September 2001 Director's Status Report

• Budget and Appropriations
• Legislative Update
• Institute-Sponsored Meetings, Workshops, and Conferences
• General Information/Staff Awards
• Relevant Notices and Initiatives Published in the NIH Guide
• Budget Table

Budget and Appropriations

FY 2002 President's Budget for NIA

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 President's Budget for NIA (including AIDS) is $879,961,000, an increase of 12.0 percent over the FY 2001 comparable estimate of $786,452,000. Funding for AIDS-related research increases from $4,386,000 in FY 2001 to $4,985,000 in FY 2002, an increase of 13.7 percent.

FY 2002 President's Budget for NIH

The FY 2002 President's Budget for NIH (including AIDS) increases from $20,298,269,000 in FY 2001 to $23,041,902,000 in FY 2002, an increase of 13.5 percent. AIDS funding increases by 11.5 percent in FY 2002, from $2,243,365,000 in FY 2001 to $2,501,352,000.

Overall Budget Policy

One of NIH's highest priorities is the funding of medical research through research project grants (RPGs). Support for RPGs allows NIH to sustain the scientific momentum of investigator-initiated research while providing new research opportunities. The FY 2002 NIA request provides an average cost increase for competing RPGs that is less than the Biomedical Research and Development Price Index (BRDPI) due to a one-time adjustment for a major Alzheimer's disease clinical trial to be funded in FY 2001. Noncompeting RPGs will receive increases of 3 percent on average for recurring direct costs. In FY 2002, total RPGs expected to be funded will be 1,344 awards, an increase of 69 awards over the FY 2001 estimate, the previous highest annual total ever awarded.

Promises for advancement in medical research are dependent on a continuing supply of new investigators with new ideas. In the FY 2002 request, NIA will support 572 pre- and postdoctoral trainees in full-time training positions. An increase of 10 percent over FY 2001 levels is provided for stipends and training-related expenses (e.g., health insurance, research supplies and equipment, and travel to scientific meetings).

NIA FY 2002 President's Budget - Mechanism Discussion

The FY 2002 request includes funding for 1,344 research project grants, compared to 1,275 in FY 2001 and 1,196 in FY 2000. Of these 1,344 awards, 385 will be competing research project grants and 887 will be noncompeting awards. In addition, the request includes funding for 72 SBIR/STTR grants.

Funding for the Centers mechanism increases by 5.6 percent over the FY 2001 level.

The FY 2002 request includes an increase of 8.3 percent over the FY 2001 level for Other Research. Most of this increase will support 173 positions in the Research Career Awards Program, including the AD Clinical Research and Training Awards initiative.

Funding for Contracts in FY 2002 increases by 25.4 percent over the FY 2001 level to support an anticipated rise in the amounts that will be assessed under the one-percent set-aside authority for program evaluation, and as support for the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research and for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The FY 2002 request includes a 9.9 percent increase over the FY 2001 level for Intramural Research and an 11.5 percent increase over the FY 2001 level for RMS.

(Contact: Ms. Karyn Ross, FMISB, 301/496-9147)

Legislative Update

I. Significant Legislative Action

Legislative Action

• S. 982/H.R. 2058, Medicare Wellness Act of 2001
  On June 5, Senator Bob Graham (D-Fl) introduced S. 982, the Medicare Wellness Act of 2001. Congressman Sander Levin (D-MI) is sponsoring a House companion measure, H.R. 2058. The bill would expand Medicare coverage for a Number of preventive health benefits. A provision of the bill requires the NIA to support one or more studies on ways to improve the quality of life for the elderly and to develop better ways to prevent or delay the onset of age-related functional decline and disease and disability among the elderly. The bill also requires the NIA Director to submit a report on the outcome of each study to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce and Rules Committees for further consideration.

• S. 1052, Bipartisan Patient Protection Act
  On June 29, the Senate passed S. 1052, the Bipartisan Patient Protection Act. The bill contains a section prohibiting health plans from discriminating against, denying or limiting coverage (for routine patient costs) to individuals who participate in approved clinical trials. On August 2, the House of Representatives passed its version of the Bipartisan Patient Protection Act, H.R. 2563. H.R. 2563 also contains a similar provision related to clinical trials. Differences in the House and Senate versions of the bill will be reconciled in a conference committee later this year

• H.R. 1340, the Biomedical Research Assistance Voluntary Option Act
  On April 3, Congressman Michael Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced H.R. 1340, the Biomedical Research Assistance Voluntary Option Act. The bill would allow taxpayers to designate a portion of their federal income tax refunds to support NIH research efforts. On July 11, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health marked up H.R. 1340 and reported it to the full House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

• H.R. 2505, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act
  On July 31, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2505, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act. Congressman Dave Weldon (R-Fl) sponsored this bill, which would prohibit reproductive and therapeutic cloning. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) has introduced a Senate companion measure, S. 790. As of August 1, no Senate action on this bill had been scheduled.

• H.R. 2059, Stem Cell Research Act of 2001
  On June 5, Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced H.R. 2059, a bill to permit human embryonic stem cell generation (derivation) and research. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health for further consideration. H.R. 2059 is the House companion measure to S. 723, which is sponsored by Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA).

• S. 803, E-Government Act of 2001
  On May 1, Senator Joseph Lieberman introduced S. 803, the E-Government Act of 2001. The bill would establish: a Federal Chief Information Officer within OMB, an e-government fund to support interagency information technology projects, and an online directory of federal web sites. The bill would also institute an online national library and fund a federal training center to recruit and train information technology professionals. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Government Affairs for further consideration. On July 11, the Committee held a hearing on this measure.

Executive Action

• Nomination of HHS Assistant Secretary for Aging
  On June 7, President Bush nominated Ms. Josefina Carbonell to serve as the next Assistant Secretary for Aging in the Department of Health and Human Services. The United States Senate approved Ms. Carbonell's nomination on August 1.

