R a Still The Second Best Thing About Payday

NIH Promotes disABILITY HIGHLIGHTS Awareness Vannus Counsels Successor, Eyes

By Sharon Ricks Future in Final Remarks to Press Perhaps they were captivated by the chorus Part Two of By Rich McManus of flying fingers or inspired by the keynote Varmus Interview (Second of two parts) address of pediatric neurologist Jan ust before his 73-month tenure as NIH director ended last Brunstrom. Whichever the case, employees Portrait of a Lasker month, Dr. Harold Varmus spoke at length about the future of attending NIH's Award Winner J TH, gave advice to his successor, and discussed gene therapy, annual Disability campus security and other matters. Even though he takes over as Awareness Day head of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York program recently Glenn, Shuttle City on Feb. 1, don't be surprised if you bump into him on left Natcher Astronauts To Visit campus; he advised NIH'ers in an all-hands email on his last Auditorium official day at work that he is still a special volunteer at NCI and knowing one remains in charge of the Varmus Lab in Bldg. 49 until that thing: laboratory migrates to MSKCC in April. " DisAbility More Depression So the Varmus Lab is moving with you? Counts." Screening Offered The whole intention of calling my lab the Varmus Lab was Dr. Jan Brunstrom The program that... (having set it up) I would take it down when I left. Several spotlighted key Intern Program of the folks in my lab are going to be moving, and there are some disability issues in the NIH community such Welcomes new people who are already coming to the new lab. I hope by as career success strategies, accessibility Applicants April we're operational up there. I'm looking forward to it. requirements, employment data, and Is there anyone else from NIH that you're taking with you? techniques on hiring and promoting people with disabilities. According to Carlton Helicopter Flies To There are plenty of people I wish I could take with me, but SEE DISABILITY AWARENESS, PAGE 4 Bldg. 10 Roof nobody I plan to take. SEE VARMUS INTERVIEW. PAGE 6 Becomes Lab Research Director .. -'\_ ., "'~ In the Company of Excellence NHLBl's Balaban To Give Mider - ... •·.-:-. -~·-- The Making of a Lasker Award Winner 0, ·r1.-. _,~I Lecture, Feb. 2 in Masur By Christina Stile This year's G. Burroughs Mider Lecture will f you want to learn a new language, some people suggest you be given by NHLBl's Dr. Robert Balaban, a Ispend time in a country where people _ ~-- . leading researcher in heart physiology and speak only that language. For instance, energy metabolism. He pioneered the use living in Germany will help you learn of noninvasive imaging techniques to study German. But can you apply this same these processes within the cell and in heart theory to other concepts? If you surround muscle. He also helped design a super-fast yourself with scientists, for example, are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, you more likely to learn concepts of which gives real-time pictures of the U.S. Department science? moving heart. Prior MRI scanners gave of Health and You might think so if you examined the heart images too slowly to be of clinical Human Services life of NIH-supported researcher Bertil use. The super-fast scanner is being tested National Institutes Hille, who received the 1999 Albert Lasker in a joint NIH-Suburban Hospital pilot study of I lealth Award in Basic Medical Research. He has to see if it can improve emergency spent his life surrounded by a virtual Who's 1999 Lasker Award diagnosis of heart attack and stroke. January 25, 2000 Who list of scientists that put him on a winner and N IH SEE MIDER LECTURE, PAGE 2 Vol. LIi, No. 2 SEE LASKER WINNER, PAGE 10 gmntee Berti/ Hille MIDER LECTURE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Balaban has long served as chief of NHLBI's Renal Research from the American Physiological Laboratory of Cardiac Energetics and recently Society, a PHS Superior Service Award, the Society became director of the Laboratory Research Pro­ of Magnetic Resonance Gold Medal, and two NIH gram in NHLBI's Division of Intramural Research. Director's Awards. Last summer, the institute reorganized its intramural His professional memberships include the Ameri­ division into two programs. Dr. Elizabeth Nabel can Physiological Society, the American Society of directs the division's other program, called the Nephrology and the Sociery of Magnetic Resonance Clinical Research Program. in Medicine, of which he served as president. Balaban will present the Mider lecture on Wednes­ He has coauthored 190 peer-reviewed papers and day, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. in the Clinical Center's Masur more than 600 abstracts, and participated in and Auditorium. Acting NIH director Dr. Ruth helped organize various professional meetings. Kirschstein will provide the introduction. For more information about Balaban's Mider The lecture was created Lecture, call Hilda Madine at 594-5595. Iii by the IH scientific directors in 1968 to commemorate Mider's distinguished career, which included a term as director of NIH laborato­ ries and clinics. It is awarded ro scientists who Healthy have made outstanding Women contributions to IH Sought biomedical research. Healthy post­ Balaban will speak menopausal h about the "Domestication of the Mitochondrion for women are Dr. Robert Balaban needed to Cellular Energy Conver- participate in a sion." Mitochondria study of normal apparently were incorporated into early cellular Dancers in authentic ceremonial dress demonstrated c1 blood. To be organisms millions of years ago through a symbiotic variety of steps during NIEHS Native American Culture eligible, you must process. Through time, the cell has developed a sophisticated cytosolic control network to regulate Day recently. The eve11t, sponsored by the EEO office, have had no also included singing, storytelling and ethnic food, fry­ the production of adenosine triphosphate, on abnormal bleeding bread and spiced tea, and the sharing of Native Ameri­ or clotting in the demand, from the mitochondrion for numerous can friendship bracelets. past. Participants cellular functions. must be willing to Using minimally invasive nuclear magnetic reso­ stay off any nance (NMR) and optical imaging devices, Balaban N I H R f C a R hormone treat­ has been studying this basic cellular signaling □ ment for 9 pathway that controls mitochondrial function. Published biweekly at Bethesda, Md., by the Editorial Operarion• months. They will T hese studies have been performed at many levels of Branch, Division of Public Information, for the information of complexity, including the in vivo heart, single employees of rhe Narional Institutes of Health, Department of also be required to Health and Human Services. The content is reprintable without give a small blood myocytes and isolated mitochondria. permission. Pictures may be available on request. Use of funds for sample (about 2 Balaban earned a B.S. in 1975 in chemistry and printing this periodical has been approved by the director of the Office of Management and Budget through Sepr. 30, 2000. tablespoons) in an biology from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. in initial screening. 1979 in physiology and pharmacology from Duke NIH Record Office Phone 496-2125 The study, which University. While at D uke, he began his optical Bldg. 31, Rm. 2B03 Fax 402-1485 takes place at the studies on mitochondrial function. The next year, Web address Clinical Center, he became a NATO postdoctoral fellow at Oxford http://www.nih.gov/news/NIH-Record/archives.hrm involves no University in England, where he participated in hormones or many of the first experiments applying NMR to the Editor The NTH Record reserves medications. study of living tissues. Richard McManus the right to make In 1981, he joined NHLBI as a senior staff fellow [email protected] corrections, changes, or Compensation deletions in submitted ($50) is provided in the Laboratory of Kidney and Electrolyte Me­ Assistant Editor copy in conformity with for each blood tabolism (LKEM). In 1982, he became a senior staff Carla Garnett the policies of the paper and HHS. draw. For more fellow and then in 1984 a research physiologist, [email protected] information, call both in LKEM. ~ The Record is recyclable as office white paper. 496-5150. His honors include an Award for Excellence in S C I E THE NEWS

