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$$XID NIHGUIDE 19951201 V24N41 P1O1 ************************************
X-comment: RFAS described: HL-96-005, DA-96-003, HL-96-006, PA-96-008, PA-96-
X-URL: gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/11/res/nih-guide/guide-files/95.12.01

NIH GUIDE - Vol. 24, No. 41 - December 1, 1995

$$INDEX BEGIN *******************************************************

               NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs)

$$INDEX R1 **********************************************************

CORTICAL CONTROL OF NEURAL PROTHESES (RFP NIH-NINDS-96-02)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
INDEX:  NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE

$$INDEX R2 02/09/96 *************************************************

THE ETIOLOGY OF EXCESS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN DIABETES MELLITUS
(RFA HL-96-005)
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
INDEX:  HEART, LUNG, BLOOD

$$INDEX R3 02/21/96 *************************************************

NOVEL PHARMACOTHERAPIES FOR COCAINE AND OTHER PSYCHOSTIMULANT
DEPENDENCE (RFA DA-96-003)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
INDEX:  DRUG ABUSE

$$INDEX R4 03/12/96 *************************************************

SLEEP ACADEMIC AWARD (RFA HL-96-006)
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
INDEX:  HEART, LUNG, BLOOD

$$INDEX P1 **********************************************************

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF LUNG CANCER:  INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (PA-96-008)
National Cancer Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
INDEX:  CANCER; ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

$$INDEX P2 **********************************************************

CENTRAL AUDITORY SYSTEM PLASTICITY IN ADULTS (PA-96-009)
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
INDEX:  DEAFNESS, OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

THIS PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY VIA BITNET OR INTERNET,
BY SUBSCRIPTION, AND IS ALSO ON THE NIH GOPHER (GOPHER.NIH.GOV).
ALTERNATIVE ACCESS IS THROUGH THE NIH GRANT LINE USING A PERSONAL
COMPUTER (DATA LINE 301/402-2221); CONTACT DR. JOHN JAMES AT 301/435-
0692 FOR DETAILS.

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.

THE DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS (DRG) HAS MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION.
ALL COMPETING GRANT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES
OF HEALTH MUST BE SENT TO:

DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

$$INDEX END *********************************************************

               NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs)

$$R1 BEGIN NIH-NINDS-96-02 ******************************************

CORTICAL CONTROL OF NEURAL PROTHESES

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFP AVAILABLE:  NIH-NINDS-96-02

P.T. 34; K.W. 1002030, 0710085

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

The Neural Prosthesis Program of the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of
Health (NIH), supports research and development on functional
neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) to restore hand and arm function in
quadriplegic individuals.  These FNS systems must operate under the
voluntary control of the individual.  Providing a means for the
individual to produce the control signals represents a critical part
of any potential FNS system.  Presently, control signals are
generated by voluntary movements of unparalyzed muscles such as the
contralateral shoulder.

This project will investigate the ability of cortical cells in a
neurologically intact animal to control an artificial output device
on a chronic basis.  The goal of this work is to establish the
feasibility of generating control signals through voluntary control
of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS).  To demonstrate
cortical control, it is necessary to show that the neural activity in
selected cell populations in the CNS can be trained to reliably
control an electromechanical device.  It is anticipated that one
award, on a cost-reimbursement basis, will be made for a period of
three years.

INQUIRIES

This is not a Request for Proposals.  Request for Proposals (RFP) No.
NIH-NINDS-96-02 will be issued on or about November 20, 1995, with
responses due on or about January 22, 1996.  Interested organizations
may request either a streamlined version or an entire RFP document.
If no selection is made, a streamlined version of the RFP will be
provided.  The streamlined version includes only the Statement of
Work, deliverable and reporting requirements, special requirements,
and technical evaluation criteria.  After examination of these
documents, any organization interested in responding to the RFP must
request the entire RFP either in writing or by FAX request.  Requests
must cite the RFP number referenced above.  Supply this office with
two self-addressed mailing labels.  All responsible sources may
submit a proposal that will be considered by the Government.

Laurie Leonard
ATTN:  RFP NIH-NINDS-95-14
Contracts Management Branch, DEA
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
7550 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 901 - MSC 9190
Bethesda, MD  20892
FAX:  (301) 402-4225

$$R1 END ************************************************************

$$R2 BEGIN HL-96-005 FULL-TEXT **************************************

THE ETIOLOGY OF EXCESS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN DIABETES MELLITUS

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFA AVAILABLE:  HL-96-005

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715040, 0715075, 0755030

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  January 2, 1996
Application Receipt Date:  February 9, 1996

PURPOSE

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites
applications for program project grants (P01) for research on the
etiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) associated with diabetes
mellitus.  This is a reissue of an RFA originally published in
October 1994 (HL-95-005).  This initiative will support investigators
with outstanding programs of basic and human subjects research on one
or more diabetes associated cardiovascular complications.  In
addition, with the encouragement of the NHLBI, the research programs
that secure awards will participate in a coordinated effort to
evaluate the metabolic and environmental factors responsible for the
pathogenesis of CVD in existing, defined population groups.

A program project (P01) grant is for the support of a broadly-based
multidisciplinary or multifaceted research program that has a
specific major objective or central theme.  Each program project
application and award in response to this solicitation must have both
basic research and human subjects components.

Applications should be submitted to and will be reviewed by the NIH
according to the usual NIH peer review procedures.  Applications
judged meritorious will be jointly funded by NHLBI and the Juvenile
Diabetes Foundation International (JDFI).  To have an application
considered for funding by the JDFI, an applicant must authorize, in
writing, the NHLBI to provide a copy of the letter of intent,
application, and NIH prepared summary statement of the initial review
to the JDFI.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This RFA,
The Etiology of Excess Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes Mellitus,
is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke and
diabetes and 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. 017-001-00473-1)
through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office,
Washington Dc 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

INQUIRIES

The RFA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this
solicitation, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant
Line (data line 301/402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov),
and by mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Peter J. Savage, M.D.
Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 8154
Bethesda, MD  20892-7934
Telephone:  (301) 435-0702
FAX:  (301) 480-1667
Email:  Peter_Savage@NIH.GOV

$$R2 END ************************************************************

$$R3 BEGIN DA-96-003 FULL-TEXT **************************************

NOVEL PHARMACOTHERAPIES FOR COCAINE AND OTHER PSYCHOSTIMULANT
DEPENDENCE

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFA AVAILABLE:  DA-96-003

P.T. 34; K.W. 0404009, 0740020

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  January 19, 1996
Application Receipt Date:  February 21, 1996

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to encourage
clinical testing of innovative and non-traditional pharmacotherapies
for treatment of cocaine/psychostimulant (amphetamines) dependence.
Two types of medications will be considered:  (1) traditional
pharmacotherapies addressing novel neurochemical mechanisms (beyond
classical biogenic amines or compounds previously extensively
tested); (2) non-traditional (alternative) pharmacotherapies selected
to restore brain homeostasis or to repair/compensate for existing
neurological/neurochemical deficits in chronic psychostimulant
abusers (e.g., special nutritional factors, amino acids,
neurotransmitter precursors, hormones, antihormones, supplements).
Special emphasis will be put on testing natural compounds with very
low or no toxicity, which could be potentially also utilized for
treatment of children and pregnant women.

Investigators should study the safety and efficacy of novel
medications in either relapse prevention in detoxified
cocaine/psychostimulant dependent participants or reduction of drug
use.  The primary focus will be on relapse prevention.  Applications
will be also required to assess the impact of investigational agent
on HIV risk behaviors.  Applications that propose to evaluate
compounds already extensively studied in psychostimulant dependence
(traditional medications that act at dopamine, noradrenaline, or
serotonin systems, or carbamazepine, etc.) will not be considered
responsive.  It is anticipated that approximately $4 million will be
available to support between 12 and 20 new research project grants
(R01), First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST)
(R29), or exploratory/developmental (R21) grants under this RFA.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 2000, a
PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This RFA,
Novel Pharmacotherapies for Cocaine and Other Psychostimulant
Dependence, is related to the priority areas of health promotion, and
alcohol and other drugs.  Potential applicants may obtain a copy of
Healthy People 2000 (Full Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or
Summary Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

INQUIRIES

The RFA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this
solicitation, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant
Line (data line 301/402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov),
and by mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Maria Dorota Majewska, Ph.D.
Medications Development Division
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11A-55
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-3318
FAX:  (301) 443-2599
Email:  mm158w@nih.gov

$$R3 END ************************************************************

$$R4 BEGIN HL-96-006 FULL-TEXT **************************************

SLEEP ACADEMIC AWARD

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFA AVAILABLE:  HL-96-006

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715187

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  December 29, 1995
Application Receipt Date:  March 12, 1996

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this initiative is to encourage the
development and/or improvement of the quality of medical curricula,
physician/patient/nurse and community education, and clinical
practice for the prevention, management, and control of sleep
disorders.  A secondary objective is to promote high quality clinical
research on sleep.  The candidate for the Sleep Academic Award must
have knowledge and skills in sleep and sleep disorders medicine and
be an established member of a medical faculty in an accredited school
of medicine or osteopathy in the United States, its territories, or
its possessions.  The candidate must also have had experience and
sufficient training in clinical sleep research, clinical practice,
and/or medical education as well as the unqualified support of the
Dean and the educational leadership of the applicant institution.
The mechanism of support is the Academic Award Program (K07) of the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.  The total project period
may not exceed five years and is non-renewable.  The estimated funds
(total costs) available for fiscal year 1996 will be $300,000.  It is
anticipated that three to four new grants will be awarded in FY 1996
and in each of the next two years through an additional competition
in each of fiscal years 1997 and 1998.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS led national activity for setting priority areas.  This RFA,
Sleep Academic Award, is related to the priority areas of heart
disease and stroke, diabetes, chronic disabling conditions, mental
health and disorders, and clinical prevention 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).

INQUIRIES

The RFA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations and award criteria for this
solicitation, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant
Line (data line 301-402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov) and
by mail and Email from the program contact listed below.

James P. Kiley, Ph.D.
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research
National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 7024 - MSC-7920
Bethesda, MD  20892-7920
Telephone:  (301) 435-0199
FAX:  (301) 480-3451
Email:  Kileyj@NIH.GOV

$$R4 END ************************************************************

$$P1 BEGIN PA-96-008 FULL-TEXT **************************************

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF LUNG CANCER:  INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

PA AVAILABLE:  PA-96-008

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715035, 0785055, 0715165

National Cancer Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

PURPOSE

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences invite investigator-initiated research
project grant (R01) applications for innovative interdisciplinary
studies to better understand the etiology of adenocarcinoma and small
cell carcinoma of the lung and the means of prevention.

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), Epidemiology of Lung Cancer: Interdisciplinary
Studies, is related to the priority area of cancer.  Potential
applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:
Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No.
017-001000473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

INQUIRIES

The PA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this
program, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant Line
(data line 301-402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov) and by
mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Dr. A.R. Patel
Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
National Cancer Institute
6130 Executive Boulevard, Suite 535, MSC 7395
Bethesda, MD  20892-7395
Telephone:  (301) 496-9600
FAX:  (301) 402-4279
Email:  Jasonc@EPNDCE.NCI.NIH.GOV

Dr. Gwen W. Collman
Chemical Exposures and Molecular Biology Branch
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
P.O. Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, NC  27709
Telephone:  (919) 541-4980
FAX:  (919) 541-2843
Email:  collman@niehs.nih.gov

$$P1 END ************************************************************

$$P2 BEGIN PA-96-009 FULL-TEXT **************************************

CENTRAL AUDITORY SYSTEM PLASTICITY IN ADULTS

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

PA AVAILABLE:  PA-96-009

P.T. 34; K.W. 0775005

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

PURPOSE

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
(NIDCD) invites applications for the support of research on central
auditory system plasticity in adults.  This program announcement (PA)
encourages research on plasticity in the adult auditory system at any
level(s) of biological organization, from the level of the molecule
to behavior, and at any processing station(s), from the cochlea to
higher-order areas of auditory cortex, and beyond.  Such studies may
lead to a better understanding of normal brain function and
development as well as an explanation for the recovery of auditory
function sometimes seen following injury to the auditory system.  In
addition, these studies have the potential to reveal how auditory
learning occurs, including that often seen following cochlear
implantation.  Findings from these studies may also guide the
development of therapies for recovery of function following brain
injuries, diseases, and disorders that affect auditory perception.
The support mechanism for grants in this area will be the individual
investigator-initiated research project grant (R01) and First
Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) awards.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This PA,
Central Auditory System Plasticity in Adults, is related to the
priority area of diabetes and chronic disabling conditions.
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full
Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No.
017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

INQUIRIES

The PA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this
program, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant Line
(data line 301-402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and by
mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Lynn E. Huerta, Ph.D.
Division of Human Communication
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 400-C - MSC 7180
Bethesda, MD  20892-7180
Telephone:  (301) 402-3458
FAX:  (301) 402-6251
Email:  Lynn_Huerta@nih.gov

$$P2 END ************************************************************

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Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: NIH GUIDE - PA-96-009 - V24(41) 12/01/95
Date: 5 Dec 1995 21:13:13 -0800
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$$XID RFA PA96009 PA-96-009 P1O1 ***************************************

CENTRAL AUDITORY SYSTEM PLASTICITY IN ADULTS

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

PA NUMBER:  PA-96-009

P.T. 34; K.W. 0775005

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

PURPOSE

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
(NIDCD) invites applications for the support of research on central
auditory system plasticity in adults.  Such studies may lead to a
better understanding of normal brain function and development as well
as an explanation of the recovery of auditory function sometimes seen
following injury to the auditory system.  In addition, these studies
have the potential to reveal how auditory learning occurs, including
that often seen following cochlear implantation.  Findings from these
studies may also guide the development of therapies for recovery of
function following brain injuries, diseases, and disorders that
affect auditory perception.

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,
Central Auditory System Plasticity in Adults, is related to the
priority area of diabetes and chronic disabling conditions.
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full
Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No.
017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign, for-profit and
non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities,
colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of state and local
governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Foreign
institutions are not eligible for First Independent Research Support
and Transition (FIRST) (R29) awards.  Applications from minority
individuals, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

The support mechanism for grants in this area will be the individual
investigator-initiated research project grant (R01) and the FIRST
(R29) award.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

Change in synaptic strength has long been invoked as a possible
mechanism underlying learning and memory throughout the lifespan.
While it has also been recognized that major features of functional
organization of neural structures, such as representation of the body
surface in somatosensory cortex, are modifiable during specific
periods of development, these maps were considered to be "hard-wired"
in adults and incapable of change.  Over the last decade, however,
studies of several sensory- and motor-related regions of neocortex
have revealed that such maps undergo significant reorganization in
response to injury and learning in adults.  Despite the potential
significance that such research holds for understanding a host of
basic and clinical issues regarding auditory function, few studies of
plasticity have been carried out in the mature auditory system.  This
program announcement (PA) encourages research on plasticity in the
adult auditory system at any level(s) of biological organization,
>From the level of the molecule to behavior, and at any processing
station(s), from the cochlea to higher-order areas of auditory
cortex, and beyond.

Changes in the organization of representations of the periphery at
the cortical level have been demonstrated following cochlear damage,
retinal damage, limb amputation, and disruption of sensory
innervation of the skin in adults.  Following such peripheral
perturbations, regions of cortex that are deprived of normal input do
not become "silent," but typically respond to the remaining (usually
adjacent) sensory inputs that are still intact.  This often results
in a shrinkage or elimination of the representation of the perturbed
periphery and an enlargement of the representation of the intact
periphery.  Although most investigations of this type have examined
changes in neocortex, subcortical structures have also been studied
using these experimental approaches.

The effects of learning on sensory cortex have been documented in the
auditory system.  For example, frequency receptive fields of neurons
in the adult primary auditory cortex can be modified to that of a
conditioned stimulus using classical conditioning paradigms.  These
changes have been shown to develop rapidly, are highly specific, can
last indefinitely, and occur for different learning paradigms.
Subcortical plasticity in the adult animal is also seen in changes in
the receptive fields of midbrain neurons during sound localization
tasks.

While it is accepted that the central nervous system remains plastic
throughout the lifespan, the mechanisms underlying this plasticity
are unclear.  The time course for these changes is variable, and may
be due to the growth of axons and the formation of new connections
over long distances or due to alterations in synaptic strength and
the "unmasking" or activation of subthreshold pathways.  The
involvement of different forms of synaptic change, such as short- and
long-term depression and potentiation, appears to vary for different
brain regions.  This suggests that, although the brain has a variety
of means of modifying synapses, all regions do not achieve these
modifications in the same way.  The molecular mechanisms underlying
the various forms of synaptic change also vary across brain regions.
There are many possible explanations for these differences, but it is
clear that understanding the implications of adult plasticity for
auditory function would be best served by examining this specifically
in the auditory system.

The roles of drug and nondrug therapies for the recovery of function
following peripheral or central injury or disease and their
relationships to plastic changes in the central nervous system are
under investigation.  For example, the ability of nerve growth
factors to enhance functional brain recovery following stroke is
being studied in humans.  The role of physical therapy in the
recovery of motor function and observed changes in motor cortical
regions is also being examined.  Studies of such therapies offer
great promise for improving and speeding recovery from brain and
sensory and motor system diseases and disorders, but have thus far
received little attention in the auditory system.

Research Goals and Scope

Current research related to central auditory plasticity in adults is
yielding exciting insights into the nature of this phenomenon, and
promises to improve understanding of the auditory system.  Research
on adult plasticity of the auditory system is, however, still in its
infancy, and many areas need to be explored.  Fulfilling the ultimate
hope that this phenomenon will be harnessed to improve the lives of
those with hearing impairment depends upon a sophisticated
understanding of plasticity of the adult auditory system.  The
purpose of this PA is to encourage applications for research on
topics such as, but not limited to, the following:

o  determination of the limits (e.g., time course, neural distance,
effects of training) of central auditory nervous system plasticity
following damage to the auditory system;

o  determination of the limits (e.g., time course, neural distance,
effects of training) of central auditory nervous system plasticity
induced by auditory training and deprivation;

o  elucidation of the relationship between central auditory nervous
system plasticity and functional recovery following damage to the
auditory system;

o  comparison of the nature and extent of plasticity occurring at
different processing stations of the central auditory nervous system;

o  identification and characterization of the various forms of
synaptic change (e.g., long- and short-term potentiation and
depression) involved in central auditory nervous system plasticity;

o  identification and characterization of candidate neurochemical
mechanisms for central auditory nervous system plasticity; and

o  development of new or improvement of existing therapies (both drug
and nondrug) for the recovery of function following damage to the
auditory system or for the enhancement of plasticity in the intact
auditory system.

INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN
SUBJECTS

It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups
and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported
biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects,
unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided
that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the
subjects or the purpose of the research.  This new policy results
>From the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law
103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies
(Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and
Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations), which
have been in effect since 1990.  The new policy contains some
provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should
read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as
Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the
Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508- 14513) and reprinted
in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11,
March 18, 1994.

Investigators 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

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used
in applying for these grants.  These forms are available at most
institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from
the Office of Grants Information, Division of Research Grants,
National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3032, MSC
7762, Bethesda, MD 20892-7762, telephone 301/435-0714, email:
girg@drgpo.drg.nih.gov.

The completed original and five legible copies must be sent or
delivered to:

DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by
an appropriate peer review group convened in accordance with NIH peer
review procedures.  As part of the initial merit review, all
applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in
which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific
merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be
discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level
review by the appropriate national advisory council or board.

The review criteria are:  scientific, technical, or medical
significance and originality of proposed research; appropriateness
and adequacy of the experimental approach and methodology proposed to
carry out the research; qualifications and research experience of the
Principal Investigator and staff, particularly, but not exclusively,
in the area of the proposed research; availability of the resources
necessary to perform the research; appropriateness of the proposed
budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; and
adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their
subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research.
Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be
evaluated.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications will compete for available funds with all other
applications assigned to that Institute or Center.  The following
will be considered in making funding decisions: quality of the
proposed project as determined by peer review; availability of funds;
and program priorities among research areas of the program
announcement.

INQUIRIES

Written, telephone, and email inquiries concerning this PA are
encouraged; the opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from
potential applicants is welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding scientific content to:

Lynn E. Huerta, Ph.D.
Division of Human Communication
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Executive Plaza South, Room 400-C
6120 Executive Boulevard MSC 7180
Bethesda, MD  20892-7180
Telephone:  (301) 402-3458
FAX:  (301) 402-6251
Email:  Lynn_Huerta@nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Sharon Hunt
Grants Management Office
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 400-B, MSC 7180
Bethesda, MD  20892-7180
Telephone:  (301) 402-0909
FAX:  (301) 402-1758
Email:  Sharon_Hunt@nih.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.173. Awards are made under authorization of the
Public Health Service 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 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.

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$$XID RFA DA96003 DA-96-003 P1O1 ***************************************

NOVEL PHARMACOTHERAPIES FOR COCAINE AND OTHER PSYCHOSTIMULANT
DEPENDENCE

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFA:  DA-96-003

P.T. 34; K.W. 0404009, 0740020

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  January 19, 1996
Application Receipt Date:  February 21, 1996

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to encourage
clinical testing of innovative and non-traditional pharmacotherapies
for treatment of cocaine/psychostimulant (amphetamines) dependence.
Two types of medications will be considered:  (1) traditional
pharmacotherapies addressing novel neurochemical mechanisms (beyond
classical biogenic amines or compounds previously extensively
tested); (2) non-traditional (alternative) pharmacotherapies selected
to restore brain homeostasis or to repair/compensate for existing
neurological/neurochemical deficits in chronic psychostimulant
abusers (e.g., special nutritional factors, amino acids,
neurotransmitter precursors, hormones, antihormones, supplements,
etc.).  Special emphasis will be put on testing natural compounds
with very low or no toxicity, which could be potentially also
utilized for treatment of children and pregnant women.

