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'People' Awards Featured HIGHLIGHTS Symposium Puts 'Gee' in Genome At NIEHS Ceremony Consortium Scientists Parse At the annual NIEHS awards ceremony, institute director Dr. Kenneth Olden Human Genome 'Book of Life' surprised several employees with new Sequence Published By Rich McManus " grass roots" awards unique to NIEHS­ here was a time when Feb. 12 was pretty much known Unsung Hero Awards for people whose solely as Lincoln's Birthday. But contributions may have previously been U.S. Delegate as of this year, you might as well overlooked, and Peer Awards, in which Visits Campus T start calling it G-Day as well-the day a people are nominated by fellow employees. decade of international toil led to announcement of simultaneous publica­ The Unsung Hero Awards are for behind• STEP Session To tion, in both Science and Nature, of the the-scenes contributions that might fall Explore Asthma near ly complete human genome: some between the cracks of traditional awards. Biology 3 billion copies of scattered A's, T's, G's For example, Dr. John Penta received his and C's that, since the authors imposed award for his income-producing commit· a freeze Oct. 7, 2000, for purposes of ment to technology transfer work at NIEHS pausing to digest what they've found, and as a frequent volunteer lecturer on resulted in a symposium in Masur cancer detection and a popular pianist at Auditorium that lasted more than 3 lunchtimes and institute events. hours, featured eight speakers, and updated the jam-packed crowd on Dr. Gary Boorman won his award for newfound principles of their own bringing issues of potential public concern NHGRI director Dr. human packaging, not to mention a Francis Collins emcees shared molecular past. symposium in Masur. SEE BOOK OF LIFE, PAGE 6 'Best Investment We Can Make' Congressional Delegate Discusses Healthcare, Education Issues at NLM

By Carla Garnett ealthcare reform and education top the agenda of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) this ses~io?, according H to Dr. Donna Christian-Christensen, U.S. Virgm Islands delegate to the House of Represen­ tatives and the first female physi­ cian to serve in Congress. Ruth McFarland, who provides free "The best investment we can make notary services, gets award from NIEHS in our future economy and in seeing director Dr. Kenneth Olden. U.S. 0cpartmcnt that we develop our full human to the institute's research agenda. Dr. John of Health and potential is in our healthcare and Pritchard's was not only for scientific Human Services education systems," she said. leadership but also for his 5-year chairman­ Welcoming Christian-Christensen i\:ational lnstitutcs 0 ship of an intramural committee on of I kalth on her first visit to NIH, Dr. promotions that developed fair, but Donald Lindberg, director of the rigorous, standards. March 6, 2001 National Library of Medicine, SEE PEOPLE AWARDS, PAGE 2 Vol. Lill, No. S Rep. Christian-Christensen SEE ELECTION REFORM, PAGE 4 PEOPLE AWARDS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 = Lab and branch chiefs nominate employees for Hero = ·,. awards, which are purely honorary. =, The Peer Awards, given for assistance to others, C-0 I • ,,. , , . , include $600 and awardees are nominated by fellow = ' employees, not supervisors. For example, Ruth McFarland, a notary public, has for many years ~ J _ provided that service free-of-charge to fellow NIGMS grantee employees. Richard Sloane won for his promotion Dr. K. Barry of recycling at NIEHS and at other facilities in Sharpless (above) Research Triangle Park, N.C. is one of six Beth Anderson won not only for activities improv­ recipients of the ing the institute but also for fostering collaborations Benjamin with the state of North Carolina in the aftermath of Franklin Medal. Hurricane Floyd. Valeria Shropshire won for He is a professor helping contract and regular employees throughout The winter 2001 class of the Extr;;mur.;I .\ssociates in the department Program recently visited with XlH .icw:g deputy the institute. of chemistry at director Dr. Yvonne Maddox /sec01.J ,;.o-n rl. EAs the Scripps Olden said the award winners are "nice to have on include {from l) Dr. Sylvia Smith a.f f.'wnh International Research Institute our team and contribute more than just the work University, Dr. Rachel Lindse') o ·· d· ·c.;go State Univer­ in La Jolla, Calif. they perform on the job." He said he hopes the sity and Dr. Reuben Wright of Pr,.•r.e ","it:l A&M He will receive the awards promote team efforts and show that the University. The class will be .it XIH: ~v11gh May 25. award, which is institute values interpersonal relationships. Ill administered NEl's Everett Gets Fellowship A.ward through the Video Preserves Memory of Burned School Franklin Institute Donald F. Everett, NEI prog:.1~ .:: -e-cror for A Virginia public elementary school that had been in Philadelphia, collaborative clinical researc.:i. :~:t" ed an honorary the setting of an NIMH video news release was for inventing fellowship award from rhe .\..-rn:::.i:-: Academy of methods that tragically lost to fire last fall, but the institute Optometry recently. He is c=:e · - t- four recipi­ provide exquisite recently presented a copy of film highlights to the ents in the history of rhe ac.i~-..:. ~ :e.::eive this control of the school as a memento. award. The academy honi..rs -c'~ t c~rs for their three-dimensional The National Institute of Mental Health filmed a outstanding contributions • , - .research. shapes of video news release to accompany last summer's Everett was recognized:", ~ "' -:1:1guished synthesized launch of the Child Mental Health Foundations and contributions to eye care a:.- .. :esearch." He molecules. Dr. Agencies Network (FAN} study, a report on the Judah Folkman is responsible for overseei;;; - -~:er clinical social and emotional readiness of children entering (below), an NCI trials and epidemiologic ,.-~-:..6 He "ias been a primary school. grantee, will also program director with ~L·s f.xI; -...;al and The FAN study revealed that the social and receive the medal Collaborative Program SLG.:e ?,,~\" 1 . D for his research on emotional skills of children entering kindergarten arresting tumor are as important for academic success as cognitive growth by skills such as knowing the ABC's and 1-2-3's. preventing the Furthermore, social and emotional school readiness N I H R f C 0 R a formation of new is critical for young children's early school success Published biweekly at &thesw. 1nons blood vessels. and may even set the stage for success later in life. Branch, Division of Public le· employees of the National !:a· ;~,~~:,"", of With the cooperation of the faculty and students at Health and Human Service<. r-...,. Dogwood Elementary School in Reston, Va., NIMH permission. Pictures may be =:a.;:;;iea:;::.,;=. was able to produce a video news release package priming this periodical has -~ - - i rhe that ran on 35 television stations and garnered Office of Managemem and l-::!. millions of viewers across the nation. NIH Record Office Unfortunately, Dogwood Elementary was de­ Bldg. 31, Rm. 2B03 stroyed by fire this past November. There were no injuries or loss of life; however, more than 500 Web address ~.hrm students and faculty were displaced, and the com­ http://www.nih.gov/n~,.