the

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF >May 23 , 197Record2 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE Vol. XXIV, No. 11

Research Teams Establish New Approach NIEHS Role Is Evaluated Medical Award Presented To the Study of Genetic Blood Diseases At Congressional Hearing To Dr. Makio Murayama Three teams of scientists participating in the Special Virus Cancer Program of the National Cancer Institute, have successfully reversed For Sickle Cell Studies the normal flow of genetic activity among fundamental cell chemicals to The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther permit reconstruction of a portion King, Jr. Medical Achievement of the gene for red blood cell Award will be presented to Dr. Two Framingham Study protein. Makio Murayama, the National In- Their findings establish a new stitute of Arthritis and Metabolic Directors Receive First approach to the study of genetic Diseases' noted sickle cell anemia diseases of the blood such as researcher. Eleanor Dana Award thalassemia. The award, which highlights Dr. One team, made up of NIH sci- Murayama's research in elucidat- Drs. William B. Kannel and entists reported their results in a ing the molecular concept of sick- Thomas R. Dawber, Director and recent issue of the Proceedings of ling, will be given to the researcher former Director, respectively, of the National Academy of Sciences. at a May 31st banquet. Noted NHLI's Framingham Heart Disease The researchers are Drs. Jeffrey guests who are expected at the Epidemiology Study, are co-recipi- Ross and Edward Scolnick of NCI's banquet include Aretha Franklin, ents of the American Health Foun- Viral Leukemia and Lymphoma Bill Cosby, Ossie Davis, and Count Branch, and Drs. Haim Aviv and Basie. Philip Leder, National Institute of Dr. Murayama will be honored Child Health and Human Develop- with other award recipients at the ment. Rep. Fountain (foreground). Dr. Rail award banquet to be held in the The other two groups, from the (I), Rep. William Alexander (D-Ark.), and Dr. D. C. Goldberg (r), professional Philadelphia Civic Center, Conven- Massachusetts Institute of Tech- staff member of the Subcommittee, tion Hall. The banquet is spon- nology and the Institute of Cancer view tissue cultures being studied by sored by the Philadelphia Chapter Research and College of Physicians the NIEHS Mutagenesis Branch. of the Southern Christian Leader- and Surgeons, Columbia Univer- ship Conference. sity, reported their findings in the The Intergovernmental Relations Co-chairmen are Pennsylvania journal, Nature New Biology. Their Subcommittee of the House Com- Governor Milton J. Shapp and Mu- Dr. Kannel Dr. Dawber research is supported in part by mittee on Government Operations hammad Ali. Philadelphia Mayor NIH. held a hearing on April 24 in Frank L. Rizzo and Rev. Ralph dation's first Eleanor Dana Award In their initial experiments with Raleigh, N.C., on the role of the David Abernathy are acting as for 1971 for ". . . significant con- rabbit cells, the scientists purified National Institute of Environmental honorary chairmen. tributions in the field of preventive a messenger RNA which directs Health Sciences with respect to Through the efforts of Dr. Mura- medicine." environmental problems which may production of globin, the protein (Continued on Page 5) The citation and $5,000 prize part of the hemoglobin or red endanger the Nation's health. were presented in April during an blood cells. Rep. L. H. Fountain (D-N.C), award luncheon that also opened Later, they applied the method conducted the hearing to learn how the AHF's Health Maintenance to experiments with human mes- the Institute relates to other gov- Institute. senger RNA. ernmental agencies in the same (See RESEARCH TEAMS, Page 4) field and to discuss scientific knowl- Dr. Dawber, associate professor edge and capabilities needed to of Medicine at Boston University combat environmental hazards. Medical Center, was Director of the Framingham Heart Study from Dr. Marston to Be Inducted "During the past year, the Sub- 1950 to 1966. In Honorary Hopkins Society committee has intensively studied Dr. Kannel joined the study as On May 26 NIH Director the potential dangers from chemi- deputy director in 1957, and has Dr. Robert Q. Marston will cal additives and drug residues in been Director of the study since be inducted into The Johns our food supply," Congressman 1966. Hopkins Society of Scholars Fountain disclosed. in ceremonies to be held at Dr. Robert Q. Marston, Director Gives Long-Term Look the university in Baltimore. of NIH, welcomed the group. The Framingham Study is a long- The Society was established In discussing his Institute's role, term prospective look into consti- 4 years ago to honor dis- Dr. David P. Rail, NIEHS Di- tutional and environmental factors tinguished, former postdoc- rector, said, "Our primary task is involved in the development and toral fellows of the univer- performing the basic biomedical progression of heart disease in a sity. research needed in the environ- general population sample (more Those elected to member- mental health field. When Dr. Frank J. Rauscher, Jr. took than 5,000 residents) of a typical ship must have "gained "We seek to provide the informa- the oath of office as Director of the American city, Framingham, Mass. marked distinction in their National Cancer Institute in a White tion necessary to insure that the House ceremony May 5, President By identifying major risk factors fields of scholarly or profes- environment is as free as possible Nixon told him he "must put in an in coronary heart disease, hyper- sional interest." from dangerous concentrations of 18- to 20-hour day" in search of a (SeeDANA AWARDEES, Page 6) (See NIEES ROLE, Page 7) cancer cure. Page 2 May 23, 1972 THE NIH RECORD Dr. Esfep Tells Scope of DRS Activities, Wtecord Extols Employees Skills in Research Aid Published biweekly at Bethesda, Md., by the Publications and Reports Branch, Office of Information, for the information of employees of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and circulated by request to interested writers and to investi- gators in the field of biomedical and related research. The content is reprintable without permission. Pictures are available on request. The NIH Record reserves the right to make corrections, changes or dele- tions in submitted copy in conformity with the policies of the paper and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

NIH Record Office Bldg. 31, Rm. 2B-03. Phone 49-62125

