December 10 , 1991 Vol. XLIII No. 2S "Still U.S. Department of Health The Second and Human Services BeJt Thing About Payday" National lnsrirut~ of Health Recori A 'Lofiy Gripe Session' Improvements for NIH Future Are Focus of Town Meeting II
By Rich McManus
So chat future NIH may be better, present NIH," she said, justifying cown meetings as NIH endured a cold, hard look Nov. 25 when an ape political metaphor for democracy. NIH director Dr. Bernadine Healy convened "NIH should be policies at ics best." her second "rown meeting" in 2 months. Emphasizing that NIH "is nor about sci Participating in rhe proceedings were Sen. ence for i cs own sake, but about searching for Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) and Dr. James 0. cures for people who need them," Healy asked Mason, HHS assistant secretary for health, the panel, "How can we do better' How can who heard a panel of seven NIH authorities we hurry'" give a frank assessment of areas where rhe Her only caveat as she threw open the floor institutes coul
ANNIVERSARY establishment of specialized clinical research Classes for NIH Speakers Bureau (Continued from Page 1. ) centers, clinical cooperative groups and the Offered by Education Office still fighting within itself. Some of the battles community clinical oncology program, have The N IH Office of Education has developed are new- the country's role in Iraq- and some greatly expanded the number of patients who an NIH Speakers Bureau to provide an oppor of them are nor-civil righcs for Blacks and have derived rapid benefit from experimental tunity for scientists and ocher professionals co women. However in 1991, as in 1971, there therapeutic advances .. participate in efforts co attract students into remains one common, formidable enemy "Nevertheless chere are some who may be science. The bureau provides speakers to whose threat continues to cross all political, discouraged by what they perceive as schools in the metropolitan area; members are economic, environmental, gender and ethnic inordinately slow progress," said Calabresi. available to cover such topics as gene therapy, lines-cancer is now the nation's second lead "But chose of us who cared for patients at a animal development, cancer therapy, science as ing cause of death and is predicted co be time when a diagnosis of cancer was almost a career, arthriris, sickle cell disease, stress, number one by the turn of the century. The always synonymous with death greacly rejoice fitness, Lyme disease, and molecular genetics. war has not been won yet. in seeing our outpatient clinics filled with Although speakers can participate as often as "After two decades of intensified battle," increasing numbers of healthy survivors. they desire, in general they will not be asked said Dr. Paul Calabresi, chair of the National Today, more than 50 percent of patients with to present more than twice a year. Cancer Advisory Board, in introduccory cancer are cured." OE will sponsor a short course to instruct remarks, "considerable progress has been Dr. Frederick Becker, vice president for those less familiar with speaking in the class made, bur the struggle continues. Thus, at · research of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Cencer room. The first session will focus on this time, it is more appropriate that we tem at the University of Texas, said cancer presentations co high school students, per our celebrations with cautious optimism researchers can cake pride in their success, bur although many of the principles are also appli by observing the landmark and rededicating must always "remain aware of the remaining cable to students ac ocher levels. The course, our efforts until final victory is achieved." void" that will ulrimacely reveal che cure. "Introduction co Classroom Speaking," will A day-long symposium featuring six panel Becker, who moderated the symposium provide guidelines for the classroom, tips for discussions covering the most recent cancer panel on etiology and prevention, echoed successful presentations, modes of communica information on etiology and prevention, remarks by both Sullivan and Healy that peo tion, discussion of the role of demonstration molecular biology, immunology, radiology, ple cake an active inceresc in their own health. and laboratory experience, and information on protection of the host, and clinical advances, Earlier Healy had recalled a time when che science curriculum by grade level. In addi the program drew national scientists from as patients exercised lircle control over cheir tion, useful approaches will be demonstrated far away as Texas and Utah and was kicked off bodies, expecting and relying completely on by a teacher and students. The class will be with a congratulatory visit by HHS secretary medical professionals simply co cure any ail held Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. co noon in Bldg. Dr. Louis Sullivan. ments that arose. Encouragement of active 10, 11th floor solarium. To register for che "From cell biology to biological response participation by cancer patients in their own class or for more information on the bureau, modifiers co gene therapy," he said, "the treatment, she said, has shown significant call OE, 496-2427. D potential for dramatic, revolutionary advances improvements not only in cancer therapy bur in the way we treat cancer patients is occur also in medical advances at large. ring more rapidly than ever before, thanks co "Prevencion is cure," Becker said, agreeing biomedical research." that heightened public awareness has added a The NIH Record In addition, he said, obtaining and provid new djmension to health debate. "And knowl Published biweekly ar Bethesda, Md ., by rhe Editorial ing public information on such disease edge is prevention." Operations Branch, Division of Public lnformarion, for che avoidance measures as smoking cessation cam "We cannot afford to blink in our resolve," information of employees of the National Institutes of paigns and other preventive strategies has been Calabresi concluded. "We muse continue co Hcahh> D<.'parcmtnr of Healrh and Human Services, and as advantageous in saving lives. accracr and support bright young basic scien circulated to nonempluyccs by subscription only chrough tists and clinical investigators who will sustain the Government Priming Office. The content is reprintable "Simply put," he continued, "in the war v,drhom permission. Piccures may be available on requl>-Sr. the momentum in obtaining and translating against cancer, seep one is for the general pop Use of funds for printing chis periodical has been approved ulation to stay away from the war zone . .. My effectively the fundamental knowledge in the by the director of the Office of Management and Budget charge to you today is to continue to fighc the patient afflicted with cancer. Today in 1991 as throug h Scprembcr 30. 1992. good fight with greater intensity than ever we mark these milestones, we sincerely hope that we see the day when it will be no longer NIH Record Of/ice Correspondents: before." Bldg. 31, Room 2B-03 CC, Karen Riedel "Perhaps the most significant accomplish necessary co hold further commemorations of Phone 496-2125 DCRT. Anne P. Enright ment of the National Cancer Ace has been the the national ace of 1971." D FAX 402-1 485 DRG, N . Sue Meadows expeditious transfer of new scientific discov FIC, u:,uise Williams Ediror NCI. Patricia A. Newman eries from the research laboratory co the Theatre Group Holds Sixth Annual Holiday Program in Masur, Dec. 17 R ichar Research Teams Reveal Causes of Rare Blistering Skin Diseases Sy Lauren Ward STRUCTURAL DEFECTS LEADING TO DIFFERENT Separate, creative approaches by three FORMS OF EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA IEB) NIAMS-supported research teams have Skin Cross-section revealed why the skin disintegrates in a group Normal Abnormal of hereditary blistering diseases and how healthy skin remains intact. The results of one EB Simplex ceam are published in the Nov. 22 Science. EPIDERMIS defective "These combined studies unveil rhe molecu keratin filaments lar bases of a set of rare bur devastating diseases, epidermolysis bullosa, for which spe cific therapies can now be pursued," said Dr. BASEMENT Lawrence E. Shulman, NIAMS director. MEMBRANE:=== ==~-; v, Dominant