R Still The Second Best Thing About Payday

Translating the Histone Code: A H G H L 1,G H T, S Tale of Tails at Stetten Talk Attacks on U.S. Change Life at NIH By Rich McManus By Alison Davis Security Beefed Up News stories appearing over the last year he transition from peacetime's reliable routine to wartime On Campus would have everyone believe that scientists anxiety took place in only minutes as NTH employees came have-once and for all~racked the human Tto work on an otherwise spectacular late summer morning genetic code. Indeed, two teams of 50th Anniversary Sept. 11 and scientists have already published a draft For NINOS, NIMH discovered by 9:45- sequence of our 3-billion-unit jumble of via office televisions, DNA "letters." But t he task of thoroughly radio, the web, deciphering the code's protein-making phone calls and Grantees Win hallway conversa­ instructions-something our bodies do Lasker Award SEE STETTEN LECTURE, PAGE 2 tions-that terror­ ism on an almost unimaginable scale Kolb To Give was taking place in Pittman Lecture New York City and in the heart of Washington, D.C. Fall Computer The workday froze Courses Offered as workers tuned in to the news-the World Trade Center towers in flames, Flag flies at half-mast in tragedy's wake. Outdoor Film and smoke rising from behind the Old Executive Office buiJding Dr. C. David Allis to give Stetten Lecture. Festival a Big Hit near the White House. Summer Jobs into Permanent Posts In the OD Office of Communications and Public Liaison in Bldg. 31, there was a silent and unofficial suspension of activities as NIH Seizes Opportunity To SEE ATTACKS, PAGE 6 Boost Minority Employment NINDS. NIMH Mark 50 Years of Neuroscience NIH often is so pleased with the work of its Research with Symposium, Oct. 9-10 summer employees from the Hispanic By Shannon E. Garnett Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the National Association for Equal 'Tocommemorate their 50th anniversaries, NINDS and NIMH Opportunity in Higher Education {NAFEO), will cosponsor a 2-day scientific symposium- Celebrating 50 and Washington Internships for Native Years of Brain Research: New Discoveries, New Hope- bringing Students (WINS) that many are offered together leading scientists and noted researchers whose work repeat internships, fellowships and spans a diverse spectrum of basic, clinical and translational permanent staff positions. research on neurological and psychiatric disorders. The confer­ U.S. Department ence, which will be held on Oct. 9-10, in the Natcher auditorium, Such was the experience this past summer of Health and represents 50 years of advances in brain research and treatments of Cyrus Salazar, who recently received a Human Services for brain disorders. master's of public administration degree N:itional Institutes Many of the profound gains in our knowledge of the brain and from New Mexico State University. He has of l lealth treatments for brain diseases over the past 50 years are due largely accepted a position with NIAMS as a to research sponsored by NINDS and NIMH. This symposium human resources specialist, under the October 2, 2001 will be a celebration of the remarkable progress that has been SEE INTERNS, PAGE 8 Vol. LIii, No. 20 SEE A NNIVERSARIES, PAGE 4 Outdoor Film Festival Draws Thousands he fifth annual Outdoor Film Festival at NIH Tdrew perhaps as many as 60,000 attendees over its 9-night run (Hitchcock's The Birds was rained out), raised more than $18,000 for three NIH charities, provided the venue for innumerable birthdays and other anniversaries, and even made the front page of the New York Times on July 30; a feature story about the national resurgence of al fresco moviegoing prominently featured the NIH event. "Everything else (but the rainout) went really hunkydory," said R&W President Randy Schools. "People really enjoy it." He said that, drawn by the Times article, guests arrived by shuttle from New York City to Ahhh, a moonlit night, a film projector, and thee... view films here, and that several ----. businessmen from Long Beach, ..., Calif., came out to see the series in order to plan a similar event for the Los Angeles/Long Beach area. "The film series also made all the local television news broadcasts," Schools added. ~ He noted one mishap that was 1 funny only in retrospect: a late- Crowds gather arriving guest, thinking the event before dusk to was a real drive-in, pulled her car into the parking claim p,·ime real lot between Stone House and Bldg. 16A, and estate in the proceeded to hop the curb and head down the grass viewing amphithe­ before police and organizers halted her vehicle. ater. "The location is great, plus the movies are good choices," said Seth Coppock. "It's nice to have the vendors-we'll buy dessert. But it's also nice that we can bring in our own food too if we want." "It's different, a unique alternative to everyday life," said Cory Kenworthy. "It's outside, free, relaxing and a great way to spend a summer evening." Added Carole Berman, "It's fun, conve­ nient, and a great atmosphere. You see all different Clutching theil' teddy bears (above) before the movie one night are guests who gathered to celebrate the 10th types of people here." Guest Ellen Mennie said, birthday of Laura Sheys (second from /). They are (from " It's something the whole l) Lacy Leibovitz, 9, of Bethesda, Kristen Rupp, 8, Karen family can do together." Sheys (kneeling), 7, and Lil-y Oyler, 9. Below, a picnick­ Three NIH-related charities­ ing group poses for a shot from their encampme1-:t on the the Friends of the Clinical lawn behind Natcher Bldg. Center, Special Love, Inc., and the Children's Inn-split proceeds raised from donations and from sales by vendors ringing the grassy amphitheater where the screen was erected. Sponsors of the event included The lights from Comcast, Geico, KSI Realty vendor row and Bethesda Court Hotel. illuminate the Despite daunting expenses for the giant screen, guests at the sound system, a projectionist/projector and movie Outdoor Film rental ($400 per film), Schools said the annual Festival. filmfest is so successful that it will likely remain a summer staple on campus. Iii STETTEN LECTURE, CONTIJIIIJED FROM PAGE 1 with ease all the time-is a complicated puzzle that another NlGMS grantee, Dr. Thomas Cech of the will keep researchecs busy for decades to come. Dr. University of Colorado at Boulder and the Howard C. David Allis of the University of Virginia will be Hughes Medical Institute, the 1989 Nobel prize in narrating the latest chapter on how our cells trans­ chemistry-for figuring out that the genetic material late pieces of DNA into a meaningful message at this RNA can work as an enzyme. year's DeWitt Stetten Jr. Lecture. Allis will describe Scientists like Allis, Cech and countless others use his research untangling the functions of chromatin, so-called lower organisms like Tetrahymena to structures inside our cells that package genes. The address fundamental