The National Cancer Institute

Aikido story on page 3. News from the NCI-Frederick AUGUST 2003 Offi ce of Scientifi c Operations IN THIS ISSUE I recently discussed in The Poster predominantly Government-operated), why I feel so strongly that the NCI- the NCI-Frederick is a unique blend Aikido - A Closer Look 3 Frederick is a great place to work. I of Government employees and have discussed many of the more employees from multiple contractors. Charles River Laboratories 4 obvious aspects of the NCI-Frederick This situation empowers the NCI- that make this facility a wonderful Frederick with added expertise and and productive place to be. But to the fl exibility necessary to respond Data Management Services 5 fully understand what makes the rapidly to the changing research NCI-Frederick so important to the priorities at the NCI. The facility has McKesson BioServices 6 National Cancer Institute, the National also been designated as a Federally Institutes of Health, and the nation Funded Research and Development SAIC-Frederick, Inc. 7 in general, you need to appreciate Center (FFRDC). The fact that the what makes NCI-Frederick unique. NCI-Frederick is the only FFRDC in Wilson Information Services the entire Corporation 8 Department of Health Building 470 9 and Human Services Science Today 10 further demonstrates the unique Platinum Publications 11 role of this facility. The Did You Know? 12 importance of this Community Outreach 16 FFRDC designation Offi ce of Diversity and is further Employee Programs 17 exemplifi ed The bottom line is that this facility by the very short list of other Environment, Health, and is more than just a few NCI research prestigious laboratories which have Safety Program 18 labs and animal facilities located 37 been awarded this status, including miles north of the main NIH campus Argonne National Laboratory, Los Special Events 20 in Bethesda. The NCI-Frederick is a Alamos National Laboratory, Oak unique and integral piece of the NCI, Ridge National Laboratory, and the Jet with a unique role and unique mode of Propulsion Laboratory. Job Vacancies 24 operation. This designation as an FFRDC As a background, the NCI-Frederick empowers the NCI-Frederick with is a Government Owned-Contractor special authority, but only to meet the Operated (GOCO) facility. Unlike “special needs” of the Government. the NCI effort in Bethesda (which is As such, NCI-Frederick is expected to continued on page 2 News from the NCI-Frederick Offi ce of Scientifi c Operations continued from page 1 meet some special, long-term, research prohibits the NCI-Frederick from the unique and important role the NCI- and development needs of the NCI 1) providing services which can be Frederick plays in our nation’s war through the establishment of a long- easily met by existing Government on cancer and AIDS, you will have a term relationship with its contractors. resources, or 2) utilizing these better appreciation for how important This special relationship allows the Government facilities to compete with your work is to this mission. NCI-Frederick to provide a rapid private industry. Keep up the good work! response capability, which cannot be Yes, the NCI-Frederick is a pretty met as effectively anywhere else in the special place to work. We are all a Craig Reynolds, NIH. very unique and integral element of Director of However, our FFRDC designation the NCI. I hope that by understanding the Offi ce of Scientifi c Operations

Dr. Paul Nisson, provide high quality services, of Rochester School of Medicine Project Offi cer in the technology development and research where he studied the yeast genetics Offi ce of Scientifi c collaborations to their customers.” He of DNA repair and mutagenesis. As a works very closely with the program postdoctoral fellow at the Worcester Operations Director, Dr. Joseph Kates, and Dr. Foundation he studied gene expression Dr. Paul Nisson, the new project David Goldstein (CCR), who helped to in sea urchin and pre-implantation offi cer in the Offi ce of Scientifi c establish the RTP. mouse embryos. He then worked at Operations, comes to NCI-Frederick The RTP comprises six laboratories Life Technologies (now Invitrogen) with more than 20 years’ experience and 90 scientists and administrators: from 1989 until 2000, commercializing in research the Laboratory of Proteomics and products for molecular biologists in and product Analytical Technologies, Protein the areas of gene mapping and gene development Expression Laboratory, Gene discovery and started and managed in the Life Expression Laboratory, Laboratory a custom services group. Inspired by Sciences. In of Molecular Technology, Protein a growing interest in Bioinformatics, his fi rst few Chemistry Laboratory, and the Image he moved to Compugen, an Israeli months, he Analysis Laboratory. computational biology company, as has been busy “The government is responsible Director of Research and Development, “learning for overseeing the program which is where, over a three-year period, he the ropes, staffed and ably managed by SAIC- led the effort to develop a product line developing Frederick, Inc.,” Dr. Nisson said. “My called Oligolibraries, a gene expression relationships with the PI’s, working main mission has been to set up an profi ling tool that the company co- with directors and developing a rational annual review process to make sure the markets with Sigma-Genosys. process to examine how well the labs six labs are providing quality service Dr. Nisson wanted to stay in the are performing,” he said in a recent to their NCI/NIH customers. After a Washington Metro area and found interview. preliminary review of the program, it is his interests and past experience “The Offi ce of Scientifi c Operations clear that it’s an outstanding resource overlapped with the growing needs is responsible for the operation of for the NCI and the other NIH institutes of the Offi ce of Scientifi c Operations the site,” Dr. Nisson said. “This as well.” at the NCI-Frederick directed by Dr. offi ce oversees four contracts—the Now that the internal review is Craig Reynolds. “It’s an exciting time largest being SAIC—and our primary completed, the Offi ce of Scientifi c to be at the NCI and I’m fortunate to be responsibility is to ensure the customer, Operations will turn to outside experts a part of it,” said Dr. Nisson. in this case the government, is to review the program and offer their Dr. Nisson is located in Building satisfi ed.” evaluation and opinions about its 427, room 7; he can be reached Dr. Nisson is responsible for operation and the areas in which it at 301-846-7653, or by e-mail at overseeing the Research Technology could improve. [email protected]. For more Program (RTP). “I am part of a A Harvard undergraduate in information on the RTP program, visit government-SAIC team that is trying chemistry, Dr. Nisson received his the website at http://web.ncifcrf.gov/ to ensure that the RTP scientists PhD in Biophysics from the University rtp/.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 2 August 2003 Aikido - A Closer Look

Aikido: The Way of defend themselves. Jack says, “A all of this negative energy, all this Harmony lot of how I have changed has been aggression coming at you, your goal confi dence in myself. is not only to A delightful aspect of our annual I used to freeze up on negate that Spring Research Festival is that we school exams, but once I attack but not see not only the extraordinary research started studying martial to hurt the our scientists do, but also glimpses of arts, I would take fi ve person that is other paths they follow. to ten minutes before doing it. I can One of those who follow two an exam to do breathing immobilize apparently different paths is Dr. Jack exercises. And my exam that person Simpson, a scientist in the Protein scores went right up, and not break Chemistry Laboratory, SAIC- because I was relaxed anything,” Frederick, Inc. In June he presented at and I could think.” Jack says. the Research Technology Program’s He continues, “Aikido Staff Seminar, speaki teaches you about yourself: What Earning the Black Belt on “Nitrocellulose you can do well, what you need to A martial arts student must usually Purifi cation of work on, what you want to work advance through several non-degree BIAcore® and on.” A person’s demeanor, normally grades before earning the fi rst-degree Serum Samples unassuming, may be much more fi erce black belt. “You are just starting at that for MALDI-TOF,” “on the mat” in aikido. “That comes point, once you have your fi rst black while at the Spring from inside, and it takes a long time belt,” Jack says. Research Festival, he to understand how to control and tap The fi nal, tenth-degree black belt and his colleagues into it when you want to. One of my is usually reserved for founders of demonstrated the art students said I physically get bigger on various systems of martial arts. “In of aikido. the mat,” he says. Asian culture, martial arts were Although science The techniques limber the joints, traditionally family systems, so it and martial arts may stretching tendons and ligaments would usually be a family name seem very different, that have not been stretched before. followed by Ryu, meaning ‘school’ for Jack they merge “Performed properly, no permanent or ‘system.’ Aikido was at one point almost seamlessly damage is ever done, another reason called Ueshiba Ryu because Ueshiba in his life. “Aikido is that it is different from other martial Sensei founded aikido,” Jack notes. not a sport; it’s traditional Budo, or a arts,” Jack explains. Achieving the fi rst-degree black belt martial way of life. My big challenge Because aikido can be used as self- may take as long as 10 years. “And is to use aikido in my career, to use it defense without physically damaging that is the way it should be for any real when I have questions from a seminar, martial art,” he says. Jack explains that or verbal attacks…to fi nd the source by focusing on the belt rather than on of that confl ict and resolve it. Many the stages of learning, one “loses track people now use aikido in confl ict of the reason that you are in martial resolution in social work, just because arts: in my opinion, it is the journey of that philosophy,” he explains. [that is important.]” Aikido Teaches You Martial arts leaders often “send their best instructors to other countries About Yourself because they want to put their best People study aikido to learn self- face forward. So the real masters are defense, to exercise, to be comfortable not only in Asia but all over the world with their own body movement, and now. You have as good an opportunity even to develop spiritually, although to train with really amazing people aikido is not a religion. Aikido can one’s opponent, aikido is one of the in Washington, D.C., as you do in help people with both confi dence martial arts police offi cers, MPs, and Tokyo.” and concentration, to know their secret service agents employ. “One of This November, Jack will test for weaknesses and strengths, and to the more diffi cult aspects of it, with continued on page 23

The NCI-Frederick Poster 3 August 2003 Charles River Laboratories (CRL)

Challenge Yourself with Our Quiz! Check your answers below. Results: 6-8 correct: You know a lot about 1. The Animal Production Area (APA) breeds and sells how many strains of our services and operation. inbred mice? 3-5 correct: You know we exist. A. 8 B. 15 C. 20 D. 25 0-2 correct: You use in vitro technique only! 2. Which of the following special services does APA offer? A. Timed pregnant inbred mice If you want to learn more, check out B. Indwelling jugular catheters in nude mice our website at http://web.ncifcrf.gov/ C. Vasectomized, ovariectomized, or castrated mice researchresources/apa/ D. All of the above

