From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Fri Nov 04 22:00:00 1994 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA CA-95-003 - V23(39) 11/04/94 Date: 5 Nov 1994 12:35:11 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 915 Sender: biohelp@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-moderator@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <39gq9v$l9@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA CA95003 CA-95-003 P1O1 *************************************** COOPERATIVE FAMILY REGISTRY FOR EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDIES OF BREAST CANCER NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 39, November 4, 1994 RFA: CA-95-003 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715036, 0785055, 0780030 National Cancer Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: November 30,1995 Application Receipt Date: February 17, 1995 PURPOSE The Extramural Programs Branch, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program, Division of Cancer Etiology, National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites cooperative agreement applications from investigators to participate, with the assistance of the NCI, in a network of organizations constituting a Cooperative Family Registry for Breast Cancer (CFRBC). The purpose of the proposed awards is to stimulate a cooperative effort to: 1. Collect pedigree information, epidemiological data and related biological specimens from patients with a family history of breast cancer in order to provide a registry resource for interdisciplinary studies on the etiology of breast cancer, and to encourage translational research in this area. 2. Identify a population at high risk for breast cancer that could benefit from new preventive and therapeutic strategies. This Request for Applications (RFA) responds to Congressional language instructing the Director of the National Cancer Institute to conduct and support research to expand the understanding of the cause of, and find a cure for, breast cancer. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This RFA, Cooperative Family Registry for Epidemiologic Studies of Breast Cancer Studies, relates to the priority area of cancer. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-783-3238). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign non-profit and for-profit institutions, public and private, such as colleges, universities, hospitals, research laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Applications from minority and women investigators are encouraged. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT Support of this program will be through the cooperative agreement (U01), an assistance mechanism in which substantial NCI scientific and programmatic involvement with the recipients during performance of the planned activity is anticipated. Under the cooperative agreement, the NIH purpose is to support and/or stimulate the recipient's activity by involvement in and otherwise working jointly with the awardee in a partner role, but is not to assume direction, prime responsibility, or a dominant role in the activity. Details of the responsibilities, relationship, and governance of the study to be funded under cooperative agreements are discussed later in this document under the section "Terms and Conditions of Award." The total project period for applications submitted in response to the present RFA may not exceed four years. The anticipated award date is December 1995. Because the nature and scope of the research proposed in response to this RFA may vary, it is anticipated that the size of an award will vary also. Awards and level of support depend on the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. Although this program is provided for in the financial plans of the NCI, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose. This RFA is a one-time solicitation. At this time, the NCI has not determined whether or how this solicitation will be continued beyond the present RFA. FUNDS AVAILABLE Approximately $2 million in total costs per year for four years will be committed to specifically fund applications that are submitted in response to this RFA. It is anticipated that two to five awards will be made. This funding level is dependent on the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background According to 1993 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Registry data, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States, second only to lung cancer, and its incidence is increasing at a rate of approximately two percent per year. Breast cancer is a highly complex disease, and the natural history of primary breast cancer varies considerably from patient to patient. The genetic heterogeneity and etiologic complexity of breast cancer limit identification of high-risk populations. Family studies of breast cancer indicate that the genetic contribution to breast cancer risk is an important component of the heterogeneity of this disorder. The compelling need for validated screening procedures (especially among young women) and for the identification of risk factors and predictors contributing to the rising incidence of this disease have prompted Congress and the scientific community to place high priority on research in breast cancer etiology and on the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies. Recommendations from a conference on "Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer: an Interdisciplinary Approach," sponsored by NCI in 1992, indicate that extended families with high incidence of cancer or cancer syndromes provide a unique research resource for epidemiologic, molecular genetics, and prevention studies. Epidemiologic and interdisciplinary studies of major cancer genes are based on the ascertainment of families with high incidence of cancer. Large, informative families are useful for identifying and characterizing susceptibility genes involved in the etiology of cancer, and elucidating gene-environment interactions. Moreover, members of cancer-prone families represent a population at high risk that could benefit from novel preventive and therapeutic efforts. Early ascertainment of cancer-affected families is needed particularly for tumors with high mortality rates, such as early-onset breast cancer and breast/ovarian cancer. In addition, the selection of rare families with multiple cases of male breast cancer, or affected by familial cancer syndromes that include breast cancer could offer a substantial contribution to the study of this disease. The meeting report specifically recommends a concerted effort to identify such families and avoid their loss to follow-up. The meeting participants indicated that it is impractical, expensive and scientifically unproductive to collect only a few families at a time and that it is timely to develop larger registries of families at high risk for cancer. Such registries should include the collection of epidemiologic and clinical data and of blood and biological specimens, which would be used in future epidemiologic and biologic studies. This research has the potential to be translated into clinical applications and public health measures to address the pressing needs of at-risk populations. Many different approaches to breast cancer research will be able to take advantage of family registry resources, as new knowledge and molecular tools become available. The existence of an established cooperative breast cancer family registry would enhance the cost- effectiveness of: (1) the identification and follow-up of high-risk individuals for the purpose of preventive intervention; (2) the evaluation of the effectiveness of optional treatment strategies as they become available; (3) molecular epidemiology studies generating and testing etiologic hypotheses; and (4) the integration of laboratory studies into the biological mechanisms underlying breast cancer with epidemiologic and genetic data. Current epidemiologic studies of familial breast cancer are limited by the feasibility and expense of collecting a sufficient number of high-risk families to define the genetic heterogeneity of the familial disorder. Moreover, as new statistical approaches become available to explore the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of familial breast cancer, the collection of appropriate epidemiologic data on exposure to potential risk factors in these same families becomes extremely important. Other limitations are the lack of archival or fresh-frozen tissue specimens and blood samples, and the difficulty in collecting and validating clinical and epidemiologic data. Efforts made to identify breast cancer-prone families have focused on the localization and mapping of a putative gene for early onset- breast cancer and breast/ovarian cancer, or BRCA1, using molecular markers for a defined area on chromosome 17q. Although an uncertain fraction of familial breast cancer is attributable to BRCA1, the risk for breast cancer of women inheriting this gene is extremely high (up to 85 percent lifetime risk), while the risk for ovarian cancer is also elevated. Testing for the BRCA1 gene is currently limited to very rare families being analyzed for research purposes. However, since the BRCA1 gene has been recently identified, and the mapping and cloning of other possible breast cancer genes are being pursued, it will be extremely important to identify and appropriately counsel the individuals at high risk and their families on preventive and therapeutic options. A family registry for breast cancer would greatly facilitate this process. Research Goals and Scope The purpose of this RFA is to stimulate cooperative efforts for the establishment of a comprehensive family registry for epidemiologic and interdisciplinary studies of individuals at high risk for breast cancer. The establishment of a population-based selection process that could utilize already existing resources, such as SEER or other cancer registries, is strongly encouraged. The CFRBC will enable participant organizations to: identify individuals with a family history of breast cancer, breast-ovarian cancer syndrome, male breast cancer, and various familial syndromes that include breast cancer; collect and define the related pedigrees; and collect clinical (tumor type, stage at diagnosis, hormonal evaluation, etc.), epidemiologic (age at diagnosis, sociodemographic status, etc.), and other relevant data (such as dietary history) to correlate with the pedigree information. Support for the collection of related biological specimens, such as blood samples, paraffin blocks and fresh-frozen tissue, will be included. This registry is not intended to directly support research on the mapping and cloning of the gene(s) for breast or breast/ovarian cancer, but to assist investigators funded through other sources by providing the data and biological specimens that can be used for a variety of purposes, including etiologic studies and prevention and treatment-oriented translational research. The applicants should demonstrate the capability for developing common protocols including, but not limited to: o ascertainment of breast cancer families; o epidemiologic and clinical data collection, validation and management (statistical support); o collection and banking of biological specimens (blood and tissues); o limited follow-up for outcome, recurrence and mortality; and o counseling of family members on risk and possible preventive or therapeutic interventions. Each application must have an Operation Core for statistical and logistic support, capable of providing the necessary coordination for specimen and data collection, and functioning as a central facility at the applicant's institution for data and specimens management and storage. Applicants must address coordination of quality control among awardees with regard to collection and storage of data and specimens. The establishment of the CFRBC resource will promote the availability of epidemiological and clinical data and the related specimens necessary for multidisciplinary and translational studies on the etiology of breast cancer. The awardees will provide to the research community at large pedigree information, epidemiological data, and biological specimens for high priority research studies. It is anticipated that prioritization of the research study proposals requesting access to the CFRBC's resources will be made by an Advisory Committee (AC), and will be based on scientific validity criteria established by the Steering Committee (SC) (for composition and duties of AC and SC see below under special requirement). The NCI will help to coordinate and promote this process through the Program Coordinator's membership in the AC and SC. Of the funds provided by this RFA, at least 90 percent of the total cost proposed in each application must be directed to the basic CFRBC activities (accrual of families, data and specimen collection, management, and retrieval). Up to 10 percent of the total cost, or $50,000 per year (whichever is smaller, starting from the second year of the cooperative agreement), can be requested for pilot or feasibility studies utilizing the family registry resources. Pilot/feasibility studies should be designed to obtain sufficient data to form the foundation for future R01 research grant applications, to help identify new areas where additional investigations are warranted, and to promote interdisciplinary and translational breast cancer research. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Definitions AWARDEE The organization to which a cooperative agreement is awarded and that is responsible and accountable to NCI for the use of funds provided and for performance of the project supported by the cooperative agreement. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI) The single individual at the Awardee's Institution designated by the Awardee in the cooperative agreement application, who is responsible for the scientific and technical direction of the project. OPERATION CORE (OP) The central site at the Applicant/Awardee Institution that handles the epidemiological and pedigrees data and the biological specimens. All the data and specimens from each Applicant/Awardee Institution will be coordinated and located at one central location within the awardee's own Institution. The PI serves as the head of the Coordination Site. NCI PROGRAM COORDINATOR The Extramural Programs Branch (EPB) Program Director who will be interacting scientifically and administratively with the Applicant/Awardee Institutions and providing guidance for the overall program for NCI. STEERING COMMITTEE (SC) A committee whose membership includes the NCI Coordinator, the PI and one other investigator from each awarded cooperative agreement, and one research scientist with expertise in translational breast cancer research who is not affiliated with any of the Awardee Institutions. This research scientist on the SC will be appointed by mutual agreement of the NCI Program Coordinator and the PIs. The SC will serve as the governing board of the CFRBC (for its functions, see under "Terms and Conditions of Award). ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AC) A committee composed of six to eight senior scientists with experience in multidisciplinary and translational breast cancer research. The members of the panel will evaluate all research proposals (those of the awardees as well as proposals from the research community at-large) proposing to utilize the CFRBC's resources according to the evaluation and the review criteria provided by the SC. The AC will provide a recommendation to the SC regarding the priority of the proposed research. The membership of the AC may vary, depending on the specific areas of the proposed breast cancer research to be reviewed. All AC members will be selected by the SC (see under "Terms and Conditions of Award" for function of the AC). The NCI Program Coordinator will function as a non-voting liaison member between the AC and the SC, and attend the AC meetings. Study Organization and Function The overall structure of the CFRBC will consist of two to five funded Institutions (awardees) that are governed and coordinated through the SC. Each awardee unit will be composed of one funded site, an Operation Core at the funded site, and a PI providing the scientific and administrative leadership for the unit and serving as the Head of the Operation Core. The overall function of the CFRBC is to promote multidisciplinary and translational research in the framework of studies in the genetic epidemiology of breast cancer, by serving as a national resource to the research community at large. Requests for specimen and data from the awardees and their collaborators will be reviewed, prioritized by the AC, and approved by the SC along with all other requests from investigators in the research community at-large. The Terms and Conditions of Award, below, will be included in all awards issued as a result of this RFA. It is critical that each applicant include specific plans for responding to these terms. Terms and Conditions of Award These special Terms of Award are in addition to and not in lieu of otherwise applicable OMB administrative guidelines, HHS Grant Administration regulations at 45 CFR part 74 and 92, and other HHS, PHS, and NIH Grant Administration policy statements. The administrative and funding instrument used for this program is a cooperative agreement (U01), an assistance mechanism (rather than an acquisition mechanism) in which substantial NIH scientific and/or programmatic involvement with the awardee is anticipated during performance of the activity. Under the cooperative agreement, the NIH purpose is to support and/or stimulate the recipient's activity by involvement in and otherwise working jointly with the award recipient in a partner role, but is not to assume direction, prime responsibility, or a dominant role in the activity. Consistent with this concept the dominant role and prime responsibility for the activity resides with the awardee(s) for the project as a whole, although specific tasks and activities in carrying out the studies will be shared among the awardees and the NCI Program Coordinator. 1. Awardee Rights and Responsibilities Awardees will have primary rights and responsibilities to define projects and approaches and to plan and conduct the project, including: o The Awardee's PI will participate as a permanent member in the SC and designate a second investigator from his/her institution to be a permanent member of such committee. o The Awardee will work together with the other Awardees through the SC to establish the registry operating policies, uniform collection procedures, and quality control procedures for specimens and data. The Awardee will be required to accept and implement the common policies and procedures approved by the SC. o The Awardee must agree to provide access to both specimens and data to investigators both within and outside the awardee's institutions, based on the prioritization of the research proposals set by the AC and final approval by the SC. The Awardee will abide by the decisions of the SC based on recommendations from the AC. o The Awardee will retain custody of, and have primary rights to, the data developed under this awards, subject to the Government rights of access consistent with current HHS, PHS, and NIH policies. o Each awardee will need to implement and comply with the common study protocols as established by the SC, but additional elements could be appended by individual institutions to address issues of unique interest or capabilities in each center. o The Awardee must provide an annual progress report to the EPB, DCE, NCI, and a copy to the chairperson of the SC, in a format that is compatible with the annual progress report of the other awardees. Information on the operation of the registry as well as performance and progress on pilot studies are to be included. o Collaboration among awardees in the reporting of findings originated from this initiative is encouraged. Collaborative publications among awardees and NCI are anticipated. Immediately after the notification of award, the successful applicant should also provide the name of one scientist not affiliated with his/her Institution as a potential member of the SC. In addition, each applicant should provide the names and qualifications of two scientists not affiliated with his/her Institution as potential members of the AC. Letters of commitment from the potential members of the AC and SC should be attached. 2. National Cancer Institute Staff Responsibilities The NCI Program Coordinator will be designated by the Chief, Extramural Programs Branch, EBP, DCE, NCI. He/she will have substantial scientific-programmatic involvement during conduct of this activity through participation in the SC and AC activities. The Program Coordinator will provide technical assistance, advice and coordination, assure that the SC and the AC follow the NIH guidelines on conflict of interest issues, and play a critical role in promoting the availability and use of the registry. The role of the Program Coordinator is to assist and facilitate, but not to direct, the activities supported by the CFRBC. The NCI Program Coordinator will: o Lend his/her expertise and overall knowledge of the NCI- and NIH- sponsored breast cancer research to facilitate the selection of scientists non-affiliated with the awardees institutions who are to serve in the AC and SC. o Serve as liaison, helping to coordinate activities among the awardees; act as a liaison to the NCI, and as an information resource about extramural multidisciplinary cancer research activities in the area of genetics and molecular epidemiology. o Attend the SC meetings as a voting member, assist in developing operating guidelines, quality control procedures, and consistent policies for dealing with recurrent situations that require coordinated action. o Serve as liaison between the SC and the AC, attending AC meetings in a non-voting liaison member role, lending a degree of continuity between AC and SC, as the ad hoc AC composition may change depending on the expertise required to review the submitted research applications. o Serve on subcommittee of the SC and the AC as required. o Assist in the monitoring of field data collection, helping to ensure standardization in methods across study centers; and assist in the interpretation and reporting of the collected information. This will be necessary because of the complexity of this multi-site structure, requiring a high degree of coordination and program involvement to achieve adequate standardization of procedures. o Assist by providing advice in the management and technical performance of the investigation. The Program Coordinator will serve as scientific liaison between the awardees and other program staff at NCI who have previous experience in the establishment of cancer registries and tumor bank. o Assist in promoting the availability of the CFRBC resources to the scientific community at large, for use in translational and prevention-oriented breast cancer research, as stated in this RFA goals. The National Cancer Institute reserves the right to reduce the budget, to withhold support, and to suspend, terminate or curtail a study or an award in the event of substantial shortfall in specimen accrual, data reporting, inadequate quality control in specimens or clinical data collection, other major breach of the protocol, or substantial failure to comply with the terms of the award. 3. Collaborative Responsibilities a. Steering Committee The SC will serve as the main governing board of the CFRBC (see "Terms and Conditions of Award"). The SC membership includes the NCI Coordinator, the PI, one other investigator from each awarded cooperative agreement, and one research scientist with expertise in the field of multidisciplinary and translational breast cancer research that is not affiliated with any of the awardees institutions. This last member will be appointed by mutual agreement of the NCI Coordinator and the PI's. Additional members can be added by action of the SC. Other appropriate NCI staff may need to attend the SC meetings if their expertise is required, to participate in specific discussions. The SC will be responsible for reviewing the plans for development of the CFRBC proposed in the individual applications of the awardees. This Committee will develop uniform procedures for data collection and management, tissue collection, processing and distribution, and quality control. The SC will develop the criteria for review and prioritization of research proposals requiring the use of the CFRBC's resources. The NCI Program Coordinator will assist the other members of the SC in all these tasks. Furthermore, the NCI Program Coordinator will serve as the scientific liaison between the awardees and the other program staff of NCI who have previous experience in the establishment of family cancer registries. Awardees will be required to accept and implement the common guidelines and procedures approved by the SC. The first meeting of the SC will be called by the NCI Program Coordinator shortly after award of the cooperative agreements. At this initial meeting, the Committee will elect a Chairperson (someone other than the Program Coordinator). The Chair of the SC is responsible for coordinating the Committee's activities, for preparing meeting agendas, and for scheduling and chairing meetings. The Program Coordinator attends and participates in all meetings of the SC, and should be informed of any major interactions. Subsequent meetings will be planned and scheduled at this meeting. Two additional meetings will be held during the first year of operation, and there will be two meetings a year thereafter, one of which with the AC. The meetings will be held in Bethesda or at another convenient location. Accordingly, respondents must request sufficient funds within the submitted budgets to accommodate travel expenses for the PI and his designee. Subcommittees will be established by the SC as it deems appropriate. The SC is responsible for providing documentation as to the availability and accessibility of specimens and data for the use of investigators with approved research proposals requesting the use of the registry resources. In no circumstance will the SC overturn the recommendation of the AC, except when specimens and/or data are not available. The SC will select members for the AC. The SC in the conduct of all business matters will pay particular attention to conflict of interest issues, especially in actions regarding recommended prioritization of the AC. b. Advisory Committee The AC is responsible for reviewing, evaluating and approving research proposals submitted by investigators from the research community at large, as well as from the awardees, for the use of the registry resources. A recommendation in terms of priority of the proposed research should be provided to the SC. The only occurrence in which the SC can overturn the recommendation of the AC is the unavailability of the requested specimens and/or clinical data. The AC will meet with the SC at least once yearly, at one of the two scheduled SC meetings. The AC will be composed of six to eight senior scientists with expertise in multidisciplinary and translational research in the field of breast cancer, which may include epidemiologists, laboratory researchers, clinicians, or other expertise that the SC deems needed. The membership of the AC may vary, depending on the scientific areas of the proposed research to be reviewed and evaluated. All members will be selected by the SC. The Program Coordinator will function as a non-voting liaison member between the AC and the SC, and attend the AC meetings. The members of the AC will evaluate all research proposals (those of the awardees as well as from the research community at large) proposing to utilize the CFRBC resources, according to the evaluation and review criteria provided by the SC. The review of proposals can be conducted either in person, by conference call or by mail at least twice a year. All reviews will be conducted according to rules pertaining to the conduct of reviews for NIH grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, paying special attention to issues of conflict of interest, whether real or apparent. The AC will provide a recommendation to the SC as of the priority of the proposed research. The Chair of the AC will forward the final recommendation to the SC. 4. Arbitration Procedures Any disagreement that may arise on scientific/programmatic matters (within the scope of the award) between the award recipients and the NCI may be brought to arbitration. An arbitration panel will be composed of three members, one selected by the SC (without the vote of the Program Coordinator) or by the individual awardee in the event of an individual disagreement, a second member selected by the NCI, and the third member selected by the two prior selected members. This special arbitration procedure in no way affects the awardee's right to appeal an adverse action that is otherwise appealable in accordance with the PHS regulation at 42 CFR part 50, subpart D and HHS regulation at 45 CFR part 16. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulation must be included in all NIH-supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects and the purpose of the research. This new policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (section 492B of Public Law 103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies (Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations) which have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some new provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Guidelines on the Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," which was printed in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (59 FR 14508-14513) and reprinted in the NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS of March 18, 1994, Volume 23, Number 11. Investigators may obtain copies from these sources or from the program staff or contact person listed below. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are requested to submit, by November 30, 1994, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed research, the name and address of the Principal Investigator, the names of other key personnel, the participating institution(s), and the number and title of the RFA in response to which the application may be submitted. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of subsequent applications, the information that it contains is helpful in planning for the review of applications. It allows NCI staff to estimate the potential review workload and avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to Daniela Seminara, Ph.D., M.P.H., at the address listed under INQUIRIES. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91), available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and from the Office of Grants Information, Division of Research Grants, National Institutes of Health, Westwood Building, Room 449, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone 301/594-7248, and from the NIH program administrator listed under INQUIRIES. The format and instructions applicable to research grant applications must be followed. It is critical that applicants clearly describe plans to accommodate stated criteria and staff involvement as listed in the Terms and Conditions of Award, and in the Review Criteria Section. Applicants must propose detailed plans for how to organize the CFRBC in the most cost-effective and scientifically sound manner. Applicants are encouraged to submit and describe their own ideas on how to best meet the goals of this RFA. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed approaches should be discussed, and the plans for establishing collaborations should be described. Plans should describe resources, including information on number of probands available and reasonable estimate of the expected number and quality of pedigree information and related epidemiological data and biological specimen available. The Operation Core should be adequately described, including the facilities for data collection and storage and specimen storage, as well as the investigators' experience in this area. The applicants must provide details on appropriate facilities and biohazard precautions and comply with the applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations, laws and finances in the operation of the Registry. Information on the nature of the data collected at baseline and follow-up should be provided. Examples of data forms, epidemiologic questionnaire, medical records and abstracting procedures, and software that may be appropriate for the use of the registry should be included in the appendix Methods should be proposed to retrieve and establish an inventory of biological specimens, such as blood, fresh-frozen tissue, tissue blocks and slides. Appropriate data retrieval and data management procedures and quality control methods for the epidemiological and clinical data should be detailed. The applicants must state a willingness to cooperate with other awardees in developing policies for quality control and to share data with other awardees. The applicants must state a willingness and should discuss their approach to cooperate with the SC and the AC in evaluating research proposals utilizing the CFRBC resources, and to abide by the decisions of the AC in prioritizing such proposals, after final approval by the SC based on data and specimen availability. The applicant should provide the name and qualifications for the second investigator from his/her Institution to be designed as member of the SC. As the principal investigators of the funded applications and one designee will be members of a SC that will meet three times in the first year and twice in each subsequent year, travel funds for these meetings should be set aside as a budget item. As the AC will meet with the SC once a year, funds should also be included to support travel by one member of the AC to one SC meeting once a year, plus any additional travel anticipated for AC members. Applicants seeking up to 10 percent of the total cost, or up to $50,000 per year for three years (whichever is smaller, starting from the second year of the cooperative agreement), for pilot studies utilizing the CFRBC resources, should document their ability to conduct breast cancer research and document any of their ongoing work in this area. The research hypothesis, background and rationale and design of the pilot study should be described as part of the research plan, keeping within the allowed page limits. The SC and the AC will review the pilot studies proposed in the application in response to this RFA even if the studies received approval under peer review. Moneys for pilot studies will be restricted until the AC gives these pilot studies high priority ratings, and the requested specimens and/or data are available and have been released by the SC. The review of these pilot studies will occur along with the review and prioritization of other requests submitted by investigators in the research community at large. The pilot studies will begin no sooner than year two of the cooperative agreement. However, if the AC does not rank the pilot project as a high priority, a new pilot study that is rated as high priority by the AC can be substituted. The RFA label available in the application form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91) must be affixed to the bottom of the face page. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. In addition, the number and title of the RFA must be typed on line 2a of the face page of the application and YES must be checked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed, exact, clear and single-sided photocopies, in one package to: Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Westwood Building, Room 240 Bethesda, MD 20892** At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Ms. Toby Friedberg Referral Officer Division of Extramural Activities National Cancer Institute Executive Plaza North, Room 636 6130 Executive Boulevard Rockville, MD 20852 (if hand delivered or delivery service) Bethesda, MD 20892 (if using U.S. Postal Service) It is important to send these copies at the same time that the original and three copies are sent to DRG; otherwise, the NCI cannot guarantee that the application will be reviewed in competition with other applications received by the designated receipt date. Applications must be received by February 17, 1995. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. If the application submitted in response to this RFA is substantially similar to a research grant application already submitted to the NIH for review, but has not yet been reviewed, the applicant will be asked to withdraw either the pending application or the new one. Simultaneous submission of identical applications will not be allowed, nor will essentially identical applications be reviewed by different review committees. Therefore, an application cannot be submitted in response to this RFA that is essentially identical to one that has already been reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of applications already reviewed, but such applications must include an introduction addressing the previous critique. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS General Considerations All applications will be judged on the basis of the scientific merit of the proposed project and the documented ability of the investigators to meet the RESEARCH OBJECTIVES of the RFA. Although the technical merit of the proposed protocol is important, it will not be the sole criterion of evaluation of a study. Other considerations, such as the importance and timeliness of the proposed study, access to patients, and multidisciplinary and translational nature of the studies, will be part of the evaluation criteria. Review Method Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the DRG and responsiveness by the NCI. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Also, if NCI staff find that the application is not responsive to the RFA, it will be returned without further consideration. Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by the NCI in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, a process (triage) may be used by the initial review group in which applications will be determined to be competitive or non-competitive based on their scientific merit relative to other applications received in response to the RFA. Applications judged to be competitive will be discussed and assigned a priority score. Applications determined to be non-competitive will be withdrawn from further consideration and the principal investigator/program director and the official signing for the applicant organization will be promptly notified. Review Criteria Applicants are encouraged to submit and describe their own ideas about how to best meet the goals of the cooperative study and their specific protocols, and are expected to address issues identified under SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS of the RFA. The review group will assess the scientific merit of the protocols and related factors, including: o extent to which the application addresses the goals and objectives of the RFA o adequacy of the applicant's plans for addressing the special scientific and technical program requirements presented in the RFA; o merit of the proposed activities and organizational plans for implementing the CFRBC; o qualifications and research experience of the Principal Investigator and staff, particularly, but not exclusively, in the area of the proposed research; o time availability of the PI and staff o availability of, and access to, a suitable patient population; o adequacy of existing physical facilities and resources of the applicants' Institutions. o demonstrated ability to carry out common protocol; o adequacy of plans for effective cooperation and coordination among participating awardees and the NCI Program Coordinator, as per Special Requirements of the RFA; o adequacy of proposed number of study subjects to be recruited o Adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated. o adequacy of proposed data to be collected and procedures for data handling, managing, and preparing for analyses; o evidence that appropriate steps have been taken to insure the rights of human subjects. o the scientific and technical significance or originality of the proposed pilot studies in the field of translational breast cancer research. It is to be noted that the review of this part of the grant application will be given much less weight relative to the review of the registry facilities, procedures and epidemiological data base, as no more than 10 percent of the total cost, or up to $ 50,000 per year for three years (whichever number is smaller, starting the second year of the Cooperative Agreement) may be requested for these studies. The review group will also examine the proposed budget and will recommend an appropriate budget and period of support for each application that is recommended for further consideration. The second level of review by the National Cancer Advisory Board considers the special needs of the NCI and the priorities of the National Cancer Program. AWARD CRITERIA The earliest anticipated date of award is December 1, 1995. The following will be considered for making funding decisions: o scientific and technical merit of the proposed project as determined by peer review; o availability of funds; o program balance among research areas. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning the RFA and the opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants are welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Dr. Daniela Seminara Division of Cancer Etiology National Cancer Institute Executive Plaza North, Suite 535 6130 Executive Boulevard MSC 7395 Bethesda, MD 20892-7395 Telephone: (301) 496-9600 FAX: (301) 402-4279 EMAIL: SeminarD@NIHCDCE1.GOV Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Kelli Newball Grants Management Specialist National Cancer Institute 6120 Executive Boulevard Executive Plaza South, Suite 243 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-7800, ext. 61 AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.393, Cancer Cause and Prevention Research. Awards are made under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Part A (Public Law 78-410, as amended by Public Law 99-158, 42 USC 241 and 285) and administered under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74 and 92. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people. From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Fri Nov 04 22:00:00 1994 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA HL-95-008 - V23(39) 11/04/94 Date: 5 Nov 1994 12:35:03 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 417 Sender: biohelp@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-moderator@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <39gq9n$kn@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA HL95008 HL-95-008 P1O1 *************************************** HUMAN STEM CELL SOURCES AND TRANSPLANTATION BIOLOGY NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 39, November 4, 1994 RFA: HL-95-008 P.T. 34; K.W. 0710125, 0780015, 1002004 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: February 13, 1995 Application Receipt Date: March 16, 1995 PURPOSE The Cellular Hematology Scientific Research Group, Blood Diseases Program, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, NHLBI and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) announce the availability of a Request for Applications (RFA) on the above subject. The purpose of this initiative is to encourage research aimed at providing a better understanding of the differences between stem/progenitor cells from different sources such as bone marrow, peripheral circulation of children and adults and placental/cord blood. Important studies to be pursued entail the characterization of stem/progenitor cells for self-renewal, proliferation, and expansion and the mechanisms involved in these processes. Also to be studied are the immune cells present in the different tissue sources, and the mechanisms of their action in graft vs. host disease, and in graft vs. leukemia effect. The ultimate goal is to identify the most appropriate cell populations capable of sustaining long-term hematopoiesis in humans treated for malignant and non-malignant diseases. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This initiative, Human Stem Cell Sources and Transplantation Biology, is related to the priority area of maternal and infant health and cancer. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of Healthy People 2000 (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or "Healthy People 2000" (Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-782-3238). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State or local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Awards in response to this RFA will be made to foreign institutions only for research of very unusual merit, need, and promise, and in accordance with PHS policy governing such awards. Foreign institutions are not eligible for First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) awards. Applications from minority individuals and women are encouraged. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) individual research project grant (R01) and FIRST (R29) award and is a one-time solicitation. Applicants, who will plan and execute their own research programs, are requested to furnish their own estimates of the time required to achieve the objectives of the proposed research project. For R01 grants, up to four years of support may be requested. FIRST (R29) awards must be for five years. At the end of the official award period, renewal applications may be submitted for peer review and competition for support through the regular grant program of the NHLBI or the NIDDK. It is anticipated that support for the present program will begin in September 1995. Administrative adjustments in project period and/or amount of support may be required at the time of the award. All current policies and requirements that govern the research grant programs of the NIH will apply to grants awarded in response to this RFA. FUNDS AVAILABLE Fiscal Year 1995 financial plans for the NHLBI include $1.5 million for this program. The NIDDK plans to allocate an additional $500,000. However, award of grants pursuant to this RFA is contingent upon receipt of funds for this purpose. It is anticipated that the NHLBI will award approximately five new grants under this program and the NIDDK about two. The specific amount to be funded will, however, depend on the merit and scope of the applications received and on the availability of funds. Since a variety of approaches would represent valid responses to this RFA, it is anticipated that there will be a range of costs among individual grants awarded. If collaborative arrangements involve sub-contracts with other institutions, the NHLBI Grants Management Staff (tel: 301-594-7436) should be consulted regarding procedures to be followed. Designated funding levels and/or project period duration are subject to change at any time prior to award, due to unforeseen budgetary, administrative and/or scientific developments. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The major objective of this initiative is to encourage research aimed at providing a better understanding of the differences between stem/progenitor cells from different sources such as bone marrow, peripheral circulation of children and adults and placental/cord blood. Recent studies suggest that there may be important differences between the various sources of transplantable hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Important studies to be pursued entail the characterization of stem/progenitor cells for self- renewal, proliferation, and expansion and the mechanisms involved in these processes. Also to be studied are the immune cells present in the different tissue sources, and the mechanisms of their action in graft vs. host disease, and in graft vs. leukemia effect. The ultimate goal is to identify the most appropriate cell populations capable of sustaining long-term hematopoiesis in humans treated for malignant and non-malignant diseases. Circulating Stem/Progenitor and Immune Cells Studies of over 45 cord blood transplants performed so far for a number of malignant (AML, ALL, CML, JCML, solid tumor) and non- malignant (Fanconi anemia, aplastic anemia, inborn errors of metabolism, Wiscott-Aldrich, x-linked lymphoproliferative disease, and beta thalassemia) diseases in children suggest that graft vs. host disease (GVHD) has been very low with this source of engrafting cells. Additionally, growth factor- and/or chemotherapy mobilized adult peripheral blood stem/progenitor cells are fast becoming a source of transplantable autologous, and to a lesser extent, allogeneic stem/progenitor cells. Therefore, a comparative assessment of the utility of cord blood, bone marrow and mobilized peripheral blood, in both autologous and related/unrelated allogeneic transplantation, are important studies to be pursued. The assessment would include characterization of potential differences in the quality of stem and progenitor cells from these different sources in terms of their capacity for proliferation, self-renewal, expansion, and their responsiveness to cytokines and stromal cells. Studies of the mechanisms of GVH and graft vs. leukemia (GVL) effects of subsets of blood lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and lymphokine-activated killer cells from the various tissue sources are needed. Future efforts in the area of chemotherapy- and/or growth factor- induced mobilized adult peripheral blood stem/progenitor cells should include: (a) optimization of mobilization techniques, better characterization of the cells mobilized and whether the use of different growth factors, at various doses and times will differentially recruit different subsets of stem and progenitor cells; (b) determination of whether or not the earliest long-term marrow engrafting cells are present in mobilized adult peripheral blood; and (c) determination of whether long-term engraftment is due to the infused cells, or if the infused population only contains shorter-term repopulating cells, which allow the donor/recipient time for repopulation by endogenous, non-transplanted cells. This latter possibility has not been adequately studied, and may result from the less myeloablative regimens used for autologous, as compared to allogeneic transplantation. Efforts here would require marking, perhaps using retroviral vectors, of the mobilized, removed and autologously transplanted cells. Of considerable importance would be to study the capacity of these different sources of stem and progenitor cells, such as cord blood versus bone marrow, to serve as cellular vehicles for gene therapy. Efforts aimed at the comparative efficacy of gene transduction of subsets of these cells, especially those of the most immature populations, including long-term marrow repopulating cells, could hasten the use of gene therapy for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant diseases. Comparative cellular, molecular biological and transplantation immunological studies of these cell sources could provide critical information required to engineer the graft product to provide the maximum therapeutic benefit in a variety of clinical diseases states. The above examples of research approaches are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive. Investigators are encouraged to develop their own innovative approaches to achieve the goals of this initiative. However, the proposed studies should focus on cells of human origin but xenogeneic animal models for growth of human cells can be considered as possible models for study of the earliest human stem cells. Exclusions Epidemiological studies, large-scale clinical trials, and large multi-project grant applications (program project grants) are specifically excluded from this RFA. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Upon initiation of the program, the NHLBI and the NIDDK will sponsor annual meetings to encourage an exchange of information among investigators who participate in this program. In preparing the budget for the grant application, applicants should request additional travel funds for one meeting each year to be held in Bethesda, Maryland. Applicants should also include a statement in the application indicating their willingness to participate in such meetings. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This new policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies (Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations) which have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some new provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513), and reprinted in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts of March 18, 1994, Volume 23, Number 11. Investigators may obtain copies from these sources or from the program staff or contact person listed below. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by February 13, 1995, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed research, the name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator, the identities of other key personnel and participating institutions, and the number and title of the RFA in response to which the application may be submitted. Such letters are requested only for the purpose of providing an indication of the number and scope of applications to be received; therefore their receipt is usually not acknowledged. A letter of intent is not binding, will not enter into the review of any application subsequently submitted, nor is it a necessary requirement for the application. The letter of intent is to be sent to: Dr. James Scheirer Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Westwood Building, Room 557A Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-7478 FAX: (301) 594-7407 email: James_Scheirer@NIH.Gov APPLICATION PROCEDURES Application Receipt Date: March 16, 1995 Applications are to be submitted on the research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91). This form is available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and from the Office of Grants Information, Division of Research Grants, National Institutes of Health, 5333 Westbard Avenue, Room 449, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 594-7248. Use the conventional format for research- project grant applications and ensure that the points identified in the section REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS are fulfilled. FIRST applications must include at least three sealed letters of reference attached to the face page of the original application. FIRST applications submitted without the required number of reference letters will be considered incomplete and will be returned without review. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 application kit must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the original copy of the application. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. To identify the application as a response to this RFA, check "YES" on Item 2a of page 1 of the application and enter the title and RFA Number: HUMAN STEM CELL SOURCES AND TRANSPLANTATION BIOLOGY RFA HL-95-008. Send or deliver the completed application and three signed, exact photocopies of it to the following, making sure that the original application with the RFA label attached is on top: Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Westwood Building, Room 240 Bethesda, MD 20892** Send an additional two copies of the application to the Chief, Review Branch at the address listed under LETTER OF INTENT. It is important to send these two copies at the same time as the original and three copies are sent to the Division of Research Grants (DRG). Otherwise the NHLBI cannot guarantee that the application will be reviewed in competition for this RFA. Applications must be received by March 16, 1995. An application not received by this date will be returned to the applicant without review. The DRG will not accept any application in response to this RFA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The DRG will not accept any application that is the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of applications already reviewed, but such applications must include an introduction addressing the previous critique. Although this RFA is a co-sponsored by the NHLBI and the NIDDK, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) also have an interest in research focused at better understanding the differences between stem/progenitor cells from different sources, including peripheral blood. The NCI also has an interest in research focused on immune functions and graft-versus leukemia mechanisms. Therefore, the NIAID or the NCI may be given an institute assignment, as appropriate, in accordance with NIH referral guidelines. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness and responsiveness by the NIH. Grant applications will be assigned according to standard referral guidelines. Incomplete applications and applications deemed not responsive to the RFA will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by the NHLBI in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, a process (triage) may be used by the initial review group in which applications will be determined to be competitive or non-competitive based on their scientific merit relative to other applications received in response to the RFA. Applications judged to be competitive will be discussed and be assigned a priority score. Applications determined to be non-competitive will be withdrawn from further consideration and the principal investigator/program director and the official signing for the applicant organization will be promptly notified. The criteria used in evaluating the scientific merit of each application will be similar to those used in the review of traditional research project grant applications, including the novelty, originality, and feasibility of the approach; the training, experience and research competence of the investigator(s); the adequacy of the experimental design; the suitability of the facilities; the appropriateness of the requested budget to the work proposed; and the adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research. Applications should be prepared so that they can be reviewed without the necessity of interaction between applicants and reviewers since no site visit or reverse site visit will be part of the technical merit review. AWARD CRITERIA The anticipated award date is September 1995. Funding decisions will be made on the basis of scientific and technical merit as determined by peer review, program needs and balance, and the availability of funds. Awards in response to this RFA will be made to foreign institutions only for research of very unusual merit, need, and promise, and in accordance with PHS policy governing such awards. Designated funding levels are subject to change at any time prior to award, due to unforeseen budgetary, administrative and/or scientific developments. In order to more evenly distribute administrative workload and reduce the number of awards with July 1 or September 30 start dates, ten months of time and money will be awarded for the first competing budget period of this project. This action results in a project period of 46 months rather than 48 months for R01 applications. Investigators should plan their research projects and budgets within these time frames. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Helena O. Mishoe, Ph.D. Division of Blood Diseases and Resources National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Federal Building, Room 5A12 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-5911 FAX: (301) 496-9940 Email: Helena_Mishoe@NIH.Gov David G. Badman, Ph.D. Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Westwood Building, Room 3A05 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-7541 FAX: (301) 594-7501 Email: davidb@dvsgate.niddk.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Jane R. Davis Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Westwood Building, Room 4A11 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-7436 FAX: (301) 594-7492 Email: Jane_Davis@NIH.Gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS The programs of the Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, NHLBI, are described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.839. Awards are made under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Section 301 (42 USC 241) and administered under PHS grant policies and Federal regulations, most specifically 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people. From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Fri Nov 04 22:00:00 1994 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH Guide, vol. 23, no. 39, pt. 1of1, 4 November 1994 Date: 5 Nov 1994 12:34:56 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 563 Sender: biohelp@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-moderator@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <39gq9g$kc@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID NIHGUIDE 19941104 V23N39 P1O1 ************************************ X-comment: RFAs described: HL-95-009, CA-95-003, HL-95-008 NIH GUIDE - Vol. 23, No. 39 - November 4, 1994 $$INDEX BEGIN ******************************************************* NOTICES $$INDEX N1 ********************************************************** NIH GUIDE PUBLICATION DATES $$INDEX N2 ********************************************************** PEER REVIEW APPEAL PROCESS National Institutes of Health INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH $$INDEX N3 ********************************************************** CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR THE OFFICE FOR PROTECTION FROM RESEARCH RISKS National Institutes of Health INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH $$INDEX N4 ********************************************************** NATIONAL ANIMAL WELFARE EDUCATION WORKSHOP National Institutes of Health INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs) $$INDEX R1 ********************************************************** CLINICAL TRIALS OF ANTIFUNGAL THERAPIES (RFP NIH-NIAID-DMID-96-04) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases INDEX: ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES $$INDEX R2 01/24/95 ************************************************* CYTOKINE EFFECTS ON HEMATOPOIESIS IN AIDS ANIMAL MODELS (RFA HL-95-009) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute INDEX: HEART, LUNG, BLOOD $$INDEX R3 02/17/95 ************************************************* COOPERATIVE FAMILY REGISTRY FOR EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDIES OF BREAST CANCER (RFA CA-95-003) National Cancer Institute INDEX: CANCER $$INDEX R4 03/16/95 ************************************************* HUMAN STEM CELL SOURCES AND TRANSPLANTATION BIOLOGY (RFA HL-95-008) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases INDEX: HEART, LUNG, BLOOD; DIABETES, DIGESTIVE, KIDNEY DISEASES THIS PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY VIA BITNET OR INTERNET AND IS ALSO ON THE NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov). ALTERNATIVE ACCESS IS THROUGH THE NIH GRANT LINE USING A PERSONAL COMPUTER (DATA LINE 301/402-2221). CONTACT DR. JOHN JAMES AT 301/594-7270 FOR DETAILS. THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE (PHS) STRONGLY ENCOURAGES ALL GRANT RECIPIENTS TO PROVIDE A SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE AND PROMOTE THE NON-USE OF ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PHS MISSION TO PROTECT AND ADVANCE THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. $$INDEX END ********************************************************* NOTICES $$N1 BEGIN ********************************************************** THE NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 11, 1994. THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE NIH GUIDE WILL BE ON NOVEMBER 18, 1994. $$N1 END ************************************************************ $$N2 BEGIN ********************************************************** PEER REVIEW APPEAL PROCESS NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 39, November 4, 1994 P.T. 34; K.W. 1014006 National Institutes of Health The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide an applicant who feels that some aspect of the handling or peer review of his/her grant application has been inappropriate, biased, or wrong with two sequential opportunities (respectively referred to as "rebuttals" and "appeals") to have his/her concerns addressed. The first opportunity is after receipt of the summary statement that documents the results of the initial review of an application's scientific and/or technical merit. If the applicant submits a letter rebutting the review to the program administrator who is responsible for the application, that letter will usually be made available to the National Advisory Council/Board of the relevant NIH Institute/Center/Division (ICD) for consideration, if the ICD staff cannot handle the concerns administratively. The Council may recommend that the application be deferred and rereviewed, if the applicant's objections are deemed to have merit. However, should the Council not recommend deferral and rereview but concur with the initial review and deem that it should stand, then the applicant has a second opportunity to have his/her concerns heard, by submitting a formal appeal of the Council's decision. "The PI and the applicant institution, represented by the institutional official authorized to sign applications, must jointly sign an appeal and send it to the NIH Peer Review Appeals Officer. The official representative's signature indicates that the applicant institution endorses both form and substance of the appeal" (ref: NIH Manual Chapter 4518). The appeal letter must explain fully the reasons for the disagreement, append supporting documentation, and be sent to: NIH Appeals Officer Office of the Director National Institutes of Health Building 1, Room 328 Bethesda, MD 20892 Two points that are important for applicants considering an appeal to weigh for themselves concern the possible outcomes and the timing of the appeal process. The most favorable possible outcome for an applicant in an appeal case can only be a decision that the application in question be rereviewed, since appeals cases examine only whether there were any flaws in the peer review process. The other possible outcome is that the review of the application was not substantially flawed and any minor flaws in the review did not affect the recommendation regarding the application. In that case, the review would stand and the application would not be rereviewed. As the conduct of an appeal case involves several steps of process and review, it may take at least four months (or one review cycle) to complete. Thus, given, the possible outcomes and the timing of the appeal process, an applicant may wish to consider whether deficiencies in the review of his/her application were substantive enough to have had a major deleterious effect on the review of the application and, if not, to revise and resubmit the application instead. Applicant concerns about the acceptance for review, responsiveness to a Request for Applications, other receipt issues, or the referral of their application, when submitted prior to the initial review, are entirely the responsibility of the Division of Research Grants (DRG) or of the ICD assigned to review the application (as indicated on the computer-generated notice of assignments sent to applicants). This DRG or ICD process also provides two opportunities for applicant concerns to be addressed. As they are actions that are external to the peer review process, decisions regarding the funding of applications may not be appealed. INQUIRIES For additional information about the peer review appeal process or to discuss a particular matter, contact Dr. Janet Cuca at 301/496-5358. $$N2 END ************************************************************ $$N3 BEGIN ********************************************************** CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR THE OFFICE FOR PROTECTION FROM RESEARCH RISKS NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 39, November 4, 1994 P.T. 34; K.W. 1014006 National Institutes of Health Effective November 7, 1994, the address for the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR) is: Office for Protection from Research Risks National Institutes of Health 6100 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7507 Rockville, MD 20892-7507 The address for express or hand-delivered mail is: Office for Protection from Research Risks National Institutes of Health 6100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 3B01 Rockville, MD 20852-7507 $$N3 END ************************************************************ $$N4 BEGIN ********************************************************** NATIONAL ANIMAL WELFARE EDUCATION WORKSHOP NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 39, November 4, 1994 P.T. 42; K.W. 0201011, 1014003 National Institutes of Health The National Institutes of Health, Office of Extramural Research, Office for Protection from Research Risks, is co-sponsoring a National Animal Welfare Education Workshop with the Medical University of South Carolina on December 1-2, 1994. The topic is "NEW FRONTIERS IN SURGERY." The workshop will be held at the Sheraton Inn, 170 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29403, telephone (800) 968-3669 or (803) 723-3000. The cut-off date for reservations is November 15, 1994. Accommodations should be made as soon as possible since hotel space is at a premium in Charleston. The day and a half program will focus on state-of-the-art surgical procedures as it applies to the use of animals in biomedical and behavioral research. An exceptional slate of speakers will address Xenographic Procedures; Fetal Intervention; Transgenic Technologies; Orthopedic Biomaterials; IACUC Issues and Ethical Issues in Surgical Research and Development. The workshop is open to institutional administrators, members of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, laboratory animal veterinarians, investigators and other institutional staff who have responsibility for high-quality management of institutional animal care and use programs. Ample opportunities will be provided to exchange ideas and interests through question and answer sessions and informal discussions. The registration fee is $150.00 before November 15; $175.00 after that date and at the registration desk. The registration fee includes workshop materials, two continental breakfasts, refreshment breaks, one buffet lunch, and a reception. INQUIRIES To register for this workshop, contact: M. Michael Swindle, D.V.M. Comparative Medicine, MUSC 171 Ashley Avenue, Room 704-BSB Charleston, SC 29425-2216 Telephone: (803) 792-3625 FAX: (803) 792-9067 For information concerning future NIH/OPRR Animal Welfare Education Workshops, contact: Mrs. Roberta Sonneborn Office for Protection from Research Risks National Institutes of Health 6100 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7507 Rockville, MD 20892-7507 Telephone: (301) 496-7163 FAX: (301) 402-2803 $$N4 END ************************************************************ NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs) $$R1 BEGIN NIH-NIAID-DMID-96-04 ************************************* CLINICAL TRIALS OF ANTIFUNGAL THERAPIES NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 39, November 4, 1994 RFP AVAILABLE: NIH-NIAID-DMID-96-04 P.T. 34; K.W. 0755015, 0715103 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases The Bacteriology and Mycology Branch, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has a requirement for a collaborative clinical trials group for serious fungal infections to include those caused by Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Coccidioides, Histoplasma, and Blastomyces. A clinical trials program will be designed to facilitate advances in antifungal therapy by rigorously determining the efficacy and safety of new therapeutic regimens for serious mycotic diseases. The program will be driven by a scientific agenda with proposed studies that will address the most important gaps in treatment, the appropriate fungal pathogens and risk groups. Risk groups of emphasis are HIV infected patients, neutropenic cancer patients, bone marrow and organ transplant patients, and surgical trauma patients. Provision should also be made for the key management problems with the endemic mycoses in immunocompetent hosts. This group will conduct Phase II and Phase III clinical trials to evaluate antifungal therapies including, but not limited to new agents, formulations, dosing regimens, drug combinations, as well as immunebased therapeutics. Request for Proposals (RFP) No. NIH-NIAID-DMID-96-04 will be available on or about November 15, 1994. Responses will be due at close of business February 15, 1995. It is anticipated that one, cost reimbursement, completion contract will be awarded for a period of five years. All interested offerors are encouraged to submit a proposal. Any responsible offeror may submit a proposal that will be considered by the Government. INQUIRIES To receive a copy of the RFP, supply this office with two self- addressed mailing labels. Telephone inquiries will not be honored and all inquiries must be in writing and addressed to: Mr. Anthony J. Murray Contract Management Branch National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 6003 Executive Boulevard MSC 7610 Solar Building, Room 3C07 Bethesda, MD 20892-7610 Interested organizations should request either a streamlined or full RFP package. If no selection is made, a streamlined version of the RFP will be provided, which includes only the Statement of Work, deliverable and reporting requirements, special requirements and mandatory qualifications, if any, and the Technical Evaluation Criteria. After examination of the abbreviated document, any organization interested in responding to the RFP must request the entire RFP in writing or by FAX request (301) 480-5253. This advertisement does not commit the Government to award a contract. $$R1 END ************************************************************ $$R2 BEGIN HL-95-009 FULL-TEXT ************************************** CYTOKINE EFFECTS ON HEMATOPOIESIS IN AIDS ANIMAL MODELS NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 39, November 4, 1994 RFA AVAILABLE: HL-95-009 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715008, 0755020, 1002004 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: December 16, 1994 Application Receipt Date: January 24, 1995 PURPOSE The Cellular Hematology Scientific Research Group, Blood Diseases Program, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) announces the availability of a Request for Applications (RFA) on the above subject. The purpose of this initiative is to study animal models of human acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to increase our understanding of clinical consequences and/or efficacy of hematopoietic factors used in HIV-1 infected persons. The complexity of HIV disease makes it difficult to assess cytokine effects exclusively in the patient. Thus, this initiative will primarily focus on animal models of human AIDS that could be directly related to future human clinical studies. However, focused cytokine studies in HIV-1 infected persons will be considered. This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project grant (R01) and First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) awards. The NHLBI has set-aside $1.5 million dollars to fund approximately six new grants under this program. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This RFA, Cytokine Effects on Hematopoiesis in AIDS Animal Models, is related to the priority area of HIV infection. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or "Healthy People 2000" (Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-782-3238). INQUIRIES The RFA, which describes the research objectives, application procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this solicitation, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant Line (data line 301/402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov) and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Helena O. Mishoe, Ph.D. Division of Blood Diseases and Resources National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Federal Building, Room 5A12 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-5911 FAX: (301) 496-9940 Email: Helena_Mishoe@NIH.Gov $$R2 END ************************************************************ $$R3 BEGIN CA-95-003 FULL-TEXT ************************************** COOPERATIVE FAMILY REGISTRY FOR EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDIES OF BREAST CANCER NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 39, November 4, 1994 RFA AVAILABLE: CA-95-003 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715036, 0785055, 0780030 National Cancer Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: November 30, 1995 Application Receipt Date: February 17, 1995 PURPOSE The Extramural Programs Branch, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program, Division of Cancer Etiology, National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites cooperative agreement applications from investigators to participate, with the assistance of the NCI, in a network of organizations constituting a Cooperative Family Registry for Breast Cancer (CFRBC). The purpose of the proposed awards is to stimulate a cooperative effort to: 1. Collect pedigree information, epidemiological data and related biological specimens from patients with a family history of breast cancer in order to provide a registry resource for interdisciplinary studies on the etiology of breast cancer, and to encourage translational research in this area. 2. Identify a population at high risk for breast cancer that could benefit from new preventive and therapeutic strategies. The CFRBC will enable participant organizations to: identify individuals with a family history of breast cancer, breast-ovarian cancer syndrome, male breast cancer, and various familial syndromes that include breast cancer; collect and define the related pedigrees; and collect clinical (tumor type, stage at diagnosis, hormonal evaluation, etc.), epidemiologic (age at diagnosis, sociodemographic status, etc.), and other relevant data (such as dietary history) to correlate with the pedigree information. Support for the collection of related biological specimens, such as blood samples, paraffin blocks and fresh-frozen tissue, will be included. This registry is not intended to directly support research on the mapping and cloning of the gene(s) for breast or breast/ovarian cancer, but to assist investigators funded through other sources by providing the data and biological specimens that can be used for a variety of purposes, including etiologic studies and prevention and treatment-oriented translational research. Approximately $2 million in total costs per year for four years will be committed to specifically fund applications which are submitted in response to this RFA. It is anticipated that two to five awards will be made. This funding level is dependent on the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This Request for Applications (RFA), Cooperative Family Registry for Epidemiologic Studies of Breast Cancer, relates to the priority area of cancer. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-783-3238). INQUIRIES The RFA, which describes the research objectives, application procedures, review considerations and award criteria for this solicitation, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant Line (data line 301-402-2221) via the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Dr. Daniela Seminara Division of Cancer Etiology National Cancer Institute Executive Plaza North, Suite 535 6130 Executive Boulevard MSC 7395 Bethesda, MD 20892-7395 Telephone: (301) 496-9600 FAX: (301) 402-4279 EMAIL: SeminarD@NIHCDCE1.GOV $$R3 END ************************************************************ $$R4 BEGIN HL-95-008 FULL-TEXT ************************************** HUMAN STEM CELL SOURCES AND TRANSPLANTATION BIOLOGY NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 39, November 4, 1994 RFA AVAILABLE: HL-95-008 P.T. 34; K.W. 0710125, 0780015, 1002004 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: February 13, 1995 Application Receipt Date: March 16, 1995 PURPOSE The Cellular Hematology Scientific Research Group, Blood Diseases Program, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, NHLBI and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) announce the availability of a Request for Applications (RFA) on the above subject. The purpose of this initiative is to encourage research aimed at providing a better understanding of the differences between stem/progenitor cells from different sources such as bone marrow, peripheral circulation of children and adults and placental/cord blood. Important studies to be pursued entail the characterization of stem/progenitor cells for self-renewal, proliferation, and expansion and the mechanisms involved in these processes. Also to be studied are the immune cells present in the different tissue sources, and the mechanisms of their action in graft vs. host disease, and in graft vs. leukemia effect. The ultimate goal is to identify the most appropriate cell populations capable of sustaining long-term hematopoiesis in humans treated for malignant and non-malignant diseases. This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health research project grant (R01) and First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) award. Approximately $1.5 million dollars from the NHLBI and $500,000 from the NIDDK has been set-aside to award five to seven grants. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This initiative, Human Stem Cell Sources and Transplantation Biology, is related to the priority area of maternal and infant health and cancer. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of Healthy People 2000 (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or "Healthy People 2000" (Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-782-3238). INQUIRIES The RFA, which describes the research objectives, application procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this solicitation, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant Line (data line 301/402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Helena O. Mishoe, Ph.D. Division of Blood Diseases and Resources National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Federal Building, Room 5A12 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-5911 FAX: (301) 496-9940 email: Helena_Mishoe@NIH.Gov David G. Badman, Ph.D. Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Westwood Building, Room 3A05 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-7541 FAX: (301) 594-7501 email: davidb@dvsgate.niddk.nih.gov $$R4 END ************************************************************ From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Fri Nov 04 22:00:00 1994 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA HL-95-009 - V23(39) 11/04/94 Date: 5 Nov 1994 12:35:17 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 522 Sender: biohelp@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-moderator@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <39gqa5$li@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA HL95009 HL-95-009 P1O1 *************************************** CYTOKINE EFFECTS ON HEMATOPOIESIS IN AIDS ANIMAL MODELS NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 39, November 4, 1994 RFA: HL-95-009 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715008, 0755020, 1002004 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Letter of Intent Receipt Date: December 16, 1994 Application Receipt Date: January 24, 1995 PURPOSE The Cellular Hematology Scientific Research Group, Blood Diseases Program, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, NHLBI announces the availability of a Request for Applications (RFA) on the above subject. The purpose of this initiative is to study animal models of human acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to increase our understanding of clinical consequences and/or efficacy of hematopoietic factors used in HIV-1 infected persons. The complexity of HIV disease makes it difficult to assess cytokine effects exclusively in the patient. Thus, this initiative will primarily focus on animal models of human AIDS that could be directly related to future human clinical studies. However, focused cytokine studies in HIV-1 infected persons will be considered. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This initiative, Cytokine Effects on Hematopoiesis in AIDS Animal Models, is related to the priority area of HIV infection. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or "Healthy People 2000" (Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-782-3238). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State or local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Awards in response to this RFA will be made to foreign institutions only for research of very unusual merit, need, and promise, and in accordance with PHS policy governing such awards. Foreign institutions are not eligible for First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) awards. Applications from minority individuals and women are encouraged. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) individual research project grant (R01) and FIRST (R29) award and is a one-time solicitation. Applicants, who will plan and execute their own research programs, are requested to furnish their own estimates of the time required to achieve the objectives of the proposed research project. Up to five years of support may be requested. At the end of the official award period, renewal applications may be submitted for peer review and competition for support through the regular grant program of the NHLBI. It is anticipated that support for the present program will begin in August 1995. Administrative adjustments in project period and/or amount of support may be required at the time of the award. All current policies and requirements that govern the research grant programs of the NIH will apply to grants awarded in response to this RFA. FUNDS AVAILABLE Fiscal Year 1995 financial plans for the NHLBI include $1.5 million for this program. However, award of grants pursuant to this RFA is contingent upon receipt of funds for this purpose. It is anticipated that the NHLBI will award approximately six new grants under this program. The specific amount to be funded will, however, depend on the merit and scope of the applications received and on the availability of funds. Since a variety of approaches would represent valid responses to this RFA, it is anticipated that there will be a range of costs among individual grants awarded. If collaborative arrangements involve sub-contracts with other institutions, the NHLBI Grants Management Staff (tel: 301-594-7436) should be consulted regarding procedures to be followed. Designated funding levels are/or project period duration are subject to change at anytime due unforeseen budgetary administrative and/or scientific developments. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AIDS remains among the most important public health challenges in the United States and abroad. The disease has managed to affect every segment of the population including the fetus and the newborn. Current estimates of HIV-1 prevalence place the number of HIV-1 infected individuals around one million. Early this fall, the Centers for Disease Control plans to release a new estimate of the prevalence of HIV-1 infection in the United States. The natural history of HIV infection is characterized by an abundance of hematologic complications. Anemia is the most frequent abnormality and is manifest at presentation in up to 20 percent of patients. By end-stage disease, 75 to 100 percent of patients become anemic (1,2). Thrombocytopenia and diminished marrow production are seen throughout all stages of AIDS. Leukopenia, consisting of monocytopenia. neutropenia, and lymphopenia, correlates with the stage of disease and as seen in anemia, is worsened with azidothymidine (3). Zidovudine, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, and ganciclovir all can produce or contribute to cytopenias. Reduced marrow reserves and cytopenias complicate treatment for not only HIV but also HIV related malignancies and opportunistic infections. The past decade has witnessed the cloning and characterization of multiple hematopoietic growth factors and cytokines. As a result, cytokines have been used clinically in HIV-1 infection to treat persons with HIV-related cytopenias resulting in improved management of these complications. Although cytokines have generally been well tolerated in clinical use, a number of important questions still remain regarding their use in HIV-1 infected individuals. Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) are very frequently used to manage HIV-1-related neutropenia. In phase I trials, GM-CSF has produced an increase in peripheral neutrophils and eosinophils and a slight rise in monocytes when it was administered to individuals with AIDS-related neutropenia (4,5). Although some investigators have reported that neutrophil function improves in these patients (6), others have reported that neutrophils released from the bone marrow after administration of the drug are dysfunctional (7). Also of some concern to clinicians, is the demonstration that in vitro, GM-CSF potentiates HIV-1 replication (8,9). G-CSF has also been used in the treatment of individuals with HIV-1 infection. Unlike GM-CSF, G-CSF has not been shown to increase the activity of HIV-1 in monocytes and macrophages (10) and also elicits fewer toxicities than GM-CSF (11). Although G-CSF has been shown to increase circulating neutrophils in patients with HIV infection (12), it is not clear if this response translates into fewer infections or increased survival. Other cytokines including M-CSF and interleukin-3 (IL-3) have also been characterized, but few studies detail their clinical use. M-CSF induces proliferation of mononuclear cells and has been shown to potentiate the infection of HIV-1 (13). Additionally, IL-3 has been shown to stimulate multiple hematopoietic cell lines (14), but it too has been associated with an increase in HIV proliferation in vitro by infected macrophages and monocytes. Alpha interferon has been reported to have an anti-viral effect when administered to individuals with HIV infection (15). Important questions still remain regarding the use of cytokines in HIV-1 infected individuals. Cytokine effects on hematopoietic cells and stromal elements have been primarily demonstrated in vitro with very little information available about their effects in vivo. Since these factors typically have multiple actions, some of these actions may be undesirable in a given case. In fact, when one gives a single factor, no less than three general events occur: (a) the blood level of the factor increases and the biological activity of that factor is exerted; (b) the factor induces auxiliary cells to release other cytokines; and (c) the administered factor will act synergistically with at least some of the endogenous factors it induces. Thus, the current view that hematopoietic growth factors simply stimulate the production of more white cells or the proliferation and/or differentiation of stem/progenitor cells, may inappropriately trivialize the physiologic events that take place in HIV-1 infected individuals when cytokines are administered. The many and complex opportunistic infections, neoplasms, and drug treatments, both prophylactic and active, make it difficult to unravel the pathogenesis of HIV disease. These phenomena significantly contribute to the difficulties in assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the use of cytokines in AIDS patients. Therefore, to gain insight into this important area, this RFA will focus primarily on the use of animal models of human AIDS. Recently, studies have demonstrated differences between the levels of viral burden and virus replication in peripheral blood versus lymphoid organs (16). Animal models could potentially provide a unique opportunity to assess these differences with larger numbers and to determine the impact of the use of cytokines on virus replication. In addition, animal models will undoubtedly continue to prove useful for studies of anti-HIV gene therapy strategies. The utility of animal models to study the pathogenesis of AIDS has been extensively reviewed (17,18). This RFA encourages applications that propose studies designed to better assess the use of hematopoietic factors in HIV-1 infected individuals. The primary focus of this RFA is to conduct the above assessment in animal models of human AIDS. The proposed studies should be directly related to evolution to future human clinical studies. Moreover, in vitro studies proposed should have an in vivo endpoint. Also, recent PCR technology would allow focused cytokine studies to be conducted in HIV-1 infected persons. Therefore, appropriate studies assessing the effects of cytokines in HIV-1 infected individuals will be considered. Research approaches that would be considered responsive to the program would include studies to (a) develop new animal models of human AIDS to better assess cytokine use in HIV-1 infected persons; (b) evaluate the effect(s) of cytokines used clinically in HIV-1 infected persons on viral burden, viral persistence, and viral infectivity of stem/progenitor cells and stromal elements; (c) evaluate the interplay of exogenously added cytokines and endogenous cytokines induced by HIV infection; (d) assess the different compartments of HIV-1 virus replication (i.e., peripheral blood vs. lymphoid tissue) and determine the impact of the use of cytokines on viral replication; and (e) evaluate the effects of cytokines on potential anti-HIV gene therapy treatment approaches (i.e., genetically altered stem/progenitor cell transplantation). The above examples of research approaches are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive. Investigators are encouraged to develop their own innovative approaches to achieve the goals of this initiative. Exclusions Epidemiological studies, large-scale clinical trials, and large multi-project grant applications (program project grants) are specifically excluded from this RFA. Also, research focused on testing the effectiveness of vaccines for HIV infection is excluded. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Upon initiation of the program, the NHLBI will sponsor annual meetings to encourage an exchange of information among investigators who participate in this program. In preparing the budget for the grant application, applicants should request additional travel funds for one meeting each year to be held in Bethesda, Maryland. Applicants should also include a statement in the application indicating their willingness to participate in such meetings. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This new policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies (Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations) which have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some new provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513), and reprinted in the NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS of March 18, 1994, Volume 23, Number 11. Investigators may obtain copies from these sources or from the program staff or contact person listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by December 16, 1994, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed research, the name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator, the identities of other key personnel and participating institutions, and the number and title of the RFA in response to which the application may be submitted. Such letters are requested only for the purpose of providing an indication of the number and scope of applications to be received; therefore their receipt is usually not acknowledged. A letter of intent is not binding, it will not enter into the review of any application subsequently submitted, nor is it a necessary requirement for the application. This letter of intent is to be sent to: Dr. James Scheirer Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Westwood Building, Room 557A Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-7478 FAX: (301) 594-7407 Email: James_Scheirer@NIH.Gov APPLICATION PROCEDURES Application Receipt Date: January 24, 1995 Applications are to be submitted on the research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91). This form is available in at most institutional offices of sponsored research and from the Office of Grants Information, Division of Research Grants, National Institutes of Health, 5333 Westbard Avenue, Room 449, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 594-7248. Use the conventional format for research project grant applications and ensure that the points identified in the section REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS are fulfilled. FIRST applications must include at least three sealed letters of reference attached to the face page of the original application. FIRST applications submitted without the required number of reference letters will be considered incomplete and will be returned without review. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 application kit must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the original copy of the application. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. To identify the application as a response to this RFA, check "YES" on Item 2a of page 1 of the application and enter the title and RFA Number: CYTOKINE EFFECTS ON HEMATOPOIESIS IN AIDS ANIMAL MODELS RFA HL-95-009. Send or deliver the completed application and three signed, exact photocopies of it to the following, making sure that the original application with the RFA label attached is on top: Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Westwood Building, Room 240 Bethesda, MD 20892** Send an additional two copies of the application to the Chief, Review Branch at the address listed under LETTER OF INTENT. It is important to send these two copies at the same time as the original and three copies are sent to the Division of Research Grants (DRG). Otherwise the NHLBI cannot guarantee that the application will be reviewed in competition for this RFA. Applications must be received by January 24, 1995. An application not received by this date will be returned to the applicant without review. The DRG will not accept any application in response to this RFA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The DRG will not accept any application that is the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of applications already reviewed, but such applications must include an introduction addressing the previous critique. Although this is an RFA from the NHLBI, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) also have an interest in research focused on the role of cytokines in AIDS and the development of AIDS animal models. In addition, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has an interest in the role of cytokines in AIDS pathogenesis particularly, in the development of AIDS- associated malignancies. Therefore, the NIAID, the NCI or the NIDDK may be given an institute assignment in accordance with NIH referral guidelines. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness and responsiveness by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Incomplete applications and applications deemed not responsive to the RFA will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by the NHLBI in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, a process (triage) may be used by the initial review group in which applications will be determined to be competitive or non-competitive based on their scientific merit relative to other applications received in response to the RFA. Applications judged to be competitive will be discussed and be assigned a priority score. Applications determined to be non-competitive will be withdrawn from further consideration and the principal investigator/program director and the official signing for the applicant organization will be promptly notified. The criteria used in evaluating the scientific merit of each application will be similar to those used in the review of traditional research-project grant applications, including the novelty, originality, and feasibility of the approach; the training, experience and research competence of the investigator(s); the adequacy of the experimental design; the suitability of the facilities; the appropriateness of the requested budget to the work proposed; and the adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research. Applications should be prepared so that they can be reviewed without the necessity of interaction between applicants and reviewers since no site visit or reverse site visit will be part of the technical merit review. AWARD CRITERIA The anticipated date of award is August 1995. Funding decisions will be made on the basis of scientific and technical merit as determined by peer review, program needs and balance, and the availability of funds. Awards in response to this RFA will be made to foreign institutions only for research of very unusual merit, need, and promise, and in accordance with PHS policy governing such awards. Designated funding levels are subject to change at any time prior to award, due to unforeseen budgetary, administrative and/or scientific developments. In order to more evenly distribute administrative workload and reduce the number of awards with July 1 or September 30 start dates, the NHLBI will award ten months of time and money for the first competing budget period of this project. This action results in a project period of 58 months rather than 60 months for R01 applications. Investigators should plan their research projects and budgets within these timeframes. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Helena O. Mishoe, Ph.D. Division of Blood Diseases and Resources National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Federal Building, Room 5A12 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-5911 FAX: (301) 496-9940 Email: Helena_Mishoe@NIH.Gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Jane R. Davis Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Westwood Building, Room 4A11 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-7436 FAX: (301) 594-7492 Email: Jane_Davis@NIH.Gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS The programs of the Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, NHLBI, are described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 93.839. Awards are made under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Section 301 (42 USC 241) and administered under PHS grant policies and Federal regulations, most specifically 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency Review. References 1. Spivak JL, Bender BS, Quinn TC. Hematologic abnormalities in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Am J Medicine 77:224-228, 1974. 2. Zon, LI, Arkin C, Groopman JE. Hematologic Manifestations of human immune deficiency virus (HIV). Br J Haematol 66:251-256, 1987. 