The research teams are led by Dr. Ervin Dystrophic EB Epstein, San Francisco General Hospital, Uni ~ blister versi ry of California, San Francisco; Dr. Elaine DERMIS ~:: formation Fuchs, Howard Hughes Medical lnsticuce, defective University of Chicago; and Dr. Jouni Uitro, anchoring fibrils Jefferson lnscitute of Molecular Medicine in Philadelphia. Specifically, the three g roups have found ing that is either generalized or confined Up to 50,000 people in the United Scates genetic bases for cwo forms of epidermol ysis primarily co hands and feet. have some form of EB, according ro rhe Dys bullosa (EB). Epstein discovered chat defects In dominant dystrophic EB, scarring blis rrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research in two separate genes for fibrous skin proteins, ters form within the dermis. Blistering occurs Association of America (DEBRA). Epstein keratins, are linked co EB simplex in two fam on hands, elbows, knees, and feet. Wounding found his parienrs with EB t hrough DEBRA. ilies. Fuchs discovered defects in a human may also cake place in the mouth, digestive The studies by Epstein, Fuchs and U itto gene for keratin in patients with EB simplex trace, respirarory trace, and eyes, in addition and other ongoing work on keratins and type and provided laboratory evidence chat shows co other places. Vil collagen are a prelude co future explora how abnormal keratins, the products of dis Recessively inherited EB-in which prob tions in wound healing aod skin aging. Boch rupted genes, lead co skin fragilit y. lems with type VII collagen are also physiologic processes may involve changes in Keratins are the most abundant protein in implicated--causes blistering so severe that these structural molecules. A treatment pos cells of the outer layer of skin (epidermis). fingers and roes fuse, and repeated wounding sibility for EB and other wounds is the There, when properly formed, they construct associated with the disease commonly gives development of cultured grafts in which skin an internal, web-like network chat mechan rise co invasive skin cancers. Affected individ cells are generically altered and transplanted ically stabilizes epidermal cells, as shown by uals may face high coses for their daily back into patients. W ork is also rapidly Fuchs' work. intensive care, which routinely includes anti expanding on faccors chat may regulate skin Uitto's group discovered that dominant dys biotics, lotions, and bandages. cell gene expression and cell growth. 0 crophic epidermolysis bullosa (DDEB) in affected individuals is linked co the gene for type VII collagen. Type VU collagen is rhe major component of the anchori ng fibrils, which appear co stitch the epidermis to t he inner skin layer, rhe dermis. For JO years, clinicians have noted reduced or absent rype VII collagen in skin samples from patients with DDEB, srrongly suggesting chat its dis ruption leads co the disease's characteristic deep blistering. The three investigators linked EB to genes for these crucial structural proteins using a wealth of corroborative evidence achieved through recently available technologies in light and electron microscopy, immunofluorcs cent staining, cell culture, DNA sequencing, and generic linkage analysis. Results from these studies have exposed the structural net work of normal skin cells and revealed major cellular defects in individuals affected with The NIDCD recently held its 3rd anniversary lew,re, e111itled "Lang11age Deficits in Aphasia: A \Vindow these diseases. into the Mind," pm1!11ted by Dr. Sheila E. Bi11mstei11. dean of 1he college and professor of cognitive and li11- "This research will advance work on how g11istic sciences, Brown Univenity. Blum.stein (ucond from I) i.s greeted by (from l) D,·. ]11di1h Cooper. wounds heal and on what happens co the dep111y director. Division of Communication Sriences and Disorders; Dr. George Tavartkiladze, director, skin's srruccure as it ages," said Uirro. All-Union Research Cente,• for Audiology and Hearing Rehabilitation in Marrow; Dr. Ralph Nau11to11, ln EB simplex, nonscarring blisters form in director. Division of Co111m11nica1io11 Sciences a11d Disorders; and D,·. Jc1111es 8 . Snow. Jr., NIDCD the epidermis. Patients may experience blister- director. page 4 The Record December 10, 1991 AIDS DAY Jones reported chat sister projects to the (Continued from Page 1) NAMES quilt are under way worldwide, including villages in Central Africa, Surinam, million people, a figure that may triple, Healy Japan, Israel, Brazil, Moscow, Paris, London, said, in the next 8 years. Scotland, and in 50 cities in rhe U.S. "AlDS is a multifaceted and excremely com "We are still caught up in the consequences plex challenge," said Dr. Anth~ny S._Fauci, of our first fundamental misconception-that NIAID direccor and NIH associate director for AIDS is a disease of white, gay males," he AIDS research, who appeared via a pretaped said. ''The guile focuses people on our com video; he was in New York to receive an monalities, not our differences." award from the American Foundation for Jones, who is infecred with HIV,. said AIDS Research in honor of "his extraordinary America needs to understand AIDS m a global leadership and personal scientific contributions context. To chat end, the NAMES Projecr has co the AIDS effort." no poli rical agenda. lcs three goals are: to "It is critical that all parties involved in the illustrate the enormity of che crisis; reach out fight against AIDS fulfill their individual co chose with HIV with an offer of a positive responsibilities," said Fauci, who include~ and creative means of expression; and provide Corinne Vanchieri of NCI was recently pwented animal handlers, technicians, nurses, admm a "dear, powerful symbol of how people iscrators, maintenance workers and others as with the Rose Kushner Award for writing achieve should respond co a health crisis. important role players in the larger battle. ment in the field of breast cancer. Along with "The full resources of our society must be "There is an interdependence among all the coauthor Miriam Adams of Adams Associates, she brought to bear immediately to find a cure," various disciplines, all of which have a role was recognized by the American Medical Writer's Jones said. "The billions of dollars that were even if they are not formally considered AIDS Asiociation for the NCI brochure, Women in the committed so quickly co the war m the Per researchers," he said. Workplace: The Challenge of Breast Cancer. sian Gulf provide a startling conrrasc co the NIH shares the challenge of AIDS most The annual award for outstanding medical poverty of our nation's response co chis is directly in its basic and clinical biomedical writers who, through the print 11iedia, have 11mde a epidemic." . research, Fauci related; the groundwork for sig11ifica111 contt-ib11tion to the fight against Perhaps the toughest challenge of all was breast learning what we know about HIV was laid cancer. outlined by guest speaker Sallie Perryman of Jong before the virus itself was recognized. che New York Stace AIDS Institute. An HIV Acoustic Neuroma Is Topic "With AIDS research, we are sowing the positive woman who lose her husband to Of Consensus Conference seeds for future scientific advances that may AIDS, she asked, "What level of commitment have an effect on diseases cotally unrelated to are we willing to give to accept the challenge An NIH Consensus Development Con AIDS," he said. of AIDS--ic is a life or death decision. None ference on "Acoustic Neuroma" is being held A new era of increased international cooper of us can afford to sir on the sidelines and see ac Masur Auditorium, Bldg. 10 on Dec. ation is beginning, he added, as WHO and how it plays our." ll-13. The scheduled sessions are Dec. 11, developing nations join the war against a com Perryman said the challenge of AIDS . 