~ ;:H munity of Reston was affected emotionally and Editor financially. In support of the students and staff, and Richard McManus as a token of appreciation, NIMH produced a [email protected] special video from last August's taping to preserve Assistant Editor memories of Dogwood for years to come. The Carla Garnett NIMH Office of Communications and Public [email protected] Liaison recently presented Dogwood Elementary U The Record is ret:)Colorado, the High Frequency Stimulation Excite or Inhibit Neural University of California at San Francisco, the Structures?" University of Minnesota and Columbia University. Tremor, a rhythmic, involuntary muscular contrac­ Registry scientists will seek out and classify tion characterized by to-and-fro movements of the medical and family history data for patients with body, is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease three major forms of alopecia areata: alopecia (PD) and is the principal areata (patchy scalp hair loss); alopecia totalis (100 feature of essential percent scalp hair loss); and alopecia universalis tremor. DBS- a tech­ (100 percent scalp and 100 percent body hair loss). nique that uses an Families with multiple affected members will be implanted electrode to especially helpful to further research studies. The deliver continuous high­ project will offer a future central information source frequency electrical where researchers can obtain statistical data associ­ stimulation to parts of ated with the disease. A web site is currently being the brain that control developed for the registry. movement such as the The registry will serve as a liaison between affected thalamus, globus pallidus families and investigators interested in studying this or subthalamic nucleus­ disorder. Scientists hope the registry will be useful in suppresses tremor. The locating the gene or genes associated with alopecia technique also relieves areata. It will also link patients with other research­ other symptoms of PD Dr. Alim-Louis Benabid ers studying the cause or treatment of this disease. such as bradykinesia and Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, one in rigidity. which the body's natural defense system attacks Unlike ablative surgery-which had long been one healthy cells. In alopecia areata, the target of the of the treatments of choice for these disorders-DBS attack is the hair follicle. It affects both males and does not destroy brain tissue and is thus less risky. females of all races, and often begins in childhood. In addition, the benefits of DBS appear to be long­ There is no known permanent cure. lasting. There is now evidence that DBS may also Patient enrollment for the registry is projected to slow progression of PD. begin in fall 2001. Ii) Benabid was the first person to use DBS-initially developed to treat pain- in patients with tremor and PD. Now scientists are applying it to a variety of APAO Seeks Award Nominations by Mar. 20 disorders including other movement disorders and epilepsy. The NIH Asian/Pacific American Organization (APAO) seeks nomina­ The Shy visiting professorship was established in tions from employees for its 2001 Outstanding Achievements and 1971 to honor the memory of Dr. G. Milton Shy, Merit Scholarship Awards. Recipients will be honored in the evening who developed the NINDS intramural program and program of the annual Asian/Pacific Americans Heritage Program in became the institute's first clinical director and first May. The award categories are as follows: For significant accom­ chief of its Medical Neurology Branch. Three plishments in advancing NIH/IC's EEO goals; for significant accom­ institutions-NIH, Columbia University and the plishments in scientific research; for significant accomplishments in University of Pennsylvania- on which Shy had a administrative work; a merit scholarship of $1,000 to an outstanding great impact take turns selecting the Shy professor college-bound student who is a son/daughter of an NIH employee. who then visits all three institutions in the year of Nominations are open to all employees. For instructions on how to selection. Benabid is the first neurosurgeon to apply, visit the APAO home page at http://www.recgov.org/r&w/apao/ receive this honor. index.hon or go directly to the awards site: http://www.recgov.org/ Benabid also presented a talk on the "Current and r&w/apao/awards.htm or contact Dr. Aftab A. Ansari, fax 402-2406, Future Applications of High Frequency Deep Brain email [email protected]. Nominations for the awards should be Stimulation to Functional Neurosurgery" at NINDS sent to him as well; closing date is Mar. 20. Recipients will be notified clinical grand rounds during his visit - Shannon in the third week of April. Garnett El ELECTION REFORM, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Rep. Donna spoke briefly about NLM's contribution to the NIH Christian­ Strategic Plan to Reduce Health Disparities, a Christensen (l) is document developed with input from each institute greeted by and center. NLM's contribution to the multi-year Cassandra Allen, strategy includes technological innovations in health past member information dissemination such as the user-friendly and chair of web sites clinicaltrials.gov and medlineplus.gov. NLM's Diversity NLM had invited the congresswoman to speak in Council. PHOTOS: KARLTON observance of Black History Month. JACKSON "One of things that has pleased me most as I've disproportionately with such life-threatening been serving in this position for the past year is the ailments as cardiovascular disease, several cancers way the organizations of the agency have really and AIDS. In addition, the mental health field is rallied around the importance of minority health plagued by disparities in availability and access to issues, particularly health disparities," said Dr. minorities. Yvonne Maddox, NIH acting deputy director since Noting that the United States-"the world's only January 2000. She recalled seeing Christian­ remaining superpower"-is the only industrialized Christensen-among several other members of the nation that does not provide healthcare to all its CBC- speak on the floor of the House in late citizens, she said the CBC is proud to be called November just before the healthcare fairness unofficially "the conscience of the Congress" and legislation was passed to create NIH's National has made such universal coverage a top priority on Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. its agenda. "It's so appropriate and so timely that we have Dr. "It becomes our challenge-NLM, who holds the Christian-Christensen here to speak to us for Black information; NIH, who conducts the research; our History Month," Maddox said. "I'm delighted to community partners, who advocate on behalf of those they serve; and ours, the legislators entrusted Assembled for join Dr. Lindberg in welcoming her to NIH." A third-term Democrat, Christian-Christensen with the power-co use the information to create NLM's black chairs the CBC's health brain trust, which oversees policy and advance change," she said. "This brings history lecture and advocates minority health issues both nationally us back to the power