Investigators should study the safety and efficacy of novel
medications in either relapse prevention in detoxified
cocaine/psychostimulant dependent participants or reduction of drug
use.  The primary focus will be on relapse prevention.  Applications
will be also required to assess the impact of investigational agent
on HIV risk behaviors.  Applications that propose to evaluate
compounds already extensively studied in psychostimulant dependence
(traditional medications that act at dopamine, noradrenaline, or
serotonin systems, or carbamazepine, etc.) will not be considered
responsive.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 2000, a
PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This RFA,
Novel Pharmacotherapies for Cocaine and Other Psychostimulant
Dependence, is related to the priority areas of alcohol and other
drugs.  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 or local governments, and
eligible agencies of the Federal Government.  Racial/ethnic minority
individuals, women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to
apply as principal investigators.  Foreign institutions are not
eligible for the First Independent Research Support and Transition
(FIRST) award (R29).

International collaborative studies, which must include a U.S.
principal investigator, will also be considered.  For example, if the
investigational compound is not available on the U.S. market, but is
available in European or Asian pharmacopeias, the pilot studies may
be conducted in a foreign country.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research
project grant (R01), FIRST (29) award, exploratory/developmental
grant (R21), and small grant (R03).  Research grants are awarded to
institutions on behalf of Principal Investigators who have designed
and will direct a specific project or set of projects.

Because the small grants and FIRST awards have special eligibility
requirements, application formats, and review criteria, applicants
are strongly encouraged to consult with the program staff (listed
under INQUIRIES) and to obtain the appropriate additional
guidelines/announcements for those grant mechanisms.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

It is anticipated that approximately $4 million will be available to
support projects submitted under this RFA.  Because the nature and
scope of the research proposed in response to this RFA may vary, the
size of an award will vary also.  However, it is anticipated that
between 12 and 20 new awards will be made under this RFA.  About 70
percent of funds will be directed toward projects testing novel
medications for relapse prevention, and about 30 percent toward
projects testing effects of novel medications on reduction of drug
use.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Recent findings in clinical and preclinical neurosciences reveal
complex biological determinants underlying psychostimulant
dependence.  These include psychopathological, neuroanatomical,
pathophysiological, neuroadaptive, neurochemical, and hormonal
factors, and may involve a variety of nutritional, environmental and
toxicological substrates as underlying causes of drug addictions.
Psychostimulant dependence is associated with various degrees of
neuropathology and significant comorbidity with other neurological
and psychiatric disorders, including attention and mood disorders,
hypodopaminergia, hyposerotonergia, and hypofrontalism, manifested in
perfusion and metabolic/bioenergetic deficits, among others.  The
bioenergetic deficits induced by psychostimulants may promote brain
aging and facilitate neurodegenerative disorders in chronic
psychostimulant abusers.

Rational pharmacological interventions in these
biological/pathological substrates could be effective in treating
psychostimulant dependence.  Moreover, recent reemergence, reported
therapeutic success and safety of non-traditional pharmacotherapies,
including medically designed nutrition, supplements, vitamins, amino
acids, hormones and other natural compounds, in treating variety of
chronic disorders suggest exploration of non-traditional treatments
as potential therapies for cocaine/psychostimulant dependence.  Such
natural therapies, designed to normalize brain functions may be more
acceptable to treatment-seeking addicts, who often refuse to be
treated with conventional medications, and be more beneficial than
traditional pharmacotherapies, which often produce undesirable side
effects. It is expected that such therapies may be safe enough to be
used for treatment of addicted children, adolescents or pregnant
women.

The main objective of this RFA is to encourage clinical evaluation
of: (1) novel traditional medications with compounds and classes of
compounds previously not studied in clinical trials to treat
psychostimulant dependence, and; (2) non-traditional
pharmacotherapies, in relapse prevention designs in detoxified
cocaine/stimulant dependent participants, or reduction of drug use in
psychostimulant addicts.

The hypothesis and rationale for testing these novel medications
should address one or more of the following research/clinical
aspects:

1.  the persistent neurochemical imbalance and/or
neuroadaptive/neuropathological changes that have been described in
cocaine/psychostimulant dependent individuals or in animals treated
chronically with stimulants;

2.  the pharmacological intervention in neurochemical and
psychological factors contributing to vulnerability to stimulant
dependence (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
post-traumatic stress disorder);

3.  the hormonal abnormalities in cocaine/stimulant dependent
persons;

4.  the biochemical mechanism relevant for behavioral outcomes for
cocaine dependence (e.g., drug craving);

5.  neurochemical factors involved in expression of euphorigenic and
dependence-producing effects of psychostimulants;

6.  neurochemical factors responsible for persistent anhedonia,
depression, and anxiety, associated with psychostimulant withdrawal
and accompanying abstinence in chronic psychostimulant abusers;

7.  the availability of open clinical trial data or promising
preclinical results;

8.  other scientific or clinical rationales.

Investigators are encouraged to study novel medications, yet untested
for treatment of psychostimulant dependence (including those not
approved in the U.S., but approved in European and Asian
pharmacopeias) as well as a variety of nutritional factors,
supplements, and naturally occurring substances, rationally selected
to compensate for biochemical and functional deficits reported in
stimulant addicts (e.g., apparent deficiency of biogenic amines, an
imbalance in endogenous opioid peptides and other neurotransmitters)
and to restore the brain homeostasis in psychostimulant dependent
individuals.  We are soliciting applications that test the hypothesis
that correcting for persistent or permanent neuropathologies that are
associated with psychostimulant dependence with novel
pharmacotherapies may be effective in treating this disorder.

Possible examples of such treatments include: precursors of biogenic
amines and other neurotransmitters, vitamins and supplements that
modify neurotransmitter metabolism and energy metabolism, and herbs
of known therapeutic profile.  Examples of potential therapeutic
herbs may include: Ginkgo Biloba, Kudzu, Ginseng, Gotu Cola, and
Kelp, among others.  Encouraged also are pharmacological and natural
interventions in hormonal systems (e.g.,
hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal
axis, thyroid system, endogenous opioid peptides) that have been
shown to play a role in drug dependence. Medications designed to
improve deficient brain circulation, energy and phospholipid
metabolism, and cognition, will be also considered along with
rational combinations of treatments.

Because no pharmacotherapy is expected to be optimally effective
without concurrent behavioral therapy, adjunct therapies may
concentrate on psychological, behavioral processes such as motivation
building, relapse prevention skills, coping skills, skills for
utilization of alternative reinforcers, as well as meditation, or
imagery.

Drug dependence encompasses both physical and psychological
symptomatology; therefore, developing and testing integrative
approaches for treatment of psychostimulant dependence is encouraged
(i.e., treatments that stress pharmacotherapy, psychological support,
behavioral and nutritional adjustments, and social adaptations).  In
addition to testing potential treatments that affect primary
psychostimulant dependence, applications are encouraged to evaluate
novel treatments for disorders comorbid with drug dependence; these
include anxiety, depression, anhedonia, attention deficit and
cognitive impairments, antisocial behavior, post-traumatic stress
disorder, and other diagnoses that may contribute to continued
psychostimulant abuse and relapse.

The proposed studies should test the safety and efficacy of novel
therapeutic approaches in rigorously designed and executed clinical
trials to prevent relapse in persons detoxified from
cocaine/psychostimulant dependence or to reduce drug use in addicts.
Identified treatment modalities may be assessed in clinical
pharmacologic-therapeutic paradigms (laboratory clinical assessments)
and/or in phase I/II clinical trials that meet accepted standards for
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines established by FDA (21 CFR).
Because most psychostimulant abusers also co-abuse other substances
(alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates), evaluation of the impact of
proposed new therapies on the use of the above drugs, in addition to
psychostimulants, will be also required.  Applications will be also
required to assess impact of the investigational agent on HIV risk
behaviors. Proposals must seek and obtain IRB review and approval
prior to submission or review of the application.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The exploratory, developmental (R21) and Small Grant (R03)
applications are limited to two years, are non-renewable, and are
limited in direct cost amount per year (R03, $50,000; R21, $90,000).
The R03 mechanism is intended for new, inexperienced investigators
and both are intended for established investigators exploring new
areas or departing from their usual research topics.  There are
special requirements for these mechanisms.  An applicant intending to
apply for them under this RFA should contact the named program person
in the INQUIRIES section for further information.

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.  This 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 from the program
staff listed under INQUIRIES.  Program staff may also provide
additional relevant information concerning the policy.

This RFA requires that proposed studies conduct gender comparisons of
clinical responses (side effects, efficacy, etc.) to the new
medications and strongly encourages examination of menstrual cycle
effects on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of proposed new
therapies.

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by January 19, 1996, a
letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed
research, the proposed mechanism of support, the telephone number of
the Principal Investigator, the identities of other key personnel and
participating institution, and the number and title of this RFA.
Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does
not enter into the review of subsequent applications, the information
that it contains allows NIDA staff to estimate the potential review
workload and to avoid conflict of interest review.

The letter of intent is to be sent to:

Director
Office of Extramural Program Review
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10-42
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-2755
FAX:  (301) 443-0538

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used
in applying for these grants.  These forms are available at most
institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from
the Office of Grant Information, Division of Research Grants,
National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3032, MSC
7762, Bethesda, MD 20892-7762, telephone (301) 435-0714; email:
girg@drgpo.drg.nih.gov.

FIRST applications must include at least three sealed letters of
reference attached to the Face Page of the original application.
FIRST applications submitted without the required number of reference
letters will be considered incomplete and will be returned without
review.

The RFA label in the form PHS 398 application kit must be affixed to
the bottom of the original face page.  Failure to use the RFA label
and to follow instructions could result in delayed processing of the
application such that it may not reach the review committee in time
for review.  In addition the RFA title and number must be typed in
Item 2 of the face page and YES box marked.

Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including
Checklist, and three signed photocopies in one package to:

DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040, MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for overnight/courier service)

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application
must also be sent to:

Director, Office of Extramural Program Review
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10-42
Rockville, MD  20857

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the
Division of Research Grants (DRG) and for responsiveness by NIDA.
Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant without
further consideration.  If the application is not responsive to the
RFA, it will be returned without review.

Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be
evaluated for scientific/technical merit by an appropriate peer
review group convened by NIDA in accordance with the review criteria
stated below.  As part of the initial merit review, a streamlined
review will be used by the initial review group in which application
will be determined to be competitive or noncompetitive based on their
scientific merit relative to other applications received in response
to this RFA.  Applications determined to be non-competitive will be
withdrawn from further consideration and the Principal Investigator
and the official signing for the application will be notified.

Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research
Center (GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center for Research
Resources may wish to identify the GCRC as a resource for conducting
the proposed research.  If so, a letter of agreement from either the
GCRC program director or principal investigator could be included
with the application.

Review Criteria

o  merit, 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 or 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; and

o  adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their
subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research.

o  adequacy of plans regarding assessment of effects of proposed new
medications on HIV risk behaviors.  Plans for recruitment and
retention of subjects will also be evaluated.

The initial review group will also examine the provisions for the
protection of human subjects and the safety of the research
environment.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications recommended for further consideration by an appropriate
Advisory Council will be considered for funding on the basis of
overall scientific and technical merit of the proposal as determined
by peer review, appropriateness of budget estimates, program needs
and balance, policy considerations, adequacy of provisions for the
protection of human subjects, and availability of funds.

Schedule

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  January 19, 1996
Application Receipt Date:       February 21, 1996
Initial Review Date:            April 1996
Advisory Council Date:          May 1996
Earliest Start Date:            July 1996

INQUIRIES

Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged.  The opportunity to
clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Maria Dorota Majewska, Ph.D.
Medications Development Division
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11A-55
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-3318
FAX:  (301) 443-2599
Email:  mm158w@nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal and grants management issues to:

Gary Fleming, J.D., M.A.
Grants Management Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers lane, Room 8A-54
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-6710
Email:  gfleming@aoada1.ssw.dhhs.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.279. Awards are made under authorization of the
Public health Service Act, Section 301, and administered under PHS
grants policies and federal regulations at Title 42 CFR 52 "Grants
for Research projects", Title 45 CFR Part 74 & 92 "Administration of
Grants"  and 45 CFR Part 46, "Protection of Human Subjects". Title 42
CFR part 2, "Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse patient
records" may also be applicable to these awards. This program is not
subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive
Order 12372 or Health System Agency review.

Sections of the Code of Federal regulation are available in booklet
form from the U.S. Government Printing Office.  Grants must be
administered in accordance with the PHS Grants Policy Statement
(revised 4/94), which may be available from your office of sponsored
research.

The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a
smoke-free workplace and promote the non- use of all tobacco
products.  In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of
1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any
portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education,
library, day care, health care of 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.

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$$XID RFA HL96005 HL-96-005 P1O1 ***************************************

THE ETIOLOGY OF EXCESS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN DIABETES MELLITUS

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFA:  HL-96-005

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715040, 0715075, 0755030

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  January 2, 1996
Application Receipt Date:  February 9, 1996

PURPOSE

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites
applications for program project grants for research on the etiology
of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) associated with diabetes mellitus.
This initiative will support investigators with outstanding programs
of basic and human subjects research on one or more diabetes
associated cardiovascular complications.  In addition, with the
encouragement of the NHLBI, the programs that receive awards will
participate in a coordinated effort to evaluate the metabolic and
environmental factors responsible for the pathogenesis of CVD in
existing, defined population groups.

A program project grant (P01) is for the support of a broadly-based
multidisciplinary or multifaceted research program that has a
specific major objective or central theme.  Each program project
application and award in response to this solicitation must have both
basic research and human subjects components.

Applications should be submitted to and will be reviewed by the NIH
according to the usual NIH peer review procedures.  Applications
judged meritorious will be jointly funded by NHLBI and the Juvenile
Diabetes Foundation International (JDFI).  To have an application
considered for funding by the JDFI, an applicant must authorize in
writing the NHLBI to provide a copy of the letter of intent,
application, and NIH prepared summary statement of the initial review
to the JDFI.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This RFA,
The Etiology of Excess Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes Mellitus,
is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke and
diabetes and 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. 017-001-00473-1)
through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by for-profit and non-profit domestic
institutions, public and private, such as universities, colleges,
hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local government and
eligible agencies of the Federal government.  Racial/ethnic minority
individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to
apply as Principal Investigators.  Although program project awards
cannot be made to foreign institutions, a subproject of high
scientific merit may be eligible for support.

The principal investigator should be an established research
scientist with the expertise and experience to provide scientific
leadership, ensure quality control, and effectively administer and
integrate all components of the program.  A minimum time commitment
of 25 percent is expected for this individual.  The principal
investigator must also be the project leader of one of the component
research projects.  If, the research project for which the principal
investigator is the project leader is not recommended for further
consideration, the entire program project application will not be
considered further.  If the project of the principal investigator is
judged by peer review to be of low scientific merit, the overall
scientific merit ranking assigned to the entire application by the
review committee will be markedly reduced.  Project leaders must
agree to commit at least 20 percent effort to each project for which
they are responsible.

Exclusions

This RFA is intended to support program project grants that have both
a basic research and human population component.  Therefore,
applications that include only basic or only clinical research will
not be responsive to this RFA.  This solicitation is intended to
redress the inadequate information on the etiology of excess
cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Therefore, applications that do not focus on this aspect of diabetes
and cardiovascular disease will not be considered.  Large population
studies or large clinical trials will be considered unresponsive to
this RFA.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

It is the intention of NHLBI and JDFI to stimulate collaboration
among investigators with different but complementary areas of
expertise.  This research will be supported by the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) Program Project research grant mechanism
(P01).  Responsibility for planning the proposed project will be
solely that of the applicant.  The total project period requested by
an application submitted in response to the present RFA may not
exceed five years.

A program project grant is for the support of a broadly-based
multidisciplinary or multifaceted research program that has a
specific major objective or central theme.  The award may support
research components and core functions.  Collectively, these
components should demonstrate essential elements of unity and
interdependence and result in a greater contribution to program goals
than if each activity were pursued individually.  Each applicant will
be expected to propose both basic and human subjects based research
components, with concentration on one or more major risk factors as
related to the increased risk of CVD in diabetic patients.  Efforts
will be made by the NHLBI to facilitate collaboration both during
development of applications and after the program is established.

Applications must be prepared and awards will be made according to
NHLBI Program Project policies.  NHLBI Guidelines for the preparation
of Program Project Grant applications may be obtained from Dr C.
James Scheirer at the address listed under LETTER OF INTENT.
Approximately 50 percent of the total costs of each grant will be
funded by the NHLBI and the same amount by the JDFI.  Funding rules,
including the determination of allowable indirect costs, will take
into consideration those of each sponsor.  Post award administration
will be according to current policies and requirements that govern
the research grant programs of the NIH and the JDFI as appropriate.

Although multidisciplinary approaches are required, it is not the
intent of this announcement to solicit applications for large
clinical trials or large epidemiological studies.  In general, funds
will not be provided for the purchase and installation of expensive,
new equipment.

Upon initiation of this program, the NHLBI and JDFI plan to sponsor a
meeting to encourage the exchange of information among investigators,
foster collaborative efforts among program grantees, and identify
resources that would enhance the productivity of several grantees.
In many cases, combining proposed measures in highly characterized
population subgroups may provide the most information.  Where
appropriate, additional joint protocols will be developed.  After
this planning phase, collaborative investigations will be conducted.
Subsequent meetings will take place approximately yearly.  For this
purpose, requests for travel funds for a two-day meeting (two in year
01 and one per year thereafter) should be included in the budget
section of the application (assume meeting will be held in Bethesda,
MD).  Applicants should include a statement in their applications
indicating their willingness to participate in such meetings and to
cooperate with other researchers at other interdisciplinary research
program sites.

Support will be provided for up to five years.  Continued funding
will be contingent on satisfactory completion of proposed
investigations.  In addition to a continuing series of reports on
results of individual investigations, an overall report will be
produced at the conclusion of the program.

Consortium Arrangements

If a grant application includes research activities that involve
institutions other than the grantee institution, the program is
considered a consortium effort.  Such activities may be included in a
Program Project grant application, but it is imperative that a
consortium application be prepared so that the programmatic, fiscal,
and administrative considerations are explained fully.  The published
policy governing consortia is available in the business offices of
institutions that are eligible to receive Federal grants-in-aid.
Consult the latest published policy governing consortia before
developing the application.  If clarification of the policy is
needed, contact William Darby, (301) 435-0177.  Applicants for
Program Project grants should clearly describe the interactions of
the participants and the integration of the consortium project(s)
with those of the parent institution, because synergism and
cohesiveness can be diminished when projects are located outside the
group at the parent institution. Indirect costs paid as part of a
consortium agreement are excluded from the limit on the amount of
direct costs that can be requested.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

Approximately $1.4 million in total costs will be provided for the
first year of support for the program by NHLBI with an equivalent
amount provided by JDFI.  Applicants may request up to $650,000
direct costs, not including indirect costs for collaborating
institutions, in the first year with a maximum increase of no more
than four percent in each additional year requested in the
application.  Funding rules, including the determination of allowable
indirect costs, will take into consideration those of each sponsor.
It is anticipated that three to four grants will be awarded under
this program.  Although this program is provided for in the financial
plan of the NHLBI, award of grants pursuant to this RFA is contingent
upon receipt of funds for this purpose.  Administrative adjustments
in project period and/or amount of support may be required at the
time of the award.

Equipment is included in the budget limitation.  However, requests
for special equipment that cause an application to exceed this limit
may be permitted on a case-by-case basis following staff
consultation.  Such equipment requires strong justification.  Final
decisions will depend on the nature of the justification and the
availability of funds.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

General Background

Additional investigations of the etiology of macrovascular
complications of diabetes mellitus are needed.  Such studies should
include population, clinical, and basic research and involve experts
in both diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.  JDFI has embarked on a
major long term capital fund raising campaign to establish programs
of excellence in diabetes research.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder that affects not
only glucose metabolism but several other metabolic processes.  Some
of these effects are acute and appear related to concentrations of
glucose and/or insulin.  Other effects develop over many years and
are related to other metabolic derangements of diabetes or are of
uncertain etiology.  Recent advances in understanding the process of
atherogenesis and the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications
indicate that diabetes may accelerate atherosclerosis and the
development of clinical cardiovascular disease through several
mechanisms.

Scientific Background

The association between overt diabetes mellitus and excess risk of
cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been documented in diabetic
populations throughout the world, but the pathogenic mechanisms for
the relationship are only partially understood.  Among diabetic
patients, both the incidence and mortality rates from myocardial
infarction are increased, as are the risks of recurrent infarction,
congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral
vascular disease.  The increased risk of CVD associated with diabetes
appears to be greater in women than in men.  In general, about 50
percent of excess heart disease in diabetics is attributed to
associated abnormalities in other known CVD risk factors but levels
of these factors may be in part determined by the degree of diabetic
control.  Milder abnormalities of glucose tolerance are also
associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but
glucose level in this group generally has not been an independent CVD
risk factor.  In these patients, an underlying multiple risk factor
syndrome may be a major contributor to accelerated macrovascular
disease.

Approximately 12 to 14 million Americans have diabetes and up to an
additional 18 million may have impaired glucose tolerance or glucose
levels between those of diabetes and normoglycemia.  Cardiovascular
disease is the cause of death in 60 to 75 percent of this combined
group.  Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a leading cause
of premature cardiovascular disease.  Non-insulin dependent diabetes
(NIDDM) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in
middle and older ages.  As the U.S. population ages, the importance
of glucose intolerance as a risk factor for CVD will increase since
its prevalence increases markedly with age, reaching over 50 percent
in those above age 65 years.  Moreover, with improved methods of
glucose control, the anticipated decline in chronic microvascular
complications of diabetes may be offset by an increase in the rates
of major cardiovascular complications.