3. Which of the following is true for entering a rodent barrier building at APA? Answers to the Animal Production/Charles A. You must shower and change to scrubs but don’t have to wash hair. River Laboratories Quiz B. You must be a technician assigned to the barrier or have permission 1. (D) 25 inbred strains, but don’t forget from the supervisor. the 6 hybrids, 4 outbred stocks, 5 C. You must remove jewelry and all clothing, shower, wash hair and immunocompromised lines, and 2 change into an autoclaved uniform. transgenic (in addition to MMHCC D. B and C. Repository mutants). 2. (D) All of the above, of course, and 4. To be sure our animals are genetically pure we: many more! Call us at 301-846-1151. A. Perform biochemical testing twice a year and skin grafting once per 3. (D) Our barriers are entered only by the supervisor and 2 assigned caretakers year on all colonies. after a complete shower and hair wash. B. Perform biochemical testing annually. Nothing else is allowed into the barrier C. Perform skin grafting annually on just Foundation colonies. unless it is autoclaved, gamma D. Perform biochemical and skin grafting annually on just Foundation irradiated, or sprayed with Clidox. This colonies. protects the health of our animals for our customers. 5. Health monitoring on our colonies is performed: 4. (A) We use biochemical testing to detect any cross-contamination between A. Every other month on each colony by LASP strains and skin grafting to detect B. Monthly on each colony by LASP and confi rmed twice a year by an genetic drift. The Foundation, Expan- independent outside diagnostic lab sion, and Production colonies are all C. Quarterly on each colony by LASP tested. This gives the highest assurance D. Quarterly on each colony by an independent outside diagnostic lab of a genetically pure product. 5. (B) Complete health monitoring of each 6. For health monitoring APA uses: colony is performed monthly by LASP, and twice a year by an independent lab. A. 1 sentinel per month per barrier This serves as a cross check for both B. 3 sentinels per month per barrier labs and assures us that nothing is C. 8-10 colony animals including weans, 10-12 week old missed. animals, and retired breeders per month per barrier 6. (C) Colony animals give us the best D. Whatever we can spare. indication of room health because they have direct contact with other animals. 7. The MMHCC Repository at APA distributes breeding pairs of transgenic Testing is performed on three age groups because various agents are easier to fi nd at mice that are not easily attained commercially. How many lines are now different stages in the animal’s life. available for distribution? 7. (D) 55 lines are available and more are A. 15 B. 26 C. 39 D. 55 added regularly. To learn more, go to the MMHCC website http://web.ncifcrf.gov/ 8. Questions on health, housing, or husbandry of APA animals should be researchresources/mmhcc/default.asp. directed to: 8. (B) Dr. Fritz and Cliff Hubbard manage A. Clarence Reeder at x1151 C. Dr. Mayo at x5606 APA and can answer these questions.
B. Dr. Fritz at x1206 or Cliff Hubbard at x1205 D. President Bush Extension 1153 is only used for orders.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 4 August 2003 Data Management Services (DMS)

C&SS Technology Advocacy “After Hours” and Consultation While C&SS employees As the NCI-Frederick’s information work diligently to support technology experts, C&SS continually the efforts of the NCI- explores and evaluates new Frederick, from time to time technologies that could benefi t the user we do take a break to relax. community and further the mission of NCI-Frederick. C&SS staff would The TeamDMS Bowling be happy to meet with you to discuss Team recently captured the your specifi c technology needs. Terrace Lanes/First USA DMS bowling team members include, left to right: Computer Software League Championship, Tim “The Hammer” Siford, Team Captain Brian clinching the title with “The Leader” Hanshew, Zach “The DITI” Thomas, Training an impressive 47.5–16.5 and Rick “Thank Goodness They Didn’t Give Me a Summer computer software training Nickname” Klabansky. record. Congratulations to classes are underway, with several the team members on a fi ne new courses added for NCI-Frederick season and best of luck in While we play hard, we work just as employees. Visit the Computer defending their companionship next hard. C&SS is available to assist you Software Training website at http:// season! with your information sciences needs, css.ncifcrf.gov/training for information including: or to register for classes. Despite a wet and rainy day, several DMS employees participated in Statistical Consultation Site-Licensed Software the annual ERC Golf Tournament. The Statistical Consultation group C&SS, in conjunction with the NCI, Although the tournament was provides a wide array of mathematical has worked to secure site licenses cancelled after only fi ve holes of golf, and statistical consulting services for many of the programs in broad team members still enjoyed a day to the NCI-Frederick scientifi c use at NCI-Frederick. To view the of good food and great camaraderie. community. The Director and growing list of software, visit the While neither of the two DMS teams consulting statisticians work with C&SS website at http://css.ncifcrf.gov/ brought home any trophies, they did principal investigators through all helpdesk/software.asp or contact the sport three of the best dressed golfers facets of the scientifi c process, from Computer Services Helpdesk. of the day! developing and formulating research Contacting the Computer and statistical hypotheses, designing experiments and statistical analyses, Service Helpdesk preparing technical reports and The Computer Service Helpdesk graphics, to preparing formal scientifi c provides the NCI-Frederick documents and publications in peer- community with a single point of reviewed journals. contact for computer support, service, Custom Software and information, and assistance. Helpdesk staff is available to assist all NCI- Web Development Frederick employees from 8:00 p.m. to Our analysts and developers 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
employ modern methodologies and tools to create custom software The Helpdesk can be contacted at: solutions to meet the unique needs and requirements of the NCI- •Web: http://css.ncifcrf.gov/ Frederick. Our staff can assist you helpdesk No, it’s not a 1930s movie still. These are with both administrative and scientifi c •Phone: x5115 (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., the fashionably dressed DMS golfi ng team programming needs, as well as Web Monday through Friday) members. Left to right: Mark Spielman, design and development services. •E-mail: [email protected] Jim Wolfe, and Mike Dipasquale.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 5 August 2003 McKesson BioServices

McKesson BioServices’ a new, ground level facility at 4600 discharge; O2 monitoring system with NCI-Frederick Repositories Wedgewood Boulevard, Suite H, just an air handling system to evacuate off Buckeystown Pike South. the area in the event of low oxygen; In August 2002, SAIC-Frederick, In addition to standard offi ce, interior access to the roof and an Inc., awarded McKesson BioServices electrical and HVAC requirements, annunciator panel to monitor roof-top the subcontract to manage the NCI- the new facility contains: a building units; future lab space and expansion Frederick repositories, including security system with pass card access space for repository needs. the central biological repository that and 24-hour monitoring of critical McKesson BioServices aims to supports the research programs of the provide the highest quality services NCI, National Institutes of Health to the NCI-Frederick research (NIH), NCI/NIH contractors, and community, incorporating state-of-the- other groups. art technology and enhancing services McKesson BioServices’ Principal and capabilities well into the future. Investigator Kathleen Groover, McKesson BioServices has Ph.D., oversees this familiarized itself with NCI-Frederick subcontract. She has operations and policies; evaluated extensive experience and upgraded equipment and systems, as McKesson including inventory and backup BioServices’ principal support capabilities; addressed investigator to the NCI operational details, coordinated Chemotherapeutic effi ciencies between sites, Agents Repository generated space utilization plans, (CAR), Occupational and developed quality standard Safety and Health operating procedures. As McKesson Offi cer, scientist of BioServices becomes better the NIDA Medications acquainted with user community Development Database needs, the company will be even and the LAAM Project, more responsive in supporting the and Vice President, Occupational valuable research accomplished at Safety and Health. A Certifi ed NCI-Frederick. Industrial Hygienist, she is certifi ed McKesson BioServices, part in OSHA compliance and hazardous systems; of McKesson Health Solutions, material transportation, has a BS 24-hour is a leader in clinical supply and degree in Chemistry/Math, and temperature biological specimen management. a PhD from Duke University in monitoring of This division provides cost effective Bioinorganic Chemistry. sample storage solutions using a focused process Last September, McKesson units and areas; for clinical outsourcing covering BioServices took over operations of a segregated preclinical through Phase IV studies. the Central Repository (Buildings processing The company works closely with 434 and 1066), the Natural Products area equipped the U.S. Government, universities,

Repository/Tumor Bank (Building with CO2 contract research organizations, 1073), and the off-site East Street monitoring and pharmaceutical, and biotechnology facility. exhaust fan; four 250 KW generators companies throughout the clinical trial To accommodate the needs of the to support the facility (mechanical process. NCI/SAIC biorepository subcontract, freezers are supported by two natural For more information about a new award-winning facility totaling gas generators with a continuous fuel McKesson’s biological specimen and 33,600 square feet was remodeled, supply); back-up connections for clinical supply management services, allowing additional space for 1.5 temporary generators; Halotron (inert visit www.mckessonbio.com. To learn million samples to be stored each year fi re suppressant) fi re extinguishers more about other services offered of the contract. In January 2003, the which will not harm mechanical by McKesson Corporation, visit East Street Repository relocated to and electronic parts in the event of www.mckesson.com.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 6 August 2003 SAIC-Frederick, Inc.

SAIC-Frederick, Inc. can concentrate on science rather than • Facilities Maintenance and Continues to Meet the support processes. Engineering, Mr. William Lonergan, Needs of the NCI Dr. Arthur said that communication Director and teamwork are key to all of the • Contracts and Administration, Mr. SAIC-Frederick, Inc., is entering progress that has been made during David Bufter, Director its eighth year as the Operations and the life of the SAIC-NCI contract. Technical Support (OTS) contractor Initiatives usually fi rst come through Administrative Teams to the National Cancer Institute at division directors to Drs. Robert Administrative teams, which include Frederick. With the completion of its Wiltrout and Craig Reynolds, representatives from Acquisition fi rst fi ve-year contract in 2001, SAIC- then to SAIC-Frederick, Inc., and Logistical Services, Facilities Frederick, Inc. won a new and more where they are assigned to specifi c Maintenance and Engineering, comprehensive OTS contract covering directorates. “There’s lots of effective Financial and Administrative Systems, 2001-2006, with an option for the NCI communication back and forth” to and Human Resources, support each to grant a two-year extension. make sure that everyone understands Directorate and ensure compliance Always sensitive to the needs of the what to do and how it’s to be done, Dr. with all applicable federal, state, NCI, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., company Arthur said. and contractual regulations and directors realigned the organizational He added that nearly every requirements. structure and administrative successful project here has been due management into nine directorates to attention to the essential areas Management Committees and management committees to better of communication and teamwork. Three committees enable a cross- meet NCI-Frederick’s needs. “We’re only as good as the people section of employees to be involved in The reorganization rapidly showed who work here. Without the workers, the management of the contract. positive results in many areas, by management is pointless,” he said. The Director’s Executive Committee enhancing communications and (DEC) comprises the nine Program identifying individuals responsible Directorates Directors and provides overall for selected activities. In a recent Each Directorate aligns “with contract-level guidance and planning; interview, Dr. Larry Arthur, president one or more major NCI-Frederick solicits input from DEC members of SAIC-Frederick, Inc., noted that Government activities,” according on important matters related to the he is very “proud of the growth to Dr. Arthur. The Directorates overall contract; facilitates the transfer and maturity in the programs” in “interact directly with their customers, of cross-directorate information; all directorates. He pointed out [which] is essential to the successful provides status reports from each of that some programs, such as the performance of the contract,” he said. the Directorates; refers specifi c tasks Biopharmaceutical Development to the OTS Operating Committee; and Program “have matured to world The nine Directorates are: identifi es important contract matters class status.” He is particularly proud • Basic Sciences Program, Dr. Mary needing the attention of NCI or SAIC of the quality of scientists whom Dr. Carrington, Director Corporate senior management. Joe Kates has attracted to work in the • Applied/Developmental Research The OTS Operating Committee Research Technology Program and the Support, Dr. Michael Baseler, (OOC) establishes and recommends rapidity at which Dr. Kates expanded Director to the DEC for approval, operating the RTP capabilities. • Research Technology Program, Dr. policies and procedures that streamline Joseph Kates, Director our administrative operations “…communication and teamwork • Biopharmaceutical Development and result in effi cient contract are key to…progress.” Program, Dr. George Mitra, Director performance. • Vaccine Clinical Materials Program, The third and fi nal committee This matrix management Dr. Criss Tarr, Director is the SAIC-Frederick Research organization has also resulted in the • Laboratory Animal Sciences Council. This committee holds enhancement of many of the support Program, Dr. Hendrick Bedigian, quarterly meetings and provides a functions and has introduced a “high Director forum to advise the SAIC-Frederick level of professionalism” into these • Environment, Health, and Safety, Dr. management on issues important to the areas, all of which are essential to Randall Morin, Director accomplishment of the NCI-Frederick ensure that scientists at NCI-Frederick research mission.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 7 August 2003 Wilson Information Services Corporation (WISCO)