of the vote and where do we on Feb. 15 are and internationally. Although this was her first trip go from here ... We are convinced that the 'empower­ (from l) NLM to NIH's campus, she recalled that she has been ment approach' is the way to health and well-being Deputy Director interacting with the agency on a number of issues for us in the new millennium." Kent Smith, over the years, the "crowning achievement" being Christian-Christensen said another primary CBC NIH acting the culmination of a 2-year effort to create the new goal is co see that all citizens have equal access to the deputy director center. voting booth for the next election. Election reform, Dr. Yvonne "In this, the Information Age, data has become as she contended, can help solve myriad other societal Maddox, NLM precious as gold," she noted. "Here we are in the ills, including health disparities. "This particular year our focus is on election EEO Officer largest repository of biomedical information in the world and we want to commend the National reform," she said, referring to difficulties reported David Nash, Library of Medicine-and the National Institutes of during the recent presidential election. "That may guest speaker Health-for making these resources available to seem to be very far away from the issues we want to Christian­ millions of people around the world. But in many discuss here, but it's not that far away at all. Politics Christensen and instances, it's not the technological information, but and elections determine whether you will have the NLM director very basic information that is the critical need as we resources to get your job done." Dr. Donald try to chart a course of wellness for this nation, Other major CBC initiatives for the 107th Con­ Lindberg. especially with regard to communities of color. That gress include increased investment in training makes the work you do minority healthcare providers and additional day after day so very emphasis on mental health issues, she said. valuable to us, whether "We must reshape, rebuild and recreate the entire we're in education, in healthcare landscape in many of our communities," research, in practice or in she concluded, noting that it will be tougher to politics and policy." change education and healthcare than to address Christian-Christensen election reform. "We in the Congressional Black acknowledged that life Caucus applaud and thank the Library of Medicine. expectancy gaps between I hope that my being here today begins a new and majority and minority broader dialogue and collaboration that will even citizens have widened and further advance the health and quality of life of the that communities of color people that we in Congress and you here at NIH continue to suffer serve." Iii Knee, Hip Injuries in Youth Increase Biology of Asthma Explored, Mar. 15 Risk of OA Later A STEP Science and the Public Health event titled Knee and hip injuries in adolescents and young "Breathless in Bethesda: The Biology of Asthma," adults have been linked to osteoarthritis (OA) in will be held Thursday, Mar. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. in those joints later in life, according to an article in a the Natcher Conference Center's main auditorium. recent issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. Have you or a family member been diagnosed with The Johns Hopkins Precursors Study, conducted asthma? The incidence of asthma is skyrocketing as over a 46-year period, was designed to identify the the number of Americans diagnosed has doubled in body's predictors of the aging process. The study, the last 15 years. Even more disturbing is that the funded by the National Institute on Aging with number of deaths from asthma has doubled in the investigator support by NIAMS, found that partici­ last two decades, and children are the most suscep­ pants with a history of athletic or traumatic injury tible to this disease. The STEP event will discuss to the knee joint before age 22 had a higher rate of possible causes, the latest research, treatment subsequent knee OA. In addition, knee and hip options and prevention. injuries during followup, in the participants' mid The speakers include Dr. Floyd J. Malveaux, thirties, were also related to future knee and hip OA. president for health affairs, Howard University, who Dr. Allan Gelber of Johns Hopkins was the lead is also moderator; Dr. Thomas A. Platts-Mills, author on the paper. He and his colleagues recom­ professor of medicine, University of Virginia mend that physicians who treat young patients with Medical Center; and Dr. Robert P. Schleimer, athletic or traumatic injuries include stabilizing the professor, Asthma and Allergy Center, Johns joint with braces, and temporarily reducing high­ Hopkins University. impact exercise to minimize further damage of the STEP training events are provided for the benefit of injured joint as part of the treatment regimen. In NIH employees. This one may be viewed on http:// addition, they advise physicians to advocate use of videocast.nih.gov/. For reasonable accommodation proper sports equipment under safe conditions to (a week in advance), or for more information, prevent joint injuries from occurring and decrease contact the STEP program office at 435-2769. Iii the long-term risk of OA disease later in life. OA or degenerative joint disease mostly affects the Five Appointed to NIGMS Advisory Council cartilage, which is the "padding" between two Five new members were recently named to the National Advisory bones. It is the most common type of arthritis and a General Medical Sciences Council. They are: leading cause of disability, especially among older Dr. Douglas A. Lauffenburger, professor of bioengineering and chemical people. Over 20 million Americans have OA. Iii engineering, codirector of the division of bioengineering and environmen­ New Booklet on Sjogren's Syndrome tal health, and director of the biotechnology process engineer­ A new, comprehensive booklet on Sjogren's syn­ ing center at the Massachusetts drome for the public and patients is now available Institute of Technology; his from the National Institute of Arthritis and Muscu­ research focuses on studies of loskeletal and Skin Diseases. Sjogren's syndrome is cell signaling, cell movement and an autoimmune disease in which the immune system cell growth. targets moisture-producing glands and causes Dr. Eaton E. Lattman, profes­ dryness in the mouth and eyes. Other parts of the sor and chair of the department body can be affected as well such as skin, joints, j of biophysics at Johns Hopkins muscles and the nervous system. Sjogren's syndrome NIGMS director Dr. Marvin Cassman (r) University, whose research welcomes five new council members can be either primary, when it occurs on its own, or interests include studies of (from l) Drs. Dottglas A . Lau ffen burger, secondary, when it occurs with another disease, such Eaton E. Lattman, Susan S. Taylor, protein structure and the design as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Experts believe 1 Debra A. Schwinn and George C. Hill. of anti-sickling agents. million to 4 million people in the United States have Dr. Susan S. Taylor, professor Sjogren's syndrome. in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Questions