• Changes at the Health Care Financing Administration
  On June 14, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson announced a series of administrative reforms at the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). As part of these reforms, HCFA, which manages the Medicare and Medicaid programs, had its name changed to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• Release of NIH Stem Cell Report
  On February 28, 2001, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tommy Thompson requested that the NIH prepare a summary report on the state of the science of stem cells. On July 18, the NIH released its report. The report is posted on the NIH home page at: http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/scireport.htm

II. Congressional Hearings/Briefings

• Biotechnology Industry Organization briefing
  On May 4, Dr. Richard Hodes participated in a congressional staff briefing sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry Organization. Dr. Hodes presented an overview on diseases and conditions affecting older people.

• Briefing for Senate Special Committee on Aging, Majority Staff
  On May 9, Mary Jo Hoeksema, NIA Legislative Officer, briefed committee staff about the NIA and significant aging research advances.

• NIH Budget Hearings
  On May 16 and 23, Dr. Ruth Kirschstein, Acting NIH Director, testified before the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, respectively. Dr. Hodes, and other NIH Institute and Center Directors, accompanied Dr. Kirschstein at both hearings.

• Meeting with Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA)
  On May 24, Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director, and Dr. Marcelle Morrison Bogorad, NIA Acting Deputy Director, briefed Congressman Edward Markey on the Institute's plans to implement the Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Research and Training Awards program. During the 106th Congress, Congressman Markey sponsored legislation creating this program.

• Presentation for Congressman Mel Watt (D-NC)
  On May 30, Dr. Rose Li, Chief, Population and Social Processes Branch, NIA Behavioral and Social Research program (BSR), spoke at a seniors forum sponsored by Congressman Mel Watt in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Li presented information on trends in aging demographics.

• American Association of Immunologists Capitol Hill Reception
  On June 12, representatives of the NIH, including the NIA, attended a reception hosted by the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) on Capitol Hill. At the event, the AAI presented awards to Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman, and Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.

• Society for Neuroscience Congressional Briefing
  On June 13, Dr. Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad and other NIH officials attended a congressional briefing, "Brain Breakthroughs: Delivering Results." The event was sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience.

• Briefing for Parkinson's Action Network/Parkinson's Disease Foundation
  On June 25, Dr. Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad participated in a Capitol Hill briefing on Federal research activities related to Parkinson's disease. The Parkinson's Action Network (PAN) and Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) sponsored the briefing. Members of PAN and PDF, as well as staff and members of the Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease, attended the briefing.

• Meeting with Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI)
  On July 17, Dr. Richard Hodes had a courtesy visit with Congressman Patrick Kennedy. Congressman Kennedy is a new member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.

• Meeting with Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)
  On July 18, Dr. Richard Hodes had a courtesy visit with Senator Blanche Lincoln. The Senator, who is a member of the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Special Committee on Aging, requested the meeting to learn more about the NIA and, in particular, the Institute's activities related to Alzheimer's disease.

• Meeting with Congressman Donald Sherwood (R-PA)
  On July 18, Dr. Richard Hodes had a courtesy visit with Congressman Donald Sherwood. Congressman Sherwood is a new member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.

III. Outreach Activities

• Association of Medical School Neuroscience Department Chairpersons
  On May 4, Dr. Richard Hodes joined other NIH Institute and Center Directors to participate in a panel discussion, "Neuroscience Research Initiatives and Funding Priorities for 2002 and Beyond." The Association of Medical School Neuroscience Department Chairpersons sponsored the event.

• Meeting with Secretary Thompson and Leadership Council of Aging Organizations
  On May 23, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson met with officials from the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations. Mary Jo Hoeksema, NIA Legislative Officer, represented the NIA at this event.

• Presentation at National Conference of State Legislatures Forum
  On June 9, Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director, made a presentation on aging research to a group of state senators and representatives who chair state health committees. The National Conference of State Legislatures sponsored the event.

• Presentation at National Press Foundation
  On June 18, Dr. Richard Hodes made a presentation, "The Aging Society 2001," to a group of journalism fellows at a special seminar on aging issues that was sponsored by the National Press Foundation.

• Meeting with Association of Schools of Public Health
  On June 26, Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director, and other NIA officials met with the leadership of the Association of Schools of Public Health. The Purpose of the visit was to discuss the organization's interest in the NIA and potential research opportunities.

• Meeting with American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
  On June 26, Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director, met with Dr. Stephen Bartels, President, American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) and other AAGP officials. Dr. Bartels requested the meeting to discuss his organization's interests in the NIA and potential research opportunities.

• Meeting with Alzheimer's Association
  On July 13, Dr. Richard Hodes, Dr. Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad, and other NIA officials met with the leadership of the Alzheimer's Association, including Mr. Alan Stone, the new President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association.

  (Contact Ms. Mary Jo Hoeksema, NIA Legislative Officer, 301/496-0261)

Institute-Sponsored Meetings, Workshops, and Conferences

I. Recent Scientific Meetings

The Endocrinology of Lifespan Extension Symposium, an exploratory meeting co-sponsored by Biology of Aging Program (BAP), American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), and The Ellison Medical Foundation, was held in Denver during the Endocrine Society annual meeting in mid June 2001. An enthusiastic audience of endocrinologists received an update on new research findings regarding an insulin-like signaling pathway involved in life-span extension in C. elegans, endocrine alterations in long-lived dwarf mice, and endocrine-related changes in caloric restriction--the robust paradigm for health-and-life-span extension in every species tested so far. (Contact: Dr. Frank Bellino, BAP, 301/-496-6402)

Cognitive and Emotional Health: The Healthy Brain
The NIA co-sponsored a two-day advisory meeting with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on "Cognitive and Emotional Health: The Healthy Brain" July 9 and 10, 2001, in Bethesda, Maryland. Participants were invited from a wide range of research disciplines with the common factor of being a principal investigator for a large longitudinal or epidemiological study that included examination of factors for adult cognitive and emotional health. The participants were organized into groups for substantive discussions about the status of existing knowledge, the potential value of secondary data analyses of existing data, whether there is a need for further instrument development to facilitate future studies, and potential designs of large studies that might be undertaken in the future. The workshop participants generated a set of recommendations. (Contact: Dr. Molly V. Wagster, NNA, 301/496-9350)