Editor Frances W. Davis Assistant Editor Fay Leviero Staff Writer Ed Driscoll Staff Correspondents ADA, Robert Manning; BHME/OD, Florence Foelak; CC, Ann Bain- bridge; DAHM, Laura Mae Kress; DBS, Faye Peterson; DCRT, Joan Chase; DDH, Carolyn Niblett; DMI, Marian R. Fox; DN, Evelyn Laz- zari; DPHPE, Eleanor Wesolowski; DRG, Sue Meadows; DRR, Jerry Gordon; DRS, Robert Knickerbocker; FIC, Lois P. Meng; NCI, Eliza- At the end of a seminar. Dr. Estep meets with co-workers and chats informally beth Shollenberger; NEI, Bonnie Friedman; NHLI, Bill Sanders; NIAID, about goals and ". . . effective communications among all employees . . ." Krin Larson; NIAMD, Katie Broberg; NICHD, Lloyd Blevins; NIDR, A series of "get acquainted" seminars were held by Dr. Roger Estep, Sue Hannon; NIEHS, Elizabeth Y. James; NIGMS, Wanda Warddell; Director, Division of Research Services, with DRS employees. NINDS, Anne Tisiker; NLM, Roger Gilkeson. Four seminars were held in Wilson Hall, and the fifth was held at the NIH Animal Center in Poolesville. __^ The five DRS Branches were Eligible Employees May Apply were underway to refine the DRS Dick Gregory Visits NIH; represented in each of the 85 mem- training program. Last year that In Person for College on Campus ber groups. The seminars featured program provided 17,000 hours of Speaks Out Against War Upward Mobility College on the color slides emphasizing the skills employee training, 11,000 of which and diversified services provided On May 4 some 500 NIH em- NIH campus, is accepting applica- were at colleges, universities, and tions for the 1972-73 school year. by DRS in support of NIH re- private firms. ployees gave up their lunch hour to UMC, a part of Federal City Col- search. A color motion picture tell- hear Dick Gregory call for an end ing about the NIH Animal Center He also announced plans for lege, is offering two types of de- smaller, more personalized sem- to the Vietnam war. grees, an, Associate of Arts de- was also shown. The thin comedian, who has not gree and a bachelor's degree. After the presentation, many em- inars which would emphasize su- eaten solid food for 54 weeks in The college has an open admis- ployees said they had not fully re- pervisory responsibilities, employee protest, said he would continue his sions policy for employees meet- alized or appreciated the variety of rights, and employee services pro- fast until the conflict was over. ing eligibility requirements. Ap- research support DRS gives to the vided by the personnel office. He spanned subjects ranging plications will be accepted—in per- scientific community on the campus. Good Management Explained from the 1968 Democratic national son only—in Room B2B15, Bldg. 31. Dr. Estep termed DRS employees In his comments on the seminars, convention in Chicago to racism, its most important resource. He Dr. Estep said, "Good management and good performance begin with * sprinkling his remarks with sharp Dr. Martin Cummings Honored said the meetings were called in humor. order for him to share his aspira- clear, reliable communications. Dr. Martin M. Cummings, Di- "In an organization as diversified In conclusion, Mr. Gregory advo- tions, and to seek help in achieving rector of the National Library of common goals. At the close of the ... as DRS, effective communica- cated an economic boycott which he Medicine, will be awarded an hon- tions among all employees are es- said could end the war in 30 days. meetings employees were asked for orary degree of doctor of medicine questions, comments, and sugges- sential. .. . By expanding an ap- The rally was sponsored by All from the Karolinska Institut in tions. preciation of all the Division is Concerned Employees, Federal Em- Stockholm on June 1. In reviewing the year's work, Dr. asked to do—and does or could do ployees for Peace—Parklawn, and The honor will be bestowed upon Estep quoted statistics to show the —I hope together we see new ho- The Vietnam Moratorium Commit- Dr. Cummings during the Insti- range of activities DRS employees rizons." tee at NIH/NIMH. tute's commencement ceremonies. engage in, and on which research depends. He said 113,000 liters of tissue NIH Television, Radio NIH Art Show Opens June 5; Submit Work June 2 media were produced; 11 million Program Schedule pieces of glassware were cleaned, Entries will be accepted for the years of age. Entry forms are Radio 14th Annual NIH Art Show on available from the R&W office, processed, and issued; 30,000 books Friday, June 2, in the Clinical Bldg. 31, Room l-A-18 and at the and journals were loaned, and DISCUSSION: NIH Center lobby, from 3 to 6 p.m. registration booth. For those NIH 180,000 photographs and 6,300 sta- WGMS, AM—570—FM Stereo Accepted work will be exhibited employees who are not members of tistical charts and technical draw- 103.5—Friday about 9:15 p.m. in the CC lobby starting Monday, R&W, membership cards may be ings were produced. May 26 June 5 through Friday, June 30. obtained when art work is sub- In addition, 516,000 mice, rats, Dr. Robert O. Wolf, NIDR At noon on Monday—the opening mitted. hamsters, and guinea pigs and Subject: Saliva day—Mrs. Robert Q. Marston, hon- A total of about $350 will be 7,700 rabbits were issued to re- orary chairman, will present search laboratories. He explained June 2 awarded in prizes for paintings Dr. Harold M. Schoolman, special awards to the winning artists, and and collage, sculpture, graphics, that this means employees have to work overtime, and are on standby assistant to the Director, NLM the NIH orchestra will perform. watercolor and pastels, and draw- Subject: Regional Medical The art show is open to all R&W ings. Artists are limited to three around the clock, weekend and holi- day shifts. Libraries (R) members and their families—mem- entries. There is a processing fee Interview takes place during in- bers' children must be over 16 of one dollar for each entry. Dr. Estep said special efforts termission of Music Room. THE NIH RECORD May 23, 1972 Page 3 First Report Indicates Ruby Payne, Mailroom Trouble Shooter Dr. Kenneth Cole Named NIH Savings Bond Drive With 'Patience of a Saint/ Is Retiring To London Royal Society Canvassers Doing Well' By Marie Masfin As a Foreign Member' NIH Information Aide Figures for the first reporting Dr. Kenneth Cole, senior bio- period from May 1 to 10 indicate "Always accommodating," "has the patience of a saint," "exhausts all physicist, National Institute of that the U.S. Savings Bond Drive avenues in getting the job done," "a real salt of the earth employee." Neurological Diseases and Stroke, at NIH is doing well. Friends and co-workers of Ruby Payne, an NIH mail supervisor, has been named a Foreign Member Dorothy Wipf, drive coordinator, describe her in glowing terms. of the Royal Society of London. attributes much of this success to They will miss her after May Only a few Americans have re- when she retires from the Govern- ceived this honor. volunteer canvassers who are in- ment with nearly 30 years service