and Answers About Sjogren's Syndrome California, San Diego, in La Jolla, where she also serves as a Howard includes information about symptoms, diagnosis, the Hughes Medical Institute investigator. types of doctors to see, treatment and ongoing Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, professor in the departments of anesthesiology, research. The 36-page booklet was prepared by a pharmacology/cancer biology, and surgery at Duke University Medical medical writer and reviewed by 11 medical experts, Center, where she also serves as director of the molecular pharmacology as well as the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation. To laboratory in the department of anesthesiology. read it, visit http://www.nih.gov/niams/healthinfo/ Dr. George C. Hill, professor in the department of microbiology in the sjogrens.htm or order a free copy by calling 877-22- School of Medicine at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, where he NIAMS. Iii also serves as vice president for sponsored research and director of international health programs. El BOOK OF LIFE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 "What a day of celebration this is," enthused Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute and a leader of the international collaboration that produced the Nature paper. "This is the kind of occasion where one day you'll be able to tell your grandkids that you were in the auditorium on Feb. 12, 2001, to celebrate the first reading of the book of life." Indeed the room's atmosphere was electric, as fire marshals struggled to find the few seats that re­ mained almost a half hour before the symposium began. There were big, hearty greetings down front as members of the seven-country, 20- Watson (r) accepts a CD-ROM containing the human institution public consortium discovered genome sequence from Collins at the symposium held at one another. There were enough NIH's Masur Auditorium. beards, ponytails and thoughtful spectacles to comprise a Bob Dylan tour we have here is a purely scientific symposium." as a sense filled the auditorium that its But before the talks could turn dense with terms happy chatter is exactly what the like "GC content," "eutherian radiation" and leading edge of a breaking wave sounds "isochore bins," there was literal rock 'n' roll: Dr. like. It was genome rock 'n' roll, with Eric Green, a leading NHGRI sequencing scientist, Collins as the exhausted but still game prepared a slide show with music that annotated the impresario. Adding further to the history of the Human Genome Project, with many charged atmosphere were stagehands amusing asides. The soundtrack included the theme roaming about with walkie-talkies, from Hollywood's weirdly apt messages thrown onto the Mission Impossible projection screen by computers in test series, as well as Kool mode (Information-Source is not and the Gang's anthem Dr. James Watson present) and vaguely ominous microphone leakage "Celebrate." into the public address system: "You don't really The audience also want to do that, do you?" exclaimed a disembodied heard from Crick via male voice at one videotape from his point. There was a ~1 .laboratory at the Salk whole lotta DNA in the Institute; his serious 5- minute address PHOTOS: BILL room, and 99.9 percent ~ ,;t BRANSON of it was buzzing to the ,,,-1,. concluded, "I can only same vibe. hope that these Collins insisted that remarkable .. Dr. Eric Lander powers. .. will lead to the event was a • celebration of people, more good than evil." Crick's tone contrasted as in humanity, and ~ sharply with that of Watson, who appeared in pointed out that in a ' person in Masur and delivered several outre obser­ slide of the Nature vations. He cheerfully derided the "bad guys" who cover-once it could be .,. had opposed the Human Genome Project, congratu­ projected right-side Dr. Aristides Patrinos lated himself on having coopted other opponents, up-were tiny human but turned grave about the subject of the hunt: faces in the DNA helix, including' those "if you look "There was no doubt that we would succeed ... the real hard" of Drs. James Watson and Francis Crick, only thing about competition is that you've got to whose discovery of the double helix in 1953 effec­ take care not to lose, and we didn't lose." tively launched the field of genomic investigation. Collins presented the Nobel Prize winner with a The publication gala, Collins continued, "is really CD-ROM of the human genome sequence, hoping about all of us-it's our shared inheritance." He that one more honor among the many Watson has said the event "is much more substantive than the earned in his lifetime would not languish, "like so June announcement" at the White House, where much junk DNA" in Watson's basement. "Our representatives of both public and private sequenc­ thanks to you," Collins concluded, "in the warmest ing initiatives met to announce their verging on a possible way." final draft of the human genome. "That event was Then the science warmed up in a hurry. Dr. more a marking of the odometer turning over. What Robert Waterston of the Washington University Women with Premature Ovarian Failure Needed Genome Sequencing Center explained ~etails of the Researchers at NICHD are recruiting women who mapping and sequencing e_ffort. Dr. E_nc Lander, the have premature ovarian failure-formerly known as ebullient leader of the Whitehead lnstitute for premature menopause-to determine if r~storing Genome Research, gave an impassioned interpreta­ tion of our "very lumpy testosterone will help prevent osteoporos1s. According to Dr. Lawrence M. Nelson, head of genome," describing it NIH To M ark as having "very NICHD's unit on gynecologic endocrinology, the women will receive testosterone in addition to the Women's different neighbor­ History Mont h hoods," and noting that combination of replacement hormones (estrogen and progestin) prescribed for women wi~h prem~ture the genome is both "a Mark your fossil record that one is ovarian failure. The testosterone will be delivered calendar for the able to interpret" as through a patch worn on the sk!n. ".~.fany wo!11en NIH Women's well as a still-life who experience premature ovarian failure don t History Month realize how important it is to replace the hormones epidemiological cohort Observance on study. that the ovary no longer provides," he said. "We're Thursday, Mar. 15 testing a new method to improve replacing these Lander said that while at 11:30 a.m. in ovarian hormones." 