The NIA Primate Steering Committee exploratory meeting co-sponsored by BAP and the Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging (NNA) Program was held July 11, 2001. Participants explored the use of non-human primates in aging research, including anticipated increases in the use of non-human primates and what support resources might promote or support the use of non-human primates as a model for human aging. (Contacts: Dr. Nancy Nadon, BAP, 301/496-6402; Dr. Molly Wagster, NNA, 301/496-9350)

The NIA Biospecimen Repository Oversight Committee's initial advisory meeting was held August 14, 2001. The committee discussed the overall structure of the planned repository and provided feedback on the Statement of Work for the repository RFA (Request for Application). Recommendations from the committee will be presented at the February Council. (Contact: Dr. Nancy Nadon, BAP, 301/496-6402)

A Mouse Mutagenesis Workshop, an exploratory workshop, sponsored by BAP, was held on September 12, 2001. Participants discussed the additional phenotypic assays that could be developed and tested to exploit the large Numbers of mutant mice that are being generated by the Developmental Defects Mutagenesis and Phenotyping Facility at Baylor College of Medicine. (Contact: Dr. Rebecca Fuldner, BAP, 301/496-6402)

BAP, the Geriatrics Program (GP), and NNA held an exploratory workshop in the area of Comparative Biology of Aging on September 13-14, 2001. The Purpose of the workshop was to gather information on possible comparative biology approaches and relevant organisms for the study of aging and to promote study of comparative biology by enhancing interaction of research on mechanisms of aging and comparative biology research. (Contacts: Dr. Jill Carrington, BAP, 301/496-6402; Dr. Evan Hadley, GP, 301/435-3044; Dr. Brad Wise, NNA, 301/496-9350)

Neurocognitive Change after Cardiac Surgery
The NNA Program of the NIA, the NINDS, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) co-sponsored a symposium "Neurocognitive Change after Cardiac Surgery" on September 13-14, 2001, in Bethesda, Maryland. Neurocognitive decline following heart surgery has emerged as an important clinical problem, particularly in the elderly. The workshop is designed to encourage an exchange of ideas and novel strategies among experts in relevant basic and clinical investigations. The meeting will provide an opportunity for investigators from multiple disciplines to review the characteristics of normal cognitive change with age and the cognitive sequelae following cardiac surgery, to review surgical techniques and approaches, and to review methods of neuroprotection in order to determine how best to reduce adverse neurological events following surgery. (Contact: Dr. Molly Wagster, NNA, 301/496-9350)

II. Planned Meetings, Workshops, Conferences

The Behavioral and Social Research (BSR) Program and NNA are organizing a small exploratory workshop (four or five participants) to generate ideas for developing a larger workshop on the topic of "Cognition in Context." This one-day meeting will be held in Bethesda during September 2001. The impetus for organizing such a conference comes directly from one of the recommended research initiatives in the recent NRC report, The Aging Mind: "The NIA should undertake a major research initiative to understand the effects of behavioral, social, cultural, and technological context on the cognitive functioning and life performance of aging individuals and to build the knowledge needed to intervene effectively in these contexts to assist individuals' functioning and performance." The goal of the larger workshop is to produce recommendations that will provide a basis for developing a funding initiative in this area. (Contacts: Dr. Daniel Berch, BSR, 301/496-3136; Dr. Molly Wagster, NNA, 301/496-9350)

A Musculoskeletal Workshop, an exploratory workshop sponsored by BAP, will be held October 12, 2001, in Bethesda. The Purpose of this workshop is to determine the state of research on the basic biology of musculoskeletal biology of aging and to determine if future workshops are warranted to promote this area of research. (Contact: Dr. Jill Carrington, BAP, 301/496-6402)

NIA, with the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Center for Complimentary Medicine (NCCAM), the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Fetzer Institute (Kalamazoo, Michigan) is co-sponsoring an "Integrative Conference on End of Life Research: Focus on Older Populations." The invitational conference will be held in Bethesda on October 22-23, 2001. Approximately 60 leading experts in this field have been invited to define the current state of the science for end of life in older people and identify future directions for NIH research. Papers and prepared commentary will be presented on four themes: (1) The Experience of Dying and Spirituality; (2) End of Life Organizations, Settings, and Transitions; (3) Methods and Measurement in End of Life Research; and (4) Ethical Implications of End of Life Research. (Contact: Dr. Sidney Stahl, BSR, 301/402-4156)

Racial and Cultural Effects on Measurement of Cognition
The NNA Program and the BSR Program are co-sponsoring a two-day advisory meeting on "Racial and Cultural Effects on Measurement of Cognition" to be held on October 31 and November 1, 2001 in Bethesda, Maryland. Many variables can impact the nature of cognitive function including ethnic, social, economic, environmental, and geographic/cultural factors. However, the diversity of these factors often is not taken into account when individuals are assessed for cognitive performance. It is believed that these factors may be particularly important in evaluating cognitive change with age and in the diagnosis of dementing illnesses. The Purposes of this workshop are twofold. One is to educate the NIA staff about current issues and considerations for a standardized battery for cognitive measurement in the elderly that accurately and meaningfully assesses normal from abnormal cognitive function in defined racial and cultural groups. A second Purpose is to evaluate current instruments and have the workshop participants generate a set of recommendations on how to proceed to develop a useful standardized battery from extant and/or new instruments that would permit comparison of results across research sites and would include assessment and norms for defined age, racial, and cultural groups. For further information contact: (Contacts: Dr. Molly Wagster, NNA, 301/496-9350; Dr. Daniel Berch, BSR, 301/594-5942)

NNA will sponsor a satellite symposium, The Latest Links: Genes and Alzheimer's Disease, November 10, 2001, immediately prior to the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, in San Diego, California. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that occurs gradually and results in memory loss, behavior and personality changes, and a decline in cognitive abilities. Studies over the last several years have demonstrated that there is a genetic component, but until this year, just four genes were conclusively known to be associated with the disease. Three genes (amyloid precursor protein, presenilin 1, and presenilin 2) are linked to the early onset form, are autosomal dominant, and account for only a small Number of all AD cases. Studies on the more common late onset form of AD have shown that a fourth gene, the APOE gene, is a susceptibility factor for sporadic late onset AD. Recent reports have suggested that there are additional risk factor genes for late-onset AD, and new AD-related regions in the human genome and gene candidates have been identified that may modify the risk for AD. This symposium will highlight the newest exciting findings in the genetics of late onset AD. (Contacts: Dr. Marilyn Miller, NNA, or Dr. Stephen Snyder, NNA, 301/496-9350)