It is not clear whether the pathogenesis of excess CVD is the same in
IDDM and NIDDM.  It is also important to recognize that improved
glucose control in diabetic patients may not by itself be sufficient
to eliminate the excess risk of diabetic cardiovascular
complications.  While recent data from the Diabetes Control and
Complication Trial (DCCT) suggest a reduction in cardiovascular
events in the group achieving near normoglycemia, the number of CVD
events in this generally young cohort is small.  Preliminary results
>From a pilot study of intensive treatment of hyperglycemia in Type II
diabetic veterans fail to suggest any short term benefit of improved
glucose control, showing fewer cardiovascular events in the
conventional than in the intensive treatment group.  No relative
reduction in CVD was observed in the variable dose insulin treated
group of the University Group Diabetes Program that achieved the best
degree of glucose control.  These observations may be particularly
relevant to the Type II diabetic patient with the multiple
cardiovascular risk factor syndrome (Syndrome X of Reaven) where
control of hyperglycemia only partially ameliorates the other CVD
risk factor abnormalities.  Finally, the relative benefits of glucose
control and other CVD risk factor control may vary depending upon the
race and gender of the patient and whether or not atherosclerotic
disease is already advanced.  Thus, the treatment most appropriate to
prevent long term macrovascular complications in a young Type I
diabetic with labile hyperglycemia may not be best for an elderly
Type II diabetic with mild hyperglycemia.  More information is needed
in all of these areas to design better and more specific treatment
and prevention regimens.

Available data on hyperglycemia and insulin levels as risk factors
for CVD have numerous limitations.  Many of the frequently cited
studies are old and utilized techniques of risk factor and disease
measurement that are crude by today's standards.  Until recently,
most population studies of diabetes have included only rudimentary
measures of vascular disease.  Many studies of CVD and associated
risk factors measured diabetes crudely and, in others, particularly
several large clinical trials, diabetics were excluded.  Among
several early studies that indicated a risk for CVD associated with
hyperglycemia, it is now probable that at least part of the risk can
be explained by subsequently identified risk factors that were not
measured at the time of the studies, such as hyperinsulinemia,
elevated insulin resistance, abnormalities in coagulation factors,
platelet function, or lipoprotein particle size or composition.  In
fact, two of the frequently cited studies indicating elevated insulin
level is an independent risk factor for CVD did not measure
HDL-cholesterol.  The relative importance of hyperglycemia,
hyperinsulinemia, and elevated insulin resistance as factors in the
excess CVD of diabetes has not been assessed in prospective studies.
Relative to studies on other major CVD risk factors such as
hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, evaluations of the role of
glucose intolerance and its related abnormalities as causes of CVD
have been limited.

The many complex metabolic abnormalities associated with diabetes and
their potential interactions with risk factors for atherosclerosis
make collaboration among investigators with different expertise
essential.  While diabetes increases the risk of CVD in all
populations studied, the observed CVD event rates vary widely,
suggesting that important environmental and probably genetic factors
may modify the adverse effects of hyperglycemia.  Collaboration
between experts in cardiovascular disease and diabetes and among
basic researchers, clinical investigators, and epidemiologists will
be essential to maximize progress in understanding the causes of
cardiovascular disease among diabetic patients and to develop new
therapeutic approaches for preventing this major chronic
complication.

Objectives

The primary objective of this initiative is to understand how the
presence of diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
To accelerate this understanding, this initiative will bring together
basic, clinical, and population based investigators to develop a
research program to address this question at the laboratory,
clinical, and population levels.  Although the control of
hyperglycemia is clearly associated with a reduction in the
development of microvascular complications of diabetes, its role in
the prevention of the macrovascular complications of diabetes is less
certain.  As a consequence, optimal interventions to prevent these
two major categories of complications may differ.  Proposed studies
should focus on how diabetes increases the risk of macrovascular
disease and the relative importance of hyperglycemia compared to
other cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with glucose
intolerance in the pathogenesis of the macrovascular disease in
diabetic patients.

Key questions include:

o  Does hyperglycemia directly cause the macrovascular disease?

o  Does hyperglycemia increase the risk of macrovascular disease
primarily by altering other CVD risk factors?

o  Is the excess risk of CVD in diabetics largely independent of the
level of glucose?

o  Does hyperglycemia have differing importance as a CVD risk factor
in Type I (insulin dependent) compared to Type II (non-insulin
dependent) diabetic patients?

o  Is the observed variation in rates of cardiovascular complications
among diabetic patients in different populations secondary to genetic
and/or environmental factors?

Answers to these questions will be important in formulating
recommendations for therapy of diabetic patients and, potentially,
for the design of a future clinical trial to test treatment to
prevent diabetes associated CVD.  Investigators selected for
participation in this program will be expected both to direct
innovative research at their institutions and to collaborate with
other members of the study group to apply this information to human
populations.

This initiative will support a broad program to understand the
etiology of the accelerated macrovascular disease found in diabetic
patients.  It will not necessarily support investigations in all
relevant areas, but will attempt to select and promote collaboration
among the most promising applicant groups.  Applicants will be
selected for participation based upon, among other things, the
overall evaluation of the importance and innovative aspects of their
proposed program and their plans for evaluating these findings in
defined populations.

Specifically, this initiative may support research in several areas,
for example:

o  To evaluate the roles of hyperglycemia, glycosylation of proteins,
and advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) in the development of
diabetic macrovascular disease.

o  To evaluate the role of hypertension and its interactions with
other risk factors in the development of diabetic macrovascular
disease.

o  To evaluate the role of modifications of lipids and lipoproteins
(oxidation and glycosylation) in the development of diabetic
macrovascular disease.

o  To evaluate the role of altered coagulation factors, abnormalities
in platelet function, and alterations in blood viscosity in the
development of diabetic macrovascular disease.  To evaluate the role
of hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin resistance in the development of
diabetic macrovascular disease.

o  To evaluate the role of vascular wall factors in the development
of vascular disease in the presence of hyperglycemia.

o  To evaluate the role of the co-occurrence or "clustering" of CVD
risk factor abnormalities including hypertension, dyslipidemia,
hyperglycemia, and obesity in the development of diabetic
macrovascular disease.

o  To evaluate the role of genetic and environmental factors in the
variation in prevalence of diabetic macrovascular disease among
racial and ethnic groups.

A unique aspect of this RFA is the recognition that much relevant
work on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been conducted that
has not yet been related to the link between diabetes and
atherosclerosis.  A goal of this initiative is to establish
collaborations among groups who have been pursuing separate paths.
For example, extensive work on lipid oxidation has taken place, the
importance of this process in diabetes has been recognized, but
research to assess its importance in diabetic vascular disease is
limited.  Similarly, extensive work has been done on insulin and
insulin resistance.  The potential importance of these factors in the
multiple CVD risk factor syndrome and in atherosclerosis has been
recognized, but research to assess their atherogenicity in the
diabetic is limited.  Many additional examples were evident in the
presentations at the 1992 Workshop on Diabetes and Mechanisms of
Atherogenesis (Getz, 1993).

Advances in basic research during the past decade have greatly
improved understanding of the metabolic abnormalities of diabetes and
the process of atherogenesis. Further work may lead to unique ways of
preventing or treating the atherosclerosis associated with diabetes.
Because of this, a major portion of this initiative will be devoted
to advancing fundamental knowledge of the atherosclerotic process in
diabetics and to clarifying whether the same processes are
responsible for the excess risk in all diabetic patients.  A key
question is whether the process in diabetic patients is the same or
different from that in nondiabetics.  Many research opportunities,
many of which are interrelated, were identified in the workshop
mentioned above (Getz, 1993).  Several areas appear appropriate for
emphasis:

Dyslipidemias and diabetes:

Prevalence rates of cardiovascular disease are low among diabetic
patients in populations with low levels of total and LDL cholesterol.
Several studies have shown alterations in the levels and composition
of lipid particles in diabetic subjects.  In addition to the long
recognized abnormalities such as elevated triglyceride and lowered
HDL-cholesterol levels, numerous other abnormalities including
changes in lipoprotein particle size and composition, protein
glycosylation and oxidation of lipoproteins have recently been
reported.  While the basic lipid changes have been found in all
populations studied, their magnitude varies considerably, both within
groups and within individual diabetic patients, suggesting the
effects of diabetes can be substantially modified by environmental or
underlying genetic factors.  The reasons some individuals and groups
appear to be protected are unknown and represent a promising area for
further investigations.  Lipid metabolism is also an area where
differences occur between Type I and Type II diabetic patients with
more adverse alterations generally found in Type II diabetics.

Hypertension and diabetes:

Hypertension is more common in diabetic patients than in age-matched
normoglycemics and its presence increases the risk of both micro- and
macrovascular complications of diabetes.  Many questions need further
exploration in this area including the origins of the excess
hypertension.  The relationship of elevated blood pressure to
subclinical renal disease and to the multiple CVD risk factor
syndrome are promising areas for further investigation.  In addition,
recent studies have suggested that the choice of drugs to treat
hypertension may be important in postponing both micro- and
macrovascular complications of diabetes.  The role of renal
dysfunction and the significance of microalbuminuria as a predictor
of both micro- and macrovascular disease needs to be evaluated.

Hemostasis and diabetes:

Several abnormalities in the coagulation system of diabetics have
been identified.  Abnormalities include changes in level and
structure of coagulation factors, alterations in platelet function,
and alterations in blood and plasma viscosity.  Many of the studies
are small and the techniques used for measurement were sometimes
controversial.  The associations among coagulation factors and other
recognized CVD risk factors require clarification.  This is one of
the least explored areas of diabetes associated CVD risk, but
potentially very important and much work remains to be done.

Hyperglycemia, insulinemia, and insulin sensitivity and diabetes:

These risk factors have generally been the province of diabetologists
studying the development of diabetes but recent reports have
suggested they may be independent cardiovascular disease risk
factors.  Critical questions center around the absolute and relative
importance of each of these factors in the acceleration of
atherosclerosis.  If hyperglycemia is "atherogenic," then improved
blood glucose levels should lead to a decrease in the risk of CVD.
In contrast, if hyperinsulinemia is "atherogenic," improvement of
blood glucose levels by intensive insulin treatment may reduce the
risk of microvascular disease (as demonstrated in the DCCT) but might
increase the risk of macrovascular disease.  Treatment regimens may
have different effects in Type I and Type II diabetic patients.

Vascular biology:

The past decade has produced major advances in the understanding of
atherogenesis at the cellular and molecular level.  It is now
recognized that the vascular endothelium is a complex organ that
senses its environment and responds in numerous ways to injury and to
recognized CVD risk factors.  Independently, major advances have
occurred in understanding how diabetes produces modifications at the
cellular and molecular level.  Much less is known about how these
diabetic modifications may interact with other atherogenic factors in
the local environment of the vessel wall to initiate and propagate
atherosclerotic plaques in diabetic patients.  In fact, it is not
known whether atherosclerosis in diabetics is simply a more rapidly
progressing common atherosclerotic plaque or whether differences
exist in its composition and in the pattern of cellular responses and
gene expression.  An area of particular opportunity is the study of
the regulation of growth factor and cytokine expression by mildly
oxidized low density lipoprotein and advanced glycosylation end
products (AGEs).

Genetic and Environmental Factors:

Rates of diabetic macrovascular complications vary widely in
different populations.  For example, some American Indian tribes,
despite extraordinary rates of diabetes, appear relatively protected
against cardiovascular complications. Some potential explanations for
these differences have been outlined above.  Clarifying the effects
of genetic and environmental factors on risk factor levels (and/or
composition) and on the susceptibility of the vascular wall to
atherosclerosis is of critical importance for the design of future
preventive measures.

In addition to improving understanding of the basic processes that
lead to excess macrovascular disease in diabetic patients, a major
goal of this initiative is to apply this information to human
studies.  This initiative will also provide support for limited
clinical and population studies which can either enhance
understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular complications
of diabetes or provide information important for developing new
therapeutic interventions.  Because of their cost, support for
establishing new epidemiologic studies of populations or clinical
trials to test reduction of disease risk cannot be provided through
this initiative.

The NHLBI has already established several large populations to study
risk factors for cardiovascular disease.  Many of these studies have
collected information on glucose tolerance and historical information
on diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.  They include extensive
characterization of CVD risk factors and assessments of clinical and
subclinical cardiovascular disease, making it possible to describe
risk factor patterns prior to their alteration by drug therapy or
clinical disease.  In addition, these studies include men and women
and representatives of multiple racial and ethnic groups, providing
an opportunity to look at the contrast in risk of cardiovascular
complications among different diabetic groups.  Overall, they
represent a valuable resource for studies of cardiovascular
complications in Type II diabetic patients.  Other important
populations have been identified and characterized with support from
other funding sources. Some include substantial numbers of Type I
diabetic patients.  Investigators applying for support from this
initiative are strongly encouraged to propose collaborative efforts
with existing population studies since this will be the most
efficient way to develop a clinical component. Investigators are free
to propose other clinical components, especially if they offer unique
advantages.  To obtain further information on NHLBI supported
population studies, contact Dr. Peter Savage at the address listed
under INQUIRIES.

It is anticipated that each program project will have several
discrete subprojects conducted by several investigators under the
overall direction of the Principal Investigator.  Each application
should include laboratory investigations and also include a clinical
and/or population component.

Studies initiated in one of these components should lead to
application in the others.  For example, lipid abnormalities
described in a population study could be studied further in the
laboratory using cell or animal models, then translated into small
clinical trials of drug efficacy.  Other examples could involve
investigations of the effects of hyperinsulinemia or elevated insulin
resistance that include studies of their effect on the isolated
vascular wall lesion, induction of hyperinsulinemia in animal models,
pharmacologic alteration of levels of insulin resistance in small
clinical studies, and assessment of the relative importance of
insulin and insulin resistance on other risk factors in population
studies containing several racial or ethnic groups.  Such examples
are not meant to suggest specific studies, but to indicate the
spectrum of research and type of collaboration that this initiative
is designed to support.

In most cases, human subjects will be selected from an existing
population on the basis of previously measured evidence of clinical
or subclinical disease or risk factor profiles.  In many cases, such
studies may be conducted on stored samples.  For more complex tests
requiring extensive subject participation or collection of additional
samples, care must be taken to not interfere with the ongoing study.
Existing policies in current multicenter population studies for
approval and reporting of ancillary studies will apply.  NHLBI
Project Scientists will expedite the collaborative aspects of study
design and will facilitate joint research with existing NHLBI funded
studies, as appropriate.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN
CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDIES

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 on the Inclusion of Women and Minorities as
Subjects in Clinical Research," which was reprinted in the Federal
Register of March 28, 1994 (59 FR 14508-14513) to correct typesetting
errors in the earlier publication, and reprinted in the NIH GUIDE FOR
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS of March 18, 1994, Volume 23, Number 11.

Investigators may obtain copies from these sources or from the
program staff or contact person listed below.  Program staff may also
provide additional relevant information concerning the policy.

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by January 2, 1996, a
letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed
research, the name, address, and telephone number of the principal
investigator, the identities of other key personnel and participating
institutions, and the number and title of the RFA in response to
which the application may be submitted.  Although a letter of intent
is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review
of subsequent applications, the information that it contains allows
NHLBI staff to estimate the potential review workload and avoid
conflict of interest in the review.

Letters of intent may be sent by U.S. mail or by fax.  The letter of
intent is to be sent to:

Dr. C. James Scheirer,
Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7220
Bethesda, MD  20892-7924
Telephone:  (301) 435-0266
FAX:  (301) 480-3541
Email:  James_Scheirer@NIH.GOV

Letter of Authorization

To be considered for funding by the JDFI, applicants must submit a
brief letter to the NHLBI indicating that they will allow their
applications to be considered by the JDFI.  All materials relating to
the application will be promptly forwarded to the JDFI by NHLBI.  The
summary statements for such applications will be shared with the JDFI
at the time of their availability. Letters of authorization should be
prepared by the Principal Investigator and co-signed by the official
signing for the applicant institution.  This letter may be combined
with the letter of intent or may be submitted directly to Dr. Savage
or Dr. Robinson at the address listed under INQUIRIES.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used
in applying for these grants.  These forms are available at most
institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from
the Office of Grants Information, Division of Research Grants,
National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3032, MSC
7762, Bethesda, MD 20892-7762, telephone 301-435-0714, email:
girg@drgpo.drg.nih.gov.

Applicants must follow the instructions provided in the RFA.  The RFA
label available in the PHS 398 application form must be affixed to
the bottom of the face page of the application.  Failure to use this
label could result in delayed processing of the application such that
it may not reach the review committee in time for review.  In
addition, to identify the application as a response to this RFA,
check "YES", enter the title, "Etiology of Excess Cardiovascular
Disease in Diabetes Mellitus" and the RFA number HL-96-005 on Line 2
of the face page of the application.

Send or deliver a signed, typewritten original of the application,
including the checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package
to:

DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

Send two additional copies of the application to Dr. James Scheirer,
Chief, Review Branch, Centers and Special Projects Section at the
address listed under LETTER OF INTENT.  It is important to send these
two copies at the same time as the original and three copies are sent
to the Division of Research Grants, otherwise the NHLBI cannot
guarantee that the application will be reviewed in competition for
this RFA.

Applications must be received by February 9, 1996.  If an application
is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant.
The Division of Research Grants (DRG) will not accept any application
in response to this RFA that is essentially the same as one currently
pending initial review, or is essentially the same as one already
reviewed.  This does not preclude the submission of substantial
revisions of applications already reviewed, but such applications
must include an introduction addressing the previous critique.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by DRG
and for responsiveness by the NHLBI.  Incomplete and/or non-
responsive applications will be returned to the applicant without
further consideration.

Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be
evaluated for scientific and technical merit in accordance with the
review criteria stated below by an appropriate peer group convened by
the NHLBI.  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.

Neither site visits nor reverse site visits are planned as a part of
the review process.  Therefore, each application should be complete
on submission.  Following the initial review group consideration,
secondary review of applications will be conducted by the National
Heart, Lung and Blood Advisory Council and the Juvenile Diabetes
Foundation International Advisory Board.

The criteria for review of applications will be those used regularly
for the review of program project grant applications by the NHLBI.  A
complete and detailed description of these criteria is contained in
"Program Project Grant:  Preparation of the Application", NHLBI, US
DHHS, August 1992, a copy of which may be obtained from Dr Scheirer
at the address listed under LETTER OF INTENT. Awardees will be
selected on the basis of the priority score of their individual
applications, subproject scores, and the ability of that proposal to
contribute to a comprehensive investigation of diabetic
cardiovascular disease.

Review criteria for RFAs are generally the same as those for
unsolicited interdisciplinary research grant applications, and
include:

o  the scientific merit of each proposed project in the application,
including originality, feasibility of the approach, and adequacy of
the experimental design;

o  the integration of the clinical and fundamental research into a
coherent enterprise with adequate plans for interaction and
communication of information and concepts among the collaborating
investigators;

o  if applicable, the technical merit and justification of each core
unit;

o  the qualifications, experience, and commitment of the Program
Project Principal Investigator and his/her ability to devote adequate
time and effort to provide effective leadership;

o  the competence of the subproject investigators to accomplish the
proposed research goals, their commitment, and the time they will
devote to the program;

o  the adequacy of facilities to perform the proposed research
including the laboratory and clinical facilities, access to subjects,
instrumentation, and data management systems when needed;

o  the scientific and administrative structure of the program,
including adequate internal and external arrangements and procedures
for monitoring and evaluating the proposed research and for providing
ongoing quality control and scientific review;

o  the institutional commitment to the program and the
appropriateness of the institutional resources and policies for the
administration of a research program of the type proposed; and of the
appropriateness of the budget for the proposed program.

o  Adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their
subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research.
Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be
evaluated.

AWARD CRITERIA

The most important criterion in selecting awardees will be the
scientific merit as reflected in the priority score. However, factors
such as program balance and available funds may enter into selection
>From among meritorious applications.  Applications must be received
by February 9, 1996.  An application not received by this date will
be considered ineligible.

Schedule

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:    January 2, 1996
Application Receipt Date:         February 9, 1996
Initial Review:                   March/April 1996
Review by NHLB Advisory Council:  June 1996
Review by JDFI Advisory Board:    June 1996
Anticipated Award Date:           June 28, 1996

INQUIRIES

Inquiries regarding this RFA are encouraged.  The opportunity to
clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Peter J. Savage, M.D.
Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 8154
Bethesda, MD  20892-7934
Telephone:  (301) 435-0702
FAX:  (301) 480-1667
Email:  Peter_Savage@NIH.GOV

David M. Robinson, Ph.D.
Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive,, Room 10193, MSC 7956
Bethesda, MD  20892-7956
Telephone:  (301) 435-0545
FAX:  (301) 480-2849
Email:  drw@cu.nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal and administrative matters to:

Mr. William Darby
Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7128
Bethesda, MD  20892-7926
Telephone:  (301) 435-0177
FAX:  (301) 480-3310
Email:  William_Darby@NIH.GOV

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance number 93.387, Heart and Vascular Diseases.  Awards are
made under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Section
301 (42 USC 241) and administered under PHS grant policies and
Federal regulations, most specifically 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part
74.  This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review
requirements of Executive Order 12372, or to 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.

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$$XID RFA PA96008 PA-96-008 P1O1 ***************************************

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF LUNG CANCER: INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

PA NUMBER:  PA-96-008

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715035, 0785055, 0715165

National Cancer Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

PURPOSE

The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics of the National
Cancer Institute (NCI) invites grant applications for innovative
interdisciplinary studies to better understand the etiology of
adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma of the lung and the means of
prevention.