Gene Mutation Results in Missing Teeth NIEHS Centers To Breed Genetically Variant Mice Approximately 20 percent of the population are born unable to develop a full set of teeth. Although To help learn more about how human bodies repair the underlying causes are mostly unknown, members their environment-damaged DNA and control their of a Houston family who lack mainly their first and cells' life cycles, NIEHS will fund up to five research second molars were found to have a mutation in a centers to develop and breed mice with genetic gene called PAX9. This is the first report of a variations that are more like humans' in these human disorder linked to PAX9, one of a family of regards. The centers will provide the special mutant Dr. Laurence "master" genes that help determine body shape and mice for scientists throughout NIH and to other Wolfe has been organ formation during embryological development. research programs as well. named NIATD's This discovery is an important contribution to Many cases of human disease are caused or chief information understanding the genetics of human tooth develop­ triggered by a natural or man-made substance in the officer and ment and brings scientists a step closer to someday environment, often when an environmental sub­ director of the institute's Office replicating the process. stance causes a genetic mutation or a disturbance in Scientists at the University of Texas-Houston of Technology cell growth. Variations in a person's genes make the Information Dental Branch and Baylor College of Medicine person more, or less, sensitive to these substances or Systems. He discovered the PAX9 mutation in a family in which more, or less, able to resist or repair the damage. comes to NIH congenitally absent molars were documented in Genetic variations explain why one smoker gets from the General members of three generations. The finding, pub­ cancer or heart disease from that exposure while Services Adminis­ lished in the January issue of Nature Genetics, was another smoker doesn't. Or why some members of tration, where he supported by the National Institute of Dental and a family react to environmental substances and started his GSA Craniofacial Research. develop asthma, while others do not. NIEHS said career in 1989. The discovery of the PAX9 mutation began with that understanding the variations in a mouse's genes He served in various capaci­ Dr. Rena D'Souza, an associate professor of orth­ better-and modifying the mice to add or subtract a odontics, directing her students to look for patterns ties, inchiding human-like gene with its variations- will help director of the of missing teeth in their patients. One of these scientists unlock the secrets of these and other technology students, coauthor Monica Goldenberg, observed a human diseases in a variable humankind. ll) advancement 13-year-old boy missing 14 permanent teeth. division, director Further investigation revealed that the father and NIAMS Launches Projects in Autoimmunity of the strategic two brothers had a similar condition, and out of 43 The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskel­ information family members, 21 were determined to have technology etal and Skin Diseases has awarded nearly $4 million congenitally missing molars. Ii) analysis division, for new projects on autoimmune diseases, conditions and the informa­ in which the body's immune cells mistakenly attack tion technology On Thursday evening, its own tissues and vital organs. The funds are p.art policy division. Jan. 27, Sen. John H. of a $30 million allocation from Congress to bolster He also held Glenn and fellow research in autoimmunity. information astronauts from the The awards enhance NIAMS' commitment in this technology Space Shuttle Discovery, area, and involve the start-up of nine projects positions at the STS-95, will visit NIH to targeted against some 80 serious, chronic, autoim­ U.S. Defense present "home movies" mune illnesses involving almost every human organ Information from their October 1998 system. Systems Agency, scientific research Immigration and "Auroimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Naturalization mission. The presenta­ lupus, scleroderma, alopecia areata, and many tion will take place from Service and the 7:30 to 9 p.m . in the blistering skin diseases exact a huge toll in human Social Security main auditorium of the suffering and economic costs," said NIAMS director Administration. Natcher Con(erence Dr. Stephen Katz. "But we've recently witnessed Wolfe is the Center. Seating is limited exciting research advances in several of these, and author of journal and is available to the public on a first come, first served we have every intention of pushing our knowledge articles on basis. NIH and NASA are collaborating on a wide range base further." Iii information of research areas. The STS-95 mission studied body technology and changes that are shared by astronauts and older people. Paid Volunteers Needed coding theory as The presentation celebrates the 25th anniversary of the well as a chapter National Institute on Aging. On Friday, Jan. 28, Are you 18 to 35 years old? In good health? You in the book scientists of the STS-95 mission will participate in a may qualify to participate in a study of commonly Reinventing symposium that will feature scientific sessions about the prescribed medications. T he study involves multiple Government in experiments carried out on their fl.ight. The presentation visits over a 3-month period. Men and women may the Information will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.111. in Masur Audito­ earn up to $880 and get free medical tests. Call the Age. rium, Bldg. 10. Seating is open. Uniformed Services University at (301) 319-8204. Iii DISABILITY AWARENESS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Coleman, NIH Disability Program manager, Kajukenbo and believes physical fitness is essential = approximately 179 permanent NIH employees for independence in people with CP. "Because our ~ have severe disabilities. muscles are stiff, individuals with CP use at least 0-, "This year, we wanted to focus on breaking twice as much energy, compared with able-bodied = counterparts, just to move around," she explained. = down barriers to opportunities for people with = physical challenges," said Kay Johnson, an EEO "If you, who are able-bodied, choose to be couch officer at the National Institute on Deafness and potatoes, you may become out of shape, bur you can Other Communi­ still get up off the couch and move to get things. cation Disorders But I cannot afford co be a couch potato, and and chair of the neither can my patients or anyone else with CP." planning commit­ Brunstrom says chronic pain, fractures, scoliosis, tee. " Our goal and hip dislocation are all side effects of immobility was to expand and nonweight bearing in patients with CP, and awareness of that's why her center offers swimming, basketball physical disability and martial arts to patients. issues in the NIH Following Brunstrom's address, the scage cradled a community and to chorus of more than 70 hearing and deaf children empower employ­ from Lucy Barnsley Elementary School in Rockville. ees and job The chorus, called the Fabulous Flying Fingers, sang applicants with in both English and American Sign Language. The Fabulous physical disabilities to become active and visible The program was sponsored by 10 institutes and Flying Fingers OEO. Iii from Lucy participants." Barnsley Elemen­ Brunstrom, the keynote speaker, is director of tary School the pediatric neurology cerebral palsy center at perform for the St. Louis Children's Hospital. She is assistant audience. professor of neurology and cell biology at Washington University School of Medicine and a neuroscientist funded by the National Insti­ tute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. She is also a mother, a clinician, a scientist, a motivator and an advocate. Oh, and by the way, she has cerebral palsy. Brunstrom shared highlights of her research project, "The Molecular Mechanics of Neocor­ '_. ... ,. • •t-t ...... ,, PHOTOS: ERNIE tical Development." -· ·-'\.