1 to 1 ½ percent of the Conf. Rm. F, Dr. Robert Waterston genome appears Women who volunteer for the study will have the Natcher Bldg. dedicated to actual genes, as determined by expres­ opportunity to come to NIH to be_ evalu_ated by a The program team of experts in premature ovarian failure. ~he sion levels and evolutionary homology to known features #Cel­ genes in other species, the so-called "junk DNA" or evaluation will be provided at no charge, and, m ebrat ing Women most cases, patients will be reimbursed for their what he called "dark matter" could include "many of Courage and more genes that we are yet unaware of." He said travel expenses. . . . Vision- A Panel For information on how to participate m the study, some 250 genes aren't of human linea~e at all, bu_t Discussion, H and were derived from bacteria. "There will be surpnses potential volunteers with premature ovaria~ fa!l­ a slide show quiz galore to find when the mouse, rat, pufferfish, and ure-as well as women with normally funct1omng with prizes. For ovaries-between the ages of 18 and 42 may contact other genomes are sequenced and compared to the more information human," he said. Vien Vanderhoof by calling toll free at (877) 206- or reasonable Ill "Never in our lives 0911. accommodation, have any of us worked call 402-3663. with so many talented, Dr. Stephen P. James is the new deputy director of NIDDK's Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition wonderful people," (DDN). As a leader in the field of inflammatory bowel Lander observed. He disease (IBD) research and a longstanding NIDDK showed a color slide of grantee, he brings a vast knowledge in basic and clinical planet Earth and said, investigation of GT diseases as well as expertise in grant "That's the only way to proposal, review and management to the po~i~i~n. He properly credit our will coordinate DDN's gastroenterology actw1t1es and work... This is a spec­ lead a long-term initiative to tacular example of what develop new research mechanisms happens when we all to better understand, treat and work together. We've prevent both forms of IBD, Jim Kent of UC-Santa Cruz gbot a l~ng wady to go, d ulcerative colitis and Crohn's ut we ve ma ea goo disease. He will help create start here so far." clinical trials and clinical research Other speakers on the program included Dr. David networks in digestive diseases and Altshuler of the Whitehead Institute, Dr. Barbara develop research programs in Trask of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, celiac disease, Barrett's esopha­ Dr. Mark Adams of Celera Genomics, Dr. Aristides gus, food-borne illness and GI Patrinos of the Department of Energy, and Jim Kent motility disorders. James will of the University of California at Santa Cruz, whose also conduct clinical research in GI immunology and team has developed a web browser scientists can use IBD at the Clinical Center. For the past 10 years, he has to investigate the human genome on t~e lnter?et. directed the division ofgastroenterology at the Univer­ The symposium was the leadoff event ma senes that sity of Maryland's School of Medicine and studied the continues for the next few months. For more role of T cells in human mucosa/ immunity. Before information about future talks, visit http:// joining the Maryland staff, he spent the period from_ www.nhgri.nih.gov/CONF/. Ill 1982 to 1991 investigating human mucosa/ immunity for NIAID. L -·-

CSR's Patricia Straat Retires NIDCR Mourns Special Expert Barmes Dr. Patricia Straat has retired from the Center for Dr. David Edward Barmes, special expert for Scientific Review, where she was a special assistant international health, Office of International Health, in the Office of the Director. Many who know her NIDCR died Jan. 13 while vacationing with his from her 21 years at NIH may be surprised by her family ;t Manyana, New South Wales, Australia. retirement, because she has never been the retiring He was 69. type. Straat has rapidly advanced to successes in 111 NIDCR recruited Barmes academic, industry and government careers. ~ in 1996 to help refine its Working under a PHS predoctoral fellow­ global research agenda and ship, she earned a Ph.D. in biology and develop strategies for biochemistry from Johns Hopkins University addressing research ques­ in 1964. She spent the next 6 years at tions that require global Hopkins, first as a PHS postdoctoral fellow approaches. Most recently, and then as an assistant professor. Her fields his work focused on building of interest there were broad, spanning the international networks for areas of enzymology, nitrogen metabolism, research on noma, craniofa­ electron transport systems, molecular biology cial anomalies, fluoride and and biophysics. Dr. David Barmes health disparities. Prior to In 1970, Straat moved to Biospherics, Inc., joining the institute, he had where she was senior research biochemist a long career with the World Health Organization. and later director of research services. Her A native of Australia, Barmes graduated from St. most memorable experiences were related to Joseph's Nudgee College in 1948 and in 1953 the 1976 Viking mission to Mars. She was earned a B.D.Sc. at the University of Queensland. coinvestigator of the labeled release (LR) life After more than 2 years with the Queensland detection experiment and a member of the department of health and home affairs, he was Dr. Patricia Straat Viking biology flight team. Following the mission, appointed dental officer in the then territory of she was principal investigator in a study to interpret Papua New Guinea. During this period, he the resulting data, which were consistent with a performed extensive baseline epidemiology and was biological response. Since the recent report of awarded the D.D.Sc. degree from the University of possible liquid water on Mars, NASA has renewed Queensland. He also established a school for its interest in the LR experimental results. dental technicians that later added curricula for Straat joined NIH in 1980 as a grants associate dentists. The school eventuall y became the dental and soon became head of planning and coordination school at the University of Papua New Guinea. for the National Toxicology Program at NIEHS. In In 1967, he was recruited to the secretariat of the her third year, she became the scientific review WHO in Geneva as dental epidemiologist. In administrator of the molecular and cellular biophys­ 1973, he was promoted to chief of the Oral Health ics study section at the Division of Research Grants Programme. In both roles, he led the development (now CSR). In 1986, she became chief of the of a series of oral epidemiological manuals for data referral section and deputy chief for referral in gathering that set the standard globally and DRG's Referral and Review Branch; in 1996, she provided the foundation for a global databank. was named acting deputy chief for review. Straat Barmes led two WHO international collaborative moved to the CSR Office of the Director in 1997 as studies of oral health systems-one involving 11 special assistant, developing policy statements, countries and another involving seven countries. analyzing review data, developing the CSR Intranet Those studies provided common methodological and Internet web sites, producing Peer Review strategies to assess oral health delivery and set the Notes, and coordinating other CSR and NIH tone for today's efforts to build networks of projects. researchers across countries and across scientific Straat believes she had "an exciting, enjoyable disciplines. At WHO, he served on many planning career." But she will not be looking back. She is and program committees in areas outside oral looking "forward to a new life in 2001 packed with health. activities." She plans to enjoy friends, finish writing He is survived by his wife Rosemary and their five two books (one on the LR experiment) and advance children, Catherine, Jane, Mark, David and her interests in photography, horseback riding and Elizabeth; his sons and daughters-in-law, Terence, riding to hounds ("fox chasing"). With a 10-acre Gillian, and Suzanna; and seven grandchildren. farm three horses, three dogs, a donkey and a cat, Expressions of sympathy may take the form of she i; certain to have a retirement full of activity.