questions that pervade biology. talk will be held oo Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 3 p.m. in Such systems are simple, but they retain important Dr. Martin H. Masur Auditorium, Bldg. 10. Goldrosen was similarities to the workings of animal and human recently appointed Allis is a pioneer in research that aims to clarify cells. chief of the Office how cells contain and protect their most precious "Forget about what you do in the lab, look at what of Scientific cargo, DNA, in protein-rich assemblies that are nature did," says Allis, citing the molecules and Review at the collectively called chromatin. In a sense, chromatin cellular processes that recur over and over again National Center acts as a gatekeeper for our genes, regulating access throughout the biological kingdom. for Complemen­ to DNA by cellular equipment that decodes genes. He says he is extremely grateful for years of NIH tary and Alterna­ His groundbreaking studies have begun to reveal funding to work with "offbeat" model organisms. tive Medicine. that a key step in how cells interpret their genetic "The implications for human biology and disease The office is code involves actually finding certain genes inside are far-reaching," he says. responsible for the chromatin. A cell's gene-decoding machinery is peer review ofall Allis earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the grant applications drawn to proteins in chromatin that have been University of Cincinnati io 1973 and a doctorate in assigned to "marked" with a variety of natural chemical tags. biology from Indiana University in 1978. He was NCCAM. He will Putting on these tags and taking them off, Allis has on the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine from help ensure found, is a critical aspect of targeting a cell's gene­ 1981 to 1990, at Syracuse University from 1990 to quality, objectivity reading activities. 1995, and at the University of Rochester from 1995 and accountability In recent years, Allis' lab has helped to discover to 1998. Since 1998, he has been the Harry F. Byrd, in the grants and several of the cellular systems that careflilly balance Jr. professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics, contracts peer the chromatin-marking chemical tags, called acetyl, professor of microbiology, and member of the review process. phosphate and methyl groups. These units get Center for Cell Signaling at the University of He will also attached to histones, the principal protein building Virginia Health Sciences Center. He has won several coordinate blocks of chromatin that wind DNA into a protec­ activities to awards for both teaching and research, and is an evaluate the tive spool. For example, he explains, the "aurora elected member of the American Academy of Arts overall perfor­ kinase" enzyme puts a tag called a phosphate group and Sciences. mance of at a particular spot on the ends, or "tails," of NIGMS has supported Allis' work since 1984. I NCCAM's grant histone proteins. According to Allis, this tag review processes. somehow tells the cell that it is time to bundle up its Prior to NCCAM chromatin in time foe cell division. This process and since 1991, helps to ensure that the cell's genetic material is Goldrosen was a separated precisely in half during cell division. N I H A f C a A 0 health scientist By conveying such a message, genes get turned administrator l'ublisbed biweekly at Bethesda, Md., by the Editorial Operations within the Grants on-or in some cases, off-Allis says. In the case of Branch, Division of Public £nformation, for ,l,e information of Review Branch of cancer cells, inappropriate contcol of certain growth employees of the National lnstirutes of Health, Depanment of genes can unchecked cell division. According to Health and Huma11 Services. The content is rcprimable without the Division of fuel permlssion, Pictures may be ava.ilable on requm. Use of funds /or Extramural Allis, the "chromatin link" to cancer is just now printing rhis pcriodicoJ has been approved by th< director of the Affairs, NCI, beginning to be appreciated. Indeed, his studies Offic< of Management and Budget through Sept. 30, 2002. where he was have uncovered that several histone-marking NIH Recm:d Office responsible for Phone.496-2125 enzymes, like the aurora kinase, actually are revved Bldg. 31, Rm. 5B41 Fax 402-1485 review ofgr ant up in cancer cells, making them an important target applications in the for developing future cancer drugs. Web address areas of drug Allis first got interested in chromatin more than 20 hnp://www.nih.gov/news/NIH-Record/archives.htm development and years ago, while working as a postdoctoral fellow in biological 'Editor The NIHRecord reserves response modifi­ the lab of Dr. Martin Gorovsky at the University of Richard Mc.Manus the right to make ers. Rochester. Then and now, Allis has remained -cm2i'[email protected] corrections, changes, or committed to studying chromatin via model systems deletions in submined Assistant Editor copy fn confo[)llity with such as the protozoan Tetrahymena, a single-celled Cada Garnett fhe policies of tbe paper ciliate organism that he refers to as an "offbeat [email protected] anclHHS. pond-water beast." Offbeat or not, it's also the organism that netted .!i The Record is recyclable as office white paper. Grantees Win Lasker Award in Basic Medical Research wo long-time NIH grantees, Dr. Mario Capecchi N1GMS has supported Capecchi's work since 1969 Tand Dr. Oliver Smithies, have received the 2001 and Smithies' work since 1973. Capecchi also has Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research. The current grant support from NICHD, and Smithies award is "for the development of a powerful technol­ has current support from NHLBI. ogy for manipulating the mouse genome with "The tools these investigators have developed are exquisite precision, which allows the creation of both elegant and powerful," said NIGMS director animal models of human disease," according to the Dr. Marvin Cassman. "They epitomize the goal of Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation. Sharing the the National Institute of General Medical Sciences­ award with Capecchi and Smithies was Dr. Martin to stimulate progress in the treatment and cure of Evans of Cardiff University in Wales. disease through an understanding of basic biological The foundation honored two other scientists as processes." well: Dr. Robe.rt G. Edwards of Cambridge Univer­ Capecchi is the distinguished professor of biology sit)•, for a technique for producing " test-tube babies'' and human genetics at the University of Utab, and and Dr. William H. Foege of Emory University for Smithies is the Excellenc;e professor of pathology leadership in improving worldwide public health. and laboratory medicine at the University of North Working indepen­ Carolina at Chapel Hi LI School of Medicine. dently, Capecchi and The Lasker Award is one of the most prestigious Smithies created a science prizes in the United States. According to the • ' :: ~ • a ..1- . method that has Lasker Foundation, more than half of those honored , I \. ~ l . become an indispens­ with the Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research able tool for genetics since 1962 have later received the Nobel Prize. 