~ ·• · BRANSON Her studies involve . :", I. I f migration in the '•-e_:r . • ~------~ developing cortex and '"t • , the effects of NIH chapter 123 of the Federal Managers Association neurotrophins on recently presented the Children's Tnn at NIH iuith a producing heterotopias delivery of toys and a check for S250. The FMA and malformations in collected the toys as admission to its annual holiday the brain. This re­ party. The toys were used for several Santa nights at the search will be helpful in inn to help make sure the holidays were special for understanding how children who had to stay there during that period. Shown on delivery day are (from I) Art Bonnet, trustee; brain disorders underly­ Rosamond Rutledge-Bum s, president; and Steve Griffin, ing epilepsy and secretary. cerebral palsy (CP) develop. NINDS director Dr. Gerald Subjects Needed for Cognitive, fMRI Studies c.... Brunstrom gave some Fischbach speaks at event. :» insight into the needs of The Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, N IMH, is = recruiting volunteers fo r functional MRI studies and = youths living with CP. "We must give them a :» voice so that they can tell us their goals. We computerized cognitive testing. Volunteers should be native English speakers, have good vision (or =-< must cultivate their strength so that they have ,-..., the energy to reach those goals, and we must wear corrective lenses) and be ages 20-40. Studies ·-c.n. teach them to develop their own strategies to occur throughout the year. Subjects will be paid for succeed," she said. participation. For more information, call Lisa at She is working toward a black belt in 435-4803 or Jill at 496-6831. Iii Employees Offered Depression Screening epressive illnesses, which affect more than 19 The next screening is scheduled for Wednesday, Dmillion adults in the United States, can have a May 3, 2000, which is National Anxiety Disorders devastating effect on individuals and their family Screening Day. Participants will view a short video members- a fact that led NIMH and the quality of on anxiety disorders; complete a screening question­ work life (QWL) committee to sponsor the first naire, which includes a depression symptoms multi-site NIH employee screening on National checklist since the two conditions often co-occur; Depression Screening Day last fall. and meet briefly with a mental health special ist to Confirming the importance of such screenings was discuss screening results. At the screening sites, Dr. Arthur A. the first-ever Surgeon General's Report on Mental participants may also collect NIMH materials on Atkinson, Jr., Health- issued on Dec. 13-with a key message that the various anxiety disorders and their treatments. senior advisor in "mental health is fundamental to health." This No names are asked at the event, so employee clinical pharma­ statement, backed by data from thousands of records are not affected. cology to the research studies, reflects the fact that untreated Check the NIH Record in April for schedule and Cli11ical Center mood disorders are not only potentially disabling location information of the May 3 event. Or, later director and director of the and reduce quality of life, but can also seriously that month, go to http://wflc.od.nih.gov/wflc on the undermine good health. Depression can lead to ClinPRAT WFLC Web site or http://www.nimh.nih.gov/evencs/ postdoctoral bone loss, worsen the symptoms of diabetes and index.cfm on the NIMH site. training program, heart disease and contribute to other health prob­ Information about depressive and anxiety disor­ as well as the lems. ders, and other mental illnesses affecting mood, course "Prin­ The IH screening, attended by nearly 90 employ­ thought, and/or behavior, are also available on the ciples of Clinical ees at three NIH sites, sought to help staff members NlMH Web site at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ Pharmacology," identify symptoms of major depression or bipolar publicat/index.cfm. To receive materials by mail, has been named a disorder and lead them co sources of help. Both call IMH at 443-4513. master by the disorders can be effectively treated with medication, In light of Surgeon General David Satcher's American College ofPhysicians­ certain forms of psychotherapy, or both. recommendation to "seek help if you have a mental NIH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) profes­ American Society health problem or think you have symptoms of a ofInternal sionals, who conducted the anonymous, confidential mental disorder," concerned employees attending Medicine for his screening, found that 80 percent of participants met future mental health screenings can begin to get the distinguished partial or full criteria for major depression (marked help they need, whether for themselves or a loved contributions to by ongoing sad or empty mood) or bipolar disorder one. (The Surgeon General's Report on Mental internal medi­ (involving swings between depressed mood and Health is available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ cine. The euphoric or agitated states). All were directed to mhsgrpt/home.html, with a message from NIMH's mastership will organizations providing referrals to mental health Hyman at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/ be presented in treatment specialists. sgmessage.cfm. For a free copy of the executive April at the "We had an excellent turnout for the first multi­ summary, call toll-free 877-9-MHEALTH.) college's annual site depression screening at NIH," said NIMH session in To find out about joining the QWL mental health Philadelphia. director Dr. Steven Hyman. "People are more screening subcommittee, contact Kathleen Moore, Atkinson has willing to seek help now than they were even a few chairperson, at 435-2165 or [email protected].­ been president of years ago, in large part because of research uncover­ Sophia Glezos Voit Ill the American ing the biological underpinnings of mood disor­ Board of Cli11ical ders." Americans, he said, "are increasingly recog­ Pharmacology nizing these illnesses as real medical conditions Free Wisdom Teeth Removal and president of instead of character flaws." NIDCR seeks volunteers in need of wisdom teeth the American The QWL committee is taking the lead on future removal to participate in clinical studies evaluating Society for mental health screenings, with continued support new pain medicines. Patients will have their wisdom Clinical Pharma­ from NIMH and EAP. Wendy Thompson, QWL cology and teeth removed at no cost by a board-certified oral Therapeutics. He committee chairperson, said their decision to surgeon using local anesthesia and intravenous is associate editor sponsor future mental health screenings was based sedation. Patients may also choose to participate in of Clinical on research that the disorders affecting most another study in which a single wisdom tooth is Pharmacology Americans are eminently identifiable and treatable. removed using local anesthesia only. The study and Therapeutics "Since an