forming employees about the ad- at NIH. Dr. Cole will participate in the vantages of the Payroll Plan. formal admission ceremonies of Mrs. Payne and five clerks pro- To build tuition funds, parents the society next November, in cess some 2,000 pieces of mail a day. London. may purchase the bonds in their Their responsibilities entail open- children's names with the parents In 1954, the year he came to ing, routing, and locating letters NINDS, Dr. Cole organized the as beneficiary, not co-owner. and packages, in addition to han- At the end of the first year, a Laboratory of Biophysics, and he dling all special deliveries between also served as chief of that labora- Federal income tax return filed NIH and DHEW. These duties of- tory. in the child's name, listing in- ten place Mrs. Payne in the role of creased bond value as income to the a "trouble shooter." Well Known Researcher child, establishes "intent." "I try to help with any problems He is internationally known for No further returns need be filed that come up," she says. "That's HWWpllHpp his pioneering studies of electrical when bond interest plus other in- my job." properties of nerves and other liv- Others at NIH do not take her ing cells. His electrical studies, job so lightly. Many are indebted particularly those done on the axon Canvassers Will Explain to her for swift and thorough of the giant squid, have been found How Payroll Savings Plan sleuthing in locating important, to apply to membranes of various Aids U.S. Bond Purchasers misplaced pieces of mail. For almost 30 years Ruby Payne has other nerve cells and muscle fibers. For explanation of savings "She has gotten our office out of served NIH by contributing to an effi- Dr. Cole's explanation of the cient mail system. Although soft-spoken, electrical aspects of living cell methods made possible by a lot of problems," says one ad- she is known for "getting the job purchase of U.S. bonds mirer who describes herself as done." membranes has given impetus to through the Payroll Plan, "only another beneficiary of Ruby's numerous biophysical research employees may consult their excellent service." coming to work everyday, and, most projects, particularly those related B/I/D canvasser on the ex- of all, the "nice and interesting" to the nervous system. tension given. Mrs. Payne has also been called upon for information about NIH people she has met here. Her For this work he has received BHMB —Joel E. Hedetniemi 65144 friends and associates, the mail- the National Order of the Southern CC —Steven Galen 63227 in its earlier days because of her DBS —Raymond Jones ...... 64691 unique stock of old phone books. room and all of NIH will miss Cross of Brazil, particularly in rec- DCRT —Doren Vest .64647 Ruby Payne. ognition of his work at the Insti- DRG —Timothy Gregory ....67591 The campus was quite different DRR —David L. tute de Biofisca of the University Chicchiriehi _.65175 when she came to NIH in 1942 as of Brazil. DRS —Anna Dougherty ....64541 a mail messenger in Building 1, Subscriptions for Series He has also received the hon- FIC —Dr. Maureen she recalls. Harris 64331 orary degree of Doctor of Medicine NCI —Jack Patterson 66556 "It was so small that everybody Of 6 Concerts Sponsored from the University of Uppsala, Mabel Nichols NEI —Dr. J. Theodore knew everybody in those days," she By FAES Now Available Sweden, and honorary doctorates Schwartz 66583 remembers. There were only six in Science from Oberlin and the NHLI —Evelyn Attix 63483 The Foundation for Advanced Ruth Townsend buildings on the campus at the University of Chicago. NIAID —Doris Parkinson ...65367 time and all shops were in Build- Education in the Sciences is offer- He was also given the Silver NIAMD —Eve Larson 65765 ing six concerts for its 1972-73 NICHD —George Russell 63454 ing 1. Medallion commemorating the NIDR —J- E. Fitzgerald 65715 Chamber Music Series at NIH. 200th Anniversary of Columbia NIEHS —Ralph Hester 3308 Hazards Involved Performances will be given on Sun- NIGMS —Daniel McMonagle ..61138 Except for brief service in the University College of Physicians NINDS —Jean Farrady 64697 days at 4 p.m., in the Clinical Cen- and Surgeons, and the 1967 Na- NLM —Roger Gilkeson .... 66308 Laboratory Aids Branch, now in ter's Jack Masur Auditorium. tional Medal of Science award. OD/ODA—William Anderson ..61451 DRS, the Laboratory of Biochem- Because the music series for last Dr. Cole's book, Membranes, istry and Nutrition, NIAMD, and season was completely sold out, the Library in Building 1, Mrs. Ions and Impulses, which was writ- come is less than a specified amount. FAES has requested employees to ten in 1968 under the joint auspices When bonds are cashed to meet Payne has worked continuously in subscribe as soon as possible. Sub- of the University of California at college costs, all accrued interest is the mailrooms. scription for the season is $24:— Berkeley and NIH, has entered its free from Federal tax. Savings It has involved its hazards. "I've half price for those under 17 years second printing. bonds interest is exempt from all opened mail directed to the wrong of age. state and local income taxes. place and found human hearts, eye- For further information call Retirement planners purchase E balls, and appendices," she ex- FAES, Ext. 65273, Bldg. 10, Room bonds during their working years, claims. Once the entire mailroom Bl-L-101. reporting interest as income on had to be evacuated because of The following performances will their Federal tax return. Retire- strange fumes which came from a be given: ment income is usually lower, and package she opened. • Nov. 5—Rudolph Firkusny, pi- with the double tax exemption "Later, they told me the fumes anist. after age 65, taxes are greatly re- were dangerous," Mrs. Payne re- • Dee. 17—Pina Carmirelli, vi- duced or entirely eliminated. calls. "I'm a little cautious opening olinist, and Murray Perahia, pi- Other employees increase their packages now." anist. retirement income by purchasing Retirement will give Mrs. Payne • Feb. 4—Benita Valente, so- E bonds for conversion to H Bonds, more time to work in her yard in prano; lieder program with three which pay interest semi-annually. Frederick, Md., and spend with her instrumentalists. The accumulated interest on the three daughters, seven grandchil- • Feb. 25—J. P. Rampal and R. E Bonds is applied to the purchase dren and one great-grandchild. She Veyron-Lacroix, flute and harpsi- is also looking forward to traveling chord. of H Bonds with the privilege of Dr. Cole, who is internationally known further deferring tax liability on E and participating in sports, espe- • March 18—Silvia Marcovioi, cially bowling and baseball. for his electrical studies, has received Bond interest until the H Bonds violinist. honors from foreign countries, includ- are cashed or mature. However, she will miss NIH, • April 8—Quartette Italiano. ing Sweden and Brazil. Page 4 May 23, 1972 THE NIH RECORD