't " research. The method -Ann Dieffenbach Iii enables scientists to ~ create "transgenic" Depression Screening Offered for NIH'ers, Oct. 11 ~,.--~'t:-),,.,._·_~- .mice-mice that contain genes from other NIH employees who may need help for depression symptoms including • --. "'--· >; organisms. If the sadness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in memory OJ' sleep, Dr. Mario Capecchi transferred genes are or thoughts of death or suicide are invited to attend free, anonymous, involved in human walk-in depression screening on National Depression Screening Day, diseases, the resulting mice can serve as model Thursday, Oct. 11. The service is sponsored by the quality of work life organisms for the study of those disorders. Scientisrs committee, with the support of the Employee Assistance Program and can use transgenic mice to learn about a disease in a NI.MH. mammal that is very similar to people, develop Screening will be held at the following sites, where employees can possible treatments and test them with no risk to walk in between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the human patients. Capecchi and Smithies have already Clinical Center) to view a short video, complete the anonymous created transgenic mice to help them study cystic screening tool, meet confidentiaUy with a mental health professional fibrosis and high blood pressure, and other scientists for results and treatment resources, or just gather information on have used the mice to investigate diseases such as depression and related disorders: cancer and atheroscle­ rosis. Clinical Center (Occupational Medical Services, Rm. 6C306) Capecchi and Smith­ Bldg. 31 (Level B2, Rm. B57) ies' technique can also Neuroscience Center (6001 Executive Blvd., Conf. Rm. B) Executive Plaza North (6130 Executive Blvd., Rm. 103) generate "knockout " Rockledge. II (6701 Rockledge Dr., Rm. 9100) lab mice, which help NIDA Baltimore Bayview Facility (5500 Nathan Shock Dr.1 Scanlon Con£. scientists pinpoint the Rm.) actions of specific NCI-Frederick (Library/Conf. Center, 545 S!l-ltan Dr., Rm. B) genes. To make a knockout mouse, If you are unable to attend the NIH screening, you may want to visit researchers transfer a www.nmisp.o.rg to access iuformation about privately sponsored sites defective or altered for yourself or a family member, or you may want to contact the version of a gene they National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (http:// want to study into a lab . . _ www.ndmda.org, 800/826-3632) or the National Mental Health mouse. The inserted Dr. Oliver Smithies Assoc;:iation (http://www.nmha.org, 800/969-6642). gene "knocks out," or Participants who speak Spanish, Cantonese or Mandarin should use displaces, the normal gene, and scientists can exam­ the Clinical Center site. For special acc0mmodations, contact Sophia ine the modified gene's effects on the mouse. Glezos Voit ([email protected]; 443-4533). ANNIVERSARIES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 made in understanding the nervous system and the Of special note is a distinguished panel featuring disorders that affect it, and serves not only as a four Nobel laureates-Dr. Eric R. Kandel of the fitting conclusion to the Decade of the Brain, but Center for Neurobiology and Behavior at the Columbia University College of Physi­ cians and Surgeons, Dr. Sranley B. Prusiner of the Institure for Neurodegenerative Di~ases at the University of California in San Fran­ cisco, Dr. Paul Greengard of the Labora­ tory of Molecular and Cellular Neuro­ science at the Rockefeller Cniversity and Dr. Torsten Wiesel, presidenr emeritus of the Rockefeller Universiry. Th.is group will speak on the second ,hr of the symposium. The following day. Oc:. 11. ~INDS Nobel Laureates also as an appropriate beginning to the first decade and NIMH will sponsor an educational program for (from I) Paul of brain science in this century. members of Congress, their spouses and smff to Greengard, Top scientists from all over the country will gather discuss major accomplishments during the last half Stanley B. to explore past accomplishments and current century, and the scientific opportunities rhey have Prnsine1; Eric R. excitement in rhe field, and to discuss the potential made possible. Kandel and for new findings and cures in the future. Topics A web site developed for the symposium-­ Torsten Wiesel will be panelists range from processes such as synaptic transmission www.50brain.org-indudes a complete agenda and on the second day and brain p1asticiry to disorders such as epilepsy, online registration forms. For more infom1ation call of the an11iversary stroke, prion diseases, and AIDS to functions such as 1-866-50-BRAIN or email symposium. memory, emotion and attention. [email protected].

A History of Subdivision NIMH One of the 'Founding Four' INDS was created by Congress on Aug. 15, 1950, as the he National Institute of Mental Healrh-onc of the N NationaJ Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blind~ Tfirst four NIH institutes-was formalh· es::.ablished ness (the institute has been renamed several times before on Apr. 15, 1949. Its mission is to reduce.the burden of achieving its current name). mental illness through research on mind. tr3 u and NINDS twice has bee11 divided ro form two additional NIH behavior. According to the landmark srudy. ·Global institutes, the National Eye Insrirute in 1968, and the Burden of Disease," commissioned by the \\°';,;-Jc HeaJth National Institute of Deafness and Organization and the World Bank, menral disorders Other Communication Disorders in represent four of the 10 leading causes of dt,abiliry for 1988. persons age 5 and older. Among "developed- naiions, More than 600 disorders afflict the including the U.S., major depression is rhe teaamg cause nervous system, striking an estimated of disability. 