From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA NOT-97-002 - V26(01) 01/10/97 Date: 16 Jan 1997 14:09:09 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 60 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bm8u5$gfv@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net SELF-ONLY HEALTH INSURANCE AND TUITION COSTS ON NIH NRSA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP AWARDS -- MODIFIED POLICY NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 1, January 10, 1997 P.T. 34; K.W. 1014006 National Institutes of Health In order to streamline the award of competing National Research Service Award (NRSA) individual postdoctoral fellowships (F32), the NIH hereby modifies the policy regarding payment of self-only health insurance costs articulated in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 25, No. 2, February 2, 1996 and again in the Fellowship Guidelines published in Vol. 25, No. 31, September 20, 1996. In these two documents, the NIH stated that beginning with fiscal year 1997 postdoctoral fellowship awards, the NIH would award funds to offset 100 percent of the first $2000 and 60 percent of expenses above $2,000 that are associated with the combined cost of tuition, fees, and self-only health insurance. Because few postdoctoral fellows incur educational costs and self- only health insurance costs are routine and fairly predictable, the NIH has elected to increase the institutional allowance by $1,000 to partially offset the cost of self-only health insurance. Incorporating these costs into a fixed allowance will significantly streamline the issuance of fellowship awards while retaining consistency with the recommendations of the NIH Task Force on NRSA Tuition Policy (this report can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.nih.gov/grants/oep/tuition.htm). Postdoctoral fellows will still be able to request additional funds for tuition and fees associated with specific courses using the formula stated above. Beginning with competing postdoctoral fellowships awarded in fiscal year 1997, the NIH will provide an institutional allowance of $4,000 per 12-month period to non-federal, non-profit sponsoring institutions to help defray such awardee expenses as self-only health insurance, research supplies, equipment, and travel to scientific meetings. The NIH will provide up to $3,000 for fellows sponsored by Federal laboratories or for-profit institutions for expenses associated with self-only health insurance, travel to scientific meetings, and books. The NIH also will provide additional funds to offset the combined cost of tuition and fees for specific courses, which support the research training experience, at the following rate: 100 percent of all costs up to $2,000 and 60 percent of costs above $2,000. INQUIRIES Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to: Walter T. Schaffer, Ph.D. Research Training Officer National Institutes of Health 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6184 Bethesda, MD 20892-7910 Telephone: (301) 435-2770 FAX: (301) 480-0146 Email: ws11q@nih.gov From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA NOT-97-001 - V26(01) 01/10/97 Date: 16 Jan 1997 14:08:51 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 295 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bm8tj$gej@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY - NIH EXTRAMURAL REINVENTION PILOT STUDIES NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 1, January 10, 1997 P.T. 34; K.W. 1014006 Office of Extramural Research Division of Research Grants Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases BACKGROUND The information in this notice is primarily directed to applicants, peer reviewers, awardees, and NIH staff in Tropical Medicine and Parasitology (TMP). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been designated an Extramural Programs Reinvention Laboratory. A series of experiments have been and are being undertaken in a partnership between the Office of Extramural Research (OER), Division of Research Grants (DRG), and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to test ways to simplify and expedite the grant application submission, review, and award processes. This notice describes a series of interrelated pilot studies to (1) test methods for shortening the interval from application submission to grant award and (2) assess methods for reducing the amount of information provided by applicants. THE FIVE INTER-RELATED STUDIES The major objectives of these studies are to: (1) determine if the first and second levels of peer review of grant applications can be completed in a shorter interval of time (as little as four to five months compared with the current eight to eleven months) without loss of quality; (2) determine if less information can be obtained from applicants without impeding the review of applications and award of grants; and (3) assess changes in patterns and levels of effort of NIH staff, peer reviewers, and applicants that would be needed to make these types of changes across the NIH. In addition to the study specific evaluations outlined above, focus groups of applicants, peer reviewers, and NIH staff will be convened to assess this group of interrelated studies. ISSUES 1. NIH ASSIGNMENT OF ALL GRANT APPLICATIONS REQUIRES ABOUT SIX WEEKS. NIH receives about 40,000 grant applications annually. Under the current procedure, a DRG referral officer reviews each application and assigns it both to a study section for review and to one or more NIH Institutes or Centers for potential funding. For standard receipt dates, it takes up to six weeks for the referral officers to complete review and assignment of all applications. Elimination or reduction of this time period would reduce the time interval between receipt of applications and their peer review. 2. PEER REVIEW GROUP ADDRESSES ALL APPLICATIONS AND ISSUES DURING THE MEETING - THIS DELAYS SUMMARY STATEMENT PREPARATION AND LENGTHENS STUDY SECTION MEETINGS. Study section members receive applications for review at least a month before the study section meets. Although designated reviewers complete their reviews and written comments before the meeting, this information is not available to other study section members until the dates of the meeting. Making written comments of reviewers available to all study section members before the meeting could (1) enable a portion of the process to be completed earlier, (2) reduce the duration of study section meetings, (3) focus the meetings on important issues regarding each application, and (4) expedite the preparation and release of summary statements. 3. HUMAN SUBJECTS ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THE GRANT APPLICATION OR WITHIN 60 DAYS OF ITS SUBMISSION AND PRIOR TO PEER REVIEW). Twenty to 25 percent of research grant applications reviewed by a study section are funded. The time and effort required for applicant institutions to complete Institutional Review Board (IRB) activities for the 70 to 75 percent of applications unfunded may be unnecessary and inefficient. 4. WHEN REVISED APPLICATIONS ARE NECESSARY, ENTIRE APPLICATIONS ARE RESUBMITTED - THIS REQUIRES SUBSTANTIAL APPLICANT TIME AND EFFORT AND DELAYS THE RE-REVIEW OF REVISED (AMENDED) APPLICATIONS. The current process for revision, resubmission, and re-review of grant applications requires all applicants to resubmit entire applications. Generally, this means that revised applications are re-submitted and re-reviewed two review cycles (eight months) later. Applicants who need to address or clarify only minor points are treated the same as applicants who must address significant concerns with extensive revisions of their applications. This delays reconsideration of highly meritorious applications and impedes their potential funding. 5. ADVISORY COUNCILS AND BOARDS PERFORM THEIR SECOND LEVEL OF REVIEW OF GRANT APPLICATIONS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS - THE SUMMARY STATEMENTS FOR MANY SCIENTIFICALLY MERITORIOUS APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE TWO TO THREE MONTHS BEFORE THESE COUNCILS/BOARDS MEET. As a result, applicants must wait to hear whether their applications are to be funded until after the Council meeting. A process for early Council review would enable earlier award of grants. THE PILOT STUDIES Each pilot study is outlined in the following paragraphs. For each, quantitative evaluation measures are identified. In addition to these, an overall evaluation using focus group(s) of applicants, peer reviewers, and NIH staff will be established. The members will be asked to assess effects of these studies on the application, peer review process, and award process and to recommend future directions. STUDY 1: SELF-ASSIGNMENT OF APPLICATIONS TO A STUDY SECTION AND A FUNDING INSTITUTE. Virtually all applications reviewed by the TMP Study Section have historically been assigned to the NIAID for potential funding. The TMP study section reviews applications that propose experimental, epidemiological/field, and clinical studies of parasites and parasitic diseases. Studies of the cellular/molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, epidemiology, and immunology of these parasites are reviewed as are projects relevant to the diagnosis, pathogenesis, prevention and therapy of parasitic infections. (NOTE: Studies of the vectors of parasitic diseases are reviewed separately by a Special Emphasis Panel and will not be considered as part of this pilot.) During the pilot test, applicants proposing studies in these areas will be able to submit their applications on SPECIAL later receipt dates. It is important that applicants use these special receipt dates; the applications received on these special receipt dates will receive expedited handling by DRG. This will reduce the interval between application receipt and peer review. The following are the SPECIAL delayed receipt dates for all applications (new, competing renewal, revised, and supplements): USE THE SPECIAL INSTEAD FOR RECEIPT DATE OF REGULAR RECEIPT DATES OF March 7, 1997 February 2, 1997 and March 1, 1997 July 8, 1997 June 1, 1997 and July 1, 1997 November 7, 1997 October 1, 1997 and November 1, 1997 Applicants should enter "TMP Pilot" and Institute (almost always "NIAID") after Title: in item 2 of the PHS 398 face page. The original, four copies, and all set of appendices must be sent or delivered to: DR. SUZANNE FISHER REFERRAL SECTION DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 2030 - MSC 7720 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7720 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) One copy of the application must be sent at the same time to: DR. GERALD LIDDEL REFERRAL OFFICE DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 4186 - MSC 7808 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7808 BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) EVALUATION. Evaluation of Pilot Study results: (1) The number and percent of applicants who submitted on the special receipt dates; and (2) the number and percentage correctly self-assigned to the TMP Study Section and potential funding Institutes. STUDY 2: ELECTRONICALLY-ASSISTED PEER REVIEW The NIAID has developed a World Wide Web-based electronic review system and is testing the system in NIAID-conducted peer reviews. The system allows study section members to submit their electronically-encrypted reviews to a password-secured Web server prior to the Study Section meeting. When all reviews have been submitted, only assigned reviewers, other study section members, and DRG staff can access and consider these reviews. Special measures are taken to eliminate conflict-of-interest by prohibiting members from access to reviews of applications with which they are in conflict. The essential components of the peer review system remain unchanged, and as under current procedures, independent scoring of applications is done by each review at the meeting. The TMP study section will test this system for review of applications received on the special receipt dates of March 7, July 8, and November 7, 1997 for final consideration at the June 19-20 and October 1997 and February 1998 study section meetings. EVALUATION. Evaluation of Pilot Study results: (1) percent of reviewers using the WWW system; (2) percent of critiques finalized via WWW; (3) percent of reviewers adhering to schedules for uploading/responding; (4) time savings at peer review meeting; (5) changes in DRG review workload; and (6) changes in completion schedules for summary statements. STUDY 3: IRB DATA FOR ONLY FUNDABLE APPLICATIONS. Applicants who self-assign for peer review to the TMP study section and for consideration for funding to the NIAID will have the opportunity to defer assurances and certifications for human subjects. NIAID will request this information only from fundable applicants immediately after peer review; NIAID already has a process in place to request needed additional pre-award information. Applicants submitting for the March 7, July 8, and November 7, 1997 receipt dates have the option of deferring submission of the human subjects information. EVALUATION: (1) Number and percentage of applicants who elect not to submit IRB data - i.e., effort saved; (2) time and effort post-peer review to get IRB data from fundable applicants; and (3) delays in award, if any, due to deferred receipt of IRB data. STUDY 4: ABBREVIATED APPLICATION AMENDMENTS At each meeting of study sections, applications ranging from those with substantial scientific merit and to those of limited scientific merit are reviewed. A portion of applications may be identified by the study section as having high scientific merit but needing limited additional information that, if provided, could substantially improve