Computerized Method Teaches Diagnosis, RESEARCH TEAMS Dr. James Named Chief (Continued from Page 1) Allows for Changing Condition of Patient To assure that the purified mes- Of DRG Analysis Branch A new computerized method of teaching medical students to diagnose senger RNA was responsible for Dr. John C. James has been ap- illnesses has been developed at the Clinical Center. globin production, the scientists pointed chief of the Research Dr. Richard B. Friedman, assistant chief of the Research, Develop- made rabbit globin in the test tube Analysis and Evaluation Branch, ment, and Laboratory Automation using the rabbit messenger RNA Division of Research Grants. Section of the CC Clinical Path- and the necessary chemical com- In his new post, Dr. James will ology Department, devised the com- ponets for globin. be responsible for analyzing and puter program that mimics the phy- They then added a special enzyme evaluating the scientific character sician-patient encounter. —reverse transcriptase—to a com- and trends of NIH grants and pro- To participate in this program, bination of the globin messenger grams. the student, using a standard type- RNA, plus the subunits needed to He will direct the preparation of writer keyboard, asks questions of make DNA and a short nucleic acid reports on selected biomedical a computer. In reply, the computer primer to start the reaction at the fields and other topics relevant to reports symptoms, results of diag- proper RNA site. the administration of NIH pro- nostic tests, and reactions to treat- The scientists found that the grams, and also handle requests ment—information a physician messenger RNA directed the for- from Government officials and pri- might need in a real-life situation mation of a DNA strand comple- vate organizations for information to determine the cause of an illness. mentary to itself. about NIH programs. First, the student receives a brief Experiment Described Dr. James joined the branch in statement describing a hypothetical By chemically eliminating the August 1970, serving first as a patient's illness. He may then re- RNA strand of the resulting RNA/ scientific evaluation officer and then quest any test or other informa- DNA hybrid, the scientists success- as acting assistant branch chief. tion for the diagnosis as he would fully produced a single-stranded Previously, he served for 3% if the patient were in a hospital years as executive secretary of the DNA for rabbit globin, presumably Medicinal and Org'anic Chemistry emergency room. Dr. Friedman demonstrates how his a portion of the globin gene. recently developed system works. The B Fellowship Review Section in The computer informs the stu- computer refers the student to a slide With the rabbit globin experi- the Career Development Review dent whether a test is available, on which he observes diagnostic test ments as a model, investigators Branch. when it can be performed (daytime results. As many as TOO students from Columbia University synthe- Before coming to DRG, he was only or 24 hours daily), how much throughout the Nation could use the sized and characterized similar a senior chemist in private industry. it costs, and how soon the results program at one time by means of DNA copies of biologically active Dr. James earned the B.S. de- will be available. telephone hookup from computer ter- human globin messenger RNA. gree in Chemistry from the West If the student wants the test to minals. Computer time costs about $5 for a l'A hour session—the average NIH investigators also reported Virginia Wesleyan College in 1949, be made, the computer gives the time it takes for diagnosis. making the genetic material for and the Ph.D. degree in Organic test results. It also records the cost red blood cell protein. Chemistry from the University of and time required for the test. diagnostic procedures, according to Delaware in 1960. Then the computer reports the Dr. Friedman. The scientists caution, however, patient's condition or reactions to He said that the program is also that the copies, while extensive, medication that may have been ad- adaptable to most computer systems. may not be complete. In addition, ministered during the elapsed time. The conversational format of the because of technical problems, the If the student takes too long to system enables a person totally un- biological activity of the "gene" reach a diagnosis, the computer familiar with computer operation to has not been proven. may inform him the patient has enter a new case history or example Used Reverse Transcriptase died. into the system in less than 1% In their experiments, the sci- Although similar teaching tech- hours. entists used reverse transcriptase niques are in use, they do not allow The program, now being evalu- from avian myeloblastosis virus, a for time lapses and changes in test ated by some 30 agencies and uni- virus that causes a type of leuke- results due to the altered condition versities, may help medical stu- mia in the chicken. of the patient. dents, military medics, or physi- Last November, the Columbia Nor do other methods take into cians' assistants to develop diag- group showed that the AMV en- account cost and availability of nostic skills. zyme is able to make DNA from a variety of RNA templates and therefore potentially could be used to synthesize a gene. Unlike reverse transcriptases of mammalian cancer viruses, the en- zyme from AMV is sufficiently Dr. James holds three patents on or- available to be useful in a variety gonic chemistry processes of which he of genetic research, including hu- is the sole inventor, and eight other man genetics. patents on which he is co-inventor. Using synthesized globin-specific DNA that has been tagged with synthesizing radioactive DNA from radioactive tracers, the scientists it, and using that DNA to measure the messenger RNA in the thalas- believe that, within a year, they f will determine how messages to semic cell, scientists may be able produce globin are processed with- to determine whether the disease is in the mammalian cell. caused by an inadequate amount of normal messenger RNA or by the The scientists also foresee using production of defective messenger their method to study diseases RNA for globin. caused by mistakes in the process- At a recent meeting of the Tidewater Environmental Health Conference in ing of genetic messages. Ultimately, the researchers be- Wilson Hall, Bldg. 1, Dr. Roger Estep, DRS Director, told the group that lieve that an understanding of the "environmentalists have the opportunity ... to define the problems . . . For example, thalassemia, a type processing of gene instructions in and work out solutions with the best of the available technology that we of anemia, is characterized by pro- the mammalian cell will provide have today." Among the conference participants (I to r): James Bowman, pres- duction of abnormally thin red insight into how a cell acquires a ident, National Capitol Area Environmental Health Association; John R. Pattillo, blood cells resulting from an inade- president, Virginia Environmental Health Association; Leo A. Schuppert, presi- specialized function in the animal, dent, Maryland Association of Sanitarians; Dr. Estep, Stephen J. Pijar, con- quate level of hemoglobin. such as its functioning as a muscle, ference program chairman, ESB, DRS, and Vinson R. Oviatt, ESB chief. By isolating messenger RNA, bone, or blood cell. THE NIH RECORD May 23, 1972 Page 5