50 million Americans each year. Over the past half century, NIMH researd1 has opened Common disorders such as stroke, new windows of opportunity in our nation·s eiiorr to epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and reduce the immense burden of mental and bena~ioral ANNIVERSARY autism are well-known. Others are disorders. Sustained investments in basic brain and rare. Throughout its history, ~INDS has directed the course behavioral science have positioned NThlH co :ake of research on many of these disorders by supporting and advantage of a wealth of opportunities in neuro~cieoce, conducting a broad range of research on the healthy and molecular genetics, behavioral science and brain diseased brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. imaging. NIMH -funded scientists are makmg great This extraordinary half-century has seen NINDS-supported strides in translating new knowledge abom brain scientists develop new diagnostic tools, therapies and models function into researchable clinical quesrions, and are of disease that have significantly expanded our understanding initiating innovative clinical trials of new pharmacologi­ of neurological disorders and translated into better treat­ cal and psychosocial interventions. ments and methods of prevention. NIMH attaches high priority to research :har is NINDS will continue to e.."l:plore new avenues in medical immediately relevant to public health, including rh.e science-such as cell replacement and gene-transfer strate­ epidemiology of mental disorders, prevemion and early gies, transgenic models of disease, surgical advances and the intervention research, and studies designed to seek ways development of new therapeutic drugs, and of improving the quality and accessibility of memal xenotransplantation. health services. Kolb To Give Pittman Lecture, Oct. 10 Klausner Leaves NIH to Head New Institute Dr. Helga E. Kolb, professor in the department of NCI director Dr. Richard Klausner ended more ophthalmology and visual sciences at the John than 6 years in that position when he resigned Moran Eye Center, University of Utah in Salt Lake effective Sept. 30. While be will stul work City, will deliver the annual Margaret Pittman voluntarily in an NCI intramural lab on occa­ Lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m. in Masur sion, he has accepted leadership of a new philan­ Auditorium, Bldg. 10. In a thropic enterprise-the Case Institute of Health, lecture titled, "The Organi­ Science and Technology launched by the Case zation of the Vertebrate Foundation, the family foundation of AOL Time Retina," she will describe Warner Chairman Steve Case and his wife, Jean. Speaker on the neural circuitry and The foundation's creation was announced Sept. D iversity To basic design of cl1e verte­ 11, the day Klausner made public his resignation Address FEW brate retina along with the at a meeting of the National Cancer Advisory manner in which the Board. The Bethesda various neurons in the Appointed NCI director in 1995 by President chapter of pathways "talk" to each Clinton, Klausner created many new programs Federally other. She will discuss and initiatives, and oversaw a large budget Employed Women comparisons becweeo cl1e expansion. [n a "dear colleague" letter sent Sept. (FEW) will host a I organization of the 11, he said he had wanted "to help make the NCI talk on diversity at I photoreceptor mosaics and a place that reflected the wonderful values and its next meeting Dr. Helga E. Kolb the consequent differences ethos of science, and for it to be a place that does on Tuesday, Oct. 9 in design of the whole and enables great science and is a great place to in Bldg. 31, Conf. retina in different species as an adaptation to the be part of. I leave feeling that together we have Rm. 10, from noon environment in which iliey live. moved far in achieving those goals." to 1 p.m. Helen Kolb has made valuable contributions to under~ "Rick is the most brilliant and gifted physician McNeal from the standing the complex circuitry of ilie retina. She scientist I have ever had the privilege of working firm Naria will began her career in eye research with Dr. Geoffrey wiili," said Dr. Alan Rabson, NCI deputy address the need Arden at the Institute of Ophthalmology, London, in director. "I have watched with great pleasure as for employees November 1961 . In 1966, she came to the United he progressed from a research fellow in my from diverse States to work at the Wilmer Institute at Johns division to become the most creative and imagi­ backgrounds to Hopkins University in Baltimore. From 1971 native director in the history of NCI." come together in through 1979, she was a visiting scientist at NEI and Klausner conducted research and held leader­ the wake of the then moved on to NlNDS where she continued ship positions at N IH for more than 20 years. recent terrorist studying the functional neurocircuitry of me verte­ "Rick has made enormous contributions to the tragedies. Sign brate retina. In 1979, Kolb moved to the University NIH," added NIH acting director Dr. Ruth. language of Utah to expand her research opportunities and to Kirschstein. "As NCI director, he transformed interpreters will work with many collaborators from Europe, Israel the organization while moving the science be provided. For and China. forward at an exceptional pace. Over the years, other reasonable The lecture is being hosted by NEL For more he has been a trusted advisor to a number of accommodation, information or reasonable accommodation, call NIH directors and aJways brought a 'big picture' contact Claire Hilda Madine at 594-5595. Ill view to medical research." McCullough at [email protected] Men Experiencing Low Moods Needed Klausner came to the NCI directorship from NICHD, where he headed the Cell Biology and or call 435-8601. NIMH seeks men ages 40-65 who are medication Metabolism Branch. He retained his post as free and experiencing feelings of sadness or feeling chief of the section on cancer cell biology in that down or emotionally flat, fatigue, loss of motivation branch while at NCI. and enjoyment and decreased sexual interest. The new organization he will head is an Eligible candidates may participate in evaluation and outgrowth of the Case Foundation, established in treatment studies with DHEA. For more info[ma­ 1997. As president of ilie Washington-based tion caU Linda Simpson-St. Clair, 496-9576. Iii Case Institute of Health, Science and Technology, Klausner is expected to generate new ideas and Adults Needed for Study solutions across the boundaries of traditional College-educated, middle-aged adults are needed for scientific discipJines, develop partnerships with a 2-day outpatient study at NIMH. Involves blood academic, philanthropic, for-profit and other draw and routine clinical, neurological and cognitive organizations, fund pilot projects, and launch procedures. A stipend is available. Inquire at 435- and fund new initiatives not specific to any 8970. Iii disease. ATTACKS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 employees mustered near a TV monitor. No one stayed for very long- it was almost too incompre­ hensible-before walking back to their cubicles muttering, then returning later for confirmation. There was almost nothing said as workers instinc­ tively covered their mouths with their hands. This couldn't have been happening. At a meeting of the National Cancer Advisory Board in Bldg. 31, NCI director Dr. Richard Klausner, who had just surprised the group with news of h.is intention to resign, was handed a note­ which he relayed to the group-about the World Trade Center crashes. The board did manage a standing ovation for his service before dissolving to PHOTOS: RICH digest the more astonishing news. MCMANUS, BILL Downstairs in Bldg. 31, the hallway outside the A guard .11 the entrance to Bldg. 31A checks all IDs in BRANSON, LEW BASS cafeteria was deserted; most NIH'ers must have been the u:.ike of the Sept. 11 airliner hi;ackings. glued to the media. What few people you did short-rerm storage capacity had been exceeded. encounter were grim-faced and self-enclosed. No Almost 400 units of blood had been collected. one exchanged hallway greetings, everyone hurried. T he nexr morning, after President Bush had There was only pent-up tension. assured the world that the federal government In the office of the NIH associate director for would :eopen without delay, NIH'ers nearing the communications, all hands surrounded a TV set campus by car were astonished to encounter traffic tuned to the disaster. No one spoke except perfunc­ backups a mile from NIH in every direction. torily; talking seemed a violation of something Restriaed en:ryways and vehicle inspections turned private and solemn. Across the hallway in Wilson the morning commute into a minor ordeal. Using Hall, a meeting had devolved into bystanding at a everything £:rom parked vans, to backhoes, to jersey TV monitor. Someone ran up the hall saying the barriers, l\1JH government was soon going to shut down. And it security officials did, within 20 minutes. blocked aU but Over in 31, a supervisor went to each door like a four entrances 21" century Paul Revere: "Everyone out of the to campus. Still, building within 10 minutes. Take your ID cards and ---• most employees don't come back until you are informed otherwise." reported to In the parking lot, workers took to their cars quickly l work. but gingerly, as if tiptoeing on eggshells. They were I In the hall­ wondering how much more violation the beautiful ways, it seemed morning could withstand. Jersey barriers block Wilson Dr. at Rockville Pike c..1m/ms entry. that every Plainclothes On an emptying campus where only essentia l conversation security officers employees remained, NIH played host to emergency one overheard search under the emails, most sent to vacant desks. In an all-hands was about some aspect of the tragedy. A melan­ hood and in the emergency notification from CIT at 10:45 a.m., new choly preoccupation descended, and only several trunk of cars limitations on entry to campus were first posted, days later, when you began to hear laughter through parking under the along with the requirement to wear ID. Later emails a cubicle wall. did you realize how you hungered for Clinical Center. from both 1\lH and the department clarified security normalcy, for warmth and ease. procedures, but few NlH'ers read emails of concern and support from were here to read HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson and l\ 'IH acring them. A call for director Dr. Ruth Kirschstein. They learned of the blood donors went availability of grief counselors. On Thursday, Sept. out at 1:23 p.m. 13, the President declared that the following day •!I ~ Sept. 11, and by would be a national day of prayer and remem­ "" 1 12:56 p.m. the brance. NIH observed the occasion with an ecu­ ~ following day, the menical service ar noon in Masur Auditorium, 1 Clinical Center's offered by the CC's spiritual ministry department. departmem of The prayer sen-ice drew a standing-room-only transfusion medi­ crowd; people were standing six deep at the en­ cine was warning trance to participate. Lipsett Amphitheater was donors thar its supposed to accommodate the overflow from Masur, but the audio feed there failed, so some inspired NlH'ers, including Oscar Sweet, improvised their own prayer service, which was just as moving ~.;..- -,~-•. (~ i..rx{ -,~·• .. , .;.;; Y-. ·-.,_;,.::'I ◄,,,.: -, ·.• ·. ' ; • as the one in Masur. Another overflow site in the ~ ~,:\~~·~y,?~: =,.,,- ~· Visitor Information Center was jammed; employees .\_,..._.· f . in the Cybercafe, too, leaned in to participate. t ~ . - "'" .:· ,•. . . ') .' .. .,. I Even the R&W weighed in via all-hands email with " its condolences and support, offering contacts for a T. .. • • I Unity Wall in Bethesda, a listing of local prayer ~ .; Ill~ . services and a link to a Montgomery County '• -· ! -"✓ •~ .-'~• ,,~- ,,,, ....,_~ I roster of attack victims from the area. \-, A service of prayer and remembrance in Masur Audito­ Lectures such as the _ rium drew a packed house and hallway. NlH Director's Wednes­ .. working. This center was staffed overnight on day Afternoon Lecture Tuesday, and still remains operational each day series, and the first talk in during working hours, with people available on an a series dedicated to NIA on-call basis after hours." social scientist Matilda Shaff continued, "The NIH Police quickly deter­ White Riley were post­ mined how to appropriately enhance the level of poned, as was NINR's th NIH Police checked security at NIH facilities in response to the attack 15 anniversary sympo­ licenses of drivers at and received approval from ORS Director Steve sium scheduled for Sept. Center Dr. and the Pike. Ficca and Dr. Kirschstein to implement those 20-21. There were enhancements, with the support and cooperation of dozens of other cancella6ons due to both travel many other NIH entities. The Crime Prevention restrictions and new security concerns on campus. Branch brought in dozens of contract guards to For example on Sept. 14, Nil-I officially suspended assist the police in searching vehicles entering the Over(fow crowd most after hours and weekend events, including use campus and in checking identification badges in from the inter- of the fitness centers. buildings." (aith prayer On Sept. 17, ORS activated a special web page service in Masur As the NIH Record went to press, the twice-daily consolidating all of the security information relevant packed entire conference calls that had been held among Visitor Informa­ to employees and visitors; this complemented a series Kirschstein and senior Nil-1 staff, other DHHS of all-hands emails updating workers. A message tion Center; agency heads and senior DHHS officials had that day warned that people in the dwindled to one, but daily briefings sti.11 were Cybercafe (not delivery trucks driving over conducted with ORS program managers to discuss shown) also grass to avoid barriers issues of concern and strategic planning initiatives. watched from would be met by "an "The vast majority of the NIH population has been their balcony. aggressive response from cooperative and supportive of these security en­ The half-dozen NIH Police." hancements, which are certainly necessary at this speakers in the program repre­ "It is my belief that the time," Shaff said. "I thiJJk the NIH acted prudently NIH responded quickly and sented Christian, and expeditiously to protect our employees, visitors Jewish and 1ppropriately to (the) and patients, and the facilities, in light of these terrorist attacks," said Muslim tradi­ terrorist