8:30 a.m. co 5 p.m.; Dec. l2, 8 a.m. co mon enemy. provokes thoughts of single parents struggling 12:30 p.m. On Dec. 13, the consensus state Fauci said NIH could easily have with poverty and disease in wretched mner ment will be read at 8:30 a.m. followed by a approached AIDS solely as a scientific prob cities; unemployed drug addicts; prisoners . press conference at 12:30 p.m. lem, but has gone beyond rhat co consider with HIV; people who are afraid co seek medi Key questions co be addressed at the con such broader issues as access co clinical trials, cal help; suburban residents who feel i~mune ference are: community involvement, accelerated dmg from the epidemic; the thousands of children • What are acoustic neurornas and how are approval, and changes in health care delivery who will be orphaned by parents who die of they classified ? systems. AIDS· the phenomenon of "psychological gen • In whom should an acoustic neuroma be "Contrary co what our critics believe, we ocide,'" afflicting people who have given up suspected and what evaluation is indicated? have done tbis without sacrificing the integ hope and could care less about rh,emselves, • What are rhe rreatmenr options for peo rity of our science," he stated. much less a virus. ple with acoustic neuroma? Cleve Jones, founder of the NAMES Project "These are che obstacles we have before us," • What are possible adverse consequences Foundation who last spoke here at World she warned, "and they are only exacerbated by of treatment and the management options for AIDS Day 1989, bore a simple message-: HIV. each? "The sick are co be cared for and the dy,ng are "I have rhe faith," she concluded, "to • What are appropriate areas for future to be comforted with love and respect." believe we can overcome these obstacles. Ir research' Jones started the NAMES Project's mam will rake time to gee out of this mess, bur it The conference is sponsored by NlNDS, moth quilt 4 1/2 years ago in remembrance of rook time co gee us into ir." NIDCD, NCI and the NIH Office of Medical his best friend, Marvin Feldman. AIDS, said Perryman, is forcing Americans Applications of Research. D "l started the quilt (now grown to more co "struggle earnestly with our purpose and Research Subjects Wanted chan 14,000 panels) in my backyard in the our existence. le has already demanded more Castro district of San Francisco, which is the than we felt we could pay. Bur chis war is for Earn up co $230 for participating in a study gay district," he said. "I knew a great many humanity as a whole, not just AIDS." co determine drug preference. Subjects must of rhe first 1,000 people co die of AIDS in The somber observance, coordinated by the be male, between 2 l and 40 years old, righr San Francisco. " NIH Office of AIDS Research, included handed, in good health, and not active-duty The quilt was borne of "frustration and excerpts from the Academy Award-winning military. Requires three co four mornings a despair over our inability to communicate co film Common Threads-Stories from the Quilt, week for 10-15 minutes, between 8:30 and lO the world what was happening, chat we were and the film We're All In This Together. D a.m., for a total of 3 weeks. Call 295-0972 dying and no one was paying attention." for more information. D page 5 The Record December 10, 1991 NIH Relocation to Bethesda Fifty Years Ago Is Remembered Nostalgia was the theme of a celebration held on Nov. 23 at che Mary Woodard I.asker Center held to commemorate the move of rhe NIH campus to Bethesda between l938 and 194 1. "Celebrating Arrival in Bethesda" was cosponsored by the NIH Alumni Association (NIHAA) and the N!H Historical Office/De Witt Scecten, Jr. Museum of Medical Research. The reception and seminar were attended by more than 120 members, guests, and currenc NIH personnel. In conjunction with the meet ing, the Stetten Museum sponsored an exhibit and brochure entitled "Seveney Acres of Sci ence: Establishing the NIH Campus ac Bethesda, 1930- 194 I," which is located in Bldg. LO. ·'The face that so many people turned out to celebrate an event chat cook place 50 years ago is evidence of the interest people have in their government agencies, even into retirement years," said Dr. James T. Duff, chairman of the Washington chapter of NIHAA and a member of the planning committee for the meeting. Dr. Roy Hertz, an NIH scientist The planning committee for the Nov. 23 meeting included (Jeated, from l) Dr. Margaret Pittman, Dr. emeritus, summed up everyone's feelings when Harold L. Stewart; (Jtanding, from I) Dr. Joseph Leiter, Harriet Greenwald, Dr. Leon Jacobs, Dr. Lewis he said, "It's a delight co see everyone, old j. Sargent, Dr. Victoria A. Harden, and Dr. James T. Duff friends and colleagues, and ro celebrate this occas10n." the old custom obsolete. concentrated on the chemistry of rare sugars, Congresswoman Consrance A. Morella, rep Dr. Harold Stewart praised the "favorable while che medicinal chemist[)' group worked resentative of Maryland's eighch districc, in environment chat pervaded che NCI" when on developing antimalarial drugs and syn which NIH is located, entered congratulations Bldg. 6 was occupied in the fall of 1939. thesizing alternatives for natural opium for che anniversary into the Congressional Each sciencisr "worked individually on derivatives. "These were really happy days Reatrd. Speaking at the seminar, she noted research projects of his own design and pub we worked very hard, but we had fun. " that the 1992 NIH budget would exceed $9 lished independently," he stated. "But equally Except for the small extramural program billion, in sharp concrast co the $707,000 important, all consulted among themselves, supported by NCI, the NIH in 1941 was budget in 1940. "Keep up che good work," exchanged ideas, and helped one another." He entirely an intramural undertaking. Because of she cold che audience. "We are very, very also noted the establishment of the Journal of this, the alumni asked Dr. Carl Kupfer, NEI proud of you. You can count on Congress to the National Cancer Institute in 1940. "Prior co director and NIH acting deputy director for support what you are doing." che establishment of]N C I, our scientific intramural research, to conclude the seminar Following Morella's remarks, five NIH papers had appeared in a variety of publica with observations on "NIH Today and Tomor alumni who had participated in the move ro tions." The new journal, however, quickly row." Kupfer discussed the strategic plan Bethesda described NIH as it was in the late became "the medium of choice for our being developed for NIH and noted that 1930's and early 1940's. Dr. Margaret publications." "demography is driving much of our chink Pittman recalled chat when she arrived in Dr. Joseph Leiter emphasized che intimacy ing," since the population over the age of 1936, she was hired as a GS-9 at a salary of of NCI in 1938. Because he had nor yet com 55 will double within che next 50 years. One $3,200 a year. "The NIH was small when I pleted his Ph.D., Leicer first joined NCI as a goal will be "to make that life period as pro arrived-only 325 employees. I know this junior chemise. Despite the lowliness of his ductive and high quality as possible," he said, because I counted them while colJeccing funds position, he seated, "I was personally inter stressing prevencive medicine as the key. He for the Red Cross. The small size of the staff, viewed by the first director of the Cancer thanked the audience for the "rare pleasure" of however, fostered cross-fertilization of scien Institute, Dr. Carl Voegtlin. ·· Leiter also dis sharing "the exciremenc and uniqueness of tific ideas between departments." cussed the alarm generated at the first meeting NIH with such distinguished alumni." Dr. Leon Jacobs observed that not everyone of the National Cancer Advisory Board Dr. Joe Held, president of the NIH was happy with the move. "Noc all of us had (NCAB) by statistics that seemed to show a Alumni Association, stated chat the NIHAA cars, and if you tried to gee out to Bethesda twofold increase in lung cancer within the past "is very proud co have had an opportunity to on the streetcar and bus on Saturday afternoon two decades. Spurred by NCAB influence, be a part of chis celebration and to help orga co cake care of some amoebae cultures, it was Congress escablished a program co study the nize chis event." Dr. Victoria Harden, direcror pretty difficult," he said. As the staff of the effects of environmental haza.rds on Iung can of the NIH Hiscorical Office and DeWitt NIH grew in Bethesda, another tradition cer, hiring Leiter, four ocher experts, and Stetten, Jr. Museum of Medical Research, changed. After scientific seminars at che 25th 15 support staff for an appropriation of which cosponsored the seminar, commenced, and E Streets campus, Jacobs remembered, $50,000. "We greatly enjoyed planning this program everyone adjourned to che director's office for Dr. Lewis Sargent noted chat chemistry at with the alumni planning committee. Our tea and cookies. The larger Bethesda campus, NIH in the lace 1930's was divided into two office looks forward co working on additional with its audicorium and good cafeteria, made principal groups. Dr. Claude Hudson's group projects with more alumni in the future." 