unknown percentage of NIH employees involves imaging of the brain fol lowing oral surgery and Pharmaco­ suffer from symptoms of treatable mental illnesses, using positron emission tomography (PET scanning). logical Reviews. and usually in silence, it only makes sense to Patients are required to make several visits to NIH continue a program that will enable staff members but wi ll be paid for their time if they complete all to benefit from the research mission they contribute phases of the study. For more information contact to. And, helping them, of course, helps NIH and, Michael Burke, 496-6242. Ii) ultimately, the health of Americans," Thompson said. VARMUS INTERVIEW, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 create an environment in which there is at lease a What's piquing your interest in lab work these days? movement in the direction of greater sharing... We're not trying to get ourselves into a role of expecting The major... themes at the moment are developing that situations are simple enough that we can better models for studying human cancer in the anticipate everything that might happen. We're not mouse. This has been an interest of mine for some expecting to be policemen on every corner... years, although 10 years ago the technology seemed much more limited because mostly what we were What about your greatest disappointment as NIH doing was making transgenics and crossing director-is there an iss ue that has just been intransigent? transgenics with knockouts. But now there are new There have been some. One of the things that I've levels of flexibility-conditional genes that can be been working on, but perhaps couldn't expect to see turned on and off... We've been working with tremendous changes in (during) the course of this gliomas, and now we're working on breast... We're short period is increasing the number of investiga­ seeing an increasing interest tors from minority backgrounds in science. Now, in developing therapeutics this is going to take time, but I haven't seen major and even preventive changes. Perhaps you couldn't in just 6 years... strategies that are based on an actual knowledge of the What advice would you give your successor? genes that are abnormal in One is to continue the budget fight, second is to human cancers. These take great advantage of the strong advocacy that kinds of interventions are NIH has. I've been saying to both the scientific going to be less toxic and advocacy groups and the patient and disease­ more effective, I hope ... One oriented advocacy groups that they need to work of the things that's been better with each other. NIH, I think, has done a deeply lacking in cancer good job working with its scientist constituencies; I research is a profound think it's done an improved job, and at many of the understanding of institutes a splendid job, of working with patient metastasis.. .The other part advocates.. .! think I was slow to appreciate the of my lab works on the way importance of developing a kind of nonsectarian At a ceremony in in which a set of very important growth council of advocacy individuals of the sort that I 1996, at the factors ...calle d wnt proteins send a signal to the finally have now with my Council of Public midpoint of his nucleus to change the way in which cells behave... tenure, NIH Represenratives.. .l've found my interactions with director Dr. You've spoken of the importance of keeping lH funding those folks tremendously useful...I've also tried to Harold Varmus momentum going forward. Please comment. remind people of the equity issues... the need to be participated in a conscious of health disparities and the need to pay mock swearing-in This is a very important issue. I think rhc leader• attention to the more general application (of ceremony at ship at N IH and the scientific community need to scientific advances), especially as our science which his wife think about a transition back co a less steep growing becomes heavily technological and potentially very Connie (I) held a curve. That, in my view, should happen some time expensive ... copy of Dickens' in the range of 4-5 years after this brisk scale-up. Great Expecta­ And 1 use that measure because that's the average Are you going to miss the opportunity as NIH director to tions for him to length of grants... ! don't believe, in the midst of this address international issues like malaria and tuberculosis, swear upon. At robust economic environment we're in, with incred­ as you've done in the past? Are you going to miss that bully pulpit? his farewell ible opportunities in research, that we should go ceremony last month, Varmus back to a purely inflationary rate of increase. My I would miss it if I lost it, but I don't think I'm joked that he was own gut feeling is that we should anticipate moving going to lose it because there are a number of things glad the book from sequential 15 percent increases over... 5 years, that I plan to do when I'm no longer at the NIH that wasn't Dickens' to an era in which there are more modest increases I think will still be important. I've been asked ro Bleak House. but still above the inflationary rate. . .l think some help WHO with their thinking about these issues. I modeling needs to be done ...about what's happening expect still to employ the bully pulpit even though I at our major academic health centers, to get a sense may be less obviously called; I think I'll still be asked of what the right rate of growth might be over the my opinions about things. I plan to continue my longer haul... interest in malaria-I'm actually traveling to India in Are you pleased with the new version of the Sharing a couple of months ro look at scientific activities Biomedical Research Resources guidelines? there. I hope to be still involved in the development of PubMed Central, which is an important issue in In that arena, we're not trying to lay down strict developing international health because one of the law. What we're trying to do is move the scientific great virtues of developing an electronic publishing community into a more generous, and ultimately network for biomedical research is support of more beneficial mode of behavior... we're trying to science in the developing world. You have advice for the reorganization of NIH- would concerned about two things- the number we you want to be on any task force that would deal with allocate to health becoming just too great to sustain that? even for people who are relatively well to do, but Sure. But my own view is that the kinds of changes more troubling is the idea that we're going to cut a that are being contemplated are, first of all, reason­ very significant portion of our population out of the ably radical. Secondly, they may fly in the face of benefits of certain kinds of approaches to health the interests of advocacy groups and Congress both that were paid for by public money and ought to be of which have been extremely generous to the NIH. publicly accessible. I feel that it would be wrong for it to appear that Was there anything you couldn't do as NIH director that Dr. Gillian NIH was driving these changes. NIH is a publicly you will now be able to do? Einstein has created institution, and it's been successful for that joined the Center ~eason. Any sense that N IH is trying to take matters Sure.. .I will ai:iswer to fewer bosses-that's good. for Scientific mro its own hands and make it more convenient for My schedule will be more my own. My interactions Review as itself I think could produce some waves of dis­ with the private sector can be more flexible. I scientific review gruntlement that would serve the institution very frankly enjoye_d my interactions w ith the pharma­ administrator of study section 2 in po?rly. My own advice is that at some point, ceutical and biotechnology activities before I came here, not because of the financial the molecular, enlightened