attacks." tions. Richard Shaff, chief of the Emergency Management Oscar Sweet helped lead Branch, Division of Public r impromptu Lipsett event on Sept. 14. Safety, ORS. "Within minutes after the realization I that the incidents were, indeed, terrorist acts, the NIH Fire Department and the Police Department immediately recalled all off-duty personnel, and the Division of Public Safety began strategic planning for how to deal with this disaster in consultation with the associate director for research services, the NIH director and DHHS officials. The NIH Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), developed to ensure that the mission-critical functions of the NIH remain operational, was activated and, within 45 minutes, the COOP Opera6ons Center was staffed and INTERNS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 supervision of Christine Steyer. Sara Rosario, a NIH, enrichment activities were orgaoi.zed by communications major who graduated from the NCMHD. These included a role model/mentoring University of Puerto Rico, came on board as a session with Latino, American Indian and African writer-editor in the Public Information and Liaison American NIH staffers and a multicultural brown Branch of NIDA, under the bag session during which interns exchanged views supervision of Jan Lipkin. In on cultural perceptions and traditions and demon­ addition, Nicole Banner, a strated salsa dance steps. master's student in infonna­ Interns also enjoyed career development work­ tion resource management at shops led by Brian Easley of the Work and Family Central Michigan University, Life Center and participated in tours of the Clinical has accepted a 1-year fellow­ Center and the National Library of Medicine. ship with the Office of Two particularly noteworthy students this summer Diversity and Employment were Joshua Torres-Cruz, a junior at the University Programs, NCI. Banner will of Pennsylvania majoring in biochemistry, and Alicia render administrative support Permell, a junior at Fayetteville State University Cyrus Salazar in the area of database design majoring in computer science. Torres-Cruz received in support of diversity initia­ an Exceptional Summer Student Award from tives, under the directioo of Christina Bruce. Nll\11)S and ,vas selected to present his work on the Graduate student Christopher Armijo, who is wild-type allele in MEN2- studying public health at the University of Colo­ associated pheochromocyto­ rado, has been offered a 1-year Cancer Research mas at the ceremony. He Training Award by the Center worked in the NINOS to Reduce Cancer Health laboratory of Dr. Steve Disparities. Huang and has been offered Numerous other overtures the opportunity to continue related to current or future working in the laboratory employment have been prof­ during the year. fered for the consideration of Permell received commenda­ interns once their academic tions during a presentation to preparation has been com­ the NIMH executive board of pleted. Alicia Pennell the Division of Neuroscience From previous classes, and Basic Beha\·ioral Science (NBBS) for her devel­ Bernadette Estrada, a commu- Sara Rosario opment of a program to capture and analyze NIH nications and political science funding information for NIMH's Mentored Re­ major from San Antonio College, is completing a search Career Development Awardees over the last Joshua Torres­ one-year CRTA fellowship in the Office of the 10 years. She worked in NBBS's Training and Cruz, a ;unior at Director, NCl; Yalitza Moris-Orengo, a biotechnol­ Career Development Office under the guidance of the University of ogy major from the University of Puerto Rico, is Drs. Walter Goldschmidts and Mark Chavez. Pennsylvania beginning the second year of an IRTA fellowship in ma;oring in Nearly all ICs participate in the internship program the laboratory of Dr. Jeffrey Trent, NHGRI. Surgey biochemistry, by identifying appropriate positions and funding to presents his work Melendez-Droz, a secretarial science major from bring the students to NIH. Approximately $9,000 on the wild-type Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, accepted a per student covers administrative costs of the allele in MEN2- permanent position as an administrative technician sponsoring organization and includes round-trip associated at NHLBI. airfare and stipends for the interns. Housing, which pheochromocyto­ This past summer, the National Center on Minor­ can a stumbling block for non-local students who mas. ity Health and Health Disparities coordinated the want to come to NIH, is also arranged. For more placement of 44 summer information contact Dr. Lorrita Watson, 594-7784.lll ·•I~ ■ ,: interns who were re­ cnuted by HACU, NAFEO and WINS. Interns were residents of states across the country Healt hy People Needed and were engaged in The National Institute of Mental Health is seeking various courses of study healthy children and adolescents, ages 9-17, as well at the undergraduate and as adults ages 25-35, to participate in a study of graduate levels. As an emotional regulation. An interview, computer tasks adjunct to their profes­ and an MRl are involved. Compensation is pro­ sional experience here at vided. Call 402-9347 for more information. Ill M edia Whiz Foushee Marks 29 Years at NIEHS Exit Surveys Piloted at NIH After worki11g her way up to head of the NIEHS media unit, Jennie Foushee has mixed up her share Why would anyone Want to leave Nffi? That's of media recipes and doled out her own special what the Office of 'Human Resourctl! Manage­ blend of media advice. And, she always does it with ment and a .number 0£ institutes and centers a smile. would like to know. 1h order to be an effective Foushee, who has been organitacion, NIH needs to be able to attract and working in the media unit retain the best people to carry out its mission. Volunteers for 29 years, inherited the As part of a recruitment and retention initiative, Sought for permanent position after OHRM, in consultation with IC human re­ Vaccine sources consultants, has developed an exit survey filling in since her predeces­ Research sor retired last fall. to be completed by employees leaving NIH. "She is the stalwart of the In addition to being asked why they are leaving, Walter Reed Army media unit. She probably the employees will be asked what they particu­ Institute of knows more about its day­ larly liked OJ' disliked about working at NIH and Research is to-day operations than what improve!llents could be made here. Feed­ currently seeking anybody," said NIEHS back obtained through the survey can increase volunteers for acting deputy scientific awareness of the current environment and vaccine research director Dr. Steven provide a basis to ·act on needed improvements. studies. You may Akiyama, Foushee's Employees who are leaving NIH will be be able to supervisor. Jennie Foushee provided a web site that supplies the onlioe exit participate if you Working in the media unit