WISCO Adds New Staff Medical Librarians Month. Just think of this as an opportunity to collect Susie Culler, the newest member of the WISCO staff, became all those books, CDs, videos, DVDs, the Library’s Administrative Coordinator this past March. Susie cassettes, and yes, even those old LPs has worked in the administrative and education areas for many and 45s you no longer want to keep, years, and has a BA from Hood College in studio arts, with that are cluttering up your home. For an emphasis on nature photography. She has assisted a local every item you donate, you will have photographer in his studio and on location and does occasional the opportunity to select a new one freelance projects.
in its place, one-for-one. The Library will begin collecting items for the Milestones exchange in mid-September. Just bring The Scientifi c Library is truly fortunate to have so many dedicated employees, them to the Library’s Circulation Desk all of whom bring unique talents to NCI-Frederick which are of benefi t to our in Bldg. 549 and you will get a coupon scientifi c and support staff. Congratulations are offered to those who celebrated that you can present on the day the milestone anniversaries this year: exchange is held. After the opening day, items are made available for 5 years: Donnie Hipps swapping for one month, after which Lee Redmond any remaining materials are donated Elena Zdanova to local charities. Help us break our 10 years: Debby McCalpin record this year; in the past, we’ve Alice Young assisted employees in exchanging as 15 years: Steve Jones many as 2,000 items. Let’s aim for 20 years: Ethel Armstrong 3,000 this year!
30 years: Darlene Clements Center for Health 60th Anniversary Information Health Quiz The Library actually has reached a milestone of its own this year, celebrating Which of the following would cause a the 60th anniversary since its doors fi rst offi cially opened in 1943, when the consumer to be cautious about a collection was initiated under the directorship of the U.S. Army. It was then website? called the Camp Detrick Technical Library. The fi rst book purchased by the Army was a Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Thirty years later, in 1973, the A) information is provided by a government agency or National Cancer Institute assumed ownership of this original collection, and educational institution has been adding to it ever since! The fi rst book purchased by NCI was Strunk’s
B) the website will include a current Elements of Style. date C) there will be good music and lots Then (1973) Now (2003) of fl ashy advertisements D) research citations will be Collection size provided where appropriate - Books 14,000 volumes 12,000 volumes - Journals 4,700 volumes 44,000 volumes Answer C. Though good music and lots Footprint 5,125 sq.ft. 11,054 sq.ft. of fl ashy advertisements might make an Professional Staff 3 7 interesting website, they do not Technical & Support Staff 1 14 guarantee good health care information. Look for the names of organizations you recognize as sponsors, such as the Book & Media Exchange American Heart Association or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Have all those rainy days this summer kept you indoors with nothing to do You want the newest information when but clean out your closets, basement or garage? Well, if so, remember there’s looking for answers, so beware of a silver lining among all those thunder clouds—the Scientifi c Library Book & websites last updated more than a few Media Exchange, which is planned for October as part of our celebration of weeks ago.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 8 August 2003 Building 470

Update on the Building Phase Two: Stripping Out and pulling things inward again, and 470 Dismantlement: the Interior what you will see is the scaffolding Safety First The second phase involves “stripping and green mesh coming down as the out” the building’s interior: taking out building is dismantled,” said Ms. In our May 2003 issue, we told you tanks, miles of pipes, any non-load- Shearer. about the NCI’s plans to dismantle bearing walls, and many of the steel Building 470 Team Building 470, once a bioweapons grating fl oors, creating “an excellent research facility. way to lower equipment down through Experts in Biosafety From the fi rst decision that the the middle of the building . . . where it Project Manager Carol Shearer hazardous building needed to come will be [cut up], put into big cans and is extremely well qualifi ed to down, the National Institutes of then rolled out . . . for transport,” she lead this effort, which requires Health (NIH)—which is overseeing said. both diverse skills and extensive the process—has made safety of “The crews will be working six-day paramount importance. “The Army weeks, so that on a Saturday we can took 1,300 samples during the make more noise,” explained Ms. decommissioning of the building Shearer. “The more noise we can [1970-71] and all those samples were make, the faster we can go . . . We negative [for any evidence of Bacillus would like to get it down quickly as anthracis],” said Carol Shearer, long as we don’t compromise safety,” Project Manager, in a recent Spotlight she added. article. “There were two rounds of gas Seismographs have been installed decontamination using formaldehyde, in those labs immediately adjoining and the closed systems [e.g., 470 to daily monitor noise and vibra- fermenters] were all steam-sterilized. tion and alert workers and manage- Drains and other piping systems that ment when levels are too high. In they could not reach with steam were such cases, the contractor may opt to cut and then bleach was pumped up use smaller, less noisy equipment or into them, and the bleach was then switch the noisier work to off-hours. left to sit [in the pipes] to get anything To minimize dust, an issue common biosafety/biosecurity experience. that was in there. This was a very, very to construction projects, the contractor John Bell (SAIC-Frederick, Inc.) is extensive decontamination.” will frequently hose down the site with the project’s Construction Manager, Ms. Shearer’s team has also taken an water. Workers will also wear respira- while Theresa Duley (Southern additional 1,450 samples in Building tors for protection against the fumes Research Institute), qualifi ed in both 470 and plans to continue sampling and carbon monoxide resulting from safety and construction, is the Safety throughout the project to monitor air the metal cutting. Representative. Another team member quality. These precautions are particularly is anthrax specialist George Anderson, Phase One: Asbestos Removal important since Building 470 adjoins Ph.D., an immunologist with more The project, divided into three Buildings 431 and 469; and Buildings than “25 years of experience in the phases, began in February 2003 with 426, 427, and 428 are very near. In vaccine world,” Ms. Shearer said. “Dr. asbestos removal. The contractor for fact, safety is of such primary concern Anderson did a thorough review of all this work, Controlled Demolition, Inc. that if anyone on the project sees any- documentation that we have on 470,” (CDI), “is a world-class operation,” thing on the site that constitutes im- she added. In addition, three other according to Ms. Shearer. “They are minent danger to one of the workers, biosafety experts also reviewed the working in Iraq . . . doing chemical he/she can stop the work immediately. building’s biosafety-related data. demilitarization in the former Soviet Phase Three: The Final Stages The whole building should be Union . . . [and] many jobs here in the When you see scaffolding and green dismantled by the end of December United States. CDI is most well known construction mesh around the building, 2003. for its implosions, but that is only you’ll know that Phase III, which For more information on the about 1% of their work; they do many will overlap Phase II, has begun. Building 470 Project, visit the website types of dismantlements,” she said. “As workers take the roof off, they at http://web.ncifcrf.gov/campus/ will start dismantling the building 470update/.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 9 August 2003 Science Today

The IBC: Making Sure from non-compliance with applicable then, NIH guidelines for research Research Is Conducted regulations and legitimizes their involving recombinant DNA molecules Safely and Responsibly possession of regulated biological and roles and responsibilities of the agents and toxins. This is especially institutional biosafety committee have Although many of us have never critical since The USA Patriot Act of changed to meet the changing needs of heard of the NCI-Frederick 2001 amends Section 175 of the U.S. science, research institutions, and the Institutional Biosafety Committee Criminal Code to allow prosecution public. Today, when you look at one (IBC), this group plays a signifi cant of individuals who knowingly possess institution’s IBC, you have seen only role in ensuring that biological research any biological agent, toxin, or delivery one IBC. at this facility is conducted safely and system of a type or in a quantity not The NCI-Frederick IBC comprises 13 responsibly. The IBC reviews research reasonably justifi ed by prophylactic, voting members and one non-voting, conducted at or sponsored by the preventive, bona fi de research or other ex-offi cio member. Dr. Randall Morin, NCI-Frederick, involving recombinant peaceful purpose. EHS director, is the current IBC DNA, infectious organisms, human- In addition to its protocol review chairperson and Mr. Joseph Kozlovac, derived material, oncogenes and function, the NCI-Frederick IBC the Institution’s Biological Safety biological toxins. Researchers wishing provides an open forum to discuss Offi cer, serves as the IBC Secretary. to conduct research with these biological safety concerns and assist The experience and background materials must register with the IBC, in the resolution of any biological of the other committee members using the rDNA registration form or safety issues brought before the are extensive and varied. Scientifi c the Pathogen, Oncogene, or Toxin committee. To facilitate the discussion disciplines such as virology, molecular registration form available on the of biological safety issues, IBC holds genetics, veterinary medicine, clinical Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) open meetings, usually on the third microbiology, bacteriology, mycology, website http://web.ncifcrf.gov/campus/ Tuesday of each month at noon in biological safety, public health, and safety/usedocs.stm. Building 549, Executive Board Room. health care are well represented on the During its review, the IBC assesses The meeting dates and times appear on committee. In addition, two committee the appropriateness of the proposed the “Meetings and Seminars” section members represent the interests of the laboratory facility, the procedures of the NCI-Frederick Home Page. surrounding communities and are not and practices, the availability of associated with NCI-Frederick. medical countermeasures or medical IBC History Besides Dr. Morin and Mr. Kozlovac, surveillance, and the training and In 1975 a conference was held at other IBC members include Dr. expertise of the personnel involved in Asilomar Conference Center, Pacifi c Jeanne Herring, Laboratory Animal research. The committee may suggest Grove, CA, hailing a new era in Sciences Program; Dr. Henry Hearn; or require changes in procedures, recombinant DNA research in which Dr. David Garfi nkel, Gene Regulation personal protective equipment, laboratory safety played a signifi cant and Chromosome Biology Laboratory engineering controls or physical role in the experimental design of (GRCB); Dr. Bruce Crise, AIDS containment specifi cations. Once the research. The Asilomar participants Vaccine Program; Ms. Carol Ingraham IBC approves a registration, it sends felt strongly that each investigator Tobias, Manager, Occupational a registration number in a letter to the should be responsible for overseeing Health Services, EHS; Dr. Stephen investigator. EHS maintains a registry the risk of his/her research, ensuring Creekmore, Biological Resources of all projects involving pathogens, that laboratory staff were aware of Branch; Dr. Stephen Hughes, Drug rDNA, oncogenes and biological potential hazards and competent to Resistance Program; Dr. Donald Court, toxins. Each IBC-approved registration conduct their research using safe GRCB; Dr. Melinda Hollingshead, is valid for three years, after which practices. The Asilomar participants Biological Testing Branch; Dr. Michael the project must be renewed and a also felt that there was a need for Baseler, Clinical Services Program; new registration form submitted. IBC institutional review of recombinant Mr. Lucien Winegar, Esq.; and Ms. review is required prior to the initiation DNA experiments and for institutional Cheryl Parrott (Ex-Offi cio), Director of of research, when a change in protocol certifi cation of physical containment in Public Affairs. occurs, and when new technologies are research laboratories. One year later, If you have an issue that you would introduced. the NIH guidelines were published like the IBC to review or a question Registration of biological research and the roles of institutional biosafety regarding biosafety or the IBC
protects NCI-Frederick investigators committees were fi rst defi ned. Since