0 page 6 The Record December IO, 1991 FAREWELL me celebrate the 3 Lst anniversary of my 2 Lsc (Continued from Page I ) birthday." fee, the NIH Madrigal Singers sang softly in With his wife Joyce at his side, Raub said, the background. Among their tunes was the "What's been special co me has been the peo Harold Arlen lament, "The One That Goe ple of the NIH, hundreds of you. You have Away." Then a number of colleagues rose co always been cheerful and effective in helping pay tribute co a man who wanted no big fuss me do what's best for NIH. Thank you. It's at all, claiming he was "just a small-town boy been fun. God bless you, and long live the from Pennsylvania." NIH." "We all know chat Bill is, in face, larger Many in the crowd added their signatures than life," commenced NIAID director Dr. co a mememco given co Raub, an aerial photo Anthony S. Fauci, "and my colleagues insisted of NIH. R&W General Manager Randy chat 1-che shortest of the !CD directors- cell Schools also presented him y.,ith an NIH hat him chat. I guess somehow I make the point and T-shirt. A graduate of Wilkes College and the Uni more clearly. Deputy meets deputy as Raub greets Dr. Thomas "Particularly in che lase couple of years, he versity of Pennsylvania, where he obtained his Malone, who held the position of NIH deputy Ph.D. in physiology in 1965, William Fine has been something very, very special co the director from I 9 77 to 1986. !CD directors-a good friend and confidant. He's been a very good shrink when we came been a special person co all of us. He is always to his office needing intensive psychotherapy. there for you. He gives sincere advice, and has But the main feeling we have for him is true, been very special co the EEO network." sincere affection. " Master of ceremonies Storm Whaley, NIH associate director for communications, pre sented Raub with a packet of letters from chose who couldn't attend the farewell. He then led the NIH Supramural ("over the wall") Singers (for whom Raub had been a lyr icist at many happy occasions in the past) in a version of "Happy Birthday" as the lights in the room came up--ic was Raub's 52nd birthday. As the audience joined the singing, two NIH'ers bore a computer-printed screamer through the audience bidding Raub a happy birthday. 'Tm glad everybody agreed co keep this Dr. V(l il/iam F. Raub smiles at a large audience simple," quipped a clearly moved Raub. "I who gathered Nov. 25 in Wilson Hall to wish him never thought chis many people would help well in his new assignment at the White House. Raub comforts a woman whose expression rl!lleals Ji f' ront ~\Il of U. regret at his departure from NIH after 2 5 years. Fauci said Raub wouldn't hear of a gift acknowledging his skillful handling of NIH during his acting directorship. So Fauci and his fellow JCD directors, recognizing chat Raub always has cared about the homeless, decided co pool their gift money and write a check co Bethesda Cares, a nearby shelter. Fauci wrote a letter in the name of the direc tors and enclosed a check for $460 co the organization. Sue Ohaca, a member of the OD EEO advisory committee that Raub helped form recently, presented him with a gift and thanked him "for support and for nurturing the committee. Dr. Raub had the foresight co see the value of a diversified workforce," she said. "He understood chat the workplace is enriched by diversity. One coworker once said, 'Dr. Raub always saw the diamond in us where ochers only saw coal.' " Diane Armstrong, direcror of the Division Raub displays an NIH T-shirt and ball cap, gifts from the NIH R&W Association. Looking on are Mrs. of Equal Opportunity, said, "Dr. Raub has Raub and Storm Whaley, NIH associate director for communicatiom, Photos: Ernie Branson page 7 The Record D<:cembtr 10. 1991 Raub joined NIH on July 3, 1966, as a health scientist adminisrrat0r in the rhen Division of Research Facilities and Resources. After 2 years there, he rose ro acting chief of the Special Research Resources Branch, Division of Research Resources (now NCRR), where he spent 6 months. He remained within rhe divi sion for his nexr job as chief of the Biotechnology Resources Branch, a post he held from l969 co l975. In 1975, Raub moved ro the National Eye Insr1rure as associate director for extramural and collaborative programs. Says NEI director Dr. Carl Kupfer, "Dr. Raub personifies the outstanding science administrator who not only was committed to supporcing NIH's research effort, but also con tinued to carry out his own research projecr che PROPHET program, a computer system chat helps compare molecular srrucrures. lc's been very valuable to many researchers. " After more chan 3 years ac NEI, Raub became NIH associate director for extramural research and training. Five years into char assignment he was made NIH deputy director for extramural research and craining. In 1986 The Raubs are greeted by NIDR direcflJY Dr. Harald Liie at the farwe/1 gathering, which featured fine he became NIH depury direcror, a post he food and 1111mc. ones who are called upon tO rise above the NIDCD Sponsors Pollution Parley fray, if only momentarily, co cake the long view on behalf of their scientific colleagues On Dec. 16, NIDCD and the American and the institution as a whole. Even crises Academy of Owlaryngology- Head and Neck bring opportunities if we've thought enough Surgery will cosponsor a conference entirled about where we wane co go co seize che "The Impact of Pollution on the Upper Al i moment and make some seminal change." mentary and Respiratory Traces." Raub had won the Outstanding Perform Speakers include Dr. Antonia C. Novello, ance Award in che Senior Executive Service U.S. surgeon general, and Dr. Ken Sexton, every year but one since 1981 and won the director, Office of Health Research, EPA. Presidential Disting uished Rank Award in This national conference, which will bring 1987. together scienc ific experts from across che As Wilson Hall bulged with employees country in fields ranging from atmospheric pollution and environmental sciences co hear queueing up co say goodbye, one comment ing sciences and ocorhinolaryngology, will could be heard repeatedly. "He's a really good discuss the narure of pollutants and how they Shar·ing a laugh are Raub and Diane Armstrong, guy. " - Rich McManus dinctor of the Division of Equal Opportunity , affect the ears, nose, throat, and sinuses. Sci whom l?aub hired. entists ar the conference will also discuss che effects chat environmental pollucancs have on individuals ar different ages. This will be rhe continued co fill even while he was acting first rime such a wide range of experts will NIH director from August 1989 co April come together ro discuss these aspects of pol 199 I. lution. Dr. G . Richard Holt, presidenc-elecc J use chis year, Raub received the Special of che AAO-HNS, will cochair the meeting Recognition Award from rhe Association of with Dr. Ralph F. Nauncon, director of American Medical Colleges, and che Award for NIDCD's Division of Communication Sciences Distinguished Contribution to Research and Disorders. Administration from the Society of Research The conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. Administrators. co 4:30 p.m. in Masur Auditorium, Bldg. 10. During a speech ar che latter award cere For information concacc NIDCD, mony in Vancouver lase October, Raub shared 496-7243. □ his cen essential attributes for che research administrator of the future. "One reason co live until tomorrow is co keep dreaming about the tomorrows after Dr. J\111hony Fa1tci, NIAID director. said that as chat," he said, describing attribute number the shor/tft !CD director, he helped Raub loom nine. "Research administrators often are rhe "larger than life.