BAP is co-sponsoring a Workshop on Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome with The Progeria Research Foundation, NHLBI, and the Office of Rare Diseases on November 28-29, 2001, in Bethesda, MD. The Purpose of this advisory workshop is to discuss promising areas of research that might help elucidate the biological basis of this, so far, incurable syndrome. (Contact: Dr. Huber Warner, BAP, 301/496-4996)

The BSR program will arrange a workshop in early 2002 for which papers are commissioned on behavior genetics and aging. These papers will be considered for publication in a special issue of the journal Behavior Genetics for which Jennifer Harris will be the guest editor. The workshop follows an informal meeting held at the Behavioral Genetics Association 2001 annual meeting in Cambridge, England. At that meeting researchers discussed (1) identification of phenotypes (and dimensions) that are important for understanding adult development and behavioral aging but have not yet been included in genetic studies (this includes efforts to define environments); (2) how newly available genetic analytic strategies can be applied to questions of adult development and behavioral aging; (3) gene-environment dynamics--is it too early to make this a primary area of emphasis for research development and what models and approaches might be developed; and (4) ways of integrating molecular and quantitative approaches into complex systems frameworks for studying development and aging. In addition, the participants were asked to identify other areas or directions that they felt were important for future behavior genetics development in aging. (Contact: Dr. Jennifer Harris, BSR, 301/496-3138)

General Information/Staff Awards

Staff Changes

New NIA Deputy Director
NIA welcomes the appointment of Dr. Judith A. Salerno as the NIA Deputy Director.
Dr. Salerno leaves her post as Chief Consultant for Geriatrics and Extended Care at the Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Her distinguished career as the VA's chief geriatrician since 1995 and principal advisor to the VA's Under Secretary for Health brought a high degree of attention to the health and medical issues of older veterans. From provision of services, improved end-of-life care and pain management, to the expansion of the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs) program, Dr. Salerno has successfully developed and led projects for the Nation to improve the health of older people.

Dr. Salerno also has a depth of experience in the development of strategic plans using planning models and outcome evaluation. She has broad experience working with aging community leaders and advocacy groups. And, she has first-hand knowledge of the NIA where, since 1996, she has been the VA representative on the National Advisory Council on Aging. From 1988-1992 she was at NIA as a clinical scientist studying Alzheimer's disease and age-associated hypertension first as an NIA Staff Fellow, then as a Senior Clinical Investigator in the Laboratory of Neuroscience.

A graduate of Harvard University, where she obtained both an M.D., and an M.S. in Health Policy and Management, Dr. Salerno is board certified in geriatrics. She is the author of numerous scholarly publications on primary care in Alzheimer's disease, hypertension and its effects on brain structures, and health care for older veterans.

NIA looks forward to the experience, intelligence, and breadth of perspective that Dr. Salerno will bring to NIH in critical areas of basic and applied research.

Council member Dr. Myron L. Weisfeldt will be joining the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine as William Osler Professor of Medicine and Director, Department of Medicine, on October 1.

Susan Molchan, M.D., has joined NNA, Dementias of Aging Branch, as Program Director, Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials. Dr. Molchan received her M.D. in 1984 from the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, and completed her internship and residency in psychiatry at the University of Florida, Gainesville. From 1987-1996 she was at the Laboratory of Clinical Science in the National Institute of Mental Health intramural program serving in a Number of positions in the Section on Geriatric Psychopharmacology. From 1996-2001 she was a Medical Officer at the Food and Drug Administration in the Center for Drug Evaluation.

Barbara Kellner has been appointed as Chief of the Office of Planning, Analysis, and Evaluation (OPAE). Ms. Kellner has long been outstanding in her service to OPAE and NIA, and the Institute is fortunate that she has assumed the leadership of this important Office.

Dr. Alicja Markowska has joined the Scientific Review Office (SRO) as a new Scientific Review Administrator (SRA). Dr. Markowska had been actively involved in research for 21 years and has extensive experience in biomedical science, particularly in the field of age-related alterations of cognitive behavior, behavioral neuroendocrinology, and behavioral genetics. She received her Ph.D. from the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology in 1979 in Warsaw. Significantly, in December 1998, she defended and gained her Doctor Habilitatus degree (D.Sc.), a prestigious post-Ph.D. degree recognized in most European countries.

Dr. Markowska came to SRO from Johns Hopkins University, where she had worked for 15 years as a Principal Research Scientist and, for the last five years, as Head, Neuromnemonic Laboratory. She was involved in multiple funded projects from the Federal government, private agencies and industry. While at Hopkins, she published over 50 peer-reviewed papers and made over 60 presentations at various conferences.

She served as a reviewer for several NIH review panels, the National Science Foundation, the Allison Medical Foundation, and internal university research committees. Her experience as a bench scientist and reviewer should prove to be tremendously important in her new capacity as SRA.

Vicki Maurer was appointed as NIA's Deputy Grants and Contracts Management Officer on July 16. Ms. Maurer comes to NIA from the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Rachel Permuth joined the Population and Social Processes Branch in BSR as a Program Analyst in June. Ms. Permuth is pursuing a doctorate in Community Health at the University of Maryland, College Park. She received her MSPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1998, and graduated magna cum laude from Bradley University with a double major in mathematics and psychology. She has worked as a junior study manager at Westat where she assisted in instrument development for a national disability study commissioned by the Social Security Administration.

Kimberly Howell has joined the Office of the Director as a Program Analyst for Special Populations. Kimberly, a recent masters level graduate of Columbia University, brings to NIA training in Organizational Psychology, analytic and program development experience, and professional interests in minority and women's health.

NIA Budget Officer, Jerry Hartman, left the NIA on August 26 to accept a position with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Dr. John Hardy accepted an appointment on September 9, 2001, as Chief, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIA.

Dr. Eric Westin is currently serving as Acting Clinical Director, NIA, while the Institute is in the process of recruiting for that position.