The NCI-Frederick Poster 10 August 2003 PlatinumScience Highlight Today

This quarter’s Platinum Highlight article was written by Dr. Kazuo Nishigaki K., D. Thompson, T. Yugawa, K. Rulli, C. Hanson, J. Cmarik, Nishigaki and his colleagues. Dr. J.S. Gutkind, H. Teramoto, and S. Ruscetti Nishigaki, who holds both D.V.M. and Ph.D. degrees, was trained in Identifi cation and Characterization of a Novel Veterinary Internal Medicine at the University of Tokyo under Dr. Hajime Ste20/Germinal Center Kinase-related Kinase, Tsujimoto, who discovered SIV-AGM Polyploidy-associated Protein Kinase and SIV-MND. Dr. Nishigaki joined Journal of Biological Chemistry, 278(15):13520-13530, 2003.

A novel protein kinase, polyploidy-associated protein kinase (PAPK), was isolated using a subtraction cDNA library approach from a mouse erythroleukemia cell line that had been induced to polyploidy after serum withdrawal. PAPK shares homology with members of the Ste20/germinal center kinase family of protein kinases and is ubiquitously expressed as two spliced forms, PAPK-A and PAPK-B, that encode for proteins of 418 and 189 amino acids, respectively. The expression of endogenous PAPK-A protein increased after growth factor withdrawal in murine hematopoietic and fi broblast cells. When tested in an in vitro kinase assay, PAPK-A was activated in response to the stress-inducing agent hydrogen peroxide and slightly by fetal calf serum. Biochemical characterization of the PAPK-A-initiated pathway revealed that this novel kinase does not affect MAP kinase activity but can stimulate both c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and ERK6/p38γ. The kinase activity of PAPK appears to be required for the activation of ERK6/p38γ but not JNK1. When the NCI in 1998 as a Visiting Fellow in an inducible construct of PAPK-A was expressed in stably transfected NIH3T3 the Retroviral Molecular Pathogenesis cells, the cells exhibited distinct cytoskeletal changes and became resistant to Section of the Basic Research apoptotic cell death induced by serum withdrawal, effects of PAPK that require Laboratory, headed by Dr. Sandra its kinase activity. These data suggest that PAPK is a new member of the Ste20/ Ruscetti, and earlier this year he was germinal center kinase family that modulates cytoskeletal organization and cell promoted to the position of Research survival.
Fellow. The Retroviral Molecular Pathogenesis Section focuses on understanding the molecular basis for the pathogenesis of animal retrovirus- induced diseases. The research of Dr. Nishigaki and others in the Section has led not only to a better understanding of how molecular changes in normal cells can result in pathological consequences but has also resulted in the discovery of novel molecules, described in this Platinum Highlight, that play important roles in the growth and survival of normal cells. The goal of the laboratory is to apply the information gained from their studies on animal diseases models to design rationale strategies for treating similar diseases in humans and domesticated animals.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 11 August 2003 Did You Know...?

Anniversary Celebration Elementary Outreach Program (EOP) Help us celebrate the National Cancer Institute’s more than 30 years of research in Frederick!

Do you know— • When this facility began doing cancer research? • Who was President of the United States then? • How many people worked here? • What some of the earliest labs were? • What we did to relax? • How many people could fi t in a Volkswagen?

We’re looking for the answers to these questions and more—and pictures to accompany them—to include with our NCI-Frederick anniversary issue. Grab those old pictures off the bulletin board or pull them out of a shoebox and bring them to Scientifi c Publications, Graphics & Media (SPGM), Building 362, or drop us a line ([email protected]; attention: Maritta P. Grau) and tell us your favorite story about the good ole days.

Fort Detrick Farmers’ Market

The Fort Detrick Farmers’ Market is open this year from June 17th through October 28th, an extended season. The June and July markets were very successful. The Market offers a little With the 2002-2003 school year fi nally something for everyone and is a nice break from work.
completed, the volunteers wrapped up another year of hard work with a picnic at the Post Pond on June 6th. The weather was perfect, the food was good and plentiful, and the company was the best. We hope to make the picnic a tradition. Final fi gures are not yet available, but volunteers put in approximately 2,500 hours over the school year. As of this year, the Program has been to every elementary school in Frederick County, St. John’s in Frederick City, and several elementary schools in Washington County. Volunteers have also taken the Program to schools in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. On June 16th, EOP volunteers and representatives from the Frederick County Public School System participated in a workshop to review all lesson plans with the goal of improving and streamlining them. It was an The Fort Detrick Farmers’ extremely productive workshop and resulted in Market from a bird’s eye view. improvements for all fi ve lesson plans.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 12 August 2003 Did You Know...?

What’s New in Building 549?

The Atrium: If it’s been a while since you dropped in at Building 549, you might want to check out the NCI-Frederick Café wide- screen TV, or take your lunch to the atrium, where you’ll fi nd new patio furniture. The comfortable and decorative furnishings add ambience to the spacious courtyard. The set includes a large 4’ round table; 4-swivel based chairs with full rocking motion, and an umbrella to keep the summer sun away (as well as September rains). We also have a loveseat glider for those who want to swing their cares away. The Lobby: The Conference Center lobby has recently been painted, offering a refreshing look to welcome you to Building 549. To help promote the science developed here at NCI-Frederick, we are displaying this year’s Spring Research Festival Gold & Silver award winners.

If you have any ideas or suggestions, contact the Conference Center at http: //web.ncifcrf.gov/campus/committees/ The Ron Defelice conference.asp. It is our goal to remake Board Room sports new Building 549 into a place that is inviting and deskpads at the executive relaxing, yet functional to science of NCI- conference table. Frederick.

COMSTAR Credit Union Opens Branch in Building 549

The COMSTAR Credit Union recently opened an offi ce adjacent to the Building 549 cafeteria (parking lot side). The credit union is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Information about the services offered by COMSTAR may be obtained from their website at comstarfcu.org.

Left: Debbie Williams and Olivia McGovern stand ready to help customers in the COMSTAR Credit Union. Top: Olivia McGovern counts out money while Dr. Larry Arthur, principal investigator, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., waits, hopefully. Debbie Williams looks on.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 13 August 2003 Platinum Publications

