photographers asked of him. Game to do communicate both the excitement of science, whatever he needed to in order to get the job done, Zerhouni the prospects of science and the accomplishments emphasizes his even if it kicked up a little dust. Iii reliance on clear of science. This belief in communication is communication. something I've had all along." A Librarian Is Waiting to Help You- Ask Us Live! is a new service that offers live, interactive assistance from N IH Library librarians. Use AskUs Live! to ask a traliza tion." reference question, troubleshoot library databases and To achieve a so-called "soft landing" after the resources, get assistance with doubling of the NIH budget during the past 5 years, a search strategy and more. While you "chat" online in Zerhouni said he would advocate as strongly as he one frame ofyour computer, could to defend the value of continued investment in the librarian will send or biomedical research. "The opportunities in science "push" web pages relevant to have never been greater. My job is going to be to your question to you in a make that point." second frame. At the Zerhouni is concerned that "public recognition of conclusion of the session you the agency is not as high as one would think. And will be sent, via email, a yet, all of the major advances in health care, and in complete transcript of the dialog as well as the links to discovery, over the past 30 years have come from any web pages viewed during the session. For live help NIH." He wants to promote NIH as being in the on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., go to http:// nihlibrary.nih.go·v and click on AskUs Live! on the top vanguard in health care and research progress. bar. NHGRI Deputy Director Jordan Retires fter 30 years of service co NIH, Dr. Elke Jordan, management and review, allocated the budget, A deputy director of the National Human Genome managed the advisory council and chaired numerous Research Institute, retired on July 1. She secured her trans-NIH committees dealing with extramural place in NIH history as an integral leader of the management and staff training. Human Genome Project. Jordan stayed at NIGMS until 1988 when she Her contributions to the HGP began in 1988, received a call from then NIH director Dr. James when Jordan became director of the Office of Wyngaarden, asking her to become Human Genome Research, responsible for laying the director of the Office of Human foundation for the infrastructure of the HGP at Genome Research; scientists in the NIH. In 1989, she became deputy director of the community had recommended her. National Center for Human Genome Research, Not knowing what to expect, or which launched the HGP in 1990. She managed whether anything would ever come of early sequencing pilot projects on organisms such as the highly controversial genome yeast and the roundworm, and administered the project, she decided to take the plunge. grants that funded the groundwork for technology Within a year, the office became an that would eventually tackle the mapping and NIH center with the authority to sequencing of the human genome. award its own grants, requiring a "Elke set up the office literally and figuratively. major expansion of staff and new She did all the initial hiring and gave direction to the administrative systems to manage the project," said Jane Peterson, associate director of the task. The budding institute was Division of Extramural Research at NHGRI. constantly on the move-physically "James Watson [first director of the HGP] came to and intellectually-trying to keep up with the Dr. Elke Jordan D.C. only a few days a month and she directed the changing circumstances and emerging opportunities recently retired as entire enterprise when he wasn't there. It's hard to in genomics. deputy director of convey how important she was to this project," "It's been exciting," said Jordan of her genome NHGRI. Peterson said. efforts. "I have worked with wonderfully talented Born in Gottingen, Germany, Jordan earned her and dedicated people, both NIH staff and scientists bachelor of arts degree in 1957 from Goucher around the world. We broke a lot of new ground College and her Ph.D. in 1962 from Johns Hopkins and were initially met with a great deal of skepti­ University. She was a postdoctoral fellow at cism. There were many rough spots along the way, H arvard University from 1962 to1964 and again at but everyone was determined to make it work and so the University of Cologne, Germany, from 1964 to we were successful in the end." 1968. Her research was in molecular biology of the At Jordan's retirement reception, Dr. Francis bacteriophage lambda and in regulation of galactose Collins, director of NHGRI, said, "When history is metabolism in E. coli. written about the Human Genome Project, Elke's In 1968, Jordan accepted a position as research contribution will be interwoven in its pages. It must associate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, be wonderful to see a project as important as this and from 1969 to 1972 was a research associate at one from its inception to seeing the initial goal of the University of California, Berkeley. In 1972, she having the human genome sequence virtually began her NIH career as a grants associate. From completed. In April 2003, we will have completed 1973 to 1976, she was coordinator for collaborative the final version of the sequence, and Elke will be research in the virus cancer program at the National one of the people we have to thank for it." Cancer Institute. Being part of the HGP, Jordan said, has been the From 1976 co 1978, Jordan was a program highlight of her career. "I started college the same administrator in the Genetics Program Branch at the year the structure of DNA was solved and learned National Institute of General Medical Sciences and about it in my biology classes. From then on it has was deputy director of the branch from 1978 