­ contributions to: Friends of the National Institute Don Luckett Iii of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 1555 Con­ necticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036. Zimmerman Retires from CSR Dr. Eugene Zimmerman has retired from the Center There was nothing stale about his old job. He was for Scientific Review as scientific review administra­ still excited to be working with a wonderful group tor of the allergy and immunology study section of of scientists to find the most promising research the immunological sciences integrated review group . applications and nurture new researchers. CSR He has 26 years of federal service, but his commit­ staff, his study section members and the extramural ment and connections co NIH extend back 35 years. community shared the feeling. Before receiving his Ph.D. in microbiology at the Dr. Donald Schneider, director of the CSR Division University of Maryland in 1968, Zimmerman spent of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms, summed up a year as a technician their sentiments: Zimmerman has been "wonder­ in an NIH laboratory fully helpful, scientifically knowledgeable and studying respiratory delightful to work with." viruses. This experi­ In assessing his 35-year career, Zimmerman notes ence sparked an chat there still is no cure for the common cold. The interest in virology and great advances in technology have been no match Memorial conquering the com­ for the multivariant viruses that cause colds. He is Service for mon cold. He later nonetheless hopeful. One of his former study Roger Cole worked for two NCI section members has identified a key cell receptor intramural research that cold-causing rhinoviruses use to infect cells. Dr. Roger Cole, contractors-Micro­ One day a grant application could bear a plan for chief of the biological Associates using such research to develop the elusive "magic Laboratory of and Litton Bionetics­ bullet." In any case, Zimmerman is proud to have Microbiology, as assistant project been part of a process that includes such possibili­ NIAID, during the director and senior ties.-Don Luckett Ill 1960's and early Dr. Eugene Zimmennan scientist. During this 1970's, who 6-year period, he conducted early research on the retired in 1981, died on Feb. 12. relationship between retroviruses and cancer, the use ~ QT Computer Classes of the simian model for studying leukemia, and the Friends, relatives use of interferon as an immune system modulator. All courses are on the NIH campus and are given and colleagues are Zimmerman eventually became interested in doing without charge. For more information call 594- welcome to more to address the broad scientific challenges to 6248 or consult the training program's home page at attend a memorial preventing disease. In 1976, he jumped at an http://training.cit.nih.gov. service in his opportunity to join the NIH Grants Associate Hands-on Web Animation 3/8 honor at River Program, which groomed promising scientists for Disaster Recovery 3/8 Road Unitarian careers in managing NIH research programs. He Creating Presentations with PowerPoint 2000 3/8 Church, 6301 River soon became assistant program director for carcino­ Data Warehouse Query: Travel 3/8 Rd., Bethesda, on genesis at NCI. In 1979, he began managing WildPackets: Getting Started with EtherPeek 3/8-9 Saturday, Mar. 10 contract reviews as executive secretary for NCI's Introduction to Java Programming 3/9 at2 p.m. Introduction to Image Processing I 3/12-23 cause and prevention scientific review committee. WIG - World Wide Web Interest Group 3/13 During the next 2 years, he also supported the Introduction to the Helix Systems 3/13 review of large program-project grants and became Getting Started with Knowledge Management 3/13 fascinated with the review process. Because of the Data Warehouse Query: Property Management 3/13 skills he developed, he was recruited to be executive Basic Security for Unix Workstations 3/14 secretary of the allergy and immunology study Data Warehouse Query: Budget & Finance 3/14 section at CSR's predecessor (the Division of Analyzing cDNA Microarray Images using Research Grants). T he challenge of working in a P-SCAN and F-SCAN 3/15 new field was invigorating, and he greatly enjoyed Web Security - Avoid Being Zapped on the recruiting and working with the best researchers in Internet 3/15 Introduction to HTML 3/16 the field. Creating Presentations with PowerPoint 2000 3/19 Eight years later, Zimmerman accepted new Relational Database Overview 3/20 challenges at NIAID's Division of Allergy, Immunol­ Getting Started with GCG 3/20 ogy and Transplantation. H e served as special Budget Tracking 3/20 assistant to the DAIT director before becoming chief Data Warehouse Analyze: Budget & Finance 3/20 of the allergic mechanisms section. MATLAB 5 - Matrix Laboratory 3/20-22 Despite the rewards of managing an important The ABC's of ABC/M (Activity-Based research portfolio, Zimmerman was drawn back to Costing and Management) 3/21 the allergy and immunology study section in 1996. CSR's Branche Retires After 42 Years in Government By Don Luckett many of his efforts in 1989 with an NIH Merit Colleagues from far and wide gathered in Wilson Award "for superior resourcefulness in fostering Hall recently to honor Dr. William C. Branche, Jr., improved relationships with the extramural research on the occasion of his retirement from the Center for community and within the NIH." Scientific Review after 42 Beyond his study section, Branche will be remem- years of federal service. bered for his countless contributions to the NIH He had been scientific Extramural Associates Program, which encourages review administrator women's colleges and institutions with predomi- (SRA) of the bacteriology nantly underrepresented minority student enroll- and mycology 2 study ments to increase their participation in NIH-funded section in the infectious research. He served on the EA advisory board for a diseases and microbiology number of years and eventually became its chair- Renewal of integrated review group man. He conceived a development and training NIH Parking since its inception in grant program to help institutions targeted by the Permits 1979. Past and present EA program, and voluntarily managed the ad hoc members of his study committee that reviewed applications. In addition, NIH General section applauded as Dr. Branche has mentored and lectured faculty members Parking Permits Ellie Ehrenfeld, CSR , . . and administrators who participated in the EA for campus director, praised Branche Dr. W,llzam C. Branche, Jr. residency program at NIH and in related confer- employees w hose for his 21 years of dedication to NIH and its ences and workshops. Because of his abiding last names begin mission. Current study section members then interest in the success of the program, he has offered with E, F and G celebrated his career with cutting-edge presentations to be an unofficial advisor/consultant. w ill