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), Epidemiology of Lung Cancer: Interdisciplinary
Studies, is related to the priority area of cancer.  Potential
applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:
Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report: Stock No.
017-001000473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign, for-profit and
non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities,
colleges, hospitals, research laboratories, units of State and local
governments, eligible agencies of the Federal government, and small
businesses.  Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women and persons
with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

Support of this program will be through individual research project
grants (R01).  Responsibility for the planning, direction, and
execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the
applicant.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

Lung cancer is now a leading cause of cancer death in industrialized
countries and is rising in many developing countries.  Thun et al.
(1), who examined changes in smoking-specific death rates from the
1960s to the 1980s in the U.S. reported that lung cancer surpassed
coronary heart disease as the largest single contributor to
smoking-attributable death among White middle-class smokers.  In
1930, the age-adjusted lung cancer death rate among U.S. males was
about 5/100,000 per year; it rose to 55.9 in 1970 and to 74.9 in
1987.  Among females in the U.S., the corresponding lung cancer death
rates were 3.0, 12.2 and 28.5, respectively (2).  In 1994, lung
cancer accounted for an estimated 172,000 incident cases (100,000
males and 72,000 females) and 153,000 deaths (94,000 males and 59,000
females) (3).

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.   While
smoking cessation programs are critical to reduce the burden of lung
cancer in our society, additional research is also warranted to
clarify the reasons for changes in the distribution of the major
histologic types during the last 40 years and gender and racial
differences in risk.  Our lack of understanding of the reasons for
these patterns reflects the inadequacy of our knowledge of lung
carcinogenesis at the histology-specific level. This level of
understanding will also impact clearly on our ability to prevent the
disease.

Several investigators have reported on time trends.  Vincent (4)
found adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma to be the more
common histologic types among lung cancer patients presenting to the
thoracic surgery department of Roswell Park Memorial Institute
between 1962 and 1975.  Adenocarcinoma increased progressively from
17.6 percent of the total cases in 1962 to 29.8 percent by 1975,
while squamous cell carcinoma represented 48.6 percent of the total
cases in 1962 but decreased to 25.5 percent in 1975.

Devesa et al. (5), reporting on changing patterns of lung cancer by
histologic type for the period 1969-1986 for five geographic areas
(Atlanta, Connecticut, Detroit, Iowa and San Francisco- Oakland)
covering seven percent of the U.S. population, indicated that for all
sex-race groups combined, age-adjusted incidence of lung cancer
increased three percent per year from 38.6/100,000 person-years
during 1969-71 to 58.4/100,000 person-years during 1984-86.  The rate
rose 25 percent among white men, about 50 percent among black men,
and over 150 percent among both black and white women.  Squamous cell
carcinoma rates increased 50 percent or less among men and more than
doubled among women.  Adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma rates
doubled among men and more than tripled among women.  As a result,
the histologic distribution of lung cancer changed over time.
Squamous cell carcinoma remains the most common type among men.
Among women, however, adenocarcinoma is the most frequent type; the
rates of small cell carcinoma exceeds slightly those of squamous cell
carcinoma among white women only.

Recently, Travis et al (6) reported analyses of Surveillance,
Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program data on lung cancer for
the period 1973-1987.  The percentage of lung cancers that were
adenocarcinoma in all race-sex groups combined increased to 32
percent, surpassing squamous cell carcinoma as the most frequently
occurring histologic type.  Squamous cell carcinoma, however,
continues to constitute a large proportion (29 percent) of lung
tumors.

The race, gender and time patterns of adenocarcinoma and small cell
carcinoma cannot be readily explained.  It has been suggested that
advances in techniques for establishing the diagnosis of lung cancer
should be considered in interpreting temporal trends of incidence by
histologic type.  Changing patterns of classification by pathologists
may also have influenced the reported increase in frequency of
adenocarcinoma. Cigarette smoking is a stronger risk factor for
squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma than for
adenocarcinoma of the lung (5).  Smoking intensity, duration, types
of cigarette smoked, cessation, or different degree of susceptibility
to carcinogens present in tobacco smoke may differentially affect the
development of the various histologic types of lung tumors. Newer
cigarettes containing lower amounts of tar, as determined by the
Federal Trade Commission method, may be more harmful than older
brands.  Women may be at a higher elevated risk of lung cancer than
men due to greater exposure to newer brands and/or to gender-related
susceptibility (7,8).  The greater lung cancer risk in blacks
compared to that in whites may be due to racial differences in
carcinogen metabolism or for reasons similar to those responsible for
gender differences.

Occupational determinants of lung adenocarcinoma have not been well
investigated.  Few studies have examined the differences in
occupational risks for histologic types of lung cancer, but
associations between occupations and specific histologic types have
been suggested.  Adenocarcinoma of the lung was elevated among
carpenters, and cabinet and furniture makers (9). Occupational
exposure to bischloromethyl ether (10) and radon (11) preferentially
influence  small cell carcinoma.  With regard to diet, positive
associations have been seen with lipid consumption, fat and
cholesterol, and inverse associations with various carotenoids,
vitamin C, and retinol, and with fruits and vegetables as a group
(12).  Immunologic and hormonal factors have been suggested to affect
risk of adenocarcinoma (13,14), and familial patterns have been
observed (15).

Findings from a multicenter case-control study of lung cancer in
nonsmoking women indicated an overall 30 percent increased risk
associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke from a
spouse, with a 50 percent elevated risk of lung adenocarcinoma (16).
Other adult life exposures in household, occupational and social
settings were each associated with a 40 to 60 percent increased risk
of lung adenocarcinoma (16).  Approximately half of all lung cancers
among current nonsmokers could be attributed to a history of smoking,
dietary intake of saturated fat, nonmalignant lung disease,
environmental tobacco smoke, occupational exposures including
asbestos, a family history of lung cancer and domestic radon (17).
Thus half of the lung cancer incidence among nonsmokers remains
unexplained.

Research Scope and Goals

The reasons for the increases in adenocarcinoma and small cell
carcinoma of the lung in the U.S. remain to be fully explained.
Changing diagnostic trends should be considered as one possible
reason, and examined through standardized review of a sample series
of cases that are representative of those occurring since the 1950s.
There is a paucity of understanding of the environmental and host
factors and the mechanisms of induction for specific types of lung
cancer.  In particular, further research is needed to elucidate the
etiologic factors that influence the upwards time trends in lung
adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma.

The areas of research listed below are not intended to be all-
inclusive, but are designed to give the applicant some direction for
the types of research that the NCI is interested in stimulating to
enhance knowledge about the etiology of lung adenocarcinoma and small
cell carcinoma and means for their prevention.

1. Epidemiologic studies of lung adenocarcinoma and/or small cell
carcinoma in smokers, with detailed collection of tobacco use data,
assessment of risk modifiers, and evaluation of susceptibility
factors; pooled analysis of existing data sets for lung
adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma; studies of non- tobacco
environmental/occupational exposures and lung adenocarcinoma and
small cell carcinoma risk.

2. Studies of host susceptibility factors in relation to lung cancer
type, such as P450 expression/polymorphisms, glutathione
S-transferase enzymes, hormonal factors, and diet.

3. Studies of the molecular mechanisms of lung adenocarcinoma and/or
small cell carcinoma in laboratory animals and humans to assess the
role of novel oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes; investigation of
carcinogen metabolic activation and detoxification in human pulmonary
cells; development of biomarkers of chemicals in tobacco products, in
the general environment or in occupational settings that induce lung
adenocarcinoma, and small cell carcinoma, including DNA adducts.
Consideration should also be given to DNA adduct repair in human
pulmonary cells.

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- sponsored
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 and Study Populations, and
Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations) which
have been in effect since 1990.  The new policy contains some new
provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should
read the "NIH Guidelines on the Inclusion of Women and Minorities as
Subjects in Clinical Research," which was reprinted in the Federal
Register on March 28, 1994 (59 FR 14508-14513) to correct typesetting
errors in the earlier publication, and reprinted in the NIH GUIDE FOR
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS of March 18, 1994, Volume 23, Number 11.

Investigators may obtain copies from these sources or from the
program staff or contact person listed under INQUIRIES.  Program
staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the
policy.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS
398 (rev. 5/95) and will be accepted at the standard application
deadlines as indicated in the application kit. Application kits are
available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may
be obtained from Office of Grants Information, Division of Research
Grants, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room
3032, MSC 7762, Bethesda, MD 20892-7762, telephone 301-435-0714.

The completed original application and five legible copies must be
sent or delivered to:

DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040, MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD, 20817 (for courier/overnight service)

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS
referral guidelines.  Applications that are complete will be
evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer
review group convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review
procedures.  As part of the initial merit review, all applications
will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only
those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit,
generally the top half of applications under review, will be
discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level
review by the appropriate national advisory council or board.

Review Criteria

o  scientific, technical, or medical significance and originality of
proposed research;

o  appropriateness and adequacy of the experimental approach and
methodology proposed to carry out the research;

o  qualifications and research experience of the Principal
Investigator and staff, particularly but not exclusively in the area
of the proposed research;

o  availability of resources necessary to perform the research;

o  appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to
the proposed research;

o  adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their
subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research.
Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be
evaluated.

The Initial review group will also examine the provisions for the
protection of human subjects and animal welfare and the safety of the
research environment.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications will compete for available funds with all other approved
applications assigned to the NCI.  The following will be considered
in making funding decisions: quality of the proposed project as
determined by peer review, availability of funds, and program
priority.

INQUIRIES

Inquiries are encouraged, particularly during the planning phase of
the grant applications.  The opportunity to clarify any issues or
questions from potential applicants is welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Dr. A.R. Patel
Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
National Cancer Institute
6130 Executive Boulevard, Suite 535, MSC 7395
Bethesda, MD  20892-7395
Telephone:  (301) 496-9600
FAX:  (301) 402-4279
Email:  Jasonc@EPNDCE.NCI.NIH.GOV

Dr. Gwen W. Collman
Chemical Exposures and Molecular Biology Branch
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
P.O, Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, NC  27709
Telephone:  (919) 541-4980
FAX:  (919) 541-2843
Email:  collman@niehs.nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Mr. E. C. Melvin
Grants Administration Branch
National Cancer Institute
Executive Plaza South
6120 Executive Boulevard, Suite 243, MSC 7150
Bethesda, MD  20892-7150
Telephone:  (301) 496-7800, EXT 258
FAX:  (301) 496-860

David L. Mineo
Grants Management Branch
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
P.O. Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, NC  27709
Telephone:  (919) 541-7628
FAX:  (919) 541-2860
Email:  MELVINE@gab.nci.nih.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.393.  Awards are made under authorization of the
Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Part A (Public Law 78-140, as
amended by Public Law 99.158, 42 USC 241 and 285) and administered
under HHS policies and grant regulations.  This program is not
subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive
Order 12372 or Health System Agency review.

The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all grant
recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use
of all tobacco products.  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:

1.Thun, M.J., Day-Lally, C.A., Calle, E.E., et al. Excess mortality
among cigarette smokers: changes in a 20-year interval. Am. J Public
Health, 85: 1223-1230, 1995.

2. Wynder, E.L. and Hoffmann, D. Smoking and lung cancer: scientific
challenges and opportunities. Cancer Res., 54: 5284- 5295, 1994.

3. Boring, C.C., Squires, T.S., Tong, T., et al. Cancer statistics,
1994. Ca. Cancer J. Clin., 44: 7-26, 1994.

4. Vincent, R. G., Pickren, J.W., Lane, W.W. et al. The changing
histopathology of lung cancer: a review of 1682 cases. Cancer, 39:
1647-1655, 1977.

5. Devesa, S. S., Shaw, G.L., and Blot, W.J. Changing patterns of
lung cancer by histologic type. Cancer Epidemiol., Biomarkers Prev.,
1: 29-34, 1991.

6. Travis, W.D., Travis, L.B., and Devesa, S.S. Lung cancer. Cancer,
75: 191-202, 1995.

7. Risch, H.A., Howe, G.R., Jain, M., et al. Are female smokers at
higher risk of lung cancer than male smokers? A case-control analysis
by histologic type. Am. J. Epidemiol., 138: 281-293, 1993.

8. Harris, R.E., Zang, E.A., Anderson, J.I., et al. Race and sex
differences in lung cancer risk associated with cigarette smoking.
Int. J. Epidemiol., 22: 592-599, 1993.

9. Zahm, S.H., Brownson, R.C., Chang, J.C., et al. Study of lung
cancer histologic types, occupation and smoking in Missouri. Am. J.
Ind. Med., 15: 565-578, 1989.

10. Pasternack, B.S., Shore, R.E., and Albert, R.E.  Occupational
exposure to chloromethyl ethers.  J. Occup. Med., 19: 741-746, 1977.

11.  Samet, J.M.  Radon and lung cancer.  J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 81:
745-757, 1989.

12.  Patel, A.R. and Obrams, G.I. Meeting Report: Adenocarcinoma of
the lung. Cancer Epidemiol., Biomarkers Prev., 4: 175-180, 1995.

13.  Fraumeni, J.F. Jr., Wertelecki, W., Blattner, W.A., et al.
Varied manifestations of a familial lymphoproliferative disorder. Am.
J. Med., 59: 145-151, 1975.

14. Gao, Y.T., Blot, W.J., Zheng, W., et al. Lung cancer among
Chinese women. Int. J. Cancer, 40: 604-609, 1987.

15. Mulvihill, J.J. Host factors in human lung tumors: an example of
ecogenetics in oncology. J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 57: 3-7, 1976.

16. Fontham, E. T. H., Correa, P., Wu-Williams, A., et al. Lung
cancer in nonsmoking women: a multicenter case-control study. Cancer
Epidemiol., Biomarkers Prev., 1: 35-43, 1991.

17.  Alavanja, M.C.R., Brownson, R.C., Benichou, J., et al.
Attributable risk of lung cancer in lifetime nonsmokers and long-term
exsmokers.  Cancer Causes and Control, 6: 209-216, 1995.

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$$XID RFA HL96006 HL-96-006 P1O1 ***************************************
SLEEP ACADEMIC AWARD

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFA:  HL-96-006

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  December 29, 1995
Application Receipt Date:  March 12, 1996

THIS RFA USES "JUST-IN-TIME" PROCEDURES.  THIS RFA INCLUDES DETAILED
MODIFICATIONS TO STANDARD APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS THAT MUST BE
FOLLOWED WHEN PREPARING AN APPLICATION IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFA.

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this initiative is to encourage the
development and/or improvement of the quality of medical curricula,
physician/patient/nurse and community education, and clinical
practice for the prevention, management, and control of sleep
disorders.  A secondary objective is to promote high quality clinical
research on sleep.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This RFA,
Sleep Academic Award, is related to the priority areas of heart
disease and stroke, diabetes, chronic disabling conditions, mental
health and disorders, and clinical prevention 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

Institutions

Applications may be submitted by any domestic university or school of
medicine or osteopathy.

In this competition, there is a special interest in institutions
sponsoring candidates experienced in medical education and sleep and
clinical sleep research.  Also, minority institutions and
institutions with eligible minority faculty members are encouraged to
apply.

Candidates

A candidate for an award must:

o  Individuals who have or have had another NIH career development
award (K series) or a regular research grant (R01) are eligible for a
Sleep Academic Award if the individual meets the requirements of the
Sleep Academic Award program.  Applications from minority individuals
and women are encouraged.

o  have knowledge and skills in sleep and sleep disorders medicine;

o  be an established member of a medical faculty in an accredited
school of medicine or osteopathy in the United States, its
territories, or its possessions;

o  have had formal clinical research training or post graduate
clinical research training;

o  have had experience and sufficient training in clinical sleep
research, clinical practice, and/or medical education to develop and
implement a high quality curriculum in sleep and sleep disorders and
provide leadership in clinical research on sleep;

o  have the unqualified support of the Dean and the educational
leadership at the institution and demonstrate knowledge and
commitment to medical education for medical students, physicians,
patients, nurses, and the public;

o  be a citizen or non-citizen national of the United States or have
been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence
at the time of application.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This RFA is part of the Academic Award Program (K07) of the National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.  Responsibility for the planning,
direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that
of the applicant.  The total project period may not exceed five years
and is non-renewable.  Awards will be limited to a maximum of $62,500
for the salary of the Principal Investigator, plus applicable fringe
benefits, and a maximum of $20,000 for technical support.  Indirect
costs may not exceed 8 percent.

It is anticipated that support for this program will begin September
30, 1996.

Application instructions have been modified to implement "just-in-
time" streamlining efforts being considered by the NIH.  This
requires an applicant to submit certain information only when and if
it is likely that an award will be made.  It is anticipated that
these changes will reduce the administrative burden for the
applicants, reviewers, and NHLBI staff.  For this RFA, no budgetary
information is required in the application.  However, the anticipated
level of effort in all years and a brief description of
responsibilities for the Principal Investigator and key personnel
must be included in the research plan.  In addition, instructions for
completing the Biographical Sketch have been modified and no "Other
Support" information or "Checklist" page is required in the initial
application.  If an award is likely, necessary budget, Other Support,
and Checklist information will be requested by NHLBI staff.  The
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS section of this RFA provides specific
modifications to the instructions in the PHS 398 application kit.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

The estimated funds (total costs) available for this program for
fiscal year 1996 will be $300,000.  It is anticipated that three to
four new grants will be awarded in FY 96 and in each of the next two
years through an additional competition in each of fiscal years 1997
and 1998. The actual number each year, however, will depend upon the
merit and scope of the applications received and the availability of
funds.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

Recent estimates suggest that as many as 40 million people may suffer
>From chronic or intermittent disorders of sleep.  Many remain
undiagnosed and untreated, the consequences of which include reduced
productivity, lowered cognitive performance, increased likelihood of
accidents, higher risk of morbidity and mortality, and decreased
quality of life.  It is now apparent that sleep disorders,
disturbances of sleep, and sleep deprivation are major public health
concerns.  Sleep problems occur in both genders, in all races and
socioeconomic groups, and increase with age.

National attention has been directed to this problem.  The National
Commission on Sleep Disorders Research submitted their report
entitled "Wake Up America:  A National Sleep Alert" to the United
States Congress in January 1993.  The Commission's recommendations
include encouraging broader awareness of sleep and training about
sleep and the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, spanning
the full range of health care professions, particularly at the
primary care level.  Several surveys have documented that physician
training and knowledge about sleep and sleep disorders is minimal.
For example, in 1978, the American Sleep Disorders Association (ASDA)
conducted a survey of medical school curricula and found that about
one third of the medical schools provided one to four hours within
the curricula for teaching about sleep.  A more recent (1990) survey
found that less than two hours were allocated to teaching about sleep
at one third of the medical schools and one third of the medical
schools reported no formal teaching about sleep.  It was estimated
that about 30 percent of all medical students receive no instruction
about sleep.  These results would suggest that there actually has
been a decrease in the amount of medical school training about sleep.

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) surveyed pulmonary residency
training programs and found that 70 percent had laboratories, but
only 29 percent had formal training programs about sleep.  Of greater
concern was that 90 percent of the trainees diagnosed patients with
sleep apnea, but only 33 percent had any formal training on how to
conduct sleep studies.  The major obstacles cited for increasing the
attention to sleep in medical schools included low administrative
priority, lack of qualified faculty, and limited curriculum time.

Given the limited medical school training about sleep and sleep
disorders, it is not surprising that several surveys have reported
that health practitioners rarely diagnose sleep disorders.  In fact,
primary care physicians scored less than 50 percent correctly on
factual items for diagnosis and management of sleep disorders.  A
1991 Gallup survey showed that primary care physicians failed to
correctly diagnose one in three adults with insomnia.  Most
narcoleptics contact as many as five physicians before proper
diagnosis is made.  Clearly, physicians are not well trained or
knowledgeable about sleep and sleep disorders.

Sleep disorders cut across several medical specialties (e.g.,
neurology, psychiatry, internal medicine, and otolaryngology), which
complicates the development of effective treatment guidelines and
research.  Although most sleep disorders can be controlled with
medical treatment, many patients are not being diagnosed or receiving
state-of-the-art medical care.  This may be because many people
believe that no effective treatments exist and therefore do not seek
medical help.  Multidimensional research is clearly necessary to
improve clinical practice and patient education.

Therefore, the aim of this program is to stimulate the development
and/or improvement of the quality of medical education, patient and
community education, high quality clinical research programs, and
clinical practice focused on the control of sleep disorders.

Awardees will be encouraged to submit objectives and program plans
for both health provider education and applied research.  Awardees
will be encouraged to develop and evaluate complementary educational
and research projects as indicated below.

Objectives

The objectives of the Sleep Academic Award Program are to:

o  encourage the development of high quality curricula in schools of
medicine that will significantly increase the knowledge and skills of
students, house staff, and others, including practicing physicians,
needed to apply state-of-the-art principles and practice to the
prevention, management, and control of sleep disorders;

o  evaluate the impact of the proposed program and assemble a
curriculum that can be adapted and used by other Institutions;

o  promote communication among specialists in primary care and other
specialties to ensure appropriate treatment strategies;

o  promote an institutional environment that facilitates an
interchange of  information and educational evaluation techniques
about new diagnostic, therapeutic, and behavioral measures in sleep
and sleep disorders;

o  develop and implement interdepartmental programs with common goals
and standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches;

o  enhance the teaching about sleep disorders in minority medical
schools and promote community education about sleep in the
communities served by these institutions, including providing
outreach programs from medical centers to health practitioners in the
community;

o  promote the development of a faculty capable of providing
appropriate instruction in the diagnosis and management of sleep
disorders, with special emphasis on minority faculties;

o  contribute to the public health efforts to address sleep disorders
in the United States;

o  facilitate an interchange of ideas among awardee investigators and
institutions;

o  promote coordinated clinical approaches to the care of patients of
various ages and ethnic groups, such as minorities and the elderly
with sleep disorders;

o  encourage high quality clinical and applied research in the
treatment and control of sleep disorders.

No one application is expected to address all of these objectives.
Applicants should assess the needs in their area and develop a
program that most effectively addresses the objectives of this RFA.