members of Congress and the adminis­ cellulai; and compensation ... but because that's a very vibrant tration who understand some of the difficulties that developmental result from having tremendous proliferation of part of the world. .. Right now my intention is not to neurosciences msu_tutes and centers should consider asking the be involved in any companies in any obvious integrated review National Academy (of Sciences) to set up a commis­ way. ..What I'm most energized about is the idea of group. This sion to thmk, over the course of a couple of years, just having a good deal more liberty, and being in a section reviews ab?ut the future of the NIH.. . Our budget is soon less closely watched situation ... grant applications gomg to pass the $20 billion mark, we have 25 pertaining to What a~vi~e do yo~ have for NIH on gene therapy as the 11eurodegenerative institutes and centers, and there will be more appropn att0n hearmgs approach? diseases. Einstein because things never seem to go backwards. As I did a postdoctoral noted when I first came here, when you create new ·:·There's no doubt that public opinion would be shifted by announcements of real cures .. .I think fellowship in the institutes, it's like the spring is coming out of a little department of peanut brittle can and you never stuff things back in. we're going to see some of those-the recent neurobiology and You can't deal with this issue piecemeal- it's very announcement of what seems to be an effective physiology at apparent to me that the small institutes simply can't treatment for a smalJ number of patients with Northwestern operate with the kinds of efficiencies and carry out hemophilia B is a definite encouragement-and I University. She some of the tasks the bigger institutes can carry think we'll hear about other things in the not too then went to ~ut. .. I can see a~ NI_H in which there are, basically, distant future. The public will have to be reminded Duke University as a research five or six organizations or clusters of organizations that adenovirus vectors-very much in the news associate in the that work very effectively together and make the because of Jesse Gelsinger's death-are not in the anatomy depart­ whole process of running the NIH one that is much mii:ids of most of us, the prime candidates for gene delivery, compared to adeno-associated viruses or ment, becoming more effective. an assistant lentiviruses or other retroviruses. My sense is ;hat You've talked about how costly medicine is becoming, and research professor the public will respond favorably to the steps that in the department t~e average person's increasing inability to afford some we at NIH and our colleagues at the FDA have high-tech treatments. Do you have a solution? of neurobiology taken in response to some unfortunate events that in 1989. There, I think there are a number of solutions. One is that happened in the University of Pennsylvania study. her research was primarily on what's high-tech today will become much lower Does society do an adequate job of appreciating and tech .. .it costs over $1,000 to have your BRCAJ gene Alzheimer's weighing the ethical dimensions of emerging topics such disease and the sequenced but that's going to change, there's no as embryo research? Commissions are always lamenting effects of estro­ doubt about it. The technological developments that that "science is ahead of society." gens on the aging are occurring through the use of DNA chips and brain. Einstein other new methods are going to drive those costs Science will always be ahead of society-that's the nature of the beast. But I think we do a much better was also involved down to the point where I would not be surprised if job (nowad_ays). Think back to 25 years ago when with student it cost no more than $50 or $100 20 years from now programs and the recombmant DNA issue was laid on the table. to have genon:iic assessment as you go off to college, was a gifted People were pretty shocked. No one had really or at some pomt m your relative youth, to get a teacher-she pretty wide cut on what your risks are of disease in thought much about ethical issues in biology. They received the Duke later life. Some of the therapeutics that are coming had thought about the atomic bomb as an ethical Alumni Distin­ down the pike are now, and for the foreseeable issue that science had engendered. But the notion guished Under­ future, going to be expensive. .. We have a problem in that complicated biology could be the fodder for graduate Teach­ ing Award. t~e country in that there's nothing people place dinnertime conversation was a big surprise to most higher value on than healthy life, but I'm people. Since then we've had lots of other discus- CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 sion-in vitro fertilization, heart/lung transplant, don't put chain links around stores and post cloning, embryo research. I would say, in general, offices ... it creates an air of secrecy and will actually we're much better at this ... create other kinds of problems for us if we're perceived as being a high-security institution that's If you were around for another 6 years as NIH director, doing secret work and excluding the public. Iii how would you improve the intramural program? Part of it is location. I'm concerned about having Program on Cancer Research, Feb. 22-23 significant components of our program in less than ideal space, and too far removed from centers of The National Cancer Institute and the U.S.-Japan activity. I think we're going to have tremendous Cooperative Research Program will present flowering of the program as a result of the new "Common Frontiers in Cancer Research," on Feb. Cli nical Center and Bldg. 50, but there are still 22-23 at the Natcher Conference Center. The as a progrnm outlying groups that worry me. The campus up in program is free and includes seminars in cancer director in the Bayview (Baltimore) is going to become more self­ genetics, biomarkers/early detection, apoptosis Division of sufficient; as we bring the three components that are and angiogenesis. Speakers include Masaaki Genetics and up there together, they'll have a nucleus of activity. I Terada, Tyler Jacks, Caryn Lerman, Yusake Developmental am worried that we do have pieces, and sometimes Nakamura, Hynda Kleinman and others. To Biology, where he almost all of certain other programs not well register for the seminar, fax your name, affiliation, ivill manage organized. One of the most promising things that email address and telephone number to (202) 331 - grants dealing I've strongly supported and have helped to get under with chromo­ 0111 or email the information to somal organiza­ way is the concept of having a Neuroscience Center [email protected]. tion and gene on campus, with some new and renovated buildings regulation. He is in the Bldg. 35-36 complex that will help ro bridge a molecular some of the chasms that currently exist between w~OT Computer Classes biologist who some of the institutes, even though rhey do \'ery All courses are on the IH campus and are given comes to N1 G MS similar things. without charge. For more information call 594- from the Center 6248 or consult the training program's home page at for Scientific The FY 2000 budget mentions a need for increased Review, where he security on the Bethesda campus. Can you say why that's http://training.cit.nih.gov. had served as a important? scientific review The NlH Contractor Performance System 2/2 I haven't found this to be an enormous problem. Electronic Forms Users Group 2/2 administrator This campus is reasonably safe, but there are people since 1995. At Java 2/2, 4 CSR, he reviewed who are worried that it is not optimally safe. I have Introduction to HTML 2/3 research grant and always been less than enthused about the idea of CRIMS 2/7 fellowship putting chain fences around the campus. I