Dr. Nikki Holbrook, Chief, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, left NIA on September 1 and the Institute is currently recruiting to fill her position.

Dr. Josephine Egan, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, has been appointed to a tenured position.

Dr. Claire Francomano and staff moved from the National Human Genome Research Institute to join the Laboratory of Genetics.

Dr. Michael Seidman, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, has been appointed to a tenured position.

Denise Clark departed NIA Grants and Contracts Management Office on July 27 to accept a position as a Grants Management Specialist with the Indian Health Service.

Lecture Series Honoring Dr. Matilda White Riley
The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, NIH, in collaboration with four NIH Institutes has sponsored a lecture series to recognize and honor the contributions of Dr. Matilda White Riley. During her NIH career, Dr. Riley served as the founding Associate Director for Behavioral and Social Research (1979 to 1991), Senior Social Scientist, (1991-1997) and currently as Scientist Emeritus (1998- ) at the NIA. She developed the blueprint for and implemented a visionary extramural program in the behavioral and social sciences. Under her guidance, this multidisciplinary program grew to become one of the larger supporters of behavioral and social science research at the NIH, emphasizing the interplay between social, behavioral, and biological factors in the aging of individuals and societies. Her positive vision of aging inspired many innovative research projects. In addition to guiding the NIA's extramural program in behavioral and social sciences, she provided leadership across the NIH in her role as chairperson of landmark committees regarding health and behavior. In these capacities she served as the senior NIH spokesperson on behavioral and social sciences issues, encouraged cooperation among NIH Institutes, oversaw the production of numerous reports to the Congress on behavioral research at the NIH, provided advice to several NIH Directors, and initiated the behavioral and social sciences seminar series at the NIH. The inaugural lecture of the series was delivered by Dr. Paul B. Baltes, Max Planck Institute for Human Development. Information about Dr. Riley and the lecture series is posted at http://obssr.od.nih.gov/soaring/.

NIA AgePages Reach Hispanic Elders Through New Radio Service
The NIA Public Information Office authored five 60-second radio spots announcing the availability of NIA AgePages that have been translated into Spanish. The radio spots on high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep problems, medication safety, and foot care will be translated and used by Radio Espacio, a new content provider that provides stories and sound bites for 450 Spanish radio stations free of charge. The service, which launched in August, is maintained by North American Network, Inc., a radio broadcasting agency that provides news and programming services to radio stations and organizations (www.radiospace.com).

Osteoarthritis Initiative
The Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) is a unique collaboration between several NIH Institutes and Centers, and several pharmaceutical companies pooling funds and expertise and creates a public repository of OA-related clinical information, radiologic information, and blood and tissue samples. Scientists will be able to use this open resource to test potential markers, to further the development of disease-modifying treatments, and to improve public health. The 5-7 year effort, for which proposals will soon be solicited, will involve 4-6 clinical centers, one coordinating center, and 5,000 volunteers. The public-private partnership will provide approximately $8 million a year to fund this effort. NIA and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases are the principal sponsors within the Government. (For more information, contact Dr. Chhanda Dutta, GP, 301/496-6761)

Participating In Research, A Legacy of Hope
This 13-minute video was produced by the Northwestern Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center and is being reproduced and distributed by the ADEAR Center. It dispels common myths about research and helps to reassure older people that research can be a positive and beneficial experience. It is filled with personal vignettes from seniors who describe why they decided to become part of a clinical trial. Participating In Research, A Legacy of Hope is designed for research centers, medical facilities, and other health professionals who are trying to recruit older patients, especially those from minority communities, for clinical trials. It is available for $7.50 by calling the ADEAR Center at 800-438-4380. This is part of the Center's program to recover costs of educational materials produced by Alzheimer's disease centers (ADCs).

New Publications from the NIA

Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging
NIA's popular guide about exercise and older people is now available in a new, slightly edited version. The original version is available online at www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide.

Progress Report on Alzheimer's Disease 2000
NIA's annual report highlighting the latest findings in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research presents advances and information about four pieces of the AD puzzle that are falling into place: AD's main characteristics, its causes, how to diagnose AD, and how to treat it. It spotlights recent research conducted and supported by the NIA and eight other Institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This year's report includes findings and next steps in several areas: etiology of AD; improving early diagnosis; developing drug treatments; improving support for caregivers; and building the AD research infrastructure. The full text of the report is available in PDF and HTML formats online at www.alzheimers.nia.nih.gov.

Links: Minority Research and Training Newsletter - Spring 2001
This edition of NIA's newsletter interviews Phyllis Wise, PhD., and David Espino, MD, and outlines some history about how their careers in research developed. Research highlights include findings on dementia and Alzheimer's disease in Ibadan, Nigeria and Indianapolis, Indiana; the use of traditional healing by American Indians and Alaska Natives; and the increased threat of Alzheimer's disease in African-American and Caribbean Hispanic communities. The newsletter is online at www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/WorkGroupOnMinorityAging.htm.

Connections, Spring 2001
This edition of NIA's newsletter focuses on topics of interest to AD caregivers: preventing falls by AD patients, making visits to the emergency room easier, and reducing risk of hospital-related cognitive decline in older patients. It highlights two new cost-recovery resources for AD caregivers and health professionals, such as Hospitalization Happens: A Guide to Hospital Visits for Your Loved Ones With Memory Disorders and Acute Hospitalization & Alzheimer's Disease: A Special Kind of Care.

An Aging World 2001 (U.S. Census Bureau, forthcoming 2001)
The Census Bureau will issue, in late 2001, its updated report on global aging. An Aging World 2001 will update and expand upon earlier Census Bureau reports that focused on past, current, and projected Numbers, proportions, and growth rates of the elderly population worldwide. Recognizing that the characteristics of the elderly are increasingly heterogeneous among and within nations, a second focus of An Aging World 2001 is to summarize socioeconomic statistics for both developed and developing nations. This report will highlight such data for 52 nations when information is available and reasonably comparable.