·• page 8 The Record December 10, 1991 which is among the best in the world, and they come to do their life's work here. A problem arises because their work is frustrated by paperwork, rules and regulations that were never designed or tailored co the needs of this environment. "All institutions have this problem," he allowed. "But the bureaucratic hurdles here affect all aspects of how we do business. There are hoops we have to jump through for procurement Among the problems involved with being a Dr. Steven Rosenberg addresses his concerns to Mikulski. He is flanked by Dr. Richard Klausner(/) and government scientist, he said, were that "we D,:r. Ruth Kirschstein and Samuel Broder. are inhibited from participating in the interna tional research community (by crave! restrictions). Also, there is not a personnel TOWN MEETING for the following panel discussion and would system at NIH , but a byzantine collection of (Continued from Page 1) accept questions phoned in via fax machine. personnel systems. There are artificial FTE "We'll be fax friends," q uipped Mikulski. "Now that che Persian Gulf war is over, it's ceilings, and pointless categories and classifica NCI Surgery Branch chief Dr. Steven cime ro win che war for America's future," tions for employees. We need an integrated, Rosenberg, a 17-year veteran of NIH, opened said Mikulski, who was making her third free personnel system designed specifically for NIH visit since 1986. "If we work together, the testimony with a review of why NIH is we can win the war for America's furure just good and how it must be better. as we won the war in the desert." "NIH is a last resort for people with serious Calling herself "one of the biggest fans of diseases. But a serious problem confronts sen NIH," Mikulski said the agency is che "jewel ior scientists here. We're at a competitive in the crown" of rhe "corridor for the future" disadvancage with respect to academic institu that lies between Baltimore and Washington tions. We're losing many of our best senior and includes FDA, NASA, the National scientists, which is destroying che continuity Institute of Standards and Technology, and of our efforts. Those who leave are getting two NIH. co three times their federal salaries, they are "NIH plays a lifesaving role in the world's able ro accept honoraria, and they are eligible furure," she declared. 'Tm very proud co rep for tuition credit for their kids. The rules are resent you, and I'm going ro listen co those far, far more restrictive at NIH than ac other ideas chat support you and this facility." insricucions. She allowed char Congress can be an obsta "We are losing people at che most produc cle to NIH: "There's a disease-of-the-week tive times of their careers," he continued. "!e's mentality chat prevails sometimes. It gees the noc that we don't have enough (budget}--we headlines, but contributes little co NIH's bot have a great deal-bur in our current situation tom line." we just cannot compete with ocher academic Mikulski called for a clear sec of national institutions Healy moderated the discussion betwee11 audience goals, sustained funding, and a strategic Speaking next was Dr. Richard Klausner, and panel during the second toWll meeting in Mamr plan-all iniriarives supported already by who, in addition co being chief of NICHD's Auditorium. Healy. She added, "People should nor be Cell Biology and Metabolism Branch, is head penalized for working at NIH. I chink some of a cask force on the intramural research pro a biomedical research i nsti cur ion. times your peers ac Johns Hopkins are beccer gram appointed by Healy. "NIH is fragile," he continued. "It depends off than you are at NIH." "When examining the morale of intramural on che ability co retain and support the best Moderator Healy then observed rhac rhe scientists, you have to consider why they come people. Changes must occur for NIH to senaror "would play a skinny Oprah Winfrey" to NIH," he said. "They come for training, remain the international beacon of biomedical research." Next up was Dr. Stephen Epstein, chief of che Cardiology Branch, NHLBI, who dis cussed the impact of federal ethics laws on NIH. "These laws have seriously eroded our abil ity to attrace and retain the besc scientists," he said. "Junior and midlcvel scientists are dis couraged from coming here. Mose have large debts when they come, but are willing to forego larger salaries for the opportunity co work at the premier medical institution in the world. One inducement in the past has been the ability co accept modest honoraria. Travel D1·. Lynn Gerber (c), chief of the Clinical Center's department of rehabilitation medicine, tellr Mikulski to small towns, where chc doctors are hungry that the hospital is the heart of NIH and that the "heart is failing. " She is fla11ked by Horto11 and Dr. for the latest information, also used co be pos Stephen Epstei11. chief of NHLBI's Cardiology Branch. sible. The present law prohibits compensation page 9 The Record December 10, 1991 NCI director Dr. Samuel Broder said NIH's great strength is char "ir serves as a career development opportunity for young men and women co pursue careers in clinical invesciga rion, to learn the arc form of caking basic research to the bedside. We need to arrracr chose who still have fire in their belly co gee chi ngs done. Lacer on in their careers, these investigators can cake their insights outside NIH, but training remains our most impor tant resource. I'm afraid, though, rhat we've created an atmosphere where that's difficult co do." New recruits to NIH typically face debts of $100,000 co $120,000 from medical school, he said, a burden char "drives people out of clinical investigation. They can't endure the uncertainties involved with working here, so they go co private practice or indus c ry." Fi,·e fighter S111npte,· Embrey Ill addresm his ,·e,nark.J to the panel as a video c,-ew moves i11 to film. Holding Broder said the creative use of loan forgive the mic,-ophone is Tom Flavin, NIH special projects uf/icer, who coordinated com1111micatio11 to far-fl1111g NIH ness options would be worth exploring, such outposts. Phmos: Bill Branson as is done with NIAID AIDS investigators. He then offered the example of Dr. Eli for such acriviries. Bur rhese chings are rou Glarsrein, chief of NCI's Radiation Oncology cine at academic institutions. Branch, who is leaving NIH next March for "Scientists here will still do these (excracur an academic appointment in Dallas. ricular functions) without pay because it's "Eli has trained seven department chairs in crucial co science and improving healrh," he radiotherapy in che 15 years he has been with said. "Bue we are becoming second-class cit us," he said. izens. Ir disturbs me co see the impact on our Glacsrein's case underlines rwo issues junior and midlevel scientists. The honoraria NIH's importance as a training center and its ban strikes them as unfair and punitive-it weakness when it comes co reraining excellent doesn't exist in academia. people. "We're nor asking for special privileges," he In conclusion, Broder characterized training concluded. "We just don't want co be rreaced as "the stage of life when you recognize that as a penali zed underclass. " things aren't impossible-that's when things M ikulski commenced rhac Healy, as a fed can gee done." eral worker, probably "Jacks the managerial Miktilski showed skill al getting 10 the c,-ux of Rising from the audience, NIAID director facility of the director of Johns Hopkins." She issues on the minds of a panel of NIH a11thorities. Dr. Anthony S. Fauci told Mikulski that his then cargered Klausner: "What are some of insrirure's loan forgiveness program for AIDS the specific things that drive you crazy?" lored co biomedicine. researchers is a major factor in recruitment and Amid the Jaughrcr provoked by tht: ques Mikulski said the ban on honoraria firsc has been very successful. "If extended to che tion, Klausner shoe back, "You're talking occurred in Congress as a way of stopping resr of NIH, I chink it would have a major about work, right'" payoffs through che back door. As applied ro (Continued on Page 1. 