printer friendly version - The NIH Record - National Institutes of Health

The NIH Record is published biweekly atBethesda, MD by the Editorial OperationsBranch, Office of Communications andPublic Liaison, for the information ofemployees of the National Institutes ofHealth, Department of Health and HumanServices. The content is reprintable withoutpermission. Pictures may be availableupon request. Use of funds for printingthis periodical has been approved by thedirector of the Office of Management andBudget through September 30, 2005.NIH Record OfficeBldg. 31, Rm. 5B41Phone (301) 496-2125Fax (301) 402-1485Web addresshttp://www.nih.gov/nihrecord/EditorRichard McManusrm26q@nih.govAssistant EditorCarla Garnettcg9s@nih.govThe NIH Record reserves the right tomake corrections, changes, or deletionsin submitted copy in conformity with thepolicies of the paper and HHS.Á The NIH Record is recyclable as officewhite paper.briefsNLM Hosts Free Fall Film FestivalThis fall, NLM is presenting “Strong Medicine,”a festival of films that parse the cultural,social and existential meanings of disease andsymptoms, scientific medicine, the medicalmarketplace, treatment and cure, healing andhealth professionalism, living and dying.The series will take place Thursdays at 6 p.m.in Lister Hill Center Auditorium, first floor ofBldg. 38A. The series began Sept. 22 and runsthrough Nov. 17 (except Oct. 13 and Nov. 3).Admission is free and all are welcome. Refreshmentswill be served in the lobby each evening.Each evening will feature introductory remarksby historians, film critics or NIH scientists; oneor more rare short historical medical films fromthe NLM collection; the feature presentation;and a discussion period.Remaining films include:Sept. 29, The Elephant Man (1980)Oct. 6, Safe (1995)Oct. 20, And the Band Played On (1993)Oct. 27, Pre-Halloween Creature Feature: Islandof Lost Souls (1933)Nov. 10, Broadcast Medicine: Selected episodesof Ben Casey (1961), M*A*S*H (1972) & ER (1994)Nov. 17, Treasures of the NLM Film Collection:Short Historical Medical Films, 1920-1970.For more information, visit www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/happening/seminars/filmseries.html.‘Medicine for the Public’ LecturesBird flu, the relationship between oral bacteriaand heart disease, the challenges of aging—learnmore about these topics at the 29thannual Medicine for the Public lecture series,sponsored by the Clinical Center. Physicianscientistsworking to translate science intomedicine will discuss these topics this fall. Thelectures, which are free and open to the public,will be presented at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in MasurAuditorium, Bldg. 10.Oct. 18, “Avian Influenza: Preparing for the Pandemic,”Dr. David Henderson, CC deputy directorfor clinical care. Avian influenza, or bird flu, is amajor concern to public health authorities and isa threat to public health. This lecture will coverwhat it is, how it spreads and where we can lookfor possible treatment and prevention.Oct. 25, “Open Wide: Molecular Medicine Enters theMouth,” Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, director, NationalInstitute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Studiessuggest an association between oral bacteria andpreterm or low birth-weight babies, heart diseaseand high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Thislecture will cover oral health and the connectionbetween oral bacteria and systemic disease. Tabakwill discuss the latest research in molecular medicineand the use of salivary diagnostics as tools for healthsurveillance.Nov. 1, “Growing Older: Challenges and Opportunitiesin Aging,” Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director, NationalInstitute on Aging. The trend toward increased life expectancyover the last century has been remarkable,resulting in an “age boom” of profound implicationsfor individuals, families and society. This lecture willcover insights from research on the factors affectinghealth and well being as we grow older.For more information call (301) 496-2563.2005 Flu Vaccine Information for NIH’ersAlthough last year’s influenza vaccine program wascomplicated by a vaccine shortage, NIH did receivevaccine and was able to offer it initially to prioritygroups and later to all who were interested. Thisyear, NIH plans to offer the regular vaccine campaignin November.The influenza vaccine for the 2005-2006 seasoncontains the following strains recommended by theFDA’s vaccines and related biological products advisorycommittee: A/New Caledonia/20/99-like (H1N1),B/Shanghai/361/2002-like, and A/California/7/2004(H3N2-like).Look for the upcoming schedule of dates andlocations in the NIH Record and the web sitesat http://dohs.ors.od.nih.gov/ or http://www.foiltheflu.nih.gov.If you have questions about the influenza vaccine,call the Clinical Center Hospital EpidemiologyService, (301) 496-2209.Wednesday Afternoon LecturesThe Wednesday Afternoon Lecture series—held onits namesake day at 3 p.m. in Masur Auditorium,Bldg. 10—features Dr. Martin Heisenberg on Sept.28, speaking on “Mapping Memory Traces in the FlyBrain.” He is professor, Theodore Boveri Institute forBiosciences and chair, genetics and neurobiology,University of Wurzburg, Germany.On Oct. 5, Dr. Margarita Alegria will address, “MatchingServices to Needs: The Importance of HealthServices Research for Reducing Disparities.” She isprofessor, department of psychiatry, Harvard MedicalSchool, and director, Center for Multicultural MentalHealth Research, Cambridge Hospital.For more information or for reasonable accommodation,call Hilda Madine, (301) 594-5595.2 NIH RECORD ISSUE DATE, 20052 SEPTEMBER 23, 200519_23Septissue(c).indd 210/14/05 9:04:31 AM