It concentrates primarily on people aged 65 years and over. As is true of younger age groups, people aged 65 and over have very different economic resources, health statuses, living arrangements, and levels of integration into social life. An Aging World 2001 acknowledges this diversity by disaggregating statistics into narrower age groups where possible. Such examination may reveal important demographic, social, and economic differences that have direct bearing on social policy now and in the future. For example, the fastest growing portion of the elderly population in many nations are those aged 80 and over. Rapidly expanding Numbers of very old people represent a social phenomenon without historical precedent, and are salient to public policy because individual needs and social responsibilities change considerably with increased age. The report also incorporates data on younger adult age groups to illustrate likely future changes in elderly characteristics as these younger cohorts age.

An Aging World 2001 is the seventh major cross-national report in a Census Bureau series on the world's elderly/older populations. The first two reports, An Aging World (1987) and Aging in the Third World (1988), used data primarily from the 1970 and 1980 rounds of worldwide censuses (those taken from 1965 to 1974 and 1975 to 1984, respectively), as well as demographic projections produced by the United Nations Population Division from its 1984 assessment of global population. Subsequent reports--Population and Health Transitions (1992); Aging in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union (1993); An Aging World II (1993); Older Workers, Retirement and Pensions (1995); and the current report--include historical data from the earlier reports, available data from the 1990 and 2000 rounds of censuses, information from national sample surveys and administrative records, historical and projected data from the United Nations, and data from component population projections prepared by the International Programs Center (IPC), Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau.

CD-ROM - Books on Aging and Health by the U.S. National Academies
The Committee on Population within the U.S. National Academies will issue the third in a series of CD-ROMs for the National Institute on Aging in the Fall of 2001. The first CD-ROM (1999) contained the complete contents of 8 books/reports funded (in whole or part) by the NIA and published by the National Academy Press during the 1990s. A second version, issued in 2000, contained two additional National Academy Press publications: The Aging Mind: Opportunities in Cognitive Research; and Improving Access to and Confidentiality of Research Data. The third CD-ROM will include three additional titles published in 2001: Cells and Surveys: Should Biological Measures be Included in Social Science Research?; New Horizons in Health: An Integrative Approach; and Preparing for An Aging World: The Case for Cross-National Research.

A special issue of the Journal of Mental Health and Aging (Volume 7, Number 1, Spring 2001) was published to address the topic of Measurement in Older Ethnically Diverse Populations. Guest editors included Drs. Sidney Stahl (NIA), John Skinner (USF), Jeanne Teresi (Columbia U), Douglas Holmes (Columbia U), and Anita Stewart (UCSF). It included articles on: methodological issues in cross-cultural assessment; acculturation, ethnic identity, socioeconomic status and social support; cognitive function measures and cross-cultural variation; measurement of health, mental health, and quality of life; and religiosity and ethnicity.

New Notices and Initiatives Relevant to the National Institute on Aging (NIA)

From the NIH GUIDE - From Spring 2001 (Beginning May 5, 2001)
through Summer 2001 (Ending with August 17, 2001)
Published since the last National Advisory Council on Aging Meeting.
Also check our NIA website "Current Funding Opportunities”
(Shown here are selected Notices relevant to NIA and selected Initiatives)

Notices

1. Tropical Storm Allison Disaster Relief
   Release Date: June 21, 2001
   Notice: NOT-OD-01-043)
   The National Institutes of Health wishes to inform institutions in the Houston area who suffered damage or destruction to facilities, equipment, and/or supplies as a result of Tropical Storm Allison, of the procedure to follow to seek assistance to repair the damage.

2. Additional Information on Disaster Relief
   Release Date: June 21, 2001
   Notice: NOT-OD-01-044
   Please see the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website, located at http://www.fema.gov, for complete coverage of Tropical Storm Allison.

3. Revised PHS 398 and PHS 2590 Now Available
   Release Date: July 10, 2001 (See Addendum NOT-OD-01-054)
   Notice: NOT-OD-01-049
   All applications received on or after January 10, 2002 must use the new forms. The newly revised instructions and forms are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms.htm.

4. Additional Information and Faqs About The Revised PHS 398 and PHS 2590 Instructions and Forms
   Release Date: August 9, 2001
   Notice: NOT-OD-01-054
   National Institutes of Health
   For answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms_faq.pdf

5. Clinical Centers for the Osteoarthritis Initiative
   Release Date: July 19, 2001
   Notice: NOT-AR-01-009
   Proposals are being sought for a multi-center, longitudinal, prospective, population-based study of knee osteoarthritis (OA) to develop a public domain research resource. This Request for Proposals is to solicit the individual Clinical Centers that will be enrolling subjects and collecting data.

6. Data Coordinating Center for the Osteoarthritis Initiative
   Release Date: July 19, 2001
   Notice: NOT-AR-01-008
   This Request for Proposals is to solicit the Data Coordinating Center that will be advising and collaborating with the Clinical Centers (Clinical Centers for the Osteoarthritis Initiative) in the development and implementation of the study protocol and the enrollment of subjects and the collection of data and biological specimens.

Initiatives

Cross Program Initiatives (BSR, BAP, GP & NNA)

NIH Initiatives with Targeted Receipt Dates:

• Clinical Research Education and Career Development in Minority Serving Institutions (R25) (2/15/02)

Geriatrics Program (GP)

NIH Initiatives with Targeted Receipt Dates:

• Clinical Research Education and Career Development in Minority Serving Institutions (R25) (2/15/02) - Note entry above in "Cross Program Initiatives"

Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program (NNA)

NIH Initiatives with Standard Receipt Dates:

• The Management of Chronic Pain (R01)
• Gene Therapy for Neurological Disorders (R01, R21) (11/16/01)
• Cognitive Neuroimaging: Understanding the Link Between Neuronal Activity and Functional Imaging Signals (R01) (11/28/01)
• Clinical Research Education and Career Development in Minority Serving Institutions (R25) (2/15/02) - Note entry above in "Cross Program Initiatives"

Biology of Aging Program (BAP)

NIA Initiatives with Standard Receipt Dates

• The Zebrafish as an Animal Model for Development and Disease Research (R01)
• The Role of Antioxidants in the Prevention of Diabetic Complications (R01, R21)
• Pilot and Feasibility Program Related to the Kidney (R21)NIA Initiatives with Targeted Receipt Dates:
• Biology of Adult Stem Cells in Aging (R01) (9/11/01)
• Functional Atlas of Nuclear Receptors-Orphan Receptors (U19) (11/19/01)
• Caloric Restriction and Aging in NIA Non-Human Primates (U01) (12/11/01)NIH Initiatives with Targeted Receipt Dates:
• Clinical Research Education and Career Development in Minority Serving Institutions (R25) (2/15/02) - Note entry above in "Cross Program Initiatives"

1. Clinical Research Education and Career Development in Minority Institutions
   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AR-01-009.html
   Release Date: July 25, 2001
   RFA: RFA-AR-01-009

   Announced by the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Center for Research Resources, National Eye Institute, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute of Drug Abuse.