0 ) The much-honored NICHD sciencisc reiter NIH, rhe regulations were co ace as a "fire ated chat "bureaucracy's requirements are wall" preventing grantee institutions from being served ahead of chose of science" and rewarding, surreptitiously, the g rant-givers. called for a more flexible personnel system cai- Objected Epstein, "NIH already had rules in place co exclude rhe receipt of honoraria by granters from grantees. NIH is rhe only aca demic group chat can't receive honoraria at scientific meetings." Added Rosenberg, "Ninety-eight percent of the scientists at NIH don't do any granting ac all, bur are still caught in the ban." Mikulski, a former social worker who dem onstrated skill ar gerring co the crux of marcers, asked, "What is consulting'" Rosenberg said ir somerimes comes in the form of collaborating with industry. Offered Epstein, "The supreme irony is char I can't go NIAID director Dr. l\111ho11y S. Fa11ci rose from to Howard University or Harvard and give the audience to testify that a loan fo,-giveness pro grand rounds, but l can go consult with a gram in place at his i11stit11te has been a major drug company. It's incongruous." Margaret Jemvold Jaid NIH has a big problem facto,· in allracting bright young scientists to NIH Snapped Mikulski, "Ir's more rhan with sexual harassment and diJcrimination, charges careen. incongruity. Ir jusr doesn't make sense. " she brought at the first town meeting laJt September. page 10 The Record December 10, 1991 (Continued from Page 9) positive impact on scientists of all biomedical research disciplines," he said. Dr. Lynn Gerber, who in addition co being chief of the Clinical Center's department of rehabilitation medicine also belongs co Klausner's task force, reported on che hospi tal's health. "The Clinical Center is a living laboratory," she said. "It's often called che heart of rhe intramural program. le secs che tempo for intramural research at NIH. Bue we are severely constrained by our physical plant. Pa11l Horton (c), director of the Division of Sp,m Management, reports on the declining infrastruct11re on Our flow hoods don't work properly, and the c,nnpm. Listening at·e Broder and Gerber. electrical syscem is poor. W e're working in a failing hean." capital improvement budget chat any mayor face, contributes co ic. We need more women Gerber admitted chat a great staff has per would have." in the cop ranks at NIH. There needs co be micced che CC co do excellent work and gain Lase of the panelists to report was NIGMS intolerance of d iscrimination, and meritorious accrediracion, bur said "even super people director Dr. Ruch Kirschscein, whom complaints (of harassment) should be seeded can't meet the severe challenges of space. We Mikulski summoned with a friendly, "Dr. rather than drawn out in court." can't transfer biomedical specimens or mail Ruch?" J ensvold asked Mikulski co support legisla down our hallways. A new hospital is needed. A veteran of 36 years ac NIH, half as an tion extending the window for filing an EEO We need che flexibility co respond co initia intramural scientist and half as an administra complaint from 90 co 180 days. "Harassmenc tives, co be able co turn on a dime. Hiring is tor, Kirschscein labeled the collaboracion and discrimination are gercing worse at NIH, also a problem- we need to In slighcl)' fractured English, he urged Healy Reaching Out to High School Students (whom he termed "the chief lady of the place") co "coordinate and integrate" various NCI Nurse Talks About AIDS Research, Clinical Trials programs for the betterment of NIH. The lase questioner was Sumpter Embrey Standing in from of a group of students III, an NIH fire fighter who cold Mikulski recently at Magruder High School in Rock chat the fire squad is overworked, underpaid ville, Md., Susan Sandelli spoke about AIDS and poorly quartered- the firehouse is almost research, how clinical trials are conducted and 40 years old and can't hold the expensive how the information gleaned from chem is equipment used co fight fires and answer used. emergencies. "These kids had already had presentations "We have the same retention problems for on the risk factors for AIDS and prevention the firemen as for the doctors," he said. "We methods," says Sandelli, a nurse research spe need support from Congress co increase pay cialist on NCI's pediatric oncology unit in the and reduce work hours. " Firemen at NIH typ Clinical Center. "Bue they don't know much ically put in 72-hour weeks, said Embrey. about research and clinical trials. The majority Ninety-six-hour weeks are not uncommon. were honor students in advanced biology "I support a locality pay increase of 8 per classes. They asked a lot of questions and were cent for all federal jobs," Mikulski cold interested in how we go about studying AIDS, Embrey, co loud applause. "I will talk with conducting trials, and using the results." Dr. Healy about these concerns." She was recently profiled in .. . Of lntemt, a At chat point, Healy approached the dimin newsletter for teachers published by the utive senator with an honorary lab coat for her Montgomery Education Connection and the co cake with her. Montgomery County Public Schools. The arti Sman Sande/Ii 'Tm always nervous when doctors wane co cle focused on her presentation co the senior give me a white coat," joked Mikulski. 'Tm science classes at Magruder. was ac N IH chat I gained pediatric oncology an old social worker and I know what a white Sandelli is pan of a multidisciplinary experience. It was also the first time 1 had coat means," she said, rolling her eyes. ''There research team chat includes specialises in medi been involved with HIV treatment. she goes." cine, nursing, social work, occupational and "Working as a member of this team is just physical therapy, pharmacology, and neuropsy g reat. We have a bunch of very committed chology who meet regularly for treatment people," she continues. "I especially enjoy planning. working with the patients and their families. "There are more than 200 kids in NCI pro It has been a good experience for me." tocols ranging from 3 months ro 20 years and A graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, older," she states. Sandelli not only speaks to local high school Sandelli serves as che contact person for new students but also addresses ocher organizations referrals co HIV protocols under NCI's Pedi on request. "I calk about different aspects of atric Branch. pediatric HIV disease. 1 recently (Nov. l 5) Joining NIH in May 1988, she began spoke co an audience of foster care parents and working on the 13 West pediatric unit. Prior foster care agency staff about HIV research," to coming here, she worked in adult oncology she says. "I tailor my ralks to the audience." for 16 years in VA hospitals in San Diego and If you would like Sandelli or another mem Chicago. ber of NCI's Pediatric Branch co speak at your "While I got lots of oncology experience school or organization, call 496-4256.-Anne working for the VA, " Sandelli emphasizes, "it Barber 0 Mik,dski beams with pride at mvning a new NIH lab coat, courtli.ly of Healy. Wrapping up the session, Mikulski empha sized chat "there can be no NIH without a strong, robust intramural program." She pledged to revisit the NIH reauthorization bill and said NIH could count on her co introduce legislation on cecruicmenc/recention, loan for giveness, prohibitions on honoraria, and infrascruccure needs. "I've learned a lot today about your needs and your willingness co do the job under cough circumstances," she said. "You are one sec of excellent troops in the battle for our future, and I intend co work with you, includ ing the 'chief lady of the NIH.' " Membm of the Order Sons of Italy in Anrerica recently visited the Children's Inn at NIH, where they Anyone with concerns not addressed by the pmented Mary Lou Andersen (c), chairman of the inn's board of directors, with a check for $10,000. They second cown meeting is invited by Healy co are {from I) Paul S. Polo, Salvatore D'Alli.lSandro, Albert J. Riccelli, Sr. , and Peter R. Zuzoio. Also on direct them co her in Bldg. 1, Rm. 126. 