Dental Educators Gain New Insights Into Testing Techniques Through DDH Workshops Dental educators are gaining new insight into ways of testing stu- dents during 2-day testing and measurement workshops which the The normal number of primary Division of Dental Health, BHME, •tee+h in humans is is conducting at U.S. universities ' and colleges. A-19 C-21 The workshops are designed to &-2O D-22 • help dentists and other instructors construct reliable written examina- tions for testing students. Slide-tape presentations, divided into five units, or courses, have been developed by the Division's ' Training Program staff as guide- lines for the workshops. ' In addition, ten 4-10 minute color trigger films are offered. Portraying typical student-teacher situations and interaction, the films stimulate group discussions by workshop participants. "Nothing will improve class This multiple choice question really offers only two choices instead morale more than the students' of four. The intelligent student immediately eliminates choices A ' conviction that they are being Dr. Lucas is setting up the slide/tape and C, because common sense tells him that the answer should be tested fairly—even if rigorously," series for a demonstration workshop. an even number. according to Dr. Robert J. Lucas, chief of the Training Program. The workshop helps teachers to construct informative and fair tests that will accurately measure their students' achievements. H is west important fora The first Workshop on Tests and Measurement was held last Decem- dentist fo havt ber at Lake Tahoe, Calif. A- an affraet'ive office in a Recently a joint workshop was held for the faculty of Maryland, medical office complex. Howard, Virginia, and Georgetown B- a pre+ti| receptionist. Universities at the University of C- recorded music. Maryland. P- up-to-date maQajines in Another session was held for the University of Pennsylvania ihe. wstHina room. and Temple University on May 16-17. Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Robert J. Lucas, chief, Train- ]*'*» A good multiple choice question forces the student to ing Program, Division of Dental select the best alternative from a field of plausible Health, Dental Health Center, 14th choices which differ in only one respect. Avenue and Lake Street, San Fran- Trivial questions are not a true test of knowledge—dental edu- .. Cisco, Calif. 94118. cators should avoid them when constructing examinations.

Dr. Frank Putnam Is Named MEDICAL AWARD PRESENTED TO DR. MURAYAMA Miller Wins Speech Contest Chairman of Etiology Group (Continued from Page 1) oxygen tension. Held by Toastmasters Club Dr. Frank W. Putnam, professor yama, sickle cell anemia has be- Such abnormally structured Kenneth Miller, a member of of Biology and director of the Di- come one of the first diseases with hemoglobin molecules aggregate in NIH Toastmasters Club No. 3421, vision of Biological Sciences at In- a thoroughly understood molecular the form of deforming, elongated is a co-winner of the club's Di- diana University, will become chair- basis for pathogenesis, diagnosis rods which deform the erythrocyte visional Serious Speech contest man of the National Cancer Insti- and, hopefully, treatment of acute (red blood cell). The cell mem- held at the Bethesda Naval Officers' tute Etiology Program Advisory attacks. brane simply conforms to this Club for his speech, Stop, Look, Committee (EPAC) for a 2-year Sickle cell disease, which strikes elongated "sickled" shape. and Listen. term beginning July 1. Negroes almost exclusively, is the Applying these molecular con- Selected out of 825 participants The Committee, composed of result of a chemically abnormal cepts of sickling, a research team from 37 clubs, Mr. Miller will enter eight non-NCI scientists engaged hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying in Michigan recently devised a new the Toastmasters' district contest, in a study of the causes and pre- pigment in red blood cells. treatment for the disease, utilizing which will include finalists from vention of cancer, helps to shape Insight into the sickling mecha- administration of urea in invert three divisions of District 36. program policies and priorities of nism of the disease came primarily sugar. Before entering the divisional the Etiology area. from studies using the three-dimen- The presence of urea in the blood contest, he won both the NIH and Dr. Putnam is a biochemist sional scale model of the human appears to reverse sickling and Area Serious Speech competitions. known for his research in the field hemoglobin molecule designed by may block further sickling of sus- Mr. Miller, a printing specialist of plasma proteins, protein syn- Dr. Murayama, who is in NIAMD's ceptible red blood cells by interfer- in the Printing Section, OAS, has thesis, and viral reproduction. He Laboratory of Physical Biology. ing with the formation of the ab- been a member of the Toastmasters has been a member of EPAC since Culminating over 6 years of re- normal bonds. for 2 years. July 1970. search, Dr. Murayama demon- Preliminary clinical trials thus He will replace Dr. Richard P. strated that abnormal chemical far have been successful in a con- from the University of Michigan, Mason, senior vice president for bonding occurs in key positions be- siderable proportion, but further and did postdoctoral work at the research of the American Cancer tween certain hemoglobin chains of long-term studies are needed to California Institute of Technology, Society, Inc., whose term on the abnormal composition in red blood confirm these observations. where he was a student of Dr. Committee expires June 30. cells under conditions of lowered Dr. Murayama received his Ph.D. Linus Pauling, Nobel Prize winner. Page 6 May 23, 1972 THE NIH RECORD