Of particular interest are programs targeted to inner city and rural
populations that may need education about sleep and sleep disorders
for the community and to physicians, nurses, and other health care
workers who are or who will be caring for medically underserved
populations.

Because this is a medical education program, funds may be requested
for technical support staff who have complementary expertise to that
of the principal investigator.  Such personnel may include medical
educators, curricula specialists, program evaluators, or other
specialists.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Use the following modifications in completing the standard PHS 398
application:

o  BUDGET INFORMATION - No current/future year budgets or
justifications (Form Pages 4 and 5) are required in the application.
However, the anticipated level of effort in all years and a brief
description of responsibilities for the Principal Investigator and
all key personnel must be specifically stated at the beginning of the
research plan.  Necessary budget information will be requested by
NHLBI staff if there is a possibility for an award.

o  BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH - In addition to the standard information
requested on Form Page 6, the applicant has the option of providing
the title and source of any sponsored support relevant to the
proposed research.

o  OTHER SUPPORT - No other support information is required on the
"Other Support" page (Form Page 7).  Selected other support
information relevant to the proposed research may be included in the
Biographical Sketch as indicated above.  Complete other support
information will be requested by NHLBI staff if there is a
possibility for an award.

o  CHECKLIST - No "Checklist" page is required as part of the initial
application.  A completed Checklist will be requested by NHLBI staff
if there is a possibility for an award.

o  FACE PAGE - Currently, the Division of Research Grants requires
that requested costs be reflected on the face page for computer
system tracking purposes.  Because no budgetary information is
required as part of the "just-in-time" application process, we are
requesting that standard amounts be shown on the face page.  IT IS
UNDERSTOOD THAT THESE LEVELS ARE STRICTLY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES
AND THAT ACTUAL AWARD LEVELS ARE SUBJECT TO NEGOTIATION, PRIOR TO
AWARD.  The following amounts must be entered on the face page: 7a.
Direct Costs for Initial Budget Period - $70,000; 7b. Total Costs for
Initial Budget Period - $75,000; 8a. Direct Costs for Proposed Period
of Support - $350,000 and; 8b. Total Costs for Proposed Period of
Support - $375,000.

The applicant should be prepared to provide the name and phone number
of the individual to contact concerning fiscal and administrative
issues if additional information is necessary following the initial
review.

In the event that budget information, Other Support pages and/or
Checklist pages are submitted with the application, they will be
removed prior to review to allow for consistency with other
applications.

The following sections are specific cost guidelines that will apply
to those applications selected for award consideration.

1. Principal Investigator's Salary

The salary for the Principal Investigator must not exceed the actual
institutional salary rates for the effort being devoted to the
Academic Award.  In addition, salary rates must not exceed an annual
salary level of $125,000 plus fringe benefits (a maximum of $62,500
for 50 percent effort).  A candidate must plan to devote at least 30
percent effort and no greater than 50 percent effort to this award.

A Principal Investigator may devote up to a combined total of 100
percent effort on the Academic Award and as an investigator on any
other NIH-supported grant(s) or contract(s) and may receive
remuneration from such sources accordingly.

2. Program Support

Technical support will be provided up to a maximum of $20,000 per
year for the following:

o  personnel other than the PI if requested for the development,
implementation, and evaluation of the program.  Salaries will be
allowable for technical and support staff  and consultants, e.g.,
educational and evaluation specialists.

o  consumable supplies essential to the proposed program are
allowable, but equipment costs are not allowable;

o  funds for educational development to enable the awardee to develop
educational skills;

o  funds for travel for the Principal Investigator to meet with other
investigators and NHLBI staff to exchange ideas, develop
collaborative projects, and provide needed technical support.
(Investigators may be requested to meet as a group up to two times a
year; $2,000 should be allocated for this purpose.)

3.  Indirect Costs

Awards will be provided for the reimbursement of actual indirect
costs at a rate up to, but not exceeding, eight percent of the total
direct costs of each award.

4. Conditions of the Award

Institutions must provide documentation that the applicant would have
the necessary time and resources to implement the proposed plan.  In
some cases, it may be necessary for the applicant to be relieved of
some responsibilities for the five years of the grant award in order
to implement the proposed plan.

An institution may apply for an award on behalf of a named individual
meeting the criteria for this award.  Only one application may be
submitted from each eligible institution in each competition. Awards
will be limited to one from each eligible school over the life of the
award.  After the first year, grants will be renewed for a maximum of
four years on a noncompetitive basis depending upon progress being
made in meeting the program's objectives.  An annual report that
summarizes to curriculum development at the institution and other
elements of the program plan and outlines future plans will be
required.  This report will serve as the principal basis for renewal
of the grant.

Awards may not be transferred from one institution to another.  If an
awardee moves to another institution, the award will continue at the
original institution only upon acceptance by the National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute of a suitable replacement proposed by the
grantee institution.  Such a replacement will not lengthen the
overall term of the award.

INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN
SUBJECTS

It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups
and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported
biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects,
unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided
that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the
subjects or the purpose of the research.  This new policy results
>From the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law
103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies
(Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and
Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations), which
have been in effect since 1990.  The new policy contains some
provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should
read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as
Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the
Federal Register of March 28, 1994, (F 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 these sources
or from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES.  Program staff may
also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy.

Although the Sleep Academic Award is not primarily a mechanism to
support research, it is likely that human subjects will be involved.
Therefore, protection for human subjects must be addressed, and the
approximate percent of women and each minority group expected to be
in the total population must be included.

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by December 29, 1995, a
letter of intent that includes the name, address, and telephone
number of the Principal Investigator, the identities of other key
personnel and participating institutions, and the number and title of
the RFA in response to which the application may be submitted.

Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does
not enter into the review of subsequent applications, the information
that it contains allows NIH staff to estimate the potential review
workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review.  The letter
of intent is to be faxed or sent to Dr. C. James Scheirer, at the
address listed under INQUIRIES.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS
398 (rev. 5/95).  These forms are available at most institutional
offices of sponsored research and from the Office of Grants
Information, Division of Research Grants,  National Institutes of
Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3032, MSC 7762, Bethesda, MD
20892-7762, telephone (301) 435-0714, email: GIRG@DRGPO.DRG.NIH.GOV.

The RFA label available in the PHS 398 application form must be
affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application.  Failure
to use this label could result in delayed processing of the
application such that it may not reach the review committee in time
for review.  In addition, to identify the application as a response
to this RFA, check "YES" in item 2 of page 1 of the application and
enter the title "Sleep Academic Award" HL-96-006.

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)

Send two additional copies of the application to the Chief, Review
Branch, DEA at the address listed under INQUIRIES.  It is important
to send these two copies at the same time as the original and three
copies are sent to the Division of Research Grants, otherwise, the
NHLBI cannot guarantee that the application will be reviewed in
competition for this RFA.

Applications must be received by March 12, 1996.  If an application
is received after this date, it will be returned to the applicant
without review.  The Division of Research Grants (DRG) will not
accept any application in response to this RFA that is essentially
the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the
applicant withdraws the pending application.  The DRG will not accept
any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed.
This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of
applications already reviewed, but such applications must include an
introduction addressing the previous critique.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the
DRG and responsiveness to this RFA by the NHLBI.  Incomplete and/or
non-responsive applications will be returned to the applicant without
further consideration.  Applications that are complete and responsive
to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an
appropriate peer review group convened by the Division of Extramural
Affairs, NHLBI in accordance with the review criteria stated below.

As part of the initial merit review, a process may be used by the
initial review group in which applications will be determined to be
competitive or noncompetitive based on their scientific merit
relative to other applications received in response to the RFA.
Applications judged to be competitive will be discussed and assigned
a priority score.  Applications determined to be noncompetitive will
be withdrawn from further consideration and the Principal
Investigator and the official signing for the applicant organization
will be notified.

Review Criteria.

Applications for this Sleep Academic Award will be evaluated in terms
of the following criteria:

o  the magnitude of sleep and sleep disorders and the need for the
program in the area to be served;

o  the overall merit of the proposed five year plan for developing or
improving the institution's interdepartmental curricula in sleep;

o  the qualifications and background of the candidate, including
experience in teaching, curriculum development, and administration in
a medical school, planning and conduct of research, and level of
effort;

o  the ability and commitment to work cooperatively with other
investigators to develop innovative sleep curricula, materials, and
programs;

o  the institution's commitment to implement the proposed curriculum
and maintain a program in education about sleep and sleep disorders
after the termination of the award;

o  the significant involvement of appropriate disciplines in the
development, implementation, and evaluation of the program;

o  design and evaluation of educational interventions for health care
providers and for patients with sleep disorders;

o  plans for communication and cooperation among specialists in
internal medicine, psychiatry, pulmonary, neurology, and community
medicine to ensure optimal treatment;

o  plans for collaborative projects with other organizations that
have responsibility for and interest in sleep disorders; for example,
health departments, medical and nursing associations, voluntary
health agencies, and home care agencies;

o  plans for and availability of expertise to implement and evaluate
the proposed program, including strategies for both process and
impact evaluation;

o  the potential of the program for making an impact on the control
of sleep disorders;

o  the potential for replication or adaptation of the program at
other sites.

AWARD CRITERIA

The anticipated date of award is September 30, 1996.  Factors that
will be taken into consideration in making awards include the
scientific merit of the proposed program as evidenced by the priority
score and the availability of funds.  Subject to the availability of
necessary funds and consonant with the objectives of the Sleep
Academic Award, the NHLBI will provide funds for a project period up
to five years.

INQUIRIES

Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged, and the opportunity to
clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

James P. Kiley, Ph.D.
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research
National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 7024, MSC-7920
Bethesda, MD  20892-7920
Telephone:  (301) 435-0199
FAX:  (301) 480-3451
Email:  Kileyj@NIH.GOV

Direct inquiries regarding review matters to:

C. James Scheirer, Ph.D.
Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7220, MSC 7924
Bethesda, MD  20892-7924
Telephone:  (301) 435-0266
FAX:  (301) 480-3541
Email:  ScheireJ@NIH.GOV

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Raymond L. Zimmerman
Grants Operations Branch
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7154
Bethesda, MD  20892-7926
Telephone:  (301) 435-0171
FAX:  (301-480-3310)
Email:  ZimmermR@NIH.GOV

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.838.  Grants are made under the authorization of
the Public Health Service Act, Title III, Section 301 (Public Law
78-410, as amended by Public Law 99-158, 42 US 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 to
a review by a Health Systems Agency.

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.

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$$XID NIHGUIDE 19951201 V24N41 P1O1 ************************************
X-comment: RFAS described: HL-96-005, DA-96-003, HL-96-006, PA-96-008, PA-96-
X-URL: gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/11/res/nih-guide/guide-files/95.12.01

NIH GUIDE - Vol. 24, No. 41 - December 1, 1995

$$INDEX BEGIN *******************************************************

               NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs)

$$INDEX R1 **********************************************************

CORTICAL CONTROL OF NEURAL PROTHESES (RFP NIH-NINDS-96-02)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
INDEX:  NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE

$$INDEX R2 02/09/96 *************************************************

THE ETIOLOGY OF EXCESS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN DIABETES MELLITUS
(RFA HL-96-005)
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
INDEX:  HEART, LUNG, BLOOD

$$INDEX R3 02/21/96 *************************************************

NOVEL PHARMACOTHERAPIES FOR COCAINE AND OTHER PSYCHOSTIMULANT
DEPENDENCE (RFA DA-96-003)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
INDEX:  DRUG ABUSE

$$INDEX R4 03/12/96 *************************************************

SLEEP ACADEMIC AWARD (RFA HL-96-006)
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
INDEX:  HEART, LUNG, BLOOD

$$INDEX P1 **********************************************************

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF LUNG CANCER:  INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (PA-96-008)
National Cancer Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
INDEX:  CANCER; ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

$$INDEX P2 **********************************************************

CENTRAL AUDITORY SYSTEM PLASTICITY IN ADULTS (PA-96-009)
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
INDEX:  DEAFNESS, OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

THIS PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY VIA BITNET OR INTERNET,
BY SUBSCRIPTION, AND IS ALSO ON THE NIH GOPHER (GOPHER.NIH.GOV).
ALTERNATIVE ACCESS IS THROUGH THE NIH GRANT LINE USING A PERSONAL
COMPUTER (DATA LINE 301/402-2221); CONTACT DR. JOHN JAMES AT 301/435-
0692 FOR DETAILS.

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.

THE DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS (DRG) HAS MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION.
ALL COMPETING GRANT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES
OF HEALTH MUST BE SENT TO:

DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

$$INDEX END *********************************************************

               NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs)

$$R1 BEGIN NIH-NINDS-96-02 ******************************************

CORTICAL CONTROL OF NEURAL PROTHESES

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFP AVAILABLE:  NIH-NINDS-96-02

P.T. 34; K.W. 1002030, 0710085

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

The Neural Prosthesis Program of the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of
Health (NIH), supports research and development on functional
neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) to restore hand and arm function in
quadriplegic individuals.  These FNS systems must operate under the
voluntary control of the individual.  Providing a means for the
individual to produce the control signals represents a critical part
of any potential FNS system.  Presently, control signals are
generated by voluntary movements of unparalyzed muscles such as the
contralateral shoulder.

This project will investigate the ability of cortical cells in a
neurologically intact animal to control an artificial output device
on a chronic basis.  The goal of this work is to establish the
feasibility of generating control signals through voluntary control
of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS).  To demonstrate
cortical control, it is necessary to show that the neural activity in
selected cell populations in the CNS can be trained to reliably
control an electromechanical device.  It is anticipated that one
award, on a cost-reimbursement basis, will be made for a period of
three years.

INQUIRIES

This is not a Request for Proposals.  Request for Proposals (RFP) No.
NIH-NINDS-96-02 will be issued on or about November 20, 1995, with
responses due on or about January 22, 1996.  Interested organizations
may request either a streamlined version or an entire RFP document.
If no selection is made, a streamlined version of the RFP will be
provided.  The streamlined version includes only the Statement of
Work, deliverable and reporting requirements, special requirements,
and technical evaluation criteria.  After examination of these
documents, any organization interested in responding to the RFP must
request the entire RFP either in writing or by FAX request.  Requests
must cite the RFP number referenced above.  Supply this office with
two self-addressed mailing labels.  All responsible sources may
submit a proposal that will be considered by the Government.

Laurie Leonard
ATTN:  RFP NIH-NINDS-95-14
Contracts Management Branch, DEA
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
7550 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 901 - MSC 9190
Bethesda, MD  20892
FAX:  (301) 402-4225

$$R1 END ************************************************************

$$R2 BEGIN HL-96-005 FULL-TEXT **************************************

THE ETIOLOGY OF EXCESS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN DIABETES MELLITUS

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFA AVAILABLE:  HL-96-005

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715040, 0715075, 0755030

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  January 2, 1996
Application Receipt Date:  February 9, 1996

PURPOSE

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites
applications for program project grants (P01) for research on the
etiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) associated with diabetes
mellitus.  This is a reissue of an RFA originally published in
October 1994 (HL-95-005).  This initiative will support investigators
with outstanding programs of basic and human subjects research on one
or more diabetes associated cardiovascular complications.  In
addition, with the encouragement of the NHLBI, the research programs
that secure awards will participate in a coordinated effort to
evaluate the metabolic and environmental factors responsible for the
pathogenesis of CVD in existing, defined population groups.

A program project (P01) grant is for the support of a broadly-based
multidisciplinary or multifaceted research program that has a
specific major objective or central theme.  Each program project
application and award in response to this solicitation must have both
basic research and human subjects components.

Applications should be submitted to and will be reviewed by the NIH
according to the usual NIH peer review procedures.  Applications
judged meritorious will be jointly funded by NHLBI and the Juvenile
Diabetes Foundation International (JDFI).  To have an application
considered for funding by the JDFI, an applicant must authorize, in
writing, the NHLBI to provide a copy of the letter of intent,
application, and NIH prepared summary statement of the initial review
to the JDFI.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This RFA,
The Etiology of Excess Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes Mellitus,
is related to the priority areas of heart disease and stroke and
diabetes and 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. 017-001-00473-1)
through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office,
Washington Dc 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

INQUIRIES

The RFA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this
solicitation, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant
Line (data line 301/402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov),
and by mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Peter J. Savage, M.D.
Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 8154
Bethesda, MD  20892-7934
Telephone:  (301) 435-0702
FAX:  (301) 480-1667
Email:  Peter_Savage@NIH.GOV

$$R2 END ************************************************************

$$R3 BEGIN DA-96-003 FULL-TEXT **************************************

NOVEL PHARMACOTHERAPIES FOR COCAINE AND OTHER PSYCHOSTIMULANT
DEPENDENCE

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFA AVAILABLE:  DA-96-003

P.T. 34; K.W. 0404009, 0740020

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  January 19, 1996
Application Receipt Date:  February 21, 1996

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to encourage
clinical testing of innovative and non-traditional pharmacotherapies
for treatment of cocaine/psychostimulant (amphetamines) dependence.
Two types of medications will be considered:  (1) traditional
pharmacotherapies addressing novel neurochemical mechanisms (beyond
classical biogenic amines or compounds previously extensively
tested); (2) non-traditional (alternative) pharmacotherapies selected
to restore brain homeostasis or to repair/compensate for existing
neurological/neurochemical deficits in chronic psychostimulant
abusers (e.g., special nutritional factors, amino acids,
neurotransmitter precursors, hormones, antihormones, supplements).
Special emphasis will be put on testing natural compounds with very
low or no toxicity, which could be potentially also utilized for
treatment of children and pregnant women.

Investigators should study the safety and efficacy of novel
medications in either relapse prevention in detoxified
cocaine/psychostimulant dependent participants or reduction of drug
use.  The primary focus will be on relapse prevention.  Applications
will be also required to assess the impact of investigational agent
on HIV risk behaviors.  Applications that propose to evaluate
compounds already extensively studied in psychostimulant dependence
(traditional medications that act at dopamine, noradrenaline, or
serotonin systems, or carbamazepine, etc.) will not be considered
responsive.  It is anticipated that approximately $4 million will be
available to support between 12 and 20 new research project grants
(R01), First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST)
(R29), or exploratory/developmental (R21) grants under this RFA.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 2000, a
PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This RFA,
Novel Pharmacotherapies for Cocaine and Other Psychostimulant
Dependence, is related to the priority areas of health promotion, and
alcohol and other drugs.  Potential applicants may obtain a copy of
Healthy People 2000 (Full Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or
Summary Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

INQUIRIES

The RFA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this
solicitation, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant
Line (data line 301/402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov),
and by mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Maria Dorota Majewska, Ph.D.
Medications Development Division
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11A-55
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-3318
FAX:  (301) 443-2599
Email:  mm158w@nih.gov

$$R3 END ************************************************************

$$R4 BEGIN HL-96-006 FULL-TEXT **************************************

SLEEP ACADEMIC AWARD

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

RFA AVAILABLE:  HL-96-006

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715187

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  December 29, 1995
Application Receipt Date:  March 12, 1996

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this initiative is to encourage the
development and/or improvement of the quality of medical curricula,
physician/patient/nurse and community education, and clinical
practice for the prevention, management, and control of sleep
disorders.  A secondary objective is to promote high quality clinical
research on sleep.  The candidate for the Sleep Academic Award must
have knowledge and skills in sleep and sleep disorders medicine and
be an established member of a medical faculty in an accredited school
of medicine or osteopathy in the United States, its territories, or
its possessions.  The candidate must also have had experience and
sufficient training in clinical sleep research, clinical practice,
and/or medical education as well as the unqualified support of the
Dean and the educational leadership of the applicant institution.
The mechanism of support is the Academic Award Program (K07) of the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.  The total project period
may not exceed five years and is non-renewable.  The estimated funds
(total costs) available for fiscal year 1996 will be $300,000.  It is
anticipated that three to four new grants will be awarded in FY 1996
and in each of the next two years through an additional competition
in each of fiscal years 1997 and 1998.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS led national activity for setting priority areas.  This RFA,
Sleep Academic Award, is related to the priority areas of heart
disease and stroke, diabetes, chronic disabling conditions, mental
health and disorders, and clinical prevention 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).

INQUIRIES

The RFA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations and award criteria for this
solicitation, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant
Line (data line 301-402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov) and
by mail and Email from the program contact listed below.

James P. Kiley, Ph.D.
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research
National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 7024 - MSC-7920
Bethesda, MD  20892-7920
Telephone:  (301) 435-0199
FAX:  (301) 480-3451
Email:  Kileyj@NIH.GOV

$$R4 END ************************************************************

$$P1 BEGIN PA-96-008 FULL-TEXT **************************************

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF LUNG CANCER:  INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

PA AVAILABLE:  PA-96-008

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715035, 0785055, 0715165

National Cancer Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

PURPOSE

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences invite investigator-initiated research
project grant (R01) applications for innovative interdisciplinary
studies to better understand the etiology of adenocarcinoma and small
cell carcinoma of the lung and the means of prevention.