SEPTEMBER 23, 2005VOL. LVII, NO. 19Dr. Han Fan, a cancer pathologist visiting from China,tours NIH from Natcher to the CRC with seasoned guideCarol Jabir of the Visitor Information Center.Visitor Center Welcomes Guests to NIHAn old Chinese proverb states, “What I hear,I forget; what I see, I remember; what I do, Iunderstand.” The same wisdom can be appliedto those who visit NIH, wanting to know howit works. Each workday, newcomers who wantto grasp the immensity of what NIH is aboutmingle largely unnoticed amid the workforce.Helping them is the Visitor Information Center(VIC), a place for the wide range of visitors thatincludes scientists, congressional aides, patientadvocates, lawyers and knowledge-seekers ofall ages.Part of the Office of Communications and PublicLiaison, OD, the VIC is where visitors findface-to-face communication and the humanconnection to NIH.The VIC benefited from relocating in 2003 fromthe B1 level of Bldg. 10 to a more prominentsetting on the first floor of the Natcher Bldg.,whose ambient light and convenience to theMetro station attract visitors.A shelf located just inside the main Natcherentrance features a wide selection of publicationsby the 27 institutes and centers that compriseNIH. An organizational chart of the agencyhelps orient guests. VIC staff also prepareinformation packets by request and can refervisitors to other sources of information.Entering the VIC’s community area, visitorsstroll beneath a display of historical flags thattell the story of NIH’s origins and the organizationsunder which it has served. Across theroom is an exhibit featuring the Nobel laureatesNIH has supported over the years.Visitors often want to know if there are dailytours and how they can be arranged. If it happensto be Wednesday, there is an 11 a.m. tourof the Clinical Research Center that includes anoverview of NIH. The overview is also offeredat 11 a.m. each Monday and Friday at the VIC.Other tours are available by appointment andgenerally run 2 hours.Among NIH’s recent guests were members ofGirls Explorations in Mathematics and Science,a program sponsored by Delaware State Universitythat included 27 students ranging fromgrades 9 through 11. The program encourageswomen and minorities to consider careers inscience. Often, NIH scientists will come to theVIC to give presentations to such groups. Onother occasions, the visitors will go to the labsto hear presentations.Other recent visitors included the summer biomedicalscience institute of Georgetown University,whose students are mainly minorities; agroup of doctors from Andrews Air Force Basewho toured the Porter Neuroscience Center; and agroup of engineering students who visited NIH’snew cogeneration power plant in Bldg. 11A.To arrange a VIC visit, call (301) 496-1776.Above:Dr. Helena Mishoe (c), director ofNHLBI’s Office of Minority HealthAffairs, introduces NIH to visitorsfrom Tougaloo College at the VIC.319_23Septissue(c).indd 310/14/05 9:04:33 AM

The Greentree Shelter, a part ofthe National Center for Childrenand Families, is the only shelter forhomeless families with an on-sitestructured child care center andtherapeutic child access capabilityin Montgomery County.CFC KICKOFFcontinued from page 1kick-off event with the employees who will helpensure a successful campaign.Hundreds of deputy and assistant CFC coordinatorsand key workers will be invited to attendthe event. The lunchtime ceremony, to be heldfrom 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the new NIHFire House, will include music and food, and itwill be the first opportunity for the NIH CFCworkers to meet each other.More than 3,200 local, national andinternational charities are supportedthrough the annual CFC nationalfundraiser. Fauci wants this year’scampaign to reflect the true generosityof the NIH staff. “By volunteeringyour time to local charities, you canhave a positive impact on the community,”he said. “By donating to CFCcharities of your choice, you can helpfinance work to save the environment,provide food, shelter and medicalcare to needy families and helppoor children get an education.”You can designate one or more specificcharities to receive your donation.And, payroll deduction makes it easyto give. For more information aboutthe annual campaign, visit http://cfc.nih.gov.Dr. Sheryl Brissett-Chapman is executivedirector of the National Centerfor Children and Families (NCCF) inBethesda. “CFC funding is critical forus to be able to reach nearly 2,000children and families during theyear,” she says. “Through communityvolunteers, we are able to extend ourreach and help more people. Our volunteers aretruly everyday heroes!”One such NCCF volunteer is Monica Panelli, astaff scientist in the Clinical Center’s departmentof transfusion medicine. Each week duringthe past year, she has volunteered as a tutorfor children at the NCCF’s Greentree Shelter.Panelli feels strongly that it is important to giveback to the community, and, in particular, tochildren.Each of us is passionate about something. Supportyour passion by contributing to CFC andmake an impact on someone’s life. Choose to bean everyday hero—choose to give.New Recipients To Be AnnouncedPioneer Award Winners to LectureAt Inaugural SymposiumThe first NIH Director’s Pioneer Award Symposiumwill feature the 2004 awardees discussingtheir research on Thursday, Sept. 29 inMasur Auditorium, Bldg. 10. In addition, NIHdirector Dr. Elias Zerhouni will announce the2005 recipients.