Experts Meet to Plan Stronger EEO Commitment May Result NIH Visiting Scientists International Data Bank In 'Mutually Beneficial' Relationship Program Participants On Cancer Research 4/27—Dr. Masayuki Mitsunaga, International leaders in the fields Japan, Laboratory of Biomedical of information transfer, library r Sciences. Sponsor: Dr. Walter H. science, and systems processing Glinsmann, NICHD, Naval Medi- are meeting with scientists at Air- h cal Center, Rm. 35. lie House in Warrenton, Va., to 5/1—Dr. Ole Henriksen, Den- develop plans for an International a mark, Laboratory of Molecular Bi- Cancer Research Data Bank. ology. Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Max- well, NIAMD, Bldg. 2, Rm. 207. The meetings, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, started 5/1—Dr. Gerald Stranzinger, yesterday (May 22), and will con- Germany, Pharmacology and Toxi- tinue until tomorrow (May 24). cology Branch. Sponsor: Dr. Rob- ert E. Staples, NIEHS, Research Agreements Discussed Triangle Park, N.C. Among the subjects discussed * 5/3—Dr. Robert A. R. Pearce, were the international agreements United Kingdom, Laboratory of that may be necessary for par- Physical Biology. Sponsor: Dr. ticipating in the collection, storage Edwin D. Becker, NIAMD, Bldg. 2, and dissemination of cancer re- Rm. B202C. search information. 5/5—Dr. Nicolae Popescu, Ro- Dr. Michael B. Shimkin is the mania, Cytogenetics and Cytology general chairman of the sessions. ^, Mr. Laster (second from right) is complimented on the success of the conference Section. Sponsor: Dr. Joseph A. Dr. Shimkin is coordinator, Re- which he coordinated by (I to r): Dr. C. Gordon Zubrod, scientific director for DiPaolo, NCI, Bldg. 37, Rm. 2A13. Chemotherapy, NCI; Dr. Baker, and Dr. Anthony M. Bruno, NCI assistant direc- gional Medical Program, Univer- , tor.—Photos by Ed Hubbard. 5/5—Dr. Ricardo Brentani, Bra- sity of California School of Medi- zil, Chemistry Branch. Sponsor: cine, San Diego. As part of the NIH effort to strengthen its commitment to equal Dr. Harry V. Gelboin, NCI, Bldg. Dr. Arnold W. Pratt, Director, employment opportunity and upward mobility, students and faculty from 37, Rm. 3E24. minority colleges and other schools with a high percentage of minority Division of Computer Research and H students met here last month under Technology, is among the session the sponsorship of the National chairmen. Dr. Pratt heads the in- a of scientific growth. formation processors group. Cancer Institute. The 3-day conference included The meetings opened avenues for 53 representatives from NIH and Other NIH scientists attending • strengthening bonds between mi- 43 students and teachers from 23 the conference are Dr. Gregory T. nority schools and NIH and pro- U.S. colleges and universities. O'Conor, NCI, and Dr. Joseph vided NCI leaders with a chance to Leiter, National Library of Medi- describe professional opportunities Principals from McKinley, Ana- within their Institute. costia, and Roosevelt High Schools Opening the discussion, NIH Di- also attended. rector Dr. Robert Q. Marston sum- Administrators, educators, scien- DANA AWARDEES marized the agency's role in U.S. tists, students, and teachers, ex- medical research, emphasizing the changed views on future relation- (Continued from Page 1) possibilities for scientific explora- ships with NIH and NCI. tension, strokes and certain other tion through NIH assistance. Matters of grants and fellow- cardiovascular diseases, the study "This is a vital and dynamic ships, employment opportunities, has helped to establish a firm basis area, with important political and Dr. Doris Mitchell, associate professor and possible assistance to place- for preventive measures directed social implication," Dr. Marston of Pathology, Columbia University Col- ment directors were discussed. against certain risk factors and observed. lege of Physicians and Surgeons, dis- O. H. Laster, NCI Training Offi- thus, to delay or prevent the onset "We must build on knowledge al- cusses effects of the minority confer- cer and Conference Coordinator, of such catastrophic cardiovascular ready gained in order to solve other ence with Dr. Baker and Dr. Roger said, "This is not just NCI looking events as a heart attack or stroke. problems within and beyond the Estep, DRS Director. at students and others from minor- Largely as a result of the study, health field," he added. plans to expand its cancer research ity colleges and universities, but elevated blood cholesterol, high Dr. Carl G. Baker, former NCI program. rather our forming a meaningful blood pressure, cigarette smoking, Director and now Special Assistant Dr. Baker contended that profes- relationship that will be mutually obesity, and diabetes are now firmly to the NIH Director, described the sional participation by minority beneficial to both NCI and minority accepted as being associated with Institute's accomplishments and groups will enhance the prospects institutions." increased risk of heart attack and sudden death. The American Health Foundation, a national voluntary health agency founded in 1968, is focusing on three areas: health research, health education, and health maintenance. Its newly opened institute is a public service facility which in- cludes four follow-up clinics de- signed to help individuals stop smoking, reduce weight and control high blood fat levels, control high blood pressure, and promote gen- eral physical fitness. These clinics, in turn, support the Health Maintenance Center, a highly automated multiphasic test- Medical technologists in two chemistry laboratories of the CC Clinical Pathology Department explain their work to participants in a 3-day, NCI-sponsored conference, who took time out for a tour. Miriam Bowman (left) holds up binary ing facility operated jointly by the coded carriers which will be placed in the accessioner to her right—part of a patient identification system—and Carol American Health Foundation and Huber (right center) explains how the blood-gas analyzer is used. the American Health Corporation. THE NIH RECORD May 23, 1972 Page 7 Pipette to Measure Small Go Ape-Speak Verkish'-lt Is Not Easy, Swedish Medical Faculty Amounts of Body Fluid But Primates (Non-Human) Are Learning Honors Dr. Ichiji Tasaki The Medical Faculty of the Uni- Developed by Biochemist versity of Uppsala in Sweden has A new instrument that will per- awarded an honorary doctorate to mit automated chemical analyses Dr. Ichiji Tasaki, National Insti- of the small amounts of body fluids tute of Mental Health. available from children has been Dr. Tasaki, who is in the Lab- ' developed by a Clinical Center in- oratory of Neurobiology, will ac- vestigator. cept the title of Doctor Honoris The device, an automated pipette, Causa at the University's annual was developed by H. Harold Nishi, "Promotion Day," on June 2. a biochemist in the CC Clinical The