do chink Seeking Information on the Web 2/8 applications i11 the we can improve card access to buildings, ensure that NIH Data Warehouse Budget Tracking 2/8 The NIH Contractor Performance System 2/8 areas of cell and loading docks are really locked at the end of the day. 2/8 molecular biology I think the campus has responded quite well to the WIG - World Wide Web Interest Group Creating Animated Web Presentations and biotechnology idea of wearing identity cards... O ne of the things with PowerPoint 2/9 resources. Carter that we simply cannot prevent entirely are events has also main­ DWA11alyze: HR 2/9 that occur between angry people. We've been pretty Fundamentals of Un ix 2/9-11 tained an interest lucky so far. I think that the changes that would in science result from chainlinking our campus and requiring education Employees of outreach. Under metal detectors at every entry point just don't have the Farm an educational the payoff-they change the atmosphere very supplement grant dramatically. Credit from the National Administra­ Science Foimda­ Is that what someone is actually proposing- something that dramatic? tion (from l) tion, he created Philip]. the KEYS The idea of having a fence around rhe campus has (Knowledge and Shebest, been proposed many times in the past. There's lots Mary Garver Experience for of interest in that. And there are many federal Young Scientists) and Brian institutions that do look that way. I think they Outreach isolate themselves quite quickly, and the atmosphere Harrington recently visited the Children's Inn at Program to NIH to donate candy, cards and decorations for promote interac­ on campus is changed dramatically. It doesn't feel the holidays. More than a dozen FCA workers tions between like an academic institution. We're not in the center minority scientists of a high-crime district here- we ought to remember gather every year to prepare holiday cheer for inn and elementary that. We're in a reasonably safe neighborhood, we residents and their f amities. school students. r- NINDS Mourns Sarah Broman ~- Dr. Sarah H. "Sally" Broman, a research psycholo­ Recognition Award, and an NIH Award of Merit in gist and program director in the systems and recognition of her exceptional efforts to further the cognition neuroscience cluster of the Office of goals of the Department of Health and Human Extramural Research, NINDS, died ov. 2 after Services "Healthy People 2000" initiative. suffering a massive brain hemorrhage. Broman coedited and coauthored numerous A native of Hattiesburg, Miss., Broman was born publications including Atypical Cognitive Deficits in 1926. She earned her bachelor's degree in in Developmental Disorders, Traumatic Head psychology from Vassar College in 1946. In 1957, Injury in Children, Preschool IQ: Prenatal and NIH grantee Dr. she earned her master's degree, and in 1965, her Early Developmental Correlates, Low Achieving Helen M. Blau doctorate, both from Tulane University. Children: The First Seven Years, and Retardation recently received the 1999 in Young Children: A Developmental Study of She came to NIH in 1967 as a member of the Excellence in National Collaborative Perinatal Project and acting Cognitive Deficit. Science Award head of the section on behavioral science, NINDS. As a tribute to her hard work and dedication to from the She later became a health scientist administrator in neuroscience, heL" colleagues dedicated the recent 2- Federation of the institute's extramural Division of Fundamental day NIH workshop titled '.'Adaptive Learning: American Neuroscience and Developmental Disorders. Interventions for Verbal and Motor Deficits" to Societies for Before coming to IH, Broman held many Broman. On day 1 of the meeting, friends and Experimental positions at Tulane including research assistant in colleagues gathered at a reception to pay tribute to Biology. The the Urban Life Research Institute, psychologist and her as a scientist, colleague and friend. There, Dr. award is field supervisor on a multidisciplinary study Martha Denckla, current member of the National presented to one Advisory Neurological Disorders and Stroke woman annually conducted by the department of pediatrics, and to recognize assistant professor in the psychology department. Council, summed up Broman's most important and outstanding She also taught at Louisiana State University in consistent contribution to the field: "No matter achievement in New Orleans. how accomplished one was as a neurologist and the biological Broman's other activities included serving as a clinician, you could always count on Sally to hold sciences. Blau, research associate at the American Psychological you to the most rigorous of scientific standards." professor and Society; as a psychologist on a collaborative child And, according to Broman's longtime colleague, chair of molecu­ development project and as the chief psychologist Dr. Charlotte McCutchen, program director in lar pharmacol­ on a child development study, both at the Charity NINDS's systems and cognition neuroscience ogy at Stanford University Hospital in New Orleans; and, from 1966 to 1967, cluster, "Her dedication tQ these ideals helped School of establish lasting validity for her fast-growing field. " as a psychologist at the Harvey Mental Health Medicine, was Center in Harvey, La. Broman is survived by her daughter, Noel honored for Throughout her career she received many acco­ Alexandra Corry M iles of New Orleans, and two research that has lades, including a Public Health Service Special grandchildren.-Shannon E. Garnett had a {tmdamen.­ tal impact on the understanding of The Wednesday Afternoon Lectures how cells beco,ne Bethesda and remain Little The Wednesday Afternoon Lecture series- held on differentiated Theater its namesake day at 3 p.m. in Masur Auditorium, during develop­ recently Bldg. 10-features Dr. Marc Tessier-Lavigne, ment. The presented a professor, departments of anatomy and of biochem­ award was check for istry and biophysics, and HHMI investigator, presented at the $4,500 to University of California, San Francisco, on Feb. 9. annual meeting the NIH He will discuss "Wiring the Brain: Molecular of the American Patient Society for Cell Emergency Mechanisms of Axon Guidance in Vertebrates." For more information or for reasonable accommo­ Biology; it Fund and a included a dation, call Hilda Madine, 594-5595. Iii check for $1,500 to Special Love Inc., which will be $10,000 utilized for Camp Funshine, recreational programming unrestricted for children undergoing treatment for AIDS. The theater Free Treatment for TMDs research grant, company is a volunteer organization sponsored by the funded by Eli NIH Recreation and Welfare Association. Shown are NIDCR is currently evaluating two new classes of Lilly and Co., (from I) Chris Hurley, Clinical Center nurse, representing drugs for treatment of temporomandibular disorders and a recognition Camp Funshine; Randy Schools, R&W president; (TMDs). Patients will receive a thorough evaluation plaque. Blau has Adrienne Farrar, director, social work department; Teddi at NIH and be followed for up to 6 weeks if placed received support Pensinger, SAMHSA and Bethesda Little Theater; Alice on a study. For more information, contact Dr. from NIGMS, "Frankie" Smyth, Bethesda Little Theater; Charles Lauren Ta at 402-6437. Iii N ICHD, NIA Butler, rehabilitation medicine department; and Brian and NCI. Campbell, SAMHSA and the Bethesda Little Theater. LASKER WINNER, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 through a membrane at any point. Clay Armstrong, direct course for scientific excellence. The Lasker who would eventuall y share the Lasker award and award not only commends Hille's extraordinary other honors with H ille, was one of the only other cellular research, but also honors him as an equal to researchers at that time to embrace the idea of ion