From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Jun 04 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 3 June 1996 Date: 5 Jun 1996 10:44:51 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 136 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4p4h2j$gt9@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS system for the week ending June 3, 1996. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: News Title: How to Succeed in Molecular Design Without Really Trying File size (bytes): 1518 STIS Filename: mpslect2.txt Title: Media Tipsheet May 24, 1996 File size (bytes): 4406 STIS Filename: tip60524.txt Document Type: Press Release Title: MAJOR SHIFTS IN WORLD ECONOMY CONFRONT U.S. STATUS AS INDUSTRIAL LEADER, SAYS NEW S&E INDICATORS REPORT File size (bytes): 9838 STIS Filename: pr9622.txt Title: TORNADO SEASON STRIKES File size (bytes): 3927 STIS Filename: pr9623.txt Title: PLANES, MOBILE RADARS ANALYZE CHEMISTRY OF THUNDERSTORMS File size (bytes): 3513 STIS Filename: pr9624.txt Title: AMERICANS LEAD THE WORLD IN COMPUTER USE, BUT HAVE LITTLE UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE, SAYS NEW REPORT File size (bytes): 3821 STIS Filename: pr9625.txt Title: NSF WILL INVEST $48 MILLION TO SPARK FOUR NEW ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS File size (bytes): 9207 STIS Filename: pr9626.txt Title: NSF WINS APPEAL TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF ITS PROPOSAL REVIEWERS File size (bytes): 3129 STIS Filename: pr9627.txt Title: SCIENTISTS DISCOVER NEW CLASS OF GENES File size (bytes): 3941 STIS Filename: pr9628.txt Document Type: Program Guideline Title: NSF 96-102 RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERGRADUATES PROGRAM (REU) File size (bytes): 46740 STIS Filename: nsf96102.txt Title: NSF 96-93 Antarctic Research Opportunities and Proposal Guide File size (bytes): 150005 STIS Filename: nsf9693.txt Title: NSF 96-99 MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN COST-REDUCING HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGIES File size (bytes): 17936 STIS Filename: nsf9699.txt Document Type: Recruit Title: EPSCoR Program Director, AD-4 (Interdisciplinary position File size (bytes): engineering, biological, computational or geological sciences) STIS Filename: vex9619.txt (NSF) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: General Publication Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs Chapter 1 File size (bytes): 40991 STIS Filename: ns95138b.txt Document Type: News Title: Artificial Antibody Binding Sites and Combinatorial Synthesis File size (bytes): 1527 STIS Filename: mpslect.txt Document Type: Press Release Title: NSF WINS APPEAL TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF ITS PROPOSAL REVIEWERS File size (bytes): 3129 STIS Filename: pr9627.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** 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 pr9627.txt, the text of your message should be as follows: get pr9627.txt Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve pr9627.txt, you would enter: ftp> get pr9627.txt 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 Jun 04 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: jan@ultr5.vub.ac.be (DeJean) Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: Collab. Belgium <-> Poland, Hungary or Roumania Date: 5 Jun 1996 11:09:57 -0700 Organization: Molecular Biology Institutes - Free Universities of Brussels Lines: 28 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4p393r$sln@imol2.vub.ac.be> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net The Flemish government (Belgium) provides funding for scientific cooperation between Flemish universities (institutions) and Polish, Hungarian or Romanian research labs. The grants can be used for visits, travel, equipment, meetings, etc. The department of Ultrastructure at the free University of Brussels is doing research in the fields of protein crystallography and protein engineering. Please look at our WWW page for more details. http://imol.vub.ac.be/ULTR/ULTR.html We are looking for scientific partners (university labs, research institutes) in these countries with joined scientific interests to start cooperative research on the above subjects. If any interest, please contact Jan Steyaert (JSTEYAER@VUB.AC.BE). Prof. Dr. Ir. Jan Steyaert Department of ULTRASTRUCTURE Free University of Brussels, Paardenstraat 65, B-1640 Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium Email jsteyaer@vub.ac.be Tel ++ 32 2 359 02 68 Fax ++ 32 2 359 02 89 Fax 32-2-359 02 89 From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jun 05 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 3 June 1996 Date: 5 Jun 1996 20:06:35 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 137 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4p5hvr$iv3@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS system for the week ending June 3, 1996. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: News Title: How to Succeed in Molecular Design Without Really Trying File size (bytes): 1518 STIS Filename: mpslect2.txt Title: Media Tipsheet May 24, 1996 File size (bytes): 4406 STIS Filename: tip60524.txt Document Type: Press Release Title: MAJOR SHIFTS IN WORLD ECONOMY CONFRONT U.S. STATUS AS INDUSTRIAL LEADER, SAYS NEW S&E INDICATORS REPORT File size (bytes): 9838 STIS Filename: pr9622.txt Title: TORNADO SEASON STRIKES File size (bytes): 3927 STIS Filename: pr9623.txt Title: PLANES, MOBILE RADARS ANALYZE CHEMISTRY OF THUNDERSTORMS File size (bytes): 3513 STIS Filename: pr9624.txt Title: AMERICANS LEAD THE WORLD IN COMPUTER USE, BUT HAVE LITTLE UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE, SAYS NEW REPORT File size (bytes): 3821 STIS Filename: pr9625.txt Title: NSF WILL INVEST $48 MILLION TO SPARK FOUR NEW ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS File size (bytes): 9207 STIS Filename: pr9626.txt Title: NSF WINS APPEAL TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF ITS PROPOSAL REVIEWERS File size (bytes): 3129 STIS Filename: pr9627.txt Title: SCIENTISTS DISCOVER NEW CLASS OF GENES File size (bytes): 3941 STIS Filename: pr9628.txt Document Type: Program Guideline Title: NSF 96-102 RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERGRADUATES PROGRAM (REU) File size (bytes): 46740 STIS Filename: nsf96102.txt Title: NSF 96-93 Antarctic Research Opportunities and Proposal Guide File size (bytes): 150005 STIS Filename: nsf9693.txt Title: NSF 96-99 MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN COST-REDUCING HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGIES File size (bytes): 17936 STIS Filename: nsf9699.txt Document Type: Recruit Title: EPSCoR Program Director, AD-4 (Interdisciplinary position File size (bytes): engineering, biological, computational or geological sciences) STIS Filename: vex9619.txt (NSF) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: General Publication Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs Chapter 1 File size (bytes): 40991 STIS Filename: ns95138b.txt Document Type: News Title: Artificial Antibody Binding Sites and Combinatorial Synthesis File size (bytes): 1527 STIS Filename: mpslect.txt Document Type: Press Release Title: NSF WINS APPEAL TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF ITS PROPOSAL REVIEWERS File size (bytes): 3129 STIS Filename: pr9627.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** 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 pr9627.txt, the text of your message should be as follows: get pr9627.txt Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve pr9627.txt, you would enter: ftp> get pr9627.txt 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 Sun Jun 09 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 8 June 1996 Date: 9 Jun 1996 23:02:36 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 144 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4pgdps$e6g@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS system for the week ending June 8, 1996. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: Bulletin Title: BUL 96-06 NSF June/July/August 1996 Bulletin V-23; No.10 File size (bytes): 58408 STIS Filename: bul9606.txt Document Type: Letter Title: NSF 96-96 Dear Colleague File size (bytes): 3328 STIS Filename: nsf9696.txt Document Type: Press Release Title: PROGRESS IN MATH AND SCIENCE PERFORMANCE PROMPTS "CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM" AT NSF File size (bytes): 5810 STIS Filename: pr9615.txt Title: NEVER THE SAME SONG TWICE FROM SONG File size (bytes): 3480 STIS Filename: pr9619.txt Title: SCIENTISTS TO PRESENT RESULTS OF ‘SOLAR STORM' RESEARCH; MASSIVE EVENTS DISRUPT POWER, CAUSE AURORA DISPLAYS File size (bytes): 3569 STIS Filename: pr9620.txt Title: NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD ELECTS NEW LEADERS File size (bytes): 2385 STIS Filename: pr9621.txt Title: FIRST RESULTS FROM GLOBAL ARRAY THAT EAVESDROPS ON SOUNDS OF THE SUN File size (bytes): 3970 STIS Filename: pr9629.txt Title: NSF FUNDS INTERNATIONAL PROTEIN DATA BANK FUELS RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY File size (bytes): 3216 STIS Filename: pr9630.txt Title: NSB APPROVES MULTIMILLION DOLLAR AWARD FOR ST. LOUIS' SYSTEM-WIDE EDUCATION REFORM File size (bytes): 3549 STIS Filename: pr9631.txt Title: NSB APPROVES MULTIMILLION DOLLAR AWARD FOR MILWAUKEE'S SYSTEM-WIDE EDUCATION REFORM File size (bytes): 3541 STIS Filename: pr9632.txt Title: NSB APPROVES MULTIMILLION DOLLAR AWARD FOR SAN DIEGO'S SYSTEM-WIDE EDUCATION REFORM File size (bytes): 3510 STIS Filename: pr9633.txt Document Type: Recruit Title: Assistant Director for Geosciences File size (bytes): 5355 STIS Filename: vep9600.txt Title: Director, Division of Advanced Scientific Computing File size (bytes): 8891 STIS Filename: vep965.txt Title: EPSCoR Program Director (Interdisciplinary position File size (bytes): Engineering, Biological, Computational, or Geological Sciences) STIS Filename: vex9619a.txt (NSF) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: Phone Book Title: NSF Alpha Telephone Directory File size (bytes): 114263 STIS Filename: phnalpha.txt Also available: phnalpha.dlm phnalpha.xls Title: NSF Organization Telephone Directory File size (bytes): 123396 STIS Filename: phnorg.txt Document Type: Program Guideline Title: NSF 93-130 -- Research Planning Grants and Career Advancement Awards for Women Scientists and Engineers File size (bytes): 27685 STIS Filename: nsf93130.txt Document Type: Recruit Title: Senior Executive Service Nationwide Vacancy Listing File size (bytes): 58838 STIS Filename: sesvac.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** 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 sesvac.txt, the text of your message should be as follows: get sesvac.txt Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve sesvac.txt, you would enter: ftp> get sesvac.txt 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 Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH Guide, vol. 25, no. 18, pt. 1of1, 7 June 1996 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:14:17 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 1485 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plg6p$9b3@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID NIHGUIDE 19960607 V25N18 P1O1 ************************************ X-comment: RFAS described: GM-96-011, HL-96-009, HL-96-010, HL-96-011, HL-96- X-URL: gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/11/res/nih-guide/guide-files/96.06.07 A-96-056, PA-96-057 NIH GUIDE - Vol. 25, No. 18 - June 7, 1996 $$INDEX BEGIN ******************************************************* NOTICES $$INDEX N1 ********************************************************** SYMPOSIUM ON THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF PEER REVIEW National Institutes of Health INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH $$INDEX N2 ********************************************************** CONTINUATION AND TERMINATION OF NIAID PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases INDEX: ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES $$INDEX N3 ********************************************************** THE NATIONAL CELL CULTURE CENTER National Center for Research Resources INDEX: RESEARCH RESOURCES $$INDEX N4 ********************************************************** NATIONAL ANIMAL WELFARE EDUCATION WORKSHOPS National Institutes of Health INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH $$INDEX N5 ********************************************************** NATIONAL HUMAN SUBJECT PROTECTIONS WORKSHOPS National Institutes of Health Food and Drug Administration INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH; FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs) $$INDEX R1 ********************************************************** EFFICACY TRIAL OF SPERMICIDAL AGENTS (RFP NICHD-CRE-96-09) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development INDEX: CHILD HEALTH, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT $$INDEX R2 08/07/96 ************************************************* SUPPORT OF MORE PROGRAM SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, AND WORKSHOPS (RFA GM-96-011) National Institute of General Medical Sciences INDEX: GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES $$INDEX R3 08/23/96 ************************************************* NHLBI SHORT-TERM RESEARCH TRAINING FOR MINORITY STUDENTS PROGRAM (RFA HL-96-009) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute INDEX: HEART, LUNG, BLOOD $$INDEX R4 08/23/96 ************************************************* NHLBI MINORITY INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM (RFA HL-96-010) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute INDEX: HEART, LUNG, BLOOD $$INDEX R5 08/23/96 ************************************************* NHLBI MINORITY INSTITUTION FACULTY MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD (RFA HL-96-011) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute INDEX: HEART, LUNG, BLOOD $$INDEX R6 08/23/96 ************************************************* NHLBI MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR MINORITY FACULTY (RFA HL-96-012) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute INDEX: HEART, LUNG, BLOOD $$INDEX R7 08/27/96 ************************************************* BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF POWER FREQUENCY EMF (RFA ES-96-007) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences INDEX: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES $$INDEX R8 10/29/96 ************************************************* OBESITY/NUTRITION RESEARCH CENTERS (RFA DK-96-011) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases INDEX: DIABETES, DIGESTIVE, KIDNEY DISEASES $$INDEX R9 01/15/97 ************************************************* ASTHMA, ALLERGIC AND IMMUNOLOGIC DISEASES COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTERS (RFA AI-96-005) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases INDEX: ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES $$INDEX P1 ********************************************************** SMALL MOLECULE TRANSPORTER PROTEINS IN BLOOD, RENAL AND PROSTATE CELLS (PA-96-055) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases INDEX: DIABETES, DIGESTIVE, KIDNEY DISEASES $$INDEX P2 ********************************************************** POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING IN COMPLEMENTARY/ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (PA-96-056) Office of Alternative Medicine National Institutes of Health INDEX: ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE $$INDEX P3 ********************************************************** QTL MAPPING OF ALCOHOL-RELATED BEHAVIORAL TRAITS IN RODENTS (PA-96-057) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism INDEX: ALCOHOL ABUSE, ALCOHOLISM ERRATA $$INDEX E1 ********************************************************** COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESEARCH ON MINORITY ORAL HEALTH (RFA DE-96-002) National Institute of Dental Research INDEX: DENTAL RESEARCH THE NIH GUIDE IS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY VIA BITNET OR INTERNET, BY SUBSCRIPTION, AND IS ALSO ON THE NIH GOPHER (GOPHER.NIH.GOV) AND THE NIH WEBSITE (HTTP://WWW.NIH.GOV). ALTERNATIVE ACCESS IS THROUGH THE NIH GRANT LINE VIA MODEM (DATA LINE 301/402-2221); CONTACT DR. JOHN JAMES AT 301/435-2801 FOR DETAILS ON THE NIH GRANT LINE. THE PHS STRONGLY ENCOURAGES ALL GRANT AND CONTRACT RECIPIENTS TO PROVIDE A SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE AND PROMOTE THE NON-USE OF ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS. IN ADDITION, PUBLIC LAW 103-227, THE PRO-CHILDREN ACT OF 1994, PROHIBITS SMOKING IN CERTAIN FACILITIES (OR IN SOME CASES, ANY PORTION OF A FACILITY) IN WHICH REGULAR OR ROUTINE EDUCATION, LIBRARY, DAY CARE, HEALTH CARE OR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO CHILDREN. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PHS MISSION TO PROTECT AND ADVANCE THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. ALL COMPETING GRANT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH MUST BE SENT TO: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) THE GRANTS INFORMATION OFFICE, DRG, HAS BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE NEW OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL OUTREACH & INFORMATION RESOURCES, OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH, OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR, NIH. REQUESTS FOR APPLICATION FORMS, PUBLICATIONS, AND OTHER INFORMATION MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE FOLLOWING: OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL OUTREACH & INFORMATION RESOURCES 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, MSC 7910 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7910 TELEPHONE: (301) 435-0714 EMAIL: ASKNIH@ODROCKM1.OD.NIH.GOV $$INDEX END ********************************************************* NOTICES $$N1 BEGIN ********************************************************** SYMPOSIUM ON THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF PEER REVIEW NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 P.T. 42; K.W. 1014006, 1014004 National Institutes of Health Division of Research Grants 1996 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Division of Research Grants. The National Institutes of Health and the Division of Research Grants are marking this occasion with a symposium on the Past, Present, and Future of Peer Review. This symposium will be held Thursday, June 20 at the Natcher Conference Center on the Bethesda campus of NIH. The symposium will start at 8:00 a.m. and conclude with a reception at the Natcher Center in the late afternoon. This is an opportunity for colleagues, friends, and others to discuss fifty years of excellence in peer review and its impact on biomedical research. There is no fee for the symposium, but advance registration is required. The registration deadline is May 31, 1996. The Natcher facility is fully accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. INQUIRIES Information is available on the DRG home page - http://www.drg.nih.gov or can be requested from: Administrative Office Division of Research Grants 6701 Rockledge Drive MSC 7760 Bethesda, MD 20892-7760 Telephone: (301) 435-1099 FAX: (301) 480-3963 Questions about the symposium may be addressed to: Suzanne E. Fisher, Ph.D. Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Rockledge Building, Room 2030 - MSC 7720 Bethesda, MD 20892-7720 Telephone: (301) 435-0715 FAX: (301) 480-1987 Email: fys@drgpo.drg.nih.gov $$N1 END ************************************************************ $$N2 BEGIN ********************************************************** CONTINUATION AND TERMINATION OF NIAID PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 P.T. 34; K.W. 1014006 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases This notice is to inform the research community that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) will continue to support selected Program Announcements (PAs) and is withdrawing support for other PAs. Further, additional PAs will be published over the next few months as NIAID continues to adjust and expand the use of PAs to inform the scientific community of its areas of current research emphasis (See NIH Guide, Volume 25, April 19, 1996 for NIAID Notice on Program Announcements and Research Emphasis Areas). CONTINUATIONS. NIAID will continue to accept applications in response to the following PAs through January 2, 1998 (unless the individual PA states otherwise). For each PA, the number, title, and date of publication in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts is cited below. These PAs can be viewed and printed through the NIH Grants and Contracts Home Page (http://www.nih.gov:80/grants). On this home page, select ~NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS~; then select ~NIH Guide-Flat Text Files Printed Edition~; then select the publication date(s) for the PA(s) in which you are interested. PA-92-54 Cytokines in Autoimmunity, March 20, 1992 PA-93-014 The Immunology of Aging, November 6, 1992 PA-93-034 Mucosal Immunity in the Urogenital Tract, January 8, 1993 PA-93-037 Asthma as a T-Cell-Mediated Disease, January 15, 1993 PA-93-041 Minority Investigators in Asthma and Allergy, January 22, 1993 PA-93-108 Behavioral Research in Sexually Transmitted Diseases, September 3, 1993 PA-93-114 Autoimmune Endocrine Disease, September 24, 1993 PA-94-019 Infectious Causes of Diarrhea/Wasting Syndrome in People with AIDS, December 17, 1993 PA-94-049 Studies on Environmental Toxicants and the Immune System, March 18, 1994 PA-94-062 Environmental Agents and Asthma, April 29, 1994 PA-94-092 New Insights into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, August 4, 1994 PA-94-095 Drug Discovery for Opportunistic Infections Associated with AIDS, September 16, 1994 PAR-95-047 National Cooperative Drug Discovery Groups, HIV Treatment, April 14, 1995 PA-95-062 Fellowships and Career Development in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, May 19, 1995 PA-96-014 Models for HIV Disease and AIDS-related Malignancies, January 26, 1996 PAR-96-031 NIDDK-NIAID International Collaboration: Small Grant Awards, March 8, 1996 TERMINATIONS. The following program announcements (PAs) are being withdrawn; NIAID will no longer accept applications in response to these PAs. This notice is effective immediately and applies to the application receipt deadlines of May 1, 1996 and after. ALL NIAID-SPONSORED PAs PUBLISHED IN THE NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS PRIOR TO MARCH 20, 1992. PA-92-55 Exercise Induced Fatigue in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, March 20, 1992 PA-92-60 Prevent Insulin Dependent Diabetes by Immunomodulation, March 27, 1992 PA-92-76 AIDS-Associated Kaposi~s Sarcoma, May, 8, 1992 PA-92-84 Research to Better Understand and Prevent Measles, June 5, 1992 PA-92-96 Research Career Development in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, August 14, 1992 PA-93-049 Neurological Aspects of Lyme Disease, February 5, 1993 PA-93-061 Congenital Cytomegalovirus: Study of Infection and Sequelae, March 5, 1993 PA-93-085 Biological Factors Influencing Sexual Transmission of HIV, May 21, 1993 PA-93-090 Basic Rubella Research Leading to Improved Rubella Vaccines, June 4, 1993 PA-93-096 Research on DNA Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, June 18, 1993 PA-93-105 Helicobacter Pylori Pathogenesis, August 8, 1993 PA-94-023 HIV-Related Therapeutics in Drug Users, January 7, 1994 INQUIRIES For questions or further information, contact: Office of the Director Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Solar Building, Room 3C20 Bethesda, MD 20892-7610 Telephone: (301) 496-7291 FAX: (301) 402-0369 Email: ac20a@nih.gov $$N2 END ************************************************************ $$N3 BEGIN ********************************************************** THE NATIONAL CELL CULTURE CENTER NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 P.T. 32; K.W. 0780015 National Center for Research Resources The National Cell Culture Center is a resource facility that provides large-scale mammalian cell culture services. The Center, available to researchers throughout the United States and Canada, has been established to alleviate the shortage of facilities and expertise required to meet the cell culture needs of the biomedical research community. Specifically, the Cell Culture Center supports basic biomedical research by providing investigators with the following customized services: o Large quantity production of mammalian cells in suspension or monolayer cultures. Quantities range from 1 to 200 liters per day. o Large quantity production of monoclonal antibodies. Quantities range from 0.5 to 100 grams. o Large quantity production of non-hybridoma cell secreted proteins. Quantities vary depending on individual cell lines. A request form, obtained from the Cell Culture Center, must be submitted with a description of the relevant research project. After the request form is reviewed, the cell line is sent to the Center, and grown to the requested amount. Researchers are charged only for the consumable materials and a portion of the labor costs required for each project. The Cell Culture Center is supported by a cooperative agreement award from the National Center for Research Resources, NIH. INQUIRIES Direct programmatic inquiries regarding this resource to: Elaine Young, Ph.D. Comparative Medicine National Center for Research Resources 6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 6158, MSC 7965 Bethesda, MD 20892-7965 Telephone: (301) 435-0776 Email: elainey@ep.ncrr.nih.gov Direct requests for applications and resource inquiries to: Dr. Mark Hirschel Director, National Cell Culture Center 8500 Evergreen Boulevard Minneapolis, MN 55433 Telephone: (800) 325-1112 Email: ncccinfo@nccc.com $$N3 END ************************************************************ $$N4 BEGIN ********************************************************** NATIONAL ANIMAL WELFARE EDUCATION WORKSHOPS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 P.T. 42; K.W. 0201011, 1014003 National Institutes of Health The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Extramural Research (OER), Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR) is continuing to sponsor workshops on implementing the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Each of the workshops scheduled for Fiscal Year 1996 will focus on a specific theme. The workshops are 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 sound institutional animal care and use programs. Ample opportunities will be provided to exchange ideas and interests through question and answer sessions and informal discussions. DATES: September 19-20, 1996 TOPIC: Institutional Responsibilities for Animal Care and Use Programs: Balancing Regulatory and Scientific Perspectives LOCATION: Adams Park Hotel, 1550 Court Place, Denver, CO 80202, telephone (303) 893-3333, FAX (303) 623-0303 SPONSORS: University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO; University of Southern Colorado, Pueblo, CO CONTACT: Ms. Joann Bauer or Dr. James O. Stevens Continuing Medical Education Office University of Colorado Health Sciences Center 4200 East 9th Avenue, Campus Box C295 Denver, CO 80262 Telephone: (303) 372-9054 or (303) 270-4648 FAX: (303) 372-9065 REGISTRATION FEE: $175.00 INQUIRIES For further information concerning future NIH/OPRR Animal Welfare Education Workshops, contact: Ms. Darlene Marie Ross Office for Protection from Research Risks National Institutes of Health 6100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 3B01 - MSC 7507 Rockville, MD 20892-7507 Telephone: (301) 496-8101 x233 Email: RossD@od6100m1.od.nih.gov $$N4 END ************************************************************ $$N5 BEGIN ********************************************************** NATIONAL HUMAN SUBJECT PROTECTIONS WORKSHOPS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 P.T. 42; K.W. 0783005 National Institutes of Health Food and Drug Administration The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are continuing to sponsor a series of workshops on responsibilities of researchers, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), and institutional officials for the protection of human subjects in research. The workshops are open to everyone with an interest in research involving human subjects. The meetings should be of special interest to those persons currently serving or about to begin serving as a member of an IRB. Issues discussed at these workshops are relevant to all other Public Health Service agencies. The current schedule includes the following: DATES: July 25-26, 1996 TITLE: Protecting the Rights of Human Subjects in Research: Sharing the Benefits and Burdens of Research LOCATION: Alana Waikiki Hotel, 1956 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96815, telephone (808) 941-7275 SPONSORS: Kapi'olani Health Research Institute, Honolulu, HI; University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI; Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI REGISTRATION: Ms. Lora Young, Grants Assistant Kapi'olani Health Research Institute 1441 Kapi'olani Boulevard (18th Floor) Honolulu, HI 96814 Telephone: (808) 973-4759 FAX: (808) 973-8080 FEE: $120 DESCRIPTION: Topics to be discussed include: Protecting the Rights of Human Subjects: Today's Challenges; FDA Compliance Update; Report of Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments; The IRB in Depth (Regulations; Policies and Procedures - What You Can and Cannot Review, Informed Consent, Expedited Reviews, Cooperative Agreements); Legal Issues in the Protection of Human Subjects (Access to Records: Hawaii Laws and Federal Regulations; Informed Consent; Liability Issues: The Institution Staff and Committee Members); Resolving Ethical Principles; Stressors for the IRB: Adverse Reaction Reporting Surviving Audits; The IRB's Obligation Regarding the Continuing Review of the Protocols; and Points for the IRB to Consider in Research Related to Human Genetics. INQUIRIES For further information regarding these workshops or future NIH/FDA National Human Subject Protections Workshops, contact: Ms. Darlene Marie Ross Office for Protection from Research Risks National Institutes of Health 6100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 3B01 - MSC 7507 Rockville, MD 20892-7507 Telephone: (301) 496-8101 x233 FAX: (301) 402-0527 Email: RossD@od6100m1.od.nih.gov $$N5 END ************************************************************ NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs) $$R1 BEGIN NICHD-CRE-96-09 ****************************************** EFFICACY TRIAL OF SPERMICIDAL AGENTS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFP AVAILABLE: NICHD-CRE-96-09 P.T. 34; K.W. 0750020, 0413002 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development The Contraceptive and Reproductive Evaluation Branch of the Center for Population Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), requires information on the contraceptive efficacy of different spermicide formulations marketed in the U.S. Secondary objectives include measurement of safety (adverse reactions) and acceptability. A clinical trial is requested that will rely on an educational/motivational component to maximize the number of consistent and correct users of spermicides during the trial period. The NICHD is seeking organization(s) capable of designing and conducting an observational study among women of reproductive age, obtaining reproductive histories, training subject in coital log use, and perform clinical testing to ascertain chemical pregnancies. Offerors should have knowledge of reproduction and contraception, expertise in the conduct of large clinical trials, and experience in analysis of large research data sets. Emphasis will be placed in the ability of the Offeror to recruit and follow adequate numbers of subjects during the course of the study. The Government estimates the total required effort to be approximately 17.1 staff years to complete a six-month follow-up of at least 300 women in each of four observational arms over a performance period of four years. It is estimated that from one to four cost-reimbursement, incrementally funded contract will be awarded. INQUIRIES This announcement is not a Request for Proposals (RFP). RFP NICHD-CRE-96-09 will be issued on or about June 10, 1996, and proposals will be due 90 days thereafter. Copies of the RFP may be obtained by FAX request or by sending a written request, along with a self-addressed mailing label to: Charles W. Grewe Contracts Management Branch National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 6100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 7A07 Bethesda, MD 20892-7510 FAX: (301) 402-3676 $$R1 END ************************************************************ $$R2 BEGIN GM-96-011 FULL-TEXT ************************************** SUPPORT OF MORE PROGRAM SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, AND WORKSHOPS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: GM-96-011 P.T. 42, FF; K.W. 0710030 National Institute of General Medical Sciences Letter of Intent Receipt Date: July 1, 1996 Application Receipt Dates: August 7, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) invites cooperative agreement (U13) applications to support meetings, conferences, and/or workshops that are relevant to the mission of the Division of Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE). Applicants may propose more than one activity in the same application such as a conference and a workshop, or recurring activities such as a yearly meeting. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. It is anticipated that up to $1,500,000 will be available to fund one to four grants. Administrative costs may be requested as direct costs. The MORE Division seeks innovative ways to provide technical assistance to improve the skills and abilities (competitiveness) of program directors, faculty and students supported by their MORE programs. For purposes of this request for applications (RFA), underrepresented minority individuals are defined as persons belonging to a particular ethnic or racial group that is underrepresented in biomedical research. 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Clifton Poodry, Ph.D. Minority Opportunities in Research Division National Institutes of General Medical Sciences 45 Center Drive, Room 2AS.37, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Telephone: (301) 594-3900 FAX: (301) 480-2573 Email: PoodryC@gm1.nigms.nih.gov $$R2 END ************************************************************ $$R3 BEGIN HL-96-009 FULL-TEXT ************************************** NHLBI SHORT-TERM RESEARCH TRAINING FOR MINORITY STUDENTS PROGRAM NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: HL-96-009 P.T. 44, FF; K.W. 0720005, 0715040, 0715165, 0715032, 0715187 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 2, 1996 Application Receipt Date: August 23, 1996 The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites grant applications for the Short-Term Research Training for Minority Students Program. The purpose of the award is to encourage institutions to provide opportunities for underrepresented minority students at the undergraduate and graduate level to become exposed to biomedical research in areas relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases and sleep disorders through a short-term research experience. Awards in this program will be made to domestic institutions or organizations, including minority institutions, engaged in research in areas related to heart, lung, blood or sleep disorders. These grants will support short-term research training experiences of two to three months duration for minority students at the undergraduate or graduate level, including health professional students. Students appointed to the program must be U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S. Individuals holding Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent doctoral degrees in the health sciences are not eligible. The grantee institution will be responsible for the selection and appointment of trainees. The program is intended to introduce students to research that would not otherwise be available through their regular course of studies. The mechanism of support will be the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Short-Term Training grant (T35). The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. The anticipated award date is May 1, 1997. The estimated funds (total costs) available for the first year of support for the entire program is expected to be $300,000 in fiscal year 1997. The number of awards is estimated to be 10 awards for the Short-Term Research Training for Minority Students Program. The actual amounts may vary, depending on the response to the RFA and availability of funds. Funding beyond the first and subsequent years of the grant will be contingent upon satisfactory progress during the preceding years and availability of funds. 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, NHLBI Short-Term Research Training for Minority Students Program, is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke, maternal and infant health, environmental health, and educational and community-based programs. 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 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Mary S. Reilly, M.S. Division of Lung Diseases National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive MSC 7952 Bethesda, MD 20892-7952 Telephone: (301) 435-0222 FAX: (301) 480-3557 Email: mary_reilly@nih.gov $$R3 END ************************************************************ $$R4 BEGIN HL-96-010 FULL-TEXT ************************************** NHLBI MINORITY INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: HL-96-010 P.T. 44, FF; K.W. 0720005, 0715040, 0715165, 0715032, 0715187 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 2, 1996 Application Receipt Date: August 23, 1996 The NHLBI invites applications for the Minority Institutional Research Training program directed at developing the research capabilities of minority individuals in areas relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases, and sleep disorders. The purpose of this program is to encourage the enhancement of research skills by minority individuals and to increase the number of minority individuals involved in research endeavors in the areas of interest to the NHLBI. Awards in this program will be made to non federal domestic minority institutions (institutions in which a majority of the students are minority) engaged in health related-research. These grants will are intended to support the research training of predoctoral students, health-professional students, and/or postdoctoral trainees at the minority institution. Training will be provided in conjunction with a collaborating research center (university, medical school, or comparable institution) that has strong, well-established research and research training programs in are as relevant to heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders. Trainees appointed to the program by the minority institution will be placed with a mentor at the cooperating research center who is an accomplished investigator and who will assist the advisor at the minority institution in the trainee's development and research plan. The mechanism of support will be the NIH Institutional NRSA (T32) award. The total project period for an application in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. The estimated funds (total costs) available for the first year of support for the entire program is expected to be $300,000 in fiscal year 1997. Three new awards for Minority Institutional Research Training Program are anticipated. The actual amounts awarded for this specific program may vary, depending on the response to the RFA and availability of funds. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The 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, NHLBI Minority Institutional Research Training Program, is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke, educational and community-based programs, maternal and infant health, and environmental health. 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 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Michael Commarato, Ph.D. Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 9204 - MSC 7940 Bethesda, MD 20892-7940 Telephone: (301) 435-0530 FAX: (301) 480-1454 Email: michael_commarato@nih.gov $$R4 END ************************************************************ $$R5 BEGIN HL-96-011 FULL-TEXT ************************************** NHLBI MINORITY INSTITUTION FACULTY MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: HL-96-011 P.T. 44, FF; K.W. 0720005, 0715040, 0715165, 0715032, 0715187 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 2, 1996 Application Receipt Date: August 23, 1996 The NHLBI invites applications for the Minority Institution Faculty Mentored Research Scientist Development Award. The purpose of this program is to encourage the development of faculty investigators at minority institutions in areas relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases and sleep disorders research and stimulate cardio-vascular, pulmonary, and hematologic disease and sleep disorder research, prevention, control and education by offering faculty members of minority institutions the opportunity to enhance their research capabilities in these areas. Awards in this program will be made to domestic minority institutions on behalf of the applicant. Candidates for this award are faculty members of minority institutions who are citizens of the United States, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents at the time of application and have a doctoral degree or equivalent in a biomedical or behavioral science. Applicants should propose a research development program that includes arrangements to work with a mentor at a nearby (within 100 miles) research center. The mentor should be recognized as an accomplished investigator in the area proposed and should provide guidance for the awardee's development and research plan in research areas related to heart, lung, or blood disorders. The mechanism of support will be the NIH K01 award. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. The estimated funds (total costs) available for the first year of support for the entire program is expected to be $250,000 in fiscal year 1997. Three new awards for the NHLBI Minority Institution Faculty Mentored Research Scientist Development Award are anticipated. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The 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 is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke, maternal and child health, environment health, and educational and community-based programs. 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 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. LeeAnn Jensen, Ph.D. Division of Blood Diseases and Resources National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive MSC 7950 Bethesda, MD 20892-7950 Telephone: (301) 435-0065 Email: leeann_jensen@nih.gov $$R5 END ************************************************************ $$R6 BEGIN HL-96-012 FULL-TEXT ************************************** NHLBI MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR MINORITY FACULTY NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: HL-96-012 P.T. 44, FF; K.W. 0720005, 0715040, 0715165, 0715032, 0715187 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 2, 1996 Application Receipt Date: August 23, 1996 The NHLBI invites grant applications for the Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) for Minority Faculty program. The purpose of the award is to encourage the enhancement of the research skills of minority faculty members at non-minority and minority institutions in the areas of interest to the NHLBI and to increase the number of minority individuals involved in research endeavors. Individuals applying for this program must have been awarded a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., D.O. degree or its equivalent), have a faculty appointment at an accredited college or university at the time of award, and be members of an underrepresented minority group. For the purpose of this program, underrepresented minority faculty members are defined as individuals belonging to a particular ethnic or racial group that has been determined to be underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research. In making grant awards under this program, the NHLBI will give priority to projects involving Black, Hispanic, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Pacific Islander, and/or other ethnic or racial group members who are underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research nationally. Candidates must be nominated by an institution on the basis of qualifications, interests, accomplishments, motivation, and potential for performing quality research. The candidate's academic background, previous experience, and career goals should determine both the necessary length and the kind of program that is appropriate. Each candidate must identify a sponsor(s) who is an accomplished investigator in the research area proposed, who is engaged in research in areas related to heart, lung, blood, or sleep disorders, and has experience in developing independent investigators. Awardees, under this program, may receive salary support up to a maximum of $50,000 plus fringe benefits per year for five years. A minimum of 80 percent effort must be devoted to the research program. In addition to the salary request for the candidate, support for up to five percent of the sponsor's salary and $30,000 per year for research support may be requested. The estimated funds (total costs) available for the first year of support for this program are expected to be $1 million in fiscal year 1997. It is estimated that 12 awards will be made in response to this RFA. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The 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, NHLBI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty, is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke, maternal and infant health, environment health, and educational and community-based programs. 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 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Mary S. Reilly, M.S. Division of Lung Diseases National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 10112 - MSC 7952 Bethesda, MD 20892-7952 Telephone: (301) 435-0222 FAX: (301) 480-3557 Email: mary_reilly@nih.gov $$R6 END ************************************************************ $$R7 BEGIN ES-96-007 FULL-TEXT ************************************** BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF POWER FREQUENCY EMF NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: ES-96-007 P.T. 34; K.W. 0725015, 1007003 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 2, 1996 Application Receipt Date: August 27, 1996 PURPOSE To accomplish the goals established in the 1992 Energy Policy Act, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) initiated a research program in 1994. Recently reported preliminary studies suggest new directions for Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) research that may further contribute to the assessment of a possible EMF hazard. The goal of this Small Grants Program (R03) Request for Applications (RFA) is to support studies that provide data needed for the hazard assessment of EMF. The total estimated funds available for this small grants program is $2.25 million, which will support approximately 15 to 30 awards. 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, Biological Effects of Power Frequency EMF, is related to the priority area of environmental health. 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 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Michael J. Galvin, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Research and Training National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences P.O. Box 12233, MD 3-02 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Telephone: (919) 541-7825 FAX: (919) 541-2843 Email: Galvin@niehs.nih.gov $$R7 END ************************************************************ $$R8 BEGIN DK-96-011 FULL-TEXT ************************************** OBESITY/NUTRITION RESEARCH CENTERS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: DK-96-011 P.T. 04; K.W. 0715145, 0765020, 0710095, 0710030 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 26, 1996 Application Receipt Date: October 29, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) invites applications for Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers (Core Centers: P30) for conducting basic and clinical research on obesity and the related fields of energy metabolism, body composition, satiety, adipocyte metabolism, eating disorders, and weight management. The centers will be awarded in Fiscal Year 1997. The award of at least two Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers by NIDDK is anticipated. Two existing Centers are expected to submit competitive renewal applications. For FY 97, up to $1,434,000 total costs will be available to fund applications submitted in response to this Request for Applications (RFA). HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention goals of Healthy People 2000, a PHS-led national activity for setting priorities. This RFA, Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers, is related to the priority areas of nutrition, physical activity and fitness, heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic disabling conditions. 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 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), the NIH website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Van S. Hubbard, M.D., Ph.D. Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8883 FAX: (301) 480-8300 Email: hubbardv@ep.niddk.nih.gov $$R8 END ************************************************************ $$R9 BEGIN AI-96-005 FULL-TEXT ************************************** ASTHMA, ALLERGIC AND IMMUNOLOGIC DISEASES COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTERS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: AI-96-005 P.T. 04; K.W. 0715013, 0715110, 0710070 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 15, 1996 Application Receipt Date: January 15, 1997 APPLICATIONS IN RESPONSE TO THIS REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) MUST BE PREPARED USING A MODIFIED (ABBREVIATED) GRANT APPLICATION FORMAT; SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION ARE IN THE RFA. PURPOSE The Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), invites applications for Asthma, Allergic and Immunologic Diseases Cooperative Research Centers (AAIDCRCs). This program is designed to support basic and clinical research on mechanisms of, intervention in, and prevention of asthma, allergic and immunologic diseases. Applications are to be designed around a central scientific theme demonstrating relevance to one or more diseases in these areas. A minimum of three biomedical research projects must be proposed, plus a Demonstration and Education (D&E) research component to study interventions for asthma in defined populations. It is anticipated that approximately $3,750,000 will be available to fund up to five multiproject cooperative agreement (U19) grants in response to this RFA. 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, Asthma, Allergic and Immunologic Diseases Cooperative Research Centers, is related to the priority areas of education and community-based programs, environmental health, diabetes and chronic disabling conditions, and immunization and infectious diseases. 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 20402-0325 (telephone 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Daniel Rotrosen, M.D. Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Solar Building, Room 4A24 Bethesda, MD 20892-7640 Telephone: (301) 496-8974 FAX: (301) 402-2571 Email: dr17g@nih.gov $$R9 END ************************************************************ $$P1 BEGIN PA-96-055 FULL-TEXT ************************************** SMALL MOLECULE TRANSPORTER PROTEINS IN BLOOD, RENAL AND PROSTATE CELLS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 PA AVAILABLE: PA-96-055 P.T. 34; K.W. 0785070, 1002004, 0790005 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases PURPOSE The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), through its Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases, supports fundamental and applied research aimed at understanding the fundamental processes underlying the normal and pathologic function of blood cells and the blood forming system. Also supported is fundamental and applied research directed at normal renal structure, function and regulation. This includes studies utilizing whole kidney and/or the selected segments of the kidney or individual cells or any of their subcellular components as models. Urologic research is supported, including cellular and molecular approaches to the study of tissue-specific and cell-specific regulation of prostate growth. The ability to maintain a constant systemic environment is a critical requirement to maintain the normal health of an organ. At the cellular level, specific transport pathways maintain both the intracellular environment as well as providing the mechanisms which drive the maintenance of systemic balance. Cellular transport is mediated by specific membrane proteins. To understand the physiology and pathophysiology of homeostatic balance requires an understanding of how they are regulated. Methods for identifying and isolating the proteins or the genes for the proteins are available using contemporary cellular and molecular biological approaches. Such approaches have been used successfully to isolate a number of transporters from kidney, prostate, red blood cells, and other cells, making it possible to understand normal homeostatic mechanisms, as well as those leading to pathology of the homeostatic system. This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) individual research project grant (R01) and FIRST (R29) award mechanisms. Examples of applications responsive to this program announcement include, but are not limited to: (1) development of integrated programs to study the structure and function of the different transport proteins that are expressed in the red cell, prostate, and the kidney; (2) molecular biological approaches to study tissue specific expression of the various isoforms of the proteins; (3) development of information on structural biology of the proteins; (4) immunochemical localization of different proteins in various blood, renal and prostatic cells; (5) functional analysis of the proteins using tissue-specific knockout strategies; (6) definition of mutations responsible for human diseases; (7) definition of the functional consequences of protein-protein interactions in the membrane, and of membrane protein-cytoskeletal interactions; (8) the study of lipid-protein interactions, such as membrane microdomains; and (9) the study of the regulation of transport protein function by accessory molecules which act as regulators of these transporters under various pathophysiological conditions. 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. 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 202-512-1800). INQUIRIES The PA, 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), the NIDDK Website (http://www.niddk.nih.gov), and by mail or email from the program official contact listed below. David G. Badman, Ph.D. Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room AS-13C MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-7717 FAX: (301) 480-3510 Email: David_Badman@nih.gov $$P1 END ************************************************************ $$P2 BEGIN PA-96-056 FULL-TEXT ************************************** POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING IN COMPLEMENTARY/ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 PA AVAILABLE: PA-96-056 P.T. 44; K.W. 0720005,0710030 Office of Alternative Medicine National Institutes of Health Application Receipt Dates: April 5, August 5, and December 5 PURPOSE The Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) is planning to fund, through the various Institutes and Centers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Research Service Award (NRSA) individual postdoctoral fellowships (F32). The purpose is to provide a cadre of investigators capable of conducting systematic studies on safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, or mechanisms of action of unconventional methods for treating major diseases and promoting well-being. This training is expected to attract postdoctoral candidates who are in the early stages of their careers. They will have obtained expertise in conventional research methodology and some familiarity with/or interest in alternative medical procedures. Prospective trainees will be expected to form an alliance with established researchers to provide a mutual learning experience. This program announcement (PA) on Alternative Medicine is based on a larger, NIH-wide PA on NRSA Individual Postdoctoral Fellowships, which should be requested from the contact person listed under INQUIRIES. The mechanism of support is the Individual National Research Service Award (F32). Individuals may request up to three years of aggregate NRSA support at the postdoctoral level. The stipend level for the first year of NRSA support is determined by the number of years of relevant postdoctoral experience at the time the award is issued. The range of support is from $18,600 (less than one full year of experience) to $32,300 (seven or more years of experience). Relevant experience includes research experience, teaching, internship, residency, and clinical duties. Supplementation, when provided, must not require obligation from the fellow. Under no circumstances may PHS grant funds be used for supplementation. NIH will provide an institutional allowance of $3,000 per 12-month period to non-federal non-profit sponsoring institutions to help defray such awardee expenses as tuition and fees, self-only health insurance, research supplies, equipment, travel to scientific meetings, and related items. For individuals sponsored by Federal laboratories, or for-profit institutions, the NIH will provide up to $2,000 for scientific meeting travel expenses, self-only health insurance, tuition fees, and books. Fellows in the first twelve months of postdoctoral NRSA support will incur a service obligation of one month for each month of support. Additional information is contained in the NIH Guide, Vol. 22, July 1993. 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 PA, Training in Complementary/Alternative Medicine, is related to the priority area of complementary and alternative medicine. 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 202-512-1800). INQUIRIES The PA, 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Dr. Richard L. Nahin Office of Alternative Medicine National Institutes of Health Building 31, Room 5B36 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-4792 FAX: (301) 402-4741 Email: nahinr@od31em1.od.nih.gov $$P2 END ************************************************************ $$P3 BEGIN PA-96-057 FULL-TEXT ************************************** QTL MAPPING OF ALCOHOL-RELATED BEHAVIORAL TRAITS IN RODENTS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 PA AVAILABLE: PA-96-057 P.T. 34; K.W. 0404003, 0414015, 0755044 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism PURPOSE The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is seeking research grant applications to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing rat and mouse behavioral traits that model human behavioral traits predisposing to alcoholism. Mapping of such QTL will permit subsequent testing of human homologues of these genes for linkage to alcoholism in human pedigrees. Such a test will help to establish which animal behavioral traits are most relevant to human alcoholism. Mapping of the QTL will also serve as a prologue to the isolation of the relevant genes and the identification of the products they encode. This approach can provide a novel route to elucidating the physiological mechanisms for predisposition to alcoholism and to developing intervention strategies to diminish harmful effects of alcohol. Grants awarded under this program announcement (PA) will use the research project grant (R01) and First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) award mechanisms. 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 PA, QTL Mapping of Alcohol-Related Behavioral Traits in Rodents, is related to the priority areas of alcohol abuse reduction and alcoholism treatment. 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 202-512-1800). INQUIRIES The PA, 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Robert W. Karp, Ph.D. Division of Basic Research National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Willco Building, Suite 402 6000 Executive Boulevard MSC 7003 Bethesda, MD 20892-7003 Telephone: (301) 443-4223 FAX: (301) 594-0673 Email: rkarp@willco.niaaa.nih.gov $$P3 END ************************************************************ ERRATA $$E1 BEGIN R2 19960426 APPEND RFA DE-96-002 BOTH *********************** COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESEARCH ON MINORITY ORAL HEALTH NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA: DE-96-002 P.T. 34, FF; K.W. 0502009, 0730050, 0715148, 0785040 National Institute of Dental Research Letter of Intent Receipt Date: May 1, 1997 Application Receipt Date: June 20, 1997 The following correction is issued for RFA DE-96-002, which was published in the NIH Guide, Vol. 25, No. 13, April 26, 1996. The last sentence of the first paragraph under ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS should read: "In order to expand the base of support, applications from institutions receiving concurrent funding through the Regional Research Centers in Minority Oral Health (RRCMOH) program are not eligible for funding under the Collaborative Opportunities for Research on Minority Oral Health (CORMOH) program." In addition, the list of institutions eligible as "research intensive" is provided for the convenience of potential applicants. APPENDIX INSTITUTIONS DESIGNATED AS "RESEARCH INTENSIVE" (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER) Baylor College of Medicine Boston University Brigham and Women's Hospital Case Western Reserve University Columbia University Cornell University Duke University Emory University Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Harvard University Indiana University Johns Hopkins University Massachusetts General Hospital Massachusetts Institute of Technology New York University Northwestern University Ohio State University Pennsylvania State University Scripps Research Institute Stanford University University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Arizona University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego University of California, San Francisco University of Chicago University of Colorado Health Sciences Center University of Florida University of Iowa University of Maryland Baltimore Professional School University of Miami University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of North California, Chapel Hill University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Rochester University of Southern California University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio University of Texas South West Medical Center, Dallas University of Utah University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin at Madison Vanderbilt University Washington University Yale University Yeshiva University $$E1 END ************************************************************ From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - PA-96-057 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:17:34 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 636 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plgcu$9pg@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA PA96057 PA-96-057 P1O1 *************************************** QTL MAPPING OF ALCOHOL-RELATED BEHAVIORAL TRAITS IN RODENTS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 PA NUMBER: PA-96-057 P.T. 34; K.W. 0404003, 0414015, 0755044 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism PURPOSE The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is seeking research grant applications to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing rat and mouse behavioral traits that model human behavioral traits predisposing to alcoholism. Mapping of such QTL will permit subsequent testing of human homologues of these genes for linkage to alcoholism in human pedigrees. Such a test will help to establish which animal behavioral traits are most relevant to human alcoholism. Mapping of the QTL will also serve as a prologue to the isolation of the relevant genes and the identification of the products they encode. This approach can provide a novel route to elucidating the physiological mechanisms for predisposition to alcoholism and to developing intervention strategies to diminish harmful effects of alcohol. 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 Program Announcement, QTL Mapping of Alcohol-Related Behavioral Traits in Rodents, is related to the priority areas of alcohol abuse reduction and alcoholism treatment. 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 202-512-1800). 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 and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators. Foreign institutions are not eligible for First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29). Regular research grant applications (R01) from foreign institutions are limited to three years. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT Research support may be obtained through applications for a research project grant (R01) or First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) Award (R29). Applicants may also submit Investigator-Initiated Interactive Research Project Grants (IRPG) under this program announcement. Interactive Research Project Grants require the coordinated submission of related regular research project grant applications and, to a limited extent, FIRST Award applications from investigators who wish to collaborate on research, but do not require extensive shared physical resources. Further information on the IRPG mechanism is available in program announcement PA-96-001, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 24, No. 35, October 6, 1995. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Genetic Basis of Alcoholism Alcoholism has been recognized for over a century as a familially transmitted condition. Over the past 25 years, considerable evidence >From family, twin, and adoption studies supports important roles for both genes and environment in its etiology in both men (Cloninger, et al., 1981; Merikangas, 1990; McGue, et al., 1992) and women (Kendler, et al., 1992). The specific etiological factors underlying susceptibility to alcoholism remain, however, unknown. Ongoing efforts to discover genes linked to alcoholism in human pedigrees are challenged by the heterogeneous, polygenic nature of alcoholism, along with the incompletely understood role of the environment in its etiology (Aston and Hill, 1990). These efforts could be greatly bolstered by a strategy taking advantage of powerful genetic methods permitting identification of genes influencing ethanol-related behavior in experimental animals (Zeng, 1994; Jansen and Stam, 1994; Crabbe, et al., 1994a). Human homologues of these genes could then be tested directly for linkage to alcoholism in human pedigrees. The recent large increase in the density of markers on the mouse genetic map (Dietrich, et al., 1995), along with the development of new and more powerful methods of data analysis (Zeng, 1994; Jansen and Stam, 1994), have now made it possible to map individual quantitative trait loci (QTL), the genes contributing jointly to the determination of genetically complex traits (such as behavior) (Crabbe, et al., 1994a). Since mapped genes can be isolated and their encoded products characterized, QTL mapping offers a powerful reductionistic approach for dissecting the complex physiological bases of alcohol-related behavior. A detailed human-mouse synteny map can accurately predict the map location of potential human homologues of mouse genes (Nadeau, et al., 1992), so that these predicted loci can then be tested for linkage to alcoholism in human alcoholic pedigrees. This strategy would permit the direct application of knowledge gained from an animal behavior genetic study, for which behavioral measures are precisely defined and powerful genetic techniques can be brought to bear, to a human genetic study of alcoholism. A finding of linkage would, moreover, provide additional evidence for the relevance of the animal behavior under study to human alcoholism. Human Behavioral Indicators of Predisposition to Alcoholism Because family history of alcoholism is a significant risk factor for alcoholism (Cotton, 1979), researchers have examined psychological, biological, and behavioral characteristics that distinguish children of alcoholics from children of non-alcoholics as a means of identifying indicators of vulnerability to alcoholism. The most prominent theories of vulnerability to alcoholism have centered on temperament, baseline sensitivity, and acute tolerance to alcohol. Temperament models of vulnerability to alcoholism propose that deviations in dispositional traits mediate transmission of alcoholism (Tarter, 1991; Cloninger, 1987). According to Tarter, who used Rowe and Plomin's (1977) six dimensions of temperament, children at high risk for developing alcoholism have traits such as high behavioral activity, low attention span and persistence, low soothability, high emotionality, and low sociability. These disturbances of temperament in children of alcoholics are attributed to neurological dysfunction in the prefrontal, limbic, and midbrain areas. This theory is supported by observations of a number of differences between children of alcoholics and children of nonalcoholics, including increased incidence of psychopathology (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, childhood conduct disorder, anxiety disorders and depression, antisocial personality disorder), behavioral disturbances (impulsiveness, aggression, emotionality), neuropsychological deficits (abstraction/ conceptualization, verbal ability), and neurophysiological variations (reduced amplitude of the P3 component of event-related potentials) (see Tarter, 1991; Sher, 1991 for reviews). In a similar vein, Cloninger's model of Type 1 and Type 2 alcoholism (Cloninger, 1987) is based on temperamental differences (novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence), which are related to selective neurological substrates and predispose an individual to certain types of alcoholism. For example, Type 2 alcoholics are high in novelty seeking, associated with impulsiveness, distractibility, and positively motivated drinking. Variation in novelty seeking has recently been associated with variants of the gene encoding the dopamine D4 receptor (Benjamin, et al., 1996). Type 1 alcoholics, on the other hand, are high in harm avoidance and reward dependence associated with anxiety, shyness, emotional dependence, and negatively motivated drinking (i.e., escape from dysphoric feelings). The sensitivity hypothesis of vulnerability to alcoholism, first elaborated by Schuckit and his colleagues in the early 1980s, postulated that children of alcoholics are less sensitive to the subjective intoxicating effects of alcohol, and therefore, are susceptible to drinking excessively (Schuckit, 1980, 1984). However, subsequent studies designed to test this hypothesis demonstrated opposite effects, i.e., children of alcoholics were more sensitive to the reinforcing effects of alcohol as measured by muscle relaxing, stress-dampening, electroencephalographic and mood effects (see Sher, 1991 for review). A recent interpretation proposed by Newlin and Thomson (1990) may resolve this conflict. Compared to sons of nonalcoholic fathers, sons of alcoholic fathers show greater acute sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of alcohol (euphoria, muscle relaxation, stress-response dampening) on the ascending limb of the blood alcohol curve, and less sensitivity (greater acute tolerance) to the aversive effects of alcohol (nausea, dysphoria) on the descending limb of the blood alcohol curve. Measuring Animal Behaviors Related to Human Traits Predicting Alcoholism Investigators are now mapping QTL influencing various ethanol-related behaviors in mice, including preference for drinking, sensitivity to sedation, locomotor activation, hypothermia, and withdrawal severity (for review, see Crabbe, et al., 1994a). More recently, they have begun mapping genes influencing more complex behaviors, such as acute functional tolerance to ataxia (Crabbe, et al., 1994a) and hypothermia (Crabbe, et al., 1994b), conditioned place preference (a measure of reinforcement) (Cunningham, 1995), and conditioned taste aversion (a measure of aversive effects) (Risinger and Cunningham, 1994). Aspects of more complex rodent behaviors could conceivably be homologous to human traits predisposing to alcoholism. Some of the corresponding assays could, in principle, be adapted for QTL mapping. Examples are given below. (These examples are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to exclude other behavioral tests >From this RFA.) Tests that assess intrinsic traits of temperament or personality predisposing humans to alcoholism, such as impulsiveness, novelty seeking, aggression, hyperactivity, emotionality, anxiety, and stress reactivity, can be administered to rodents. Impulsiveness in individuals at risk for alcoholism has been attributed to prefrontal- limbic brain dysfunction (Tarter, 1991) and is comparable to difficulties in response inhibition observed in rodents with prefrontal lesions (see Kolb, 1984 for review). Evidence of impaired response inhibition in rodents has been measured by reversal learning tasks (i.e., the animal first learns to respond to a particular stimulus or location for a reward, and then must reverse its response to a different place or stimulus), tests of response extinction (a previously rewarded response is no longer rewarded), or go/no go tasks (reward is presented for responding to a stimulus on "go" trials, and for not responding on "no go" trials) (Kolb, 1984; Sakurai and Sugimoto, 1985). Animals with deficits in response inhibition have difficulty shifting responses on reversal tasks, continue responding when rewards are no longer presented, and fail to suppress responding on "no go" trials. Research on alcohol and aggression in humans and animals has focused on whether alcohol consumption increases violent/aggressive behavior toward family members, peers, or rivals (see Miczek, et al., 1993 for review). However, whether a history of antisocial personality or aggressive behavior predisposes a person to excessive alcohol consumption has received little study. Measures of aggressive behavior in rodents that might reflect aspects of human antisocial behavior include social interaction/social conflict paradigms, such as isolation-induced aggression between male pairs, resident-intruder encounters, and possibly frustration-induced aggression (omission of reward) (Cairns, et al., 1983; Miczek, et al., 1993; Brain, et al., 1993). Measures of other traits potentially serving as markers of human alcoholism, such as anxiety, emotionality, activity level, and novelty- seeking, could be applied to rodents. Novelty or "sensation-seeking" can be measured by nose-poke or hole-board behavior in which the animal places its nose or head into a board with equally spaced holes. Activity level can easily be measured with activity wheels or by the number of boxes crossed in an open field. Hole-board behavior and exploratory open field activity, along with number of defecations and rearings in the open field, have also been used to quantitate levels of anxiety and emotionality. Other experimental paradigms for measuring anxiety include conflict paradigms, acoustic startle response, and elevated plus-maze (see Crawley, 1985; Shepard, 1986; Heilig, et al., 1994; Stout and Weiss, 1994 for reviews of all of these paradigms). A further related behavior is stress reactivity, which could be measured by responses to various stressors (social stress, isolation, early weaning), such as changes in vocalization pattern, disruption of circadian rhythms, or autonomic responses such as changes in blood pressure or heart rate (see Pohorecky, 1990; Brown, et al., 1991 for reviews). Acute behavioral tolerance to a single challenge dose of alcohol can be demonstrated in animals by comparing the extent of functional impairment at a given blood alcohol concentration on the ascending limb of the blood alcohol curve with the extent of impairment when the same alcohol concentration is reached on the descending limb. The development of acute tolerance within a single session to alcohol's effects such as motor impairment, hypothermia, and operant responding has been shown by several studies (LeBlanc, et al., 1975; Crabbe, et al., 1994b; Le, et al., 1992; Hiltunen and Jarbe, 1992). Finally, because frequency and amount of alcohol consumed are significant discriminators of alcoholic subtypes (Babor, et al., 1992; Morley and Skinner, 1986), measures of temporal patterns of alcohol consumption in rodents may be informative behavioral markers. Using operant techniques, distinctive temporal patterns of alcohol consumption have been demonstrated in the selectively bred alcohol-preferring and - nonpreferring rats (Schwarz-Stevens, et al., 1991). Such techniques could possibly be adapted to permit QTL mapping. Methodological Considerations Most QTL mapping of behavioral traits has been done in mice because of the well-developed genetic map available for this species. However, the rat genome map is now undergoing rapid development (Jacob, et al., 1995) and has already proven suitable for QTL mapping (Brown, et al., 1996; Galli, et al., 1996; Gauguier, et al., 1996). Because many interesting behavioral paradigms have been developed in rats to study ethanol- related behaviors, NIAAA encourages investigators studying rat behavior to respond to this RFA. While the choice of animal strains for study is an important feature of experimental design, applicants are encouraged to consider using any of a wide variety of strains, rather than confining their attention only to those already used extensively in alcohol research. While recombinant inbred (RI) strains have been used extensively to map QTL influencing behavioral traits (Crabbe et al., 1994a), applicants should consider carefully whether the small size of most extant batteries of RI strains (<25 strains) affords sufficient statistical power to detect QTL of modest to moderate effect size. Applicants are encouraged (when cost and experimental considerations permit) to test more than one behavioral paradigm on the same group of animals. Applicants may also wish to consider neurochemical measurements (e.g., receptor binding studies, in situ hybridization, other histological measurements) on the same group of animals. Such studies offer the prospect of a rigorous determination of genetic correlations among multiple behaviors and neurochemical parameters, as well as mapping of the genes responsible for those correlations. Some behavioral paradigms of great potential interest may be so complex as to preclude measurements on the hundreds of animals required for QTL mapping. Investigators working with such paradigms are strongly encouraged to attempt modifying them so as to permit measurements on hundreds of animals, without degrading their informativeness about the principal aspect of the behavior under study. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS This program announcement is intended to publicize NIAAA's interest in the genetic analysis of animal behaviors not previously analyzed, in the hope that these behaviors may usefully model human traits related to predisposition to alcoholism. Investigators wishing to obtain support for such research who lack expertise in genetic analysis should seek collaboration with investigators experienced in QTL mapping, insofar as such experience will prove essential for proper study design and data analysis. Investigators desiring to establish such collaborations are encouraged to contact one of the individuals mentioned under INQUIRIES, below. Awardees will be expected to attend one joint meeting per year in or near Washington, DC, in order to review progress, and should request sufficient funds in their budgets to support such attendance. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) and will be accepted at the standard application deadlines as indicated in the application kit. Application kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Grants Information Office, Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0715, Email: asknih@odrockm1.od.nih.gov. The title and number of the program announcement must be typed in section 2 on the face page of the application. Applications for the FIRST award (R29) must include at least three sealed letters of reference attached to the face page of the original application. FIRST award (R29) applications submitted without the required number of reference letters will be considered incomplete and will be returned without review. The completed original application and five legible copies must be sent or delivered to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817-7710 (for express/courier service) REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications that are complete will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of the applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the appropriate national advisory council. Review Criteria Criteria to be used in the scientific and technical merit review of alcohol research grant applications will include the following: 1. The scientific, technical, or medical significance and originality of the proposed research. 2. The appropriateness and adequacy of the experimental approach and methodology proposed to carry out the research. 3. The adequacy of the qualifications (including level of education and training) and relevant research experience of the principal investigator and key research personnel. 4. The availability of adequate facilities, general environment for the conduct of the proposed research, other resources, and collaborative arrangements necessary for the research. 5. The reasonableness of budget estimates and duration in relation to the proposed research. 6. Where applicable, the adequacy of procedures to protect or minimize effects on animal and human subjects and the environment. The review criteria for FIRST Awards (R29) are contained in the FIRST program announcement (revised February 1994). AWARD CRITERIA Applicatons will compete for available funds with all other approved applications. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: quality of the proposed project as etermined by peer review, availability of funds, and program priority. Applications assigned to the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism will be considered for funding on the basis of the overall scientific and technical merit of the application as determined by peer review, NIAAA programmatic needs and balance, and the availability of funds. Priority will be given to applications analyzing behavioral and neurochemical traits not yet subject to QTL analysis. Applicants desiring further information about funding priorities are encouraged to contact one of the persons listed under INQUIRIES. INQUIRIES The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding genetic aspects of proposed research to: Robert W. Karp, Ph.D. Division of Basic Research National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Willco Building, Suite 402 6000 Executive Boulevard MSC 7003 Bethesda, MD 20892-7003 Telephone: (301) 443-4223 FAX: (301) 594-0673 Email: rkarp@willco.niaaa.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding behavioral aspects of proposed research to: Ellen Witt, Ph.D. Division of Basic Research National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Willco Building, Suite 402 6000 Executive Boulevard MSC 7003 Bethesda, MD 20892-7003 Telephone: (301) 443-4223 FAX: (301) 594-0673 Email: ewitt@willco.niaaa.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Linda Hilley Office of Planning and Resource Management National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Willco Building, Suite 504 6000 Executive Boulevard MSC 7003 Bethesda, MD 20892-7003 Telephone: (301) 443-4703 FAX: (301) 443-3891 Email: lhilley@willco.niaaa.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, No. 93.273. Awards are made under the authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Sections 301 and 464H, and administered under the PHS policies and Federal Regulations at Title 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people. References Aston CE, Hill SY (1990): Segregation analysis of alcoholism in families ascertained through a pair of male alcoholics. Am J Hum Genet 46:879- 887. Babor TF, Hofmann M, DelBoca FK, Hesselbrock V, Meyer RE, Dolinsky ZS, Rounsaville B (1992): Types of alcoholics, I. Evidence for an empirically derived typology based on indicators of vulnerability and severity. Arch Gen Psychiatry 49:599-608. Benjamin J, Li L, Patterson C, Greenberg BD, Murphy DL, Hamer DH (1996): Population and familial association between the D4 dopamine receptor gene and measures of novelty seeking. Nature Genetics 12:81-84. Brain PF, Miras RL, Berry MS (1993): Diversity of animal models of aggression: their impact on the putative alcohol/aggression link. J Stud Alc Supp No. 11, pp. 140-145. Brown DM, Provoost AP, Daly MJ, Lander ES, Jacob HJ (1996): Renal disease susceptibility and hypertension are under independent genetic control in the fawn-hooded rat. Nature Genetics 12:44-51. Brown MR, Koob GF, Rivier C (1991): Stress: Neurobiology and Neuroendocrinology. New York: Marcel Dekker. Cairns RB, MacCombie DJ, Hood KE (1983): A developmental-genetic analysis of aggressive behavior in mice: I. Behavioral outcomes. J Comp Psych 97:69-89. Cloninger CR, Bohman M, Sigvardsson (1981): Inheritance in alcohol abuse. Arch Gen Psychiatry 38:861-868. Cloninger CR (1987): Neurogenetic adaptive mechanisms in alcoholism. Science 236:410-416. Cotton NS (1979): The familial incidence of alcoholism. J Stud Alcohol 40:89-116. Crabbe JC, Belknap JK, Buck KJ (1994a): Genetic animal models of alcohol and drug abuse. Science 264:1715-1723. Crabbe JC, Belknap JK, Mitchell SR, Crawshaw LI (1994b): QTL mapping of genes influencing sensitivity and tolerance to ethanol hypothermia in mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 18:451, abstract no. 191. Crawley JN (1985) Exploratory behavior models of anxiety in mice. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 9:37-44. Cunningham CL (1995): Localization of genes influencing ethanol-induced conditioned place preference and locomotor activity in BXD recombinant inbred mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 120:28-41. Dietrich WF, Copeland NG, Gilbert DJ, Miller JC, Jenkins NA, Lander ES (1995): Mapping the mouse genome: current status and future prospects. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92:10849-10853. Galli J, Li LS, Glaser A, Ostenson CG, Jiao H, Fakhrai-Rad H, Jacob HJ, Lander ES, Luthman H (1996): Genetic analysis of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in the GK rat. Nature Genetics 12:31-37. Gauguier D, Froguel P, Parent V, Bernard C, Bihoreau MT, Portha B, James MR, Penicaud L, Lathrop M, Ktorza A (1996): Chromosomal mapping of genetic loci associated with non-insulin dependent diabetes in the GK rat. Nature Genetics 12:38-43. Heilig M, Koob GF, Ekman R, Britton KT (1994): Corticotropin-releasing factor and neuropeptide Y: role in emotional integration. Trends Neurosci 17:80-85. Hiltunen AJ, Jarbe TUC (1992): Acute and chronic ethanol tolerance: operant behavior in naive and ethanol tolerant rats. Psychopharmacology 107:511-516. Jansen RC, Stam P (1994): High resolution of quantitative traits into multiple loci via interval mapping. Genetics 136:1447-1455. Jacob HJ, Brown DM, Bunker RK, Daly MJ, Dzau VJ, Goodman A, Koike G, Kren V, Kurtz T, Lernmark A, et al. (1995): A genetic linkage map of the laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus. Nature Genetics 9:63-69. Kendler KS, Heath AC, Neale MC, Kessler RC, Eaves LJ (1992): A population-based twin study of alcoholism in women. JAMA 268:1877-1882. Kolb B (1984): Functions of the frontal cortex of the rat: a comparative review. Brain Res Rev 8:65-98. Le AD, Mana M, Quan B, Kalant H (1992): Differential development of acute tolerance to the motor impairment and anticonvulsant effects of ethanol. Psychopharmacology 109:107-111. LeBlanc AE, Kalant H, Gibbins RJ (1975): Acute tolerance to ethanol in the rat. Psychopharmacologia 41:43-46. McGue M, Pickens RW, Svikis DS (1992): Sex and age effects on the inheritance of alcohol problems: A twin study. J Abnorm Psych 101:3-17. Merikangas KR (1990): The genetic epidemiology of alcoholism. Psychological Med 20:11-22. Miczek KA, Weerts EM, DeBold JF (1993): Alcohol, aggression, and violence: biobehavioral determinants. In Martin SE (ed), NIAAA Research Monograph No. 24, Alcohol and Interpersonal Violence: Fostering Multidisciplinary Perspectives. NIH Publication No. 93-3496, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD. Morley LC, Skinner HA (1986): Empirically derived classifications of alcohol-related problems. In Galanter M (ed), Recent Developments in Alcoholism, Vol. 5. New York: Plenum Press, pp. 145-168. Nadeau JH, Davisson MT, Doolittle DP, Grant P, Hillyard AL, Kosowsky MR, Roderick TH (1992): Comparative map for mice and humans. Mamm Genome 3:480-536. Newlin DB, Thomson JB (1990): Alcohol challenge with sons of alcoholics: a critical review and analysis. Psychological Bulletin 108:383-402. Pohorecky LA (1990): Interaction of ethanol and stress: research with experimental animals -- an update. Alcohol Alcoholism 25:263-276. Risinger FO, Cunningham CL (1994): Identification of genetic markers associated with sensitivity to ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 18:451, abstract no. 187. Rowe D, Plomin R (1977): Temperament in early childhood. J Pers Assess 41:150-156. Sakurai Y, Sugimoto S (1985): Effects of lesions of prefrontal cortex and dorsomedial thalamus on delayed go/no-go alternation in rats. Behav Brain Res 17:213-219. Sher KJ (1991): Children of Alcoholics. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Schuckit MA (1980): Self-rating of alcohol intoxication by young men with and without family histories of alcoholism. J Stud Alcohol 41:242- 249. Schuckit MA (1984): Subjective responses to alcohol in sons of alcoholics and controls. Arch Gen Psychiatry 41:879-884. Schwarz-Stevens K, Samson HH, Tolliver GA, Lumeng L, Li TK (1991): The effects of ethanol initiation procedures on ethanol reinforced behavior in the alcohol-preferring rat. Alcoholism Clin Exp Res 15:277-285. Shepard RA (1986): Neurotransmitters, anxiety, and benzodiazepines: a behavioral review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 10:449-461. Stout JC, Weiss JM (1994): An animal model for measuring behavioral responses to anxiogenic and anxiolytic manipulations. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 47:459-465. Tarter RE (1991): Developmental behavior-genetic perspective of alcoholism etiology. In Galanter M (ed), Recent Developments in Alcoholism, Volume 9. New York, Plenum Press, pp. 69-85. Zeng ZB (1994): Precision mapping of quantitative trait loci. Genetics 136:1457-1468. From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - PA-96-056 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:16:50 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 353 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plgbi$9ki@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA PA96056 PA-96-056 P1O1 *************************************** POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING IN COMPLEMENTARY/ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 PA NUMBER: PA-96-056 P.T. 44; K.W. 0720005, 0710030 Office of Alternative Medicine National Institutes of Health Application Receipt Dates: April 5, August 5, and December 5 PURPOSE The Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) is planning to fund, through the various Institutes and Centers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Research Service Award (NRSA) individual postdoctoral fellowships (F32). The purpose is to provide a cadre of investigators capable of conducting systematic studies on safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, or mechanisms of action of unconventional methods for treating major diseases and promoting well-being. This training is expected to attract postdoctoral candidates who are in the early stages of their careers. They will have obtained expertise in conventional research methodology and some familiarity with/or interest in alternative medical procedures. Prospective trainees will be expected to form an alliance with established researchers to provide a mutual learning experience. This program announcement (PA) on Alternative Medicine is based on a larger, NIH-wide PA on NRSA Individual Postdoctoral Fellowships, which should be requested from the contact person listed under INQUIRIES. 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 PA, Postdoctoral Training in Complementary/Alternative Medicine, is related to the priority area of complementary and alternative medicine. 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 202-512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Individuals must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of the United States, or have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card 1-551 or in possession of other legal verification of such status.) Prior to beginning the award the applicant must have received a Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.D.S., D.V.M., O.D., D.P.M., Sc.D., Eng.D, Dr. P.H., D.N.S., D.Pharm., D.S.W., or D.Psy. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Before submitting a fellowship application, the applicant must arrange for appointment to an accredited university, hospital, or other institution with research facilities including staff for postdoctoral training. This may include institutions that train in areas such as acupuncture, naturopathy or homeopathy that are outside conventional medicine. The candidate must be accepted by a sponsor who will actively supervise the training. The sponsor must have research experience in clinical medicine and/or basic pre-clinical research along with an involvement in the evaluation of alternative medicine. Thus, the sponsor must be qualified to supervise in the application of rigorous study design to the assessment of individual alternative therapies. Because of the novelty of some procedures, it is recognized that the sponsor may not have reached the level of "senior" investigator in a particular field of alternative medicine. The Office of Alternative Medicine has recently funded ten clinical research centers in complementary/alternative medicine. Prospective post-doctoral applicants may wish to contact one or more of these centers to learn if suitable training opportunities exist. The list of these centers can be found at the end of this program announcement. Applicants proposing training at their doctorate institution or at the institution where they have been training for more than a year must document thoroughly the opportunity for new training experiences that will increase their scientific background relating to Alternative Medicine. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT The mechanism of support is the Individual National Research Service Award (F32). Individuals may request up to 3 years of aggregate NRSA support at the postdoctoral level. The stipend level for the first year of NRSA support is determined by the number of years of relevant postdoctoral experience at the time the award is issued. The range of support is from $18,600 (less than l full year of experience) to $32,300 (7 or more years of experience). Relevant experience includes research experience, teaching, internship, residency, and clinical duties. Supplementation, when provided, must not require obligation from the fellow. Under no circumstances may PHS grant funds be used for supplementation. NIH will provide an institutional allowance of $3,000 per 12-month period to non-Federal nonprofit sponsoring institutions to help defray such awardee expenses as research supplies, equipment, travel to scientific meetings, and related items. For individuals sponsored by Federal laboratories, or for-profit institutions, beginning with fellowship awards made in fiscal year 1997, the NIH will also provide funds to off-set the combined costs of tuition, fees, and health insurance. These funds will cover 100 percent of such combined costs up to $2,000 and 60 percent of such combined costs above $2,000. Fellows in the first twelve months of postdoctoral NRSA support will incur a service obligation of one month for each month of support. Additional information is contained in the NIH Guide, Vol 22, July 30, 1993. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The OAM was established in 1992 to evaluate and determine the efficacy of various unconventional, alternative, and complementary medical practices. A recent survey demonstrated that as many as 34 percent of adults utilized at least one alternative therapy for the treatment of a serious or bothersome medical condition during the previous year (Eisenberg, D. et al, New England J. Med. 328: 246-252, 1993). The cost for services provided by alternative practitioners is estimated to be more than $13 billion a year. Many of these interventions have not, however, been subjected to scientific scrutiny using conventional research methods. Existing research in this area is limited by a paucity of well designed trials, and there are few research databases which allow for systematic review or meta-analysis of treatment efficacy. OAM feels that it is important to better understand if any of these therapies benefit the patients that use them. Unconventional practices include medical interventions that are not widely taught at medical schools or are not generally available at hospitals within the United States. For the most part, such treatments are not reimbursable by third party (insurance companies) payers. Examples of areas of interest include, but are not limited to: acupuncture; homeopathy; structural manipulation including chiropractic/massage; visual imagery, relaxation techniques, meditation, herbal therapies, or diet and life style. The OAM is especially interested in alternative procedures in the treatment of life threatening diseases, e.g., women's breast cancer, or HIV-AIDS, and cardiovascular problems the subsequent impact on either/and: a) course of disease; b) wellness/quality of life/ prevention; c) statistical/population disease trends; d) basic, pre-clinical biological systems. However, any particular health problem such as arthritis, depression, drug or alcohol addiction is acceptable. Research evaluating the use of alternative therapies in focused populations such as women, children and minorities is also encouraged. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applicants must submit a completed Application for Public Health Service Individual National Research Service Award (PHS 416-1 rev. 8/95). Included with the application must be at least three letters of recommendation. Application kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6207, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 435-0714, email: asknih@odrockmi.od.nih.gov. Applicants must carefully follow all instructions and mail the original and two copies of the completed application to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONA INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040, MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) Applicants and sponsoring institutions must comply with policies and procedures governing the protection of human subjects, the humane care and use of live vertebrate animals, and the inclusion of women and minorities in study populations. To identify the application as a response to this PA, enter PA-96- 056, and the title of this program announcement in item 3 on the face page of the application form. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines. The review criteria are: a) the applicant's academic preparation; b) the scientific merit of the proposed research including the clarification of treatment efficacy of a particular alternative medical procedure; c) training potential for the student; d) the training resources and environment, including the sponsor. A second level of review will be provided by a committee or staff from the relevant institute and the OAM. AWARD CRITERIA The following criteria will be used by the NIH in making awards: a) individual review group (IRG) recommendation of the overall merit of the application; b) relevance of the application to the research priorities and program balance of the institute and the OAM; c) availability of funds. INQUIRIES Written and telephone inquiries concerning this PA and requests for the F32 progran guidelines are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issue or question(s) from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Dr. Richard L. Nahin Office of Alternative Medicine National Institutes of Health Building 31, Room 5B36 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-4792 FAX: (301) 402-4741 Email: nahinr@od31em1.od.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS NRSAs are made under the authority of Section 487 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 288) and Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 66. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Centers Bastyr University, Center for CAM Research in HIV/AIDS Leanna J. Standish, N.D., Ph.D. (Principal Investigator) Director of Research Bastyr University 144 NE 54th Street Seattle, WA 98105 Telephone: (206) 517-3522 FAX: (206) 517-3599 Email: ljs@bastyr.edu Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Center for CAM Research in Women's Health Fredi Kronenberg, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator) Director, Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University 630 West 168th Street New York, NY 10032 Telephone: (212) 305-4755 FAX: (212) 305-1495 Email: FK11@columbia.edu University of California Davis, Center for CAM Research in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Merrill Eric Gershwin, M.D. (Principal Investigator) Jack and Donald Chia Professor of Medicine; Chief University of California, Davis Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine TB 192 Division of Rheumatology-Clinical Immunology Davis, CA 95616 Telephone: (916) 752-2884 FAX: (916) 752-4669 Email: megershwin@ucdavis.edu Harvard Medical School, Center for CAM Research in General Medical Conditions David M. Eisenberg, M.D. (Principal Investigator) Director, Center for Alternative Medicine Research Beth Israel Hospital and Harvard Medical School Department of Medicine 330 Brookline Avenue, LY-314 Boston, MA 02215 Telephone: (617) 667-3995 FAX: (617) 667-7070 Email: deisenbe@bih.harvard.edu Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Center for CAM Research in Stroke and Neurological Conditions Samuel C. Shiflett, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator) Director, Alternative Medicine Research Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation 1199 Pleasant Valley Way West Orange, NJ 07052 Telephone: (201) 243-6972 FAX: (201) 243-6984 Email: shiflesc@umdnj.edu University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Center for CAM Research in Pain Brian M. Berman, M.D. (Principal Investigator) University of Maryland Division of Complementary Medicine 2200 North Forest Park Kernan Hospital Mansion Baltimore, MD 21207-6697 Telephone: (410) 448-6871 FAX: (410) 448-6875 Email: bberman@umabnet.ab.umd.edu Minneapolis CAM Research Center, Center for CAM Research In Addictions Thomas J. Kiresuk, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator) Chief Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Health Psychology Hennepin County Medical Center and University of Minnesota Medical School Director, Program Evaluation Resource Center 914 South Eighth Street, Suite D917 Minneapolis, MN 55404 Telephone: (612) 337-7377 FAX: (612) 347-7669 Email: caamr@ulysses.net Stanford University, Center for CAM Research in Aging William L. Haskell, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator) Professor, School of Medicine Stanford University 730 Welch Road, Suite B Palo Alto, CA 94304-1583 Telephone: (415) 725-5012 FAX: (415) 723-7018 Email: haskell@scrdp.stanford.edu University of Texas Health, Science Center Center for CAM Research in Cancer Guy S. Parcel, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator) Professor and Director, Center for Health Promotion Research and Development The University of Texas, Houston P.O. Box 20186 Houston, TX 77225 Telephone: (713) 792-8547 FAX: (713) 794-1756 Email: guy@utsph.sph.uth.tmc.edu University of Virginia School of Nursing, Center for CAM Research in Pain Ann Gill Taylor, EdD. (Principal Investigator) Professor and Director, Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CSAT) University of Virginia School of Nursing McLeod Hall 15th and Lane Street Charlottesville, VA 22903-3395 Telephone: (804) 924-0113 FAX: (804) 982-1809 Email: agt@Virginia.edu From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - PA-96-055 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:15:13 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 316 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plg8h$9d3@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA PA96055 PA-96-055 P1O1 *************************************** SMALL MOLECULE TRANSPORTER PROTEINS IN BLOOD, RENAL AND PROSTATE CELLS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 PA NUMBER: PA-96-055 P.T. 34; K.W. 0785070, 1002004, 0790005 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases PURPOSE The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), through its Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases, supports fundamental and applied research aimed at understanding the fundamental processes underlying the normal and pathologic function of blood cells and the blood forming system. Also supported is fundamental and applied research directed at normal renal structure, function and regulation. This includes studies utilizing whole kidney and/or the selected segments of the kidney or individual cells or any of their subcellular components as models. Urologic research is supported, including cellular and molecular approaches to the study of tissue-specific and cell-specific regulation of prostate growth. The ability to maintain a constant systemic environment is a critical requirement to maintain the normal health of an organ. At the cellular level, specific transport pathways maintain both the intracellular environment as well as providing the mechanisms that drive the maintenance of systemic balance. Cellular transport is mediated by specific membrane proteins. To understand the physiology and pathophysiology of homeostatic balance requires an understanding of how they are regulated. Methods for identifying and isolating the proteins or the genes for the proteins are available using contemporary cellular and molecular biological approaches. Such approaches have been used successfully to isolate a number of transporters from kidney, prostate, red blood cells, and other cells, making it possible to understand normal homeostatic mechanisms, as well as those leading to pathology of the homeostatic system. 