survey. Survey .responses are anonymous. The are healthy and requires an eye for detail and knowledge of how following ICs are partici,pating in a 1-year pilot between ages 18· chemicals react to each other; each method of of the survey: NHLBI, NINDS, NCI, NCRR, 50. You will be sterilization affects the chemicals. It also requires ORS, OD, NICHD, NIDCD, NHGRI, NIDCR, provided a free careful record-keeping. A sample of each batch of NlDDK, NIA, NINR, NLM and FIC. Employees medical evalua­ media that goes out is sent to the quality assurance leaving these ICs are eucoutaged to complete the tion including lab, which independently verifies the accuracy of the exit survey on work time on their NIH computer, blood t ests, and contents. since the survey cannot be accessed from outside financial compen• Akiyama said the media unit is a critical part of NIH'. For more information contact Penney sation. For more intramural research. It provides most research Baile at 594-1462. information, call groups with cell and bacterial culture media. (301 l 319-9335 or • There are more than 3,000 kinds of media that 9320. range from water alone to media with as many as Garden Club Meets, Oct. 4 100 ingredients, Foushee said. Media falls into one of these major categories: fly, phosphate, bacterio­ The NIH Garden Club will host Gene Sumi on logic dehydrated, defined, complex defined and ThUI'sday, Oct. 4 from noon to 1 p.m. in Bldg. 31, tissue culture. Rm. 9A51; he will talk about fall bulbs. A horticul­ "We can do all of them, depending on what they ture technical advisor at Behnke's Beltsville location, want," Foushee said. he has some unusual suggestions for planting to [n January alone, the media unit prepared nearly achieve long-term bloom. He will also bring door 3,000 liters of media. There are only four people in prizes. To keep in touch with club activities, join its the media unit besides Foushee. Wendy Montague is email list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ her assistant and, along with Sarah Holmes, handles NIHgardeners or visit http://www.recgov.org/r&w/ plates and broths. Essie Jones handles tissue culture, garden/. II and Mitzie Walker handl.es the fly media, a mixture that includes molasses and cornmeal. Healthy Overweight Women Needed Foushee also works closely with the eight people who provide glassware and ensures that enough The Uniformed Services University weight manage­ supplies are available for the media and for the self­ ment program is looking for healthy nonsmoking service area. She said the staff in both units are hard overweight women ages 18-55 to participate in a working, cooperative people who take pride in their weight management program as part of an ongoing work. That makes hec job much easier, she said. study examining factors affecting weight loss. In Foushee said she enjoys communicating with addition, applicants should not be pregnant, have people and finds it satisfying to meet people's media problems with thyroid, kidney or heart disease1 needs. She credits her parents with her work ethic diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension. Program and and sense of teamwork. With eight brothers and six materials are provided free. If interested call (301) sisters, she said, theirs was a home where everyone 295-9664. Iii had to pitch iu.-Colleen Chandler Iii M edicine for the Public Lecture Series The Medicine for the Public lecture series, now in its chemotherapy. 25th year, features physician-scientists working at Oct. 16-Breast Cancer: Progress and Promise the frontiers of meclical research at NIH. The series Dr. Jo Anne Zujewski, senior medical oncologist, helps people understand the latest developments in Center for Cancer Research, NCI, will discuss the medicine-new therapies, diagnostic procedures and risk factors for developing breast cancer and current research. The emphasis is on current topics, with treatment options. She will review progress made in speakers who can relate to the lay public. this disease and look at promising new research Sponsored by the Clinical Center, the lectures are directions. held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Clinical Center's Oct. 23-Type 1 Diabetes: A Quest for Better Masur Auditorium. Therapies The lectures began on Sept. 25 and include: Sixteen million people in the U.S. ha\'e cliabetes; 1 Oct. 2-The Sexually Transmitted Disease Epi­ million of them have type 1. It is the sixth leading demic: A Threat to the Nation's Public Health cause of death in this cow,try and otten ]eads ro Every year, about 12 million people acquire sexually blindness, heart and blood vessel disease, srrokes, transmitted diseases. These diseases lead to multiple kidney failure, amputations and nen-e damage. Dr. complications, including infertility, ectopic pregnan­ David Harlan, chief, Transplantation and Autoim­ cies, chronic pain and cancer. Most cases can be munity Branch, NIDDK, will discu.» me difference cured. All of them can be prevented. Dr. Thomas between type 1 and type 1 clisberes. rhen will focus Quinn, chief, international HIV/AIDS and STDs on advances in how physician, might treat type 1 section, Laboratory of lmmunoregularion, "'.\lATD, diabetes. will discuss the incidence, the costs, the impact on Oct. 30-The Influenza Vrruses and Their Vaccines society and what can be done to decrease the risk of About 10 to 20 percem of Americans are infected sexually transmitted diseases. with the influenza virus each year. For most, the Oct. 9-New Strategies for the Detection and aches and pains associ,ned wirh the flu come and go Treannent of Colon Cancer within a couple of weeks. However, an estimated Colon cancer strikes 130,000 people a year. It is 100,000 people are hospitalized, and 20,000 deaths the second leading cause of cancer death in the occur annually from rhe flu and its complications. United States and has a morraliry rare of nearly 50 Dr. Brian Murphr, co-chief, Laboratory of Infectious percent. Dr. Steven Libuni, senior investigator, Diseases, NL.\lD, will explore the latest findings in Surgery Branch, NCI, will discuss bow it is detected flu vaccines, induding a new influenza virus vaccine and treated. He will also discuss what new detection undergoing evaJuation by the Food and Drug and treatment options are currently under study to Administrarion. increase survival, includ_ing local ablative therapy, For derails on the series, call 496-2563, or visit anti-angiogenic therap)· and new ways to deliver http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/m£p/series.htmJ. liJ ~------NIH' e rs Attend BIG N ational Conf erence NIH staff exhibiting at the BIG confer­ NIH had a strong presence at the 23rd ence included the National Libra1:y of annual Blacks in Government (BIGI Medicine and the Office of Loan conference held recently at the Los Repayment and Scholarship. Angeles Convention Center, which hosted The NIH health disparities exhibit was more than 3,900 attendees. The rheme well received. N1H distributed informa­ for this year's conference was "Rerooling tion on diabetes, cancer, high blood for the 21st Century, Setting ~ew Sran­ pressure, stroke, and healthy eating and dards of Performance and Producrivirv.,., cooking, and other health areas where Full participation in this year's confer~nce 'LJ ' -- African Americans experience access/ was endorsed by NIH acting deputJ NIMH EEO Officer Martha Kimbro outcome disparities including infant d_ireccor Dr. Yvonne Maddox in an all­ mortality, HIV/AIDS and child/adult employee memo. As a result, many '.'