expire on the of their research data. Branche also received Branche also has been an active member of the last day of March personal words of appreciation from Dr. Ruth American Society for Microbiology. He served on 2001. In order to Kirschstein, NIH acting director. its ad hoc committee for minority microbiologists, obtain a new Branche began his career at Walter Reed Army and for many years he has served on ASM's member- permit, an Medical Center in 1958 as a virologist in the ship, manpower and underrepresented minorities employee must department of bacterial diseases. While there, he committees. Branche's commitment to helping visit the NIH earned a master's degree in bacteriology from others also has extended to his community. H e has Parking Office in George Washington University and a Ph.D. in coached boys and girls' soccer teams, judged local Bldg. 31, Rm. bacteriology from Catholic University. He became high school science fairs and served as president of B3804. Hours are chief of the gastroenteritis study section and then the board of directors of the Pointer Ridge Swim 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 chief of the Neisseria meningitidis serology section. and Racquet Club in Bowie, Md., for 12 years. In p.m., Monday He eventually was promoted to chief of the Infec- addition, he has served as a member of the board of through Friday. tious Disease Service Laboratory. Four years later, directors of Queen Anne's School in Upper Remember to allergies forced him from the laboratory he loved, Marlboro for 6 years. bring a valid NIH and he joined the Walter Reed Army Institute of Branche plans an active retirement. He will be identification card, Research headquarters as a health scientist adminis- teaching at Prince George's Community College, driver's license trator. During his 20-year tenure at Walter Reed, he where he feels he can do much to help nursing and vehicle published many articles on Escherichia coli, Shigella students get ahead. He also plans to keep fit by registration flexneri, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and meningococcal learning how to play golf and continuing to play certificate. For infections. tennis, swim and go bird-watching. Ill more information, As SRA of the bacteriology and mycology 2 study call 496-5685. section, Branche garnered respect from his col­ leagues for his expertise, commitment to science and Wednesday Afternoon Lectures good nature. Dr. Anne Morris Hooke of Miami The Wednesday Afternoon Lecture series-held on University of Ohio spoke for many when she said, its namesake day at 3 p.m. in Masur Auditorium, "Working with Bill and the members of the BM2 Bldg. 10-features Dr. Clifford Tabin on Mar. 14, was by far the most enjoyable study section experi­ who will speak on "Signals Patterning the Verte­ ence I have had... He is an inspiration to all scien­ brate Embryo." He is professor of genetics, tists, young or old, black, white and brindle. He Harvard Medical School. kept himself abreast of the technical aspects of our On Mar. 21, Dr. Tyler Jacks, professor of biology discipline by spending time each year- at his own and HHMI associate investigator, MIT Center for expense-in someone's lab, he gave of himself as a Cancer Research, will lecture on "Modeling mentor on the personal level and as a community Cancer in the Mouse." volunteer in countless activities, he welcomed For more information or for reasonable accom­ newcomers with open arms and made us all mem­ modation, call Hilda Madine, 594-5595. bers of the BM2 family." He was recognized for NCl's Percy Retires After 30 Years Female Constance Lebair Percy recently announced her At last year's annual IARC meeting in Thailand, Volunteers plans for retirement after 30 years of public service Percy announced the publication of ICD-O-3, the Needed at NCI. She is an internationally known expert in third revision of international coding standard for The Behavioral cancer classification and nomenclature. cancer cases. The United States began coding cases Endocrinology Before coming to NCI, she spent more than 20 using this standard on Jan. 1, 2001. Branch, NIMH, is years at the American Cancer Society, where, A living legend in the development of worldwide seeking female starting in 1947, she worked as a health statistician standards for cancer classification systems, Percy has volunteers ages specializing in cancer nomenclature and classifica­ received several awards and honors, including the 18-55 to partici­ tion. A pioneer in cancer classification, Percy began most distinguished member of the National Cancer pate in studies of her career after receiving a B.S. in chemistry (1936) Registry Association award (1994), the North the effects of from Cornell University and an M.S. in public health American Association of Central Cancer Registries' menstrual cycle (1937) from Columbia Calum Muir Memorial award for outstanding hormones on University. contribution in the field of cancer registration brain and Sent to Memorial (1997), and two Public Health Service awards for behavior. Volun­ Hospital (Sloan superior service. She has also been an honorary teers must have Kettering) by ACS to help member of IARC since 1993. Over 40 papers on regular menstrual set up a cancer registry, topics such as cancer registration, classification and cycles with no Percy also helped prepare nomenclature of neoplasm, accuracy of death changes in mood the Manual of Tumor certificates, and medical nomenclature are included in relationship to Nomenclature and in her portfolio. menses, be free of Coding, the first building After half a century of contributing to lessening the medical illnesses block for cancer nomen­ burden of cancer, Percy looks forward to enjoying and not taking any clature. This was fol- the life of a retiree. Short-term retirement plans hormones or lowed by an assignment Constance Lebair Percy include cleaning up her condo, then traveling to medication on a as the only female destinations such as California, Florida, Hawaii and regular basis. working with several male pathologists on the England. In London, she will visit her daughter They will com­ committee for the reference manual Systematized Norma Percy, a television producer. When the pool plete daily rating Nomenclature for Pathology referred to as "SNOP" opens at her condo in Rockville this summer, she'll forms and be and later "SNOMED." return and spend time with her other daughter, offered participa­ While at ACS, working with E. Cuyler Hammond Connie Aaronson, a math department head and tion in one or and Larry Garfinkel, Percy did research resulting in team leader in Montgomery County. Percy will also more protocols. one of the first studies linking smoking to lung enjoy spending time with her two granddaughters, Payment w ill be in cancer. Their research on cause of death listed on Debbie Aaronson, an actress in New York City, and accordance with death certificates showed that the male subjects who Abby Aaronson, a recent health education graduate the duration of to smoked were more likely die early. Percy said she of the University of Maryland. each visit and the naively believed this evidence would prompt the Once head of the NIH golf league when she golfed type of