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. 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 202-512-1800). 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 and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Foreign institutions are not eligible for First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) awards. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as principal investigators. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) individual research project grant (R01) and FIRST (R29) award mechanisms. Responsibility for planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. Because the nature and scope of the research proposed in response to this PA may vary, it is anticipated that the size of an award will vary also; however, the support of requests exceeding the NIDDK average grant size of $160,000 direct cost for R01 grants would be unusual and require ample justification. FIRST (R29) awards are limited to $350,000 direct cost over the five year period. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Examples of applications responsive to the announcement include: (1) development of integrated programs to study the structure and function of the different transport proteins that are expressed in the red cell, prostate, and the kidney; (2) molecular biological approaches to study tissue specific expression of the various isoforms of the proteins; (3) development of information on structural biology of the proteins; (4) immunochemical localization of different proteins in various blood, renal and prostatic cells; (5) functional analysis of the proteins using tissue-specific knockout strategies; (6) definition of mutations responsible for human diseases; (7) definition of the functional consequences of protein-protein interactions in the membrane, and of membrane protein-cytoskeletal interactions; (8) the study of lipid-protein interactions, such as membrane microdomains; and (9) the study of the regulation of transport protein function by accessory molecules that act as regulators of these transporters under various pathophysiological conditions. Fundamental information has been accumulated on the molecular architecture of the red cell membrane skeleton. It is becoming increasingly clear that red cell structural proteins and their isoforms are present in a wide variety of cells, including epithelial and endothelial cells. Knowledge of the dynamics of protein-protein interactions in the red cell membrane is likely to contribute to our understanding of the structure and function of plasma membranes of nucleated cells. Red cell blood group antigens are epitopes on membrane-spanning proteins whose functions may include anion exchange (Band 3--ABH antigens and Diego antigens), water transport (Colton antigens), urea transport (Kidd antigens), degradation of circulating peptide hormones (Kell antigens), removal of circulating chemokines (Duffy antigens), or possibly provision of structural supports for localized lipid environments (Rh antigens). Several of these proteins have been identified also in renal tubules. There also has been a recent rapid increase in information on the identification and isolation of small molecule transporters in kidney and similar epithelia. Some examples are the Na/Cl and Na/K/Cl cotransporters, Na, K, and Ca channels, N/H antiporters, hormone receptors in the prostate, and Na/Cl exchangers. An integrated approach linking the biochemical and molecular genetic information derived from red cell studies with the sophisticated physiological analyses of microdissected renal tubules and highly resolved distributional studies in kidney and prostate are likely to provide major insight into this new area of biology. Moreover, detailed molecular and clinical analysis of human null phenotypes of each of these antigenic groups may be very instructive, since many could turn out to be equivalent to gene knockouts. Similarly, knowledge derived from study of white blood cells offers the opportunity to learn more about transport functions, signal transduction, membrane-trafficking, cell transfection (particularly in lymphocytes), genetic diseases, and adhesion molecules. Interaction of investigators with expertise in blood cell membrane physiology and investigators in kidney and/or prostate epithelial cell biology is particularly encouraged. 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 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 1450814513) and reprinted in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. Animal Welfare Considerations Investigators are encouraged to consider alternative methods and approaches in their research grant applications that do not require the use of whole animals, use alternative species such as nonmammals or invertebrates, reduce the number of animals required, and incorporate refinements to procedures that will result in the elimination or further minimization of pain and distress in animals. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) and will be accepted at the standard application deadlines as indicated in the application kit. Application kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, Email: asknih@odrockm1.od.nih.gov. The program announcement title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Applications for the FIRST Award (R29) must include at least three sealed letters of reference attached to the face page of the original application. FIRST Award (R29) applications submitted without the required number of reference letters will be considered incomplete and will be returned without review. Potential R29 applicants should refer to the announcement on Just-in-Time Procedures for FIRST and Career Awards (NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 25, No. 10, March 29, 1996)) for information on recent changes in guidelines for FIRST award format. The completed original application and five legible copies must be sent or delivered to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040-MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Although this is a Program Announcement sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute also has an interest in the subject matter of this PA. Other Institutes/Centers of the NIH also may have an interest. Applications will be assigned to the most appropriate Institute/Center on the basis of established Public Health Service referral guidelines. Applications that are complete will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened in accordance with NIH peer review procedures. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the appropriate national advisory council or board. Review Criteria o scientific, technical, or medical significance and originality of proposed research; o appropriateness and adequacy of the experimental approach and methodology proposed to carry out the research; o qualifications and research experience of the Principal Investigator and staff, particularly, but not exclusively, in the area of the proposed research; o availability of the resources necessary to perform the research; o appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; 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. The initial review group will also examine the provisions for the protection of human and animal subjects, and the safety of the research environment. For Applications from Foreign Organizations: o availability of special opportunities for furthering research programs through the use of unusual talent resources, populations, or environmental conditions in other countries that are not readily available in the United States or that provide augmentation of existing U.S. resources. AWARD CRITERIA Applications will compete for available funds with other approved applications. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: o Quality of the proposed project as determined by peer review; o Availability of funds; o Program priority. INQUIRIES Inquiries are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: David G. Badman, Ph.D. Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room AS-13C MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-7717 FAX: (301) 480-3510 Email: David_Badman@nih.gov Inquiries regarding fiscal matters may be directed to: Aretina Perry Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room 6AN-38B, MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8862 Email: PerryA@ep.niddk.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.849. 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 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people. From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA GM-96-011 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:17:59 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 409 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plgdn$9s0@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA GM96011 GM-96-011 P1O1 *************************************** SUPPORT OF MORE PROGRAM SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, AND WORKSHOPS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA: GM-96-011 P.T. 42, FF; K.W. 0710030 National Institute of General Medical Sciences Letter of Intent Receipt Date: July 1, 1996 Application Receipt Dates: August 7, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) invites cooperative agreement (U13) applications to support meetings, conferences, and/or workshops that are relevant to the mission of the Division of Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE). Applicants may propose more than one activity in the same application such as a conference and a workshop, or recurring activities such as a yearly meeting. In these cases NIGMS would consider funding applications for up to five years. The MORE Division provides research and training opportunities for: (1) students from minority groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, including mathematics; and (2) faculty at institutions with significant enrollment of underrepresented minorities. The MORE Division seeks innovative ways to provide technical assistance to improve the skills and abilities (competitiveness) of program directors, faculty and students supported by their MORE programs. For purposes of this request for applications (RFA), underrepresented minority individuals are defined as persons belonging to a particular ethnic or racial group that has been determined to be underrepresented in biomedical research. Nationally, individuals who have been found to be underrepresented in biomedical research include but are not limited to US citizens who are African American, Hispanic American, Native American, and Pacific Islanders. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by U.S. institutions, including scientific or professional societies, eligible to receive grants from Department of Health and Human Services agencies. In the case of an international conference, the U.S. representative organization of an established international scientific or professional society is the eligible applicant. Applications from foreign organizations will not be accepted. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT Awards made under this RFA will use the cooperative agreement (U13) grant mechanism. The rules and regulations that apply to conference cooperative agreements (U13) are the same as those that apply to conference grants (R13) with one important distinction. After award, MORE program staff will be substantially involved in the planning and conduct of the scientific or program related meeting, conference, or workshop, assisting the Principal Investigator according to specific Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions are given below under SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS and will be included in each Notice of Grant Award. Indirect costs will not be allowed on grants in support of scientific or program related meetings except in the most unusual circumstances and then only if an appropriate amount is established between the applicant organization and the NIH awarding unit in advance of the award. The total project period for applications submitted in response to the present RFA may not exceed five years. The anticipated award date is March 1, 1997. Because the nature and scope of the scientific or program related meeting, conference, or workshop proposed in response to this RFA may vary, it is anticipated that the size of each award will vary also. The number of awards will depend upon receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit as determined by peer review. Although this program is provided for in the financial plans of NIGMS, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose. At this time, NIGMS has not determined whether or how this solicitation will be continued beyond the present RFA. FUNDS AVAILABLE NIGMS will make up to $1,500,000 available to support this solicitation. The NIGMS anticipated making approximately one to four awards in response to this RFA. Administrative costs may be requested as direct costs. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Terms and Conditions of Cooperative Agreement Award. o The Principal Investigator will have the primary authority and responsibility to define objectives and approaches; plan, publicize, and conduct the scientific or program related meeting, conference, or workshop; and publish the results thereof. o The Principal Investigator will retain custody of and have primary rights to information developed under the cooperative agreement, subject to Government rights of access, consistent with current DHHS, PHS, and NIH policies. o The appropriate MORE program staff member will assist, but not direct, the Principal Investigator in the planning and conduct of the scientific or program related meeting, conference, and/or workshop to ensure that the function is relevant and responsive to MORE Division goals. This will include assisting the Principal Investigator in finalizing the format and agenda, selecting topics for discussion, publicizing the scientific or program related meeting, conference, and/or workshop, selecting speakers and other participants, and publishing the proceedings. o Publication and copyright agreements, and the requirements for financial status reports, retention of records, and terminal progress reports will be as stated in the NIH publication, "Support of Scientific Meetings" (August 1992). o An independent, third party individual, acceptable to both the Principal Investigator and the MORE Division will be asked to serve as an arbitrator of any serious differences of opinion on programmatic issues that may arise during the planning and conduct of the scientific or program related meeting, conference and/or workshop. This special arbitration process will in no way affect the rights of the recipient to appeal an adverse action in accordance with PHS regulations of 42 CFR Part 50, Subpart D and DHHS regulations of 45 CFR Part 16. These special terms and conditions of cooperartive agreement award are in addition, and not in lieu of, otherwise applicable OMB administrative guidelines, DHHS grant administrative regulations at 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92, and other DHHS, PHS, and NIH grant administration policies. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background The MORE Division administers research and research training grants aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented minority biomedical researchers through three components, the MARC Branch, the MBRS Branch, and Special Initiatives. The MARC Branch: The MARC Branch offers special research training grants to four year colleges, universities, and health professions schools with substantial enrollments of underrepresented minority students. The goals of the branch are to increase the number and capabilities of minorities engaged in biomedical research and to strengthen science curricula and student research opportunities at minority and/or minority serving institutions. The branch also provides individual predoctoral fellowships to former MARC undergraduates. The MBRS Branch: The goal of the MBRS Branch is to increase the number of researchers who are members of minority groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences by awarding research grants to two and four year colleges, universities and health professions schools with substantial enrollments of minorities. These grants: (1) support research by faculty members; (2) strengthen the institution's biomedical research capabilities; and (3) provide opportunities for students to participate as part of a research team. Special Initiatives: The MORE Division develops and supports new research and research training programs for underrepresented minority students and scientists via special initiatives. The Division is also responsible for organizing meetings and other activities that build networks among individuals and educational institutions and promote underrepresented minority participation in sponsored research. Additional Information Examples of scientific or program related meetings, conferences, or workshops that could support the overall goals of the MORE Division are listed below. This list is not intended to be comprehensive or directive. o conferences/workshops to facilitate dialog among MARC, MBRS, Bridges to the Future and other training grant program directors; o meetings or conferences to facilitate communication between program directors and NIGMS staff; o workshops to provide technical assistance in areas identified as critical by program directors and NIGMS program staff; o conferences/workshops on graduate school survival skills that target minority predoctoral fellows at either of two critical stages in their graduate careers -- first year fellows and those nearing completion of their graduate studies; o summer workshops or workshops in conjunction with annual meetings of scientific societies on research techniques (faculty or students) or teaching techniques (faculty); and or o summer workshops or workshops in conjunction with annual meetings of scientific societies for program directors on strategies and methods to evaluate their program. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by July 1, 1996, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed meeting, conference, and/or workshop, 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. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows the NIGMS staff to estimate the potential workload and avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. Clifton Poodry at the address listed under INQUIRIES. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact MORE Division staff prior to the preparation and submission of an application to ascertain whether the NIGMS has an interest in supporting a particular scientific or program related meeting, conference, or workshop. Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95). Application kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, Office of Extramural Research, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone (301) 435-0714; email: asknih@odrockm1.od.nih.gov. The NIH publication, "Support of Scientific Meetings" (August 1992) provides important information and supplemental instructions for completing the application. In addition, this publication states NIH policy regarding the application, receipt, assignment, review, award, administration, and reporting requirements when funds are requested and awarded for the support of scientific meetings. The NIH publication, "Support of Scientific Meetings" (August 1992) is available from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources. Applications must address the inclusion of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in both the planning and conduct of meetings, conferences, or workshops. Plans must be specified to seek appropriate representation in the selection of organizing committees, speakers, session chairs, and panel discussants. NIH guidelines on this issue are published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 24, No. 15, April 28, 1995. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. In the research plan section of the application, describe the relevance of the proposed meeting, conference, or workshop to the MORE program goals. This section should also be used to provide a detailed description of the objectives, plans, and logistics of the meeting, conference, and/workshop. In addition, the applicant should provide a statement acknowledging and agreeing to NIGMS staff post-award involvement in planning and conducting the meeting, conference, or workshop, and should describe plans to accommodate this involvement. Allowable expenditures and the applicable policies are listed in the publication, "Support of Scientific Meetings" (August 1992). Budget requests should be submitted on pages 4 and 5 of form PHS 398. Clear justification is needed for all activities, particularly those proposed for future years. The complete and signed original application and three exact copies, in one package with any appendices, must be mailed or delivered to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) At the same time, an additional two copies must be sent under separate cover to: Chief, Office of Scientific Review National Institute of General Medical Sciences Building 45, Room 1AS.19 - MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be administratively reviewed by NIH staff. Incomplete and/or unresponsive applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Applications will be reviewed for scientific merit by an appropriate peer review groups convened by NIGMS. Applications that are complete and responsive will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council. Review Criteria o the importance or benefits of the proposed scientific or program related meeting, conference, or workshop to the targeted community o the timeliness and need for the proposed activity o the adequacy of the scope and content of the proposed activity o the qualifications of the proposed director/organizer and other activity coordinators o the qualifications of the proposed participants o the appropriateness of the proposed format for achieving the stated goals o the adequacy of plans to disseminate the information generated by the activity o the adequacy of the resources and environment o the validity and adequacy of the instruments to be used for evaluation of the activity o the appropriateness of the budget o the plans for the inclusion of women, minorities and persons with disabilities in the selection of organizing committees, speakers, session chairs, and panel discussants. Due to the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement award, some details of the planning and conduct of the scientific or program related meeting, conference, or workshop will not be known until after the award, when MORE staff assists the Principal Investigator in key areas. This important distinction between the R13 and T36 mechanisms, and the U13 mechanism must be considered in the peer review of U13 grant applications. AWARD CRITERIA The following will be considered in making funding decisions: o merit of the proposed scientific or program related meeting, conference or workshop as determined by peer review; o relevance to MORE program goals and objectives; and o availability of funds. The anticipated award date is March 1, 1997. INQUIRIES Written and telephone inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcomed. Direct inquires regarding programmatic issues to: Clifton Poodry, Ph.D. Minority Opportunities in Research Division National Institutes of General Medical Sciences 45 Center Drive, Room 2AS.37, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Telephone: (301) 594-3900 FAX: (301) 480-2573 Email: PoodryC@gm1.nigms.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Antoinette Holland Grants Management Office National Institute of General Medical Sciences 45 Center Drive, Room 2AN.50B, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Telephone: (301) 495-5132 FAX: (301) 480-3423 Email: HollandA@gm1.nigms.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS Awards 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 52 and 45 CFR Part 74. Applications are not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA HL-96-009 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:18:26 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 343 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plgei$9ug@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA HL96009 HL-96-009 P1O1 *************************************** NHLBI SHORT-TERM RESEARCH TRAINING FOR MINORITY STUDENTS PROGRAM NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA: HL-96-009 P.T. 44, FF; K.W. 0720005, 0715040, 0715165, 0715032, 0715187 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 2, 1996 Application Receipt Date: August 23, 1996 PURPOSE The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites grant applications for the Short-Term Research Training for Minority Students Program. The purpose of the award is to encourage institutions to provide opportunities for underrepresented minority students at the undergraduate and graduate level to become exposed to biomedical research in areas relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases, and sleep disorders through a short-term research experience. Within NHLBI, the term "hematologic" covers research on thrombosis and hemostasis, immunohematology, blood cell disorders, hematopoiesis, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, transfusion medicine, blood resources including blood component and derivative therapy, blood substitutes and blood resource management, aspects of AIDS-products in AIDS prevention and treatment, and AIDS-related bone marrow and hematologic disorders. Other Institutes of the NIH are responsible for research on disorders of white cells, including the leukemias and other blood malignancies, and basic immunology related to the lymphoid system. Therefore, NHLBI cannot provide support for such studies. 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, NHLBI Short-Term Research Training for Minority Students Program, is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke, maternal and infant health, environmental health, and educational and community-based programs. 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 202-512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by non-federal, domestic, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, medical schools, and units of state and local government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as program directors. Applications from foreign institutions will not be accepted. These grants will support short-term research training experiences of consecutive two to three months duration for minority undergraduate students, minority students in health professional schools, and minority graduate students. The grantee institution will be responsible for the selection and appointment of trainees. Special attention should be given to the recruitment of individuals from minority groups that are underrepresented nationally in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, i.e., Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders. Trainees must have successfully completed at least one undergraduate year at an accredited school or university (including baccalaureate schools of nursing) or have successfully completed one semester at a school of medicine, optometry, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy or public health, or an institution with an accredited graduate program, prior to participating in the program. Trainees appointed to the program need not be from the grantee institution, but may include a number of minority students from other institutions, schools, colleges, or universities. These grants are intended to introduce students to research that would not otherwise be available through their regular course of studies. For graduate students, this may include graduate students in programs, such as mathematics, where they would not normally be exposed to biomedical research or minority graduate students who may need a specialized research experience to supplement their normal graduate education. Students appointed to this program must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of the United States, or have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. Noncitizen nationals are generally persons born in outlying possessions of the United States (i.e., American Samoa and Swains Island). Individuals on temporary or student visas and individuals holding Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent doctoral degrees in the health sciences are not eligible. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Short-Term Research Training grant (T35). Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed training program will be solely that of the applicant. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. Funding beyond the first year of the grant is contingent upon satisfactory progress during the preceding year and the availability of funds. Indirect costs will be awarded based on eight percent of total direct costs exclusive of equipment and tuition and fees. The anticipated award date is May 1, 1997. Institutions may request support for at least four but not more than 24, short-term trainees per year. The requested number of short-term trainees must be justified in the application. Trainees may be minority undergraduate, graduate, or health professional students. The stipend level for trainees is $834 per month. Stipends may be supplemented from non-federal funds. Training-related expenses up to $125 per month per trainee may be requested. In addition, up to $500 per trainee may be requested to cover domestic travel to and from the training site and up to $250 per month per trainee may be requested to cover the cost of housing at the training site. Trainee tuition and fees, where necessary to the research training, must be covered by the Training Related Expenses. FUNDS AVAILABLE The estimated funds (total costs) available for the first year of support for the entire program is expected to be $300,000 in fiscal year 1997. The actual amount may vary, depending on the response to the RFA and availability of funds, but the anticipated number of awards for the Short-Term Training Program for Minority Students is anticipated to be 10 new awards. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background Many studies have emphasized the need for minority individuals to participate in modern research activities to develop their investigative talents. Whereas approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population is Black, less than 0.25 percent of individuals holding a Ph.D. degree in biomedical science are Black. There are existing programs at the National Institutes of Health that are designed to answer this need. These include the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program, the Minority Access to Research Careers Program, and the Research Supplements for Underrepresented Minorities Program. Even though these programs appear successful in meeting their specific objectives and career development goals, minority graduate students, health professional students, and postdoctoral students in minority schools need additional opportunities to develop biomedical and behavioral research skills and become productive investigators. While there is strong interest in the scientific community in attracting minority students into research careers, few minority students opt for science degrees and research careers, and few minority graduates of health professional schools go on to investigative careers. The shortage of qualified minority investigators in academic research positions may even exacerbate the situation due to a lack of visible role models for students. One method of addressing this problem is by attracting minority students to research opportunities and by providing them with research training to develop their research capabilities in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic diseases, and sleep disorders. Other The present RFA is designed to offer research training opportunities for minority students in an effort to encourage their participation in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders research. The Short-Term Research Training for Minority Students program is intended to: o Provide minority undergraduate students, graduate students, and students in health professional schools exposure to opportunities inherent in research careers in areas relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic diseases, and sleep disorders. o Attract highly qualified minority students into biomedical and behavioral research careers and increase the supply of minority investigators. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by August 2, 1996, a letter of intent that includes 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. 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 allows NIH staff to estimate the potential review workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. C. James Scheirer, at the address listed under APPLICATION PROCEDURES. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95). Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: ASKNIH@odrockm1.od.nih.gov. Guidelines and supplemental instructions for the Short-Term Training for Minority Students program may be obtained from NHLBI staff listed under INQUIRIES. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title (NHLBI Short-Term Training for Minority Students Program) and number (HL-96-009) must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and four signed, photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for courier/express service) One additional copy of the application must also be sent to: C. James Scheirer, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7220 - MSC 7924 Bethesda, MD 20892-7924 Telephone: (301) 435-0266 FAX: (301) 480-3541 Email: james_scheirer@nih.gov Applications must be received by August 26, 1996. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Division of Research Grants (DRG) will not accept any application 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 essentially 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. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by DRG and responsiveness by NHLBI. Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications 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 a Special Emphasis Panel in the Division of Extramural Affairs, NHLBI, in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council. The following criteria will be considered when assessing the merits of a research training grant application, including the Short-Term Training for Minority Students program. o Design of the proposed training program; o Qualifications, dedication, and previous training record of the program director and participating faculty, particularly with regard to prior experience with similar programs; o Adequacy of facilities, environment, and resources for the proposed research training; o Methods of recruiting, selecting and assigning minority students; o Methods for retaining promising students in the program and methods for tracking students. o Commitment of the institution and participating faculty to the goals of the training program; o Procedures for evaluation of the effectiveness of the program and the impact of the program on the students involved. AWARD CRITERIA The following will be considered in making funding decisions: o Technical merit of the application as determined by peer review o Availability of funds o Program balance among the research areas of the announcement INQUIRIES Written and telephone inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding program guidelines, supplemental instructions, or programmatic issues to: Mary S. Reilly, M.S. Division of Lung Diseases National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 10112 - MSC 7952 Bethesda, MD 20892-7952 Telephone: (301) 435-0222 FAX: (301) 480-3557 Email: mary_reilly@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Jane Davis Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7174 - MSC 7926 Bethesda, MD 20892-7926 Telephone: (301) 435-0166 FAX: (301) 480-3310 Email: jane_davis@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATION This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance numbers 93.837, 93.838, and 93.839. Awards are made under the authority 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 grant policies and Federal Regulations at 42 CFR 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA HL-96-012 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:19:24 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 376 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plggc$a17@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA HL96012 HL-96-012 P1O1 *************************************** NHLBI MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR MINORITY FACULTY NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA: HL-96-012 P.T. 44, FF; K.W. 0720005, 0715040, 0715165, 0715032, 0715187 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 2, 1996 Application Receipt Date: August 23, 1996 PURPOSE The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites grant applications for the Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty Program. The purpose of the award is to encourage the enhancement of research skills in the areas of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases, sleep disorders, and transfusion medicine by minority faculty members at domestic institutions and to increase the number of minority individuals involved in research endeavors. Within NHLBI, the term "hematologic" covers research on thrombosis and hemostasis, immunohematology, blood cell disorders, hematopoiesis, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, transfusion medicine, blood resources including blood component and derivative therapy, blood substitutes and blood resource management, aspects of AIDS-products in AIDS prevention and treatment, and AIDS-related bone marrow and hematologic disorders. Other Institutes of the NIH are responsible for research on disorders of white cells, including the leukemias and other blood malignancies, and basic immunology related to the lymphoid system. Therefore, NHLBI cannot provide support for such studies. 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, NHLBI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty, is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke, maternal and infant health, environmental health, and educational and community-based programs. 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 non-federal domestic, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and units of state and local government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as principal investigators. Individuals applying for this program must have been awarded a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., D.O. degree or its equivalent), have a faculty appointment at an accredited college or university at the time of award, and be members of an underrepresented minority group. For the purpose of this program, underrepresented minority faculty members are defined as individuals belonging to a particular ethnic or racial group that has been determined to be underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research. In making grant awards under this program, the NHLBI will give priority to projects involving Black, Hispanic, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Pacific Islander, and/or other ethnic or racial group members who have been found to be underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research nationally. Candidates must be nominated by an institution on the basis of qualifications, interests, accomplishments, motivation, and potential for performing quality research. The candidate's academic background, previous experience, and career goals should determine both the necessary length and the kind of research development program that is appropriate. Each candidate must identify a sponsor(s) who is an accomplished investigator in the research area proposed and has experience in developing independent investigators. The sponsor is not required to be affiliated with the applicant institution. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty (K01) . Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed career development program will be solely that of the applicant. The awardee may receive salary support up to a maximum of $50,000 plus fringe benefits per year for the five year period. All funds must be used to support the awardee. A minimum of 80 percent effort must be devoted to the research program. In addition to the salary request for the candidate, support for up to five percent of the sponsor's salary may be requested. Up to $30,000 per year will be provided for research support. Substitution of another sponsor and/or a change of institution may be permitted with the prior approval of the NHLBI. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. Funding beyond the first year of the grant is contingent upon satisfactory progress during the preceding year and the availability of funds. Indirect costs will be awarded based on eight percent of total direct costs exclusive of equipment and tuition and fees. The anticipated award date is May 1, 1997. FUNDS AVAILABLE The estimated funds (total costs) available for the first year of support for this program are expected to be $1 million in fiscal year 1997. The actual amount may vary, depending on the response to the RFA and availability of funds, but the number of new awards is anticipated to be 12 awards. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background Many studies have emphasized the need for minority individuals to participate in modern research activities to develop their investigative talents. The percentage of minorities with Ph.D. degrees in biomedical science is significantly smaller than the percent of minority citizens in the U.S. There are existing programs at the NIH that are designed to answer this need. These include the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program, the Minority Access to Research Careers Program, and the Research Supplements for Underrepresented Minorities Program. Even though these programs appear successful in meeting their specific objectives and career development goals, minority students and faculty need additional opportunities to develop biomedical and behavioral research skills and become productive investigators. One method of addressing this problem is by attracting minority students to research opportunities and by providing them with research training to develop their research capabilities in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic diseases, and sleep disorders. In addition, by increasing the research capabilities of minority faculty members and faculty members at minority institutions, these individuals may serve as role models for minority undergraduate and graduate students, and stimulate these students to become more cognizant of research opportunities in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic diseases, and sleep disorders. Other The present RFA is designed to offer career development opportunities for minority faculty members to encourage their participation in cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic research. The Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty is intended to: o Encourage research-oriented minority faculty to develop independent research skills and gain experience in advanced methods and experimental approaches in the basic and applied sciences relevant to heart, blood vessel, lung, blood diseases, transfusion medicine, and sleep disorders. o Increase the pool of highly trained minority investigators who can use advanced technologies to address the major problems in heart, blood vessel, lung, blood diseases, transfusion medicine, and sleep disorders. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of 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 August 2, 1996, a letter of intent that includes 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. 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 allows NHLBI staff to estimate the potential review workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. C. James Scheirer, at the address listed under APPLICATION PROCEDURES. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95). Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Grants Information Office, Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: ASKNIH@odrockm1.od.nih.gov; and from the program administrator listed under INQUIRIES. Guidelines and supplemental instructions for the Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty may be obtained from NHLBI staff listed under INQUIRIES. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title (NHLBI Research Development Award for Minority Faculty) and number (HL-96-012) must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed, photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE ROOM 1040 MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for courier service) Two additional copies of the application must also be sent to: C. James Scheirer, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Two Rockledge Centre, Room 7220 6701 Rockledge Drive MSC 7924 Bethesda, MD 20892-7924 Telephone: (301) 435-0266 Fax: (301) 480-3541 E-mail: james_scheirer@nih.gov Applications must be received by August 23, 1996. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Division of Research Grants (DRG) will not accept any application 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 essentially 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. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by DRG and responsiveness by NHLBI. Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications 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 a Special Emphasis Panel in the Division of Extramural Affairs, 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 assigned a priority score. Application determined to be non-competitive will be withdrawn from further consideration and the applicant and the official signing for the applicant organization will be notified. Review Criteria The following criteria will be considered when assessing the merit of career development applications, including the Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority Faculty. o Candidate -- The candidate's overall competence as demonstrated by academic record and performance, potential for a career in independent research, and commitment or interest in pursuing an academic research career. o Sponsor(s) -- The sponsor's accomplishments in the scientific research area(s) proposed, experience and track record in training investigators, and commitment for the duration of a candidate's research development. o Environment -- The applicant institution's ability to provide adequate facilities, resources, and opportunities necessary for the candidate's training, and the institutional commitment to the candidate. If different from the applicant institution, the quality and extent of interaction of the faculty in the basic and clinical sciences, and the quality of the research and research training programs at the sponsor's institution. o Career Development Plan -- The adequacy of the research career development plan, based on the candidate's past research experience, training, and career goals. o Research Project -- Scientific merit of the proposed research project and its appropriateness as a vehicle for developing the candidate's research skills. 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. AWARD CRITERIA The following will be considered in making funding decisions: o Technical merit of the application as determined by peer review o Availability of funds o Program balance among the research areas of the announcement INQUIRIES Written and telephone inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding program guidelines, supplemental instructions, or programmatic issues to: Mary S. Reilly, M.S. Division of Lung Diseases National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Two Rockledge Centre, Suite 10112 6701 Rockledge Drive MSC 7952 Bethesda, MD 20892-7952 Telephone: (301) 435-0222 FAX: (301) 480-3557 Email: mary_reilly@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Jane Davis Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Two Rockledge Centre, Room 7174 6701 Rockledge Drive MSC 7926 Bethesda, MD 20892-7926 Telephone: (301) 435-0166 FAX: (301) 480-3310 Email: jane_davis@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATION This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance numbers 93.837, 93.838, and 93.839. Awards are made under the authority 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 grant policies and Federal Regulations at 42 CFR 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA AI-96-005 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:21:33 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 1000 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plgkd$aaq@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA AI96005 AI-96-005 P1O1 *************************************** ASTHMA, ALLERGIC AND IMMUNOLOGIC DISEASES COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTERS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA: AI-96-005 P.T. 04; K.W. 0715013, 0715110, 0710070 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 15, 1996 Application Receipt Date: January 15, 1997 APPLICATIONS IN RESPONSE TO THIS REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) MUST BE PREPARED USING A MODIFIED (ABBREVIATED) GRANT APPLICATION FORMAT; SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION ARE IN AN NIAID BROCHURE ENTITLED "INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABBREVIATED APPLICATIONS FOR MULTI-PROJECT AWARDS" (February 1996). PURPOSE The Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), invites applications for Asthma, Allergic and Immunologic Diseases Cooperative Research Centers (AAIDCRCs). This program is designed to support basic and clinical research on mechanisms of, intervention in, and prevention of asthma, allergic and immunologic diseases. Applications are to be designed around a central scientific theme demonstrating relevance to one or more diseases in these areas. A minimum of three biomedical research projects must be proposed, plus a Demonstration and Education (D&E) research component to study interventions for asthma in defined populations. 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, Asthma, Allergic and Immunologic Diseases Cooperative Research Centers, is related to the priority areas of education and community-based programs, environmental health, diabetes and chronic disabling conditions, and immunization and infectious diseases. 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 20402-0325 (telephone 202-512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Research grant applications may be submitted by domestic for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT The administrative and funding mechanism to be used to undertake this program will be the Multiproject Cooperative Agreement (U19), an "assistance" mechanism, rather than an "acquisition" mechanism. 