0 hand is Robert Gray ( r ), the inn's new executive director. page 12 The Record December 10, 199 I OD EEO Work Plan Approved The 1992 work plan for the OD EEO advisory committee was recently approved by NIH deputy director Dr. William Raub as one of his last official acts before departing NIH for chc White House. The plan calls for che committee co work toward increasing OD employees' understand ing of che Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program and Affirmative Employment Program plans, the EEO com plaints process, and che role of che OD EEO advisory committee. It will also request addi tional COTA (career opportunities training agreement) positions in OD and all of NIH. The committee's purpose is to advise the deputy director on the implementation and maintenance of the EEO/Affirmative Employment Program. Representatives hail Members of the OD equal emplo-yment app1Jrt1mity advisory committee include (seated, from /) Jayne from the Office of Communications, Office of Callahanhemon, NJH dep11ty director Dr. William F. Raub, Liz Pulliam. Standing are (fr(l1n I) Ann Science Policy and Legislation, Office of Dulaney, Molly Eng, OD EEO Officer Hilda Dixrm, Eugene Belt, Margaret Gordon, Joyce Roge,-s, Extramural Research, Office of Administra Chairman Sue Ohata, Cochair Annette Ou;ens-Sca,·boro, David Hubba,·d, and Prahlad Mathur. Nol shown tion, and Office of Equa.l Opportunity. are Judy Fouche, Anita Harris, Ana Kennedy and Peggy Skelton. The activities of che OD EEO advisory committee will continue to address and resolve Latex Allergic? Carpoolers Wanted issues central co improving the EEO profiles of minorities, women, and individuals with dis FDA/NIA.ID seeks volunteers who are A driver is seeking one or two nonsmoking abilities, thereby enhancing the quality of the allergic co lacex or rubber co participate in a carpool members to share che commute from work environment in order to retain these study involving blood donation and allergy the Springfield Mall/Franconia, Va., area to employees. 0 skin testing. Participants will be paid. Send the NIH main campus. W ork hours are writteo requests to Jackie Matthews, Bldg. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Leah Reusche, Leon Ellwein Joins NEI 29, Rm. 201 0 496-9801. □ Dr. Leon B. Ellwein recently returned to NIH to join NE! as a consultant ro che direc tor. Before coming ro NE!, he was professor and associate dean for research ac the Univer sity of Nebraska Medical Center for 8 years, and for l l years prior to that was senior tech nical advisor at Scienct: Applications Internacional Corporation. In 1966, Ellwein served as a systems planning and analysis officer at NCI before leaving NIH in 1972. In his new appointment, Ellwein will provide oversight and leadership in developing data sources concerning the excenc of the prob lem of eye diseases, evaluating clinical programs using quality-of-life endpoints, researching che technology creation and trans fer process, and utilizing health economics and health services research methodologies. He holds a Ph.D. in operations research from Stanford Universiry and a cercificare from che advanced management program at Harvard Business School. D Atkinson's Excellence Honored The National Business League of Montgom ery County has nominated NIH's procurement official Gladys Atkinson for its "W ho's Who in Black Procurement," and has given Atkin Camtruction of the playground at the Children's Inn at NIH is progreuing according to schedule with com son its Award of Excellence for her significant pletion expected this month. This sketch ilfustrates the finished playground, which will feature 3 7 different contribution co the minority business com active and panive play elements. The drawing was done by Tim Wilder, 17, a Jenior al Richard munity. She was honored recently at an award Motllgomery High School who is studying art at Albert Eimtein High School i,1 preparation for a career in breakfast in Rockville. D art and i!lJJJtration. page 13 ~Record December 10, 1991 Vener Joins NCI Grants Review Dr. Kirt J. Vener has been named chief of NCI's prevenrion, epidemiology and control review section in the Grants Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities. Before this appointmenr, he was a scientific review administrator with NIA.MS. This review section provides NCI with peer review of program project applications and RFA submissions relevanr co cancer control, epidemiology and prevention. A native of Michigan, Vener attended Wayne Stace University in Detroit where he received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees. After serving as instructor and assistant professor of biolog)' at Loyola University in Chicago, he returned co Wayne Stace University as a pro gram officer and later associate director for research and sponsored programs. In 1979 he R&\\1/ has something /rm for everyone, as demonstrated here several representatives to the R&W executive was derailed co the Digestive Diseases Division by co,mril and hoard of diYectorJ. R&W kicked off its an1111a/ membership drive 011 Dec. 2, during which 1992 of the then NIAMDD as special assistant. In memberships are sold at a discomued price of 011/y $4. l11divid11als who joi11 during the membership drive will 1981 he became program director for also receive a free gift, and will be eligible to wi11 011e of several prizes to be given away. Drive runs through the end ofJanuary. Purchase your 1992 membership at any R&W locati~ or call 496-4600. NIAMS Gives Merit Awards to Four Employees The NIAMS has named its 1991 Merit ing and coordinating an HHS report on Award winners. They are: Melvin L. Broadus, osteoporosis and subsequent activities related administrative officer; Dr. Joan A. McGowan, co this report." director, Bone Biology and Bone Diseases Pro lymn was congraculaced "for demonstrating gram; Dr. Richard W. Lymn, director, g reat commitment and energy in carrying our Muscle Biology Branch; and Constance D. numerous assignments and for his vigorous Raab, information officer. advocacy for grantees of the Muscle Biology Broadus was honored "for extraordinary Program." adminiscrarive talents and superior interperso Raab was recognized "for sustained superior nal skills during the escablishmenr of the performance in carrying ouc duties as director, NIAMS." Office of Scientific and Health Communica McGowan was cited "for her oucscanding tions, NIAMS." D energy, resourcefulness, and skills in identify- Dr. Kirt}. Vener esophageal, gastric and colonic diseases and coordinator of SBIR development in that same division. After a brief tenure as assiscant vice chancellor for research affairs at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, he returned to NIH as a scientific review administrator with NJAMS. A zoologist by training, he has published in the area of chronobiology and the impact of the time domain on animal and human srudies experimental design. He has also published two papers on SBIR NIH review results and one on the face of iastrumencacion requests on NIH grant applications. In off-dmy hours, Vener plays clarinet with the Rockville Concert Band and the Montgomery Village Community Band. He 011 hand far presentation of the 1991 Merit Awards at NJAMS are (seated, from I) imlitute director Dr. also has competed successfully in master's Lauwence Sh11!111an, a11d D,·. Joan McGowan. Standing are (from I) D,·. Richa,·d Lymn , Constance Raab, crack and field. D and Melvin Broadm. The Record page l4 December LO, 1991 Goldrosen Joins NCI Dr. Martin H . Goldrosen recenrly joined NCI as a scientific review administracor within the Granes Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities. He received a Ph.D. in medical science from McMaster University at Hamilton, Ontario, in 1975. While there he was associ aced with che host resistance program and received training in che field of tumor immunology. Upon graduation he joined the staff of Roswell Park Cancer lnsticuce (RPCI) as a can cer research scientist within the surgical oncology department. The research program chat he developed and received peer-reviewed funding for concribuced significantly co an ,,ftt 1'/.ittt¥Ml h ,•.S,rPNI•• ,mderscanding of che host immune response in t'{~'¼•M;tl l'. Mlr.,fl 'f '"'""..:,:.~. ~·.