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), Epidemiology of Lung Cancer: Interdisciplinary
Studies, is related to the priority area of cancer.  Potential
applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:
Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No.
017-001000473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

INQUIRIES

The PA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this
program, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant Line
(data line 301-402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov) and by
mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Dr. A.R. Patel
Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
National Cancer Institute
6130 Executive Boulevard, Suite 535, MSC 7395
Bethesda, MD  20892-7395
Telephone:  (301) 496-9600
FAX:  (301) 402-4279
Email:  Jasonc@EPNDCE.NCI.NIH.GOV

Dr. Gwen W. Collman
Chemical Exposures and Molecular Biology Branch
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
P.O. Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, NC  27709
Telephone:  (919) 541-4980
FAX:  (919) 541-2843
Email:  collman@niehs.nih.gov

$$P1 END ************************************************************

$$P2 BEGIN PA-96-009 FULL-TEXT **************************************

CENTRAL AUDITORY SYSTEM PLASTICITY IN ADULTS

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 41, December 1, 1995

PA AVAILABLE:  PA-96-009

P.T. 34; K.W. 0775005

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

PURPOSE

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
(NIDCD) invites applications for the support of research on central
auditory system plasticity in adults.  This program announcement (PA)
encourages research on plasticity in the adult auditory system at any
level(s) of biological organization, from the level of the molecule
to behavior, and at any processing station(s), from the cochlea to
higher-order areas of auditory cortex, and beyond.  Such studies may
lead to a better understanding of normal brain function and
development as well as an explanation for the recovery of auditory
function sometimes seen following injury to the auditory system.  In
addition, these studies have the potential to reveal how auditory
learning occurs, including that often seen following cochlear
implantation.  Findings from these studies may also guide the
development of therapies for recovery of function following brain
injuries, diseases, and disorders that affect auditory perception.
The support mechanism for grants in this area will be the individual
investigator-initiated research project grant (R01) and First
Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29) awards.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This PA,
Central Auditory System Plasticity in Adults, is related to the
priority area of diabetes and chronic disabling conditions.
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full
Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No.
017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

INQUIRIES

The PA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this
program, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant Line
(data line 301-402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and by
mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Lynn E. Huerta, Ph.D.
Division of Human Communication
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 400-C - MSC 7180
Bethesda, MD  20892-7180
Telephone:  (301) 402-3458
FAX:  (301) 402-6251
Email:  Lynn_Huerta@nih.gov

$$P2 END ************************************************************

From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Dec 05 22:00:00 1995
Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail
From: BIOSCI Administrator <biosci-help@net.bio.net>
Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS - 3 December 1995
Date: 5 Dec 1995 21:15:49 -0800
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology
Lines: 100
Sender: daemon@net.bio.net
Approved: BIOSCI Administrator <biosci-help@net.bio.net>
Distribution: world
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This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS
system in the previous week.  Reference material concerning STIS
follows the summary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS **

Document Type: General Publication

   Title: Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (OMA) Mission
          Statement
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           omafinal.txt

Document Type: Program Guideline

   Title: NSF 96-10 DUE PA and Guidelines
               File size (bytes):       199035
               STIS Filename:           nsf9610.txt
               Also available:          nsf9610.doc

   Title: NSF 96-11 Improvements in Facilities, Communications, and
          Equipment at Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories
          (FSML)
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           nsf9611.txt

   Title: NSF 96-13 - Networking Infrastructure for Education
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           nsf9613.txt

Document Type: Recruit

   Title: Secretary (OA)
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           vgs967a.txt

   Title: Clerical and Administrative Support Positions
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           vs95104a.txt

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS **

Document Type: Program Guideline

   Title: NSF 96-10 DUE PA and Guidelines
               File size (bytes):       199035
               STIS Filename:           nsf9610.txt
               Also available:          nsf9610.doc

   Title: NSF 96-4 NSF-CONACyT Collaborative Research Opportunities
               File size (bytes):       15776
               STIS Filename:           nsf964.txt

Document Type: STIS

   Title: Document Types on STIS
               File size (bytes):       2341
               STIS Filename:           stistype.txt

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE **
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS

The above files can be retrieved in electronic form using the STIS
system.  If you don't know how to use STIS, send an E-mail message to
stisinfo@nsf.gov (Internet).  You will receive
a copy of the STIS flyer via E-mail.

If you are already using STIS, you can use the information above to
retrieve these files:

Documents via E-mail:

     Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov (Internet).
     Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command.
     For example, to retrieve stistype.txt, the text of your message should be 
     as follows:
                       get stistype.txt

Anonymous FTP:

     FTP to stis.nsf.gov.  Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to
     retrieve a file.  For example, to retrieve stistype.txt, you would
     enter:
                       ftp> get stistype.txt

WAIS or Gopher:

     Do a word search on the filename as shown in the summary.

If you want a *printed* copy of a document:

     Send your name and postal mailing address, and the document title
     and number to "pubs@nsf.gov" (Internet).

If you have problems with the above procedures:

     Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov" (Internet).

From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Dec 13 22:00:00 1995
Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail
From: BIOSCI Administrator <biosci-help@net.bio.net>
Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS - 10 September 1995
Date: 14 Dec 1995 12:30:20 -0800
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology
Lines: 179
Sender: daemon@net.bio.net
Approved: biosci-help
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <4aq1gs$qc2@net.bio.net>
NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net

This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS
system in the previous week.  Reference material concerning STIS
follows the summary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS **

Document Type: Bulletin

   Title: BUL 95-12,  December Bulletin V-23; No.4
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           bul9512.txt

Document Type: General Publication

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs  Chapter 1
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138b.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs  Chapter 2
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138c.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs  Chapter 3
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138d.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs Chapter 3 (Cont.)
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138e.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs Chapter 4
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138f.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs  Chapter 5
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138g.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs Chapter 6
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138h.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs  Chapter 7
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138i.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs Chapter 8
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138j.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs Chapter 9
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138k.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs Chapter 10
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ns95138l.txt

   Title: NSF 95-138 -- Guide to Programs (General Information &
          Index)
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           nsf95138.txt

Document Type: News

   Title: Media Tipsheet December 8, 1995
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           tip51208.txt

Document Type: Press Release

   Title: SIGNALS FROM MICROSATELLITE GPS/MET GIVE ACCESS  TO WEALTH
          OF NEW INFORMATION
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           pr9580.txt

   Title: WHEN THE SAN ANDREAS FAULT MOVES
               File size (bytes):        PREDICTING THE EFFECTS OF A 7.75 EARTHQUAKE IN THE L.A. BASIN
               STIS Filename:           pr9581.txt   (NSF)

   Title: NO-WILT FLOWERS--AND NO-SPOIL VEGGIES?
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           pr9582.txt

   Title: FEATURE
               File size (bytes):        JAMES BOND CASTS GOLDEN EYE ON REAL-LIFE SCIENCE CENTER
               STIS Filename:           pr9583.txt   (NSF)

Document Type: Program Guideline

   Title: NSF 96-12  ACADEMIC RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE (ARI) PROGRAM
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           nsf9612.txt

   Title: NSF 96-15 CISE Minority Institutions Infrastructure Program
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           nsf9615.txt

   Title: NSF 96-17 - CISE EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION PROGRAM
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           nsf9617.txt

   Title: NSF 96-4 NSF-CONACyT Collaborative Research Opportunities
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           nsf964.txt

Document Type: Recruit

   Title: Program Assistant (Office Automation)
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           vgs9613.txt

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS **

Document Type: Phone Book

   Title: NSF Organization Telephone Directory
               File size (bytes):       118721
               STIS Filename:           phnorg.txt

Document Type: Program Guideline

   Title: NSF 96-10 Division of Undergraduate Education Program
          Announcement and Guidelines.
               File size (bytes):       198551
               STIS Filename:           nsf9610.txt
               Also available:          nsf9610.doc

   Title: NSF 96-13 - Networking Infrastructure for Education
               File size (bytes):       66871
               STIS Filename:           nsf9613.txt

Document Type: STIS

   Title: Document Types on STIS
               File size (bytes):       2383
               STIS Filename:           stistype.txt

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE **
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS

The above files can be retrieved in electronic form using the STIS
system.  If you don't know how to use STIS, send an E-mail message to
stisinfo@nsf.gov (Internet).  You will receive
a copy of the STIS flyer via E-mail.

If you are already using STIS, you can use the information above to
retrieve these files:

Documents via E-mail:

     Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov (Internet).
     Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command.
     For example, to retrieve stistype.txt, the text of your message should be 
     as follows:
                       get stistype.txt

Anonymous FTP:

     FTP to stis.nsf.gov.  Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to
     retrieve a file.  For example, to retrieve stistype.txt, you would
     enter:
                       ftp> get stistype.txt

WAIS or Gopher:

     Do a word search on the filename as shown in the summary.

If you want a *printed* copy of a document:

     Send your name and postal mailing address, and the document title
     and number to "pubs@nsf.gov" (Internet).

If you have problems with the above procedures:

     Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov" (Internet).

From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Dec 19 22:00:00 1995
Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail
From: BIOSCI Administrator <biosci-help@net.bio.net>
Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: NIH GUIDE - PAR-96-012 - V24(42) 12/08/95
Date: 20 Dec 1995 14:18:53 -0800
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology
Lines: 497
Sender: daemon@net.bio.net
Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <4ba24d$j28@net.bio.net>
NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net

$$XID RFA PAR96012 PAR-96-012 P1O1 *************************************

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 42, December 8, 1995

PA NUMBER:  PAR-96-012

P.T. 14; K.W. 0710030, 0404000

National Center for Research Resources

Application Receipt Date:  February 1, 1996

PURPOSE

The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) encourages the
submission of research grant applications for the Institutional
Development Award (IDeA) program.  The NIH IDeA is a merit-based,
peer reviewed program authorized by section 402(g) of the Public
Health Service Act.  The purpose of the program is to broaden the
geographic distribution of NIH funding for biomedical and behavioral
research by enhancing the competitiveness for research funding of
institutions located in states in which the aggregate success rate
for applications to the NIH has historically been low.  Primary goals
of the IDeA program are to (1) enhance the competitiveness of
research institutions in the IDeA eligible states (see below) for
NIH-funded grants and (2) increase the probability of long-term
growth of NIH-competitive funding to investigators at institutions
>From these eligible states.  This Program Announcement (PA) describes
a three-year development program to increase, strengthen, and sustain
the biomedical/behavioral research competitiveness of institutions
within selected states.  It is expected that institutional
development goals will be proposed beyond that period.  The program
will be similar in some aspects to the Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) initiated by the National
Science Foundation (NSF).  For example, EPSCoR-like committees are
responsible for selecting the one application that will be submitted
by an institution on behalf of that state.

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,
IDeA, is related to all priority areas.  Potential applicants may
obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:  Stock No.
017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No., 017-001-00473-1)
through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility is limited to institutions in IDeA eligible states.
Eligible institutions in those states include domestic for-profit and
non-profit organizations both public and private, such as
universities, colleges, hospitals, research foundations, and
laboratories.  It is the responsibility of the State-EPSCoR
committees or comparable committees to select institutions in their
states that have limited NIH funding but for which both the states
and the institutions have a mutual agreement and commitment to the
development of the biomedical/behavioral research infrastructure.
Collaborative and cooperative programs between or among institutions
are allowable.  The applicant institution must perform a substantive
role in the conduct of the planned research project activities and
may not serve primarily as a conduit for the transmission of funds to
another party or multiple parties.  Eligible states that were awarded
grants previously may submit new applications from the same or a
different institution under this PA provided the focus and research
goals differ from those of currently active awards.  Only one
application can be submitted per state.  IDeA eligible states are
those with success rates for obtaining NIH funds (funds awarded vs.
funds requested) of less than 20 percent for the period of 1982-1994.
IDeA eligible states under these criteria are:

Alaska               Kentucky              North Dakota
Arkansas             Mississippi           Oklahoma
Delaware             Montana               South Dakota
Idaho                Nebraska              West Virginia
Kansas               New Mexico            Wyoming

Applications from institutions with significant minority enrollments
are especially encouraged.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This PA will use the exploratory grants (P20) mechanism.  Applicants
will be responsible for the planning, direction, and content of the
proposed programs.  Except as otherwise stated, awards will be
administered under PHS grants policy as stated in the Public Health
Service Grants Policy Statement.

The total project period may not exceed three years; renewal
applications will not be accepted.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

Approximately $2,000,000 is expected to be available from NCRR in FY
1996 to support this initiative.  Subject to the receipt of a
sufficient number of meritorious applications and appropriated funds,
it is anticipated that approximately ten awards will be made.

Total direct costs requested by the applicant institution, including
the direct and indirect costs required for the third party
participants, may not exceed $200,000 for each year.  Indirect costs
will be provided.

The anticipated award date is September 30, 1996.

Matching Requirement

To ensure that adequate resources are available, the IDeA program
requires a minimum of a one-to-one non-Federal match of funds from
awardees.  Each dollar of NIH support requested including both direct
and indirect costs, must be matched by at least one dollar from
state, institutional, or private sector sources.  In-kind
contributions of faculty or technical support salaries, facilities
and equipment supporting existing biomedical/behavioral activities
may not be used to satisfy the one-to-one matching funds requirement.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

The mission of the NIH is to expand fundamental knowledge about the
nature and behavior of living systems, to apply that knowledge to
extend the health of human lives, and to reduce the burdens resulting
>From disease and disability.  Through its institutes and centers,
each with its own research mission, the NIH provides funds for
research and research training activities to institutions.  Each
funding unit makes awards on a competitive basis after applications
are assessed for technical and scientific merit and program relevance
through a two-stage process of peer-review.

For many years, the NIH has made a special effort to stimulate
research in educational institutions that traditionally have not
received significant levels of funding through the NIH.  For example,
the purpose of the Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA)
program, initiated in 1985, is to enhance the research environment at
such institutions by providing support to individual faculty at
domestic institutions offering baccalaureate or advanced degrees in
the health-related sciences.

Research Goals

The IDeA program will address objectives similar to those of the AREA
program, but on institutional and state-wide levels.  NCRR
acknowledges that, due to variability among potential applications,
the size and scope of the IDeA program will depend in large part upon
the current size and extent of the biomedical/behavioral research
environment of the applicant institutions.  It is recommended that,
in order to achieve maximum impact of the available funds,
institutions propose innovative research activities that will
stimulate sustainable improvements in the capacities of institutions
in eligible states to compete successfully for NIH funds and to
enhance the research competitiveness of the institutions in future
years.

Examples of activities include:

o  development of infrastructure necessary for  multidisciplinary
approaches for conducting broad-based research;

o  faculty development;

o  mentoring of junior faculty as they participate in research
projects.

In general, the applicant institution should provide evidence that an
IDeA award is necessary to enhance its capability for health-related
research and that there are state/institutional or other private
resources committed to improve and sustain their programs.

The research plan should provide sufficient information to allow the
reviewers to assess the program in terms of the stated Review
Criteria.

The narrative portion should provide:

(a)  comprehensive information about the institution's current
involvement in biomedical and health-related behavioral research;

(b)  a description of the long-range institutional research
development goals to be achieved;

(c)  a complete description of the specific activities to achieve the
goals of the program, including an evaluation plan to measure the
progress of the program and the procedures to sustain the
achievements obtained with IDeA funds following the grant award
period;

(d) a description of the administrative mechanisms to organize and
oversee implementation of the plan;

(e) evidence of the institution's commitment to achievement of the
program goals; and

(f)  letters of commitment from those persons whose cooperation is
critical to the success of the program including a statement from the
institution's highest ranking administrative authority explaining how
the IDeA application is consistent with the institution's (and/or the
state's) long-range objectives to enhance the biomedical/behavioral
research infrastructure and to achieve research competitiveness at
the national level.

Biographical data for participating scientists and chief
administrative personnel and a detailed budget explaining and
justifying the support requested should be prepared according to the
form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) format.

Requests to develop institutional research infrastructure should be
made in sufficient detail to assess the potential impact on
investigators and/or departments.

If support for research projects is requested, up to a maximum of
four research projects may be included and must be described in
sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the scientific merit of
each project.

This information is necessary to justify an IDeA award and to provide
evidence that the research that will result from the award will be of
high quality and be likely to compete successfully for future Federal
funding.  A separate detailed budget must be provided for each of
these activities.

Budget Considerations

Allowable Costs

In general, the direct costs listed in the PHS Grants Policy
Statement as allowable for research grants are also allowable for the
IDeA.  Funds requested for the IDeA program may be used to support
the following:

o  central shared equipment and other research resources

o  recruitment of faculty and other research personnel

o  development of research data to be included in research grant
applications submitted to NIH for support through established support
mechanisms

o  development of research skills by investigators

o  research salary support of key investigators

o  consultants
o  establishment of research laboratories

o  grant related support personnel

o  other direct costs of development of institutional research
capability

Direct Costs Not Allowable

o  training
o  construction
o  salary for teaching and other non-research activities
o  institutional grants and contract office, central accounting, and
similar activities
o  research project support for funded investigators unless necessary
for temporary start-up costs as in recruitment, or relocation or
initiation of new research directions.

Support provided through the IDeA program may not replace existing
state, institutional or Federal research support.  IDeA support may
not be used to maintain current biomedical/behavioral activities, but
must be used to develop innovative ways to enhance the quality and
competitiveness of the state institutional biomedical/behavioral
research base.

INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN
SUBJECTS

It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups
and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported
biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects,
unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided
that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the
subjects or the purpose of the research.  This new policy results
>From the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law
103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies
(Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and
Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations), which
have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some
provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should
read the "NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as
Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the
Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513) and reprinted
in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11,
March 18, 1994.

Investigators 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

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be used
in applying for these grants.  These forms are available at most
institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from
the Office of Grants Information, Division of Research Grants,
National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3032, MSC
7762, Bethesda, MD 20892-7762, telephone 301/435-0714, email
girg@drgpo.drg.nih.gov.

Applicants must follow the instructions provided in the PHS 398 and
clarifying instructions, below.  There is a 25-page limitation for
the "Research Plan".  Note that the appendix is not to be used to
circumvent the page limitations in the Research Plan (see page 19 of
form PHS 398 for specific instructions in using an appendix).

Applications that do not follow all of the instructions for the form
PHS 398 will be returned.

Additional instructions for application face page and budget:

The Program Announcement number and title must be typed on line 2 of
the face page form and the "YES" box must be checked.

Items 4 and 5 on the face page of the application must be completed.
Where appropriate, Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Institutional
Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval must be obtained for
each research project for which NIH support is requested.

Item 6 - Dates of Entire Proposed Project Period.  The total proposed
project period should begin on September 30, 1996, and may not exceed
three years in length.

Item 7 - Costs Requested for Initial Budget Period.  In 7a. enter the
Total Direct Costs for Initial Budget Period as requested from NIH
(Form Page 4).  In 7b. enter the Total Costs Requested for Initial
Budget Period.  This is the total of the direct costs from (Form Page
4) and the indirect costs for the initial budget period (3a) from the
Checklist.

Item 8 - Costs Requested from NIH for Entire Proposed Project Period.
In 8a. enter the Total Direct Costs for Entire Project Period as
requested on (Form Page 5).  In 8b. enter the Total Costs Requested
for Entire Proposed Project Period.  This is the sum of the total
direct costs from (Form Page 5) and the indirect costs for the entire
proposed project period (3b) from the Checklist. (Form Page 4) -
Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period

This budget must detail only the funds being requested from NIH for
the first year.  Matching funds from the institution or third-parties
are to be described separately under budget justification (Form Page
5) or on a continuation page. A separate detailed budget page (Form
Page 4) must be submitted for each consortium institution.

If funds are being requested for more than one research project, then
a detailed budget for each project must be submitted.

(Form Page 5) - Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period.

This page must detail only the funds being requested from NIH for the
three-year project period.

The signed, typewritten original of the application, including the
Checklist, and three exact photocopies of the signed application must
be submitted 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 also be sent to:

Dr. Jill L. Carrington
Office of Review
National Center for Research Resources
One Rockledge Centre, Room 6018
6705 Rockledge Drive MSC 7965
Bethesda, MD  20892-7965
Email:  jillc@ep.ncrr.nih.gov

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed by NIH staff for
completeness and responsiveness.  Applications that are incomplete or
nonresponsive to this PA will be returned to the applicant.

The review of complete and responsive IDeA applications for
scientific and technical merit will be performed by an ad hoc review
committee convened by the Office of Review, NCRR.  Applications will
undergo a second level of review by the National Advisory Research
Resources Council.

Criteria for review of the overall application include the following:

1.  Merit of the research development goals to be achieved by the
institution and described in sufficient detail within the IDeA
application;

2.  Merit of the plan proposed to achieve the research development
goals; and

3.  Quality of the research for which support is requested from NIH.
Criteria for review of infrastructure and research projects include:

o  Relevance of proposed project to institutional plan for expansion
of biomedical/behavioral research capacity;

o  Significance and relevance of the proposed research problem and
potential for publishable results and continued future funding;

o  The technical merit and appropriateness of the research plan,
including specific aims, experimental design, methodology,
consideration of alternatives, data analysis, scope and timetable;

o  Adequacy of resources, including background and training of the
principal investigator and other personnel and availability and
suitability of specialized facilities and equipment;

o  Appropriateness and adequacy of the institution's evaluation plan,
including availability of expertise and time and resource allocation.

4.  Research qualifications of existing and proposed personnel
related to the IDeA award;

5.  Overall administrative strengths of the program;

6.  Evidence of the commitment of the applicant institution and the
state to achieve the research development goals and to sustain those
achievements; and,

7.  Probability that the research development goals will be achieved
and sustained, and that high quality health research will result;

8.  Appropriateness of the requested budget for the project goals.

Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of the proposed program
on the institution(s) and the state and its potential to obtain
additional NIH research support to continue and expand its
activities.

AWARD CRITERIA

In making funding decisions, NCRR will give consideration to ensure
program balance among the various types of programs and/or geographic
distribution.  Consideration will also be given to focus on reaching
minority, rural, and other underserved and disadvantaged individuals.

INQUIRIES

Written and telephone inquiries concerning this activity are
encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from
potential applicants is welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Dr. Charles L. Coulter
Research Infrastructure Area
National Center for Research Resources
One Rockledge Centre, Room 6030
6705 Rockledge Drive MSC 7965
Bethesda, MD  20892-7965
Telephone:  (301) 435-0766
FAX:  (301) 480-3770
Email:  charlesc@ep.ncrr.nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Ms. Judith D. Musgrave
Office of Grants and Contracts Management
National Center for Research Resources
One Rockledge Centre, Room 6086
6705 Rockledge Drive MSC 7965
Bethesda, MD  20892-7965
Telephone:  (301) 435-0844
Email: judithm@ep.ncrr.nih.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.337.  Awards will be made under authorization of
the Public Health Service Act, Titles III and IV (Public Law 78-410,
as amended, 42 USC 241) 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.