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 it is not to assume direction, prime responsibility, or a dominant role in the activity. Essential elements of the multiproject cooperative agreement mechanism also include: (1) a minimum of three interrelated individual research projects organized around a central theme; (2) collaborative efforts and interaction among independent projects and their investigators to achieve a common goal; (3) a single Principal Investigator who will be scientifically and administratively responsible for the group effort; (4) a single applicant institution that will be legally and financially responsible for the use and disposition of funds awarded; and (5) support provided, as necessary, for "core" resources or facilities, each of which is expected to be utilized by at least two research projects in order to facilitate the research effort. Details of the responsibilities, relationships and governance of a study funded under a cooperative agreement are discussed under the section "Terms and Conditions of Award." The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. At present, the NIAID is administratively limiting the duration of U19s to four years; this administrative limitation may change in the future. Reissuance of this initiative in future years is anticipated but not certain. If by the beginning of the last year of support, the NIAID has not announced intentions to readvertise the RFA, incumbents who wish to recompete are strongly encouraged to contact NIAID Program Staff concerning selection of an appropriate research grant mechanism before reapplying. FUNDS AVAILABLE The estimated total funds (direct and indirect) available for the first year of support for this RFA will be $3,750,000. In fiscal year 1997, the NIAID plans to make approximately five awards related to this RFA. This level of support is dependent on the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. Applications may not request budgets in excess of $750,000 in total (direct and indirect) costs in the first year. NIH is currently limiting annual inflationary increases to no more than four percent for future years. The usual PHS policies governing grants administration and management will apply. Although this program is provided for in the financial plans of the NIAID, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose. Funding beyond the first and subsequent years of the grant will be contingent upon satisfactory progress during the preceding years and availability of funds. At this time, the NIAID has not determined whether or how this solicitation will be continued beyond the present RFA. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background The Asthma, Allergy and Inflammation Branch of the NIAID Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation supports basic and clinical research on mechanisms of hypersensitivity and inflammation and its application to asthma and allergic diseases. The Division's Clinical Immunology Branch supports basic and clinical research on humoral, cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune system functions in health and disease and the application of this basic biomedical knowledge to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of immunologic disorders. Recent advances in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of asthma, allergic and immunologic diseases present important opportunities to gain fundamental knowledge and enhance its clinical application. The NIAID's current AAIDCRC program supports ten extramural centers for research on asthma and allergic diseases and five centers focusing on immunologic diseases. The purpose of the AAIDCRC program is to accelerate the development and application of fundamental knowledge of the immune system through support of investigations concerned with immune system mediated disorders, i.e., allergic, immunologic, and related inflammatory disorders. The major goals of the program are to: 1) advance understanding of the etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of allergic and immunologic diseases, and 2) apply an expanded knowledge base to the development of improved methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide variety of allergic and immune system disorders. Applicants must propose both a biomedical research component, with a minimum of three projects, and a Demonstration and Education (D&E) research component. Scope of the Biomedical Research Component Eligible topics for study include, but are not limited to the following: o basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of human asthma and other allergic diseases, including the role of cytokines, T cell subsets and/or adhesion molecules in asthmatic and allergic inflammation and IgE responses; o pathophysiology of other hypersensitivity reactions (including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, food allergy, and drug reactions); o identification, isolation, and characterization of etiologic agents of allergic and hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., airborne allergens, drugs, industrial chemicals, latex, foods, and contact sensitizing agents); o epidemiology and genetics of allergic diseases (including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis); o strategies for, and mechanisms of, preventing asthma, allergic, and/or other immunologic diseases, including development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches; o mechanisms of immunodermatologic diseases, including blistering autoimmune diseases, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and urticaria; o genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune system disorders including autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiency diseases; o characterization of mechanisms of acute and chronic inflammation; o studies of the genetic and immunologic basis of normal and impaired host defenses. NOTE: STUDIES OF THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV), AIDS, AND ASSOCIATED OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS AND MALIGNANCIES ARE NOT ENCOMPASSED UNDER THIS RFA. Scope of the D&E Research Component Applications must propose a D&E research project to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to ameliorate/prevent disease and/or promote health in underserved populations. D&E research projects must be designed to test the effectiveness of interventions for asthma in defined populations. These studies should test the effectiveness of components of an intervention protocol developed by the NIAID-funded National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study (1991-1995). This intervention relies on the skills and resources of a trained asthma counselor who conducts group and individual sessions with members of the target population and their families. These sessions provide education and guidance intended to improve interactions between patients and health care providers, improve compliance with medical regimens, and eliminate or diminish exposure to allergens. This intervention was recently shown to markedly reduce symptoms of asthma, asthma-related hospitalizations, and health care costs related to asthma in the target population of inner-city children. A detailed written description of this intervention protocol will be sent to applicants upon request. A key aim of this RFA is to determine to what extent the accomplishments of the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study can be achieved with the more limited resources available through D&E projects. Thus, it is critical that D&E proposals test one or more of the components of the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study, and that the D&E interventions of all successful AAIDCRC grant applications, to be coordinated by the Steering Committee, provide quantifiable and complementary information. Under exceptional circumstances, applicants may wish to test an intervention beyond the scope of that evaluated in the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study, or may wish to target study populations other than underserved children living in urban areas. Applications which propose alternative interventions (i.e., interventions not encompassed by the protocol used in the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study) must have written approval by senior NIAID officials, via the program officer, before the application can be accepted and processed. To ensure compliance with the above, all applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their D&E proposals with the program contact listed under INQUIRIES. Applications should not request first year budgets in excess of $75,000 in total direct costs for proposed D&E research projects or more than four percent inflationary increases for future years. Types of Interventions Proposed D&E research projects should build upon the experience of the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study. NIAID recognizes that within individual communitites there may be differing requirements; however, the overall goal is to test the effectiveness of interventions based upon this experience. Although applicants may test any of the interventions evaluated in the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study, it is recommended that proposed D&E research projects test the effectiveness of the asthma counselor in a variety of settings. Possible variables and outcomes to be studied include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the frequency and duration of intervention; (2) the persistence of specific measurable outcomes after termination of counseling sessions; and (3) effectiveness of interventions targeted to different patient populations (e.g., children recruited from schools vs. clinics). Defined Populations The intervention should occur among populations that have been studied successfully in the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study (predominantly urban, medically underserved children with asthma). SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS A. Study Organization 1. Steering Committee A Steering Committee will be established to serve as the main governing body of the D&E research projects. At a minimum, the Steering Committee will be composed of the AAIDCRC Directors, the D&E Research Project Leaders, and the NIAID Scientific Coordinator. The Committee will meet annually and the Chairperson will be selected by the Steering Committee from among the non-Federal members during the first meeting of the Committee, to be convened by the NIAID Scientific Coordinator. The Committee has primary responsibility for selecting the D&E research projects to be implemented, facilitating the conduct and monitoring of the D&E research projects, reviewing progress and results on an annual basis, and providing technical guidance on appropriate modifications in study design to enhance validity and reliability. D&E research projects will be selected from among those judged to be scientifically meritorious by the Initial Review Group. In addition, analyses to be performed using the collective data from multiple site D&E research projects will be determined and directed by the Steering Committee. Each AAIDCRC Director and D&E Research Project Leader will be expected to participate in other Steering Committee activities, e.g., conference calls, reviewing and commenting on various written materials, etc. 2. Data Collection, Management and Coordination Each awardee will be responsible for the collection, management and quality assurance of study data in accordance with the requirements and specifications of the D&E research project. Since this RFA requires that all AAIDCRCs participate in closely related D&E research projects, AAIDCRC Directors and D&E Project Leaders will work collaboratively to ensure uniformity and adherence to study design, as well as in the analysis of the collective data from all participating AAIDCRCs. The NIAID Scientific Coordinator will provide assistance in coordinating such necessary collaborative activities and in facilitating the sharing of data and other types of information for multiple site projects. B. Minimum AAIDCRC Requirements To promote the development of a multiproject collaborative program among the award recipients, the following requirements are to be addressed by each applicant. 1. The applicant must include a description of: (a) the central scientific theme of the biomedical research component and the extent to which the theme serves as a unifying, well-defined goal or problem area of research; (b) a minimum of three proposed research projects, representing several scientific disciplines, for basic and clinical investigations of asthma, allergic and/or immunologic diseases; (c) how and the extent to which each proposed research project contributes to the central scientific theme and results in a greater contribution to the overall goals than if each project were pursued independently; and (d) the capacity of each proposed project to stand on its own independent scientific merit, as well as complement the other projects. 2. The applicant must include a proposed D&E research project to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for asthma in defined populations, including descriptions of: (a) the scientific basis of the proposed research and the hypotheses to be tested; (b) the research design, sample size needed, and procedures for sample selection, including a detailed description of the study population chosen in terms of age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, education, location, and risk factors and documentation of the availability of this group; (c) plans for, and documented experience in, recruitment and retention of study populations; (d) proposed interventions in sufficient detail for replication and methods of monitoring the quality, consistency and impact of interventions; (e) proposed measurement instruments and their reliability and validity; (f) proposed data management and analysis methods; and (g) the significance of the proposed research for amelioration/prevention of disease, as well as health promotion, and the implications of study results for linkages to the health care delivery system, health personnel, clinical practice and health care costs. It is essential that applicants document fully their ability to recruit and retain the proposed study populations. Award of the U19 does not imply that the proposed D&E research project will be implemented. The actual D&E research projects to be undertaken by the AAIDCRCs will be selected by the Steering Committee from among those judged to be scientifically meritorious by the Initial Review Group; therefore, the final studies may not reflect the D&E projects proposed by each awardee in response to this RFA. All costs required for the proposed D&E research project must be included in the application and must be fully justified. These include costs for patient recruitment and follow-up, laboratory studies where appropriate, data collection, analysis and quality assurance. Requested budgets should also include travel to annual meetings of the Steering Committee for the AAIDCRC Director and the D&E Project Leader, usually to be held in the Bethesda, Maryland area. 3. The applicant must name a single Principal Investigator who will serve as AAIDCRC Director and who will have scientific responsibility for the application as a whole, including all AAIDCRC-related research activities. The applicant must also provide documentation that the proposed AAIDCRC Director is an established scientist in the fields of asthma, allergic and/or immunologic diseases with the ability to assume both leadership of the investigative group and responsibility for scientific, professional, and administrative functions. 4. The applicant must name a Project Leader for each proposed biomedical research project, as well as the D&E research project, who will have overall responsibility for the design, implementation, and day-to-day scientific management of these projects. The applicant must provide documentation that each proposed Project Leader is an established investigator with the scientific expertise and experience necessary to direct the proposed biomedical and D&E research projects. 5. The applicant must provide: (a) a clear, concise plan in narrative and diagrammatic form that depicts the interrelationships among the members of the AAIDCRC, their relevant expertise/experience, and the contribution of each to the fulfillment of the objectives of this RFA; (b) an organizational chart of the AAIDCRC showing the name, organization, and scientific discipline of the AAIDCRC Director, Project Leaders and all key scientific, technical and administrative personnel; (c) a mechanism for selecting and replacing key professional or technical personnel; and (d) a plan to assure the maintenance of close cooperation and effective communication among AAIDCRC members. 6. The applicant must provide documentation of the sponsoring institution's commitment to the AAIDCRC program, including agreement that the AAIDCRC Director and D&E Project Leader will serve on the Steering Committee and willingness to abide by the decisions of the Steering Committee on specific D&E research projects selected for implementation. The applicant must also provide documentation of the availability of personnel and facilities capable of performing and supporting the administrative functions of the AAIDCRC and should discuss the capability of the applicant organization to participate and interact effectively in cooperative research projects. 7. The applicant must provide evidence of institutional expertise in, and collaboration/cooperation among, basic research and clinical specialties associated with this application. 8. The applicant must document of the willingness of AAIDCRC Director and D&E Project Leader to participate in annual meetings and should request funding for attendance at these meetings, which will usually be held in Bethesda, Maryland. 9. The applicant must include a written commitment to accept the participation and assistance of NIAID staff in accordance with the guidelines outlined under "Terms and Conditions of Award: NIAID Staff Responsibilities." 10. Applications from currently supported AAIDCRCs should include a concise report of progress under the current grant and the relationship of the proposed projects to those previously funded. Terms and Conditions of Award The following terms and conditions will be incorporated into the award statement and provided to the Principal Investigator as well as the institutional official at the time 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 HAS, PHS, and NIH Grant Administration policy statements. The administrative and funding instrument used for this program is the] multiproject cooperative agreement (U19), [an "assistance" mechanism (rather than an "acquisition" mechanism), in which substantial NIH scientific and/or programmatic involvement with the awardee is anticipated during the 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 it 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 awardees for the project as a whole, although specific tasks and activities in carrying out the research will be shared among the awardees and the NIAID Scientific Coordinator. 1. Awardee Rights and Responsibilities Awardees will have primary responsibility for defining the research objectives, approaches and details of the projects within the guidelines of the RFA and for performing the scientific activity. Awardees agree to accept close coordination, cooperation, and participation of NIAID staff in all aspects of the scientific and technical management of the D&E research projects. Specifically, awardees have primary responsibility as described below. Steering Committee Membership and Meeting Participation Each AAIDCRC Director and each D&E Research Project Leader will serve as a member of the Steering Committee and will participate in all scientific decisions. Each AAIDCRC Director and D&E Research Project Leader will be responsible for attending all Steering Committee meetings, including not less than one meeting per year, and will be expected to participate in all other Steering Committee activities, e.g., conference calls, reviewing and commenting on various written materials, etc. D&E Research Project Selection and Conduct The Steering Committee will be responsible for: selecting the specific D&E research projects to be carried out by the AAIDCRCs; facilitating and monitoring the projects selected; reviewing progress and results on an annual basis; and providing technical guidance on appropriate modifications to study design to enhance validity and reliability. The D&E research projects will be selected from among those judged to be scientifically meritorious by the Initial Review Group. Each awardee will be expected to adhere to the determinations of the Steering Committee with respect to the D&E research projects to be carried out, the AAIDCRC sites to participate in selected studies, as well as the technical guidance provided by the Committee with respect to study design. Awardees agree to accept the coordination, cooperation and participation of the NIAID Scientific Coordinator as a member of the Steering Committee and the responsibilities and determinations of that Committee regarding the scientific and technical management of the D&E research projects. Data Collection, Management and Coordination Each awardee will be responsible for the collection, management and quality assurance of study data in accordance with the requirements and specifications of the D&E research project. In those instances involving more than one AAIDCRC participating in the same D&E research project, AAIDCRC Directors and D&E Research Project Leaders from each of these AAIDCRCs will work collaboratively to ensure uniformity and adherence to study design, as well as in the analysis of the collective data from all participating AAIDCRCs. All data will be available to all awardees and specific analyses to be performed using the collective data from multiple site D&E research projects will be determined by the Steering Committee. The awardees will retain custody of and have primary rights to all data developed under these awards, subject to Government rights of access consistent with HHS, PHS, and NIH policies. Monitoring D&E Study Progress Each awardee will have primary responsibility for monitoring D&E study progress, including enrollment and retention of eligible study participants, timely collection and maintenance of required data, and conscientious observance of study requirements. Awardees participating in multiple site D&E research projects will work collaboratively to ensure uniformity and adherence to study design, as well as in the analysis of the collective data from all participating AAIDCRCs. In addition, the Steering Committee will establish mechanisms for assessing performance of multiple site D&E research projects. Publication and Presentation of Study Findings Timely publication of major findings is encouraged. Publications and oral presentations of work performed under this agreement will require acknowledgement of both the AAIDCRCs and NIAID support. Analyses to be performed using the collective data from multiple site D&E research projects will be determined by the Steering Committee. AAIDCRCs wishing to perform analyses of local data from multiple site studies will inform the Steering Committee of any such analyses prior to initiation in order to avoid duplication. Review and approval by the Steering Committee will be required for all analyses of collective data prior to publication or presentation according to the criteria that will be developed by the Committee. 2. NIAID Staff Responsibilities NIAID staff assistance will be provided by the Chief of the Asthma, Allergy and Inflammation Branch, NIAID Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation, or his/her designee, who will serve as the NIAID Scientific Coordinator. The NIAID Scientific Coordinator will have substantial scientific/programmatic involvement during the conduct of this activity through technical assistance, advice and coordination above and beyond normal program stewardship for grants, as described below. Steering Committee Membership and Meeting Attendance The NIAID Scientific Coordinator will serve as a member of the Steering Committee, will attend all Steering Committee meetings, and will participate in other Committee activities, e.g., conference calls, reviewing and commenting on various written materials, etc. The NIAID Scientific Coordinator will provide to the Steering Committee information on relevant completed and ongoing NIAID-sponsored projects to facilitate the Committee's review and selection of D&E research projects, including information on study design, intervention tools, study populations, and mechanisms for assessing performance, monitoring progress and determining meaningful analyses of collective data bases. As a member of the Steering Committee, the NIAID Scientific Coordinator will also participate in all scientific deliberations of the Committee and will serve as a resource with respect to selection, monitoring and evaluation of D&E research projects. Assistance will also be provided by the NIAID Scientific Coordinator with respect to organizing and documenting the results of Steering Committee meetings and other Committee activities and disseminating the results of all such activities, as well as the appropriate exchange of research materials among Committee members. Monitoring D&E Study Progress The NIAID Scientific Coordinator will provide assistance to the Steering Committee in the development of mechanisms and procedures for monitoring D&E study performance. This includes the provision of relevant information and materials from completed and ongoing NIAID-support projects, as well as participation in periodic site visits to review progress and compliance with study requirements. Data Coordination and Management As a member of the Steering Committee, the NIAID Scientific Coordinator will participate in Committee deliberations regarding the data collection, management, quality assurance and analysis, facilitating these deliberations through the dissemination of relevant tools, techniques, and other materials from completed and ongoing NIAID-supported studies. The Government, via the NIAID Scientific Coordinator, will have access to data generated under this Multiproject Cooperative Agreement and may periodically review the data and progress reports. Information obtained from the data may be used by NIAID Staff for the preparation of government and administrative reports on the activities of the study. However, awardees will retain custody of and have primary rights to all data developed under these awards. Publication and Presentation of Study Findings The NIAID Scientific Coordinator may contribute, through review, comment, analysis, and/or co-authorship, to reporting results of the D&E research projects to the investigator community and other interested scientific and lay organizations. Co-authorship by the NIAID Scientific Coordinator will be subject to approval in accordance with NIH policies regarding staff authorship of publications resulting from extramural awards. Organizational Changes Certain organizational changes require the prior written approval of the NIAID Scientific Coordinator. These include changes in AAIDCRC Director and the Project Leaders for both the biomedical and the D&E research projects. A change in any key personnel identified on the Notice of Award must have the prior written approval of the NIAID Grants Management Specialist in consultation with the NIAID Scientific Coordinator. Program Review The NIAID Scientific Coordinator will review the progress of each AAIDCRC through annual reports, site visits, and other written materials provided to the Steering Committee. This review may include, but is not limited to, compliance with study protocol, meeting patient enrollment targets, adherence to uniform data collection procedures, and the timeliness and quality of data reporting. 3. Collaborative Responsibilities A Steering Committee, composed of the AAIDCRC Directors, the D&E Research Project Leaders, and the NIAID Scientific Coordinator, will be the main governing body for the D&E research components of this program. The Chairperson will be selected by the Steering Committee from among the non-Federal members. The Steering Committee will have primary responsibility for all scientific decisions, including: selecting D&E projects to be carried out; determining appropriate AAIDCRCs for participation in selected D&E research projects; monitoring study progress on an annual basis; providing technical guidance on appropriate modifications to enhance study reliability and validity; establishing procedures for assessing performance of multiple site projects with respect to accrual, timely submission and quality of data, and conscientious observance of study requirements; determining analyses to be performed on the collective data bases from multiple site projects; and publishing/presenting study findings. Awardees will be required to accept and implement the D&E research projects selected by the Steering Committee and the procedures approved by the Steering Committee. D&E research projects will proceed into the implementation stage only with the concurrence of the awardees and the NIAID Scientific Coordinator. 4. Arbitration Any disagreement that may arise on scientific/programmatic matters (within the scope of the award) between award recipients and the NIAID may be brought to arbitration. An arbitration panel will be composed of three members and will review any scientific or programmatic issue that is significantly impeding progress. One member will be selected by the Steering Committee (with the NIAID member not voting) or by the individual awardee in the event of an individual disagreement, a second member will be selected by the NIAID, and a third member with expertise in the relevant area will be selected by the two prior members. While the decisions of the Arbitration Panel are binding, these special arbitration procedures will in no way affect the awardee's right to appeal an adverse action in accordance with PHS regulations at 42 CFR Part 50, subpart D, and HAS regulations at 45 CFR Part 16. Cooperative agreements are subject to the administrative requirements outlined in OMB circulars A-102 and A-110. All pertinent HAS, PHS, and NIH grant regulations, policies and procedures, with particular emphasis on PHS regulations at 42 CFR Part 52 and HAS regulations at 45 CFR Part 74, are applicable. These special terms and conditions pertaining to the scope and nature of the interaction between the NIAID and the investigators will be incorporated in the Notice of Grant Award. However, these terms will be in addition to, not in lieu of, the customary programmatic and financial negotiations that occur in the administration of cooperative agreements. 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 sub-populations 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 Dr. Rotrosen (listed in INQUIRIES below) who may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by September 15, 1996, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the overall proposed research, the name, address and telephone number of the Principal Investigator, and the number and title of this RFA. Although the letter of intent is not required, is not binding, does not commit the sender to submit an application, and does not enter into the review of subsequent applications, the information that it contains allows NIAID staff to estimate the potential review workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. Kevin Callahan at the address listed under INQUIRIES. APPLICATION PROCEDURES NOTE: SEE BROCHURE FOR SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFA. Applications are to be submitted on the standard research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95). Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: ASKNIH@odrockm1.od.nih.gov. For purposes of identification and processing, item 2 on the face page of the application must be marked "YES" and the RFA number "(RFA AI 96-005)" and the words "Asthma, Allergic, & Immunologic Diseases Cooperative Centers" must be typed in. Applications must be received by January 15, 1997. Applications that are not received as a single package on the receipt date or that do not conform to the instructions contained in PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application kit (as modified in, and superseded by, the NIAID BROCHURE ENTITLED "INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABBREVIATED APPLICATIONS FOR MULTI-PROJECT AWARDS"), will be judged non-responsive and will be returned to the applicant. The RFA label available in the application form PHS 398 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. Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center for Research Resources may wish to identify the GCRC as a resource for conducting the proposed research. If so, a letter of agreement from either the GCRC program director or principal investigator could be included with the application. It is highly recommended that the appropriate NIAID program contact be consulted before submitting the letter of intent and during the early stages of preparation of the application. (See program contact under INQUIRIES). Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and three signed, exact, single-sided photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express mail or courier service) At the time of submission, two additional exact copies of the grant application and all five sets of any appendix material must be sent to Dr. Kevin Callahan at the address listed under INQUIRIES. Concurrent submission of an research project grant (R01) and a Component Project of a Multi-project Application: Current NIH policy permits a component research project of a multi-project grant application to be concurrently submitted as an individual research project grant (R01) application. If, following review, both the multi-project application and the R01 application are found to be in the fundable range, the investigator must relinquish the R01 and will not have the option to withdraw from the multi-project grant. This is an NIH policy intended to preserve the scientific integrity of a multi-project grant, which may be seriously compromised if a strong component project(s) is removed from the program. Investigators wishing to participate in a multi-project grant must be aware of this policy before making a commitment to the Principal Investigator and awarding institution. Special Instructions For Completion of Applications in Response to This RFA A status report on NIH reinvention activities was presented in the NIH Guide, Vol. 24, No. 40, November 24, 1995. Two of these activities are: (1) the use of "Just-in-Time" grant applications; and (2) modular budget requests and funding. "Just-in-Time" and "Modular Budgeting" along with special page limits on the research plan are used for applications in response to this RFA. JUST-IN-TIME GRANT APPLICATIONS. The basic principle of just-in-time is to simplify and reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens of preparing an NIH grant application without compromising the initial review group determination of scientific merit or reasonableness of the proposed budget. To that end, both less and less detailed information is required in just-in-time applications. Applications in response to this RFA are to use the just-in-time" format. MODULAR GRANTS. Applications are submitted and/or awards made with direct costs in modules (multiples) of a given amount ($25,000 for this RFA), with work proposed within these incremental categories. The model involves using pre-established funding levels for awards and acknowledging that grantees can and do rebudget post-award. This process eliminates the need for many budget details, thereby relieving administrative burdens on both NIH staff and grantee organizations and simplifying cost management by NIH program staff. RESEARCH PLAN PAGE LIMIT. Sections A - D of the research plan are limited to 20 pages each for: (1) the overview of the proposed program; (2) each research project; and (3) each core. The NIAID brochure, "INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABBREVIATED APPLICATIONS FOR MULTI-PROJECT AWARDS," contains specific instructions for sections of the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form that must be completed differently than usual. Some sections in the application are modified and others should not be completed for submission of the application, but will be requested if the application receives a score in the fundable range. For all other items in the application, follow the usual instructions on pages 5-20 of the PHS 398 booklet. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Review Procedures Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the NIH Division of Research Grants (DRG) and for responsiveness by NIAID staff. Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications 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 NIAID in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the appropriate National Advisory Allergy and Infectious Diseases Council. Review Criteria The general criteria for U19 multiproject cooperative agreement applications are presented in the NIAID BROCHURE. Additional review criteria specific to this RFA are: 1. The scientific and technical merit and significance of the application as a whole, as well as each proposed biomedical research project, in terms of enhancing fundamental knowledge on mechanisms of, intervention in, and prevention of asthma, allergic and/or immunologic diseases and contributing to the clinical application of such knowledge. 2. The cohesiveness, multi-disciplinary and multifaceted scope of the application and the coordination and interdependence of the individual projects to the common theme; the capacity of each proposed biomedical research project to contribute to the central scientific theme and to result in a greater contribution to the overall goals than if each project were pursued independently; and the capacity of each proposed project to stand on its own independent scientific merit, as well as complement the other projects. 3. The scientific and technical merit of the proposed D&E research project and its significance in terms of the potential for improving and/or preventing asthma in defined patient populations. 4. The leadership abilities, scientific expertise and experience, and administrative competence of the proposed AAIDCRC Director, including experience in directing and coordinating multi-disciplinary research programs in asthma, allergic and/or immunologic diseases and commitment to devote sufficient time and effort to the program. 5. The scientific expertise and experience of the proposed Project Leaders and key technical personnel relevant to the objectives of the RFA, including related completed and ongoing research, experience in multi-disciplinary interrelated research projects, and commitment to devote sufficient time and effort to the program. 6. The availability of adequate patient populations for the proposed D&E research project and for any proposed clinical studies, as well as the capability and experience of the key personnel and the sponsoring institution in enrollment and maintenance of study populations relevant to the application. 7. The sponsoring institution's commitment to the multiproject cooperative program, including: institutional expertise in, and collaboration/cooperation among, basic and clinical specialties required to carry out the proposed projects; support for membership of the proposed AAIDCRC Director and D&E Project Leader on the Steering Committee and willingness to abide by the scientific decisions of that Committee with respect to D&E research projects to be implemented; and willingness to accept the participation and assistance of NIAID staff. 8. Merit of the proposed plan for coordination, cooperation, and communication among AAIDCRC members within the applicant institution. 9. Adequacy of available laboratory and clinical facilities, including the institution's present patient load and access to and projections for patient involvement in clinical investigations. AWARD CRITERIA Funding decisions will be made on the basis of scientific and technical merit as determined by peer review, program balance, and the availability of funds. Schedule Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 15, 1996 Application Receipt Date: January 15, 1997 Scientific Review Date: June 1997 Advisory Council Date: September 1997 Earliest Date of Award: September 1997 INQUIRIES Written and telephone inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Requests for the NIAID brochure "INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABBREVIATED APPLICATIONS FOR MULTI-PROJECT AWARDS" as well as inquiries regarding programmatic issues, may be directed to: Daniel Rotrosen, M.D. Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Solar Building, Room 4A24 6003 Executive Boulevard Bethesda, MD 20892-7640 Telephone: (301) 496-8974 FAX: (301) 402-2571 Email: dr17g@nih.gov Howard B. Dickler, M.D. Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Solar Building, Room 4A24 6003 Executive Boulevard Bethesda, MD 20892-7640 Telephone: (301) 496-7104 FAX: (301) 402-2571 Email: hd7e@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding preparation of the application and review issues, and address the letter of intent to, and mail two copies of the application and all five sets of appendices to: Kevin Callahan, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Solar Building, Room 4C20 6003 Executive Boulevard Bethesda, MD 20892-7640 Telephone: (301)496-8424 FAX: (301) 402-2638 Email: kc92t@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Pamela Fleming Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Solar Building, Room 4B30 6003 Executive Boulevard Bethesda, MD 20892-7610 Telephone: (301) 496-7075 FAX: (301) 480-3780 Email: pf49e@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Nos. 93.856 and 93.855. 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 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA DK-96-011 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:20:10 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 452 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plghq$a3t@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA DK96011 DK-96-011 P1O1 *************************************** OBESITY/NUTRITION RESEARCH CENTERS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA: DK-96-011 P.T. 04; K.W. 0715145, 0765020, 0710095, 0710030 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 26, 1996 Application Receipt Date: October 29, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) invites applications for Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers (Core Centers P30) for conducting basic and clinical research on obesity and the related fields of energy metabolism, body composition, satiety, adipocyte metabolism, eating disorders, and weight management. The centers will be awarded in Fiscal Year 1997. The award of at least two Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers by NIDDK is anticipated. Two existing Centers are expected to submit competitive renewal applications. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention goals of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priorities. This Request for Applications (RFA), Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers, is related to the priority areas of nutrition, physical activity and fitness, heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic disabling conditions. 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 202-512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. There must be in existence at the applicant's institution an ongoing program of excellence in biomedical basic and clinical research related to obesity, eating disorders, energy regulation and the nutritional sciences. The quality of the programs must be evident from the fact that they have been awarded support through peer review competition and predominantly from the NIH or other Federal agencies. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT Support of this program will be through the NIH core center grant (P30) award. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. Awards will be administered under PHS grants policy as stated in the PHS Grants Policy Statement. Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) funded by the National Center for Research Resources may wish to identify the GCRC as a resource for conducting the proposed research. If so, a letter of agreement from either the GCRC program director or principal investigator should be included with the application. This RFA is a one-time solicitation. The receipt of two competing continuation application is anticipated, which will be in competition with other applications received in response to this RFA. The total requested project for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. Requests for support must be limited to no more than $700,000 in direct costs per year and $1,000,000 total costs per year. The anticipated award date is September 30, 1997. FUNDS AVAILABLE For FY 1997, up to $1,434,000 total costs will be committed to fund applications submitted in response to this RFA. It is anticipated that two awards will be made; however, this funding level is dependent upon the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. Although this program is provided for in the financial plans of the NIDDK, the award of grants pursuant to this RFA is also contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The objectives of the Core Center are to encourage a multidisciplinary approach to research in the nutritional sciences and to bring together, on a cooperative basis, clinical and basic science investigators in a manner that will enhance and extend the effectiveness of nutritional research being conducted in the field of obesity, eating disorders, and energy regulation. To accomplish the overall goal of these centers, there must be in existence at the applicant's institution an ongoing program of excellence in biomedical research related to the study of obesity. This research should be in the form of NIH-funded research projects (R01), FIRST Awards (R29), program projects (P01) or other peer-reviewed research from Federal and non-federal sources. The research base in the nutritional sciences need not be exclusively in obesity and can include a focus on eating disorders, energy metabolism, cell biology, or nutrient metabolism. It would be highly desirable that the Principal Investigator, as well as the applicant institution, have a commitment to the treatment and prevention of obesity. The availability of a clinic population with adequate representation of women and minorities that can be readily utilized by investigators will play a major role in attracting investigators to the field of obesity research and to serve as a resource in the design of pilot and feasibility projects. Close cooperation, communication, and collaboration among all involved personnel of all professional disciplines are ultimate objectives. Applicants should consult with NIDDK staff concerning plans for the development of the Center and the organization of the application. The Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers are based on the core concept. Five or six cores are usually included in a Center. Cores are defined as shared resources that enhance productivity or in other ways benefit a group of investigators working in obesity and nutritional sciences research to accomplish the stated goals of the Center. Examples of such resources include cell culture and radioimmunoassay instrumentation facilities. Centers are encouraged to include a clinical component or core that deals with patients. This clinical component can exist as a stand-alone core or part of another core such as the administrative core. Besides leading to a better understanding of disease etiology and natural history of disease, such cores might provide biostatistics support, enhance clinical study design, enhance collaboration among researchers and recruitment of subjects for clinical studies, provide for epidemiological studies, or provide modest funding for tissue, DNA, or serum storage. In addition, a clinical or epidemiology core may more effectively address NIH policies concerning issues of women and ethnic minority participation in clinical studies. Two other types of activities may also be supported with Center funding: a pilot and feasibility (P/F) program and an enrichment program. The P/F program provides modest support for new initiatives or feasibility research studies. This program is directed at new investigators, at investigators established in other research disciplines with expertise that may be applied to obesity and nutritional sciences research, and, occasionally, at investigators who wish to make a substantial change in the direction of their research. In addition, temporary salary support for one Named New Investigator in a specified area of research with a defined P/F study may be requested for up to 24 months, with subsequent individuals to be named by the Center Director and approved by the Center's External Advisory Board and the NIDDK. The Core Center grant may include limited funds for program enrichment such as seminars, visiting scientists, consultants, and workshops. 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 sub-populations 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 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 Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators may also 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 September 26, 1996, 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. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows NIDDK staff to estimate the potential review workload and avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to: Chief, Review Branch Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room 6AS 37-E - MSC -6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8885 FAX: (301) 480-3505 APPLICATION PROCEDURES The research grant application form PHS 398 (5/95) is to be used in applying for these grants. Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Grants Information Office, Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: ASKNIH@odrockm1.od.nih.gov. Additional information about Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers and suggestions that could be helpful to the applicant are given in "Administrative Guidelines for Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers" which may be requested from the NIDDK program staff listed under INQUIRIES. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, plus three signed photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) At time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Chief, Review Branch Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room 6AS 37-E - MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Applications must be received by October 29, 1996. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Division of Research Grants (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 essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of applications previously reviewed, but such applications must include an introduction addressing the previous critique. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be initially reviewed for completeness and responsiveness. Incomplete applications or non-responsive applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Evaluation for responsiveness to the program requirements and criteria stated in the RFA is an NIDDK staff function. 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 NIDDK in accordance with NIH peer review procedures. Applications are unlikely to be reviewed by a site visit team; therefore, the written application must be complete to facilitate review without a site visit. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Advisory Council. The initial review group will review each application using the criteria stated below: A. Biomedical Research o The scientific excellence of the Center's research base (its strengths, breadth, and depth) as well as the relevance and interrelation of these separately funded projects to the central themes of the Center and the likelihood for meaningful collaboration among Center investigators. The existence of a base of established, independently sponsored biomedical research of high quality is a prerequisite for the establishment of a Center and is the most important component of the review. o The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the Center investigators responsible for the individual research projects and their willingness to interrelate with each other and contribute to the overall objectives of the Center. o The appropriateness and relevance of the proposed Cores and their modes of operation (such as how usage will be prioritized), facilities, and potential for contribution to ongoing research. Renewal applications must document the use, utility, quality control and cost effectiveness of each Core requested to continue as part of the Center. Progress will be judged in part on the list of publications arising from the cores. At least two users are required to establish a core. However, a greater number of users generally can be evaluated as more cost effective. o For new applications, the proposed management of the P/F program and the scientific and technical merit of the P/F projects for which funds are requested from the Center grant. In competitive renewal applications, emphasis is accorded to the program as a whole, including past track record and management of the program. B. Enrichment o Efficient and effective use and/or planned use of these limited funds, including the contribution of these activities to enhancing the objectives of the Center. C. Administration o The scientific and administrative leadership abilities of the proposed Center director and associate director and their commitment and ability to devote adequate time to the effective management of the program. o The administrative organization proposed for the following: a. Coordination of ongoing research between the separately funded projects and the Center, including mechanisms for internal monitoring. b. Establishment and maintenance of internal communication and cooperation among the Center investigators. c. Mechanism for selecting and replacing professional or technical personnel within the Center. d. Mechanism for reviewing and administering funds for the P/F program. e. Management capabilities, including fiscal administration, procurement, property and personnel management, planning, and budgeting. C. Budget o The appropriateness of the budgets for the proposed work to be done in core facilities, for P/F studies, and for enrichment in relation to the total Center program. D. Institutional Commitment o The institutional commitment to the program, including lines of accountability for management of the Center grant and the institution's contribution to the management capabilities of the Center. o The academic environment and resources in which the activities will be conducted, including the availability of space, equipment, facilities, and the potential for interaction with scientists from other departments and schools within the institution. o The institutional commitment to new individuals responsible for conducting essential Center functions. o The institutional commitment to establishing new positions specifically to enhance the operation of the Center. Applications determined in the initial review process to have sufficient merit for further consideration will be given a second level review by the National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Advisory Council. AWARD CRITERIA The anticipated date of award is September 30, 1997. Applications will compete for available funds with all other applications submitted in response to this RFA and recommended for further consideration by peer review. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: o Quality of the proposed center as determined by peer review. o Availability of funds. o Overall balance in the Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers program. Schedule Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 26, 1996 Application Receipt Date: October 29, 1996 Initial Review: March-April 1997 Second Level Review: May-June 1997 Anticipated Date of Award: September 1997 INQUIRIES Prospective applicants should request the pamphlet "Administrative Guidelines for Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers" from the program office listed below. Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct requests for the Administrative Guidelines and inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Van S. Hubbard, M.D., Ph.D. Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8883 FAX: (301) 480-8300 Email: hubbardv@ep.niddk.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal and administrative matters to: Mrs. Sharon Bourque Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room 6AS-49H - MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8846 FAX: (301) 480-3504 Email: bourques@ep.niddk.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.848. 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 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA ES-96-007 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:19:46 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 402 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plgh2$a2h@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA ES96007 ES-96-007 P1O1 *************************************** BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF POWER FREQUENCY EMF NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA: ES-96-007 P.T. 34; K.W. 0725015, 1007003 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 2, 1996 Application Receipt Date: August 27, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) supports research to identify the role of environmental agents in perturbations of normal physiologic processes leading to human disease. In addition, the Energy Policy Act which was signed into law in October, 1992, authorized an accelerated five year Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Research and Public Information Dissemination (RAPID) Program to be administered by the Department of Energy. In this Act, NIEHS is designated as the lead agency for coordinating and conducting the health effects studies and communicating the results to policy makers and the general public on the possible adverse effects, if any, of EMF associated with the generation, transport and use of electricity. Thus, as part of the health mission of the NIEHS, studies of the biological effects of EMF have been specifically targeted. To accomplish the goals established in the 1992 Act, the NIEHS initiated a research program consisting of grants, contracts and cooperative agreements in 1994. In addition, recently reported preliminary studies suggest new directions for EMF research which may further contribute to the assessment of a possible EMF hazard. In order to explore fully these observations and to further strengthen the hazard assessment models, the NIEHS is announcing this small grant program. Research is specifically encouraged to identify possible causal connections between EMF exposure and biological effects that could be used in a hazard assessment model. Studies which provide data needed for the assessment of the potential carcinogenic, reproductive or neurologic effects of EMF exposure are considered a priority. However, other toxic effects also may be important to consider. The goal of this Small Grants Program (R03), Request for Applications (RFA) is to support studies that provide data needed for the hazard assessment of EMF. 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, Biological Effects of Power Frequency EMF, is related to the priority area of environmental health. 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 202-512-1800). 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 and local governments, and eligible agencies in the Federal government. Simultaneous submissions of both a small grant and a regular research grant (R01) application on the same topic will not be accepted. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the NIH small grant (R03) mechanism. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. The requested costs and project period will be $50,000 (direct cost) per year for a maximum of two years and a maximum of $100,000 direct costs. Small grants are not renewable, but may be extended at no additional costs at the discretion of the applicant organization. FUNDS AVAILABLE The total estimated funds available for this small grants program is $2.25 million, which will support approximately 15 to 30 awards. This level of support is dependent on the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. Although this program is provided for within the financial plans of the NIEHS, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the transfer of funds for this purpose from the Department of Energy. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background As a result of electrification of our homes and work places, people from all walks of life and of all ages are now exposed to power frequency (60 Hz) electric and magnetic fields. Increasingly, scientists, regulators and the public are asking whether or not exposure to these fields could involve risks to human health. Such questions are based in part on the results of epidemiology studies that indicate that exposure to power line frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMF) may increase risk for certain forms of cancer. In addition, studies have shown that certain types of EMF exposure can cause small variations in heart rate and reaction times in humans. There have also been some reports of individuals with unusual sensitivity when exposed to fields. Numerous experiments suggest alterations in cellular processes or in endocrine functions of whole animals. However, the biological significance of these studies is uncertain, and it is unclear whether these effects are predictors of adverse health effects in humans. Thus, additional research on the biological effects of EMF exposure at 60 Hz is needed. The goal of the EMF Research and Public Information Dissemination (RAPID) Program is the improvement of our understanding of the potential contribution, if any, of field exposure to the development of disease. To achieve this goal, it is imperative to have information on the effects of EMF on a wide variety of biological functions related to carcinogenic, reproductive, neurological or other health effects. Data are needed to foster the development of a mechanistically-based understanding of the relationship between EMF exposure and alteration in biological processes that could lead to human disease or dysfunction. This RFA is intended to support studies that provide further data needed for the hazard assessments of EMF exposure. It is anticipated that these studies will contribute to the data base necessary to establish the cause and effect relationship between EMF and changes in biological functions which could ultimately contribute to a disease or provide data that an effect does not exist. Research Goals The focus of this RFA is the further development of data that could be used to assess the carcinogenic, reproductive, neurological, and other biological hazards of EMF. Thus, it is important that applications address possible gaps in data needed for hazard assessment complementing previously described biological effects of EMF. Studies that reduce the uncertainties about reported biological effects of EMF will also be considered. It is important that applicants describe how any biological finding can be directly related to human health risks. Research approaches that may identify novel biological effects should also assess the biological significance of such effects. However, projects that help reduce the uncertainty about human health hazards associated with exposure to EMF are a high priority. Applications that are simply a variation of current research will not be considered responsive to this RFA. The following list provides examples of current research interest, but it is not intended to be complete. Applications for work that is based upon analysis of extant data without further experimentation will be considered. Investigators are encouraged to study these or other topics. o Effects on cell signaling and membrane processes such as protein kinases, calcium flux, or gap junctions, o Effects on DNA stability, damage, adducts or demethylation, etc. o Quantification of exposure-related effects on cell cycle, differentiation and cell death; o Development of mechanistic models (quantitative or qualitative) which link cellular responses with morbidity and/or mortality in vivo for previously described health effects of EMF; o Effects of EMF exposure on the response of biological systems to polychlorinated or other environmentally persistent compounds; o Development of risk assessment models for cancer, reproductive, neurologic or other potential EMF risks; o Studies of the potential biological effects for exposure conditions such as harmonics, transients or intermittency; o Evaluation of dose/effect relationships for EMF biological effects; o Postnatal consequences of EMF exposure in utero; o Effects on Oncogenes. EMF Exposure Conditions Funds provided in this RFA are not sufficient to purchase EMF exposure systems for the studies to be proposed. For investigators who do not already have carefully characterized exposure systems, NIEHS encourages arrangements for the use of existing EMF facilities maintained by NIEHS or DOE researchers. Regional EMF exposure facilities supported by DOE and NIEHS may also be available for use under cooperative agreements. Availability of appropriate facilities must be documented in the grant application. To assist applicants in the preparation of an application, information on the EMF research projects currently funded by NIEHS and DOE, the regional exposure facility sites, and the physical considerations for an EMF exposure system can be obtained from the NIEHS. Requests should be addressed to Dr. Michael Galvin at the address listed under INQUIRIES. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by August 2, 1996, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed project, 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 (BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF POWER FREQUENCY EMF). 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 NIEHS staff to estimate the potential review workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent by August 2, 1996 to: Dr. Michael J. Galvin, Jr. Division of Extramural Research and Training National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 104 T.W. Alexander Drive P.O. Box 12233 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Telephone: (919) 541-7825 APPLICATION PROCEDURES The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used in applying for these grants. Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: ASKNIH@odrockm1.od.nih.gov. The following supplemental instructions are provided: Only one small grant application may be submitted by a principal investigator. The Detailed Budget for the Initial Budget Period (Form Page 4-DD) and Budget for Entire Proposed Period of Support (Form Page 5 EE.) should be completed as instructed on Page 11 of the PHS 398. The project period for these awards is a maximum of two years. The maximum amount awarded to each grantee on this RFA will be $100,000 direct costs for a two year project period. The amount awarded for any given year (budget period) will not exceed $50,000 direct costs. Equipment will be limited to $10,000 direct costs for the project. Indirect costs will be awarded at the grantee's current negotiated indirect cost rate at the time of the award. Travel for the principal investigator to an EMF grantee meeting should be included in the budget. The Research Plan (Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Preliminary Studies, Research Design and Methods sections) is not to exceed Ten (10) pages. Tables and figures are included in the Ten (10) page limitation. Applications that exceed page limitations or PHS 398 requirements for font size (height or letters), type density (characters per inch), and margins (see PHS 398 directions) will be returned to the investigator. Do not submit an appendix. Applications must be received by August 27,1996. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and three signed, clear, and single sided photocopies in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Ethel Jackson, D.D.S. Division of Extramural Research and Training National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences P.O. Box 12233, MD 17-09 104 T.W. Alexander Drive, Building 17, Room 1717 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Telephone: (919) 541-7846 FAX: (919) 541-2503 Email: jackson4@niehs.nih.gov If these two additional copies are not forwarded to Dr. Jackson, it will adversely affect the review of the grant application REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, all applications will be reviewed by the Division of Research Grants (DRG) for completeness and by the NIEHS for responsiveness to the RFA. Incomplete and/or nonresponsive applications 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 NIEHS in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the national advisory council or board. Review criteria for this RFA are the same as those for unsolicited research grant applications. o Availability of resources necessary to perform project objectives. o Appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to proposed objectives. o Strength of institutional commitment as evidenced by provision of appropriate resources, services, technical support, and allocation of space. o The approach of the investigator to assess not only the biological effects of the 60 Hz fields but also the significance, if any, to human health risk. o Experimental approaches to determining the biological significance of any findings. AWARD CRITERIA The anticipated date of award is February 1, 1997. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: o Relevance to the hazard (toxicity) assessment of EMF, o quality of the proposed project as determined by peer review, o availability of funds, o program balance and relevance to mission of NIEHS. Applicatons that address aspects of EMF directly related to the hazard assessment of previously identified health effect such as carcinogenesis, reproductive toxicity or neurological effects will be assigned a higher award priority. INQUIRIES Written and telephone inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Michael J. Galvin, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Research and Training National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences P.O. Box 12233, MD 3-02 104 T.W. Alexander Drive, Building 3, Room 316 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Telephone: (919) 541-7825 FAX: (919) 541-2843 Email: Galvin@niehs.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Mr. David L. Mineo Division of Extramural Research and Training National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences P.O. Box 12233, MD 2-01 104 T.W. Alexander Drive, Building 2, Room 203B Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Telephone: (919) 541-7628 FAX: (919) 541-2860 Email: mineo@niehs.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.113 and 93.115. 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, 43 USC 241 and 285) and administered under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA HL-96-010 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:18:45 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 339 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plgf5$9vf@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA HL96010 HL-96-010 P1O1 *************************************** NHLBI MINORITY INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA: HL-96-010 P.T. 44, FF; K.W. 0720005, 0715040, 0715165, 0715032, 0715187 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 2, 1996 Application Receipt Date: August 23, 1996 PURPOSE The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites applications for the Minority Institutional Research Training program. The Minority Institutional Research Training Program is designed to offer research training grant awards in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic research, and sleep disorders, to minority schools and institutions to enable qualified graduate students, health professional students, and postdoctoral students to participate in research programs. It is expected to attract students in their developmental stages, increase their awareness of these diseases, and to acquaint them with career opportunities in research. The purpose of this program is to encourage the enhancement of research skills by individuals at minority educational institutions and to increase the number of minority individuals involved in research endeavors in the areas of interest to the NHLBI. Within NHLBI, the term "hematologic" covers research on thrombosis and hemostasis, immunohematology, blood cell disorders, hematopoiesis, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, transfusion medicine, blood resources including blood component and derivative therapy, blood substitutes and blood resource management, aspects of AIDS-products in AIDS prevention and treatment, and AIDS-related bone marrow and hematologic disorders. Other Institutes of the NIH are responsible for research on disorders of white cells, including the leukemias and other blood malignancies, and basic immunology related to the lymphoid system. Therefore, NHLBI cannot provide support for such studies. 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), NHLBI Minority Institutional Research Training Program, is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke, educational and community-based programs, maternal and infant health, and environmental health. 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 202-512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by non-federal domestic, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, medical schools, and units of state and local government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as program directors. Applications will not be accepted from foreign institutions, with the exception of institutions located in United States possessions, such as Puerto Rico. A minority school is defined as a domestic medical or non-medical college, university or equivalent school in which students of minority ethnic groups, including Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Pacific Islanders, comprise a majority of the school's enrollment. The program director at the minority school will be responsible for the selection and appointment of trainees and the overall direction of the training program. The minority institution is expected to collaborate with a research center that has well-established cardiovascular, pulmonary, or hematologic research and research training programs in order toprovide training in the program. The collaborating research center should be a university, medical school, or comparable institution that has strong, well-established research and research training programs in areas relevant to heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders. Cooperation between institutions is needed to provide each trainee with a mentor at a research intensive institution who is recognized as an accomplished investigator in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic or sleep disorders research and who will assist the advisor at the minority institution in the trainee's development and research plan. Trainees must be training at (1) the post-baccalaureate level (i.e., predoctoral level) in a relevant biomedical or behavioral science and have made a strong commitment to completing a doctoral degree, (2) be enrolled in a minority health professional school, or (3) have a doctoral degree or equivalent in a biomedical or behavioral science (i.e. postdoctoral level). MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Institutional National Research Service Award (NRSA) grant (T32). Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed training program will be solely that of the applicant. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. Funding beyond the first year of the grant is contingent upon satisfactory progress during the preceding year and the availability of funds. Indirect costs will be awarded based on eight percent of total direct costs exclusive of equipment, tuition, and fees. The anticipated award date is May 1, 1997. The Minority Institutional Research Training program may support predoctoral students, postdoctoral trainees, and short-term trainees in health professional schools. Stipend levels for predoctoral and short-term trainees are $10,008 per year and stipend levels for postdoctoral trainees range from $19,608 to $32,300 per year. Stipends may be supplemented from non-Federal sources. Training related expenses ($1,500 annually for predoctoral trainees and $2,500 annually for postdoctoral trainees), tuition and fees, and travel expenses ($800 per trip) may also be requested for trainees, although the levels may vary depending on the type of training to be supported. The trainees may be appointed to the training program for 9-12 months periods (for short-term trainees, the period of appointment may be of two to three months duration) at any time during the course of the year after acceptance as a full-time student. A strong interest in a cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, or sleep disorders research career must be evident. Trainees are encouraged to be appointed to the training for at least two years, in order to obtain adequate training. FUNDS AVAILABLE The estimated funds (total costs) available for the first year of support for the entire program is expected to be $360,000 in fiscal year 1997. Three new awards for the Minority Institutional Research Training Program are anticipated. The actual amounts to be awarded may vary, depending on the response to the RFA and availability of funds. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Many studies have emphasized the need for minority individuals to participate in modern research activities to develop their investigative talents. Whereas approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population is Black, less than 0.25 percent of individuals holding a Ph.D. degree in biomedical science are Black. There are existing programs at the National Institutes of Health that are designed to answer this need. These include the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program, the Minority Access to Research Careers Program, and Research Supplements for Underrepresented Minorities. Even though these programs appear successful in meeting their specific objectives and career development goals, minority graduate students, health professional students, and postdoctoral students in minority schools need additional opportunities to develop biomedical and behavioral research skills and become productive investigators. This RFA is designed to offer research training opportunities for individuals at minority institutions and encourage their participation in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders research. The Minority Institutional Research Training program is intended to: o Train graduate students, health professional students, and postdoctoral students at minority schools that have the potential to develop a meritorious program in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, or sleep disorders research for research careers in areas relevant to these diseases. o Stimulate cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases, hematologic resources and sleep disorders research, prevention, control, and education by offering minority school graduate students, health professional students, and postdoctoral students the opportunity to enhance their research capabilities in these areas. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by August 2, 1996, a letter of intent that includes 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. 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 allows NIH staff to estimate the potential review workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. C. James Scheirer, at the address listed under APPLICATION PROCEDURES. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95). Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: ASKNIH@odrockm1.od.nih.gov. Guidelines and supplemental instructions for the Minority Institutional Research Training program may be obtained from NHLBI staff listed under INQUIRIES. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title (NHLBI Minority Institutional Research Training Program) and number (HL-96-010) must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. The completed original application and four legible copies, must be delivered to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for courier service) In addition one copy of the application must also be sent to: C. James Scheirer, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7220 - MSC 7924 Bethesda, MD 20892-7924 Telephone: (301) 435-0266 FAX: (301) 480-3541 Email: james_scheirer@nih.gov Applications must be received by August 23, 1996. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Division of Research Grants (DRG) will not accept any application 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 essentially 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. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications will be assigned on the basis of established Public Health Service referral guidelines. All applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by a Special Emphasis Panel in the Division of Extramural Affairs, NHLBI, in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures. Following scientific-technical review, applications will receive a second level review by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council. The following criteria will be considered when assessing the merit of a Minority Institutional Research Training program application. o Adequacy of faculty, facilities, and resources for the proposed research training, both at the minority institution and the established research center, including the expertise of preceptors as researchers who have successfully competed for research support; o Commitment of the relevant faculty and the two institutions to the goals of the training program; o Adequacy of the cooperative arrangements between the minority institution and the established research program; o Past research training record for the program director and designated preceptors in terms of the success of trainees pursuing research activities and procedures for evaluation of the impact of the program on the trainees involved; o Objectives, design, and direction of the research training program. o Acceptability of plan to provide instruction on the responsible conduct of research. AWARD CRITERIA Applications will compete for funds with all other approved applications assigned to the NHLBI. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: o Quality of the proposed project as determined by peer review o Availability of funds o Program balance among the research areas of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding program guidelines, supplemental instructions, or programmatic issues to: Michael Commarato, Ph.D. Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Two Rockledge Centre 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 9204 - MSC 7940 Bethesda, MD 20892-7940 Telephone: (301) 435-0530 FAX: (301) 480-1454 Email: michael_commarato@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Jane Davis Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7174 MSC 7926 Bethesda, MD 20892-7926 Telephone: (301) 435-0166 FAX: (301) 480-3310 Email: jane_davis@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATION This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance numbers 93.837, 93.838, and 93.839. Awards are made under the authority 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 grant policies and Federal Regulations at 42 CFR 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Tue Jun 11 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA HL-96-011 - V25(18) 06/07/96 Date: 11 Jun 1996 21:19:08 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 385 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4plgfs$a08@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA HL96011 HL-96-011 P1O1 *************************************** NHLBI MINORITY INSTITUTION FACULTY MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 18, June 7, 1996 RFA: HL-96-011 P.T. 44, FF; K.W. 0720005, 0715040, 0715165, 0715032, 0715187 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 2, 1996 Application Receipt Date: August 23, 1996 PURPOSE The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites grant applications for the Minority Institution Faculty Mentored Research Scientist Development Award program. The purpose of this program is to encourage the enhancement of research skills by faculty members at minority institutions in areas relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases, sleep disorders, and transfusion medicine, and stimulate cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic disease, and sleep disorders research, prevention, control and education at minority institutions by offering faculty members the opportunity to enhance their research capabilities in these areas. Within NHLBI, the term "hematologic" covers research on thrombosis and hemostasis, immunohematology, blood cell disorders, hematopoiesis, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, transfusion medicine, blood resources including blood component and derivative therapy, blood substitutes and blood resource management, aspects of AIDS-products in AIDS prevention and treatment, and AIDS-related bone marrow and hematologic disorders. Other Institutes of the NIH are responsible for research on disorders of white cells, including the leukemias and other blood malignancies, and basic immunology related to the lymphoid system. Therefore, NHLBI cannot provide support for such studies. 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, NHLBI Minority Institution Faculty Mentored Research Scientist Development Award, is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke, maternal and infant health, environmental health, and educational and community-based programs. 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 non-federal domestic, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and units of state and local government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators. Applications from foreign institutions will not be accepted. Awards in this program will be made to a domestic minority institution on behalf of a principal investigator. A minority institution is defined as a domestic medical or non-medical college, university, or equivalent school in which students of minority ethnic groups, including Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asians, or Pacific Islanders, comprise a majority of the institution's enrollment. Candidates for this award are faculty members of minority institutions who: (1) are citizens of the United States, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents at the time of application, (2) have a doctoral degree or equivalent in a biomedical or behavioral science, (3) wish to receive specialized training in cardiovascular, pulmonary, or hematologic research, and (4) have the background and potential to benefit from the training. Each candidate must propose a research development program that includes intensive, full-time, training during the summer period (two to three months) and part-time training during the academic year. In proposing a research development program, the candidate must identify and complete arrangements with a nearby investigator (within approximately 100 miles) who can act as a mentor for the research development program. The mentor must be an accomplished investigator in the research area proposed in the application and will provide guidance for the principal investigator's development and research plan related to heart, lung, or blood disorders. Plans for the research development must be developed with the mentor. The commitment of the minority institution to the faculty candidate's research and development must clearly be resented in the application. This must include statement(s) from the Dean and departmental chair indicating that the candidate will be provided with sufficient release time from other duties to accomplish the research goals stated in the application. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Mentored Research Scientist Development Award grant (K01). Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed career development program will be solely that of the applicant. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. Funding beyond the first year of the grant is contingent upon satisfactory progress during the preceding year and the availability of funds. Indirect costs will be awarded based on eight percent of total direct costs exclusive of equipment. The anticipated award date is May 1, 1997. The awardee may receive salary support up to a maximum of $50,000 per year plus fringe benefits for five years. The actual amount allowable for salary will be dependent upon the actual percent effort committed to the project. All funds must be used to support the awardee. Awardees must commit 100 percent effort during the summer and/or off quarter periods and at least 25 percent effort during the academic year. Support for up to 10 percent of the mentor's salary during the summer experience may be requested. Up to $30,000 per year will be provided for research support. Details regarding the apportionment of these funds between the minority institution and the research center must be worked out with the mentor at the research center and agreed to by representatives of both institutions. If funds are to be transferred to the mentor's institution for any purpose, arrangements for the transfer or conduct of activities should be formalized in a contract or written agreement with the mentor's institution and submitted as part of the application. The award is non-renewable and may not be transferred to another institution or another faculty member. The indirect cost rate on subcontract costs for the mentor's institution may not exceed 8 percent of total costs. FUNDS AVAILABLE The estimated funds (total costs) available for the first year of support for the program are expected to be $250,000 in fiscal year 1997. The actual amount may vary, depending on the response to the RFA and availability of funds, but the anticipated number of awards for the Minority Institution Faculty Mentored Research Scientist Development Award Program is three new awards. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background Many studies have emphasized the need for minority individuals to participate in modern research activities to develop their investigative talents. Whereas approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population is Black, less than 0.25 percent of individuals holding a Ph.D. degree in biomedical science are Black. There are existing programs at the National Institutes of Health that are designed to answer this need. These include the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program, the Minority Access to Research Careers Program, and the Research Supplements for Underrepresented Minorities Program. Even though these programs appear successful in meeting their specific objectives and career development goals, students and faculty at minority schools need additional opportunities to develop biomedical and behavioral research skills and become productive investigators. While there is strong interest in the scientific community in attracting minority students into research careers, few minority students opt for science degrees and research careers, and few minority graduates of health professional schools go on to investigative careers. The shortage of qualified minority investigators in academic research positions may even exacerbate the situation due to a lack of visible role models for students. One method of addressing this problem is by increasing the research capabilities of minority faculty members and faculty members at minority institutions, so that these individuals may serve as role models for minority undergraduate and graduate students, and stimulate students to become more cognizant of research opportunities in cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases and sleep disorders. Other The present RFA is designed to offer career development opportunities for faculty at minority institutions. The Minority Institution Faculty Mentored Research Scientist Development Award is intended to: o Encourage the development of faculty investigators at minority schools in areas relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases, sleep disorders, and transfusion medicine. o Stimulate cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic disease, and sleep disorders research, prevention, control, and education by offering minority school faculty members the opportunity to enhance their research capabilities in these areas. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of 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, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. 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 August 2, 1996, a letter of intent that includes 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. 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 allows NHLBI staff to estimate the potential review workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. C. James Scheirer, at the address listed under APPLICATION PROCEDURES. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95). Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Grants Information Office, Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: ASKNIH@odrockm1.od.nih.gov; and from the program administrator listed under INQUIRIES. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title (NHLBI Minority Institution Faculty Mentored Research Scientist Development Award Training Program) and number (HL-96-011) must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and four signed photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for courier service) One additional copy of the application must also be sent to: C. James Scheirer, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7220 - MSC 7924 Bethesda, MD 20892-7924 Telephone: (301) 435-0266 FAX: (301) 480-3541 Email: james_scheirer@nih.gov Applications must be received by August 23, 1996. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Division of Research Grants (DRG) will not accept any application 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 essentially 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. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by DRG and responsiveness by NHLBI. Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications 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 a Special Emphasis Panel in the Division of Extramural Affairs, NHLBI, in accordance with the review criteria stated below. The following criteria will be considered when assessing the merit of career development applications, including the Minority Institution Faculty Mentored Research Scientist Development Award. o Candidate -- The candidate's overall competence as demonstrated by academic record and performance, potential for a career in independent research, and commitment or interest in pursuing an academic research career. o Mentor(s) -- The mentor's accomplishments in the scientific research area(s) proposed, experience and track record in training investigators, and commitment for the duration of a candidate's research development. o Environment -- The applicant institution's ability to provide adequate facilities, resources, and opportunities necessary for the candidate's training, and the institutional commitment to the candidate. The quality of the research and research training programs at the mentor's institution. o Acceptability of plan to provide instruction on the responsible conduct of research. o Career Development Plan -- The adequacy of the research career development plan, based on the detailed description of the candidate's past research experience, training, and career goals. o Research Project -- Scientific merit of the proposed research project and its appropriateness as a vehicle for developing the candidate's research skills. 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. AWARD CRITERIA Applications will compete for funds with all other approved applications assigned to the NHLBI. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: o Quality of the proposed project as determined by peer review o Availability of funds o Program balance among the research areas of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Inquiries regarding program guidelines, supplemental instructions, or programmatic issues may be directed to: LeeAnn Jensen, Ph.D. Division of Blood Diseases and Resources National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive MSC 7950 Bethesda, MD 20892-7950 Telephone: (301) 435-0065 FAX: (301) 480-1060 Email: leeann_jensen@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Jane Davis Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive MSC 7926 Bethesda, MD 20892-7926 Telephone: (301) 435-0166 FAX: (301) 480-3310 Email: jane_davis@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATION This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance numbers 93.837, 93.838, and 93.839. Awards are made under the authority 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 grant policies and Federal Regulations at 42 CFR 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Sun Jun 16 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 15 June 1996 Date: 17 Jun 1996 13:34:57 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 107 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4q4fhh$bfp@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS system for the week ending June 15, 1996. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: Letter Title: NSF 96-109 Dear Colleague Letter ANNOUNCEMENT OF FALL 1996 TARGET DATES Division of Mathematical Sciences File size (bytes): 2987 STIS Filename: nsf96109.txt Document Type: News Title: Media Tipsheet June 7, 1996 File size (bytes): 4662 STIS Filename: tip60607.txt Document Type: Press Release Title: NSF SHIP DELIVERS EMERGENCY PROVISIONS TO RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC BASE File size (bytes): 3559 STIS Filename: pr9634.txt Document Type: Program Guideline Title: NSF 96-108 Scientific Management of the U.S. National Ice Core Laboratory File size (bytes): 13331 STIS Filename: nsf96108.txt Document Type: SRS Data Brief Title: SDB 96-305 Academic S&E Support from Federal Agencies Rose by 8 Percent in FY 1994 File size (bytes): 5855 STIS Filename: sdb96305.txt Also available: sdb96305.pdf Title: SDB 96-306 Federal Funding for R&D and R&D Plant to Drop in FY 1996 File size (bytes): 7945 STIS Filename: sdb96306.txt Also available: sdb96306.pdf ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: Committees Title: NSF Advisory Committee Meetings File size (bytes): 6509 STIS Filename: cmmtg.txt Document Type: Phone Book Title: NSF Alpha Telephone Directory File size (bytes): 113734 STIS Filename: phnalpha.txt Also available: phnalpha.dlm Title: NSF Organization Telephone Directory File size (bytes): 124577 STIS Filename: phnorg.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** 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.txt, the text of your message should be as follows: get phnorg.txt Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve phnorg.txt, you would enter: ftp> get phnorg.txt 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 Sun Jun 16 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH Guide, vol. 25, no. 19, pt. 1of1, 14 June 1996 Date: 17 Jun 1996 14:09:27 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 411 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4q4hi7$g07@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID NIHGUIDE 19960614 V25N19 P1O1 ************************************ X-comment: RFAs described: DC-96-005, DC-96-006, PA-96-058 X-URL: gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/11/res/nih-guide/guide-files/96.06.14 NIH GUIDE - Vol. 25, No. 19 - June 14, 1996 $$INDEX BEGIN ******************************************************* NOTICES $$INDEX N1 ********************************************************** FINDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC MISCONDUCT Department of Health and Human Services INDEX: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES $$INDEX N2 ********************************************************** NEW NIH POLICY ON SUBMISSION OF REVISED (AMENDED) APPLICATIONS National Institutes of Health INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs) $$INDEX R1 10/17/96 ************************************************* MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR PATHOLOGY OF THE HUMAN AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR SYSTEMS (RFA DC-96-005) National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders INDEX: DEAFNESS, OTHER COMMUNICATIONS DISORDERS $$INDEX R2 08/07/96 ************************************************* NIDCD/ORMH MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR MINORITY SCHOOL FACULTY (RFA DC-96-006) National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Office of Research on Minority Health INDEX: DEAFNESS, OTHER COMMUNICATIONS DISORDERS; MINORITY HEALTH $$INDEX P1 ********************************************************** MECHANISM OF CELL DEATH AND INJURY IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS (PA-96-058) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute on Aging National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institute of Mental Health INDEX: NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE; AGING; ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES; MENTAL HEALTH THE NIH GUIDE IS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY VIA BITNET OR INTERNET, BY SUBSCRIPTION, AND IS ALSO ON THE NIH GOPHER (GOPHER.NIH.GOV) AND THE NIH WEBSITE (HTTP://WWW.NIH.GOV). ALTERNATIVE ACCESS IS THROUGH THE NIH GRANT LINE VIA MODEM (DATA LINE 301/402-2221); CONTACT DR. JOHN JAMES AT 301/435-2801 FOR DETAILS ON THE NIH GRANT LINE. THE PHS STRONGLY ENCOURAGES ALL GRANT AND CONTRACT RECIPIENTS TO PROVIDE A SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE AND PROMOTE THE NON-USE OF ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS. IN ADDITION, PUBLIC LAW 103-227, THE PRO-CHILDREN ACT OF 1994, PROHIBITS SMOKING IN CERTAIN FACILITIES (OR IN SOME CASES, ANY PORTION OF A FACILITY) IN WHICH REGULAR OR ROUTINE EDUCATION, LIBRARY, DAY CARE, HEALTH CARE OR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO CHILDREN. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PHS MISSION TO PROTECT AND ADVANCE THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. ALL COMPETING GRANT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH MUST BE SENT TO: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) THE GRANTS INFORMATION OFFICE, DRG, HAS BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE NEW OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL OUTREACH & INFORMATION RESOURCES, OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH, OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR, NIH. REQUESTS FOR APPLICATION FORMS, PUBLICATIONS, AND OTHER INFORMATION MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE FOLLOWING: OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL OUTREACH & INFORMATION RESOURCES 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, MSC 7910 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7910 TELEPHONE: (301) 435-0714 EMAIL: ASKNIH@ODROCKM1.OD.NIH.GOV $$INDEX END ********************************************************* NOTICES $$N1 BEGIN ********************************************************** FINDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC MISCONDUCT NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 19, June 14, 1996 P.T. 34; K.W. 1014004, 1014006 Department of Health and Human Services Notice is hereby given that the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) has made final findings of scientific misconduct in the following case: Eric T. Fossel, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School: Based on ORI~s analysis of the relevant evidence and conclusions submitted by the Harvard Medical School Committee on Faculty Conduct, ORI found that Eric T. Fossel, Ph.D., former Harvard Medical School Associate Professor of Radiology at Beth Israel Hospital, committed scientific misconduct by reporting falsified research results in a Public Health Service (PHS) grant application. Specifically, Dr. Fossel altered nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data in the Multicenter Breast Trial (MCBT) such that the NMR test, purporting to detect from a patient~s blood sample a predisposition toward malignancy or a relapse, appeared to be more accurate, sensitive, and specific than was actually the case. Premised on these falsely reported results, Dr. Fossel proposed in a PHS grant application that the National Cancer Institute provide funds to complete the MCBT. Dr. Fossel has entered into a Voluntary Exclusion Agreement with ORI in which he has voluntarily agreed, for the three year period beginning May 9, 1996, to exclude himself from: (1) any contracting or subcontracting with any agency of the United States Government and from eligibility for, or involvement in, nonprocurement transactions (e.g., grants and cooperative agreements) of the United States Government as defined in 45 C.F.R. Part 76 (Debarment Regulations), and (2) serving in any advisory capacity to PHS, including but not limited to service on any PHS advisory committee, board, and/or peer review committee, or as a consultant. No scientific publications were required to be corrected as part of this Agreement. INQUIRIES For further information, contact: Director, Division of Research Investigations Office of Research Integrity 5515 Security Lane, Suite 700 Rockville, MD 20852 Telephone: (301) 443-5330 $$N1 END ************************************************************ $$N2 BEGIN ********************************************************** NEW NIH POLICY ON SUBMISSION OF REVISED (AMENDED) APPLICATIONS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 19, June 14, 1996 P.T. 34; K.W. 1014006 National Institutes of Health Beginning with the October 1996 receipt date, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will no longer consider any A3 or higher amendments to an application and, regardless of the number of amendments, the NIH will not accept a revised (amended) application that is submitted later than two years beyond the date of the receipt of the initial, unamended application. The new policy applies to all mechanisms. Recent NIH data indicate that amended applications constitute more than one third of all research project grant applications. The data also indicate that investigators who receive initial funding based on an amended application, whether for a new submission (Type 1) or a competing renewal (Type 2), experience a lower success rate in subsequent efforts to secure funding for a competing renewal application, and the probability of subsequent success in the competing renewal process diminishes with the number of amendments. We believe that after these three unsuccessful attempts at funding, it is preferable for all applicants to take a fresh start at their research plans. Therefore, the NIH has adopted a policy that limits the number of amendments to two. This limit allows principal investigators sufficient time to generate preliminary data if it is required by the reviewers, and to consider new findings in the area of research. INQUIRIES Questions or comments concerning this policy may be directed to the Director, Office of Extramural Research at DDER@nih.gov. $$N2 END ************************************************************ NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs) $$R1 BEGIN DC-96-005 FULL-TEXT ************************************** MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR PATHOLOGY OF THE HUMAN AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR SYSTEMS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 19, June 14, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: DC-96-005 P.T. 34; K.W. 0765033, 0755035, 1002004, 1002008, 1002058 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 17, 1996 Application Receipt Date: October 17, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites grant applications for the support of cellular biologic, molecular biologic and molecular genetic studies of newly acquired and archival human temporal bones and associated brain tissues of individuals who had well- documented evidence of disorders of hearing and/or balance before death. It is believed that studies of this kind can lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of disorders of the human auditory and vestibular systems. This RFA will use the individual research project grant (R01) and the First Independent Research Support and Transition FIRST (R29) award. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. It is expected that $750,000 will be available for the first year of support (direct cost) for this RFA and that up to three applications will be funded. The level of support will be dependent upon the scientific merit and scope of the applications and the availability of funds. 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, Molecular and Cellular Pathology of the Human Auditory and Vestibular Systems, is related to the priority areas of physical activity fitness, unintentional injuries, diabetes and chronic disabling diseases, and clinical prevention services. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017- 001-11474-0 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-11473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Daniel A. Sklare, Ph.D. Division of Human Communication National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Executive Plaza South, Room 400C 6120 Executive Boulevard MSC 7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 Telephone: (301) 496-1804 FAX: (301) 402-6251 Email: daniel_sklare@nih.gov $$R1 END ************************************************************ $$R2 BEGIN DC-96-006 FULL-TEXT ************************************** NIDCD/ORMH MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR MINORITY SCHOOL FACULTY NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 19, June 14, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: DC-96-006 P.T. 34, FF; K.W. 0710030, 0715050, 0715055, 0775017 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Office of Research on Minority Health Application Receipt Date: August 7, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and the Office of Research on Minority Health (ORMH) invite grant applications to support the research career development of faculty investigators at minority academic institutions in the biomedical and behavioral scientific mission areas of the NIDCD, hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech and language. The purpose of this program initiative is to: (1) foster the development of independent investigators in research in human communication on the faculties of minority institutions; (2) stimulate research and research training in human communication at these institutions; and (3) encourage the entry of investigators from minority groups who were trained in a variety of scientific areas and disciplines into research in human communication. This RFA will use the Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) mechanism. This mechanism is described in program announcement PA-95-049 (NIH Guide, Vol. 24, No. 15, April 28, 1995). Although all general guidelines of PA-96- 049 will apply, this RFA is written as a stand-alone document and contains provisions that are unique to this initiative. 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, NIDCD/ORMH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority School Faculty, is related to the priority area of human resource development. 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 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Daniel A. Sklare, Ph.D. Division of Human Communication National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Executive Plaza South, Room 400-C 6120 Executive Boulevard - MSC 7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 Telephone: (301) 496-1804 FAX: (301) 402-6251 Email: daniel_sklare@nih.gov $$R2 END ************************************************************ $$P1 BEGIN PA-96-058 FULL-TEXT ************************************** MECHANISM OF CELL DEATH AND INJURY IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 19, June 14, 1996 PA AVAILABLE: PA-96-058 P.T. 34; K.W. 1002030, 1002004, 0715027, 0710010, 1002019 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute on Aging National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institute of Mental Health PURPOSE An important theme in current neuroscience is the search for common mechanisms underlying the destruction of particular cell groups which are unique to individual neurodegenerative disorders. The study of one disorder frequently yields information about the others. There is much accumulating evidence that the regulation of programmed cell death in the nervous system utilizes mechanisms and pathways which are common to simple and complex organisms, to pathways expressed in normal development, to responses to many modes of injury such as trauma, ischemia, and environmental and biological agents, to diseases of early and adult life, and to aging processes. Further progress depends on a broad-based research effort uniting basic and clinical studies over a broad range of approaches. Studies of the interaction between environmental, metabolic, anatomical, and genetic factors are important research directions. Using newly developed technologies, scientists from diverse fields and disciplines are in a position to make significant progress in understanding the critical issues raised by the neurodegenerative disorders and the mechanisms of the selective vulnerability of cells of the central nervous system. The Institutes jointly sponsoring this program announcement encourage the submittal of investigator initiated research application in these areas. The mechanisms available for support of this PA are the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project (R01), program project (P01), and FIRST (R29) award. Responsibility for the planning, direction and execution of the proposed research project will be solely that of the applicant. 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 initiated national activity for setting priority areas. This PA, Mechanism of Cell Death and Injury in Neurodegenerative Disorders, is related to the priority area of chronic debilitating diseases. 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) 512-1800). INQUIRES The PA, 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Eugene J. Oliver, Ph.D. Division of Demyelinating, Atrophic, and Dementing Disorders National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Federal Building, Room 806 7550 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892-9150 Telephone: (301)496-1431 FAX: (301) 402-2060 Email: eo11c@nih.gov $$P1 END ************************************************************ From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Sun Jun 16 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - PA-96-058 - V25(19) 06/14/96 Date: 17 Jun 1996 14:11:07 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 411 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4q4hlb$g9s@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA PA96058 PA-96-058 P1O1 *************************************** MECHANISM OF CELL DEATH AND INJURY IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 19, June 14, 1996 PA NUMBER: PA-96-058 P.T. 34; K.W. 1002030, 1002004, 0715027, 0710010, 1002019 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute on Aging National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institute of Mental Health PURPOSE The principal objective of this Program Announcement (PA) is to stimulate research on the basic mechanisms of neuronal cell death and injury as they relate to neurodegenerative disorders. The results of these investigations are expected to help in elucidating the pathogenesis of these 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 PA, Mechanism of Cell Death and Injury in Neurodegenerative Disorders, is related to the priority area of chronic debilitating diseases. 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 202/512-1800). 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 and local governments, and eligible agencies of the federal government. Foreign institutions are not eligible for program project (P01) grants or First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) awards. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as principal investigators. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT The mechanisms available for support of this PA are the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project (R01), program project (P01), and FIRST (R29) award. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed research project will be solely that of the applicant. Because the nature and scope of the research proposed in response to this PA may vary, it is anticipated that the size of an award will also vary. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background An important theme in current neuroscience is the search for common mechanisms underlying the destruction of particular cell groups that are unique to individual neurodegenerative disorders. The study of one disorder frequently yields information about the others. There is much accumulating evidence that the regulation of programmed cell death in the nervous system utilizes mechanisms and pathways which are common to simple and complex organisms, to pathways expressed in normal development, to responses to many modes of injury such as trauma, ischemia, and environmental and biological agents, to diseases of early and adult life, and to aging processes. Further progress depends on a broad-based research effort uniting basic and clinical studies over a broad range of approaches. Studies of the interaction between environmental, metabolic, anatomical, and genetic factors are important research directions. Using newly developed technologies, scientists from diverse fields and disciplines are in a position to make significant progress in understanding the critical issues raised by the neurodegenerative disorders and the mechanisms of the selective vulnerability of cells of the central nervous system. Although the pathway of cell death may be common, these disorders are associated with a variety of risk factors including genetic and environmental events. For example, familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS), familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD), and Huntington's disease (HD) are autosomal dominant, age related, genetic disorders. Familial Parkinson's disease (PD) has been reported in a few large possibly autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease pedigrees. Still, except for HD, most cases of these disorders have not been shown to be of genetic origin. Exogenous agents including neuroleptic drugs used in the treatment of schizophrenia can cause tardive dyskinesia with PD-like symptoms. While the etiology of many neurodegenerative disorders is unknown, the mechanisms by which the neurons die may be similar. Neurodegenerative diseases occur when a significant proportion of neurons die. The cause of the selective vulnerability of these cells is not known. Implicated in this destruction as well as in destruction of neurons following neuronal injury are oxidative stress by free radical damage, defective energy metabolism, external or internal toxins, genetic factors, and aging. Altered regulation of programmed cell death during development may be involved in the etiology of specific mental disorders. Alone or in combination, these factors could lead to necrotic or apoptotic cell death. Changes in mitochondrial function with age or injury can alter cellular energetics, free radical metabolism, and vulnerability to further harm. Defects in energy metabolism at the mitochondrial level may contribute to activation of excitatory amino acid receptors which may then lead to calcium influx. Defects in energy metabolism further impair intracellular calcium buffering. A consequence of increasing intracellular calcium is cell damage and death. It is also quite possible that oxidative stress itself may lead to damaged mitochondrial DNA with subsequent further deterioration of respiratory enzyme activities. Previous work has demonstrated that the MPTP toxicity, which mimics Parkinson's disease, involves inhibition of complex 1 of the electron transport chain as well as oxidative stress. It has also been recently demonstrated that the generation of nitric oxide appears to play a role in cell death in the MPTP animal model. Research is needed to develop and use novel cell culture techniques and transgenic animal models to study the possible role of defective organelles and aberrant metabolism in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Modern imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be valuable in studying alterations in metabolism caused by neuronal injury or degeneration. Also, the development of biochemical markers of oxidative stress in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and urine will help to assess directly whether or not oxidative damage is a significant factor in these disorders. Metals are implicated in the etiology of a number of neurodegenerative disorders. Wilson's disease, for example, is a systemic genetic disorder of copper metabolism and Hallervorden-Spatz disease is characterized by deposits of melanin pigment containing calcium and iron. Studies of disease where metals play a role in their pathogenesis may shed light on basic mechanisms leading to cell destruction and death. Applications describing studies involving the role of metals in various neurodegenerative disorders will be considered responsive to this PA. Neuronal apoptosis is a stereotypical pattern of changes associated with cell death in response to a variety of insults. Major themes in apoptosis research involve the critical regulators of terminal apoptosis. Those most clearly associated with this terminal process are the pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members of the bcl-2 family, and the family of ICE-like cystine proteases that appear to be required. Much of what we know of these mechanisms is derived from studies of simple organisms such as C. elegans and Drosophila and further work in such systems is recognized as relevant to knowledge of more complex organisms and thus responsive to this PA. Work is needed to define patterns of expression of these gene families in neurons, the determinants of those expression patterns, the molecular mechanism(s) by which they regulate apoptosis, and ultimately the development of strategies to mimic the anti-apoptotic and inhibit the pro-apoptotic activity of the gene products. Several pertubations of neurons lead ultimately to apoptosis. Some of these require ongoing protein synthesis to lead to apoptosis, whereas others do not. Effort is needed to understand the genetic and biochemical alterations that lead a cell ultimately to apoptosis in response to various insults and pathologic processes. Examples that require such study are growth factor deprivation, oxidation stress, and cellular toxins such as beta-amyloid. These studies need to provide, in addition to a description of alterations associated with death, the use of strategies to determine the importance of such alterations in the ultimate death of the cell. Study is required to determine the range of trophic factors that act on particular types of neurons, the physiological role of these factors in the cells in the developing and adult animal, and the pharmacological potential of the factors to both prevent death of the cells and to maintain their function. It is important to determine the signal transduction pathways by which trophic factors block cell death and enhance cell growth. It will be important to develop drugs which mimic or stimulate these pathways. The purpose of this PA would be to increase existing knowledge by stimulating research to investigate further the mechanisms of neuronal cell death and injury as they may contribute to our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. Related situations such as cell death in development or response to diverse injury are regarded as relevant and responsive. As discussed above, important areas of investigation would be on the roles of energy impairment, excitotoxicity, oxidation stress, nitric oxide, metals, and calcium in either apoptotic or necrotic cell death. Research focused on normal and pathological neuronal apoptotic mechanisms including genetic and biochemical alterations resulting from injury or pathological processes is clearly relevant. These areas, however, are not intended to be comprehensive or exclusionary. The investigation of potential therapeutic approaches targeted at rescuing or slowing the decline of the injured or degenerating neurons is also warranted. Researchers responding to this PA are encouraged to consider novel approaches of the broadest nature in approaching the pathogenesis of these diseases. 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 sub populations 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 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 population, and concerning the inclusion of minorities in study populations), which have been in effect since 1990. The current policy contains some 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, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the program staff listed under INQUIRES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. APPLICATION PROCEDURES The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used in applying for these grants. These forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institute of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone (301) 435-0714, FAX (301) 480-0525, email: ASKNIH@ODROCKM1.OD.NIH.GOV. FIRST (R29) award applications must include at least three sealed letters of reference attached to the face page of the original application. FIRST award applications submitted without the required number of reference letters will be considered incomplete and will be returned without review. In addition, the PA title and number (Mechanism of Cell Death and Injury in Neurodegenerative Disorders PA-96-053) must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for courier/express service) REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines. Applications that are complete will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the appropriate national advisory council or board. Review Criteria o scientific, technical, or medical significance and originality of proposed research; o appropriateness and adequacy of the experimental approach and methodology proposed to carry out the research; o qualifications and research experience of the Principal Investigator and staff, particularly, but not exclusively, in the area of the proposed research; o availability of the resources necessary to perform the research; o appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; 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. The initial review group will also examine the provisions for the protection of human subjects and the safety of the research environment. AWARD CRITERIA The following criteria will be considered in making a funding decision: Applications will compete for available funds with all other approved applications assigned to these Institutes. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: Quality of the proposed project as determined by peer review, availability of funds, and program priority. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this PA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Inquiries regarding programmatic issues may be directed to: Eugene J. Oliver, Ph.D. Division of Demyelinating, Atrophic, and Dementing Disorders National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Federal Building, Room 806 7550 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892-9150 Telephone: (301) 496-1431 FAX: (301) 402-2060 Email: eo11c@nih.gov Annette Kirshner, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Research and Training National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Building 3, P.O. Box 12233 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Telephone: (919) 541-0488 FAX: (919) 541-2843 Email: kirshner@niehs.nih.gov Neil Buckholtz, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Room 3C307 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-9350 FAX: (301) 496-1494 Email: Bckholn@gw.nia.nih.gov Douglas L. Meinecke, Ph.D. Division of Neuroscience and Behavioral Science National institute of Mental Health 5600 Fishers Lane (Rm. 11C-06) Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-5288 FAX: (301) 443-4822 Email: dmein@helix.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Pat Driscoll Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Federal Building, Room 1004 7550 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892-9190 Telephone: (301) 496-9231 FAX: (301) 402-0219 Email: driscolp@nswide.ninds.nih.gov Mr. David Mineo Grants Management Branch National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Building 2, P. O. Box 12233 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Telephone: (919) 541-7628 FAX: (919) 541-2860 Email: mineo@niehs.nih.gov Ms. Crystal Ferguson Grants Management Office National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Room 2N212 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-1472 FAX: (301) 402-3672 Email: fergusonc@gw.nia.nih.gov Ms. Diana Trunnell Grants Management Branch National Institute of Mental Health 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7C08 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-3065 FAX: (301) 443-6885 Email: Diana_Trunnell@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Nos. 93.242 for Mental Health Research Grants, 93.853 and 93.854 for Neurological Disorders Grants, 93.113 for Environmental Health Grants, and 93.866 for Aging grants. 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 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and to promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American. From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Sun Jun 16 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA DC-96-006 - V25(19) 06/14/96 Date: 17 Jun 1996 14:10:43 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 579 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4q4hkj$g8v@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA DC96006 DC-96-006 P1O1 *************************************** NIDCD/ORMH MENTORED RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD FOR MINORITY SCHOOL FACULTY NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 19, June 14, 1996 RFA: DC-96-006 P.T. 34, FF; K.W. 0710030, 0715050, 0715055, 0775017 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Office of Research on Minority Health Application Receipt Date: August 7, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and the Office of Research on Minority Health (ORMH) invite grant applications to support the research career development of faculty investigators at minority academic institutions in the biomedical and behavioral scientific mission areas of the NIDCD, hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech and language. The purpose of this program initiative is to: (1) foster the development of independent investigators in research in human communication on the faculties of minority institutions; (2) stimulate research and research training in human communication at these institutions; and (3) encourage the entry of investigators from minority groups who were trained in a variety of scientific areas and disciplines into research in human communication. 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, NIDCD/ORMH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority School Faculty, is related to the priority area of human resource development. 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 202-512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted on behalf of candidates by domestic non-Federal minority academic institutions, public and private. For the purposes of this RFA, a minority institution is defined as a domestic college, university, or equivalent school of higher learning in which students of minority ethnic/racial groups, which have been found to be underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research in the United States, including African Americans (Blacks), Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, and Pacific Islanders, comprise a majority of the institution's enrollment. Ethnic/racial minority individuals underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research, women, and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply as candidates. Applications from foreign institutions will not be accepted. Candidates for this award must be full-time faculty members of minority academic institutions who: (1) are citizens of the United States, noncitizen nationals, or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residency at the time of application; (2) have a research or health-professional doctorate, or its equivalent; (3) have demonstrated capacity or potential for productive independent research; (4) have secured the commitment of an appropriate research mentor actively involved in research in human communication and of the minority (home) institution to the proposed research career development program; and (5) agree to remain at the minority institution for at least two years after completion of the award. The candidate must identify an appropriate mentor either at the applicant institution or within geographic proximity with extensive research experience in the research area proposed in the application. The candidate must be willing to spend a minimum of 50 percent professional effort conducting research and career development activities for the period of the award. Candidates who have served as principal investigators on PHS research grants or have been supported by a research career award in the past, are eligible to apply, provided the proposed research career development program is in a fundamentally new area of scientific endeavor for the candidate or there has been a significant hiatus in his/her research career because of family or other personal obligations. Current principal investigators on PHS research grants are not eligible. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) mechanism. This mechanism is described in program announcement PA-95-049 (NIH Guide, Vol. 24, No. 15, April 28, 1995). Although all general guidelines of PA-96- 049 will apply, this RFA is written as a stand-alone document and contains provisions that are unique to this initiative. Planning, direction, and execution of the proposed career development program are the responsibility of the candidate and his/her mentor on behalf of the applicant institution. The total project period for grants awarded under this program must be three, four or five years, and will depend on the number of years of prior research experience and the need for additional career development to achieve research independence in research in human communication. These grants are not eligible for renewal. FUNDS AVAILABLE The estimated funds (total costs) available for the first year of support for the program are expected to be $459,000 in Fiscal Year 1996. Up to five awards are anticipated to be made in FY 96. Funding beyond the first year of the award will be contingent on the satisfactory progress of the awardee and the availability of funds. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background The striking underrepresentation of racial/ethnic minority groups in biomedical and behavioral research in the United States has been underscored in many studies. There are existing programs at the NIH designed to improve this situation. These include: the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program, the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program, the Individual Predoctoral Fellowship for Minority Students Program, and the Research Supplements for Underrepresented Minorities Program. The NIDCD has been an active participant in trans-NIH minority research training programs and has implemented its own minority programs, including the Travel Fellowships for Underrepresented Minority Students in Communication Sciences Program, the NIDCD Partnership Program and the NIDCD/ORMH Minority Dissertation Research Grants in Human Communication Program. In the spring of 1994, NIDCD conducted a program planning workshop on research training, Training Researchers for the Next Century in the Communication Sciences. Among the recommendations of this workshop were: (1) to expand partnership programs with professional and voluntary organizations for minority research training initiatives, and (2) to promote the research training of scientists from underrepresented minority groups at the investigator level. Although the aforementioned NIH grant programs have yielded a measurable degree of success, it has been recognized that the paucity of qualified minority investigators in academic research settings has created a shortage of role models for minority students. This RFA seeks to address this problem by enhancing the research capabilities of faculty members, especially minority faculty members, at minority academic institutions so that these individuals may establish research laboratories and research programs in human communication at their institutions. In this fashion they will serve as role models for minority undergraduate and graduate students, stimulating them to consider research career opportunities in human communication. The purpose of the present RFA is to: o foster the development of independent investigators in research in human communication on the faculties of minority academic institutions; o stimulate research and research training in human communication at these institutions; and o encourage the entry of investigators from underrepresented minority groups who were trained in a variety of scientific areas and disciplines into research in human communication. Research Areas The research career development plan must address a scientific area of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech or language. The NIDCD particularly encourages minority school faculty to develop their research careers in underserved and priority areas of NIDCD's scientific research mission. These research areas are enumerated in the National Strategic Research Plans published by the NIDCD. Environment The applicant minority institution must demonstrate in the application a firm commitment to the development of the candidate as a productive, independent investigator in research in human communication and to the pursuit of the research career development plan described in the application. The candidate should describe a career development program that will maximize the use of relevant research and educational resources available in the minority institution and in the mentor's institution. Program The award provides three, four or five consecutive 12-month appointments to pursue a mentored research experience and specialized study in the sciences applicable to human communication that are tailored to the individual needs of the candidate. At least 50 percent of the recipient's full- time professional effort must be devoted to the program, and the remainder devoted to other research-related and/or teaching activities consistent with the objectives of the award. The candidate must develop knowledge in the basic sciences and research skills relevant to his or her career goals, and must arrange relevant didactic and laboratory or field research experiences. Mentor(s) The candidate must identify and complete arrangements with a nearby scientist at he host institution or within approximately 100 miles who is an accomplished investigator in the research area proposed in the application and an appropriate mentor. There may be additional mentors, but the primary mentor should be in geographic proximity to the candidate. The candidate must receive appropriate mentoring throughout the three- to five-year program. Where feasible, women and minority mentors should be sought. Allowable Costs: 1. Salary: The NIDCD will provide salary for the recipient of this award, based on the institution's salary scale for faculty at an equivalent experience level, up to a maximum of $50,000 per year (plus commensurate fringe benefits). The actual amount allowable for salary will depend on the percentage of effort committed by the candidate to the program. The institution may supplement the NIDCD contribution up to a level that is consistent with the institution's salary scale; however, supplementation may not be from Federal funds unless specifically authorized by the Federal program from which such funds are derived. In no case may PHS funds be used for salary supplementation. Institutional supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose and provisions of this research career development award. Under expanded authorities, however, institutions may rebudget funds within the total costs awarded to cover salaries consistent with the institution's salary scale. The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month staff appointment. It must be consistent both with the established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. If full-time, 12-month salaries are not currently paid to comparable staff members, the salary proposed must be appropriately related to the existing salary structure. 2. Research Development Support: The NIDCD will provide up to $20,000 per year for the following expenses: (a) tuition, fees, and books related to career development; (b) research expenses, such as supplies, equipment, and technical personnel; (c) travel to research meetings or training; (d) statistical services including personnel and computer time. These funds must be expended for the support of the candidate's research career development plan. The transfer of funds for this purpose to the mentor's institution by subcontract or other written agreement will be permitted only with appropriate justification. 3. Ancillary Personnel Support: Salary for mentors, secretarial and administrative assistance, etc., is not allowed. 4. Indirect costs: Indirect costs will be reimbursed at eight percent of modified total direct costs, or at the actual indirect cost rate, whichever is less. Evaluation In carrying out its stewardship of human resource related programs, the NIDCD, ORMH or NIH may request information essential to an assessment of the effectiveness of this program. Accordingly, recipients are hereby notified that they may be contacted after the completion of this award for periodic updates on various aspects of their employment history, publications, support from research grants or contracts, honors and awards, professional activities, and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of 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 in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. 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. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95). These forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research as well as from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, FAX 301/480-0525, email: ASKNIH@ODROCKM1.OD.NIH.GOV. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev.5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title and number (NIDCD/ORMH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Minority School Faculty, DC-96-006) must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Instructions for completing the application are found in the PHS 398 form. The application must address the following issues: Candidate o The candidate's commitment to a career in research in human communication. o The candidate's potential to develop into a successful independent investigator. o The candidate's immediate and long-term career objectives, and how the award will contribute to their attainment. o Letters of recommendation. Three sealed letters of recommendation, including a letter from the mentor, addressing the candidate's potential for an independent research career in human communication must be included as part of the application. Career Development Plan o The career development plan, incorporating consideration of the candidate's goals and prior experience. It should describe a systematic plan to obtain any necessary background and research experience to launch or reinitiate an independent research career in human communication. o Plans to receive instruction in the responsible conduct of research. These plans must detail the proposed subject matter, format, frequency, and duration of instruction as well as the amount and nature of faculty participation. No award will be made if an application lacks this component. Research Plan o The candidate's and mentor's research plan, as outlined in form PHS 398, including sections on the Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Progress Report/Preliminary Studies, Research Design and Methods. Mentor's Statement o The application must include information on the mentor(s) including information on research qualifications and previous experience in research training and mentoring. The application also must include information that describes the nature and extent of mentoring that will occur during the proposed award period. Environment and Institutional Commitment o The applicant minority institution must also provide a statement of commitment to the candidate's development into a productive, independent investigator in research in human communication. This must include statements from the Dean and the Departmental Chair indicating that the candidate will be provided with sufficient release time from other duties to accomplish the research and career development goals stated in the application. Budget o Budget requests must be provided according to the instructions in form PHS 398. The request for tuition and fees, books, travel, etc., must be justified and specified by category. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for courier service) At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Chief, Scientific Review Branch Division of Extramural Activities National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Executive Plaza South, Room 400-C 6120 Executive Boulevard - MSC 7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 ATTN: Minority Faculty MRSDA Telephone: (301) 496-8683 FAX: (301) 402-6250 Applications must be received by August 7, 1995. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Division of Research Grants (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 essentially 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. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA (as judged by NIDCD Program Staff) will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by the NIDCD in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and may undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score. Review Criteria The following criteria will be applied: Candidate o Commitment to an independent research career in human communication; o Potential to develop (or evidence of the capacity to develop) as an independent investigator; and o Quality and breadth of prior scientific training and experience, including, where appropriate, the record of previous research support and publications. Career Development Plan o Likelihood that the plan will contribute substantially to the scientific development of the candidate and the achievement of research independence; o Appropriateness of the research plan to the career goals of the candidate; o Appropriateness of the plan to develop new knowledge in human communication, and appropriateness of the proposed award duration; o Clarity of the goals and scope of the plan and the need for the proposed research experience; and o Quality of the proposed training in the responsible conduct of research. Research Plan All candidates for this award will have had previous research experience and in some cases will have been Principal Investigators in other scientific fields. A sound research plan that is consistent with the career development plan and the candidate's level of research development must be provided: o Usefulness of the research plan as a vehicle for enhancing existing research skills as described in the career development plan; o Scientific and technical merit of the research question, design and methodology; o Relevance of the proposed research to the candidate's career objectives; and o When human subjects are involved, 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. Mentor o Appropriateness of mentor's(s') research qualifications in human communication and in the specific areas of the application; o Quality and commitment of the mentor(s) to supervising and guiding the candidate throughout the award period; o Previous experience in fostering the development of independent investigators; and o History of research productivity and support. Institutional Environment and Commitment o Applicant institution's commitment to the scientific development of the candidate and assurances that the institution intends the candidate to be an integral part of its research program; o Adequacy of research facilities and training opportunities at the mentor's institution; o Quality of environment for scientific and professional development; and o Applicant institution's willingness to develop an appropriate balance of research, teaching and administrative responsibilities for the candidate. Budget o Justification of budget requests in relation to career development goals and research aims and plans. AWARD CRITERIA The NIDCD anticipates awarding up to five K01 grants in response to this RFA. The anticipated date of award is September 30, 1996. The following criteria will be considered in making funding decisions: o Responsiveness to the purpose of this request; o Quality of the proposed research career development program, as determined by peer review; and o Availability of funds. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Consultation with NIDCD staff is strongly encouraged, especially during the planning phase of the application process, in order to ensure that the application is responsive to the scientific mission and the research training and career development goals of the NIDCD. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Daniel A. Sklare, Ph.D. Division of Human Communication National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Executive Plaza South, Room 400-C 6120 Executive Boulevard - MSC 7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 Telephone: (301) 496-1804 FAX: (301) 402-6251 Email: daniel_sklare@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Sharon Hunt Division of Extramural Activities National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Executive Plaza South, Room 400-B 6120 Executive Boulevard - MSC 7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 Telephone: (301) 402-0909 FAX: (301) 402-1758 Email: sh79f@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATION This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.173. Awards are made under the authority 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 grant policies and Federal Regulations at 42 CFR 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routing education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Sun Jun 16 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA DC-96-005 - V25(19) 06/14/96 Date: 17 Jun 1996 14:10:24 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 373 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4q4hk0$g85@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA DC96005 DC-96-005 P1O1 *************************************** MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR PATHOLOGY OF THE HUMAN AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR SYSTEMS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 19, June 14, 1996 RFA: DC-96-005 P.T. 34; K.W. 0765033, 0755035, 1002004, 1002008, 1002058 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 17, 1996 Application Receipt Date: October 17, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites grant applications to support cellular biologic, molecular biologic, and molecular genetic studies of newly acquired and archival human temporal bones and associated brain tissues of individuals who had well-documented evidence of disorders of hearing and/or balance before death. It is believed that studies of this kind can lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of disorders of the human auditory and vestibular systems. 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, Molecular and Cellular Pathology of the Human Auditory and Vestibular Systems, is related to the priority areas of physical activity fitness, unintentional injuries, diabetes and chronic disabling diseases and clinical prevention services. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-11474-0 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-11473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800). 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 and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Foreign institutions are not eligible for First Independent Research Support Transition (FIRST) (R29) awards. Consortia arrangements are encouraged. Domestic applications may include international components. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) individual research project grant (R01) and the FIRST (R29) award. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. This RFA is a one-time solicitation, with an anticipated award date of August 1, 1997. Future applications for the competing continuation of successful responses to this RFA will compete with all investigator-initiated applications and be reviewed according to the customary peer review procedures. Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) may wish to identify the GCRC as a resource for conducting the proposed research. If so, a letter of agreement from either the GCRC program director or Principal Investigator should be included with the application. FUNDS AVAILABLE It is expected that $750,000 will be available for the first year of support (direct cost) for this RFA and that up to three applications will be funded. The level of support will be dependent upon the scientific merit and scope of the applications and the availability of funds. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background Studies of the histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and histopathology of the human temporal bone and associated brain structures have provided valuable knowledge about disorders of hearing and balance. Techniques that enable antigen retrieval and DNA extraction from routinely processed archival temporal bones have been developed recently. These technical advances provide additional opportunity for investigating the agents of disease in the auditory and vestibular systems at the cellular and molecular levels. Temporal bone collections with well-documented clinical histories have thus become invaluable sources of proteins and DNA for the study of auditory and vestibular pathology. Several reports of the successful extraction of RNA and DNA from archival human temporal bone sections and subsequent amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have been published. This methodology enables the identification of genetic mutations and viral nucleic acid sequences in pathologic tissues. These studies have provided the first identification and location of varicella-zoster virus DNA in herpes zoster oticus and of herpes simplex virus DNA in Bell's palsy. Recently, reverse transcription of extracted RNA followed by PCR amplification enabled the identification of a 115-base-pair sequence of the measles virus in a series of temporal bones with histologic evidence of otosclerosis. This study provides evidence for a possible role of the measles virus in the etiology of otosclerosis. In order to advance histopathologic study of the human temporal bone, particularly in the directions that are the focus of the present RFA, the NIDCD National Temporal Bone, Hearing and Balance Pathology Resource Registry was established by the NIDCD in 1992 under a contract awarded to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. The Registry serves as a national resource, cataloging the pathologic material in all known temporal bone collections in the United States and enabling investigators to identify and locate this material by clinical and histopathologic diagnoses and by other data so that further studies may be pursued. To date, the Registry contains information on 6,227 individuals (approximately 11,500 specimens) held in twenty-six facilities, including all fourteen laboratories known to be currently active in temporal bone research. The Registry is directly accessible to remote- site users in member laboratories and to other researchers directing requests for data searches to the Registry staff. Other functions and accomplishments of the Registry are described in a journal article (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 1993; 119: 856-853) and in the semiannual newsletter published by the Registry. Scope The characterization of specific genetic alterations, viral infections and other etiologic agents of disease using the techniques of cellular and molecular biology holds great promise in advancing our understanding of auditory and vestibular disorders. There are emerging opportunities to apply these techniques to newly acquired and archival temporal bone and brain tissue specimens, thus enabling the investigator to relate the pathogenesis, pathophysiology and staging of the disease. This initiative seeks to foster prospective, hypothesis-driven investigations of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of diseases and disorders of the auditory system and/or the vestibular system using the techniques of cellular biology (e.g., immunohistochemistry) and/or molecular biology (e.g., subtractive hybridization, in situ hybridization, PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR, in situ PCR) in newly acquired and archival human temporal bone and associated brain tissues. Understanding the viral, genetic, immune system-mediated and other bases of these diseases is a prerequisite to the development of novel strategies for prophylaxis and therapeutics. Examples of studies utilizing newly acquired and archival human temporal bone and associated brain tissue specimens that would be responsive to this RFA include, but are not limited to: o application of the techniques of genome analysis, such as linkage analysis and positional cloning, to individuals who have been studied clinically for hereditary hearing or balance impairments; o characterization of mutations in the mitochondrial or nuclear genome as predisposing or causal factors in auditory or vestibular system disorders, such as presbycusis, noise- induced hearing loss and ototoxicity; o studies of immune cells, inflammatory mediators and other molecules in chronic infectious or immune system-mediated disorders of the auditory or vestibular systems; o analyses of the molecular and cellular pathology associated with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss; and o searches for viral or bacterial genomes to provide evidence for the causal or contributory roles of these microorganisms in auditory or vestibular disorders, such as otosclerosis and Meniere's disease. 