Swedish University also pre- Pathology Department's Clinical sents a diploma, a special hat, and Chemistry Service. a gold ring with symbols of Es- Automated laboratory equipment culapius to the prestiguous scien- * now in use require larger samples tists who have received this honor. of body fluid (100 microliters) than Pioneers in Many Fields are usually available from children. Dr. Tasaki has pioneered in Consequently, most tests on pedi- many fields of neurobiology. He is atric samples must be performed noted for his experimental work manually by technicians. which has contributed to the devel- A new pipette, which is being Biji and Lana may soon be "chattering" in Yerkish. Under the watchful eye opment of neurophysiology. patented, will be used in the CC of chief animal trainer, Tim Gill, the babies operate computer keys. When they In 1970-71, Dr. Tasaki worked * for most of the common tests that push the right key they earn a cookie, or something equally rewarding. with Professor Torsten Teorell, are currently requested almost as professor of Physiology at Uppsala, often for children as for adult pa- By Ginny Fleming and a former FIC scholar who re- tients. Two apes and a computer may soon "talk" to each other in "Yerkish" sided at Stone House during his When the new CC pediatric wing tenure here. that is being planned for the Na- at the Yerkes Regional Primate Center of Emory University. tional Institute of Child Health The Yerkes Center is supported by the Division of Research Resources. Both scientists conducted joint The National Institute of Child research in Dr. Tasaki's laboratory and Human Development is com- on the campus, and also collabor- pleted, CC officials anticipate the Health and Human Development is Initially, the little apes are taught funding the experiment. ated on several papers which were demand for such tests will be even to push keys and to associate a published in professional journals. greater. Biji, a young orangutan, and specific symbol with a specific ob- To perform tests, the pipette Lana, a chimp, are the star sub- ject. Through a separate vending automatically draws 1 to 5 micro- jects in a 4-year study of primate, machine the apes are rewarded NIEHS ROLE liters of fluid from a well in a non-vocal language skills. with a cookie if they push the Chief investigator, Dr. Duane (Continued from Page 1) specially designed sample tray and cookie button, etc. noxious agents or factors. adds reagent. Rumbaugh, a psychologist with Periodically, the key arrange- Georgia State University and an "Operationally, we seek first to The two are then deposited ments are changed to make sure identify those agents or factors into another sample tray and mixed expert on ape intelligence, hopes to that the animals are not merely develop a technology for testing which are potentially hazardous learning the placement. and then to assess the degree of and studying the animals' lang- At first, just as a small child de- uage-related behaviors and the their hazard to man," he concluded. mands "cookie" from his mother, The specific concerns of NIEHS conditions which control the devel- Biji and Lana will press one key opment of language. include pesticides, carcinogenesis, to ask for a cookie. This key's sym- microwaves, teratogenesis, noise, E. C. von Glasersseld and Pier bol contains all of the symbols for radiation, occupational hazards, and P. Pisani of the University of "Give me a cookie." mutagenesis. Georgia, and Professor Harold Later, the apes will have to rec- Warner of the Yerkes center are ognize the symbol broken down into co-investigators. two, three, and finally four sec- Planned tests for future years The project involves interaction tions, or words, in the correct syn- include a study of abstract com- between a PDP8 computer and the tactical sequence, to get a cookie prehension. For example, after two apes, beginning at a very sim- from the computer. watching a movie, the apes will be ple level and gradually becoming The computer will "talk back" questioned. more complex. to the apes using the same sym- Their responses will be studied bols on five, in-line projectors. statistically by the computer for The computer is equipped with a evidence of syntactic understand- keyboard; each key has a symbol Every time the apes are chal- on it representing, in "Yerkish," lenged and respond correctly, they ing, and language capabilities. such things as candy, companions, will be appropriately rewarded Dr. Rumbaugh is convinced that and water. with objects or events, such as apes do have some capacity for Mr. Nishi places sample tray into posi- trips outdoors. non-vocal, language-related behav- tion under the pipette. The tray is one iors. inch high, 5 inches long, and less than available are not capable of ac- Coupled with the direct reward "Even if we find that apes can- Vz inch wide and contains wells for curately measuring these small will be a pulsating light and a not master syntax, we will have a 12 fluid samples. Automated pipettes amounts of fluids. soft-tone sound. After an incom- system of studying language for- now being used are not capable of ac- At present, the pipette is part of plete response or no response, the mation that might eventually be curately measuring small amounts of a prototype system and has been system shuts down for a "time- fluids. used to work with mentally re- applied to 15 of the more commonly out" minute with no reinforcement. tarded children," said Dr. Rum- by a tiny vibrating motion of the requested tests. However, it could The proposed language-learning baugh. pipette tip. Next, the tray is trans- perform chemical tests and even- program, to be given daily, is very "The ape and the mentally re- ferred to another instrument that tually may replace the currently similar to that of a young child tarded child both suffer from cir- reads and records the results. automated systems. learning to communicate. In 6 cumscribed language abilities. The pipette is capable of meas- Now it takes a technician as months, when the project's main Knowledge of precise conditions uring 1 microliter (1/50 of a drop) long as 2 minutes to perform sim- thrust is planned, Biji and Lana necessary for language growth and from the total fluid sample and ilar tests manually. Automated will be 2 years old, their age cor- of ways to enhance expression of niixing it with a small volume of techniques now used for larger responding approximately to a 3- limited language may uniquely reagent. samples perform at the rate of one year-old child with maximum learn- equip us to teach the mentally re- The automated pipettes now test every minute. ing capability. tarded," the researcher explained. Page 8 May 23, 1972 THE NIH RECORD COMMUNICATIONS TEST TOO Malignancies