The following 30 articles have been se- BJ Hill, K Komschlies, J Tomaszewski, G Immunology lected from a quarterly listing of publica- Franchini, and CL Mackall. Blood. 101(6): tions in 10 of the most prestigious science 2294-2299, 2003. Antigen-primed CD8(+) T cells can journals. mediate resistance, preventing alloge- Genetics neic marrow engraftment in the simul- AIDS Research Identifi cation of Vangl2 and Scrb1 as taneous absence of perforin-, CD95L-, Gene expression and viral production in planar polarity genes in mammals. TNFR1- and TRAIL-dependent killing. latently infected, resting CD4(+) T cells Montcouquiol M, RA Rachel, PJ Lanford, Komatsu M, M Mammolenti, M Jones, R in viremic versus aviremic HIV-infected NG Copeland, NA Jenkins, and MW Jurecic, TJ Sayers, and RB Levy. Blood. individuals. Chun TW, JS Justement, RA Kelley. Nature. 423(6936):173-177, 2003. 101(10):3991-3999, 2003. Lempicki, J Yang, G Dennis, CW Hal- lahan, C Sanford, P Pandya, SY Liu, M The genome sequence of Bacillus an- Bcl11a is essential for normal lymphoid McLaughlin, LA Ehler, S Moir, and AS thracis Ames and comparison to closely development. Liu PT, JR Keller, M Ortiz, Fauci. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 100(4): related bacteria. Read TD, SN Peterson, L Tessarollo, RA Rachel, T Nakamura, NA 1908-1913, 2003. N Tourasse, LW Baillie, IT Paulsen, KE Jenkins, and NG Copeland. Nat Immunol. Nelson, H Tettelin, DE Fouts, JA Eisen, 4(6):525-532, 2003. Recruitment of HIV and its receptors to SR Gill, EK Holtzapple, OA Okstad, E dendritic cell-T cell junctions. McDon- Helgason, J Rilstone, M Wu, JF Kolonay, Zinc binding and dimerization of Strep- ald D, L Wu, SM Bohks, VN KewalRa- MJ Beanan, RJ Dodson, LM Brinkac, M tococcus pyogenes pyrogenic exotoxin C mani, D Unutmaz, and TJ Hope. Science. Gwinn, RT DeBoy, R Madpu, SC Daugh- are not essential for T-cell stimulation. 300(5623):1295-1297, 2003. erty, AS Durkin, DH Haft, WC Nelson, JD Swietnicki W, AM Barnie, BK Dyas, and Peterson, M Pop, HM Khouri, D Radune, RG Ulrich. J Biol Chem. 278(11):9885- Animal Models JL Benton, Y Mahamoud, LX Jiang, IR 9895, 2003. Liver-specifi c disruption of PPAR Hance, JF Weidman, KJ Berry, RD Plaut, gamma in leptin-defi cient mice im- AM Wolf, KL Watkins, WC Nierman, A Genome-wide single-nucleotide poly- proves fatty liver but aggravates diabet- Hazen, R Cline, C Redmond, JE Thwaite, morphism analysis defi nes haplotype ic phenotypes. Matsusue K, M Haluzik, G O White, SL Salzberg, B Thomason, AM patterns in mouse. Wiltshire T, MT Lambert, SH Yim, O Gavrilova, JM Ward, Friedlander, TM Koehler, PC Hanna, Pletcher, S Batalov, SW Barnes, LM B Brewer, ML Reitman, and FJ Gonzalez. AB Kolsto, and CM Fraser. Nature. Tarantino, MP Cooke, H Wu, K Smylie, J Clin Invest. 111(5):737-747, 2003. 423(6935):81-86, 2003. A Santrosyan, NG Copeland, NA Jenkins, F Kalush, RJ Mural, RJ Glynne, SA Kay, A progeroid syndrome in mice is caused Evidence for CD4-enchanced signaling MD Adams, and CF Fletcher. Proc Natl by defects in A-type lamins. Mounkes through the chemokine receptor CCR5. Acad Sci USA. 100(6):3380-3385, 2003. LC, S Kozlov, L Hernandez, T Sullivan, Staudinger R, SK Phogat, XD Xiao, XH and CL Stewart. Nature. 423(6937):298- Wang, DS Dimitrov, and S Zolla-Pazner. J Protein Chemistry 301, 2003. Biol Chem. 278(12):10389-10392, 2003. Modulating sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway rescues photoreceptor degen- Treatment Modalities Transcription start regions in the eration. Acharya U, S Patel, E Koundakji- Inhibition of DNA methylation and human genome are favored targets for an, K Nagashima, X Han, and JK Acharya. reactivation of silenced genes by zebula- MLV integration. Wu XL, Y Li, B Crise, Science. 299(5613):1740-1743, 2003. rine. Cheng JC, CB Matsen, FA Gonzales, and SM Burgess. Science. 300(5626): W Ye, S Greer, VE Marquez, PA Jones, 1749-1751, 2003. Tome-1, a trigger of mitotic entry, is and EU Selker. J Natl Cancer Inst. 95(5): degraded during G1 via the APC. Ayad 399-409, 2003. Evi3, a common retroviral integration NG, S Rankin, M Murakami, J Jebanathi- site in murine B-cell lymphoma, en- rajah, S Gygi, and MW Kirschner. Cell. Cytokines codes an EBFAZ-related Kruppel-like 113(1):101-113, 2003. IL-7 therapy dramatically alters periph- zinc fi nger protein. Warming S, P Liu, T eral T-cell homeostasis in normal and Suzuki, K Akagi, S Lindtner, GN Pavlakis, The BDNF val66met polymorphism SIV-infected nonhuman primates. Fry NA Jenkins, and NG Copeland. Blood. affects activity-dependent secretion of TJ, M Moniuszko, S Creekmore, SJ Dono- 101(5):1934-1940, 2003. BDNF and human memory and hip- hue, DC Douek, S Giardina, TT Hecht, pocampal function. Egan MF, M Kojima,

The NCI-Frederick Poster 14 August 2003 Platinum Publications

JH Callicott, TE Goldberg, BS Kolachana, Identifi cation and characterization of a Signaling through MHC in transgenic A Bertolino, E Zaitsev, B Gold, D Gold- novel Ste20/germinal center kinase-re- mice generates a population of memory man, M Dean, B Lu, and DR Weinberger. lated kinase, polyploidy-associated pro- phenotype cytolytic cells that lack TCR. Cell. 112(2):257-269, 2003. tein kinase. Nishigaki K, D Thompson, McFarland HI, SA Hansal, DI Morris, DW T Yugawa, K Rulli, C Hanson, J Cmarik, McVicar, PE Love, and AS Rosenberg. Identifi cation of critical residues of an JS Gutkind, H Teramoto, and S Ruscetti. J Blood. 101(11):4520-4528, 2003. immunodominant region of Echinococ- Biol Chem. 278(15):13520-13530, 2003. cus granulosus antigen B. Gonzalez-Sa- Forced entry – or does HTLV-I have the pienza G and RE Cachau. J Biol Chem. Trapping HIV-1 reverse transcriptase key? Derse D and G Heidecker. Science. 278(22):20179-20184, 2003. before and after translocation on DNA. 299(5613):1670-1671, 2003. Sarafi anos SG, AD Clark, S Tuske, CJ CD2-associated protein haploinsuf- Squire, K Das, DQ Sheng, P Ilankuma- Regulation of the cell-surface expression fi ciency is linked to glomerular dis- ran, AR Ramesha, H Kroth, JM Sayer, of an HTLV-1 binding protein in human ease susceptibility. Kim JM, H Wu, G DM Jerina, PL Boyer, SH Hughes, and T cells during immune activation. Nath Green, CA Winkler, JB Kopp, JH Miner, E Arnold. J Biol Chem. 278(18):16280- MD, FW Ruscetti, C Petrow-Sadowski, ER Unanue, and AS Shaw. Science. 16288, 2003. and KS Jones. Blood. 101(8):3085-3092, 300(5623):1298-1300, 2003. 2003. Receptors Phage HK022 nun protein represses Restricting Zap70 expression to Cellular Transformation translation of phage lambda N (tran- CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes reveals a Hyaluronidase 2 negatively regulates scription termination/translation re- T-cell receptor-dependent proofreading RON receptor tyrosine kinase and me- pression). Kim HC, JG Zhou, HR Wilson, mechanism controlling the completion diates transformation of epithelial cells G Mogilnitskiy, DL Court, and ME Got- of positive selection. Liu XL, A Adams, by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus. Danilko- tesman. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 100(9): KF Wildt, B Aronow, L Feigenbaum, and vitch-Miagkova A, FM Duh, I Kuzmin, 5308-5312, 2003. R Bosselut. J Exper Med. 197(3):363-373, D Angeloni, SL Liu, AD Miller, and MI 8): Pro ally twe sur and 100

Stru the scri ing T S Bio

The NCI-Frederick Poster 15 August 2003 Community Outreach

The Student Intern Program: A Fresh Perspective on Working at NCI-Frederick

Editor’s note: Occasionally, we run articles about one of our various outreach programs, had come from. An American pre-med most often from the point of view of how our student had just graduated from NYU scientists, administrators and/or support and was trying to get into med school; personnel are participating, or what the latest a post-doctoral fellow had uprooted his event was. Here’s a fresh look at what we do, family from Vietnam and was starting from the perspective of April Munroe, a senior over in the United States; a husband at Brunswick High School and an intern at the Biological Testing Branch; her mentors are Drs. and wife from Germany had both been Susanna Rybak and Diane Newton. able to fi nd positions in the lab; and, a newly hired scientist had just arrived My fi rst two weeks at NCI-Frederick from India. Even my mentor had come were nerve-racking. I was working to the US from China only a couple of with top-notch scientists and cutting- years ago. I realized then that being out edge technology—the opportunity of of place was a learning experience in a lifetime—and yet I was constantly itself. dropping test tubes and cross-contam- During those fi rst weeks at NCI- inating solutions. Every minute I Frederick, I discovered something thought I was going to be fi red. I felt about myself that had been lost in like a failure. the routine classroom. I wanted to It wasn’t until our fi rst lab picnic learn; I wanted to be thrown into new worked at the lab for nearly a year at the Detrick pond that my outlook situations. It was the reason I was now, and I still break an occasional fi nally began to change. Looking eager to come back to the lab day after test tube, or contaminate DNA, or around me, I saw not only a group of day despite the obstacles. I wasn’t even sometimes wreck an entire scientists, but a group of people. They there to give my expert advice on experiment. But I’ve learned that just didn’t discuss work; they discussed cloning or to impress my colleagues, making the most of an experience can politics, gardening, green cards, and and I wasn’t there just to make a grade. make a difference. the World Cup. They talked about I showed up every morning ready I plan to attend New York University their experiences and the places they for a new idea, a new challenge. I’ve and major in biology.

Career Camp 2003 volunteers toured the facility on June of learning and research facilities. 25th and were quite impressed with the This year, the group toured the Several staff members volunteered at class offerings, the teachers, and the Natural Products Repository, visited the Frederick County Public Schools facility.
laboratories, and heard lectures on
Career Camp sponsored by the Fred- National Youth related subjects. erick County Career & Technology Center. The Camp exposes students to Leadership Forum on Mentoring Workshop both skilled and professional careers Medicine (NYLFM) This fall, the NCI Fellowship Offi ce so they can make informed decisions will offer Part II of the successful regarding their future careers and edu- A group of 20 students from the mentoring workshop given on April cational choices. Although the Camp NYLFM (http://www.nylf.org/med/ 24th at NCI-Frederick. Details about is available to all current 6th, 7th, and med_home.html) visited the NCI- this workshop will be disseminated 8th graders and is in its 11th year, this Frederick on Wednesday, July 9th. The once they are fi nalized.
is the fi rst year the NCI-Frederick NYLFM introduces outstanding high has been involved. Our volunteers school students to the ever-important NCI Fellowship Offi ce provided support and assistance to world of medicine. Since 1993, The NCI Fellowship Offi ce has the teachers either through consulta- the 10-day program has introduced regular hours in Building 578 on the tion or actual classroom teaching. We students to professionals from some second and fourth Mondays of every hope to expand our involvement in the of the nation’s top medical centers and month. You may make an appointment Camp in the years to come. Several faculty from renowned institutions by calling 301-496-4796.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 16 August 2003 Offi ce of Diversity and Employee Programs

Diversity Grand Rounds The next presentation will be on Lecture Series September 11 at 1:00 p.m. in the Building 426 Conference Room; Ms. The second Diversity Grand Rounds Annette Merritt Cummings, Director seminar in a four-part series was held of Diversity Services, Bernard Hodes on June 10th with a presentation by Groups, will speak on “Diversity Dr. Steven Long-Nguyen Robbins, Management and Its Impact on Director of the Woodrick Institute for Organizational Effectiveness.” This the Study of Racism and Diversity at series is sponsored by the NCI’s Aquinas College. About 25 people Offi ce of Diversity and Employment attended the 90-minute seminar, Programs (ODEP) and all are entitled “Unintentional Intolerance: welcome.
What You Think You Know Might Hurt Others.” Attendees were treated to a spirited interactive session during which Dr. Robbins related humorous anecdotes about individual perceptions, group dynamics, and how cultural differences infl uence our work and personal interactions.