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 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 was published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513) and reprinted in the NIH Guide For Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by September 17, 1996, 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. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of subsequent applications, it is helpful in planning for the review of applications. It allows Institute staff to estimate the potential review workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to: Acting Chief, Scientific Review Branch National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Executive Plaza South, Room 400C 6120 Executive Boulevard MSC-7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 Telephone: (301) 496-8683 FAX: (301) 402-6250 APPLICATION PROCEDURES The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used in applying for these grants. Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained >From the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: ASKNIH@odrockm1.od.nih.gov; and from the program administrator listed under INQUIRIES. The PHS 398 form is also available electronically on the NIH Home Page at http://www.nih.gov/grants/phs398. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for courier/overnight service) At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to the Chief, Scientific Review Branch, at the address listed under LETTER OF INTENT. Applications must be received by October 17, 1996. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Division of Research Grants (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 essentially 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. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by DRG and for responsiveness by the NIDCD. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. If the application is not responsive to the RFA, NIDCD program staff may contact the applicant to determine whether to return the application to the applicant or submit it for review in competition with unsolicited applications at the next review cycle. 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 NIDCD in accordance with the criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, all accepted applications will receive a written critique and may undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of all applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the National Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Advisory Council. Review criteria for this RFA are in general the same as those for traditional research grant applications: o scientific or technical merit and originality of proposed research; o appropriateness and adequacy of the experimental approach and methodology proposed to carry out the research; o qualifications and research experience of the Principal Investigator and the other personnel proposed to carry out the research; o availability of resources necessary to perform the research; o appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; and o responsiveness of the application to the purpose of this RFA. AWARD CRITERIA The following factors will be considered in making award decisions: o Scientific and technical merit, as determined by peer review; o Programmatic priorities; and o Availability of funds. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding scientific and programmatic issues to: Daniel A. Sklare, Ph.D. Division of Human Communication National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Executive Plaza South, Room 400C 6120 Executive Boulevard MSC 7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 Telephone: (301) 496-1804 FAX: (301) 402-6251 Email: daniel_sklare@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Sharon Hunt Division of Extramural Activities National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Executive Plaza South, Room 400B 6120 Executive Boulevard MSC 7180 Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 Telephone: (301) 402-0909 FAX: (301) 402-1758 Email: SH79F@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.173. Awards are made under authorization of the Public Health Service (PHS) 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 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Wed Jun 19 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: IMPORTANT - BIOSCI Fundraising Update! Date: 20 Jun 1996 16:01:28 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 155 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <199606200900.CAA04908@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net BIOSCI is about halfway to its funding goal!! I'm interrupting the usual monthly posting of the BIOSCI miniFAQ to bring you up to date on BIOSCI fundraising progress, a topic of concern to your future use of this resource. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this message carefully. Last year we announced that BIOSCI was going to adopt the U.S. Public Broadcasting System model to fund its operations after our DOE/NSF grant runs out later this year. Unlike PBS, we are not soliciting contributions from users; we are only selling ads on our Web pages solely to cover our operating costs. Our goal is to seek sponsorships until we build up an operating reserve of about $100,000 and then cease further promotions until we need to build the reserve back up. (The accountants among our readership will be familiar with the problem of deferred revenue which we can not safely utilize until ads have been displayed for a period of time.) We are only about halfway to our funding goal and need to raise further funds to avoid having to curtail services at net.bio.net. Fundraising is time-consuming, however, and we need your help as explained further below. Our operating costs consist of our network connection, phone lines, hardware maintenance (we will be getting newer and faster hardware soon!), plus 0.7 FTE of salaries covering UNIX systems admin, technical support, quality assurance, i.e., testing, of our system, and administrative costs (such as the time it takes to actually find/write/call potential sponsors and raise money!). Although the BIOSCI staff does get compensated for a portion of the work that they do, this project has always received a lot of free after-hours and "vacation" time labor, so we hope that no one will begrudge the time that we do charge to the project to serve you. All of the three part-time staff members, Dave Mack, Julie Lawrence, and myself, have full time day jobs and families in addition to working hard to keep this service running for all of you. Julie and Dave Mack are subcontractors for BIOSCI; my time that is charged to the project defrays a portion of my regular salary instead of adding to my income. Besides having to relocate the project, we were very busy this last year building new infrastructure such as our WWW hypermail interface to the system. This was released last December along with scores of WAIS indices for the newsgroups. Virtually everything is complete, although we do continue to find and fix bugs (many through your helpful feedback!). We are still having some problems with our WAIS indexing. The archives continue to grow rapidly. We are running over 100 indexes now versus three previously and any systems crashes cause greater havoc with the indexing than before! We are still working to fix this as fast as our resources permit and appreciate your patience, but we have been able to automate a lot of the infrastructure to reduce labor as compared to past requirements. We have also implemented new software to make moderation of BIOSCI/bionet newsgroups much easier and combat the growing problem of Internet junk mail and USENET "spamming." About 20% of our groups are now moderated, many of them by the BIOSCI staff! This, for example, made a major difference last year in the quality of content in our EMPLOYMENT/bionet.jobs.offered newsgroup which many commercial concerns and recruiting firms are using **without charge** to recruit candidates for positions in the biological sciences. We are also now in a position to have sponsors for individual newsgroups as you will have noticed if you have visited http://www.bio.net/ and clicked on "Access the BIOSCI/bionet newsgroups" recently. So, how can you help?? ---------------------- As noted above it can take a lot of time to contact potential sponsors if I have to do it all myself. Our request is quite simple. You can do two important things which will take very little time for you individually. First, please use our WWW system at http://www.bio.net/ to access the archives. You can now post or reply to messages via your Web browser. Your usage helps attract sponsors. If you contact any of our sponsors, please be sure to thank them for supporting BIOSCI. It is critical for them to get this feedback if they are to continue their sponsorship for the long term. Second, if you work for a company or organization that provides products or services of interest to the biology community, please pass this message on to your marketing or marketing communications department or other appropriate group. Please ask them to help support BIOSCI by sponsoring our Web site and explain the uses and benefits of the system to the biology community. If they are interested, they can then contact us for further information at our tech support address, biosci-help@net.bio.net. Our hope is to quickly raise several large corporate/institutional sponsors on our heavily-used WWW locations (some stats appended below), and then end this sponsorship campaign so that our resources can continue to be used for service provision, not fundraising. Many of our specialty newsgroup WWW archives are still used by small communities of scientists (and they haven't been heavily promoted yet). While these may be valuable niche markets to some advertisers, it will generate more labor and overhead having to find these sponsors, fairly price the locations, and deal with lots of smaller sponsorships than fewer mid-to large sponsors. We are striving to keep our operation as lean and efficient as possible since we are not trying to make careers out of running BIOSCI. We are trying if at all possible to avoid the administrative overhead entailed with processing lots of small payments to reach our fundraising goals. I'd like to thank all of you for your help in advance. In helping us, you are also helping yourselves, not only in keeping this resource available for all of the both large and small research communities that we serve, but also by alleviating the need for us to go back and compete with researchers for tight grant dollars! We promised NSF when we were awarded the BIOSCI grant that we would carry out this mission to make the service self-supporting. With your help, we will succeed in continuing BIOSCI's work into its second decade. Thank you very much! Sincerely, Dave Kristofferson BIOSCI/bionet Manager biosci-help@net.bio.net A list of our prime WWW sponsorship locations follow. Please contact us for further details. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The overall BIOSCI WWW pages are currently visited by users from close to 5500 unique computer hosts per week. Web servers only log the Internet computer/host name and frequently more than one individual can connect to us from a particular host. Main home page, http://www.bio.net, visited recently by about 2100 unique hosts per week Main Newsgroups archives page, http://www.bio.net/archives.html, visited recently by about 1200 Unique hosts per week BIO-JOURNALS archive page, http://www.bio.net/BIO-JOURNALS.html, visited recently by about 1000 unique hosts per week. EMPLOYMENT archive pages: http://www.bio.net:80/hypermail/EMPLOYMENT/ and monthly header pages, visited recently by about 800 unique hosts per week. Address database search page, http://www.bio.net/addrsearch.html, visited recently by about 450 unique hosts per week. Methods newsgroup archive pages, http://www.bio.net:80/hypermail/METHDS- REAGNTS/ and monthly header pages, visited recently by about 350 unique hosts per week. Ads can also be displayed on various combinations of other BIOSCI/bionet newsgroups. Please contact us at biosci-help@net.bio.net for details. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jun 26 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA MH-96-001 - V25(20) 06/21/96 Date: 26 Jun 1996 22:25:42 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 872 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4qt60m$9lg@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA MH96001 MH-96-001 P1O1 *************************************** NIMH RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS - UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY NURSES NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 20, June 21, 1996 RFA: MH-96-001 P.T. 22, FF; K.W. 0785130, 0720005, 0715129 National Institute of Mental Health Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 1, 1996 Application Receipt Date: September 17, 1996 PURPOSE The goal of research training programs at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to help educate tomorrow's leaders in mental health research. The specific purpose of the Minority Research Fellowship Program (MRFP) is to ensure that underrepresented minority investigators assume a prominent position among these researchers. This Request for Applications (RFA) for a Minority Research Fellowship Program in Mental Health Nursing invites applications designed to support the development and training of underrepresented minority individuals in doctoral programs in mental health nursing to enable them to undertake active, productive careers in scientific investigations related to mental health and mental disorders. The outcome of successful fellowship training should include mastery of research skills, commitment to future research activity, and promise of future achievement in research endeavors in the mental health field. Areas of research interest to NIMH are indicated in the NIMH Extramural Research Support Programs announcement (rev. 6/94). 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, "NIMH Research Fellowships - Underrepresented Minority Nurses," is related to the priority areas of mental health and mental disorders and educational and community-based programs. 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 202/512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic, non-profit, public or private organizations, such as universities, colleges, and professional and scientific organizations and associations. Foreign institutions and organizations are not eligible for Institutional National Research Service Awards (NRSAs). Applications from international organizations must pertain only to the organization's domestic component(s). Applicants must have staff and facilities suitable for implementing a national program to recruit, select, place, and maintain underrepresented minority students in doctoral programs with high quality mental health research training and with strong research programs. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as MRFP Training Program Directors. Trainee Eligibility Requirements Individuals selected by the Program Director to participate in the MRFP must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of the United States, or have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence and have in their possession an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551) or other legal verification of admission for permanent residence at the time of appointment to the MRFP. Noncitizen nationals are persons born in lands which are not States but which are under U.S. sovereignty, jurisdiction, or administration (e.g., American Samoa). Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible. For the purpose of this RFA, minority trainees are defined as individuals from racial or ethnic groups that are determined by the grantee institution to be underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research. The predoctoral trainees must have received a baccalaureate degree (domestic or equivalent foreign) from an accredited institution, and must be enrolled in a doctoral degree program, as of the date of appointment to the MRFP. These National Research Service Award (NRSA) fellowships are not given for study leading to an M.D., D.O., D.D.S., or other similar professional degree, or for study that is part of residency training leading to a medical specialty. However, this fellowship may support a specified period of full-time research training for a health professional in nursing who intends to pursue a research career, even if that period of training may be credited toward a specialty board certification. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the Institutional National Research Service (T32) Award mechanism. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed training program will be solely that of the applicant. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. The anticipated award date is July 1, 1997. Because the nature and scope of the research training program proposed in response to this RFA may vary, the size of an award may vary also. It is anticipated that the award will be approximately $350,000 direct costs per year. This RFA is a one-time solicitation. Applications may be submitted for either new or competing continuation awards, and are renewable. Future unsolicited competing continuation applications will compete with all investigator-initiated applications and be reviewed according to the customary peer review procedures. By law, an individual trainee may receive no more than five years of NRSA support in the aggregate at the predoctoral level. Any exception to this limitation requires a waiver from the Director, NIMH, based on a review of the justification provided by the awardee. Because MRFP awards have special eligibility requirements, application formats, and review criteria, applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. FUNDS AVAILABLE Funds requested under this mechanism are limited to $350,000 per year in direct costs. Indirect costs are payable at the rate of eight percent of modified total direct costs. In fiscal year 1997, pending the availability of funds, it is expected that $350,000 will be available for support of one Minority Research Fellowship Program in Mental Health Nursing. A single award (new or competing continuation) will be made. Selection for funding will be made after competitive peer review. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The applicant should provide a plan for the proposed MRFP. Considerable flexibility may be demonstrated in designing options for the MRFP, but each aspect must be clearly described in terms of its intent and mechanism, and convincing justification must be provided for the approach being taken. The following components must be included: Program Plan The applicant must describe a program plan for an MRFP in Mental Health Nursing, including the overall goals, specific objectives, and number of trainees to be supported. The plan should clearly indicate how the program will recruit, select, and place underrepresented minority students in appropriate doctoral level programs strong in mental health research, and how it will anticipate and deal with potential problems which may be encountered in program implementation. The plan should also indicate how the applicant will provide ongoing monitoring, career counseling and other support to help ensure that MRFP fellows complete their doctoral training and enter productive research careers in areas relevant to mental health. Finally, the plan should indicate how the program will establish networks and linkages with other mental health researchers. Special emphasis should be given to how the training will prepare fellows for careers in mental health research. The plan should provide documentation of the specific research training needs to be addressed by the program, and make clear how it will ensure that the number of underrepresented minority nurses conducting research in mental health areas will be increased. Considerable latitude is allowed to applicants in order to consider the best strategy for an MRFP. While innovation is encouraged, the applicant must describe how the proposed design will lead to the overall goal of providing an increased number of minority researchers who are actively engaged in research careers in mental health nursing. For example, the application should contain descriptions of how the applicant proposes to implement the following kinds of activities: o Recruitment, selection, and training of fellows in the program; counseling to potential applicants to assist them in selection of training institutions with active mental health research programs. The applicant must clearly indicate the criteria to be used in the selection of MRFP fellows and should include a draft announcement and application forms which would be used to recruit and select individual MRFP fellows. Recruitment plans should also include consideration of the best ways to recruit promising students from undergraduate programs, such as the Career Opportunities in Research Education and Training (COR) Program (formerly known as the Minority Access to Research Careers, or MARC, Program) and other programs encouraging minority students to enter research careers. o Tracking and monitoring of each trainee's research training progress o Continuing contact, support, and supervision to be provided to individual fellows by the Program Director o Kinds of evaluation and reports expected from the fellows and from their faculty mentors and graduate department; availability of special faculty mentors and communication with them o Enrichment experiences, professional socialization, and networks beyond those provided in the training setting o Summer or short term training or research workshops to meet special needs of the trainees in mental health research (e.g., course work in research methods/statistical analysis prior to or during doctoral study, workshops on current research on mental disorders among racial and ethnic groups, social support systems, behavioral genetics, personality, family processes, cognition, perception, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome issues, the validity and reliability of assessment and diagnostic tests for minority populations). Any expenses associated with such attendance must be included in the budget for this proposed program. o Procedures built into the program to ensure that MRFP dissertations have strong mental health relevance and to facilitate the completion of high quality dissertations. Support of dissertation expenses may be requested if there is a clear plan for reviewing dissertation proposals. o Evidence that the principles of ethical scientific conduct will be incorporated in the research training experience of each trainee o Discussions of methods to be used to facilitate the subsequent transition to research careers, once training is completed The application also should include a plan for evaluating the program, including follow-up of trainees. Finally, the application must provide assurance that the MRFP award will not be used to substitute for existing Federal funding for research training. Program Leadership The Program Director of the applicant organization will be responsible, with the assistance of a MRFP Advisory Committee, for the recruitment and selection of underrepresented minority trainees, and for their placement in appropriate doctoral training programs which have strong research and research training in mental health; for the provision of needed fiscal and other support during their doctoral training; and for the overall administration of the research training program, including seeing that required forms are completed and submitted on time, and that addresses of trainees are maintained for three years after individual support terminates. The Program Director will assist the prospective fellows in the selection of training institutions and provide counseling on research curricula offerings which will assure that fellows carry out research in mental health, with the primary objective of extending their skills and knowledge in preparation for a research career. The Program Director must have sufficient research qualifications and experience to provide genuine leadership. The applicant should describe the Program Director's qualifications, mental health research experience, and knowledge of current mental health research, as well as his/her duties in the MRFP, and should include his/her curriculum vitae in the appendix. The amount of time to be devoted by the Program Director to various tasks must be indicated, as well as the total amount of time committed solely to implementing the MRFP program. A minimum of 25 percent of the Program Director's time must be committed to implementing the program. Administrative Structure The applicant must describe the administrative structure of the program, indicating the distribution of responsibilities and the relationship of the MRFP to the overall program of the sponsoring organization. Other sources of fiscal or in- kind support for the program from the sponsoring organization should also be described. Advisory Committee The applicant must present a plan for establishing a MRFP Advisory Committee of outstanding mental health researchers in mental health nursing, which includes substantial minority representation, to assist the Program Director in the recruitment and selection of fellows and to advise students concerning appropriate doctoral programs with strong mental health research. The functions, size, and composition of the advisory committee should be clearly stated. The applicant should describe the range and types of mental health research to be represented, the qualifications and selection criteria for members of the proposed MRFP Advisory Committee, explain the duties and responsibilities of this committee, the criteria to be used in selecting fellows for the research training program, and the MRFP Advisory Committee's role in the overall program. The application should also contain a list of proposed committee members who are active mental health researchers and provide the rationale for their selection, including a description of their current mental health research, its source and amount of funding. A Biographical Sketch and Other Support form (pages 6 and 7) must be included for each. Knowledge of Doctoral Programs in Mental Health Applicants should indicate how they have or will acquire, maintain, and make use of information about appropriate university programs for fellows supported by the award. Applicants should provide detailed information about appropriate programs. Such information must include details about current faculty mental health research, mental health research-related curricula, and other elements of the training programs and resources available to students at these universities. A list of potential training institutions with current information on their NIMH, or other, funded mental health research projects is required. Applicants must also describe resources and processes they have for obtaining up-to-date information and for sharing this information with potential fellows, including full descriptions of the mechanisms that have been or will be established to work with prospective fellows to help them in selecting graduate programs with strong mental health research. Program Faculty The applicant must list proposed training faculty members, their primary department and university affiliation, and their role and percent of effort in the proposed program. The applicant must also describe each faculty member's research that is relevant to the program, indicating how trainees will participate in this research. The extent to which participating faculty members cooperated, interacted, and collaborated in the past must be described. The applicant must also list past and current students for whom each faculty member has served or is serving as thesis advisor or sponsor, titles of the student's research project, and for past students, their current positions/sources of support. Each trainee must have a faculty advisor who is actively engaged in mental health research. A Biographical Sketch and information about relevant research support should be included for each current or proposed faculty member. Responsible Conduct of Research The applicant must describe plans to provide trainees with instruction on scientific integrity and ethical principles in research, and include a description of both formal (courses, seminars, etc.) and informal training that will be provided. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Payback Requirements Pursuant to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act of 1993, individuals who receive support as NRSA predoctoral fellows under awards activated on or after June 10, 1993, do not incur a service payback obligation. Conditions of Award All trainees appointed to an MRFP Award must meet MRFP eligibility requirements. The applicant organization must submit to NIMH a completed Statement of Appointment form (PHS 2271), which includes a Statement of Non-Delinquency on Federal Debt, at the time a trainee is appointed. No funds may be provided to a trainee until this document is submitted. At the end of the total support period for each individual trainee, the applicant must submit a Termination Notice (PHS 416-7) to NIMH. Failure to submit the required forms in a timely fashion may result in an expenditure disallowance or a delay in continuation funding. All fellowship appointments awarded under the MRFP are made for full-time research training. Full-time training is considered to be a minimum of 40 hours per week. Appointees may use some of their time in course studies and clinical duties if such work is closely related to and necessary for the research training experience. No appointment for less than 12 months may be made without prior documented approval. An MRFP appointment may not be held concurrently with another federally sponsored fellowship or similar Federal award which provides a stipend or otherwise duplicates provisions of the MRFP award. An appointee may, however, accept concurrent educational remuneration from the Department of Veterans Affairs and loans from Federal funds. Trainees in academic institutions may receive the same vacations and holidays available to other full-time graduate students in their program. The leave policy for NRSA recipients was described in the NIH Guide Vol. 22, No. 38, October 22, 1993. Annual Stipends The annual stipend for predoctoral individuals at all levels is $10,008 for 12 months of training. The stipend is intended to help provide for the minority trainee's living expenses during the period of training. The stipend is not a payment for services performed. Trainees are not considered to be employees of the PHS or their sponsoring organization. Supplementation of the MRFP stipend from non-Federal funds is permitted. Federal funds may be used for supplementation only if explicitly authorized by the program from which such funds are derived. No PHS grant funds may be used for supplementation. This is not intended to discourage in any way the use of Federal loan funds. This additional support may be provided to the trainee without obligation by the sponsoring institution or may be conditioned on his or her performance of certain services such as teaching or serving as a laboratory assistant. Trainees may earn salaries or wages for services rendered under PHS grants, provided such employment is unrelated to the training experience and done on a limited, part-time basis (in excess of the 40 hour weekly minimum for the training program). Such compensation is not considered stipend supplementation. Under no circumstances, however, may the service requirements detract from or prolong the training. Taxability of Stipends Internal Revenue Code Section 117 applies to the tax treatment of all scholarships and fellowships. Under that section, degree candidates may exclude from gross income (for tax purposes) any amount used for tuition and related expenses such as fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at a qualified educational organization. The taxability of stipends, however, in no way alters the relationship between NRSA trainees and institutions. NRSA stipends are not considered salaries. In addition, trainees supported under the NRSA are not considered to be in an employer-employee relationship with the NIH or the institution at which they are pursuing research training. It must be emphasized that the interpretation and implementation of the tax laws are the domain of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the courts. PHS takes no position on what the status may be for a particular taxpayer, and it does not have the authority to dispense advice to trainees or institutions about their tax liability. Individuals should consult their local IRS office about the applicability of the law to their situation and for information on their tax obligations. Other Allowable Costs In addition to stipends, the applicant organization may request funds for tuition, fees, and self-only health insurance. Such costs will be provided according to the policy published in the NIH Guide, Vol. 25, No. 2, February 2, 1996. Applicants may also request funds for certain types of travel for trainees (e.g., to attend professional meetings and other meetings directly related to their training). The award will cover actual indirect costs or eight percent of allowable direct costs (whichever is less). Applications from State and local government agencies may request full indirect cost reimbursement. The applicant organization may also request funds for other related costs such as personnel, consultants, supplies, travel, reproduction and printing costs, rental equipment, minor equipment items, and other items which are directly related to the recruitment, selection, placement, and monitoring of training of the students. Funds for such "other related costs" are intended to provide the applicant with only partial support for the costs of the proposed research training and for meeting the costs of trainee research. Ordinarily, under National Research Service awards, up to $1,500 per predoctoral trainee is provided for the other related costs which are deemed essential to carry out the training program. However, the applicant may request funds exceeding this amount if they are essential for fulfilling the purposes of the grant and the need for additional funds is clearly documented and justified by the applicant. Such requests will be considered by the peer review committee and the National Advisory Mental Health Council. Funds may be used only for those expenses which are directly related and necessary to the research training and must be expended in conformance with DHHS cost principles, the PHS Grants Policy Statement and conditions set forth in this document. All budget items must be fully identified and justified at the level requested (e.g., Advisory Committee costs, the Training Program Director's salary, telephone and printing costs). The type and amount of fiscal or in-kind costs to be contributed by the grantee organization should also be detailed. Grantees are expected to be familiar with and comply with applicable cost policies. Progress Reports (Competing Continuation Applications Only) General directions are on pages V-6 and V-7 of the form PHS 398 application kit. A Biographical Sketch and Other Support form (pages 6 and 7) must be provided for each faculty member/mentor. Competing continuation applications must submit a progress report covering the development of the program to date and must submit complete information on the placement and career development performance of all trainees who were supported by the previous award. A table should be provided listing each trainee, the period of time supported, the trainee's minority status, the department and university attended, the trainee's current educational status, date doctoral degree was awarded, dissertation title, areas of mental health research, current employment, any funded research (title, source and amount of funding), and publications. The name, department, and funded mental health research (title, source, and amount of funding) of each trainee's major advisor should also be provided. For the program as a whole, an overall summary should be provided of: (a) minorities recruited, (b) placement in departments with strong mental health research, (c) rates of retention and attrition, (d) rates of completion of the doctorate, (e) publications, and (f) the total number of trainees engaged in mental health teaching and research. A "success rate" should be calculated by dividing the total number of trainees appointed (minus those still in training) into the total number actively engaged in mental health teaching and research. The progress report should also detail the actual expenditures of the most recent complete grant year for Program Director, secretarial personnel, travel, advisory committee, telephone, postage, stipends, tuition, trainee travel, etc. Human Subjects and Vertebrate Animals Requirements While the MRFP applicant will not itself provide research training, the applicant organization must retain overall responsibility for compliance with all applicable regulations and must assure that all organizations which do provide the training have complied with the following Human Subjects and Vertebrate Animals regulations: Human Subjects: The DHHS regulations for the protection of human subjects provide a systematic means, based on established internationally recognized ethical principles, to safeguard the rights and welfare of individuals who participate as subjects in research activities supported or conducted by the DHHS. The regulations require that the grantee organization and/or the organizations where the MRFP trainees will receive their training establish and maintain appropriate policies and procedures for the protection of human subjects. These regulations, 45 CFR 46, Protection of Human Subjects, are available from the Office for Protection from Research Risks, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892. An organization proposing to provide research training to a student funded by this MRFP must file with the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR), and OPRR must approve, an Assurance of Compliance if the research training program includes nonexempt research involving human subjects. As part of this Assurance, which commits the organization to comply with the DHHS regulations, the organization must appoint an Institution Review Board (IRB) which is required to review and approve all nonexempt research activities involving human subjects. Vertebrate Animals: The "PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals by Awardee Institutions" requires that grantee organizations and/or the organizations where the MRFP trainees will receive their training establish and maintain appropriate policies and procedures to ensure the humane care and use of live vertebrate animals involved in research, research training, and biological testing activities which are supported by the PHS. All institutions are required to comply, as applicable, with the Animal Welfare Act as amended (7 USC 2131 et sec.), and other Federal statutes and regulations relating to the care and use of laboratory animals. These documents are available from the Office for Protection from Research Risks, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892. An organization proposing to provide research training involving vertebrate animals to the student funded by this MRFP must file with the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR), and OPRR must approve, an Animal Welfare Assurance. As part of this Assurance, which commits the organization to comply with the PHS policy, the organization must appoint an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) which, among other responsibilities, is required to review and approve all research activities involving vertebrate animals. 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 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, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators may also obtain copies of the policy from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by August 1, 1996, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed training program, the name, address, and telephone number of the Program Director, 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. The letter should also summarize other key features of the proposed application, including the goals of the program and other relevant training issues, indicate the faculty involved, and provide an estimate of annual costs. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows NIMH staff to estimate the potential review workload, avoid conflict of interest in the review, and offer consultation and technical assistance with respect to the proposed plan. The letter of intent is to be sent to the program staff member listed under INQUIRIES. APPLICATION PROCEDURES The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used in applying for these grants. These forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910; telephone (301) 435-0714; fax (301) 480-0525; Email: ASKNIH@ODROCKM1.OD.NIH.GOV. Applicants must use and follow the instructions for the Institutional NRSA section of the form PHS 398. Applications must be complete, providing all information called for by the instructions. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form 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. In addition, the RFA number and title ("RFA MH-96-001 NIMH MRFP - Mental Health Nursing") must be typed in section 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for courier/overnight mail service) At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Henry J. Haigler, Ph.D. Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Mental Health Parklawn Building, Room 9-C-04 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 Application Receipt and Review Schedule Applications will be accepted and reviewed only according to the following schedule: Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 1, 1996 Application Receipt Date: September 17, 1996 Review Meeting Date: December 1996 NIMH Council Meeting: January 1997 Earliest Possible Start Date: July 1, 1997 Applications must be received by September 17, 1996. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Division of Research Grants (DRG), the central receipt point for applications to all Public Health Service (PHS) programs, 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 essentially 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. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications should be of high quality and responsive to the stated purpose of this announcement. Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the DRG and for responsiveness by NIMH staff. Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Applications that are complete and responsive to the Request for Applications will be evaluated for scientific, technical, and educational merit by an appropriate peer review group comprised primarily of nongovernment scientists and convened in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score. Application will also receive a second level review by the National Advisory Mental Health Council. Applicants should not assume that site visits will be made. Site visits are generally made only in those instances where information cannot be provided in the application or readily obtained by mail or telephone. All decisions regarding site visits will be made by NIMH review staff. Applicants will receive a copy of the summary statement of the review of their application and will be notified of final action on the application by an award notice and/or by a letter. Major considerations in the review are the breadth, depth, and quality of the plan for implementing the MRFP; qualifications, capability, and experience of the Program Director and the organization to implement the plan; qualifications of the MRFP Advisory Committee; plans for recruiting, selecting, and placing trainees in appropriate graduate departments and programs; and adequacy of the facilities and resources. Detailed review criteria are listed below: Program Plan o Adequacy, strength, feasibility, and creativity of the plan to recruit underrepresented minority students nationally, including written and personal contact with potential applicants o Establishment of an appropriate MRFP Advisory Committee, with current mental health research grants, to select and advise students concerning doctoral study in mental health nursing emphasizing mental health research, including selection criteria for the committee members o Establishment of a plan to develop and refine appropriate criteria for selection of underrepresented minority students, including the development and testing of innovative ways to recruit and select successful students o Demonstrated knowledge of doctoral level training programs in mental health nursing emphasizing mental health research which can be used to provide meaningful advice to students concerning the choice of graduate programs with strong mental health research, and a plan for the dissemination of this information to student applicants for MRFP award o Development of plans to appropriately place students in doctoral program with strong mental health research programs, including currently funded mental health research grants o Methods for monitoring student progress, including early identification and remedy of student problems o Effectiveness of plans to provide continuing contact, support, and supervision to individual trainees by the Program Director, including both the methods for doing so and the frequency of contact, as well as the adequacy of the amount of time to be devoted to individual trainee support and supervision by the Program Director o Adequacy of plans to facilitate dissertation research in mental health, to provide support for dissertation expenses, and to ensure the completion of excellent dissertations in mental health o Provision of enrichment experiences, professional socialization, and networks beyond those in the local setting o Methods of monitoring and reporting on the quality of the training provided by doctoral programs, including research involvement, mental health emphases, and ethical conduct in scientific investigation o Adequacy of plans for evaluating the MRFP, including methods for assessing the success of the program in increasing the number of underrepresented minority students seeking research careers in Mental Health Nursing Program Leadership and Personnel o Qualifications and experience of the Program Director in mental health research and administration o Appropriateness, experience, and areas of substantive mental health research of the MRFP Advisory Committee o Appropriate qualifications and experience of other applicant organization staff for implementing the program o Appropriateness of the Program Director's time devoted to specific tasks and to the total program. A minimum of 25 percent of the Program Director's time must be committed to implementing the program. Program Faculty o Adequacy and strength of the faculty's mental health research (as indicated, for example, by peer reviewed research publications and amount of research funding) that can provide a strong context for research training o Quality and appropriateness of the plans for trainee participation in ongoing faculty mental health research o Quality of training faculty (as evidenced, for example, by publication record, scientific accomplishments, experience in providing research training, and success in placing former trainees in research positions) o Quality of mentoring as indicated by the faculty training record in mental health research Budget o Appropriateness of the proposed budget o Contribution of the organization or others to the program in kind or in funds Facilities and Resources o Availability of and access to facilities and resources needed to implement the plan o Extent of institutional or organizational support for the program, including assurances that the participating training sites will comply with the required regulations and program policies/requirements Specific Criteria for Competing Continuation Applications o Effectiveness of the existing program as indicated by the progress report on the development of the program and the past record of: (a) minority recruitment, (b) placement in departments with strong mental health research, (c) rates of retention in graduate work, (d) rates of completion of doctorates, and (e) subsequent careers in mental health teaching and research of the fellows. AWARD CRITERIA An application will be selected for funding primarily on the basis of scientific merit as determined by peer review, programmatic priorities and balance, and the availability of funds. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NIMH staff for technical assistance and information concerning current program priorities before applying for an award. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions >From potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: George Niederehe, Ph.D. Division of Clinical and Treatment Research National Institute of Mental Health Parklawn Building, Room 18-101 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-3264 FAX: (301) 594-6784 Email: gniedere@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Diana S. Trunnell Grants Management Branch National Institute of Mental Health Parklawn Building, Room 7C-08 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-2805 FAX: (301) 443-6885 Email: Diana_Trunnell@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.282. 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 66 and 45 CFR Part 74. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. Awards will be administered under PHS grants policy as stated in the Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement (April 1, 1994). The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the nonuse of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro- Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Wed Jun 26 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH Guide, vol. 25, no. 20. pt. 1of1, 21 June 1996 Date: 26 Jun 1996 22:25:15 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 640 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4qt5vr$9j6@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID NIHGUIDE 19960621 V25N20 P1O1 ************************************ X-comment: RFAs described: MH-96-001, DK-96-012, HD-96-007, PA-96-059 X-URL: gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/11/res/nih-guide/guide-files/96.06.21 NIH GUIDE - Vol. 25, No. 20 - June 21, 1996 $$INDEX BEGIN ******************************************************* NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs) $$INDEX R1 ********************************************************** PILOT STUDY OF A CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER IN FEMALES WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER (RFP NIMH-96-CR-0006) National Institute of Mental Health INDEX: MENTAL HEALTH $$INDEX R2 ********************************************************** STUDIES OF CHEMICAL DISPOSITION IN MAMMALS (RFP NIH-ES-96-35) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences INDEX: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES $$INDEX R3 ********************************************************** DEVELOPMENT OF DOSAGE FORMS AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR ANTITUMOR AND ANTI-AIDS AGENTS (RFP NCI-CM-77017-28) National Cancer Institute INDEX: CANCER $$INDEX R4 ********************************************************** DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH DENSITY PERCUTANEOUS CONNECTOR SYSTEM (RFP NIH-DC-96-13) National Institutes of Health INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH $$INDEX R5 09/17/96 ************************************************* NIMH RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS - UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY NURSES (RFA MH-96-001) National Institute of Mental Health INDEX: MENTAL HEALTH $$INDEX R6 10/24/96 ************************************************* DIABETES INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROGRAMS (RFA DK-96-012) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International INDEX: DIABETES, DIGESTIVE, KIDNEY DISEASES; ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES; JUVENILE DIABETES FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL $$INDEX R7 11/13/96 ************************************************* PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION (RFA HD-96-007) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases INDEX: CHILD HEALTH, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT; ARTHRITIS, MUSCULOSKELETAL, SKIN DISEASES $$INDEX P1 ********************************************************** HIV: VIRAL LOAD IN BRAIN AND NEUROBEHAVIORAL CORRELATES (PA-96-059) National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke INDEX: MENTAL; NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE THE NIH GUIDE IS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY VIA BITNET OR INTERNET, BY SUBSCRIPTION, AND IS ALSO ON THE NIH GOPHER (GOPHER.NIH.GOV) AND THE NIH WEBSITE (HTTP://WWW.NIH.GOV). ALTERNATIVE ACCESS IS THROUGH THE NIH GRANT LINE VIA MODEM (DATA LINE 301/402-2221); CONTACT DR. JOHN JAMES AT 301/435-2801 FOR DETAILS ON THE NIH GRANT LINE. THE PHS STRONGLY ENCOURAGES ALL GRANT AND CONTRACT RECIPIENTS TO PROVIDE A SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE AND PROMOTE THE NON-USE OF ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS. IN ADDITION, PUBLIC LAW 103-227, THE PRO-CHILDREN ACT OF 1994, PROHIBITS SMOKING IN CERTAIN FACILITIES (OR IN SOME CASES, ANY PORTION OF A FACILITY) IN WHICH REGULAR OR ROUTINE EDUCATION, LIBRARY, DAY CARE, HEALTH CARE OR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO CHILDREN. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PHS MISSION TO PROTECT AND ADVANCE THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. ALL COMPETING GRANT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH MUST BE SENT TO: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) THE GRANTS INFORMATION OFFICE, DRG, HAS BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE NEW OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL OUTREACH & INFORMATION RESOURCES, OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH, OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR, NIH. REQUESTS FOR APPLICATION FORMS, PUBLICATIONS, AND OTHER INFORMATION MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE FOLLOWING: OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL OUTREACH & INFORMATION RESOURCES 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, MSC 7910 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7910 TELEPHONE: (301) 435-0714 EMAIL: ASKNIH@ODROCKM1.OD.NIH.GOV $$INDEX END ********************************************************* NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs) $$R1 BEGIN NIMH-96-CR-0006 ****************************************** PILOT STUDY OF A CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER IN FEMALES WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER NIH Guide, Volume 25, Number 20, June 21, 1996 RFP AVAILABLE: NIMH-96-CR-0006 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715162, 0755015 National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has a requirement entitled "Pilot Study of a Calcium Channel Blocker in Females with Bipolar Disorder" to (1) determine in the most cost effective manner, preliminary evidence of efficacy for calcium channel blockers such as verapamil in bipolar disorder, and (2) recruit appropriate patients for the trial and enroll, randomize and initiate medication treatment for approximately 10 patients per year for 2.5 years. The successful offeror will need to exhibit the availability of staff, facilities, and institutional support necessary to conduct clinical trials on females, using FDA approved medications. The offeror will also have to evidence that he/she has a current and ready supply of female bipolar patients whose case histories are know to them and will be able to conduct clinical investigation in a prompt and cost-effective manner. It is anticipated that a 2.5 year cost reimbursement (completion) type contract will be awarded. INQUIRIES Request for Proposal (RFP) No. NIMH-96-CR-0006 will be available on or about June 15, 1996, with proposals due on or about July 31, 1996. All responsible sources may submit a proposal that will be considered by the NIMH. Telephone or verbal requests will not be honored. All requests for the RFP must cite the RFP number and be made in writing or by FAX request to: Patricia L. Gibbons Contract Management Branch National Institute of Mental Health 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 9C-15 Rockville, MD 20857 FAX: (301) 443-0143 $$R1 END ************************************************************ $$R2 BEGIN NIH-ES-96-35 ********************************************* STUDIES OF CHEMICAL DISPOSITION IN MAMMALS NIH Guide, Volume 25, Number 20, June 21, 1996 RFP AVAILABLE: NIH-ES-96-35 P.T. 34; K.W. 1007009, 0755010 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences The purpose of this project is to conduct chemical disposition studies in mammals to support the bioassay program of the National Toxicology Program (NTP). The general objective of this project is to procure detailed chemical disposition data from a number of studies (approximately three to five annually) of selected environmental contaminants or model compounds in laboratory rats (Fischer 344) and or mice (B6C3F1). Most studies will address the disposition of organic chemicals or environmental contaminants; however, studies of inorganic compounds may also be requested. One or more additional studies per year may investigate the comparative metabolism of chemicals in human and rat liver slices in vitro. Individual studies may vary in complexity from preliminary investigations of chemical absorption to detailed studies of all phases of chemical disposition, toxicokinetics, and metabolism. The immediate goal of these studies is to determine more accurately the doses for NTP bioassay studies. The long-range goal is the accumulation of data that will permit a better assessment of structure-activity relationships chemical absorption, metabolism and disposition in laboratory animals and to better compare metabolic pathways in laboratory animals and humans. Award of up to two cost reimbursement, term form, level of effort type contracts with a period of performance of five years are contemplated as a result of this solicitation. The Government estimates approximately 1.75 professional and 2.75 technical for a total of 4.5 person years per year for each contract award. INQUIRIES Interested organizations may request either a streamlined or full RFP package. If no selection is made, a streamlined version of the RFP, which includes only the Statement of Work, deliverables and reporting requirements, special requirements, and technical evaluation criteria, will be provided. After examination of these documents, any organization interested in responding to this RFP must request the entire RFP in writing or by FAX request. The electronic version of the synopsis and the RFP (which will be available on or about June 21, 1996) are available on the world wide web at: http://contracts.niehs.nih.gov or Gopher://contracts.niehs.nih.gov. All responsible sources may submit a proposal that will be considered by the Agency. Expected release date of the RFP is June 21, 1996 with proposals due on August 21, 1996. Requests for the solicitation must reference RFP No. NIH-ES-96-35 and be directed to: Marilyn B. Whaley Contracts and Procurement Management Branch, OM National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 79 T.W. Alexander Drive, 4401 Building P.O. Box 12874 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 FAX: (919) 541-2712 $$R2 END ************************************************************ $$R3 BEGIN NCI-CM-77017-28 ****************************************** DEVELOPMENT OF DOSAGE FORMS AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR ANTITUMOR AND ANTI-AIDS AGENTS NIH GUIDE, Volume 25, Number 20, June 20, 1996 RFP AVAILABLE: NCI-CM-77017-28 P.T. 34; K.W. 0740021, 0740020, 0715008, 0715035 National Cancer Institute The pharmaceutical Resources Branch of the Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment, Diagnosis, and Centers, National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking contractors to develop acceptable dosage forms for compounds to be subsequently evaluated in cancer and HIV patients and to carry out innovative studies leading to more effective approaches for the intravenous delivery of compounds that possess limited solubility and/or stability. NCI will select and provide the compounds to be studied. In addition to solubility problems, the projects will require considerable analytical work, particularly the development of a stability-indicating assay to monitor the integrity of the parent compound during the formulation studies. These investigations will be directed toward a pharmaceutical dosage form that will meet certain solubility and stability targets determined by the Government. The Principal Investigator on this project should possess a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics or Medicinal Chemistry and should also have at least three years experience in the development of injectable formulations. It is anticipated that three cost-reimbursement terms type contracts will be awarded for a base period of three years, with two one year options for each contract. The proposed contract project represents a recompetition of Contracts N01-CM-27755 (University of Kansas), N01-CM-27756 (University of North Carolina), N01-CM-27757, (University of Arizona), and N01-CM-27720 (University of Utah). INQUIRIES Request for Proposals (RFP) NCI-CM-77017-28 will be available to all interested offerors on or about June 24, 1996, with a response date of August 26, 1996, for the receipt of proposals. A copy of RFP No. NCI-CM-77017-28 can be obtained by written or FAX request to: Ms. Carolyn Barker Research Contracts Branch National Cancer Institute Executive Plaza South, Room 603 6120 Executive Boulevard - MSC 7220 Bethesda, MD 20892-7220 Email: barkerc@rcb.nci.nih.gov FAX: (301) 402-6699 $$R3 END ************************************************************ $$R4 BEGIN NIH-DC-96-13 ********************************************* DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH DENSITY PERCUTANEOUS CONNECTOR SYSTEM NIH Guide, Volume 25, Number 20, June 21, 1996 RFP AVAILABLE: NIH-DC-96-13 P.T. 34; K.W. 0740030, 0740050 National Institutes of Health The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institutes of Health, is recompeting an ongoing project that is currently being performed by P.I. Medical Corporation, located in Portland, OR (Contract No. N01-DC-4-2103. This requirement will develop a high density percutaneous connector system for use in auditory prostheses. Although this research will be limited to animal studies, the ultimate goal is the application of the results to improve auditory prosthesis for deaf individuals. It is anticipated that a cost reimbursement, completion type contract will be awarded for a three year period. The contractor will be required to come to Bethesda yearly to present progress on their work at the Neural Prosthesis Workshop sponsored by the Neural Prosthesis Program. Prospective offerors should have established expertise in biomaterials, bioengineering, and miniature electrical connector technology. INQUIRIES RFP No. NIH-DC-96-13 will be available on or about July 31, 1996. Proposals will be due approximately 60 days after the date of issuance of the solicitation. All responsible sources may submit a proposal that will be considered by the Government. Copies of the solicitation may be obtained by sending a written request to: Donna M. Winters Division of Research Contracts National Institutes of Health 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 6E01,MSC 7540 Bethesda, MD 20892-7540 $$R4 END ************************************************************ $$R5 BEGIN MH-96-001 FULL-TEXT ************************************** NIMH RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS - UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY NURSES NIH Guide, Volume 25, Number 20, June 21, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: MH-96-001 P.T. 22, FF; K.W. 0785130, 0720005, 0715129 National Institute of Mental Health Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 1, 1996 Application Receipt Date: September 17, 1996 PURPOSE The goal of research training programs at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to help educate tomorrow~s leaders in mental health research. The specific purpose of the Minority Research Fellowship Program (MRFP) is to ensure that underrepresented minority investigators assume a prominent position among these researchers. This Request for Applications (RFA) for a Minority Research Fellowship Program in Mental Health Nursing invites Institutional National Research Service Award (NRSA) (T32) applications designed to support the development and training of underrepresented minority individuals in doctoral programs in mental health nursing to enable them to undertake active, productive careers in scientific investigations related to mental health and mental disorders. The outcome of successful fellowship training should include mastery of sound research skills, commitment to future research activity, and promise of future achievement in research endeavors in the mental health field. In fiscal year 1997, pending the availability of funds, it is expected that $350,000 will be available to support one Minority Research Fellowship Program in Mental Health Nursing. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. The anticipated award date is July 1, 1997. 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, NIMH Research Fellowships - Underrepresented Minority Nurses, is related to the priority areas of mental health and mental disorders and educational and community-based programs. 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 202/512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. George Niederehe, Ph.D. Division of Clinical and Treatment Research National Institute of Mental Health Parklawn Building, Room 18-101 Rockville, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-3264 FAX: (301) 594-6784 Email: gniedere@nih.gov $$R5 END ************************************************************ $$R6 BEGIN DK-96-012 FULL-TEXT ************************************** DIABETES INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROGRAMS NIH Guide, Volume 25, Number 20, June 21, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: DK-96-012 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715075, 0710030 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 19, 1996 Application Receipt Date: October 24, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International (JDFI) invite investigator-initiated program project (P01) grant applications. These applications should incorporate an interdisciplinary research approach. Applications will be submitted to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and will be reviewed according to NIH peer review procedures. Applications judged meritorious but not funded by the NIDDK and NIAID may be considered by the JDFI for funding. Applicants wishing to have their application considered by the JDFI must authorize the NIH, in writing, to provide a copy of their application and NIH-prepared summary statement of the initial review to the JDFI. For FY 97, the NIDDK will commit $1.5 million and the NIAID will commit $250,000 (total costs) to fund applications submitted in response to this RFA. The NIDDK and NIAID anticipate awarding two Diabetes Interdisciplinary Research Program (DIRP) Awards in FY 97 on a competitive basis. The JDFI plans to make two awards. The receipt of four applications currently supported by NIDDK and JDFI is anticipated, which will be in competition with other applications received in response to this RFA. 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, Diabetes Interdisciplinary Research Programs, is related to the priority area of diabetes and chronic disabling conditions. 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 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Joan T. Harmon, Ph.D. Diabetes Research Section National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive - MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8808 FAX: (301) 480-3503 Email: JOAN_HARMON@NIH.GOV Elaine Collier, M.D. Chief, Autoimmunity Section National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 6003 Executive Boulevard, Room 4A20 - MSC 7640 Bethesda, MD 20892-7640 Telephone: (301) 496-7104 FAX: (301) 402-2571 Email: ec5x@nih.gov $$R6 END ************************************************************ $$R7 BEGIN HD-96-007 FULL-TEXT ************************************** PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION NIH Guide, Volume 25, Number 20, June 21, 1996 RFA AVAILABLE: HD-96-007 P.T. 34; K.W. 0785170, 0415003 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: July 24, 1996 Application Receipt Date: November 13, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) invites applications for research project grants (R01) and FIRST Awards (R29) to conduct rehabilitation research to improve the management of the movement limitations of infants or children with physical disabilities due to injury, disease or disorders existing at birth. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is interested in research on the development of new and improved rehabilitation protocols for patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. A primary purpose of this initiative is to encourage the development and evaluation of specific interventions to clinically evaluate, reduce or reverse the movement limitations of infants or children with physical disabilities. Another purpose is to understand the causes, consequences, and prevalence of movement limitations within defined populations. It is anticipated that approximately $750,000 will be available by the NICHD to fund up to six awards in response to this Request for Applications (RFA). The NIAMS intends to make available approximately $250,000 to fund one award in the area of rehabilitation in juvenile arthritis. 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, Pediatric Rehabilitation, is related to the priority area of chronic and disabling conditions and the goal to reduce health disparities among Americans. 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 202-512-1800). 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Louis A. Quatrano, Ph.D. National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Building 61E, Room 2A03 Bethesda, MD 20892-7510 Telephone: (301) 402-2242 FAX: (301) 402-0832 Email: quatranl@hd01.nichd.nih.gov Susana Sserrate-Sztein, M.D. Arthritis Branch National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Natcher Building, Room 5AS-37G 45 Center Drive MSC 6500 Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Telephone: (301)594-5032 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: szteins@ep.niams.nih.gov $$R7 END ************************************************************ $$P1 BEGIN PA-96-059 FULL-TEXT ************************************** HIV: VIRAL LOAD IN BRAIN AND NEUROBEHAVIORAL CORRELATES NIH Guide, Volume 25, Number 20, June 21, 1996 PA AVAILABLE: PA-96-059 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715125, 1002030 National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke PURPOSE It is generally agreed that the presence of HIV within the CNS contributes to the development of neurobehavioral impairments and neurologic syndromes that occur in a subset of HIV-infected individuals. However, a direct link between the presence of virus and HIV-induced motor/cognitive impairments has yet to be elucidated. This program announcement solicits research applications to (1) identify effective ways to quantitate viral load within the CNS during life; (2) correlate the quantity of virus within the CNS to the onset and course of neurobehavioral and neurological changes; (3) identify specific biochemical or neurochemical alterations in neuronal function as a consequence of the presence of virus either directly or indirectly; and (4) identify and test drugs that prevent or reverse the neuronal dysfunction. Collaborations between neuroscientists and immunologists/virologists are encouraged but not required. Fellowships are also solicited through this program announcement to encourage a broader range of scientists to conduct research in this field. The mechanisms available for support of this program announcement in the NIMH include research project grants (R01), First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) awards, program project grants (P01), research career programs (K01, K02, K05), fellowship programs (F30, F31, F32), and small research grants (R03). The NINDS supports the R01, R29, P01, and F32 mechanisms. 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 PA, Viral Load in Brain and Neurobehavioral Correlates, is related to the priority areas of mental health and mental disorders. 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 202-512-1800). INQUIRIES The PA, 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), the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov), and by mail and email from the program contact listed below. Dianne M. Rausch, Ph.D. Office on AIDS National Institute of Mental Health Parklawn Building, Room 10-75 Bethesda, MD 20857 Telephone: (301) 443-6100 FAX: (301) 443-7274 Email: dr89b@nih.gov A. P. Kerza-Kwiatecki, Ph.D. Division of Demyelinating, Atrophic, and Dementing Disorders National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Federal Building, Room 804 7550 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-1431 FAX: (301) 402-2060 Email: ak45w@nih.gov $$P1 END ************************************************************ From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jun 26 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 22 June 1996 Date: 26 Jun 1996 22:12:04 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 111 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4qt574$8gf@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS system for the week ending June 22, 1996. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: Letter Title: NSF 96-104 MPS--Dear Colleague Letter File size (bytes): 3278 STIS Filename: nsf96104.txt Document Type: Press Release Title: PARTNERSHIP CONFERENCE SEEKS TO SHAPE NEW RELATIONSHIPS IN EDUCATION REFORM File size (bytes): 3561 STIS Filename: pr9635.txt Document Type: Program Guideline Title: NSF 96-112 - Pilot Projects for a Human Genome Diversity Project File size (bytes): 14512 STIS Filename: nsf96112.txt Title: NSF 96-113 - Instrumentation Grants for Research in Computer and Information Science and Engineering File size (bytes): 13962 STIS Filename: nsf96113.txt Document Type: Recruit Title: Director, Division of Grants and Agreements File size (bytes): 7716 STIS Filename: vep966.txt Title: Secretary (Office Automation) File size (bytes): 6722 STIS Filename: vgs9643.txt Title: Supervisory Computer Specialist (Section Head) File size (bytes): 9698 STIS Filename: vgs9645.txt Document Type: Report Title: Number 14--NSF OIG Semiannual Report to the Congress File size (bytes): 191000 STIS Filename: oig14.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: News Title: Quantum Physics in the 21st Century File size (bytes): Much More is Different STIS Filename: mpslect.txt (NSF) Document Type: Recruit Title: Senior Executive Service Nationwide Vacancy Listing File size (bytes): 51862 STIS Filename: sesvac.txt Title: Assistant Director for Geosciences File size (bytes): 5630 STIS Filename: vep9600.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** 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 vep9600.txt, the text of your message should be as follows: get vep9600.txt Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve vep9600.txt, you would enter: ftp> get vep9600.txt 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 Wed Jun 26 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA DK-96-012 - V25(20) 06/21/96 Date: 26 Jun 1996 22:26:01 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 508 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4qt619$9nj@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA DK96012 DK-96-012 P1O1 *************************************** DIABETES INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROGRAMS NIH Guide, Volume 25, Number 20, June 21, 1996 RFA: DK-96-012 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715075, 0710030 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 19, 1996 Application Receipt Date: October 24, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International (JDFI) invite investigator-initiated program project grant applications. These applications should incorporate an interdisciplinary research approach to: (1) the development of innovative prevention and treatment strategies for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and/or its complications, (2) the etiology and pathogenesis of IDDM and its complications, and/or (3) the genetic susceptibility for IDDM and the complications of diabetes. This solicitation is intended to stimulate the application of advances in basic molecular biology, genetics, immunology, cell biology, and biophysics to the study of IDDM and its complications. Applications will be submitted to and reviewed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) according to usual NIH peer review procedures. Applications judged meritorious but not funded by the NIDDK and NIAID may be considered by the JDFI for funding. Applicants wishing to have their application considered by the JDFI must authorize the NIH, in writing, to provide a copy of their application and NIH-prepared summary statement of the initial review to the JDFI. 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, Diabetes Interdisciplinary Research Programs, is related to the priority area of diabetes and chronic disabling conditions. 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 202-512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT The mechanism of support will be the NIH program project grant (P01) award. Program project grants are used to support broadly-based multidisciplinary or multifaceted research programs that have a specific major objective or central theme. The award may support research components and core functions. Collectively, these components should demonstrate essential elements of unity and interdependence and result in a greater contribution to program goals than if each activity were pursued individually. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. The current policies and requirements that govern the research grant programs of the NIH or the JDFI will prevail depending on the funding source. Applicants should note that grants funded by the JDFI will be subject to the indirect cost policy of JDFI. Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center for Research Resources may wish to identify the GCRC as a resource for conducting the proposed research. If so, a letter of agreement from either the GCRC program director or principal investigator should be included with the application. This RFA is a one-time solicitation. The total requested project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five years. The maximum dollar request is limited to $750,000 in direct costs for the initial budget period. Any application exceeding the direct cost amount indicated will be returned to the applicant. The maximum dollar request is limited to $3.75 million in direct costs (approximately $5 million in total costs) for the five-year budget period. The earliest possible award date will be July 1, 1997. FUNDS AVAILABLE For FY 1997, the NIDDK will commit $1.5 million and the NIAID will commit $250,000 (total costs) to fund applications submitted in response to this RFA. The NIDDK and NIAID anticipate awarding two Diabetes Interdisciplinary Research Program (DIRP) Awards in Fiscal Year 1997 on a competitive basis. The JDFI plans to make two awards. The receipt of four applications currently supported by NIDDK and JDFI is anticipated, which will be in competition with other applications received in response to this RFA. This funding level is dependent upon the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. Although this program is provided for in the financial plan of the NIDDK and NIAID, the award of grants pursuant to this RFA is also contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES General Background The National Diabetes Advisory Board in 1987 formulated a National Long-Range Plan to Combat Diabetes. A number of significant recommendations were made by the in this plan. One of these was to establish DIRPs to be supported by the NIH. The DIRPs would promote the integration of new research methodologies into diabetes research. As a result of establishing these programs, new as well as established scientists with diabetes research commitments would be given the opportunity to immerse themselves in new technologies at the cutting edge of modern science. The NIDDK and NIAID are coordinating efforts with the JDFI to implement DIRPs in areas of research that appear particularly relevant to the cure, prevention, and improved treatment of IDDM. Toward this end, the JDFI has embarked on a major long-term capital fund raising campaign targeted at establishing programs of excellence in diabetes research. Scientific Background It has been established that IDDM is an autoimmune disease with major genetic influences. Much has been learned about the nature of the immunologic process involved but many questions remain. Informative animal models of IDDM (i.e., BB/Wor rat and NOD mouse) continue to be a central focus of research. Genes in the HLA locus have been associated with IDDM, but the specific genes associated with this locus have yet to be identified and the role of these gene products in the pathogenesis has not been defined. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial has established the crucial importance of metabolic control for preventing or delaying the onset of diabetic complications. The present methods for achieving metabolic control are arduous, expensive, and only partially effective. Innovative approaches for maintaining euglycemia are essential. There is a great deal of epidemiologic, clinical, and physiologic information on the long-term microvascular, macrovascular, and neurologic complications of diabetes. There are also biochemical theories of causation that have prompted research over the last decade. At this time, however, the molecular pathophysiology of diabetic complications is still unclear. Despite epidemiologic and clinical evidence of genetic factors in the development of complications, very little is known about the identity or function of specific genes in these processes. Recent advances in basic biomedical research have revolutionized our ability to study complex diseases such as diabetes. Further application of the new capabilities of molecular biology, genetics, immunology, cell biology, and biophysics to diabetes research are essential. Importantly, the increased utilization of these technologies and approaches promises an improved understanding and enhanced development of potential preventive and therapeutic strategies. Scope and Objectives It is the intention of the NIDDK, NIAID and JDFI to further stimulate the integration of the most current basic biomedical research approaches into diabetes-related research. It is expected that this will be accomplished by bringing to the diabetes arena those who are skilled in these approaches by the support of meritorious, synergistic, multidisciplinary research program project applications. Applications should include the involvement of both basic and applied scientists in collaborative endeavors. The JDFI will NOT consider studies aimed at primary prevention for this particular RFA; however, such studies would be within the scope of NIH support (see list of examples below). Research applications should be in the broad areas of etiology, pathogenesis, prevention or cure of IDDM or its complications. Relevant topics listed below are examples and should not be construed as required or limiting. o Development of safe and effective techniques to maintain euglycemia by biological or mechanical means, including investigation of the metabolic performance and biocompatibility of the technique o Beta cell replacement therapies: glucose sensors, implantable pumps, and bio-artificial pancreas o Genetic manipulation of beta cells or surrogate cells to replace physiologic insulin secretion capacity that has been destroyed in IDDM o Immunoalteration of beta cells/islets or the immune response in an attempt to prevent autoimmune and graft- versus-host destruction of beta cells/islets o Regulation of beta cell differentiation and its role in diabetes o Molecular mechanisms of beta cell destruction in IDDM o Identification and characterization of targets for the autoimmune process in IDDM o IDDM prevention strategies to identify high risk individuals and prevent the clinical onset of disease, perhaps by induction of tolerance o Identification and functional characterization of genes for IDDM and IDDM-susceptibility o Identification and functional characterization of genes influencing the development of long-term complications of IDDM o Identification of basic molecular or cellular processes leading to complications and interventions to prevent or halt the progression of long-term complications of diabetes SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Letter of Authorization Applicants should submit a brief letter to the NIH indicating whether or not they wish their application to be considered for funding by the JDFI. While applicants may request that their applications be considered only by the NIH and not by the JDFI, it is necessary that the record indicate the applicant's consideration of this opportunity. For those applicants who wish to have the JDFI consider their application, all materials relating to the application will be promptly forwarded to that organization and the summary statements for such applications will be shared with the JDFI when available. The NIH will provide no information to the JDFI related to applications from applicants who request that the JDFI not consider their application. Letters of authorization should be prepared by the principal investigator and co-signed by the official signing for the applicant organization. This letter may be combined with the Letter of Intent (see below) or may be submitted as a cover letter accompanying the application. In all cases, the NIDDK and NIAID will make their funding decisions prior to those of the JDFI. Periodic Meetings Upon initiation of this program, the NIH and JDFI plan to sponsor periodic meetings to encourage exchange of information among investigators, to foster collaborative efforts among program grantees, and to identify resources that would enhance the productivity of grantees. For this purpose, applicants should request travel funds for a two-day meeting each year, probably to be held in Bethesda, Maryland. Applicants should also include a statement in their applications indicating their willingness to participate in such meetings and to cooperate with other researchers at other diabetes interdisciplinary research program sites. 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 sub-populations 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 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 Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators may also 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 September 19, 1996, 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. 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 NIH staff to estimate the potential review workload and to avoid possible conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to: Chief, Review Branch Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room 6AS-37F - MSC-6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8886 FAX: (301) 480-3505 APPLICATION PROCEDURES The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used in applying for these grants. The form is available from most institutional offices of sponsored research and from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC-7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: asknih@odrockm1.od.nih.gov. Applicants should request a copy of the publication entitled "NIDDK Program Projects Grants: Administrative Guidelines." These guidelines contain important additional information on the suggested format of applications and on review criteria. Prospective applicants may obtain these guidelines from: Joan T. Harmon, Ph.D. Diabetes Research Section National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8808 FAX: (301) 480-3503 Email: JOAN_HARMON@NIH.GOV The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title, "Diabetes Interdisciplinary Research Programs," and number, DK-96-012, must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) At time of submission, two additional copies of the application must also be sent to: Chief, Review Branch Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room 6AS-37F - MSC-6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Applications must be received by October 24, 1996. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Division of Research Grants (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. However, it is allowable to submit the same project as both an R01 and as a component project of a program project. The DRG will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of applications previously reviewed but such applications must include an introduction addressing the previous critique. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS 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 NIDDK in accordance with NIH peer review procedures. It is not anticipated that site visits or applicant interviews will be part of the review process; therefore, each application should be complete in itself. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Advisory Council and the National Advisory Allergy and Infectious Diseases Council. Review Criteria o scientific, technical, or medical significance and originality of proposed research, specific to the objectives of the RFA; o appropriateness and adequacy of the experimental approach and methodology proposed to carry out the research; o qualifications and research experience of the Principal Investigator and staff, particularly, but not exclusively, in the area of the proposed research; o availability of resources necessary to perform the research; o synergy of subprojects to achieve the goals of the program project; o appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; and 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. The initial review group will also examine the provisions for the protection of human and animal subjects and the safety of the research environment. AWARD CRITERIA The anticipated date of the award is July 1, 1997. Awards will be based upon the following criteria: o scientific merit as determined by peer review o availability of funds o programmatic priorities of the funding Institute INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Joan T. Harmon, Ph.D. Diabetes Research Section National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8808 FAX: (301) 480-3503 Email: JOAN_HARMON@NIH.GOV Elaine Collier, M.D. Chief, Autoimmunity Section National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 6003 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7640 Solar Building, Room 4A20 Bethesda, MD 20892-7640 Telephone: (301) 496-7104 FAX: (301) 402-2571 Email: ec5x@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal and administrative matters to: Usha Ganti Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45 Center Drive, MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600 Telephone: (301) 594-8868 FAX: (301) 480-3504 Email: GANTIU@EP.NIDDK.GOV Pam Fleming Division of Extramural Affairs National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 6003 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7610 Solar Building, Room 4C25 Bethesda, MD 20892-7610 Telephone: (301) 402-6580 FAX: (301) 480-3780 Email: pf49e@nih.gov Schedule Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 19, 1996 Application Receipt Date: October 24, 1996 Initial Review: February/March 1997 Second Level Review: May 1997 Anticipated Date of Award: July 1, 1997 AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.847 and 93.855. 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 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routing education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Wed Jun 26 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA HD-96-007 - V25(20) 06/21/96 Date: 26 Jun 1996 22:26:27 -0700 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 381 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <4qt623$9r2@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net $$XID RFA HD96007 HD-96-007 P1O1 *************************************** PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION NIH Guide, Volume 25, Number 20, June 21, 1996 RFA: HD-96-007 P.T. 34; K.W. 0785170, 0415003 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: July 24, 1996 Application Receipt Date: November 13, 1996 PURPOSE The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) invites applications for research project grants (R01) and First Independent Research Support And Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29) to conduct rehabilitation research to improve the management of the movement limitations of infants or children with physical disabilities due to injury, disease or disorders existing at birth. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is interested in promoting research on the development of new and improved rehabilitation protocols for patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. A primary purpose of this initiative is to encourage the development and evaluation of specific interventions to clinically evaluate, reduce or reverse the movement limitations of infants or children with physical disabilities. Another purpose is to understand the causes, consequences, and prevalence of movement limitations within defined populations. 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), Pediatric Rehabilitation, is related to the priority area of chronic and disabling conditions and the goal to reduce health disparities among Americans. 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 202-512-1800). 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 and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Foreign institutions are not eligible for the First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29). Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project grant (R01) and FIRST award (R29) mechanism. The direct costs for the R01 may not exceed $100,000 per year. The total project period for an R29 application submitted in response to the present RFA must be for five years. The total costs for the R29 will be determined by the guidelines currently in affect on the receipt date of the RFA. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. The anticipated award date is July 1, 1997. This RFA is a one-time solicitation. Future unsolicited continuation applications will compete with all unsolicited investigator-initiated applications and be reviewed according to the customary peer review procedures. FUNDS AVAILABLE Applications submitted in response to this RFA will compete for direct costs of approximately $750,000 that have been made available for the first year of support for the program. It is expected that approximately six awards will be made by NICHD. The number of awards depends on the overall scientific merit of the applications, their relevance to the stated goals of this RFA, and the availability of funds. The NIAMS estimated funding (total costs) available for the first year of support is $250,000. Funding is contingent upon receipt of scientifically meritorious applications. The NIAMS expects to fund one award in the area of rehabilitation in juvenile arthritis. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background Currently there are approximately 3.8 million individuals, 17 years old or younger, living with chronic physical impairments and disabilities in the United States. Movement impairments are characteristic of many infants and children with disabilities due to conditions such as cerebral palsy, metabolic disorders, burns, juvenile arthritis, AIDS, amputation, cancer, injury to the brain or spinal cord, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy. These conditions are managed by a variety of therapies including orthopaedic surgery, physiotherapeutic interventions, medication, and the provision of adaptive equipment such as prostheses, orthoses, and wheelchairs. The goals of therapy include assisting the infant or child to achieve a greater level of independent movement and optimizing functional capacity. Although these interventions are widely used, very little systematic information exists regarding their effectiveness, especially in terms of the longer term development of the individual. A need exists as well to develop and evaluate new approaches to the clinical assessment and treatment of these conditions. Considerable variation exists among infants and children with movement limitations that reflects a) the type and origin of physical disability, b) responses to treatment, and c) the presence of concomitant conditions. Some of these individuals become grossly inactive, resulting in a downward spiral of unhealthy development. Understanding the causes, consequences and prevalence of mobility limitations in different populations of infants and children with disabilities will provide a scientific basis for their more effective clinical management. Scope Applications must address one or both of the following research themes. I. Development and evaluation of new or improved evaluation techniques or interventions relevant to the movement limitations of infants and children. Illustrative of such research is examination of both shorter- and longer-term outcomes of defined interventions to improve the independence of infants and children with movement limitations. This could include the development and empirical validation of models linking diagnostic information (e. g., images or strength measurements), interventions (e.g., surgery, prosthetics, or physiotherapy) and outcomes (e.g., improved mobility or health). The NIAMS is interested in research projects that focus on the development and testing of new and improved rehabilitation techniques for children with juvenile arthritis. Research projects that examine efficacy, cost-effectiveness and explore the mechanisms underlying clinically significant beneficial effects are encouraged. II. Achievement of better knowledge of the causes, consequences and prevalence of mobility limitations in different populations of infants and children with physically disabling conditions. Illustrative of such research are longitudinal studies of interactions among biological factors, psychosocial and personality attributes, developmental landmarks, changing health status, and kinds of interventions received. 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 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, Volume 23, Number 11, March 28, 1994. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy 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 July 24, 1996, 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. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows NIH staff to estimate the potential review workload and avoid conflict of interest in the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to: Louis A. Quatrano, Ph.D. National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Building 6100, Room 2A03 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 402-2242 FAX: (301) 402-0832 Email: quatranl@hd01.nichd.nih.gov APPLICATION PROCEDURES The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used in applying for these grants. These forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research; from the Office of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, e-mail ASKNIH@odrockm1.od.nih.gov; and from the program administrator listed under INQUIRIES. Applications for the FIRST award (R29) must include at least three sealed reference letters attached to the face page of the original application. FIRST award (R29) 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 (rev. 5/95) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 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. In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040- MSC 7710 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier services) At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Susan Streufert, Ph.D. Division of Scientific Review National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Building 6100, Room 5E03H 6100 Executive Boulevard Bethesda, MD 20892-7510 Rockville, MD 20852 (for express/courier service) Applications must be received by November 13,1996. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Division of Research Grants (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 essentially 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. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by DRG and responsiveness by the NICHD. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. If the application is not responsive to the RFA, NICHD staff may contact the applicant to determine whether to return the application to the applicant or submit it for review in competition with unsolicited applications at the next review cycle. 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 NICHD in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, a process 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 and the official signing for the applicant organization will be notified. Principal Investigators of applications judged to be non-competitive will receive summary statements containing reviewers' comments. Review Criteria o scientific, technical, or medical significance and originality of the proposed research; o appropriateness and adequacy of the experimental approach and methodology proposed to carry out the research; o qualifications and research experience of the Principal Investigator and staff, particularly, but not exclusively, in the area of the proposed research; o availability of the resources necessary to perform the research; o appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; 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. The initial review group will also examine the provisions for the protection of human and animal subjects and the safety of the research environment. AWARD CRITERIA Applications will be selected based on scientific merit of the proposal, the availability of funds, and program relevance. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Louis A. Quatrano, Ph.D. National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Building 61E, Room 2A03 Bethesda, MD 20892-7510 Telephone: (301) 402-2242 FAX: (301) 402-0832 Email: quatranl@hd01.nichd.nih.gov Susana Serrate-Sztein, M.D. Arthritis Branch National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Natcher Building, Room 5AS-37G 45 Center Drive MSC 6500 Telephone: (301) 594-5032 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: szteins@ep.niams.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Mary Ellen Colvin Grants Management Branch National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Building 61E, Room 8A017 Bethesda, MD 20892-7510 Telephone: (301) 493-1303 FAX: (301) 402-0915 Email: colvinm@hd01.nichd.nih.gov Sally Nichols Grants Management Office National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Natcher Building, Room 5AS-53 45 Center Drive MSC 6500 Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 Telephone: (301) 549-3535 FAX: (301) 480-5450 Email: Nicholss@ep.niams.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.929 Medical Rehabilitation 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 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 PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non- use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. 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 Wed Jun 26 23:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!bios