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From: BIOSCI Administrator <biosci-help@net.bio.net>
Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: NIH Guide, vol. 24, no. 42, 8 December 1995
Date: 20 Dec 1995 14:13:39 -0800
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology
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$$XID NIHGUIDE 19951208 V24N42 P1O1 ************************************
X-comment: RFAs described: PA-96-010, PA-96-011, PAR-96-012
X-URL: gopher://gopher.nih.gov:70/11/res/nih-guide/guide-files/95.12.08

NIH GUIDE - Vol. 24, No. 42 - December 8, 1995

$$INDEX BEGIN *******************************************************

                               NOTICES

$$INDEX N1 **********************************************************

NIH GUIDE PUBLICATION DATES

$$INDEX N2 **********************************************************

FINDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC MISCONDUCT
Department of Health and Human Services
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

               NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs)

$$INDEX P1 **********************************************************

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE (PA-96-010)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
INDEX:  DRUG ABUSE

$$INDEX P2 **********************************************************

CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF LYMPHANGIOLEIGMYOMATOSIS (PA-96-
011)
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 DISEASE RESEARCH

$$INDEX P3 **********************************************************

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD (PAR-96-012)
National Center for Research Resources
INDEX:  RESEARCH RESOURCES

THIS PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY VIA BITNET OR INTERNET,
BY SUBSCRIPTION, AND IS ALSO ON THE NIH GOPHER (GOPHER.NIH.GOV).
ALTERNATIVE ACCESS IS THROUGH THE NIH GRANT LINE USING A PERSONAL
COMPUTER (DATA LINE 301/402-2221); CONTACT DR. JOHN JAMES AT 301/435-
0692 FOR DETAILS.

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.

THE DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS (DRG) HAS MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION.
ALL COMPETING GRANT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES
OF HEALTH MUST BE SENT TO:

DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

$$INDEX END *********************************************************

                               NOTICES

$$N1 BEGIN **********************************************************

THE NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED ON
DECEMBER 15.  THE NEXT ISSUE WILL BE ON DECEMBER 22, 1995.

$$N1 END ************************************************************

$$N2 BEGIN **********************************************************

FINDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC MISCONDUCT

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 42, December 8, 1995

P.T. 34; K.W. 1014004, 1014006

Department of Health and Human Services

Notice is hereby given that the Office of Research Integrity (ORI)
has made final findings of scientific misconduct in the following
case:

Daniel P. Bednarik, Ph.D., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC):  Based on an investigation conducted by the Division of
Research Investigations, ORI found that Daniel P. Bednarik, Ph.D.,
engaged in scientific misconduct by fabricating and falsifying
research data in two scientific manuscripts that were submitted for
publication to the journal Nucleic Acids Research and to the journal
AIDS.  One paper, entitled "Expression of the human (cytosine-5)
methyltransferase is regulated by alternative mRNA splicing," was not
accepted and the other, entitled "Indirect evidence for an EBV-HIV
hybrid virus:  Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and Epstein-Barr
virus genome association," was withdrawn before review.  Dr. Bednarik
is a former employee of CDC, and the research was done while he was
employed by CDC.

Dr. Bednarik and ORI have entered into a Voluntary Exclusion
Agreement, which the parties agreed shall not be construed as an
admission of liability or wrongdoing on the part of Dr. Bednarik.
Dr. Bednarik has agreed not to appeal ORI's jurisdiction or its
findings and has further has voluntarily agreed:

(1) to exclude himself from any contracting or subcontracting with
any agency of the United States Government and from eligibility for,
or involvement in, nonprocurement transactions (e.g., grants and
cooperative agreements) of the United States Government, as defined
in 45 C.F.R. Part 76 and 48 C.F.R. Subparts 9.4 and 309.4 (Debarment
Regulations) for a period of two years, beginning on October 30,
1995;

(2) that any institution employing the Respondent be required to
submit, in conjunction with each application for PHS funds or report
of PHS funded research in which the Respondent is involved, a
certification that the data provided by the Respondent are based on
actual experiments or are otherwise legitimately derived and that the
data, procedures, and methodology are accurately reported in the
application or report for a period of one (1) year following his
exclusion;

(3) that any institution that submits an application for PHS support
for a research project that proposes the Respondent's participation
or that uses the Respondent in any capacity on PHS supported
research, must concurrently submit a plan for supervision of the
Respondent's duties, designed to ensure the scientific integrity of
Dr. Bednarik's research, for a period of one year following his
exclusion; and

(4) to exclude himself from serving in any advisory capacity to the
Public Health Service (PHS), including but not limited to service on
any PHS advisory committee, board, and/or peer review committee, or
as a consultant for a period of three years, beginning on October 30,
1995.

Tetsuya Matsuguchi, M.D., Ph.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: On
November 3, 1995, ORI found that Tetsuya Matsuguchi, M.D., Ph.D.,
formerly a Harvard Medical School Research Fellow at the Dana-Farber
Cancer Institute, committed scientific misconduct by intentionally
falsifying data by artificially darkening one band each on two
autoradiographs in figures that he had prepared for a presentation at
an intramural research seminar and by altering three bands on the
print of an immunoblot included in Figure 2A of a paper published in
the EMBO Journal.  This research was supported by a Public Health
Service grant.

Dr. Matsuguchi has entered into a Voluntary Exclusion Agreement with
ORI in which he has accepted ORI's finding and has agreed to exclude
himself voluntarily, for the three year period beginning November 3,
1995:

(1) from any contracting or subcontracting with any agency of the
United States Government and from eligibility for, or involvement in,
Federal nonprocurement transactions (e.g., grants and cooperative
agreements), of the United States Government, as defined in 45 C.F.R.
Part 76 and 48 C.F.R. Subparts 9.4 and 309.4 (Debarment Regulations);
and

(2) from serving in any advisory capacity to PHS, including but not
limited to service on any PHS advisory committee, board, and/or peer
review committee, or as a consultant.

The above voluntary exclusion, however, shall not apply to Dr.
Matsuguchi's future training or practice of clinical medicine whether
as a medical student, resident, fellow, or licensed practitioner
unless that practice involves research or research training.

Dr. Matsuguchi has agreed to submit a letter to the EMBO Journal
requesting correction of the article entitled "Tyrosine
phosphorylation of p85Vav in myeloid cells is regulated by GM-CSF,
IL-3, and Steel factor and is constitutively increased by p210
BCR/ABL" (EMBO Journal 14:257-265, 1995) by retracting Figure 2A,
because Dr. Matsuguchi enhanced the Vav bands in lanes 2, 3, and 4
without the knowledge of the other authors, and by substituting the
correct Figure 2A.

INQUIRIES

For further information contact:

Director, Division of Research Investigations
Office of Research Integrity
5515 Security Lane, Suite 700
Rockville, MD  20852
Telephone:  (301) 443-5330

$$N2 END ************************************************************

               NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs/RFAs/PAs)

$$P1 BEGIN PA-96-010 FULL-TEXT **************************************

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 42, December 8, 1995

PA AVAILABLE:  PA-96-010

P.T. 34; K.W. 0404009, 0715129, 0785035, 0785055

National Institute on Drug Abuse

PURPOSE

The purpose of this program announcement is to stimulate a wide range
of studies on the medical and health consequences of drug abuse,
including mental disorders.  Research on factors, processes, and
mechanisms associated with the onset, duration, clinical
manifestations and treatment of medical and health consequences of
drug abuse is encouraged.  This includes general population-based and
clinical epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory studies that address
issues of morbidity and mortality of drug abuse.  Parallel animal and
human studies, wherever appropriate, are encouraged.  Although
HIV/AIDS issues are included within the medical and health
consequences addressed in this program announcement, NIDA also has a
number of more specialized announcements addressing HIV/AIDS.  This
is a reissuance of PA-92-16, published in the NIH Guide, Volume 20,
No. 41, November 1, 1991.  Research support mechanisms include the
research project grant (R01), small grant (R03), and FIRST awards
(R29).  There are special requirements for FIRST and R03 mechanisms,
and, if any applicant intends to apply utilizing either of these
mechanisms, they should contact the program officer listed under
INQUIRIES for further information.

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, Medical and Health Consequences of Drug Abuse, is
related to the priority area of alcohol and other drugs.  Potential
applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:
Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No.
017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

INQUIRIES

The PA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this
solicitation, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant
Line (data line 301/402-2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov),
and by mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Jag H. Khalsa, Ph.D.
Division of Clinical and Services Research
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11A-33
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-1801
FAX:  (301) 594-6566
Email:  JKHALSA@AOADA.SSW.DHHS.GOV

$$P1 END ************************************************************

$$P2 BEGIN PA-96-011 FULL-TEXT **************************************

CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF LYMPHANGIOLEIGMYOMATOSIS

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 42, December 8, 1995

PA AVAILABLE:  PA-96-011

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715040, 1002004, 1002008, 0755030, 0765033, 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 lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).
The purpose of this program announcement is to stimulate basic
research using cellular and molecular approaches to studying the
development and subsequent progression of LAM.  The mechanism of
support for this initiative are the research project gant (R01) and
First Independent Research Support and Transition (FIRST) (R29)
award.

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
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, 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).

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) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov),
and by mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Carol E. Vreim, 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) 435-0233
FAX:  (301) 435-3547
Email:  Vreimc@gwgate.nhlbi.nih.gov

Carrie P. Hunter, M.D., M.P.H.
Office of Research on Women's Health
Building 1, Room 202
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

$$P2 END ************************************************************

$$P3 BEGIN PAR-96-012 FULL-TEXT *************************************

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 42, December 8, 1995

PA AVAILABLE:  PAR-96-012

P.T. 14; K.W. 0710030, 0404000

National Center for Research Resources

Application Receipt Date:  February 1, 1996

PURPOSE

The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) announces the
availability of a program announcement for the Institutional
Development Award (IDeA) program.  The NIH IDeA is a merit-based,
peer reviewed program authorized by section 402(g) of the Public
Health Service Act.  The purpose of the program is to broaden the
geographic distribution of NIH funding for biomedical and behavioral
research by enhancing the competitiveness for research funding of
institutions located in states in which the aggregate success rate
for applications to the NIH has historically been low.  Awards under
this program will use the exploratory grant (P20) mechanism.  IDeA
eligible states are:

Alaska               Kentucky              North Dakota
Arkansas             Mississippi           Oklahoma
Delaware             Montana               South Dakota
Idaho                Nebraska              West Virginia
Kansas               New Mexico            Wyoming

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,
IDeA, is related to all priority areas.  Potential applicants may
obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:  Stock No.
017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00473-1)
through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

INQUIRIES

The PA, which describes the research objectives, application
procedures, review considerations, and award criteria for this
program, may be obtained electronically through the NIH Grant Line
(data line 301-402- 2221) and the NIH GOPHER (gopher.nih.gov), and by
mail and email from the program contact listed below.

Dr. Charles L. Coulter
Research Infrastructure Area
National Center for Research Resources
6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 6030, MSC 7965
Bethesda, MD  20892-7965
Telephone:  (301) 435-0766
FAX:  (301) 480-3770
Email:  charlesc@ep.ncrr.nih.gov

$$P3 END ************************************************************

From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Dec 19 22:00:00 1995
Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail
From: BIOSCI Administrator <biosci-help@net.bio.net>
Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: NIH GUIDE - PA-96-010 - V24(42) 12/08/95
Date: 20 Dec 1995 14:17:01 -0800
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology
Lines: 452
Sender: daemon@net.bio.net
Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <4ba20t$inb@net.bio.net>
NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net

$$XID RFA PA96010 PA-96-010 P1O1 ***************************************

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 42, December 8, 1995

PA NUMBER:  PA-96-010

P.T. 34; K.W. 0404009, 0715129, 0785035, 0785055

National Institute on Drug Abuse

PURPOSE

The purpose of this program announcement is to stimulate a wide range
of studies on the medical and health consequences of drug abuse,
including mental disorders.  Research on factors, processes and
mechanisms associated with the onset, duration, clinical
manifestations and treatment of medical and health consequences of
drug abuse is encouraged.  This includes general population- based
and clinical epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory studies that
address issues of morbidity and mortality of drug abuse.  Parallel
animal and human studies, wherever appropriate, are encouraged.
Although HIV/AIDS issues are included within the medical and health
consequences addressed in this announcement, NIDA also has a number
of more specialized  announcements addressing HIV/AIDS.  This is a
reissuance of PA-92-16, published in the NIH Guide, Volume 20, No.
41, November 1, 1991.

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, Medical and Health Consequences of Drug Abuse, is
related to the priority area of alcohol and other drugs.  Potential
applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:
Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No.
017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-512-1800).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign, for-profit and
non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities,
colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local
governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government.
Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with
disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators.
Foreign institutions are not eligible for the First Independent
Research and Transition (FIRST) (R29) award.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

Research support mechanisms include the research project grant (R01),
small grant (R03), and FIRST awards (R29).  There are special
requirements for FIRST and R03 mechanisms; applicants intending to
apply utilizing either of these mechanisms, should contact the
program officer listed under INQUIRIES for further information.

Because the nature and the scope of the research proposed in response
to this program announcement may vary, it is anticipated that the
size of an award will also vary.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Summary

Research studies are sought on (1) the extent and nature of medical
and health consequences among drug-abusing populations (e.g.,
epidemiology, natural history studies), (2) the underlying
pathophysiology of these consequences, and (3) the impact of
strategies to prevent and/or treat such consequences.  Studies of
pathophysiology should address (1) direct toxic effects of exposure
to drugs of abuse, alone or in frequently used combinations, (2)
mediation effects, such as drug-induced behavioral factors that
interfere with adherence to medical treatment regimens, and (3)
drug-related health/lifestyle variables (e.g., nutritional status),
that affect disease occurrence and course.  Other areas of emphasis
include the development, accessibility to, and utilization of
effective and cost-effective medical treatment for drug-related
medical conditions, and the influence of drug abuse on pre-existing
disease and its treatment.

Background

Drug abuse and drug-abusing behaviors have been associated with
increased morbidity and mortality, even prior to the advent of the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic.  Drug abuse has been
linked to many medical problems, including infectious diseases,
pulmonary disease, cardiac failure, and mental disorders.  The
longitudinal Drug Abuse Reporting Program (DARP) data, collected
between 1969 and 1985, revealed that mortality rates among opiate
users were three to fourteen times greater than those in age matched
individuals in the general population.  Mortality was due primarily
to violence, drug-abuse-related causes (e.g., overdose, cirrhosis),
and infectious and chronic diseases.  These data do not yet reflect
the burden of HIV disease.  Data collected on polysubstance abusers
in New York City in the early part of the HIV epidemic indicate an
increasing excess mortality from AIDS-associated infectious diseases.
However, given the combined influence of more recent factors such as
the more widely used array of drugs, the more complex patterns of
drug use associated behaviors, the evolution of the HIV epidemic and
the increasing availability of weapons, both morbidity and mortality
require further study.

Several physiological systems have been reported to be affected by
one or more legal or illicit drugs.  The following examples
illustrate the range and limitations of existing knowledge and,
hence, the need for further studies.

Pulmonary disease is reported to be associated with both tobacco and
marijuana smoking, while lung cancer to date has been reported only
in association with tobacco smoking.  For example, although marijuana
smoke, like tobacco, is mutagenic in the Ames test, produces impaired
pulmonary function, and causes dysplasia in chronic marijuana
smokers, an analogous linkage of cancer attributable to chronic
marijuana smoking has not been similarly investigated.  Smoking of
"crack cocaine" is associated with acute respiratory symptoms, and
may produce alterations in pulmonary function.

Cardiovascular complications have been linked to the use of tobacco,
alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and inhalants.  For
example, the toxic effects of cocaine on cardiac and vascular cells
may be direct and indirect and are enhanced by chemical, physiologic
and environmental factors.  Cocaine in combination with anabolic
steroids has been hypothesized in one study as possibly producing
much more serious cardiotoxicity in athletes who tend to use both
drugs.  Moreover, the epidemiology of use patterns for both of these
substances suggests that both in isolation and taken together, these
drugs are significant risk factors for cardiovascular complications
in younger individuals.

Hepatotoxicity associated with alcohol is well-documented.
Similarly, the heroin-associated disruption of endocrine and
neuroendocrine systems (ACTH and cortisol, beta-endorphin, LH and
peripheral gonadal steroids, especially testosterone) has been
characterized.  However, the association of hepatic damage,
gastrointestinal and other endocrine disorders with the use of
marijuana, cocaine, inhalants and other drugs of abuse has been
reported but is less clearly established.

Fetal toxicity and related adverse developmental effects have been
reported with in utero exposure to nicotine, alcohol, opiates,
cocaine, and marijuana.  For example, childhood acute
nonlymphoblastic leukemia has been associated with in utero exposure
to marijuana.  Clear causal relationships have not been established
between exposure to illicit drugs during pregnancy and cardiac
disease, intellectual impairment in the child, and reproductive
disorders in the mothers.

Many co-morbid mental disorders have been reported among substance
abusers.  Common examples are rebound depression associated with
stimulant use; psychotic episodes precipitated by PCP, LSD, and
amphetamines; depression associated with drug withdrawal; and
suicidal behavior precipitated by substance abuse.  While chronic use
is associated with persistent psychoses or affective disorders, the
mechanisms underlying the associations with drug abuse remain to be
clearly established.  Accordingly, the degree to which the mechanisms
by which drug abuse causes and/or influences the course of
pre-existing mental disorders require further exploration.  For
example, drug abuse has been associated with the early onset of
schizophrenia.  However, schizophrenic patients are also at markedly
elevated risk for drug abuse.  In addition, major depression and
psychosis have been reported with anabolic steroid abuse, but the
underlying pathophysiology of mental illness in chronic anabolic
steroid abusers remains unclear.

It is well established that infectious diseases such as hepatitis,
HIV, endocarditis, and cutaneous abscesses are highly prevalent among
injection drug users.  Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),
tuberculosis, pneumonia and hepatic disease are similarly prevalent
among both injection and non-injection users. However, for a number
of these diseases, the relationship of pathophysiology to continued
drug use remains unclear, and the optimization of treatment in the
active drug user continues to be problematic.

Accidental traumatic injury has been linked to alcohol, but the
relationship to drug abuse requires further study.  A survey of
persons with recent spinal cord injuries documented substantial abuse
of a variety of substances (but primarily alcohol, marijuana and
cocaine) both before and after injury.

General malaise, illness, diminished physical health and well- being
(quality of life), and increased hospitalizations have been commonly
reported with alcohol abuse.  The extent to which other drugs of
abuse also have similar adverse consequences remains to be
quantified.

Case-control and cohort studies are needed to strengthen
interpretations of relationships between drug abuse and reported
medical and health consequences.  In addition, new models and
instruments are needed to identify health and medical consequences,
including mental disorders, associated with drug abuse.  Models that
allow gender-specific consequences and gender differences to be
addressed where appropriate are particularly needed.  New assessments
and innovative research designs may facilitate analysis of clinical
data to detect subtle and long- term effects and to identify causal
relationships between drug abuse and medical consequences.

Areas of Interest

Areas that examine the question of drug abuse and medical and health
consequences that would be responsive to this program announcement
include, but are not limited to:

1.  Documentation of the occurrence of various medical disorders in
drug-abusing populations including the homeless, prostitutes,
minorities, adolescents, the elderly, and women, especially those
disorders not already recognized as associated with drug abuse.

2.  Examination of the relationships between behaviors associated
with drug use and acquisition and course of infectious diseases,
including HIV.

3.  Elucidation of the mechanisms by which substance abuse affects
cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, pulmonary/respiratory, immunologic,
endocrine, and other organ systems with reference to medical
outcomes.  Identification of the pathophysiological processes
initiated or potentiated by particular substances (e.g., crack
cocaine relative to cardiopulmonary complications), or combinations
of substances (polydrug use); and investigations linking drug
pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters to medical outcomes.
Studies to determine gender differences, where appropriate, are
encouraged.

4.  Cancer epidemiologic studies to determine relationships between
the long-term abuse of drugs and hepatocellular cancer, lung cancer
and other cancers; studies of oncogenesis caused by drugs alone or in
combination with viral infections.

5.  Elucidation of associations between substance abuse during
pregnancy and medical conditions in the mother (e.g.,
obstetrical/gynecological, nutritional) and in the offspring (e.g.,
leukemia), and on child and adolescent development.

6.  Study of drug abuse associated endocrine dysfunction (e.g.,
changes in menstrual cycle) in women.

7.  Examination of the metabolic, nutritional, immunologic, mental
disorders or other medical/health outcomes that drug abuse may
influence through effects on a pre-existing or ongoing disease
processes, e.g., drug abuse effects in diabetics.  Vulnerability
studies to examine the effects of drug abuse on physiological systems
and later medical/health outcomes also would be appropriate.

8.  Evaluation and clarification of feedback loops or reciprocal
causality, where an existing health condition leads to substance
abuse that in turn leads to worsening of the original symptoms (e.g.,
self-medication for mental disorders that leads to exacerbation of
the disorder or delays recovery).

9.  Research on the relationship between infectious agent and disease
processes in drug abusers to examine the interplay of host and
pathogen factors and the influence of drugs as co-factors on the
natural history of disease.

10.  Examination of the relationship of drugs to the sexual
transmission of disease, including drug-related impairment of
judgment, and both host and viral factors that have an impact on
biological mechanisms of transmission.

11.  Development and modification of treatments for diseases
associated with drug abuse, such as alternatives to parenteral
therapy for patients with venous obliteration secondary to injection
drug use, or innovative antibiotic regimens applicable to drug
abusers with infections.

12.  Determination of the incidence and prevalence of all types of
hepatitis in drug abusers.  Feasibility and effectiveness studies of
specific health interventions, such as hepatitis B vaccination,
targeted at drug abusers.