Celebrating Diversity

The Frederick Employee Diversity productivity, work quality, equity, NCI-Frederick and Fort Detrick Team (F-EDT) has been celebrating and respectful communication. “families” are encouraged to place diversity since the summer of 2001. pins locating their geographic The F-EDT’s mission is to create The F-EDT seeks to accomplish origins. opportunities, sponsor activities, these goals by sponsoring special and develop outreach and education events. Past events have included an The F-EDT also collaborates with initiatives that Oktoberfest celebration, the Bernetta the Army’s Equal Employment R. Brown Young, Gifted and Black Opportunity (EEO) offi ce to promote • Foster respect for all employees on Dance Troupe, a Reggae Festival, camaraderie between civilian and the Frederick campus; and the Fidos for Freedom program. military personnel. Past combined Ongoing EDT-sponsored projects observances have included African- • Celebrate the rich diversity that include American History month and Women’s age, race, gender, ability, History month celebrations. The F- personality, culture, national • Building 549 Diversity Café— EDT conducts an annual ticket raffl e origin, religious beliefs, sexual exploring different cultures through for the Army-sponsored Hawaiian orientation, veteran status, marital cinema; Luau, traditionally held on the Friday status, job classifi cation and other after the Spring Research Festival. personal and organizational • Cafeteria Diversity Display Case— The F-EDT plans to launch several characteristics bring to the exhibiting those items that initiatives in the coming months, workplace; represent the wonderful complexity including a Diversity website to of cultures coexisting at NCI- feature information about EDT • Create and maintain a work Frederick; and activities. In the next Poster issue, we environment that values differences will profi le the F-EDT members.
and similarities among all • The World Map. next to the employees and promotes Display Case in 549 Cafeteria—

The NCI-Frederick Poster 17 August 2003 Environment, Health, and Safety Program

A Case for Health fi xed. Rather, we follow a “nursing” primary care provider or specialist. Promotion in Our model: we see each of you as a part However, we do help identify Workplace of a greater whole—your work team, conditions, monitor some parameters, family unit, friendships, neighborhood, and provide options for seeking further An Editorial by Carol Tobias etc. We might ask about non-work care. We have a blood pressure clinic Is it responsible stewardship, good activities, safety behaviors, and to take and store readings, and because business, or just a nice thing to do? demographic-recognized risks because of the broad panel we negotiated for, Putting time, effort and money into they may be affecting your ability our periodic laboratory work-up does health promotion activities may not to do your job. We want you able to contain information that can be helpful appear to be a prudent use of the perform your entire job at the highest to other providers. We also believe in Occupational Health Services (OHS) functioning level possible. age-, lifestyle- and gender-appropriate budget. But at OHS, we think it is, and Maintaining a Healthy cancer screenings. That we would be we’re not alone. at the National Cancer Institute and A couple of years ago I attended the Workforce not screen for melanomas, colorectal, Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference Part of maintaining a healthy work breast, cervical, prostate and other on Occupational Medicine, where force is knowing the health risks of cancers whenever possible would Edward A. Emmett, MD, MS, spoke each age group: Accidental injuries be hypocritical. We also counsel about “Strategic Opportunities in youth; stress of balancing work you about ways to curb tobacco use, in Occupational Health,” such as and extended family in middle age; achieve weight loss, and improve health promotion in the work place. physical debilitations that develop fi tness. Dr. Emmett discussed reducing the with undiagnosed and untreated Occupational Health Services is impact of non-occupational injury chronic illness as the work force ages. dedicated to serving the NCI-Frederick and disease on the workplace by Promoting health includes knowing population by promoting a healthy advocating for control of chronic what to look for. lifestyle. Is it responsible stewardship, disease. By monitoring, educating, and good business or a nice thing to do? following employees, occupational Safety Training Yes. Can we do it all? No. We must health professionals can curb the loss OHS participates with the rest of cover all directly occupational services of quality of life and productivity EHS in a mandatory full day of safety fi rst. But when we evaluate your caused by diabetes, hypertension, and training for the high school students injured shoulder, we may well take hyperlipidemia. before they begin working here; your blood pressure, check that mole More recently, in a similar vein, despite that, year after year we treat on your back, and ask if you’re ready on May 13, 2003, at the American our newly oriented student population* to quit smoking. Industrial Hygiene Conference and for work-related accidents. All Exposition, John Howard, Director of workers must maintain vigilance in the * As of July 1, 2003, we had treated two the National Institute for Occupational laboratory at all times. students who started work here in June Safety and Health (NIOSH) spoke on – one had a chemical burn, one had an eye the growth of chronic diseases such Employee Assistance splash.
as obesity and diabetes, and how a Family and work stresses of focus on health promotion would adulthood are refl ected in both your help ensure the “workability” of emotional and physical health. the workforce. He also spoke about The Employee Assistance Program the overlap in disease causation and coordinator counsels employees the cost-effectiveness of combining and their family members or refers occupational health with aspects of them as needed. The nurses or nurse public health. practitioners often determine that What does this mean for NCI- physical symptoms are tied to stress, Frederick? OHS has a long history and work to resolve the underlying of caring for the employees, students cause as well as the chief complaint. and volunteers on campus and off-site. Chronic disease management is not We don’t see sick people as machines in the mandate of occupational health. with broken parts that need to be Our staff does not take the place of a

The NCI-Frederick Poster 18 August 2003 Environment, Health, and Safety Program

Everything You Want to • Only after you enter a crosswalk reasonable care and diligence to Know About Crosswalks with no vehicles in the immediate avoid injury, no matter who has (But Were Afraid to Ask) vicinity do you possess right-of- the right of way. way. You may not step into the It’s no secret that whether you’re path of an oncoming vehicle walking or driving, you’ll fi nd the simply because you have entered numerous roads on the NCI-Frederick the crosswalk. campus heavily traveled each day, • As a driver, you should come to a so that entering crosswalks can be stop when a pedestrian is crossing potentially dangerous. This article the roadway in a crosswalk. will provide guidelines on your • As a pedestrian, you must not responsibilities, whether pedestrian or suddenly leave a curb or other driver, in regard to crosswalks. place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle so close • Right-of-way does not relieve that it is impossible for the driver you from exercising due care. In to yield. other words, you must look both • Whether you are the pedestrian or For more information, call Protective ways before entering a crosswalk. the vehicle operator, you must use Services at 301-846-1091.

Diverse Donors Needed

Through the Research Donor Program (RDP), Occupational Health Services How do I sign up for the donor program? provides control blood samples to NCI-Frederick laboratories. As research Send a note with your name and controls, the samples should be representative of the American population contact information to request demographics. However, if you are a Caucasian or female, you are over- inclusion to “Donor Program, OHS, represented; every other group is under-represented. To close the gap, those Bldg 426,” or e-mail who are under-represented must want to have NCI-Frederick control samples [email protected]. The eligibility represent them. Although we do not recruit particular groups, we encourage all criteria are listed on the website. employees to consider joining the donor pool. How can I fi nd out more about the Male program? See the website above, or pick up a Female brochure for complete details. Caucasian Training classes are held periodically, African-American during which the program is explained and consent forms are fi lled out. Hispanic 2003 Participants can decline at any time Demographic USA Census Asian and are usually called every couple of NCI-F Research Donor Pool months. Other

020406080100What can the researcher fi nd out about Percent (%) me? The program is double-blind: you are Frequently Asked Questions: never told what laboratory or clinical study your blood is used for and the Am I paid for my discomfort and inconvenience if I donate? researchers do not know who donates YES! The pay scale increases with the volume you donate. Most donations pay the specimen (the laboratory receives $10, but if you are asked for more than one donation or more than 101 cc, you the specimen labeled with a number). will be paid more. Visit our website http://home.ncifcrf.gov/ehs/ehs.asp?id=14, or Privacy laws also protect any pick up a brochure at OHS. identifi able information.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 19 August 2003 Special Events

Take Your Child To Work Day

TYCTWD 2003 was held Wednesday, July 23rd. Children participated in 23 sponsored programs for which the children must register and a lot of won- derful Hub activities. Volunteers and Program Sponsors worked very hard to make this day a meaningful experience for employees of the NCI-Frederick and Fort Detrick and their children.