\Tfl-f ties at NIH as well as information on immunizations. employees took advantage of training health disparities. Although NIH Components that contributed to the opportun_ities designed co enhance career was not recruiting for speciiic success of the outreach activity include development, communication and vacancies, conference attendees were NCI, NHLBI, NIDDK, NJA!D, NIMH, leadership skills, and wellness. able to search online and apply for NlNDS and the NIH patient recruitment The Office of Equal Opportunity and jobs all week during the exposition staff. Also, the corporate recruitment the Office of Human Resources :Vfanage­ and at the career fair. OEO supplied and health awareness team and other ment assembled an NIH Corporate an array of publicity materials volunteers were all instrumental in Recruitment and Health Awareness Team prominently displaying the NIH web bringing relevant information to this to discuss career and training opportuui- site, logo and job web site. Other audience.-Carolyn Hunter Computer Training Program Opens Fall Term The CIT Training Program's fall term of computer your desk or home, the CIT Self Study Library classes is now available for registration. The term contains close to 500 books on an array of subjects. spans October 2001 through January 2002 and will Many new books have recently been added. Topics N IH Photo incorporate new topics as well as continue many range from Microsoft Office for Windows and Mac, popular subjects. Highlights include a substantial to Java programming, to learning the Unix operat­ Com petition, number of new scientific offerings, a new knowl­ ing system. Oct. 16 edge-sharing group for desktop support people, and You can find a list of available titles at http:// The annual photo a newly equipped wireless classroom. training.cit.nih.gov by clicking on "Independent competition open New Courses Study Courses." If you'd Like to borrow a book to all NIH from the Self Study Library, stop by Bldg. 12A, Rm. employees and ClT's Dr. Susan Chacko will present two new 1011 or call TASC at 594-6248 (GOCIT) to see if their families will courses: Movies of Molecules and WHALES, the the book or one like it is available. The check-out be held on Web Homology Alert Service. The latter is a utility period is 2 weeks and may be extended for an Tuesday, Oct. 16. provided by CIT that allows NIH scientists to additional 2 weeks if no one is waiting. The NIH R&W automatically search for matches (sequence homol­ Of course, no discussion of independent study Camera Club has ogy or text) in newly released sequences of selected would be complete without mentioning the FasTrac sponsored the nucleic acid/protein databases. program. For only $60 you can get an ID that competition for Other new scientific courses include Optimal offers access to over 1,000 online courses for a full many years. It Analysis of Kinetics Data, mAdb Basic Informatics, year. More information on how to take advantage provides an and Simplified Difference Equations for Cases of of FasTrac is -available on the training web page. opportunity for Radial Symmetry. Also, MathWorks, the makers of As always, classes are available free of charge to the NIH commu­ MATLAB and Simulink, will be presenting topics NIH employees and other users of NIH computing nity to compete dealing with their software. facilities. You can obtain full course information or against and meet A new collaboration between CIT and the NIH register for classes at http://training.cit.nih.gov. Iii Camera Club Library brings two classes on EndNotes 5, one members and for lecture and one hands-on. Th.is software can help Ii!! i>"f the club to viev, scientists manage references by creating libraries of the excellent work references and formatting them to any of hundreds done by non, of journal styles. members. For people doing desktop support at NIH, an exciting new resource be available beginning in will '-~ The competition is November. A users group for desktop support will open, and there is meet regularly to exchange information and keep up­ ~ no restriction on to-date on desktop support issues. The first meeting, ~ I the subject matter to be held Nov. 28, will address Issues in Wireless ~ of the images Support. The training program's new wireless entered. Com­ classroom will be used to examine many of the plete entry questions that can arise in maintaining users on a On Friday, Sept. 7, a truck was making a delivery to wireless network. Bldg. 1 SK and was parked on top of the steep hill in instructiollS, as front of the building. The driver was inside the back of well as the \·enue You've Asked, CIT Has Answered the truck when the brakes failed and the truck started for the contest. moving rapidly down the hill. The driver jumped from may be found on In response to many requests, the fall term features the back of the truck onto the roadway, where he the Camera Club several popular classes. Using Photoshop for sustained minor injuries and was transported to S11b111° web page at http:/ Acquiring Scientific Images is designed to help a ban Hospital by the NTH Fire Department amb11lance. /www.secgov.o rg/ beginner take images from a scanner or the web and On its way down the hill, the truck sideswiped a pickup r&w/camera.html. manipulate them using Adobe's Photoshop. Creating truck parked along the road in front of Bldg. 15K, For more Composite Images with Photoshop will cover this causing minor damage, and uprooted a tree in a traffic island before coming to a stop. "Given the steepness of infwmatioo advanced topic in Adobe Photoshop for the experi­ contact Margaret enced user. the hill, it was very fortunate that, other than the truck itself, only minor damage was incurred and no one other Sprott at 430"1 I Another popular request is a continuation of than the driver was iniured," said Richard Shaff of ORS· 299-6805. HTML instruction, Introduction to Cascading Style Emergency Management Branch. Sheets. This class is intended to assist anyone with a working knowledge of HTML who would like to Knee Injury of the ACL7 expand their expertise by using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). No surgery? Call NIH for a study of how che hip takes over the work of the knee. Compensation is Independent Study provided. Dial 1-800-411-1222. Iii If you would like to pursue computing topics from