protocol. federal government to ban cigarette smoking. She is an under-100 game, Percy now chooses to watch the For more informa­ still waiting for this to happen. sport. Tennis also is now a spectator sport for her, tion, call Linda In 1970, NCI recruited her to Bethesda to work on after earlier years as an active player. In the future, Simpson-St. Clair, the 3rd National Cancer Survey that provided when not traveling, she will be found wearing her 496-9576. statistics on the incidence of cancer in the U.S. The favorite color- purple- and enjoying a relaxing present Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results summer swim in her condo's pool. llJ (SEER) Program eventually evolved. Working with the SEER cancer registries became Percy's major Postpartum Depression Study focus at NCI. She also contributed to the establish­ ment of international cancer nomenclature with the The Behavioral Endocrinology Branch, NIMH, is International Classification of Diseases for Oncol­ seeking female volunteer mothers ages 18-40 who: ogy (ICD-O). have had one or more past episodes of postpartum While promoting use of the ICD-O manual, Percy depression following a full-term pregnancy, have no embarked on an "around the world in 40 days" trip current symptoms of depression, must be 6 months through Europe, northern Africa and Asia. This post-delivery and not lactating, must be medically memorable journey included her enduring an healthy and medication-free. Volunteers may be overnight detention at the Cairo airport because the asked to participate in a 6-month protocol investi­ date on her smallpox vaccination was misunder­ gating the effects of ovarian and stress hormones on stood. She also was active in the founding of the brain and behavior. Payment is provided for those International Association of Cancer Registries who complete the study. For more information call (IARC) and, in 1971, attended the first IARC Linda Simpson-St. Clair, 496-9576. Iii meeting in Tokyo. Letendre Retires After 32 Years at NIH By Susan Sagusti 1986 she was named the division's deputy director. One of Letendre's many contributions has been to Before retiring recently as NHLBI deputy director of foster the development of researchers in blood the Division of Blood Diseases and Resources disorders and transfusion. "The extramural commu­ (DBDR), biochemist Dr. Carol H. Letendre had nity greatly appreciates Carol for her knowledge of contributed to remarkable changes in the field of the NIH grants system and her willingness to help hematology. Twenty of her 32 years at NIH were investigators navigate the complex rules that are spent at NHLBI. During this time, she helped guide often associated with research programs," said Dr. research that led to such advances as an understand­ Barbara Alving, DBDR director. ing of the role of blood clots in heart attacks, a Letendre has been a member of the American national blood safety program and new develop­ Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ments in the management of hemophilia and sickle since 1980. She has also been active in the Ameri­ cell disease. can Society of Hematology, for which she developed Letendre also contributed a training workshop offered at the organization's to the development of annual meeting; the highly successful program has NHLBI's stem cell research grown to include other NIH institutes that fund and stem cell transplantation hematology research. programs. Her particular Throughout her NIH career, Letendre served on interests were treatment and numerous NHLBI and trans-NIH professional cure of hemophilia and committees. She was a founding member of prevention and treatment of NHLBI's molecular genetics group, which formu­ arterial thrombosis. lated and coordinated the institute's molecular Through her efforrs, an genetics efforts over the past 10 years. As a member Nonsmoking international workshop in of the trans-NIH zebrafish coordinating committee, Volunteers ,. 1991 launched major she was a 1999 recipient of the NIH Director's Needed Dr. Carol H. Letendre initiatives in the application Award. The award acknowledged the group's Are you a female of gene therapy to the cure extraordinary coordinated efforts among 18 NIH nonsmoker, 18 to of hemophilia. She also spearheaded an institute· institutes and centers to develop funding initiatives 35 years old, in wide effort in the molecular genetics of arterial for research using a single animal model. good health and thrombosis that resulted in the funding of a $25 "Regardless of the setting, Carol always shared not on birth million research program in 2000. with her colleagues both experience and a unique control pills? You Letendre first came to NIH to complete 1 year of sense of humor," Alving added. "Her very positive may be eligible to postdoctoral research after earning a master's degree influence will long be remembered both within the participate in a in nutritional science and a doctorate in biochemis­ NIH and within the broader scientific community." study of com­ try from Cornell University. She then completed 4 During her retirement, Letendre plans to pursue monly prescribed additional years of postdoctoral study in nucleic acid continuing interests in music, ornithology and medications. The enzymology at the lnstitut de Biologie Physico­ adventure travel. Iii study involves chimique in Paris, followed by a 9-month position as research associate at the University of Virginia's multiple visits to Science of Mind-Body Interactions the Uniformed department of biology. Services University After returning to NIH to complete two staff What are the mechanisms linking emotions and (next to the Naval fellowships-the first with NIAMS and the second health? H ow does the brain mediate between Medical Center, with NICHD-Letendre was granted career status events in our environment and changes in our across the pike and became a research chemist in NICHD's Labora­ autonomic, endocrine and neurological function­ from NIH) over a 3- tory of Biomedical Sciences. Her areas of concentra­ ing? These and other mind-body questions will be month period. tion included enzymes of nucleic acid metabolism, the focus of the "Science of Mind-Body Interac­ Earn up to $880 biochemistry of neurotransmitters and developmen­ tions" conference being held Mar. 26-28 in Masur and get a free tal biology. Auditorium, Bldg. 10. Sponsored by more than a physical exam. Letendre became director of the NIA dermatology dozen institutes and offices, it will feature a Call (301} 319-8204 program in 1980, marking the start of a 20-year keynote address by Dr. Antonio Damasio, author for more informa­ career as a health scientist administrator. In 1981, of Descartes' Error and The Feeling of What t ion and a she joined NHLBI as executive secretary of the Happens. Sessions will focus on biology of social preliminary institute's research manpower review comminee in interactions, neurobiology of emotions, inflamma­ telephone the Division of Extramural Affairs. Two years later tory and infectious disease, and sleep. The screening. she became program administrator for the DBDR conference is free to NIH'ers. Advance registra­ Hemophilia and Platelet Disorders Program, and in tion is required; visit www.mindbody.org.