the scientific merit of these applications. The summary statements of applicants so identified by study section will designate that the applicants have the opportunity to prepare brief responses to the critiques. These abbreviated application amendments would be three-to-five pages directly related to questions and concerns raised during the initial review. Further, these applicants could be provided their summary statements soon after the meeting and would have the opportunity to submit their abbreviated amendments directly to the Scientific Review Administrator of the Study Section for consideration at the next meeting of the TMP study section. Applications reviewed on February 13-14 and June 19-20, 1997 will be considered by the study section for eligibility to submit abbreviated applications. Those selected will be given the opportunity to submit the abbreviated amendment if their original application is not funded by the Institute. Abbreviated amendments will be made available by DRG to study section members for re-evaluation at the next scheduled study section meeting. EVALUATION. Evaluation of the abbreviated application process will include: (1) number of applications identified as eligible for abbreviated amendment; (2) number and percent of applicants who elect to submit abbreviated applications; (3) DRG staff time required by abbreviated amendment process; (4) average change in priority score for abbreviated amendment applications vs. full revision applications; (5) number and percent of abbreviated applications funded; and (6) estimated change in time of award date for funding of resubmission. STUDY 5: EXPEDITED COUNCIL REVIEW AND NIAID AWARD OF TMP GRANT APPLICATIONS. NIAID has WWW-based encrypted password-controlled electronic system in place to (1) provide Council members with summary statements for applications within NIAID paylines as soon as they become available and (2) receive Council comments and complete the second level of review. This allows NIAID to make awards to successful applicants earlier than would otherwise be possible. This NIAID WWW-based system (named Council Action) will access information directly from the electronically-assisted peer review (See Study 2 above) for applications within the NIAID payline and provide it to the NIAID Council for early second level of review to minimize the interval between peer review completion and Council second level of review. EVALUATION: (1) Reduction in time interval between study section meeting and Council review of applications; and (2) acceptability to Council members of electronically-assisted peer review information as basis for performing second level of review of grant applications. INQUIRIES Inquiries regarding review and referral may be directed to: Dr. Suzanne Fisher Referral Section Division of Research Grants 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 2030 - MSC 7720 Bethesda, MD 20892-7720 Email: fys@drgpo.drg.nih.gov Dr. Jean Hickman Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section Division of Research Grants 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 4178 - MSC 7808 Bethesda, MD 20892 Email: hmj@drgpo.drg.nih.gov Inquiries regarding the coordination of this effort may be directed to: John J. McGowan,Ph.D. Acting Deputy Director National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Building 31 Room 7A03 Bethesda, MD 20892 Email: jm80c@nih.gov From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - PA-97-024 - V26(01) 01/10/97 Date: 16 Jan 1997 14:08:33 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 420 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bm8t1$gd8@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net SPINAL CORD INJURY: EMERGING CONCEPTS NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 1, January 10, 1997 PA NUMBER: PA-97-024 P.T. 34; K.W. 0705055, 0715027, 0765040 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Eye Institute National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Nursing Research Application Receipt Dates: February 1, June 1, October 1 PURPOSE The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), and National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) invite applications for support of research that will increase our knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie processes of injury and repair in the central nervous system (CNS), including optic nerve and other CNS tracts, and that will provide strategies for therapeutic intervention in spinal cord injury. 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, Spinal Cord Injury: Emerging Concepts, is related to the priority area of unintentional injuries. 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 institutions, 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. Applications from minority institutions, minority individuals, and women are particularly encouraged. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT The support mechanisms for grants in this area will be the investigator-initiated research project grant (R01) and the FIRST award (R29). The principal investigator will plan, direct, and, along with any co-investigators, perform the research. Applicants planning to submit a new (Type 1) investigator-initiated grant application requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs for any year must contact institute program staff before submitting the application. A cover letter that identifies the program staff member who agrees to accept the assigned application must be sent with the application. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background Injury to the spinal cord tragically affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States, with approximately 10,000 new traumatic injuries each year. Early treatment and improved hospital care have increased survival, but at great cost. The estimated yearly cost of long-term, specialized care for paralyzed patients exceeds $10 billion. The personal costs to patients and their families is beyond calculation: planned education, career, marriage, and independence are interrupted and often never regained. The spinal cord, as part of the central nervous system (CNS), coordinates movement and sensation for the entire body below the head. Specialized cell populations within the cord are the substrates for these functions. Motoneurons extend long axons peripherally to innervate skeletal muscle. These motoneurons receive information from descending tracts of the brain both directly and indirectly via interneurons in the spinal cord gray matter. Axons of dorsal root ganglion cells connect peripheral sensory receptors to spinal interneurons, to motoneurons, and to brain centers. This complex neuronal circuitry of the spinal cord is supported by the glia of the CNS. Radial glia enclose the cord like the rim and spokes of a wheel, defining compartments for ascending and descending fiber systems. Astrocytes contribute to the blood-spinal cord barrier and provide a wide variety of support functions. Oligodendrocytes myelinate axons, and provide for rapid conduction of neuronal signals. Traumatic injury disrupts all of these cell types and changes their functions. Axons degenerate, neurons die, astrocytes proliferate and become reactive, radial glia enclose large cysts, and oligodendrocytes cannot remyelinate damaged areas. The anatomy of an injured spinal cord shows profound pathology, but also reveals the sprouting of uninjured fibers, the regeneration of damaged populations, the reorganization of glia, and clearing away of debris. The neurophysiology of the spinal cord also changes, reflected by altered responses to stimulation. Without appropriate ascending and descending input, remaining neural circuits change over time, and this plasticity may contribute to permanently impaired function. It is necessary to enhance initial regenerative responses, and much can be learned from developmental neurobiology, where mechanisms that underlie the generation of neural cells and their connections can be examined directly. A number of CNS regions, such as optic nerve, provide accessible and well defined areas to elucidate fundamental mechanisms. Several trophic and inhibitory factors are known to affect survival of neurons and extension of neurites, and naturally occurring substances may enhance supportive glial functions. Components of the extracellular matrix can support the growth of axons. The growing body of knowledge on genetic and cellular mechanisms of survival and growth can be related directly to a variety of injury paradigms to determine the most crucial events in eventual outcome. Clinical issues in spinal cord injury involve the entire person, emotionally and physically, from the time of injury, through acute hospital care, rehabilitation, and life changes. Experimental strategies to minimize damage in the early stages of injury include hypothermia, antioxidants, neurotrophic factors, blockers of excitoxicity, gangliosides, and steroid therapies; however, only one treatment, high dose methylprednisolone, is in current use. Changes in blood volume and maintenance of adequate ventilation during initial treatment are also critical. A myriad of chronic disorders, from spasticity to depression to infection, plague the survivors of spinal cord injury and require management by a variety of health care professionals. An NIH workshop entitled "Spinal Cord Injury: Emerging Concepts" was held in Bethesda, Maryland on September 30- October 1, 1996. Several areas of relevance for further research were presented by the participants, and form the basis for this program announcement. Research Goals and Scope Examples of investigator-initiated research grant applications for basic, applied, and clinical studies related to the understanding of the neurobiology of injury and regeneration may include, but should not necessarily be limited to: o Mechanisms of Secondary Injury and Cell Death. Determine the extent and time course of apoptosis in neuronal and glial populations after trauma. What gene families contribute to programmed cell death after injury in the adult CNS? What genes can contribute to cell survival? What signals activate irreversible pathways and how are these pathways regulated? What are the links between immediate and delayed cell death in the nervous system following injury? To what extent do the various mechanisms (i.e., excitotoxicity, free radicals, cytokines) contribute to overall secondary damage? o Immune Responses. Investigate the temporal profiles of cellular and molecular changes in spinal cord that signal both the afferent and efferent limbs of the immune response. What affects the trafficking of immune cells across the blood/spinal cord barrier? What aspects of the immune response contribute to healing after spinal cord injury? o Cell Generation. Explore the existence and properties of multipotential stem cells that remain in the adult CNS. What signals regulate the proliferation and differentiation of these cells? o Trophic Control Mechanisms. Identify the peptide trophic factors that signal survival and growth of specific types of neurons and their processes. How is production and release of such signals regulated? What confers responsiveness of neurons to trophic stimulation? What receptors and signal transduction pathways are involved? What is the role of electrical activity in neuronal trophic factor production and release? Which trophic signals are made by glial cells, and does neuronal activity regulate this production? Do glial cells from the central versus peripheral nervous system differ in the mechanisms that regulate their production and release of trophic factors? o Axonal Survival and Growth Signals. What is the molecular and cytoskeletal basis of axon growth? Do the same intracellular mechanisms that promote survival of the cell also promote regeneration of the axon, or are novel molecular mechanisms involved? o Axonal Guidance Signals. Elucidate novel chemotropic factors (both soluble and contact-mediated) that guide growing axons, their signaling mechanisms, and receptors. Do CNS and PNS differ in the expression of these axonal guidance molecules? o Axonal Inhibitory Signals. Identify molecules that inhibit axon elongation and characterize their cell type specificity. What extracellular signals induce axons to stop growing during normal development, and how is the signal transduced? Is there cross-talk between inhibitory and stimulatory axonal signals? o Function of Glia and Remyelination. Astrocytes, microglia and oligodendroglia all react to traumatic injury. What is the time course and extent of glial reactivity? To what extent do demyelination and remyelination occur? Do new myelinating cells arise from surviving oligodendrocytes or from precursors found within the CNS? Are interactions among glial populations necessary for myelination? o Synapse Formation. Identify the mechanisms of synapse formation in the central nervous system. What factors contribute to site recognition by growing axons? What postsynaptic characteristics result in permanent and stable synapses? Is the exchange of information between pre- and postsynaptic elements the same in regenerating versus developing synapses? o Functional Plasticity. Design interventions that can enhance or build on intrinsic mechanisms of repair. Can useful recovery of function be achieved by driving the intrinsic rhythm generators of the distal cord? What minimum descending input, both quantitative and qualitative, is required to drive these circuits? Study the potential for adaptive change in the spinal cord that remains after injury. Evaluate the efficacy of neuromodulator or transmitter replacement in terms of modified segmental circuitry. How is motoneuron excitability below a lesion altered? What changes occur in sensory circuits that can contribute to chronic effects after injury? Will rescue of cells that have been damaged improve function? o Neural Prostheses. Investigate the feasibility of using neural prostheses to restore bowel and bladder function, upper and lower extremity functional movement, and upper and lower extremity sensation. Develop new microelectrodes capable of providing chronic ingoing and outgoing connections with sensory and motor neurons in the spinal cord. Investigate biomaterials and bioactive surfaces to permit the integration of neural prostheses with spinal cord tissue. o Chronic Injury and Rehabilitation. Emphasize systematic analyses of rehabilitation as adjuncts to biological or pharmacological treatment of damaged spinal cord. Define "windows of opportunity" for functional repair. Enhance understanding of the neurobiology of the chronically injured cord. Develop improved animal models for both acute and chronic spinal cord and CNS injury. Study therapeutic interventions aimed at the various functional consequences of spinal cord injury such as spasticity and exaggerated reflexes, respiratory compromise, pain, pressure ulcers, bone deterioration, or bowel/bladder control. Investigate issues of nutrition, physical conditioning, and sleep in individuals with spinal cord injury. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This new policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies (Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations) which have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some new provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should follow 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 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. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) according to the instructions included in the application package. These application packages are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and from the Division 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. Receipt dates for new research grant applications are February 1, June 1, and October 1. On page 1 of form PHS 398, check "YES" in Item 2 and enter the number and title of this Program Announcement in the space provided. Use the mailing label provided in the application package to mail the completed, signed original and five exact copies 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) A number of other Institutes, Centers, and Divisions (ICD) at the NIH may be interested in the general subject of this program announcement. Applications submitted in response to this PA that propose research in scientific areas that overlap ICD interests will receive a funding component assignment in accord with existing referral guidelines and procedures established by the Division of Research Grants, NIH. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines. Applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate study section in the Division of Research Grants. Applications for multicentered clinical trials will be reviewed by the institute designated for primary assignment. The standard review criteria will be used to assess the scientific merit of applications. The second level of review will be by the appropriate National Advisory Council. AWARD CRITERIA Applications will compete for available funds with all other applications. The following will be considered when making funding decisions: o quality of the proposed projects as determined by peer review; o availability of funds; and o program balance among research areas. INQUIRIES Inquiries are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Dr. Mary Ellen Cheung Division of Stroke, Trauma, and Neurodegenerative Disorders National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Federal Building, Room 8A13 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-4226 FAX: (301) 480-1080 Email: MM108W@NIH.GOV Dr. Michael D. Oberdorfer Strabismus, Amblyopia, and Visual Process Branch National Eye Institute 6120 Executive Boulevard, Suite 350, MSC 7164 Bethesda, MD 20892-7164 Telephone: (301) 496-5301 FAX: (301) 496-0528 Email: MO5R@NIH.GOV Dr. Danuta Krotoski National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Building 6100, Room 2A03, MSC 7510 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 402-2242 FAX: (301) 402-0832 Email: DK58P@NIH.GOV Dr. Mary D. Leveck Scientific Program Administrator National Institute of Nursing Research Building 45, Room 3AN-12, MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-5963 FAX: (301) 480-8260 Email: MLEVECK@EP.NINR.NIH.GOV Direct inquiries regarding fiscal aspects to: Ms. Gladys Bohler Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Federal Building, Room 1004 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-9231 FAX: (301) 402-0219 Ms. Carolyn Grimes Extramural Services Branch National Eye Institute Executive Plaza South, Suite 350 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-5884 Ms. Mary Ellen Colvin Grants Management Branch National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 8A07 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-5001 Mr. Jeff Carow Grants Management Officer National Institute of Nursing Research Building 45, Room 3AN12 MSC 6301 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-5974 FAX: (301) 480-8256 Email: JCAROW@EP.NINR.NIH.GOV AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.853-93.854, 93.868, 93.864- 93.865, and 93.361. Grants will be awarded under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Section 301 (Public Law 78-410, as amended: 42 USC 241) and administered under PHS grant policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR 74. This program is not subject to Health Services Agency Review of the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372. 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 Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - RFA AG-97-002 - V26(01) 01/10/97 Date: 16 Jan 1997 14:09:25 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 787 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bm8ul$gh4@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net RESOURCE CENTERS FOR MINORITY AGING RESEARCH NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 1, January 10, 1997 RFA: AG-97-002 P.T. 04, FF; K.W. 0710010, 0745027, 0745035 National Institute on Aging National Institute of Nursing Research Letter of Intent Receipt Date: March 7, 1997 Application Receipt Date: April 18, 1997 PURPOSE The National Institute on Aging (NIA) invites applications from qualified institutions for the creation of Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMARs). The long-range goal for the RCMARs is to decrease the minority/non-minority differential in health and its social sequelae for older people by focusing research upon health promotion, disease prevention, and disability prevention. More basic or clinical research areas will be considered if there is a clear and compelling rationale that they offer the potential to reduce health status differentials. To meet the long-range goal, RCMARs will create a research infrastructure around three objectives: (1) to establish a mechanism for mentoring researchers for careers in research on the health of minority elders; (2) to enhance diversity in the professional workforce conducting research on the health of minority elders; and (3) to develop and deploy strategies for recruiting and retaining minority group members in epidemiological, psychosocial, and/or biomedical research dealing with the health of the elderly. RCMAR funding is not intended for further description of majority/minority health status or access differentials but for ultimately closing that gap. RCMARs are intended to be broadly multi-disciplinary. Interaction among social, behavioral, and clinical sciences is anticipated and encouraged in order to meet Center objectives. The RCMAR solicitation is intended to meet its objectives by: o increasing learning and mentoring relationships between experienced researchers and researchers without previous funded research on minority health and aging issues; o increasing the research skills and experience of minority faculty at either majority or traditionally minority based institutions (TMBIs) who may not have had opportunities for conducting minority health and aging research; o increasing the cultural awareness, community development techniques, and methodological skills of majority and minority researchers who have limited familiarity with minority populations or with behavioral science/epidemiological research skills in conducting research in minority populations; o supporting research on understanding and reducing health status and access differentials by funding pilot studies which have a high probability of resulting in subsequent independent investigator awards, involving minority researchers as principal investigators (PIs) or major co-investigators; o creating an infrastructure using already tested models for accessing older minority individuals to seek their participation in biomedical, social and behavioral research on aging; o increasing and disseminating knowledge about, and experience with, gaining access to and maintaining populations of various minority group members for aging research; and o creating culturally sensitive strategies and measurement tools for use in older minority populations for aging research. 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. The Request for Applications (RFA), Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research, is related to the priority areas of educational and community-based programs, heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic disabling conditions, and clinical preventive services. 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. Awards will not be made to foreign institutions. Applications from racial/ethnic minority individuals, women and persons with disabilities are encouraged. Applicants must demonstrate access to and experience working with the selected minority population(s). Applicants can come from either TMBIs or from other institutions that demonstrate a strong, functional and cooperative arrangement with minority researchers and/or minority organizations. Institutions or affiliates should have prior experience in conducting minority research including skills in social survey or qualitative research techniques and methodologies for recruiting, maintaining, and assessing minority populations. At the time of application, institutions participating as part of a proposed center must have among them at least three or more externally funded, current, peer-reviewed projects involving human subjects in the RCMAR-related areas of reducing health differentials, health care access, and/or minority research, as related to aging research. The projects must be expected to continue for at least a year after the time of application. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This program will be supported by an NIH Core Center Grant (P30). Applicants must request five years of support. Awards may be renewable at the end of five years through submission of a competing continuation application depending upon progress and the availability of funds. FUNDS AVAILABLE The award of Center grants pursuant to this RFA is contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose. The intent is to fund up to six RCMARs in Fiscal Year (FY) 1997. The specific number awarded will be contingent upon the merit of the proposals. These applications do not compete for funding within the general pool of dollars available for investigator-initiated research proposals. The total cost may not exceed $575,000 per application for the first year (excluding an elective Coordinating Center component; see below). Years two through five may not exceed a three percent per year increase. Contingent upon funds being available and appropriate progress, RCMARs may be renewable after the initial five year period through submission of a competing continuation application. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Over the last several years NIA has increasingly focused attention upon: enhancing its commitment to research on topics germane to the health and well-being of older minority Americans; involving minority researchers in minority institutions in aging research and training; and encouraging researchers at TMBIs to participate in nationally funded research on aging and health. Research focusing directly and indirectly upon minority/majority differences in health, health care access and the use of preventive services has lead to increased understanding of these differences (Ferraro and Farmer, 1996; Link and Phelan, 1995; Marquis and Long, 1996; Weissman and Epstein, 1994). However, the involvement of minority researchers in independently funded health care and health promotion research and the involvement and maintenance of minority populations in research projects continues to be an NIA priority and major concern in both social and biomedical research concerning the elderly (Harris et al., forthcoming; Prohaska and Walcott-McQuigg, forthcoming). The creation of RCMARs is intended to continue the effort to close the gap between minority and non-minority populations in health status and health care and to improve understanding of disease and health in older minority populations. This long-range goal can be accomplished by enhancing the capacity of minority and non-minority researchers and TMBIs to conduct research among minority groups. RCMARs are also expected to contribute to the creation and dissemination of knowledge regarding the inclusion and continued participation of minority subjects in studies dealing with the RFA's focus. The recruitment and retention of minority subjects in panels for both social science and clinical/biological research is a central objective in this RFA. These objectives will necessitate the creation of culturally sensitive techniques and measurement tools in ethnically and racially diverse populations. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS The RCMAR proposal may be submitted by a PI from a TMBI or a non-TMBI. If submitted by a non-TMBI, the PI should be able to demonstrate active involvement of minority researchers at the professional level. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include at least one community based, minority oriented organization as a partner in the RCMAR proposal. At least one of the institutions involved in the RCMAR must have prior experience related to aging research on reducing the differential in health status and/or access among minority and majority populations. The RCMAR will be organized around a series of Core activities. The function of each Core is suggested below; the particular organization of the RCMAR and the interaction among Cores should be described and justified in the application. The proposal should present an identifiable and separate budget for each Core and a description of each Core's approach to the activities outlined in the RCMAR RFA. While four Cores are required, each applicant may propose and justify additional Cores. Administrative Core RCMARs must have strong and experienced central leadership to coordinate proposed activities and to keep all RCMAR components informed of important activities and decisions. Critical elements of the Administrative Core follow. o Leadership by an experienced investigator is essential. The PI must possess experience in conducting research with minority elderly populations. He/she should be experienced in mentoring and learning environments that will enhance the inclusion of minority researchers. o The Administrative Core must propose and show evidence of having recruited an Advisory Panel of at least five, and no more than seven, members including at least two from relevant community groups and two researchers on aging, the latter not otherwise affiliated with the RCMAR. The Advisory Panel will meet at least twice yearly to review Center activities and make recommendations to improve RCMAR functions. o The proposal must specify how the Administrative Core will create mechanisms to ensure that RCMAR Cores will interact to maximum benefit. The objectives of that interaction must be specified. o The proposal's Administrative Core component should specify the mechanisms for ensuring that RCMAR researchers will interact with colleagues at the parent institution and at affiliated institutions, including community organizations. These mechanisms are needed to ensure: (1) the practicability of developing connections with minority communities; (2) recruitment and retention of minority subjects; (3) the viability of mentoring and training relationships among affiliated institutions, when appropriate; and (4) the creation of appropriate instruments and techniques for working with different ethnic/racial groups. o The Administrative Core should specify its role in the oversight of the selection of studies for pilot funding made during the conduct of the RCMAR effort. It must specify how it will facilitate and track the evolution of these studies from pilot to independent investigator, R01-type proposals during and following the five years of the RCMAR. o The Administrative Core will select three participants from the RCMAR and prepare for an annual day and a half meeting in the Washington, DC area to discuss progress and common problems in the conduct of the Centers. Travel to these meetings should be budgeted as part of the Administrative Core. Community Liaison Core Experience indicates that intensive effort, specialized skill, and creativity are needed to recruit and retain older minority subjects. To these ends, it is the responsibility of the Community Liaison Core to develop and maintain relationships with individual minority group members and minority community-based organizations (CBOs). Liaison Core staff are encouraged to work with CBOs to foster acceptance in minority communities for participating and remaining in research projects. The Community Liaison Core's role is to facilitate interaction among individual minority community members including formal and informal leaders, as well as with appropriate CBOs, and with researchers planning studies involving minority communities. To this end, the Community Liaison Core will create and maintain an infrastructure of minority group member participants for research involvement among RCMAR and other research projects at their home institution(s). The Community Liaison Core is encouraged to work closely with both the CBOs and the professional staff who plan and conduct research involving community members. In conjunction with the Investigator Development Core (see below), the Community Liaison Core must create and disseminate information regarding techniques for recruitment and retention of minority subjects suitable for investigators at local institutions and nationally. A plan for dissemination of recruitment and retention methods must be included in the application. It may include publications and presentations of information, conferences and symposia, and outreach activities to other institutions conducting clinical, behavioral, and/or social research on aging. Investigator Development Core It is the responsibility of the Investigator Development Core to assure successful mentoring of, and collaboration with, minority researchers. This function has two components: Pilot Studies and Information Transfer Activities. Pilot Studies Each RCMAR must propose two pilot studies for the first year. Each pilot study should be of no more than one year's duration. Each RCMAR should anticipate funding three to four pilot studies during each subsequent year of the project's five year duration and all pilot studies must involve a minority investigator at the professional level (e.g., as PI or major co-investigator). The pilot studies should provide preliminary data on progress toward: (1) developing or testing clinical, social, and/or behavioral interventions for decreasing differentials in health status or access to services among older minority and majority group members; or (2) developing and validating measurement instruments or protocols suitable for use with minority groups; or (3) testing models of recruitment/retention strategies. In the initial RCMAR proposal, a three page summary (maximum) of each selected pilot study should accompany the proposal. Each summary should contain a PHS standard Biographical Sketch for the investigator, a statement of the problem, the methods to be used, the anticipated results, and subsequent planned efforts leading to an independent investigator award. The RCMAR proposal must include the criteria used for selecting the submitted pilot studies and propose a plan for reviewing pilot grant applications in subsequent years. Applicants should also provide a plan for increasing the number of minority researchers receiving support though pilot projects in the out years of the project. A minimum of three and a maximum of four pilot projects may be supported in each of years 02 through 05. Funding for each pilot study may not exceed $20,000 (direct costs) per year. In years 02 through 05, each RCMAR will be responsible for: o selecting and funding (maximum direct cost: $20,000 for each pilot study) a minimum of three and a maximum of four new pilot investigations in each year; and o demonstrating that prior years' pilot studies lead to the submission of R01 or similar independent research proposals. Each RCMAR must develop and specify plans for disseminating information about the availability of pilot funds. If consistent with the overall objectives of the specific RCMAR, the Center may fund researchers who are not members of the original participating institution(s). It is assumed that such pilot projects might bring in new collaborating partners. Proposed pilot projects in out-years must have the approval of the NIA program administrator. Information Transfer Activities Each RCMAR should create a program for disseminating research information regarding techniques used for conducting research involving minority aging populations. The audiences for these activities should include CBOs and researchers at the host institution as well as investigators at other institutions who are in a position to further enhance the inclusion of older minority populations in research addressing the differential in health status and access to care among older minority and majority populations. Information transfer activities may include, but are not limited to activities such as training programs, short courses, distance learning, presentations at professional meetings and publications. The content of these activities are at the discretion of the RCMAR but should include information on: basic research methodologies; recruitment and retention of minority populations; and substantive issues regarding health care differentials among older minority and majority populations. The RCMAR may wish to seek Continuing Health Education credit for participants. The information transfer function of the Investigator Development Core should work closely with the Community Liaison Core on issues of recruitment and retention. Proposals should describe in detail the plan for developing and evaluating information dissemination activities. The Investigator Development Core must also specify a mechanism for assuring the effective mentoring of minority researchers. The RCMAR proposal should contain a plan for, and an evaluation strategy of, the mentoring process to demonstrate its ability and commitment to enhancing diversity in the professional research workforce dealing with the health of the elderly. Measurement Core Each RCMAR should specify strategies for identifying, cataloging, distributing and/or creating culturally sensitive epidemiologic, or psychosocial measurement tools. Centers should develop and test strategies for enhancing cultural sensitivity in collecting clinical, behavioral, and social science data (e.g., drawing blood; collecting urine; assessing socioeconomic status; conducting qualitative research). It is the responsibility of the Measurement Core to create, identify, catalogue, and disseminate information in its domain. The RCMAR proposal should specify methodologies for these activities. Optional Coordinating Center Each applicant is invited to submit as part of his/her response to the RCMAR RFA, a section proposing a Coordinating Center (CC). A maximum budget for this effort is $150,000 per year (total costs) or should the number of RCMARs funded by less than six, the total budget for the CC will be $25,000 times the number of funded Centers, but not less than $100,000. The selection of the CC will be made by the NIA program administrator based on the recommendations of the Initial Review Group responsible for peer review of the proposals. The CC will fulfill the following functions. Coordinating Center: Logistic Support The CC will provide logistic support to the NIA program administrator and to the RCMARs. It will make all arrangements for a yearly RCMAR meeting in the Washington, DC area (see below), prepare minutes, and in coordination with NIA Program Staff, create the agenda for that meeting. It will also have the responsibility of preparing a yearly progress report for the program. Additionally it will foster communication among Centers, including the NIA. The CC will collect and summarize Advisory Panel minutes from each Center and share those with other sites. Coordinating Center: Data Collection and Dissemination Support The CC will facilitate the sharing of scientific information, techniques, and measurement tools among the Centers. By means of a clearinghouse mechanism, the CC will collect and disseminate these items and encourage shared activities among the Centers including, but not limited to: distance learning, training seminars, dissemination strategies and resources, works-in-progress and techniques for recruitment and retention of aging minority population members. Coordinating Center: Summary Report The CC will work with the NIA program administrator and each Center in preparing a document near the conclusion of the first four years of RCMAR experience summarizing similarities and differences among the Centers. The document will contain, but not be limited to: Center descriptions; common themes; findings regarding the training and recruitment of minority investigators; and findings regarding the recruitment and retention of minority subjects. In addition, the CC will work with the NIA program administrator in planning a national symposium based upon the findings and experience of the RCMAR program. Budget Considerations All RCMAR applicants should request and provide justification for five years of support. The total costs for the first year of support may not exceed $575,000 and years 02 through 05 may not exceed a three percent per year increase. The distribution of funds within the RCMAR to each Core is at the discretion of the applicant institution and must be justified by the activities of each Core. Support for secretarial and administrative staff may be provided to the extent that their activities relate to meeting RCMAR's specified objectives. Similarly, domestic and foreign travel by project personnel must be justified as meeting project objectives. Travel and per diem for three persons to attend an annual day and a half meeting in the Washington, DC area should be included in the budget. Consultants' costs are allowed if evidence is presented that the services are required by the RCMAR's objectives and are not otherwise available. Pilot studies may not exceed $20,000 per pilot, direct costs. The cost justification for each pilot study should be contained in the Investigator Development Core budget. For awarded grants, applications for years 02 through 05 must contain the cost justification for each of the selected pilot studies in the renewal application budget. Funding for specific out-year pilot studies must be approved by the NIA program administrator. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulations 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 resulted 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. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," 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. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by March 7, 1997, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed RCMAR, the name, address, phone number(s), fax number, and E-mail address of the Principal Investigator, if possible, the identities and professional affiliation(s) of key personnel likely to assume leadership roles of the Cores, and the number and title of this RFA. The letter of intent is not binding and will not enter into consideration in this or subsequent applications. The information is helpful in planning for the review of the applications. It allows NIA staff to estimate the potential review workload, to select reviewers appropriately and to avoid conflicts of interest in the selection of reviewers. The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. Stahl at the address listed under INQUIRIES. APPLICATION PROCEDURES The application should be prepared using instructions in this RFA and those in supplementary instructions for preparation of multi-component applications available from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Prior to submission of the formal application, consultation with NIA Program Staff concerning the technical aspects of preparing the application is strongly encouraged. 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. To identify these applications as being in response to the RFA, check "YES" on item 2 of the face page of the application and enter the RFA number and the title: "RESOURCE CENTERS FOR MINORITY AGING RESEARCH." The RFA label available with 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 on time for review. Submit a signed, original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed, exact 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: Chief, Scientific Review Office National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Room 2C212 7201 Wisconsin Avenue MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Applications must be received by April 18, 1997. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. Page Limitation: Applications may not exceed a total of 25 pages for Items a-d of each core. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Division of Research Grants (DRG) and for responsiveness by NIA. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. If NIA staff find that the application is not responsive (i.e., fails to include all required components, or requests amounts that exceed allowable limits, or is not directed to the goals of this RFA) it will be returned without further consideration. Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by the NIA. As part of this merit review, a streamlined review process may be used in which applications will be determined to be competitive or non-competitive based on their merit relative to other applications received in response to the RFA. Applications judged to be competitive will be reviewed in detail by an initial peer review group and also receive a second level of review by the National Advisory Council on Aging. Applications determined to be "non-competitive for funding" will be so designated, and an abbreviated summary report noting the major weaknesses will be sent to the principal investigator and the application withdrawn. Each application must be thorough and complete enough to stand on its own and should be prepared as if no site visit will occur. Additional materials or revisions will not be accepted after the receipt date. It is strongly recommended that Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval be secured prior to submission. Otherwise, it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure these certifications are sent to the Scientific Review Office, NIA, within 60 days of the proposal's receipt date. Applications failing to comply with this requirement will be returned without review. There will be no further notification on this issue. Review criteria Applicants should demonstrate that the following general criteria can be met for this solicitation. o Evidence of experience with, and a commitment to, fostering working relationships with minority populations. o Evidence of the inclusion of minority researchers in the RCMAR proposal. o Evidence of prior research in the areas addressed by this RFA as they relate to minority elderly populations. o Evidence of existing linkages, or a reasonable expectation of such linkages, with minority institutions or community organizations. o Appropriateness of the proposed budget. The initial review group will also examine the provisions for the protection of human and animal subjects and the safety of the research environment. The following criteria will be used in judging the adequacy of the administration of the proposed RCMAR. o Evidence of the scientific, leadership, and administrative ability of the RCMAR Director and his/her staff and a commitment to devote adequate time to program management. o Evidence that the organization and processes proposed for internal communication and cooperation between and among the Cores and community groups will function to meet RCMAR objectives. o Evidence that the mechanisms for review and administration of the pilot studies will function to produce studies that meet substantive objectives and have a reasonable expectation of subsequent independent funding. o Evidence that the Advisory Panel is well linked to the minority population(s) served and to the broader gerontologic research community and is committed to the success of the RCMAR. The following criteria will be used to evaluate the commitment of the host institution(s) to RCMAR objectives. o Evidence that the academic environment(s) and its/their resources, including space, equipment, and facilities, are adequate to meet the RCMAR's objectives. o Evidence that the host institution is sufficiently flexible to foster multi-disciplinary interaction between its administrative units and with organizations external to the university (e.g., CBOs). The following criteria will be used to evaluate the investigators. o Evidence of sustained research and prior successful mentoring experience. o Evidence of commitment to furthering RCMAR objectives through prior professional activity in each of the following areas: (1) creating an infrastructure for increasing minority researcher mentoring; (2) successfully maintaining recruitment goals for minority subjects in prior funded research; (3) conducting research addressing strategies for decreasing minority/non-minority health and/or access differentials in older populations; and (4) development of culturally sensitive assessment methods and tools. Each Core should demonstrate evidence that its functions address the objectives of the proposed RCMAR. The review criteria for the Administrative Core are those of overall program administration and are listed above. The following criterion will be used for evaluating the Community Liaison Core. o Evidence of an ongoing relationship or a reasonable expectation of the ability to create a relationship with minority community groups. The Investigator Development Core will be evaluated using the following criteria. o Evidence of the scientific adequacy, appropriateness (to meet RCMAR objectives), and feasibility of the proposed pilot studies. o Evidence of the intention and likelihood that the proposed pilot studies will result in the submission of a competitive, investigator initiated, independent research award, such as an R01. o Evidence that during the out-years of the Center, there is a sufficient pool of researchers to submit excellent pilot study applications. o Evidence that out-year pilot study selection will provide scientifically rigorous and potentially fundable projects. o Evidence of the ability to disseminate through professional and less formal mechanisms, information learned about recruiting and retaining minority population members in research on health and access of older minority populations. o Evidence that the mentoring strategy is likely to produce and retain minority professionals in aging research. The Measurement Core will be evaluated based upon the following criterion. o Evidence of prior experience in the creation and/or use of culturally sensitive and specific measurement tools. Should the RCMAR choose to apply for the Coordinating Center, it should meet the following criteria. o Evidence of experience with, or a reasonable expectation of success in, providing diverse sites with logistic support in arranging for annual meetings and in preparing pre- and post-meeting materials. o Evidence that the CC will be able to foster interaction between all sites for sharing developments and findings such as mentoring progress, new research tools, recruitment and retention strategies that work/do not work, etc. o Evidence that the CC can draft an annual progress report, serve the clearinghouse function, and create a summary report near the conclusion of the first four years of RCMAR experience. AWARD CRITERIA The anticipated date of award will be September 1997. Funding criteria will be scientific merit (based on the Review Criteria), availability of funds, and program priorities. Among those priorities is representation from African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American Indian populations among the selected RCMARs. Therefore, final selection will take into account racial and ethnic variation both within and between proposals to select a balance among the most qualified of the RCMAR proposals. INQUIRIES Inquiries are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify issues or answer questions from potential applicants is welcome. Inquiries regarding programmatic issues and the application process, as well as letters of intent, may be directed to: Sidney M. Stahl, Ph.D. Behavioral and Social Research Program National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 533 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 402-4156 FAX: (301) 402-0051 Email: Sidney_Stahl@nih.gov J. Taylor Harden, Ph.D. Extramural Programs National Institute of Nursing Research 45 Center Drive, Room 3AN-12, MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 Telephone: (301) 594-6906 FAX: (301) 480-8260 Email: THarden@ep.ninr.nih.gov Direct inquires regarding fiscal matters to: David Reiter Grants Management Office National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2N212 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-1472 FAX: (301) 402-3672 Email: DR36T@nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.866, 93.361. 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. References Ferraro, Kenneth F. and Melissa M. Farmer. 1996. Double Jeopardy to Health Hypothesis for African Americans: Analysis and Critique." Journal of Health and Social Behavior 37:27-43. Harris, Yvonne, Philip Gorelick, Patricia Samuels and Isaac Bempong. (forthcoming). "Why African Americans May Not be Participating in Clinical Trials." Journal of the National Medical Association 88. Link, Bruce G. And Jo Phelan. 1995. "Social Conditions as Fundamental Causes of Disease." Journal of Health and Social Behavior (Extra Issue):80-94. Marquis, M. Susan and Stephen H. Long. 1996. "Reconsidering the Effect of Medicaid on Health care Services Use." Health Services Research 30:791-808. Prohaska, T. and J. Walcott-McQuigg. (forthcoming). "Recruitment of Older African Americans. A Focus Group Approach. Journal of Aging and Ethnicity. Weissman, Joel S. And Arnold M. Epstein. 1994. Falling through the Safety Net. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press. From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 28 December 1996 Date: 15 Jan 1997 16:06:48 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 84 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bjreo$ojb@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 December 28, 1996. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: International Document Title: INT 96-48 NSF/Europe Report No. 81 June 1996 European Commission - The Joint Research Centre File size (bytes): 12193 STIS Filename: int9648.txt Also available: int9648.doc Title: INT 96-49 NSF/Europe Report No. 80 March 1996 A View of Italian Science File size (bytes): 14215 STIS Filename: int9649.txt Also available: int9649.doc Document Type: Letter Title: NSF 97-35 Dear Colleague, Conservation and Restoration Biology File size (bytes): STIS Filename: nsf9735.txt (NSF) Document Type: Program Guideline Title: NSF 97-38--Coastal Ocean Processes (CoOP) Coastal Studies in the Great Lake File size (bytes): 20710 STIS Filename: nsf9738.