13.  Research on patterns of clinical use of potentially abusable
prescription drugs (e.g., pain medications) in precipitating or
preventing medical complications, drug abuse relapse, mental
disorders or other conditions.

14.  Examination of mechanisms underlying mental disorder and drug
abuse comorbidity, including associations with suicidal ideation,
attempted suicides, and dyscontrol disorders.

15.  Exploration of the influence of prior/concurrent drug abuse on
the latency to onset and the course of disorders or conditions in the
elderly, e.g., Alzheimer's Disease; studies of association between
drug abuse and manifestations of aging; degenerative disorders such
as Parkinson's disease; memory impairment; stroke and other
cerebrovascular disease.

16.  Characterization of drug-related general health consequences
such as general malaise, fatigue, nonspecific illness and multiple
somatic complaints.

17.  Morbidity studies of associations between long-term drug abuse
and accidents and injuries, including those resulting in physical
disabilities or other long term consequences.

18.  Studies of the relationships between drug abuse and impairments
of performance, e.g., driving, work or academic performance,
including investigations of the neurological substrates of the
impairments.

19.  Examination of the relationships among undetected or known drug
abuse in patients and patterns of behavior by health care providers,
e.g., diagnostic efforts, prescription practices, treatment of pain
and emotional distress.

INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN
SUBJECTS

It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups
and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported
biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects,
unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided
that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the
subjects or the purpose of the research.  This new policy results
>From the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law
103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies
(Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and
Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations), which
have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some
provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should
read the "NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as
Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the
Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513) and reprinted
in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11,
March 18, 1994.

Investigators 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) and will be accepted at the standard
application deadlines as indicated in the application kit.
Application kits are available at most institutional offices of
sponsored research and may be obtained from the Office of Grants
Information, Division of Research Grants, National Institutes of
Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3032, MSC 7762, Bethesda, MD
20892, telephone
301/435-0714, email:  girg@drgpo.drg.nih.gov.  The title and
number of the program announcement must be typed in Section 2a on the
face page of the application.

FIRST award applicants must include at least three sealed letters
of reference attached to the face page of the original
applications.  FIRST award applications submitted without the
required number of reference letters will be considered
incomplete and will be returned without review.

The completed original application and five legible copies must
be sent or delivered to:

DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM MSC-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817-7710 (for express/courier service)

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Applications that are complete will be evaluated for scientific and
technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened in
accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures.  As part of
the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written
critique and undergo a process in which only those applications
deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half
of applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority
score and receive a second level review by the appropriate national
advisory board or council.  Small grants do not receive a
second-level review.

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 the plans to include both genders and minorities and
their subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the
research.  Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will
also be evaluated.

The initial review group will also examine the provisions for the
protection of human and animal subjects, and the safety of the
research environment.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications will 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

Inquiries are encouraged.  The opportunity to clarify any issues or
questions from potential applicants is welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Jag H. Khalsa, Ph.D.
Division of Clinical and Services Research
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11A-33
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-1801
FAX:  (301) 594-6566
Email:  JKHALSA@AOADA.SSW.DHHS.GOV

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Gary Fleming, J.D., M.A.
Grants Management Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 8A-54
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-6710
Email:  GFLEMING@AOADA.SSW.DHHS.GOV

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.279.  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.  Grants must be administered in accordance with the Public
Health Service Grants Policy Statement, (DHHS Publication No. (OASH)
82-50-000 GPO 0017-020- 0090-1 (rev. 10/01/90).

The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a
smoke-free work place and promote the non-use of all tobacco
products.  In addition, Public Law 103- 227, the Pro-Children Act of
1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any
portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education,
library, day care, health care or early childhood development
services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS
mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the
American people.

From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Dec 19 22:00:00 1995
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Subject: NIH GUIDE - PA-96-011 - V24(42) 12/08/95
Date: 20 Dec 1995 14:18:06 -0800
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$$XID RFA PA96011 PA-96-011 P1O1 ***************************************

CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF LYMPHANGIOLEIGMYOMATOSIS

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 42, December 8, 1995

PA NUMBER:  PA-96-011

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715040, 1002004, 1002008, 0755030, 0765033, 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 lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).
The purpose of this program announcement is to stimulate basic
research using cellular and molecular approaches to studying the
development and subsequent progression of LAM.

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
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, 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 initiative 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.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a very rare airways and
interstitial lung disease that affects almost exclusively young women
of childbearing age.  The prevalence of the disease is not known but
it has been estimated there are a few hundred cases in the United
States.

The most common symptom of LAM is dyspnea upon exertion and can also
include the clinical findings of spontaneous pneumothorax,
chylothorax, and hemoptysis.  A chest x-ray may show cystic changes,
but the most definitive changes are found on chest CT scans where
diffuse cystic changes are present uniformly throughout the lung.
Histologic examination of lung tissue shows an extensive
proliferation of smooth muscle cells of uncertain origin alternating
with cystic changes.  The abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle,
which appears not to be malignant, is seen around airways, blood
vessels and lymphatic vessels and may extend into hilar and
mediastinal lymph nodes.  Approximately 50 percent of LAM patients
also have renal and retroperitoneal angiomyolipomas.

The life span of these patients is uncertain.  The mean survival time
following diagnosis was estimated at less than 10 years, but that has
now been extended with the recognition that some patients survive
more than 20 years.

Although there is no clear evidence for a hormonal abnormality,
therapy has focused on estrogen reduction because of the population
affected and includes oophorectomy, tamoxifen therapy and
progesterone therapy. Single lung transplantation has become an
established therapeutic option in patients with advanced disease.
Recurrence of LAM has been reported in the transplanted lung of two
patients raising questions about pathogenesis and suggesting a
systemic component is involved.

Examples of research topics of interest are listed below.  These
research topics are intended to provide a perspective of the scope of
research that would meet the objectives 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 to the goals.

The objective of this program announcement is to encourage basic
studies addressing the cellular characteristics and the molecular
biology of LAM.  There is no animal model of LAM so studies will have
to be done using lung tissue and cells originating from LAM patients.
It will, therefore, be important to develop immortalized LAM cell
lines because of the paucity of patient material available.  Because
LAM is a proliferative process, studies addressing unique genetic
mutations, growth factors, signal transduction systems or
transcription factors that might occur in LAM to produce the abnormal
proliferative process are encouraged.  Also, the possible absence of
a growth inhibitory factors, e.g., p53, also needs to be considered.
Genetic studies to identify the aberrant gene(s) responsible for the
etiology of LAM are also lacking. Knowledge from these types of basic
studies is essential before more effective treatment can be
developed. Moreover, knowledge learned about LAM may be applicable to
other diseases involving hypertrophy of smooth muscle, such as
pulmonary hypertension and atherosclerosis.  Established technologies
and approaches currently being used to study other diseases involving
hypertrophy of smooth muscle may be applicable to the study of LAM.

The NHLBI is particularly interested in applications that contain
hypothesis driven mechanistic studies rather than those proposing
only descriptive morphologic studies.  Studies that focus primarily
on renal angiomyolipomas or retroperitoneal lymphangiomyomas will not
be considered responsive to this program announcement.

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
in advance of formal submission.  This can be done by telephone,
mail, or email.

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.  These
forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored
research; from the Office of Grants Information, Division of Research
Grants, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room
3032 - MSC-7762, telephone 301/435-0714, email:
girg@drgpo.drg.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;

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:

Carol E. Vreim, Ph.D.
Division of Lung Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 10018
Bethesda, MD  20892-7952
Telephone:  (301) 435-0233
FAX:  (301) 435-3547
Email:  Vreimc@gwgate.nhlbi.nih.gov

Carrie P. Hunter, M.D., M.P.H.
Office of Research on Women's Health
Building 1, Room 202
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
Rockledge 2, Room 7154
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 Tue Dec 19 22:00:00 1995
Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail
From: BIOSCI Administrator <biosci-help@net.bio.net>
Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS - 17 December 1995
Date: 20 Dec 1995 13:55:50 -0800
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology
Lines: 90
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This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS
system in the previous week.  Reference material concerning STIS
follows the summary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS **

Document Type: International Document

   Title: INT 95-25 Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA)
          Industry-Government-University Collaboration
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           int9525.txt
               Also available:          int9525.doc

Document Type: Program Guideline

   Title: NSF 96-16 -- Summer Institute in Korea
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           nsf9616.txt

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS **

Document Type: Phone Book

   Title: NSF Alpha Telephone Directory
               File size (bytes):       111825
               STIS Filename:           phnalpha.txt
               Also available:          phnalpha.dlm

   Title: NSF Organization Telephone Directory
               File size (bytes):       122645
               STIS Filename:           phnorg.txt

Document Type: Program Guideline

   Title: NSF 96-12  ACADEMIC RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE (ARI) PROGRAM
               File size (bytes):       53453
               STIS Filename:           nsf9612.txt

Document Type: Recruit

   Title: Oceanographer (Program Director)
               File size (bytes):       5810
               STIS Filename:           vex966.txt

   Title: Oceanographer (Program Director)
               File size (bytes):       6784
               STIS Filename:           vex967.txt

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE **
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS

The above files can be retrieved in electronic form using the STIS
system.  If you don't know how to use STIS, send an E-mail message to
stisinfo@nsf.gov (Internet).  You will receive
a copy of the STIS flyer via E-mail.

If you are already using STIS, you can use the information above to
retrieve these files:

Documents via E-mail:

     Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov (Internet).
     Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command.
     For example, to retrieve vex967.txt, the text of your message should be 
     as follows:
                       get vex967.txt

Anonymous FTP:

     FTP to stis.nsf.gov.  Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to
     retrieve a file.  For example, to retrieve vex967.txt, you would
     enter:
                       ftp> get vex967.txt

WAIS or Gopher:

     Do a word search on the filename as shown in the summary.

If you want a *printed* copy of a document:

     Send your name and postal mailing address, and the document title
     and number to "pubs@nsf.gov" (Internet).

If you have problems with the above procedures:

     Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov" (Internet).

From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Thu Dec 21 22:00:00 1995
Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail
From: BIOSCI Administrator <biohelp>
Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: BIOSCI miniFAQ, ver. 14-DEC-95
Date: 21 Dec 1995 20:37:31 -0800
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology
Lines: 200
Sender: daemon@net.bio.net
Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <199512201000.CAA09754@net.bio.net>
NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net

(LAST REVISION: 14-DEC-95)

This BIOSCI "miniFAQ" is designed to answer the questions that come up
the *most frequently*.  The main BIOSCI FAQ (Frequently Asked
Questions) is accessible on the World Wide Web at URL
http://www.bio.net/.

	Contents:
	--------
	1) Using the WWW to access the BIOSCI/bionet newsgroups.

	2) What to do about "spams," i.e., junk mail, ads, etc.

	3) Examples of subscribing and unsubscribing to the mailing lists.

	4) The BIOSCI user address and research interest directory.


1) Using the WWW to access the BIOSCI/bionet newsgroups.
--------------------------------------------------------
As of 10 December 1995, all BIOSCI/bionet full newsgroups are
accessible through the World Wide Web (WWW) at URL http://www.bio.net.
One can read and reply publicly or privately to both recent postings
and archived messages through one's Web browser if it is configured
properly to send e-mail.  Each newsgroup is equipped with its own WAIS
index in addition to the master index for the entire set.  The main
BIOSCI home page also has access to the BIO-JOURNALS Table of Contents
database WAIS index and the BIOSCI user address database described in
another item further below.


2) What to do about "spams," i.e., junk mail, ads, etc.
-------------------------------------------------------
BIOSCI is a set of parallel USENET newsgroups (the "bionet" groups),
mailing lists, and a hypermail archive at URL http://www.bio.net/.
The same postings are distributed on all media (except for a small
number of mailing-list-only groups at net.bio.net).  Unfortunately it
is becoming a despicable practice on the Internet (by a few people out
to make a fast buck) to do automated mass postings to thousands of
newsgroups and mailing lists.  These attempts to grab free advertising
are refered to as "spams" in the usual, somewhat boneheaded, net
terminology.  USENET is more susceptible to this practice, and many
spams originate on the USENET groups and then are passed on to the
mailing lists.  However, spammers also get lists of mailing addresses
and hit these too, so neither medium is immune.

What should you do personally if you get junk mail?
---------------------------------------------------
Just delete it and move on without reading it further.  Filing a
protest is becoming increasingly useless because spammers are often
disguising the addresses where the messages are sent from.  Unless you
really understand Internet mail systems, your attempt at protest by
sending replies to the message will often end up being sent to the
address of an innocent person that the spammer is victimizing.

What can BIOSCI/bionet do to protect its newsgroups?
----------------------------------------------------
The only solution currently available is to moderate the newsgroup.
If this newsgroup is already moderated, then you are in good shape.
Moderation protects the USENET distribution from about 95% of the
spams that are being sent to date and protects the mailing lists
completely.  Moderation means, however, that someone has to take the
time to review each message before it goes out.  We have set up
software here that simply allows the moderator to forward to an
address at net.bio.net messages that (s)he wishes to have distributed.
This takes no more time than that needed to read the message and pass
it on, say about 1 min. per message.

Most newsgroups currently have a discussion leader who is responsible
for their newsgroup.  The discussions leaders and their e-mail
addresses are listed in the BIOSCI Information Sheet which is
available on the Web at http://www.bio.net/.  If a newsgroup is being
hit with too many junk postings, please contact the discussion leader
for that group and see if there is interest in moderating the group.
Please do not assume that by simply posting a complaint to the
newsgroup itself, anyone on the BIOSCI staff will act on your
complaint.  With close to 100 newsgroups to run, the BIOSCI staff has
to rely on the discussion leaders of each newsgroup to report problems
directly to us at biosci-help@net.bio.net.

We will moderate any of our newsgroups if the discussion leader tells
us that the readership of the group wishes to do so and if a moderator
is willing to do the work.  For most BIOSCI/bionet groups, this
entails only a few minutes of work each day.

Moderating a newsgroup will resolve probably 95% of the junk postings
on the USENET distribution.  Unfortunately there are easy ways for
determined spammers to override the moderation mechanism on USENET,
but we can protect our e-mail subscribers from unwanted postings if
the newsgroup is moderated.  You can also access our newsgroups over
the WWW at URL http://www.bio.net.  While this Web interface will not
stop spammers from trying to post to the groups, this will give you
yet another way, besides using USENET news, to keep the junk out of
your personal mail files.  For those of you with local USENET news
systems, the Web interface will also give you faster access to new
newsgroups and recent postings.


3) Examples of subscribing and unsubscribing to the mailing lists.
------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE NOTE: The BIOSCI management does NOT act on
subscription/unsubscription requests that are posted improperly to the
newsgroups and mailing lists.  People who do this only bother everyone
on the lists to no avail.  Please be sure to follow the proper
procedures below.

Gory details are in the BIOSCI Information sheets on the Web at
http://www.bio.net.  Below we give an example utilizing the
METHODS-AND-REAGENTS list at both of our two BIOSCI sites:

Users in the Americas and Pacific Rim countries who use the BIOSCI
------------------------------------------------------------------
node at computer net.bio.net:
----------------------------

A) Determine the "listname" which is the <=8 character mail address
                                         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^
   for the group.  These can be found in the BIOSCI Info. Sheet.  For
   the METHODS-AND-REAGENTS group the mailing address is
   methods@net.bio.net.  The listname is the portion of the address to
   the left of the @ sign, i.e., "methods".  The listname is used with
   the "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" commands illustrated below.

B) Mail all commands in the body of a mail message addressed to
   biosci-server@net.bio.net.  Do NOT send commands to the newsgroup
   posting addresses!  Leave the Subject: line blank, any text on it
   will be ignored.

C) In the body of your message put one or more of the following
   commands with an "end" command on the last line, e.g.,

   subscribe methods
   unsubscribe methods
   end

   Do NOT put your e-mail address or other text on these lines.  The
   server only allows you to cancel your subscription if the address
   on your mail header matches the address on our mailing list.
   Please ask for help at biosci-help@net.bio.net if your address has
   changed, e.g., if you know you are on the list but the server tells
   you that you are not a member.


Users in Europe, Africa, and Central Asia who use the BIOSCI node at
--------------------------------------------------------------------
computer daresbury.ac.uk (also known as dl.ac.uk):
-------------------------------------------------

To subscribe and unsubscribe to/from the BIOSCI lists, you need to
specify the full USENET newsgroup name with "bionet-news." prepended.
The USENET newsgroup names are listed in the BIOSCI Information sheet
on the Web at http://www.bio.net/.  For the METHODS-AND-REAGENTS list
the USENET newsgroup name is bionet.molbio.methds-reagnts, thus the
appropriate commands are

    sub bionet-news.bionet.molbio.methds-reagnts

    unsub bionet-news.bionet.molbio.methds-reagnts

These commands are included in a message addressed to mxt@dl.ac.uk,
NOT to the newsgroup mailing addresses.  As usual, include the text in
the body of the message as text on the Subject: line is ignored.

To unsubscribe from all the lists at the UK node, use

    unsub bionet-news

Please note that if the address in the list is different than the one
in your mail message header, you will not be able to unsubscribe by
this method. If you have problems, please mail biosci@daresbury.ac.uk.


4) The BIOSCI user address and research interest directory.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Please take this opportunity to add your name, address, and research
interest information to the BIOSCI User Address Database if you have
not already done so.

You can fill out the address form directly through our Web page at URL
http://www.bio.net/adrform.html.

The address database is reindexed nightly for WWW access (the URL is
http://www.bio.net/).  If you are not directly on the Internet but can
reach it by e-mail, please use our waismail server to access the user
directory.  waismail use is described above.  You can also request a
user address form by e-mail from biosci-help@net.bio.net.

Please check your database entry from time-to-time to see if your
address information is still up-to-date.  Because of our limited
personnel resources, we ask that you resubmit a *complete* form to
revise your entry; we only replace complete entries and do not have
resources to edit old forms.

				Sincerely,

				Dave Kristofferson
				BIOSCI/bionet Manager

				biosci-help@net.bio.net


From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Tue Dec 26 22:00:00 1995
Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail
From: BIOSCI Administrator <biosci-help@net.bio.net>
Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: No NIH Guides Until 1996
Date: 26 Dec 1995 18:12:17 -0800
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology
Lines: 4
Sender: daemon@net.bio.net
Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <4bqa21$j4a@net.bio.net>
NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net

$$MAIL BEGIN ***********************************************************
There will be no more NIH Guides published until 1996.
The next issue is currently scheduled for 12/5/96.
$$MAIL END**************************************************************

From owner-sci-resources@net.bio.net Wed Dec 27 22:00:00 1995
Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail
From: BIOSCI Administrator <biosci-help@net.bio.net>
Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: NSF - Summary of new documents on STIS, 24 December 1995
Date: 27 Dec 1995 23:07:54 -0800
Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology
Lines: 109
Sender: daemon@net.bio.net
Approved: biosci-help@net.bio.net
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <4btfoa$1j5@net.bio.net>
NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net

This message contains a summary of the documents added to the NSF STIS
system in the previous week.  Reference material concerning STIS
follows the summary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     ** NEW DOCUMENTS ON STIS **

Document Type: Grant Conditions

   Title: (ARI) ACADEMIC RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FACILITIES
          MODERNIZATION
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           ari.txt

Document Type: Program Guideline

   Title: NSF 96-20 - COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH IN NEUROSCIENCE,
          COMPUTER AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           nsf9620.txt

Document Type: Recruit

   Title: Director, Division of Educational System Reform
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           vep961c.txt

   Title: Director, Division of Educational Systems Reform
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           vep961i.txt

   Title: Information Management Supervisor (Section Head)
               File size (bytes):       
               STIS Filename:           vgs9617.txt

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                ** UPDATES TO EXISTING STIS DOCUMENTS **

Document Type: Grant Conditions

   Title: (CA-1) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT GENERAL CONDITIONS
               File size (bytes):       3186
               STIS Filename:           ca1.txt

   Title: (FAA GC-1) FIXED AMOUNT AWARD
               File size (bytes):       4238
               STIS Filename:           faagc1.txt

   Title: (FL 26) ADMINISTRATION OF NSF CONFERENCE OR GROUP TRAVEL
          AWARD GRANT SPECIAL CONDITIONS
               File size (bytes):       6966
               STIS Filename:           fl26.txt

Document Type: Phone Book

   Title: NSF Alpha Telephone Directory
               File size (bytes):       110876
               STIS Filename:           phnalpha.txt
               Also available:          phnalpha.dlm

   Title: NSF Organization Telephone Directory
               File size (bytes):       124728
               STIS Filename:           phnorg.txt

Document Type: Recruit

   Title: Senior Executive Service Nationwide Vacancy Listing
               File size (bytes):       25967
               STIS Filename:           sesvac.txt

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       ** FOR YOUR REFERENCE **
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS

The above files can be retrieved in electronic form using the STIS
system.  If you don't know how to use STIS, send an E-mail message to
stisinfo@nsf.gov (Internet).  You will receive
a copy of the STIS flyer via E-mail.

If you are already using STIS, you can use the information above to
retrieve these files:

Documents via E-mail:

     Send a message to stisserve@nsf.gov (Internet).
     Use the "STIS Filename" shown above in the "get" command.
     For example, to retrieve sesvac.txt, the text of your message should be 
     as follows:
                       get sesvac.txt

Anonymous FTP:

     FTP to stis.nsf.gov.  Use the "STIS Filename" shown above to
     retrieve a file.  For example, to retrieve sesvac.txt, you would
     enter:
                       ftp> get sesvac.txt

WAIS or Gopher:

     Do a word search on the filename as shown in the summary.

If you want a *printed* copy of a document:

     Send your name and postal mailing address, and the document title
     and number to "pubs@nsf.gov" (Internet).

If you have problems with the above procedures:

     Send a message to "stis@nsf.gov" (Internet).