   Letter of Intent Receipt Date: December 17, 2001
   Application Receipt Date: February 15, 2002

   Purpose
   The Purpose of this Clinical Research Education and Career Development (CRECD) award is to support the development and implementation of curriculum-dependent programs in minority institutions to train selected doctoral and postdoctoral candidates in clinical research leading to a Master of Science in Clinical Research or Master of Public Health in a clinically relevant area. A successful program will result in an accredited Master's degree program and will produce well-trained clinical researchers who can lead clinical research projects.

   Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
   Dr. Sidney M. Stahl
   Behavioral and Social Research Program
   National Institute on Aging
   Gateway Building, #533
   7201 Wisconsin Ave.
   Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
   Telephone: (301) 402-4156
   FAX: (301) 402-0051
   Email: Sidney_Stahl@nih.gov

2. The Zebrafish As an Animal Model for Development and Disease Research
   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-01-095.html
   Release Date: May 16, 2001
   PA Number: PA-01-095

   Announced by the Trans-NIH Zebrafish Coordinating Committee, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Cancer Institute, National Center for Research Resources, National Eye Institute, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institute on Aging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

   
   Purpose
   The Purpose of this Program Announcement (PA) is to solicit applications as part of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative to increase our support of the zebrafish as an animal model for development, organ formation, behavior, aging, and disease research. This PA is a reissuance of PA-98-074, which was published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 5, No. 22 on May 21, 1998. This effort stems from an NIH initiative with participation of the Institutes and Centers listed above, working though the Trans-NIH Zebrafish Coordinating Committee (TZCC; http://www.nih.gov/science/models/zebrafish/) under the co-chairmanship of NICHD and NIDDK. Since its formation in 1997, the committee has played an active role as an advocate for the zebrafish as an important model for development, organ formation, behavior, aging, and disease research.

   Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
   Dr. Jill Carrington
   Biology of Aging Program
   National Institute on Aging
   7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 3C231, MSC 9205
   Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
   Telephone: (301) 496-6402
   FAX: (301) 402-0010
   Email: carringtonj@nia.nih.gov

3. The Role of Antioxidants in the Prevention of Diabetic Complications
   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-01-112.html
   Release Date: June 27, 2001
   PA Number: PA-01-112

   Announced by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Eye Institute
   National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the Office of Dietary Supplements.

   Purpose
   This announcement seeks basic and clinical research applications to study the use of vitamin E and other antioxidants in the prevention or amelioration of diabetic complications.

   Prevention and treatment of long-term micro- and macrovascular complications remain critical problems in the management of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. A growing body of in vitro and in vivo research indicates that hyperglycemia leads to increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. In addition, numerous studies have suggested that patients with diabetes appear to have decreased antioxidant defense capability, measured as lower levels of specific antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or vitamin E, or reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase.

   Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
   David B. Finkelstein, Ph.D.
   Biology of Aging Program
   National Institute on Aging
   7201 Wisconsin Avenue,
   Suite 2C231, MSC 9205
   Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
   Telephone: (301) 496-6402
   FAX: (301) 402-0010
   Email: df18s@nih.gov

4. Pilot and Feasibility Program Related to the Kidney
   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-01-127.html
   PA Number: PA-01-127

   Announced by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute on Aging, and the National Cancer Institute.

   Purpose
   Applications are being sought through the exploratory/developmental (R21) grant mechanism from investigators with research interests related to the kidney and fall within the purview the NIH mission. The primary intent of this initiative is to foster the development of high-risk pilot and feasibility research by newly independent or established investigators, to develop new ideas sufficiently to allow for subsequent submission of R01 applications focusing on research problems relevant to the study of both acute and chronic kidney diseases, and their complications, in both the adult and pediatric populations. These grants are not intended to support or supplement ongoing funded research of an established investigator, or to serve as an alternative mechanism of support for projects not receiving funding as competitive continuation applications.

   Direct inquiries regarding NIA programmatic issues to:
   Frank Bellino, Ph.D.
   Biology of Aging Program
   National Institute on Aging
   7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2C231 MSC 9205
   Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
   Telephone: (301) 496-6402
   FAX: (301) 402-0010
   Email: bellinof@nia.nih.gov

5. Biology of Adult Stem Cells in Aging
   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AG-01-006.html
   Release Date: June 6, 2001
   RFA: RFA-AG-01-006

   Announced by the National Institute on Aging.

   Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 14, 2001
   Application Receipt Date: September 11, 2001

   Purpose
   This Request for Applications (RFA) is to solicit applications that address the basic biology of adult stem cells in aging. Projects are encouraged that significantly advance research to identify and characterize adult stem cells as a function of aging; characterize the tissue environment and the interaction of adult stem cells with that environment during aging; separate, monitor and control adult stem cells from and in aging tissue; and develop or use disease models to understand the biology of adult stem cells in disease states common to aged individuals.

   Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
   Jill L. Carrington, Ph.D.
   Chief, Systems Branch
   Biology of Aging Program
   National Institute on Aging
   7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2C231 MSC 9205
   Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
   Telephone: (301) 496-6402
   FAX: (301) 402-0010
   Email: jc189n@nih.gov

   Bradley C. Wise, Ph.D.
   Program Director, Fundamental Neuroscience
   Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program
   National Institute on Aging
   7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 3C307 MSC 9205
   Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
   Telephone: (301) 496-9350
   FAX: (301) 496-1494
   Email: bw86y@nih.gov

6. Functional Atlas of Orphan Nuclear Receptors
   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-01-026.html
   Release Date: June 7, 2001
   RFA: RFA-DK-01-026

   Announced by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute on Aging.