the great scientists who have long been his mentors. channels. In fact, Hille and Armstrong were among As a child, H ille's home was alive w ith science, the first to use the word "channel" to describe the logic and language. H is father, a well-known Yale pores in the cell membrane. The two were consid­ University mathematician, and mother, the "intellec­ ered "rebels" in the research community. tual wife of a faculty member," entertained an "We've been interacting since we started in the impressive list of intellectuals, including Lars 1960's," H ille said of his relationship with Dr. Michael Nunn O nsager, winner of the 1968 Nobel Prize in Chemis­ Armstrong. "It's been wonderful to have a 'sparring is the new try, and Edgar J. Boell, a renowned Yale zoologist partner.' We agreed with each other and didn't try scientific review administrator of and embryologist. It seemed only natural, then, for to save our secrets because there were so few of us. the molecular, 16-year-old Hille to work in the lab of his family We shared as much as we could, which made it cellular, and friend Boell, who was then chairman of the zoology enjoyable." developmental department. After receiving his Ph.D. in life sciences from neurosciences 6 "Working with [Boe!!] was like a first-love experi­ Rockefeller in 1967, Hille traveled to the U.K. co do study section in ence, where everything is fresh and wonderful," postdoctoral work at Cambridge University. He the Center for Hille said. "He introduced me to science and to continued ion channel studies under Sir Alan Scientific Review. research. My involvement with him was certainly a Hodgkin, who won the 1963 Nobel Prize in Medi- This study section defining moment." reviews applica­ Boell taught Hille the essentials of studying tions pertaining to "I view population as a serious issue for our science, like the fun of discovery and respect for developmental planet. As a basic scientist, it was important neurobiology. As the work of others. H ille remained with Boell until 1962, when he graduated from Yale with a to me to find out what options there were for a pre- and people in terms of reproductive choice." postdoctoral zoology degree. Working with Boell stirred student in the Hille's interest in studying cell membranes, the department of fence-like barriers that determine the boundaries of cine or Physiology for his work with ionic mecha­ molecular biology a cell. At the time, aside from their existence, little nisms and membrane transport. Hille calls Hodgkin at the University else was known about cell membranes. Scientists "a demanding postdoctoral advisor. of California at could only guess at how things moved from one side "I was a little afraid of him," Hille admitted, Berkeley, he of a membrane to the other. Membrane permeabil­ "because by that time he was famous." analyzed the ity would become key to Hille's research career. to genetic structures In 1968, Hille moved back the U.S. and accepted of avian and Hille continued his graduate studies at Rockefeller a position at the University of Washington School of murine leukemia University in New York, where he enjoyed the same Medicine. He has been a professor in the depart­ and sarcoma connection to intellectuals. He met classmates ment of physiology and biophysics there since 1974. viruses, and H arvey Lodish, now at MIT's Whitehead Institute During his first few years there, H ille made another discovered the ets for Biomedical Research; David Sabatini, currently breakthrough when he found that the size of an ion oncogene. After 3 chair of the department of cell biology at NYU channel was specific to the type of ion the channel years postdoctoral Medical College; and David H irsch, now chair of allowed to pass through. training at the the biochemistry and molecular biophysics depart­ Throughout the last 30 years, Hille has made great Salk Institute for ment at Columbia University during his first week at strides in understanding more about how ion Biological Studies, Rockefeller. T he four became fast and close friends. channels behave. His work with blocki_ng agents, he next spent 3 years as a staff T hey shared classes with the likes of: Chuck materials that prevent nerve impulses from reaching scientist at Stevens, now with the Salk Institute for Biological their intended nerve cells, provided a basis for Pharmacia Studies; Alan Finkelstein, presently at Albert further study in anesthesia. His work also led to a Genetic Engineer­ Einstein College of Medicine; and David Baltimore, greater understanding of how certain drugs function ing. In 1994, he currently president of California Institute of Tech­ in the heart to regulate an irregular heart beat, a became a senior nology and wi nner of the 1975 Nobel Prize for his condition called arrhythmia. In 1984, Hille pub- staff fellow in the discovery of reverse transcriptase. . lished Ionic Channels of Excitable Membranes, a Laboratory of As a graduate fellow, Hille trie9 to answer the standard text for students in biology, physiology, Molecular question of how things, specifica ll y ions, move chemistry and biochemistry. Biology, NIMH, where he investi­ through cell membranes. Ions are molecules that H ille's research focus has also shifted to include ion gated the role of a have either gained or lost electrons, giving them an channel regulation mechanisms. At the suggestion viral gene product electric charge. H ille found that the cell membranes of Robert Steiner, Hille joined the Specialized in the pathogen­ had pore-like spaces in them, which he called Cooperative Center in Reproductive Research at esis of HIV-1. "channels," that allowed ions to pass through. For UW. Under the directorship of Dr. William Bremner, its day, Hille's discovery was revolutionary. The H ille has been studying the mechanism of action of theory at that time was that any ion could pass gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH ) on a ----~--====-======-==:---'.=-:=------

pituitary cell that allows the pituitary glands to Intern Program Develops Leaders "talk" to the gonads, the sex glands. More specifi­ For the 21st Century cally, GnRH tells the pituitary cells to release other hormones that are essential to the production of The NIH Management Intern Program is celebrating eggs, sperm and sex hormones. His task was to its 43rd anniversary. So if you're looking tO change determine how the GnRH makes the pituitary careers, this is a program with a proven track release these other hormones. record. Many of the interns have gone on to obtain More recently, Hille's work has addressed ques­ successful, high level managerial positions with NIH tions of male contraception. Since the invention of and other federal agencies. the condom 200 years ago, Hille said little research The program uses entry-level career development has been done on options for male reproductive training designed for outstanding men and women activity and fertility. He indicates that one approach who have a clear interest to male contraception focuses on regulating hor­ in and commitment to a mone secretion by altering ion channels on the career in public service. ....,. pituitary gland, which can stop the production of Via rotational assign- sperm. Another approach, and an additional area of ments, interns are intro- study for Hille, uses ion channels on the sperm duced ro potential themselves to influence the fertility of the sperm. administrative career "I view population as a serious issue for our tracks, i.e., grants and planet," he explained. "As a basic scientist, it was contracts management, -, j important to me to find out what options there were general administration, ~ . human resources manage­ ~ for people in terms of reproductive choice. Mv decision to join the (S pecialized Cooperative Center ment, budget, legislation, • in Reproductive Research] was more of a philo­ information