The NCI-Frederick Poster 20 August 2003 Special Events

Spring Research Festival May 14 & 15, 2003

The NCI-Frederick Poster 21 August 2003 Special Events

Spring Research Festival Cancer Biology ick, Inc., NCI-Frederick: Finding Biologi- Award Winners Thomas Sebastian, Regulation of Cell cal Themes in Microarray-derived Gene One of the only chances we have to survey Growth Laboratory, NCI-Frederick: Lists with EASE the varied cancer-related research that goes C/EBP β Is an Effector of Oncogenic Ras- Biochemistry on at NCI-Frederick is the annual Spring induced Cell Cycle Arrest Rowena Schokman, Toxinology Division, Research Festival. However, this year the Molecular Biology USAMRIID: Ebola VP40 Protein Interac- celebration has lingered long into summer Susan Lindtner, BRL, NCI-Frederick: tion with Membrane Lipids as the Conference Center has displayed Function of the RNA Transport Element Cancer Biology small groups of winning posters each (RTE) and Identifi cation of Cellular Bind- Alan Brooks, LEI, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., week. But just in case you’ve missed those ing Factors Possibly Participating in Export NCI-Frederick: The Proteasome Inhibi- poster displays or haven’t seen the web- Cancer Biology tor PS-341 Sensitizes Neoplastic Cells to site, here is a list of the winning posters. Karen R. Rulli, BRL, NCI-Frederick: TRAIL-mediated Apoptosis by Reducing Postdoctoral Category The Envelope Glycoprotein of Friend Levels of c-FLIP Gold Award Spleen Focus-Forming Virus Deregulates Virology Structural Biology and Chemistry Erythropoiesis by Activating a Truncated David Morcock, AIDS Vaccine Program, Kyeong Lee, Laboratory of Medicinal Met-Related Tyrosine Kinase SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick: Viral Chemistry (LMC), Center for Cancer Drug Development and Delivery Inactivation by Covalent Modifi cation of Research (CCR), NCI-Frederick: Tripep- Zhen-Dan Shi, Chang-Qing Wei, Yang Cysteines in HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Protein tide Inhibitors of Yersinia Protein-Tyrosine Gao, James Vasselli, Manchao Zhang, Silver Award Phosphatase as Potential Leads for Thera- Hongpeng Liu, Dajun Yang, Marston Diagnostics and Therapeutics peutic Development Against Plague Linehan and Terrence Burke, Jr. LMC, Steven J. Moon, GEO-CENTERS, Inc., Virology NCI-Frederick: Design of Non Phospho- Diagnostic Systems and Pathology Divi- Mathias Viard, Laboratory of Experimen- rus-Containing Grb2 SH2 Domain Bind- sions, USAMRIID: Detection of Viral tal and Computational Biology, NCI-Fred- ing Ligands that Exhibit High Affi nity in RNA from Paraffi n-embedded Tissues erick: A Proteomic Approach to the Study Cell-based Assays after Prolonged Formalin Fixation of HIV Entry Molecular Biology Molecular Biology Cancer Biology Fang Yuan, Quantitative Molecular A. Nichole Hoffman, Retroviral Patho- Ye Zhou, Laboratory of Molecular Im- Diagnostics Section, Retroviral Pathogen- genesis Laboratory, AIDS Vaccine munoregulation, NCI-Frederick: Activa- esis Laboratory, AIDS Vaccine Program, Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Fred- tion of Formylpeptide Receptor (FPR) in SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick: erick: Rapid, Ultrasensitive Plasma SIV Malignant Astrocytoma Cells Promotes Sensitive Highly Discriminant RT-PCR RNA Assay—How Low Can You Go? the Production of Vascular Endothelial Assay Method for Quantitative Analysis of Biochemistry Growth Factor (VEGF) Point Mutations in SIV Genome Colleen A. McHugh, Department of Cell Molecular Biology Diagnostics and Therapeutics Biology and Biochemistry, USAMRIID: Kelly A. Harrison, Basic Research Labora- Christopher Cote, Bacteriology Division, Folding of a Stable Sub-Domain of the tory (BRL), NCI-Frederick: Transcriptional USAMRIID: A Sensitive Fluorescence Ricin A Chain Regulation of Smarcf1, a Member of the Assay for the Quantitative Determination New Technology SWI/SNF Complex, During Adipogenesis of Spore Germination Inhibitory Activity Wei Gao, LIB, Clinical Services Program, Immunology of Antibodies to B. anthracis SAIC-Frederick, Inc.; and Laboratory of Jeremy Perkins, Laboratory of Experimen- Technicians Category Immunoregulation, National Institute of tal Immunobiology (LEI), NCI-Frederick: Gold Award Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National CpG Activation of Murine NK Cells Appar- Virology Institutes of Health: A Graphical Environ- ently Dependent upon Dendritic Cells Thomas Parks, Viral Epidemiology Sec- ment for the Analysis and Visualization of Silver Award tion, AIDS Vaccine Program, SAIC-Fred- Genome-Scale Datasets Virology erick, Inc., NCI-Frederick: A Real-Time Immunology Li Wu, HIV Drug Resistance Program, PCR-based Assay for the Detection of Matthew Morrow, Human Retrovirus NCI-Frederick: Variable Effi ciency of Retroviruses Section, BRL, CCR, NCI-Frederick: Spe- HIV-1 Transmission by Different DC New Technology cifi c Depletion of CD27+B220-Memory B Sign-Expressing Cell Lines Doug Hosack, Laboratory of Immuno- Cells in HIV-1 Infected Individuals pathogenesis and Bioinformatics (LIB), Clinical Services Program, SAIC-Freder-

The NCI-Frederick Poster 22 August 2003 Aikido - A Closer Look

continued from page 3 Vaccines and Gene Therapy a third-degree black belt, the last Since it is a throwing art, in practice, J.L. Meyers, Bacteriology Division, physical test in aikido. “After that, you throw someone four times and USAMRIID; CpG Oligonucleotide as an everything is based on how your they throw you four times. So there is Adjuvant Modulates the Immune Re- students do, more than how you do.” always this partnership.” sponse in BALB/c Mice to the Yersinia Following tradition, Aikido bestows He continues, “Aikido is for pestis F1-V Plague Vaccine teaching licenses, or menkyo. Like the everybody. My youngest student is 10 Student Category belts, menkyo have different levels: and my oldest student is 74.” Aikido Gold Award beginning, intermediate, and mastery- includes many women, Jack points Cancer Biology of-all-techniques. Jack’s teacher, out, “primarily because the focus is Halina Zakowicz, Gene Regulation Clyde Takaguchi, of Silver Spring, not on strength. Few other martial arts, Section, CCR, NCI-Frederick: Pdcd4: Maryland, has recommended him for other than those developed specifi cally A Novel Tumor Suppressor Protein that the fi rst level, Fuku Shidoin. for women, have such a high ratio of Interacts with eIF4A and eIF4G female practitioners,” he explains. Molecular Biology Frederick Classes “I recommend anybody who is Laura Ewing, USDA FDWSRU: Gene Having trained in Washington, DC, interested to come and watch a class, Expression Analysis of the Soybean Rust with Takaguchi Sensei, Jack knew because it is only by watching that you Fungus, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Using many members of the Frederick aikido can start to see what is happening. Then Real Time RT-PCR club, Capital Aikikai of Frederick. who knows, they may become addicted Developmental and Cell Biology When he began working here in 2001 to the movement like I was!”
Vera A. Voronina, Cancer and Develop- and became chief instructor of that mental Biology Laboratory, NCI-Freder- club, he chose to move it on base. Visit The Poster website (http:// ick: Conditional Inactivation of the Retinal Jack holds classes for on- and web.ncifcrf.gov/campus/publications/) Homeobox Gene Leads to Anophthalmia off-base personnel in the Fort to learn more about Silver Award Detrick Fitness Center, Monday • Why Dr. Simpson became New Technology and Wednesday, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., interested in aikido Noureen Khan, Laboratory of Com- and Friday, 6:30 to 8:00. He says, • What weapons are studied in parative Carcinogenesis, NCI-Frederick: “We have classes three days a week. aikido Quantitative Assessment with Reverse Our Friday night class is devoted to • How aikido differs from jujitsu Transcription—Polymerase Chain Reac- weapons and randori, or freestyle, any and tae kwon do tion Analysis Gene Profi ling to Identify attack and any defense. We usually • Why, initially, women may be Genes Controlling Cell Proliferation have between 10 and 15 people on the better than men at aikido Immunology mat each night. I think our roster is up • How the founder of aikido Trevor J Schmader, Toxinology Divi- to 25 students currently.” thought it could help resolve sion, USAMRIID: Characterization of Club members can also choose to world confl icts. Monoclonal Antibodies against Strepto- train at the main Dojo in Silver Spring coccal Pyrogenic Exotoxin A where classes are held seven days a For further information, also check out Cancer Biology week. these websites: Shannon Mort, Gene Regulation Section, Jack admits that initially training can http://www.contemplator.com/ BRL: Creating a Tet-regulated Dominant be painful. “When you are learning aikido/index.htm (Capital Aikikai of Negative Jun Expression Vector to Control how to fall and roll, it really does feel Frederick, MD) Tumor Promotion
like someone has taken a 2 x 4 and beaten you over the back with it. Just http://www.capitalaikikai.org (Capital coming to terms with how to roll and Aikikai of Silver Spring, MD) be comfortable on a mat is the hardest process for people to get over. http://www.aikidofaq.com/ Jack emphasizes that “In other introduction.html (General questions martial arts, you are trying to beat an and answers about aikido) opponent. In aikido, we are partners, two people who work to understand http://www.aikido.gaeta.org/ and do a technique. I would say it is gallery.html (Video of Dr. Simpson totally unique in terms of martial arts. demonstrating aikido moves).

The NCI-Frederick Poster 23 August 2003

The Poster Staff Job Openings

Executive Editor Paul Miller SAIC-Frederick, Inc. Associate Editor Ken Michaels Animal Caretaker I: positions require Research Associates (various Managing Editor completion of 8th grade or equivalent; laboratories): positions require BS Maritta Grau 1 year of previous work experience degree or equivalent plus 4 years of Production Editor and the ability to lift and carry up to related biomedical experience. Kathy Green 50 lbs. Lead Designer Clinical Research Associates (various Tammy Schroyer Photography Editors Research Technicians (various levels), Clinical Monitoring Research Jonathan Summers laboratories): positions require BS Program: positions require minimum Marti Welch degree or equivalent (4 years) related of BS degree (preferably in a scientifi c biomedical research experience. discipline, BSN, or pharmacy) and a Contributing Editors minimum of 2 years directly related Sr. Research Technicians (various experience overseeing multiple Administrative Resource Center laboratories): positions require BS concurrent clinical trials. Carrie Jennings degree or equivalent plus 2 years of Carolynne Fitzpatrick related biomedical experience. For a complete listing of all open Tanya Sappington positions, or to apply for posted Charles River Laboratories openings, please visit our website at: Cliff Hubbard http://saic.ncifcrf.gov Community Outreach Barbara Birnman Data Management Services Jim Racheff Environment, Health, and Safety Program Carol Ingraham-Tobias Facilities, Maintenance and Engineering Research and Training Opportunities Deborah Dobbe Please contact the individual contractor’s human resources representative Frederick Employee Diversity Team or go to the contractor’s Web site for up-to-date, detailed information and Scott Keimig job requirements. McKesson BioServices Patricia Hindes SAIC-Frederick, Inc. Charles River Laboratories Dave Bufter http://www.criver.com Science Today Steve Giardina Data Management Services Wilson Information Services http://css.ncifcrf.gov/about/dms.html Corporation Sue Wilson National Cancer Institute at Frederick Robin Meckley http://www.training.nih.gov/postdoctoral

Published four times a year by Scientifi c SAIC-Frederick, Inc. Publications, Graphics & Media for the http://saic.ncifcrf.gov National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702. Wilson Information Services Corporation http://web.ncifcrf.gov/ThePoster http://[email protected]