   Letter of intent: October 17, 2001
   Application Receipt Date: November 19, 2001

   Purpose
   The Purpose of this initiative is to develop a Functional Atlas of Orphan Nuclear Receptors emphasizing understanding and cataloging of structure, tissue distribution, specificity, and function. Nuclear hormone receptors, their ligands, and relevant accessory proteins play important roles in development and aging, metabolism, and disease, and comprise a large superfamily of receptors for a multitude of hormones, xenobiotics, lipids, and other known and unknown ligands. Knowledge of the function, structure, and specificities of these receptors can serve as the basis for the development of therapeutics to treat diseases, including diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, heart disease, and prostate and breast cancer.

   Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
   Frank Bellino, Ph.D.
   Biology of Aging Program
   National Institute on Aging
   7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2C231 MSC 9205
   Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
   Telephone: (301) 496-6402
   FAX: (301) 402-0010
   Email: FB12A@nih.gov

7. Caloric Restriction and Aging in NIA Non-Human Primates
   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AG-02-002.html
   Release Date: June 18, 2001
   RFA: RFA-AG-02-002

   Announced by the National Institute on Aging.

   Letter of Intent Receipt Date: November 11, 2001
   Application Receipt Date: December 11, 2001

   Purpose
   The Purpose of this RFA is to solicit applications that will utilize the non-human primate (NHP) resources maintained by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Intramural Research Program (IRP). The NIA
   IRP has developed colonies of Rhesus monkeys and squirrel monkeys (described in the background section under Research Objectives) under either chronic or short-term caloric restriction protocols. These monkeys have been studied extensively and characterized by the NIA IRP. This RFA is to provide support for extramural investigators to perform additional studies on these cohorts of monkeys, thereby extending and
   expanding on the information about the effects of caloric restriction on the physiology of aging in NHP.

   Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
   Nancy L. Nadon, Ph.D.
   Head, Office of Biological Resources and Resource Development
   National Institute on Aging
   7201 Wisconsin Avenue, GW 2C231
   Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
   Telephone: (301) 496-6402
   FAX: (301) 402-0010
   Email: nadonn@exmur.nia.nih.gov

   Mark Lane, Ph.D.
   National Institute on Aging
   Gerontology Research Center
   5600 Nathan Shock Drive
   Baltimore MD 21224
   Telephone: 301-594-1210
   FAX: 301-480-0504
   Email: ml124y@nih.gov

8. The Management of Chronic Pain
   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-01-115.html
   Release Date: July 2, 2001
   PA Number: PA-01-115

   Announced by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

   Purpose
   The National Institute of Nursing Research and co-sponsoring Institutes and Centers encourage research proposals in the management of chronic pain across the lifespan. Pain is a subjective experience influenced by gender, age, race/ethnicity and psychosocial factors. The management of pain is influenced by patient, health care provider and system factors. Research is needed to determine the most effective interventions to remove barriers to effective treatment, to determine the most effective pharmacological and non-
   pharmacological therapies including complementary and alternative therapies, to identify assessment tools for patients unable to verbalize their pain, and to identify effective pain management strategies for individuals with disabilities and underserved populations.

   Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
   Dr. Elisabeth Koss
   Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program
   National Institute on Aging
   7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 3C307 MSC 9205
   Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
   Telephone: (301) 496-9350
   FAX: (301) 496-1494
   Email: kosse@nia.nih.gov

9. Gene Therapy for Neurological Disorders
   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-NS-02-007.html
   Release Date: July 19, 2001
   RFA: RFA-NS-02-007

   Announced by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders.

   Letter of Intent Receipt Date: October 15, 2001
   Application Receipt Date: November 16, 2001

   Purpose
   The goal of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to accelerate the translation of gene transfer methodologies into the clinic. Gene therapy holds tremendous promise for the treatment of neurological disorders. Despite recent advances in this area however, specific scientific, technological, and safety goals must be achieved before gene transfer becomes a viable therapeutic alternative. Current needs include more effective methods for controlling the expression of therapeutic transgenes in the brain, better strategies for vector delivery and monitoring transgene expression, more studies addressing the toxicity of specific vector/transgene combinations, and greater knowledge of the long term effects of expressing
   specific transgenes in the nervous system. This RFA is intended to encourage research projects that address these or related translational issues in the context of specific neurological disorders.

   Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
   Dr. Bradley C. Wise
   Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program, NIA
   Gateway Building, Suite 3C307
   7201 Wisconsin Avenue MSC 9205
   Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
   Telephone: (301) 496-9350
   FAX: (301) 496-1494
   Email: WiseB@nia.nih.gov

10. Cognitive Neuroimaging: Understanding the Link Between Neuronal Activity and Functional Imaging Signals
    http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-NS-02-009.html
    Release Date: July 27, 2001
    RFA: RFA-NS-02-009

    Announced by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Aging, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

    Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 30, 2001
    Application Receipt Date: November 28, 2001

    Purpose
    This RFA invites research grant applications that offer the promise of exceptional technical and conceptual advances in our understanding of the nature of the signal being recorded in hemodynamic brain imaging techniques. Of particular interest for this RFA would be approaches involving functional imaging and neurophysiological (e.g., single and multi-unit recording) studies conducted entirely in non-human primates intended to address the issue of the neural mechanisms underlying functional activation determined using fMRI or PET techniques. Also of interest are proposals that take advantage of improved understanding of the link between hemodynamic and neural events to increase the ability of functional imaging methods to accurately assess the temporal sequencing of cognitive activation that cannot be answered in humans with current technology.

    Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
    Molly V. Wagster, Ph.D.
    Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program
    National Institute on Aging
    7201 Wisconsin Ave.
    Gateway Bldg., Suite 3C307
    Bethesda, MD 20892-9205
    Telephone: (301) 496-9350
    FAX: (301) 496-1494
    Email: wagsterm@nia.nih.gov

Budget Table

National Institute on Aging
FY 2000 Actual / FY 2001 Appropriation / FY 2002 President's Budget
(Dollars in Thousands)