Discussed Dr. Fox Named NINDS After 10 Years in the Planning Stages, At Annual PHS Meeting Collaborative and Field A number of NIH scientists as Dr. Karl Frank Will Sail Atlantic Ocean well as other experts in the public Research Asso. Director health field, particularly health Dr. Leo Fox has been named manpower and drug abuse, will dis- associate director for Collabora- cuss malignancies at the next PHS tive and Field Research, National professional meeting in New York Institute of Neurological Diseases City, May 30-June 2. and Stroke. Some 200 research papers to be Formerly with the National Aero- presented at the seventh joint an- nautics and Space Administration, nual meeting of the U.S. Public Dr. Fox was Director of the Aero- Health Service Clinical Society and nautical Life Sciences Division and, Commissioned Officers Association, previously, deputy director of the will cover virtually every discipline. Biotechnology and Human Re- Dr. John G. Veneman, HEW search Division. Under Secretary, will deliver the banquet address. Background Given Four National Cancer Institute At NASA, he planned and di- scientists will participate in the rected research programs involving Opening General Session on Can- aeromedicine, man-machine inter- cer. Dr. Peter Wiernik, head, Medi- actions, and life-support systems cal Oncology, Baltimore Cancer which gave him experience in man- Research Center, Baltimore PHS aging in-house research, as well as Hospital, will speak on Adult Leu- contracts and grants with private kemia. industry, educational institutions, The "Via Mara" is a 42' 9" yawl designed by Spark & Stevens and built by Supportive Care will be the topic and Government agencies. Abeling and Rasmussen. The forward mainmast is 55' high with a 25' antenna attached to it. The boat is 11' 3" on the beam with an external lead keel and of Dr. Stephen Schimpff, acting Dr. Fox has served as executive a bronze center board—4' 4" draft up and 8' 4" down. The yawl contains a assistant head of Medical Oncology. secretary to the NASA Advisory 36-horsepower Mercedes diesel engine, weighs 3Vi tons, and sleeps six. Dr. Paul Carbone, associate sci- Committee on Human Research entific director for Clinical Trials, and Biotechnology and as the chief After 10 years in the planning stages, Dr. Karl Frank, his wife, will speak about Carcinoma of the liaison officer with the National and four others, are embarking May 27 on a 30-day sailing voyage Breast, while Carcinoma of the Academy of Sciences Space Medi- across the Atlantic Ocean from Whitehall Creek in Annapolis to Lung will be discussed by Dr. Oleg cine Committee. Gibraltar. Selawry, head of the NCI-VA Med- During the vacation cruise, the NIH Radio Amateur Club—call letters ical Oncology Service. New Position Described K3YGG—will attempt to contact Other NIH scientists will speak In these positions, he served on the "Via Mara" as part of a test at the Specialty Sessions. ad hoc panel studies including car- of the emergency communications A highlight of the meeting will diovascular and respiratory physi- system on the campus. be the J. D. Lane Award Compe- ology, infectious diseases, and Each day, between 12:20 and tition. The winner receives a plaque radio-biology. 12:40 p.m., EDT, Dr. Frank will and $200 honorarium for the best At NINDS, Dr. Fox will head try to get through to the radio scientific paper presented by a collaborative perinatal research club and give his position, sea and junior scientist. (correlating factors in pregnancy weather conditions, and informa- Four NIH scientists are among and early life causing cerebral tion regarding the crew's health. this year's finalists. palsy, mental retardation, and In case of emergency, the radio other neurological disorders) ; epi- operators at NIH will monitor demiological research, and special the boat's frequencies continually. Ions of gasoline will provide projects including studies in epi- If needed, Dr. John Lynch, head enough power to operate the radio lepsy, head and spinal cord injury, of the Employee Health Service, for one hour each day, but a stroke, and cerebral death. will be available to give instruc- make-shift hand-driven generator will be taken to provide electrical In addition, he will help formu- tion by radio on treatment of any late policies relating to the Insti- injuries. power in case of emergency. The boat's 36-horsepower engine tute's research program. First Stop Bermuda and enough fuel to operate for 35 In 1966, Dr. Fox received his The first leg of the cruise will hours will be used mainly for en- Ph.D. from Boston University in be past Norfolk, Va., across the tering and leaving ports. Biology and Physiology. Gulf Stream, to Bermuda which ^ But the crew allowed themselves should take 4 to 5 days. one luxury. "We purchased a From Bermuda, they will pick K3YGG-the call sign of NIHRAC- casette tape recorder to provide up the eastern trades—prevailing will monitor Dr. Frank on this trans- music during- the cruise. Each winds—on a great circle route to mitter/receiver in the basement of family had the recorder for one the Azores, which will take 2 to Bldg. 10. They will broadcast over CW week to tape their favorite music 3 weeks if the winds are fair. 7.073 MHz (megahertz) until the boat because we all have our own reaches Bermuda. The frequency will San Miguel, Az., will be a short then be changed to 14.033 MHz for the tastes in music and they defi- stopover before the final 10-day remainder of the trip to Spain. nitely differ," Dr. Frank com- voyage to Gibraltar. mented. Dr. Frank will travel with his to prevent rusting. Dr. Frank will return to his wife, Peg, son Eric, and his wife Electrical power will be a major position as chief of the Labora- Jane, and Hank Leroy, an FAA problem for the cruise, Dr. Frank tory of Neural Control, National employee, and his wife Brickie, said, because with six people on Institute of Neurological Diseases who is with the Laboratory of board there isn't much room left and Stroke, by the end of July. Neurophysiology, NIMH. to carry anything but essentials He will leave the "Via Mara" in Canned food will be the main for such a long trip. Spain. It will be sailed back by staple for the voyage. Due to the These include a radio direction Dr. M. G. F. Fuortes, chief of the corrosive salty atmosphere, all finder, compasses, sextants, a self- Lab of Neurophysiology, NINDS, labels have been removed from the inflatable rubber life raft, and 15 Richard Newell, NIMH, and others Dr. Edward F. MacNichol, Jr. (r), NINDS cans and the containers have been different sails to be kept on board. leaving the Mediterranean for the Director, welcomes Dr. Fox to his new re-marked and dipped in varnish A Honda generator and 10 gal- U. S. around July 15. office.