technology, NIH recently t;;ekomed seven.. new NTH" Man ­ sophical choice for me than a scientific choice and I human resource manage- agement Interns. They are (top, from {) .fason will stick with it for that reason." ment, public affairs, Donaldson, VerLyn Francisco, Allyson Browne, October 1999 proved to be an eventful month for legislative analysis and Julie Townshend and James Washington. In Hille. The Lasker award panel, made up of interna­ program/management front _are (from I) She/ma Grant and Wendy tionally renowned scientists, honored Hille, Clay analysis. Hadfield. Armstrong, and Roderick MacKinnon for their This year's program will open on Feb. 14 and close remarkable work in clarifying the functional and Mar. 14. The application process will be online at structural architecture of ion channel proteins. After http://internships.info.nih.gov. The Web site will be decades of anonymity, Hille and Armstrong were available for viewing on Feb. 10, but applicants may finally recognized for their discoveries about ion not enter their applications until Feb. 14. channels in the 1960's. To apply you must be a U.S. citizen; be willing to "The remarkable thing about getting the award is work full-time; be a current Department of Health that at one time no one cared about it," Hille said. and Human Services employee at the GS-5 level or "In 1964, there were only 10 papers about ion above or wage-grade equivalent and currently channels; now there are over 5,000 new ones every employed in either a career or career-conditional year. I guess it's 'made it' in terms of being recog­ appointment or be on a veterans readjustment nized. It's very fulfilling." appointment, severely physicall y disabled (Schedule Despite his remarkable accomplishments, Hille A) appointment or any other appointment that remains unassuming. When asked if he felt that he, offers noncompetitive conversion entitlement. too, had "made it" by winning the Lasker award Detailed program information will be provided at his answer was simple. ' the information sessions listed below. Applicants are "I would much rather recognize tbe accomplish­ encouraged to attend one of the sessions before ments of others and encourage them than blow my completing their application package. own horn," he said. Management Intern Information Session Schedule Hille is currently on sabbatical from his professor­ Date Location Time ship at UW to finish the third edition of his Ion Feb. 8 Natcher, Conf. Rm. Cl/C2 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Channel textbook. He likes teaching and plans to Feb. 9 Rockledge II, Rm. 9104 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. continue "as long as it goes well." With Mt. Rainier Feb. 15 EPN, Conf. Rm. C 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. practically in his backyard, Hille and his wife enjoy Feb. 17 NSC, Conf. Rm. Al/A2 noon-2 p.m. hiking and the outdoors. (6001 Executive Blvd.) "It's actually been rather fun to have new tech­ Feb. 22 Bldg. 1, Wilson Hall 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. niques brought in every few years. We get to try Feb. 24 Bldg. 10, 2C-l 16 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. something new. The basic question is the same, but the techniques change," he noted. "I am very lucky More information about the program may be to get paid for something I love to do." Ill obtained by calling 496-2404. Ill •Jolly Green Giant' Visits NIH hen DES Director Tony Clifford looked up by motorcade.) W and saw a bright yellow helicopter flying over But Jones, a former Air Force officer, believed in his house early one Sunday morning, he knew the helicopter lift, and was confident it would save exactly where it was headed. Clifford and his 11- the government thousands of dollars. year-old son Brian were about to leave for the same Ultimately, the operation came off without a hitch. place- parking lot l0H behind the Clinical Center. The lift They were eager to see history being made, an NIH took place first-a helicopter lift of mechanical equipment to on a the roof of Bldg. 10. Sunday, Designated the HH-3E Jolly Green Giant by the when U.S. Air Force, the Sikorsky S-61 copter is a reliable activity on machine. Once used to rescue shot-down aircrew campus during the Vietnam war, they are used today by the was at its U.S. Marines to ferry dignitaries to the Pentagon. lowest. T he mechanical equipment to be lifted was a 7,060 According lb. air handling unit for the new IAID air system to a being special constructed timetable, Copter hovers above Bldg. 10 as it places its for the the payload atop the roof solarium chopper portion of (painted yellow, not jolly green, by contractor Bldg. 10. Carson Helicopters) would be in the air only during This area has 15-minute periods, separated by half-hour down­ become hot times. These intervals were necessary to allow property for intermittent resumption of traffic and patient care meeting and activities. It was also agreed that if a Code Blue or conference Code 100 emergency occurred within the Clinical rooms, but Center, any lift in progress would be immediately its air aborted. Five lift periods were scheduled to provide The "Jolly Green conditioning is inadequate. According to Norm for this possibility. Giant" helicopter At exactly 8:15 a.m., the powerful turbines of the touches down 011 Jones, project officer for the new air system, the parking lot lOH project is designed to provide 100 percent of the S-61 roared into life. Slowly, the craft rose from the behind the outside air for the solarium's current and future tarmac, turning gently until it was directly over the Clinical Center. needs. mechanical equipment. The first piece was hooked In the past, such equipment at NIH has been up, a signal given and the Jolly Green Giant climbed placed by crane. But the new South Entry to Bldg. noisily into the air until it hovered directly over 10 put the solarium roof out of reach of mobile Bldg. 10, where it appeared to float motionless while cranes. Jones and his construction quality manager the equipment was wrestled into position and Carlisle Bean of GRD Construction Consultants, secured on the solarium roof. When the harness was Inc., checked out the possibility of transporting the released, the chopper swooped back down for unit in pieces up the freight elevator and through another load. In all, three pieces were moved during building corridors to the roof, as many had sug­ the first lift, and the other two during the next. gested. But this option was thwarted by the inad­ Promptly at 9:45, the aircraft rose for the final equate size of corridor and elevator doorways. The time over NIH, turned slowly toward the east, and only way left was by air. disappeared over the treetops. History had been While placement of mechanical equipment by made. Helicopter placement of mechanical equip­ helicopter is routine on major construction projects ment had proven to be fast, efficient and safe. Iii throughout the country, it had never been attempted at NIH. There is a big difference between flying Healthy Males Needed equipment across an open construction site and The Clinical Brain Disorders Branch, NIMH, seeks carrying it over an occupied hospital. And it is rare healthy, college-educated males between the ages of for helicopters to touch down at NIH-it happened 29 and 40 to participate in a 2-day genetic study. in July 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson Tests include clinical interviews, neuropsychological came to visit and once when a Maryland State testing, a neurological exam, neuroimaging, evoked Police copter participated in NIH Fire Prevention potentials, eye tracking and a blood draw. Stipend Week activities. (When President Clinton comes, he available. For details call Kayleen Hadd at 435- usually lands at the Naval Hospital and drives over 8970. Iii