3. Fischl MA, Ricnman DD, Hansen N, Collier AC, Carey JT, Para MF, Hardy D. Dolin R. Powderly WG, Allan JD, Wong B, Merigan TC, McAuliffe VJ, Hyslop NE. Rhame FS, Balfour HH, Spector SA, Volberdino P, Pettinelli C, Anderson J. The safety and efficacy of zidovudine (AZT) in the treatment of subjects with mildly symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection. Annals Internal Med 112:727-737, 1990. 4. Groopman JE, Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating tor in human immunodeficiency virus disease. Semin Hematol 27:8-14, 1990. 5. Groopman JE, Mitsuyasu RT, DeLeo MY, et al. Effect of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on myelopoiesis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. N Engl J Med 317:533-598, 1987. 6. Baldwin GC, Gasson JC, Quan SG, et al. Granulocyte-macrophage colonystimulating factor enhances neutrophil function in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA 85:2763-2766, 1988. 7. Peters WP, Stuart A, Affronti MI, Kim KS, Coleman R. Neutrophil migration is defective during recombinant GMCSF infusion after autologous bone marrow transplantation in humans. Blood 72:1310-1315, 1988. 8. Perno CF, Yarchoan R, Cooney DA, et al. Replication of human immunodeficiency virus in monocytes; granulocyte/macrophage colonystimulating factor (GM-CSF) potentiates viral production yet enhances the antiviral effect mediated by 3'-azido-2'3'-dideoxythymidine (AZT) and other dideoxynucleoside congeners of thymidine. J Exp Med 169:933-951, 1989. 9. Pluda JM, Yarchoan R, Smith PD, et al. Subcutaneous recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor used as a single agent and in an alternating regimen with azidothymidine in leukopenic patients with severe human immunodeficiency virus infection. Blood 76:463-472, 1990. 10. Koyanagi Y, O'Brien WA, Zhao JQ. Cytokines alter production of HIV-1 from primary mononuclear phagocytes. Science 241:1673-1675, 1988. 11. Davey RT, Davey V, Zurol J. A phase I/II trial of zidovudine interferon alpha and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in treatment of HIV infection. 6th Int Conf on AIDS, San Francisco, June 11-24, 1990. 12. Miles SA, Milsuyasu R, Fink N. Recombinant G-CSF and recombinant erythropoietin may abrogate the neutropenia and anemia of AIDS and allow resumption of AZT. 5th Int Conf on AIDS, Montreal, June 4-9, p. 550, 1989. 13. Perno CF, Yarchoan R, Cooney DA, et al. Differential modulation of HIV replication and AZT activity in monocyte/macrophages by GM- CSF, M-CSF, G-CSF. 5th Int Conf on AIDS, Montreal, June 4-9, p. 536, 1989. 14. Alter R, Welniak LA, Jackson JD, Garrison L, Weisenburger DD, Kessinger, A. In vitro clonogenic monitoring of peripheral blood stem cell collections following interleukin-3 administration. Blood 76(10) Supplement 1:129a, 1990. 15. Lane HC, Davey V, Kovacs JA, et al. Interferon-alpha in patients with asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Ann Intern Med 112:805-811, 1990. 16. Pantaleo G, Grazios C, Demarest JF, Butini L, HIV infection is active and progressive in lymphoid tissues during the clinically late stage of the disease. Nature 362(6418): 355-358, 1993. 17. Fultz P. Nonhuman primate models for AIDS. Clinical Infectious Diseases 17 (suppl 1): S230-S235, 1993. 18. Letvin, N. Animal models for the study of human immunodeficiency virus infections. Current Opinions in Immunology 4:481-485, 1992. From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Mon Nov 07 22:00:00 1994 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS - 6 November 1994 Date: 7 Nov 1994 19:10:48 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 138 Sender: biohelp@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-moderator@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <39mq7o$95j@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS system in the previous week. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: Press Release Title: ULTRAFAST LASERS PRODUCE ‘PICTURE’ OF BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN MOLECULES File size (bytes): 2777 STIS Filename: pr9469 Title: NSF AWARDS FIRST METACENTER REGIONAL ALLIANCE GRANTS File size (bytes): 8907 STIS Filename: pr9470 Document Type: Program Guideline Title: Guidelines for the NSF Graduate Research Traineeship Program (NSF 94-140) File size (bytes): 32463 STIS Filename: nsf94140 Title: NSF 94-151 - Sensor and Sensor Systems for Power Systems and Other Dispersed Civil Infrastructure Systems File size (bytes): 21979 STIS Filename: nsf94151 Title: NSF 94-152 - GLOBAL LEARNING AND OBSERVATIONS TO BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT (GLOBE) File size (bytes): 42694 STIS Filename: nsf94152 Title: NSF 94-154 - Research on Composite and Hybrid Structures File size (bytes): 14474 STIS Filename: nsf94154 Title: NSF 94-156 Academic Research Infrastructure (ARI) Program Instrumentation Development and Acquisition Solicitation File size (bytes): 36676 STIS Filename: nsf94156 Document Type: Recruit Title: Director, Division of Ocean Sciences File size (bytes): 7684 STIS Filename: vep951c Title: Director, Division of Ocean Sciences File size (bytes): 5249 STIS Filename: vep951i Title: Director, Division of Ocean Sciences File size (bytes): 7446 STIS Filename: vep951l Title: Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) File size (bytes): 3957 STIS Filename: vgs9523 Document Type: SRS Report Title: NSF 94-307 Characteristics of Doctoral Science & Engineers in the United States- 1991 File size (bytes): 3940 STIS Filename: nsf94307 Also available: nsf94307.zip ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: Committees Title: NSF Advisory Committee Meetings File size (bytes): 8722 STIS Filename: cmpublic Title: NSF Advisory Committee Meetings File size (bytes): 8722 STIS Filename: cmpublic Document Type: Letter Title: Current List of REU Sites File size (bytes): 84502 STIS Filename: reulist Document Type: Phone Book Title: NSF Alpha Telephone File size (bytes): 94597 STIS Filename: phnalpha Title: NSF Organizational Directory File size (bytes): 99980 STIS Filename: phnorg ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE ** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS The above files can be retrieved in electronic form using the STIS system. If you don't know how to use STIS, send an E-mail message to stisinfo@nsf.gov (Internet). You will receive a copy of the STIS flyer via E-mail. If you are already using STIS, you can use the information above to retrieve these files: Documents via E-mail: Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov (Internet). Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command. For example, to retrieve phnorg, the text of your message should be as follows: get phnorg Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve phnorg, you would enter: ftp> get phnorg WAIS or Gopher: Do a word search on the filename as shown in the summary. If you want a *printed* copy of a document: Send your name and postal mailing address, and the document title and number to "pubs@nsf.gov" (Internet). If you have problems with the above procedures: Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov" (Internet). From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Nov 08 22:00:00 1994 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: No NIH Guide for 11/11/94 Date: 8 Nov 1994 18:32:40 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 3 Sender: biohelp@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-moderator@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <39pcc8$1r6@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$MAIL BEGIN *********************************************************** The NIH Guide will not be published on 11/11/94. $$MAIL END************************************************************** From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Nov 16 22:00:00 1994 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: amcgough@bcm.tmc.edu (Amy McGough) Newsgroups: bionet.announce,bionet.jobs,bionet.sci-resources Subject: Computational Biology Undergraduate Fellowships Date: 16 Nov 1994 16:57:19 -0800 Organization: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tx Lines: 45 Sender: biohelp@net.bio.net Approved: bionews-moderator@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <3ad8ee$hjr@gazette.bcm.tmc.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net Keywords: Computational Biology Fellowships Xref: biosci bionet.announce:1582 bionet.jobs:6346 bionet.sci-resources:1161 National Science Foundation-supported Undergraduate Training Opportunities at the W.M. Keck Center for Computational Biology The W. M. Keck Center for Computational Biology Undergraduate Research Training Program Science and engineering are in the process of being transformed by the power of new computing technologies. Our goals is to train a new kind of scientist -- one poised to seize the advantages of a national supercomputing prowess in solving important problems in biology. The W.M. Keck Center for Computational Biology offers studies in Computational Biology through three partner institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, and the University of Houston. The Program emphasizes algorithm development, computation, and visualization in the areas of biology, biochemistry, and biophysics. The Keck Center draws on the intellectual and technological resources of its partner institutions, including the High Resolution Electron Microscopy Center and the Human Genome Center at Baylor College of Medicine, The Center for Research on Parallel Computation and the Institute of Bioscience and Bio-engineering at Rice University, and the Institute of Molecular Design and the Texas Center for Advanced Molecular Computation at University of Houston The research groups involved in the Keck Center are at the forefronts of their respective areas, and their laboratories are outstanding settings for the training program. The faculty have been chosen to represent the fields necessary for the development and deployment of new computational tools in modern biology. The subject areas encompass the intellectual activities needed to ask incisive questions, develop appropriate algorithms to approach the problems, and to execute the methods on modern computational architectures. Trainees will have mentors to guide them in taking advantage of interdisciplinary approaches. The Keck Center Undergraduate Research Fellowships, provide a stipend of $1500, are available for either during the academic year (for nine months) or during the summer (for three months). To obtain an application form, contact Marc Archambault, Executive Director of the W.M. Keck Center for Computational Biology, by Email at compbio@rice.edu, by phone at (713) 527-4752, or fax at (713) 527-4659. From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Mon Nov 21 22:00:00 1994 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS - 20 November 1994 Date: 21 Nov 1994 18:24:43 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 118 Sender: biohelp@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-moderator@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <3arkpb$kjg@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS system in the previous week. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: General Publication Title: NSF 94-116 -- The Alan T. Waterman Award File size (bytes): 18469 STIS Filename: nsf94116 Document Type: Letter Title: NATIONAL SBIR/FEDERAL HIGH TECH CONFERENCE IN SAN JOSE, CA NOVEMBER 14-16,1994 File size (bytes): 1618 STIS Filename: ltrsbir Document Type: Press Release Title: SPRING INAUGURATES NEW SEASON OF ANTARCTIC RESEARCH File size (bytes): 9743 STIS Filename: pr9474 Document Type: Program Guideline Title: NSF 94-150 Engineering Research Centers File size (bytes): 42231 STIS Filename: nsf94150 Document Type: Recruit Title: Director, Division of Mathematical Sciences File size (bytes): 8191 STIS Filename: vep9422c Title: Director, Division of Mathematical Sciences File size (bytes): 5735 STIS Filename: vep9422i Title: Director, Division of Mathematical Sciences File size (bytes): 7887 STIS Filename: vep9422l Title: Science Assistant, AD-1 File size (bytes): 4929 STIS Filename: vex9445 Title: Secretary (Office Automation) File size (bytes): 4994 STIS Filename: vgs9524 Title: Secretary (Office Automation) File size (bytes): 5917 STIS Filename: vgs9527 Title: Senior Program Assistant (Office Automation) File size (bytes): 5695 STIS Filename: vgs9528 Title: Computer Specialist File size (bytes): 9230 STIS Filename: vgs9532 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: Phone Book Title: NSF Alpha Telephone File size (bytes): 94702 STIS Filename: phnalpha Title: NSF Organizational Directory File size (bytes): 100076 STIS Filename: phnorg ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE ** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS The above files can be retrieved in electronic form using the STIS system. If you don't know how to use STIS, send an E-mail message to stisinfo@nsf.gov (Internet). You will receive a copy of the STIS flyer via E-mail. If you are already using STIS, you can use the information above to retrieve these files: Documents via E-mail: Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov (Internet). Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command. For example, to retrieve phnorg, the text of your message should be as follows: get phnorg Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve phnorg, you would enter: ftp> get phnorg WAIS or Gopher: Do a word search on the filename as shown in the summary. If you want a *printed* copy of a document: Send your name and postal mailing address, and the document title and number to "pubs@nsf.gov" (Internet). If you have problems with the above procedures: Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov" (Internet). From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Nov 22 22:00:00 1994 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS - 13 November 1994 Date: 22 Nov 1994 16:07:46 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 107 Sender: biohelp@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-moderator@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <3au14i$23u@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net [Note from the moderator - my apologies for the delay, this was lost in the backlog from my recent trip.] This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS system in the previous week. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: General Publication Title: NSF 92-134 FACTS ABOUT THE US ANTARCTIC PROGRAM File size (bytes): 123040 STIS Filename: nsf92134 Document Type: Letter Title: NSF 94-158 ENGINEERING DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER File size (bytes): 10601 STIS Filename: nsf94158 Document Type: News Title: Tip41107 - Media Tipsheet November 4, 1994