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: International Document Title: INT 96-47 NSF/EUROPE Report No. 79 ONR-EUROPE Computer and Software Technology Newsletter No.15 INRIA - THE FRENCH NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND CONTROL File size (bytes): 12362 STIS Filename: int9647.txt Also available: int9647.doc ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE (updated 8/23/96) ** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS We are currently migrating to a completely Web-based information dissemination system. Please visit our Web site at the following URL: http://www.nsf.gov/ The above files refer to the STIS system, which is being replaced. If you are familiar with STIS, you can use the information above to retrieve these files: Documents via E-mail: Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command. For example, to retrieve vex973.txt, the text of your message should be as follows: get vex973.txt Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve vex973.txt, you would enter: ftp> get vex973.txt 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". If you have problems with the above procedures: Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov". From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 4 January 1997 Date: 15 Jan 1997 16:05:51 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 77 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bjrcv$ohb@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 January 4, 1997. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: Bulletin Title: January Bulletin Vol 24; No. 5 File size (bytes): 54738 STIS Filename: bul9701.txt Document Type: International Document Title: INT 96-50 NSF/Europe Report No. 84, July 1996 Science in Latvia File size (bytes): 26653 STIS Filename: int9650.txt Also available: int9650.doc Document Type: Press Release Title: FALSE IDENTIFICATION NEW RESEARCH SEEKS TO INOCULATE... File size (bytes): STIS Filename: pr971.txt Document Type: Recruit Title: Geographer (Program Director) File size (bytes): 7568 STIS Filename: vex975.txt Title: Office Automation Clerk File size (bytes): 8984 STIS Filename: vgs9721.txt Title: Program Assistant (OA) File size (bytes): 9215 STIS Filename: vgs9722.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE (updated 8/23/96) ** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS We are currently migrating to a completely Web-based information dissemination system. Please visit our Web site at the following URL: http://www.nsf.gov/ The above files refer to the STIS system, which is being replaced. If you are familiar with STIS, you can use the information above to retrieve these files: Documents via E-mail: Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command. For example, to retrieve vex973.txt, the text of your message should be as follows: get vex973.txt Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve vex973.txt, you would enter: ftp> get vex973.txt 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". If you have problems with the above procedures: Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov". From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 21 December 1996 Date: 15 Jan 1997 16:04:51 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 112 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bjrb3$o6d@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 December 21, 1996. Reference material concerning STIS follows the summary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS ** Document Type: International Document Title: International Document-NSF/Europe Rpt No 82 June 1996 File size (bytes): 18818 STIS Filename: int9642.txt Title: INT96-43-NSF Europe Report No 83 June 1996 File size (bytes): 28330 STIS Filename: int9643.txt Title: INT96-46 NSF/Europe Report No 86 August File size (bytes): 22683 STIS Filename: int9646.txt Title: INT 96-47 NSF/EUROPE Report No. 79 ONR-EUROPE Computer and Software Technology Newsletter No.15 INRIA - THE FRENCH NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND CONTROL File size (bytes): 12358 STIS Filename: int9647.txt Also available: int9647.doc Document Type: Letter Title: nsf9734.txt - Dear Colleague Letter - Mars-Rock Special Research Opportunity (NSF 97-34) File size (bytes): STIS Filename: nsf9734.txt Document Type: Program Guideline Title: NSF 97-23 - Mathematical Sciences Research Institutions File size (bytes): 19953 STIS Filename: nsf9723.txt Title: NSF 97-27 - New Technologies Program File size (bytes): 9902 STIS Filename: nsf9727.txt Title: NSF 97-28 - Societal Dimensions of Engineering, Science, and Technology Ethics and Values Studies Research on Science and Technology File size (bytes): STIS Filename: nsf9728.txt Also available: nsf9728.pdf Title: NSF 97-39--NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering File size (bytes): 11738 STIS Filename: nsf9739.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS ** Document Type: Letter Title: REULIST -- Current List of REU Sites File size (bytes): 89367 STIS Filename: reulist.txt Document Type: Recruit Title: Program Director File size (bytes): 7106 STIS Filename: vex973.txt Title: Program Director File size (bytes): 7106 STIS Filename: vex973.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE (updated 8/23/96) ** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS We are currently migrating to a completely Web-based information dissemination system. Please visit our Web site at the following URL: http://www.nsf.gov/ The above files refer to the STIS system, which is being replaced. If you are familiar with STIS, you can use the information above to retrieve these files: Documents via E-mail: Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command. For example, to retrieve vex973.txt, the text of your message should be as follows: get vex973.txt Anonymous FTP: FTP to stis.nsf.gov. Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to retrieve a file. For example, to retrieve vex973.txt, you would enter: ftp> get vex973.txt 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". If you have problems with the above procedures: Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov". From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - PAR-97-023 - V26(01) 01/10/97 Date: 16 Jan 1997 14:08:14 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 311 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bm8se$g83@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net INTERNET CONNECTION FOR MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 1, January 10, 1997 PA NUMBER: PAR-97-023 P.T. 15, 18; K.W. 1004017 National Library of Medicine PURPOSE The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is encouraging the development of a communications infrastructure to promote the rapid interchange of medical information nationally and throughout the world. This infrastructure is based upon the Internet, a network of networks, that is a key element in important Federal initiatives in High Performance Computing and Communication (HPCC) and the National Information Infrastructure (NII). Internet access provides health professionals engaged in education, research, clinical care, and administration with a means of accessing remote databases, libraries, NLM's Internet Grateful Med, DOCLINE, and Loansome Doc, of transferring files and images, and of interacting with colleagues throughout the world. To accelerate the pace with which health-related institutions become part of the electronic information web, NLM is offering grants to support institution-wide Internet connections. 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 (PA), Internet Connection for Medical Institutions, is related to the priority area of surveillance and data systems. 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 Domestic, public and private, non-profit institutions engaged in health sciences administration, education, research, and/or clinical care are eligible to apply. "Health sciences" is defined as medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and other sciences related to health. Hospitals are encouraged to apply. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators. Domestic applications may not have international components. Groups (or cooperatives) of health-related institutions are also eligible to apply. A single, lead institution must apply on behalf of the group. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This PA uses the National Library of Medicine (NLM) Resource Grant (G08) mechanism. Indirect costs are not provided. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this PA may not exceed one year. For a single institution, support is available up to $30,000; a group of institutions may receive up to $50,000 to support development of a multi-institution network including extending extant connectivity to outlying sites, or otherwise furthering NLM's goal of expanding information outreach. The overall cost of a connection to the Internet includes: gateway or router equipment, associated communication hardware (CSU/DSU), the leased line and its installation, local area network user support staff, and Internet Service Provider fees. The NLM grant is expected to support the purchase and installation of the gateway system and associated connection hardware, the cost of installation and leasing of communication circuits to connect to the Internet Service Provider, and the cost of Internet Service Provider fees. Institutions are expected to fund personnel, personal computers, and local area network costs. The emphasis of the Internet project should be towards initiating institution-wide Internet access; therefore, costs for website development are discouraged. Grant funds may be used to extend Internet access to other sites from an institution with an existing connection. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background The Internet currently is a collection of interconnected networks and comprises three types of networks: (1) a national backbone network, (2) regional networks (Internet Service Providers) usually based around some geographical region of the country, and (3) local networks at educational, research and clinical institutions. Individual institutions are connected to a regional network in the appropriate geographical area. The regional network is in turn attached to the high-speed national backbone network, usually at its network operation center. The backbone is connected to other national networks including the Defense Research Internet, NASA Science Network, and the Energy Sciences Network; these interconnected networks and many others worldwide comprise the Internet. The Internet provides electronic mail service and access to a variety of scientific resources including: digital libraries, unique databases such as MEDLINE via Grateful Med as well as a host of federal and private sector databases, supercomputers, and remote scientific sensing instruments. The Internet promotes interaction and collaboration with a single, well-integrated connection to end users using the Defense Data Network protocols: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol referred to as TCP/IP. Network management and operations services as well as information services are provided by each of the levels. The national backbone network provides for technical and information services to the Internet Service Providers which may provide technical expertise and information services, including training and documentation, to local network administrators. Local network officials provide technical and information services to the overall local network administration and may also provide consultative and liaison services to end-users of the network. Scope The purpose of this PA is to encourage U.S. medical institutions including medical research institutions, health science schools, hospitals, and professional organizations to connect to the Internet. Some institutions may belong to organizations that are already connected to the Internet, for example, medical schools adjacent to university campuses. In such a case, the NLM grant can be used by a health science school or hospital to link to an existing Internet connection. In other cases, the project will aid the institution in initiating a direct connection to the Internet Service Provider. In general, it is expected that institutions will use an existing local area network to distribute wide access to the Internet, or will build a new local area network and connect it to the Internet. A local area network is connected to the Internet by installing an IP router/gateway. This gateway will link the local area network to an appropriate Internet Service Provider by means of leased or dial-up communication circuits of varying speeds (9600 bits per second to 1.5 million bits per second). The resultant connections to the Internet provided by the gateway should be made widely available to all appropriate health professionals -- researchers, faculty, students, clinicians, and administrators. Ideally the institution will have installed a high-speed local area network and have adopted the TCP/IP protocols as the standard communication protocol. Where other networking protocols are used, the institution will be responsible for the installation of any additional network gateway systems required to resolve the protocol conversion issues so as to provide connectivity to the Internet gateway. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) and will be accepted at the standard deadline dates (February 1, June 1 and October 1) as indicated in the instructions. Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Division 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. Supplemental Application Guidelines Applicants should not feel constrained by the emphasis on research in the language used by the forms. It may be useful for an applicant to read "project" whenever the form and instructions refer to "research". NLM considers these grants to be projects, not research applications, and will evaluate the applications in that spirit. NLM recommends that those writing the application keep the "project" concept in mind. Internet uses may support administration, education, research and/or patient care endeavors. Applicants are encouraged to include their health science library in the proposed Internet connection. "Biographical Sketch" form page (FF). Include computer, communications, networking skills, including TCP/IP experience, and Internet training. "Resources" form page (HH). Applicants are encouraged to substitute applicable headings such as computers, communications, and networking resources. For multiple institutions these must be described for each site. Letters of agreement or memoranda of understanding defining mutual responsibilities must be provided in the application and signed by authorized officials of each participating institution. In Section 9 of the "Research Plan" (read "Project Plan") also provide: 1) proposed benefits of Internet access to the targeted population; 2) plans for provision of institution-wide access, user training and user support and 3) plans for future support. The success of an Internet connection depends upon training users in establishing accounts and passwords and in teaching Internet capabilities. Describe user training plans including topics to be covered and the personnel who will provide the training and follow-up, ongoing training. Library involvement in user training is strongly encouraged. In regard to future support, the Internet Connection Grant is intended to provide seed money to initiate an Internet connection; therefore, plans for budgeting ongoing costs for Internet access must be described. All applicants, particularly those relatively unfamiliar with the application review form and with NIH procedures, are encouraged to consult Ms. Frances Johnson (address below) for assistance as needed in completing the application. Additional Application Procedures Each application must be identified by checking "YES" on Line 2 of the face page, and the number and title of this program announcement must be typed in Section 2. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and five legible, single-sided copies in one package to: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, MSC 7710, SUITE 1040 BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710 BETHESDA, MD 20817-7710 (for express/courier service) REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the NIH Division of Research Grants (DRG) and responsiveness by NLM. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Applications that are complete and responsive to the PA will be evaluated for merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by the NLM in accordance with the review criteria stated below. Applications that are complete and 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 Significance of proposed project relative to the services, programs and personnel expected to benefit from Internet access, and the nature of the anticipated benefits. o Quality of local infrastructure including plans to provide broad institutional access to the Internet gateway and plans to develop institution-wide high-speed networks. o Quality of user services and proposed training. o Technical expertise in computer networking (especially TCP/IP based networking) or plans to provide such expertise including coordination with appropriate Internet service provider. o Plans for future support of the network connection. AWARD CRITERIA In addition to the review criteria identified above, awards depend upon available funds and programmatic priorities. INQUIRIES Written, electronic, and telephone inquiries concerning this PA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Ms. Frances E. Johnson Division of Extramural Programs National Library of Medicine Building 38A, Room 5S-506 Bethesda, MD 20894 Telephone: (301) 496-4621 FAX: (301) 402-0421 Email: FJOHNSON@NLM.NIH.GOV Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Ruth Bortz Grants Management Specialist Division of Extramural Programs National Library of Medicine Telephone: (301) 496-4253 FAX: (301) 402-0421 Email: BORTZ@NES.NLM.NIH.GOV AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS The Resource Grant Program is described in the "Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance" under Medical Library Assistance, Chapter 93.879. Grants will be awarded under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Section 474(42 USC 286b-5) and administered under PHS grant policies and Federal Regulations, most specifically at 42 CFR Part 59a and 45 CFR Part 74. This program is not subject to the inter-governmental 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 Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH GUIDE - PA-97-022 - V26(01) 01/10/97 Date: 16 Jan 1997 14:07:56 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 351 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bm8rs$g4e@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF PRIMARY PULMONARY HYPERTENSION NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 1, January 10, 1997 PA NUMBER: PA-97-022 P.T. 34; K.W. 1002004, 1002008, 0715115, 0705048 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Office of Research on Women's Health Office of Rare Disease Research PURPOSE The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the Office of Research on Women's Health, and the Office of Rare Disease Research invite qualified researchers to submit applications for research project grants to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the etiology and pathogenesis of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). The purpose of this program announcement is to stimulate basic research using cellular and molecular approaches to studying the development and subsequent progression of PPH. Applicants are required to study patients diagnosed with PPH or to use materials of patient origin. 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, Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, is related to the priority area of chronic disabling diseases. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-004730-01) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202/512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications for research grants may be submitted by foreign and domestic, public and private, for-profit and non-profit organizations, such as universities, colleges, hospital, 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. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT The primary mechanisms for support of this program announcement are the research project grant (R01) and the FIRST award (R29). Because the nature and scope of the research proposed in response to this PA may vary, it is anticipated that the size of awards will vary also. Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare disease of unknown cause characterized by abnormally high pressure in the pulmonary artery. The first case of unexplained pulmonary hypertension was described in the literature by Romberg in 1891. In 1951 Dresdale and associates described a series of 39 patients with unexplained pulmonary hypertension and coined the term primary pulmonary hypertension to describe this condition. The diagnostic criteria currently used, as developed by the NHLBI national patient registry, is a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 25 mm Hg at rest or 30 mm Hg during exercise in the absence of other chronic lung or heart disease. The incidence of PPH is unknown, but estimates range from 1 to 2 per million in the general population. PPH can occur in individuals of all ages and both genders, but it appears to affect predominately women in their third and fourth decades of life. The diagnosis of PPH is difficult as there are no specific signs or symptoms in the early stages of the disease. The time from early symptoms to diagnosis is often 2 to 3 years or longer. The most common presenting symptom is dyspnea; other common symptoms are fatigue, chest pain and near syncope. The pathogenesis of PPH is not clearly understood. It is also not known whether PPH is a single disease or a variety of diseases with the same common end stage lung condition. The increased vascular resistance seen in PPH has been attributed to two major factors: 1) vasoconstriction and 2) thickening or remodeling of the vascular arterial wall. There is also a tendency for blood clots to form within the small vessels. Many questions remain unanswered about the etiology and pathogenesis of primary pulmonary hypertension. It has been suggested that abnormalities in pulmonary vascular endothelial function may play a major role in initiating the process that ultimately leads to PPH. Studies in PPH patients have shown an imbalance in the ratio of the metabolites of prostacyclin and thromboxane. Other studies have shown an impaired synthesis of the endothelial-derived vasodilator nitric oxide, that could be due to a reduced level or activity of nitric oxide synthetase. Endothelin, a potent endothelial-derived vasoconstrictor, has been found to be at abnormally high levels in PPH patients. Other mediators that have been suggested to have a role in PPH are serotonin and angiotensin. More studies are needed to determine whether the abnormal levels of these mediators are the cause or result of the hypertensive arteriopathy seen in PPH patients. A number of cytokines and growth factors, including interleukin-1 and interleukin-6, transforming growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor have all been implicated in the thickened arterial vascular wall seen in PPH. The role of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the development and progression of PPH needs to be better defined. Also, the enhanced thrombotic state, that may be related to endothelial dysfunction or platelet abnormalities, needs further study. Another area of interest is that of calcium and potassium transport in vascular smooth muscle cells. Immune dysfunction has also been postulated to play a role in PPH. There is evidence to suggest that susceptibility to PPH may be influenced by products of the major histocompatibility complex. There is no cure for PPH and treatment is limited. The mean survival time of the registry patients was 2.8 years, but this has been extended in some patients using newer treatment modalities. The most widely used vasodilators are the calcium channel blockers, nifedipine and diltiazem, which produce sustained improvement in 25 to 30 percent of patients. Recently, epoprostenol (prostacyclin) became available for patients who do not respond to oral vasodilators but, unfortunately, the drug has to be delivered by continuous intravenous infusion. In a randomized clinical trial, it has recently been shown that epoprostenol improved hemodynamics, exercise tolerance, quality of life and survival in patients with New York Heart classification III and IV. More recently a few patients are apparently having beneficial effects from chronic inhalation of nitric oxide. The only other therapy available is lung transplantation, but that also has many disadvantages, including shortage of donor organs and acute and chronic rejection and infection. Several factors have been associated with the development of pulmonary hypertension, that has clinical and pathologic features similar to that of primary pulmonary hypertension. These factors include portal hypertension, Raynaud's disease, infection with human immunodeficiency virus, and the use of diet suppressants, including aminorex and fenfluramine. Since only a small percentage, 0.5 to 2 percent, of the individuals exposed to these factors actually develop pulmonary hypertension, it has been suggested that a predisposition, perhaps genetically determined, must be present for PPH to develop in response to a stimulus. Approximately 6 to 10 percent of PPH cases are familial, which clearly involves a genetic basis. The purpose of this program announcement is to stimulate basic studies of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development and pathogenesis of primary pulmonary hypertension. Knowledge from these types of basic studies should be helpful in designing more effective treatment for PPH. The research topics identified above are examples of studies that would meet the goals of this program announcement. It is not required that all or any of these topics be included; investigators are encouraged to consider other topics that are relevant this program. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS To be responsive to this program announcement the studies must be conducted in patients diagnosed with PPH or on materials obtained >From PPH patients. This could include blood samples, lung tissue >From patients receiving transplants or biopsy/autopsy specimens. Although studies of other forms of pulmonary hypertension can be included for comparison purposes, the major focus of the application must be on PPH. Studies in animal models of pulmonary hypertension will not be considered responsive to this announcement. Applications that propose descriptive morphologic studies and do not contain any hypothesis driven mechanistic studies will not be acceptable. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This new policy results >From the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies (Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations) which have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some new provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research", which have been published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513), and reprinted in the NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS of March 18, 1994, Volume 23, Number 11. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy form from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program Staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. (NOTE: When the proposed study involves a gender specific study or a single or limited number of minority population groups, this should also be stated to inform reviewers.) APPLICATION PROCEDURES Researchers who are considering preparing an application in response to this program announcement are invited, but not required, to discuss their project and possible grant mechanisms with NHLBI staff listed under INQUIRIES in advance of formal submission. This may be done by telephone, mail, or E-mail. The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used in applying for these grants and will be accepted at the standard application deadlines as indicated in the application kit. Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Division 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 PA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. 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. The original and five copies must be mailed 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) REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications will be assigned on the basis of established Public Health Service referral guidelines. Applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures. 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; o the initial review group will also examine the proposed study for the protection of human subjects and the safety of the research environment. Following scientific-technical review, the applications will receive a second-level review by the appropriate national advisory council. AWARD CRITERIA Applications 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 determined by peer review; availability of funds; and program priority. INQUIRIES Written and telephone inquiries are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Dorothy B. Gail, Ph.D. Division of Lung Diseases National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 10018, MSC-7952 Bethesda, MD 20892-7952 Telephone: (301) 435-0222 FAX: (301) 480-3557 Email: Gaild@gwgate.nhlbi.nih.gov Carrie P. Hunter, M.D., M.P.H. Office of Research on Women's Health National Institutes of Health Building 1, Room 201, MSC-0161 Bethesda, MD 20892-0161 Telephone: (301) 402-1770 FAX: (301) 402-1798 Email: Hunterc@od1tm1.od.nih.gov Stephen Groft, Pharm.D. Office of Rare Disease Research National Institutes of Health 7550 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 618 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 402-4336 FAX: (301) 402-0420 Email: Grofts@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ray Zimmerman Division of Extramural Affairs National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7154, MSC-7926 Bethesda, MD 20892-7926 Telephone: (301) 435-0171 FAX: (301) 480-3310 Email: Zimmermr@gwgate.nhlbi.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.838. 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 174. 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 Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH Guide, vol. 26, no. 01, pt. 2of2, 10 January 1997 Date: 16 Jan 1997 14:06:38 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 104 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bm8pe$ft0@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net 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. Ms. Frances E. Johnson Division of Extramural Programs National Library of Medicine Building 38A, Room 5S-506 Bethesda, MD 20894 Telephone: (301) 496-4621 Email: FJOHNSON@NLM.NIH.GOV $$P2 END ************************************************************ $$P3 BEGIN PA-97-024 FULL-TEXT ************************************** SPINAL CORD INJURY: EMERGING CONCEPTS NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 1, January 10, 1997 PA AVAILABLE: PA-97-024 P.T. 34; K.W. 0705055, 0715027, 0765040 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Eye Institute National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Nursing Research Application Receipt Dates: February 1, June 1, October 1 PURPOSE The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), and National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) invite research project grant (R01) and First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) award applications for support of research that will increase our knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie processes of injury and repair in the central nervous system, including optic nerve and other CNS tracts, and that will provide strategies for therapeutic intervention in spinal cord injury. 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, Spinal Cord Injury: Emerging Concepts, is related to the priority area of unintentional injuries. 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 contacts listed below. Dr. Mary Ellen Cheung Division of Stroke, Trauma, and Neurological Disorders National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Federal Building, Room 8A-13 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-4226 FAX: (301) 480-1080 Email: mm108w@nih.gov Dr. Michael D. Oberdorfer Strabismus, Amblyopia, and Visual Process Branch National Eye Institute 6120 Executive Boulevard, Suite 350, MSC 7164 Bethesda, MD 20892-7164 Telephone: (301) 496-5301 FAX: (301) 496-0528 Email: mo5r@nih.gov Dr. Danuta Krotoski National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Building 6100, Room 2A03, MSC 7510 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 402-2242 FAX: (301) 402-0832 Email: dk58p@nih.gov Dr. Mary D. Leveck Scientific Program Administrator National Institute of Nursing Research Building 45, Room 3AN-12, MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-5963 FAX: (301) 480-8260 Email: mleveck@ep.ninr.nih.gov $$P3 END ************************************************************ From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Jan 15 22:00:00 1997 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources Subject: NIH Guide, vol. 26, no. 01, pt. 1of2, 10 January 1997 Date: 16 Jan 1997 14:06:26 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 1494 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <5bm8p2$fs7@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net NIH GUIDE - Vol. 26, No. 1 - January 10, 1997 $$INDEX BEGIN ******************************************************* NOTICES $$INDEX N1 ********************************************************** TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY - NIH EXTRAMURAL REINVENTION PILOT STUDIES Office of Extramural Research Division of Research Grants Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases INDEX: EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH; RESEARCH GRANTS; TROPICAL MEDICINE, PARASITOLOGY; ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES $$INDEX N2 ********************************************************** SELF-ONLY HEALTH INSURANCE AND TUITION COSTS ON NIH NRSA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP AWARDS -- MODIFIED POLICY National Institutes of Health INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH $$INDEX N3 ********************************************************** NATIONAL HUMAN SUBJECT PROTECTIONS WORKSHOPS National Institutes of Health Food and Drug Administration INDEX: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH; FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION $$INDEX N4 ********************************************************** NCI COOPERATIVE HUMAN TISSUE NETWORK National Cancer Institute INDEX: CANCER $$INDEX N5 ********************************************************** AVAILABILITY OF BIOLOGIC SAMPLES FROM DIABETIC STUDY POPULATION National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases INDEX: DIABETES, DIGESTIVE, KIDNEY DISEASES $$INDEX N6 ********************************************************** NINDS REVISED PROGRAM PROJECT GUIDELINES National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke INDEX: NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs) $$INDEX R1 04/18/97 ************************************************* RESOURCE CENTERS FOR MINORITY AGING RESEARCH (RFA AG-97-002) National Institute on Aging National Institute of Nursing Research INDEX: AGING; NURSING RESEARCH $$INDEX R2 04/24/97 ************************************************* COMBINED BEHAVIORAL/PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM (RFA AA-97-004) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism INDEX: ALCOHOL ABUSE, ALCOHOLISM $$INDEX R3 04/25/97 ************************************************* EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH (RFA OD-97-004) Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research National Center for Research Resources National Institute of Nursing Research National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institute of Dental Research INDEX: BEHAVIORAL, SOCIAL SCIENCES; RESEARCH RESOURCES; NURSING; DRUG ABUSE; DENTAL $$INDEX R4 04/29/97 ************************************************* IMPROVED TECHNOLOGIES FOR PRODUCTION OF FULL-LENGTH HUMAN cDNA (RFA CA-97-012) National Cancer Institute INDEX: CANCER $$INDEX R5 04/30/97 ************************************************* HOST FACTORS CONTROLLING INDIVIDUAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TO HIV-ASSOCIATED PULMONARY DISEASE (RFA HL-97-001) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute INDEX: HEART, LUNG, BLOOD $$INDEX P1 ********************************************************** CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF PRIMARY PULMONARY HYPERTENSION (PA-97-022) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Office of Research on Women's Health Office of Rare Disease Research INDEX: HEART, LUNG, BLOOD; WOMEN'S HEALTH; RARE DISEASES $$INDEX P2 ********************************************************** INTERNET CONNECTION FOR MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS (PAR-97-023) National Library of Medicine INDEX: NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE $$INDEX P3 ********************************************************** SPINAL CORD INJURY: EMERGING CONCEPTS (PA-97-024) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Eye Institute National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Nursing Research INDEX: NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE; EYE; CHILD HEALTH, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT; NURSING The NIH GUIDE is available electronically via LISTSERV subscription, and is also on the nih gopher (gopher.nih.gov) and the NIH web site (http://www.nih.gov). Alternative access is available 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. All competing (new, renewal, amended (revised) applications for grants, cooperative agreements, and fellowships from 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) ASKNIH is a service of the Division of Extramural Outreach & Information Resources, Office of Extramural Research, Office of the Director, NIH. ASKNIH is the point of contact for obtaining general information about NIH extramural research & research training programs, requesting publications, and learning more about obtaining the NIH GUIDE and other information on the NIH web site. ASKNIH is also the contact to which organizations should request application kits and forms. ASKNIH NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH EMAIL: ASKNIH@ODROCKM1.OD.NIH.GOV FAX: (301) 480-0525 TELEPHONE: (301) 435-0714 INQUIRIES ABOUT THE NOTICES, PAS, AND RFAS IN THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE NIH STAFF MEMBER IDENTIFIED AT THE END OF EACH ITEM. 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. ORGANIZATIONS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 501(c)4 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1968 THAT ENGAGE IN LOBBYING ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE GRANT/COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT AWARDS. $$INDEX END ********************************************************* NOTICES $$N1 BEGIN NOT-97-001 FULL-TEXT ************************************* TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY - NIH EXTRAMURAL REINVENTION PILOT STUDIES NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 1, January 10, 1997 P.T. 34; K.W. 1014006 Office of Extramural Research Division of Research Grants Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Study Section National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases BACKGROUND The information in this notice is primarily directed to applicants, peer reviewers, awardees, and NIH staff in Tropical Medicine and Parasitology (TMP). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been designated an Extramural Programs Reinvention Laboratory. A series of experiments have been and are being undertaken in a partnership between the Office of Extramural Research (OER), Division of Research Grants (DRG), and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to test ways to simplify and expedite the grant application submission, review, and award processes. This notice describes a series of interrelated pilot studies to (1) test methods for shortening the interval from application submission to grant award and (2) assess methods for reducing the amount of information provided by applicants. THE FIVE INTER-RELATED STUDIES The major objectives of these studies are to: (1) determine if the first and second levels of peer review of grant applications can be completed in a shorter interval of time (as little as four to five months compared with the current eight to eleven months) without loss of quality; (2) determine if less information can be obtained from applicants without impeding the review of applications and award of grants; and (3) assess changes in pa