~ .. ~ ~...... - Dr. Ruth L. Kirschstei11 (r), NIGMS director. presents a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Marc \V. Kirschner, a professor of bil)(hemistry and biophysics at the University of California, San Francisco, who recently presented the annual N[GMS DeWitt Stetten, Jr. Lecture. Kirschner, who spoke about the biochemical machinery regulating the cell division cycle, ha1 been an NIGMS grantee for the la11 20 years. Also shown is Mrs. Jane Stetten, widow of the lecture's namesake. NIDDK, NHLBI To Cosponsor Workshop on Black Hypertension, Kidney Ills The NIDDK and NHLBI will cosponsor a perspectives on disease, molecular genetic scientific workshop on "The Biology of approaches co human hypertension, racial dif Kidney Disease and Hypertension in Blacks," ferences in ion transport in the kidney, insulin Dec. l l-13, at the Sheraton Washington resistance in hypertension, and what may be Hotel, Washington, D.C. The workshop will learned from renal disease networks and pre Dr. Martin H. Gold,·osen review current knowledge and encourage vious studies of ethnicity, hypercension, and research and cransspecialcy collaboration on renal disease. Panels on genetics, epidemiol kidney disease and hypertension in Blacks. ogy, and basic and clinical research will cancer paciencs and in expcrimenral animal Black Americans, who comprise just over develop recommendations for fucure studies. model systems. He joined the newly formed 12 percent of the United States population, For more information or to register, contact division of clinical immunology at RPCI in account for 29 percent of kidney failure Dr. Lawrence Agodoa, 496-7572, or Dr. John 1988. Goldroscn concinucd his research pro patients. According co NlDDK's U.S. Renal Kusek, 496-7133. D gram and was given additional responsibility Data Syscem, Black Americans are four times for the production of biological response modi more likely than whites to have kidney failure. fiers for patient therapy. A number of factors have been proposed co While at RPCl, he held an adjunct ap Weight Watchers Update be contributory co chis increased disease bur pointment as professor of experimental den in Blacks, including increased prevalence Registration for the next session of Weight pathology in the graduate division of che Seate and incidence races of hypercension and d iabe Watchers at NIH will held on Friday, Jan. University of New York at Buffalo. He caught be tes compared with whites. Not only are Blacks JO at noon in Bldg. 31, Rm. llA lO. Meet a i;raduace course in rumor immunobiology more likely to develop hypertension, but rhe ings will be held every Friday, beginning Jan. and craincd postdoctoral fc:.:llows, graduate stu disease develops earlier, is often more severe, 17, from noon until l p.m. for lO weeks. dents, and visiting scientists. D is more likely co be fatal at an earlier age, and Cose for che session is $120 for new members is responsible for greater disease consequences. (payable upon registration) and includes pro Fall Hay Fever Volunteers Needed For example, Blacks 20 to 44 years of age gram materials, weekly meetings, and musical have nearly 20 times the rate of end-stage enterrainmenc. Current W eight Wacchers FDA/NlAID seeks volunteers who have fall kidney failure and hypertension as whites. members or lifetimers who are over goal can hay fever sympcoms co participate in a study Dr. James 0. Mason, HHS assistant secre join ac a discounted race of $105. Special involving allergy skin testing. Parcicipancs tary for health, will speak on che health of foods are not required in order co parcicipate. will be paid. Send written requests co Jackie Black Americans during the opening session, Class size is limited co 30 people and registra Matthews, Bldg. 29, Rm. 201. 0 Wednesday evening, Dec. 11. Ocher presenta tion is on a first-come, first-served basis. For tions will address bioanthropological more information call R&W, 496-606 I. D page 15 The Record December 10, 1991 TRAINING TIPS Genome Lectures Continue 'Knowledge Is Power' Symposium The Human Genome Lecture Series con tinues this month with a presentation on "The An objective of the Black Employment Pro The NIH Training Center of the Division Genetic Mapping of Human Breast Cancer," gram and rhe Black employees advisory of Personnel Management offers the following Dec. 19 ar 11:30 a.m. in Lipsett Amphithea commircee (BEAC) is ro support and sponsor classes: ter, Bldg. 10. activities that assist Black employees in the employment setting. To accomplish this Co11rse1 and Programs Starting DateJ Lecturing will be Prof. Mary Claire King of the department of biomedical environmental objective, BEAC conduces informational and Management and Supervisory 496-6371 health science at the School of Public Health, awareness symposiums on the theme "Knowl ifanag~ment edge Is Power." Time 1/15 University of California, Berkeley. Voice for Success: 1'ower Comrnunicarion I/ 14 BEAC will sponsor four "Knowledge ls For more information, call Felecia Taylor or Managing Workforce Oiversicy: Skills for Power" employee workshops on the SF-17 1 Utilizing Differences Carol Dahl, 402-0838. D 1/22 and the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) Office Operations and Administrative Adolescent Subjects Needed evaluation method. The workshops will begin Systems Training 496-6211 The Clinical Neuroendocrinology Branch, with an overview given by a presenter and will Domesric Travel lf2 I NIMH, and the Developmental Endocrinology include small group practical sessions during .Basic Time and Arrendance 1130 which a facilitator will be able to work closely Foreign Travel Branch, NICHD, are conducting an out 1/8 with che participants who wish to improve the Delegated Acquisition Training Program I/ 13 patient evaluation study on depression in Property Management lnformacion Sysrem l/24 adolescents ages 11-16. Biological and psycho quality of their SF-171 or prepare the KSAs IMPACT Sysrem for Personnel Scaff 1/6, l/16 logical characteristics of depression will be for their present position or for a position the examined. The study does not involve drug employee wishes to obtain. All employees are Special Courses 496-6211 invited to attend. Break the Smoking Habit 1/ 14 creacment. A second group of healthy, non depressed adolescents also is needed co serve as Employees are encouraged to bring a copy Peno1111el Management 496-6211 a comparison group; primarily sought are of their SF-17 1 and the KSAs for their present KSA Methodology Training 1/24 chose over age 14 and Black girls between position or a position they wish co obtain. In Basic Position Class (enroll by 12/16) 2/7 order co estimate expecred attendance, Intro co Pers. Mgmt. (enroll by 1/10) 2/24 ages 14-16. All volunteers will be paid. For more information call 496-4319. D employees are requested to register for the ses Personal Compucer rraining is available through User sion chey wish co attend. Registration forms Resources Cenr 'Peer Review Trends' Available The Division of Research Grants has recently released DRG Peer Review Trends: Workload and Actions of ORG Study Sections, 1980-1990, the latest edition of this volume. It surveys the nature and quantity of applica tions reviewed by DRG study sections and the sections' recommendations on these applications. NIH policy has changed the review process during the lase decade, mandating percentiling of priority scores, for example. Approval rates and priority scores have also shown continuing The Extra111111·al Assoriates Pro?,ra111 board 111et recmt!y to U'eko111e ru•o new members- Or. Mary Ann Sestili changes during this period. These trends, along with many others, are discussed with ( 11,mdinx. r) aud Or. Mi/1011 J, Hemmulez (s1a ndi11?,, second f,-0111 I). Also 011 hand tl'ere ( sealed. from I I extensive graphic and tabular support. £AP dir-ef/or Or. Pm)' Tho111as . Office of Extra1111md Programs direclnr Dr. James 0D01111ell. Hea/Jh Copies of the volume are available from che Srimtifl Ad111111isll'a/01· De1,elop111em Progr,1111 direclnr Dr. On11ald M11rphy. S1,111di11J!, 11exl lo the 11e11'<'0111ers Me (jro111 /) DiviJion of Fi11a11cial M,magement director Dr. Leamon Lee. a11d NICHO di,·ector Dr. Duane Information Systems Branch, 496-7561. D Alexander. p:i~• 16 The Record U...cmbc,r 10. 1991 NIAID Joins D.C.'s Dunbar High in Science Education Partnership By James Hadley W hac does a high school with a rich cradi about sharing rheir knowledge and expertise cion have in common wich a biomedical w1ch students ... research inscicurion ar NIH' They boch strive • After an onentacion at Dunbar, wriccen for excellence and chey are parcners in .· . evaluations from scudencs mirrored chis educacion. - enthusiasm: "I am glad NIAID 1s a