The National Cancer Institute

Frederick, MD 21702-1201 The National Cancer Institute WEB EXTRAS

Aikido - A Closer Look

Aikido: The Way of I get off the line of that attack, fi nd defense without physically damaging Harmony the source of that confl ict, and resolve one’s opponent, police offi cers, MPs, it? Many people now use aikido in and secret service agents use it, as A delightful aspect of our annual resolution confl ict in social work and well as other forms of martial arts. Spring Research Festival is that we things like that, just because of that “Performed properly, no permanent see not only the extraordinary research philosophy,” he explains. damage is ever done, another reason our scientists do, but we also glimpse Aikido Teaches You that it is different from other martial other paths they follow. A few years arts. And one of the more diffi cult ago, we were treated to scientists About Yourself aspects of it, with all of this negative performing the blues, showing their People study aikido to learn self- energy, all this aggression coming skills at scales other than laboratory defense, to exercise, to be comfortable at you, your goal is not only to ones. with their own body movement, and negate that attack but not to hurt the One of those who follow two even to develop spiritually, although person that is doing it. In tae kwon apparently different paths is Dr. Jack aikido is not a religion. Aikido can do or karate, I may punch someone Simpson, a scientist in the Protein help people with both confi dence and break their ribs. Yeah, we have Chemistry and concentration, to know their stopped the attack, but now we have Laboratory, SAIC- weaknesses and strengths, and to issues in terms of was too much force Frederick, Inc. In defend themselves. “A lot of how I used, did the situation say that I should June, he presented have changed has been confi dence in do that? In aikido I can immobilize at the Research myself. I used to get very apprehensive that person and not break anything.” Technology and freeze up on school exams, but Jack explains, “Aikido is all pain Program’s Staff once I started studying martial arts, I compliance, usually a pin where, Seminar, speaking would take fi ve to ten minutes before if they move, maybe their shoulder on “Nitrocellulose an exam to do breathing exercises. comes out of joint or their elbow Purifi cation of And my exam scores went right up, comes out of joint or their neck snaps. BIAcore® and because I was relaxed and I could So they don’t want to move because Serum Samples think.” moving would be more painful. for MALDI-TOF.” He continues, “Aikido teaches you Relatively speaking, the pins in aikido And earlier, at the about yourself: What you can do well, are easy for you, effective on your Spring Research what you need to work on, what you opponent, and there is no amount of Festival, we saw want to work on.” Often, a person’s physical exertion that you have to a more physical demeanor, normally unassuming, may have to do that. Aikido is not based on side as he and be much more fi erce “on the mat” in strength.” Jack says that most people his colleagues aikido. “That comes from inside, and don’t realize that learning to relax demonstrated the art of aikido. it takes a long time to understand how is a martial arts technique. You can Although science and martial arts to control and tap into it when you use it to calm yourself in almost any may seem very different, for Jack they want to. One of my students said I situation—taking exams, presenting merge almost seamlessly in his life. physically get bigger on the mat,” he seminars, responding to road rage on “Aikido is not a sport; it’s traditional says. the Beltway or to a family argument. Budo, or a martial way of life. My big The techniques limber the joints, Jack explains that “You can take challenge is to use aikido in my career, stretching tendons and ligaments yourself out of that, concentrate on to use it when I have questions from that have not been stretched before. your breathing, and come back to the a seminar, or verbal attacks. How can Because aikido can be used as self- center, and things work out.” Aikido - A Closer Look

The founder of Aikido believed his Japanese. “You are just starting at that track of the reason that you are in principles could be used to reconcile point, once you have your fi rst black martial arts: in my opinion, it is the the world’s problems. “You can now belt,” Jack says. journey and not where you want to get use that partnership or that concept of The fi nal, tenth-degree black belt to [that is important.]” taking an attack, physical or verbal, is usually reserved for the founders He adds that, realistically, achieving and move off the line of that, try to of the various systems of martial the fi rst-degree black belt may take as negate it and bring it to a conclusion arts. “In Asian culture, martial arts long as 10 years. “And that is the way where both people are satisfi ed.” were traditionally family systems, it should be for any real martial art,” Early Interest in so it would usually be a family name he says. “You hear about people who followed by Ryu, meaning ‘school’ get black belts in one or two years and, Martial Arts or ‘system.’ For instance, Daito Ryu, unless they train six days a week, 6-7 Even as a child, Jack was fascinated which aikido and hapkido stem from, hours a day, it is not real. For a student by Eastern mysticism as exemplifi ed is named after the Daito family. Aikido to progress, then at least 2 to 3 times a in the old television series, “Kung was at one point called Ueshiba Ryu week is pretty much what you need to Fu.” Later, when a car accident ended because Ueshiba Sensei founded do to progress at a good level. There his competitive swimming career in aikido,” Jack notes. has always been a mystique to going his senior year of college, he turned Following tradition, Aikido bestows back to Japan, Korea or China to train; to martial arts. In graduate school in teaching licenses, or menkyo. Like the in reality the leaders of a particular Texas, he earned his fi rst degree black belts, menkyo have different levels: martial art send their best instructors belt and a second-degree black belt in beginning, intermediate, and mastery- to other countries because they want to hapkido, a Korean art, and was chief of-all-techniques. Jack’s teacher, put their best face forward. So the real instructor at the Texas A&M Self- Clyde Takaguchi, of Silver Spring, masters are not only in Asia but all Defense Club. When he began his fi rst Maryland, has recommended him for over the world now. You have as good job (in Syracuse, New York), he found the fi rst level, Fuku Shidoin. an opportunity to train with really no hapkido school, so he amazing people in Washington, D.C., decided to observe an aikido as you do in Tokyo.” class. “I really became Martial arts also teach visualization, infatuated and amazed by a technique Jack says is critical for the the movement of aikido, traditional brick-breaking. “In jujitsu, which has been called we used to break two-inch concrete ‘moving Zen’,” he says. slabs. The preparation is complete In terms of testing and focus and visualization. You mentally taking rank exams, Jack see yourself breaking the bricks before began anew, removing the it happens, so that in your mind’s hapkido black belt and tying eye it has already happened and you on a new white belt. This have already completed that task November, he will test for successfully. In aikido, visualization third-degree black belt, the is also important, except that the last physical test in aikido. “After Having trained in Washington, DC, fi nal thing that you want to do is not that, everything is based on how your with Takaguchi Sensei, Jack knew known. In other words, in aikido, and students do, more than how you do.” many members of the more than 15- again this is true of real Budo, for you year-old Frederick aikido club, Capital to do the technique properly you can’t Earning the Black Belt Aikikai of Frederick. When he began be ‘there.’ You have to let go of self to Before a martial arts student can earn working here in 2001 and became allow the technique to happen. Much a black belt, he or she must usually chief instructor of that club, he chose martial arts training is to get rid of advance through several non-degree to move it on base. your ego, because if you think of ‘me’ “grades.” For instance, in tae kwon How long does it take to earn that doing something, ‘I’ have limitations: I do, students begin with the Tenth fi rst degree black belt? Jack replies am this tall, this heavy, and this strong. kyu and then progress to the First with a chuckle, “The more often they If I let go of ‘me,’ then anything can kyu, after which they begin to earn ask, the longer it takes.” Jack explains happen. And that is when it is real black belts, the fi rst of which is called that by focusing on the belt rather than cool and why you take it as a path a “beginning” belt, or shodan, in on the stages of learning, one “loses for a long time. When I fi rst started

The NCI-Frederick Poster Extras 2 August 2003 Aikido - A Closer Look in jujitsu, breaking a brick seemed like someone has taken a 2 x 4 and impossible. Physically, I couldn’t do beaten you over the back with it. it, but then when I did it, anything was Just coming to terms with how to possible. roll and be comfortable on a mat is “Once in college, just as I started the hardest process for people to get martial arts, I was a bartender and over.” a guy swung a pool cue at me. The Jack emphasizes that “In other martial art technique I used was to martial arts, you are trying to beat get out of the way; it went past me, an opponent. In aikido, we are and he fell down. That is the best partners, two people who work to martial art technique you can use; the understand and do a technique. I best block is to not be there when the would say it is totally unique in strike gets there, which is also again terms of martial arts. Since it is a the fi rst principle in aikido: get off the of cross if you just throw them on the throwing art, in practice, you throw line of any attack, because if you stay street or concrete. We recently bought someone four times and they throw on line, you are going to run into force $4,000 worth of mats for the club. I you four times. So there is always this versus force, speed versus speed.” get uniforms, or gi’s, at cost for the partnership.” students.” Jack adds that no other He continues, “Aikido is for Frederick Classes equipment is needed, just “a lot of everybody. My youngest student Jack notes that “Aikido does not have determination and patience!” is 10 and my oldest student is 74. I kata, or forms, where a person goes Club members can also choose to recommend anybody who is interested through movements of an imaginary train at the main Dojo in Silver Spring to come and watch a class, because it fi ght. Our movements are directed where classes are held seven days a is only by watching that you can start at throwing something, so you need week. to see what is happening. Then who to actually throw someone to feel knows, they may become addicted to how that happens. We do teach some Aikido and Women the movement like I was!”
kata with two traditional weapons, Women also participate in Jack’s the sword and Jo, a wooden staff classes. “Women are better at aikido that is measured from the ground to initially than men because women underneath your armpit.” On your don’t usually use strength as their fi rst Websites for further information: own, you can practice suburi, or sword option. If you are trying to be strong, cuts. “A hundred or so a day until your to force something in aikido, then you http://www.contemplator.com/ shoulder feels like it is going to fall are doing something wrong. There aikido/index.htm off!” Jack says with a laugh. really should not be any strength (Capital Aikikai of Frederick, MD) Jack holds classes for on- and involved in the techniques of aikido off-base personnel in the Fort and women tap into that a lot earlier http://www.capitalaikikai.org Detrick Fitness Center, Monday than men do. Men will automatically (Capital Aikikai of Silver Spring, MD) and Wednesday, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., try to force something. . . Few and Friday, 6:30 to 8:00. He says, other martial arts, other than those http://www.aikidofaq.com/ “We have classes three days a week. developed specifi cally for women, introduction.html Our Friday night class is devoted to have such a high ratio of female (General questions about aikido) weapons and randori, or freestyle, any practitioners. For instance, the study attack and any defense. We usually of naginata, a big, long, spear-like http://www.aikido.gaeta.org/ have between 10 and 15 people on the weapon used to knock people off gallery.html mat each night. I think our roster is up horses, was traditionally for women, (Video of Dr. Simpson demonstrating to 25 students currently.” because it was a last-resort weapon to aikido moves)
Both Jack and Takaguchi Sensei defend a household against Samurai run non-profi t clubs, collecting no warriors,” he explains. salary. “We do charge dues for full- Jack admits training can be painful, time adult students—$35 per month. initially. “When you are learning Those dues buy mats. People get kind how to fall and roll, it really does feel

The NCI-Frederick Poster Extras 3 August 2003