until just been one revolution after another: identifying 1981. During this time she was instrumental in the triplet code that translates DNA sequence into starting Genbank, initially a contract managed by protein, recombinant DNA, PCR, DNA sequencing, NIGMS. The early controversies surrounding microarrays. And now we are in the genomics age Genbank proved to be good training for her later and will see biology from a completely new perspec­ work on the HGP. tive. It is truly awe-inspiring." In 1981, she became acting associate director for Jordan's contributions to NIH will not end with program activities at NIGMS and in 1982 shed the her retirement. She recently started working at the " acting" role. In this post, Jordan coordinated all Foundation for the 1H to create parmerships with extramural activities of NIGMS, supervised grants outside organizations to support various projects. El ------______).i=

NIDA's Roger Brown Dies, Fostered Neuroscience Program r. Roger M. Brown, associate director of back to earth by amiably declaring, "What I want to D neuroscience in NIDA's Division of Neuro- know is, what's in it for the rat?" science and Behavioral Research, died June 13, of As an administrato1; Brown backed a wide variety cancer, after a short illness. At NIDA for more than of research approaches and was particularly recep- 20 years, he fostered the use of neuroscience tools tive to proposals incorporating innovative tech- for the study of drug dependence and addiction and niques. Among the techniques whose promise he oversaw the growth of the NIDA's neuroscience quickly grasped and encouraged were the use of program, now a predominant focus of the institute's microdialysis to measure the regional concentrations research. He also initiated and of neurotransmitters in the brain as indicators of the -,--....,... developed NIDA's program to research functional importance of brain chemicals, and the pain and develop nonaddicting use of radioactive ligands to map neurotransmitter analgesics. receptor sites in discrete brain areas. "Roger had many close long-time Brown's first assignment at NIDA, in 1979, was to colleagues at NIDA," said Nancy organize a neuroscience program at the institute. Pilotte, chief of NIDA's Pharmacology, From 1983 to 2000, he was supervisory pharma­ Integrative, and Cellular Neurobiology cologist and chief of the Neuroscience Research Research Branch. "Everyone acknowl- Branch. In 2001, he was awarded the J. Michael edges that there has been no major Morrison Award of the College on Problems in Drug advance in this field that Roger didn't Dependence "for outstanding contributions in NIDA's Dr. Roger have a hand in." scientific administration relating to drugs of abuse." M. Brown was In the early 1980s, Brown was among the first to Brown was a person with many imerests. His among the first to recognize the role of the dopamine system in the fascination with ~layan culrure led him to acquire recognize the role rewarding properties of drugs of abuse. This property in Belize, where he looked forward to of the dopamine observation became a cornerstone of the neurobio- growing orchids and pursuing a longtime interest in system in the logical understanding of drug abuse. It opened the herbal medicines in retirement. rewarding door to the wider concept of disturbed neurotrans- One of hjs lase conmburions ro N IDA was his properties of mission as a central mechanism of drug dependence strong advocacr oi a room that he described as "a drugs ofabuse . and addiction. place for staff ro go to learn about neuroscience ... a Brown's involvement with neurotransmitters began quiet place for concentration, away from phones in the early 1970s, when he worked in the Goteberg, and hassle of rhe office.. , When NIDA's Neuro­ Sweden, laboratory of Dr. Arvid Carlsson, who was science Resource Room became a reality last year, to win a Nobel prize in 2000, in part for his pioneer- Brown donated many books and journals from his ing work on dopamine. Subsequently, Brown joined private Ii bra~·. the NIMH intramural research program and NIDA will celebrate Brown's life and contributions collaborated with Dr. Patricia Goldman-Rakic to on Sept. 18 w1rb. remjniscences by colleagues and measure the brain distribution of a class of chemical dedication or the Roger Brown Memorial Library in compounds that includes many of those now the Keuroscience Resource Room. On M ay 14-15, recognized as neurotransmitters. Their finding of 2003, ~ ID.-\ \\;II convene a symposium in Brown's markedly uneven distribution was a decisive early honor. lnvesngarors who conducted research with clue that different neurotransmitters serve different grants admimstered by Brown will speak about the functions. programs and disco,·eries he helped nourish. Ill "In our lab, Roger was known for setting the gold standard for trustworthiness in word and deed," HRDD Class Offerings said Dr. Mortimer Mishkin, chief of NIMH's section on cognitive neuroscience. "Later, when he moved The Human Resource De,·elopment Division to NIDA, he was unfailingly generous with advice supports the de,·elopment of XIH human resources and assistance. We, and the field, have lost a through consulration and prO\·ides training, career champion." development programs and other services designed Brown's preferred professional designation, to enhance organizarionaJ performance. For more "research neuropsychopharmacologist," reflected information call 496-6211 or visit http:// the breadth of his training and his drive for an LearningSource.od.nih.gov. integrated understanding of all aspects of drug responses-chemistry, the brain and behavior. Speaking on the Job-Parr II: Presenting Adept at analyzing complex interactions among Yourself 9/24-26 those factors, he could also bring a convoluted Developing Editing Skills 9/24-26 Customer Service in a Changing World wrangle over the interpretation of a rodent study 9/25