“Each Pioneer awardee is forging new groundin an important scientific field,” said Zerhouni.“Our goal was to support scientists ofexceptional creativity with pioneering concepts.It is obvious just from their first year ofwork that these scientists are making good ontheir promise to pursue far-ranging ideas thatmerit exploration.”Zerhouni will open the symposium at 8:15a.m. A highlight of the day will be the 2 p.m.roundtable talk among the 2004 award recipients.The event will end with an informalreception at 3 p.m. The symposium agenda isat http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/pioneer/symposium2005.Attendance is free and there isno need to register.Fenton Joins DAITDr. Matthew J. Fenton wasrecently named chief of theAsthma, Allergy and InflammationBranch at NIAID’SDivision of Allergy, Immunologyand Transplantation(DAIT). He received hisdoctoral degree in biochemistryfrom Boston Universityand completed postdoctoralstudies in immunology atthe Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before joiningDAIT, he served as professor of medicine and director ofpulmonary research at the University of Maryland Schoolof Medicine. Previously, he was a professor of medicineat the Boston University School of Medicine. Fenton alsoserved as a member of the experimental immunologystudy section, and later, as chair of the innate immunityand inflammation study section.4 NIH RECORD SEPTEMBER 23, 200519_23Septissue(c).indd 410/14/05 9:04:35 AM

SEPTEMBER 23, 2005VOL. LVII, NO. 19scienceInsights into InflammationImmunology courses sometimes gloss overinnate immunity to focus on acquired immunity,the system of T cells, B cells and antibodies thatrespond to specific antigens. The innate immunesystem, roaming scavenger cells that comprisethe body’s first line of defense, causes theinflammation that makes a mosquito bite itchand a sore throat ache, but it can also go intooverdrive in the face of severe burns, trauma orinfection, leading to organ failure or even death.A new study published in Nature takes a majorstep forward in understanding innate immunityand the systemic inflammation it can bring.The study started with a genome-wide expressionanalysis of four people infused with endotoxin,a bacterial toxin that activates the innateimmune system, causing inflammation thatruns its course within 24 hours. Four peoplewere used as a control, and the researchers tookblood samples at several points to look at geneexpression in their leukocytes (white bloodcells) over time. Of tens of thousands of genesexamined, the researchers identified 3,714unique genes whose expression changed inresponse to the endotoxin.Experimental data like this can be overwhelmingand hard to interpret. This team of scientists,which was brought together by an NIGMS“glue grant” and included experts in surgery,critical care medicine, genomics, bioinformatics,immunology and computational biology, wantedto identify functional networks involved inthe systemic activation of inflammation. Theytherefore turned to a new bioinformatics methodto tie their data into all the comprehensiveknowledge of mammalian biology that otherresearchers have already accumulated.The group used a knowledge base compiled byIngenuity Systems, Inc., of Mountain View,Calif. To build that knowledge base, content andmodeling experts systematically encoded findingsin peer-reviewed publications, incorporatingover 200,000 published reports on morethan 9,800 human, 7,900 mouse and 5,000 ratgenes. An “interactome,” a molecular network ofdirect physical, transcriptional and enzymaticinteractions, was computed from this knowledgebase to detail molecular relationships involvingover 8,000 genes. This tool enabled the group toexamine their experimental data in the contextof known genome-wide interactions.The group constructed a “prototypic inflammatorycell” containing 292 representative genesinvolved in inflammation and innate immunity,and charted its course over time. Then,using the knowledge base to computationallydecipher the networks involved, they identifiedwell over a thousand genes involved in inflammation.Their analysis revealed unexpectedpathways that will increase our understandingof inflammation, including the widespread suppressionof mitochondrial energy productionand protein synthesis.According to NIGMS, the team next plans tostudy both gene and protein activity in a largegroup of trauma and burn patients over longerperiods of time. It will be important to confirmwhether these patients in a real-life situationshow responses similar to those of the healthy,endotoxin-challenged subjects in this study.—Harrison WeinTwo Join NCCAM’s Office of ScientificReviewDr. Laurie Friedman Donze was appointed as ascientific review administrator at the NationalCenter for Complementary and AlternativeMedicine. A native Californian, she earned herB.A. in psychology from the University of California,Berkeley, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in clinicalpsychology from Michigan State University.She was a faculty member at Johns HopkinsSchool of Medicine for 6 years before comingto the Center for Scientific Review in 2003. Herscientific and clinical expertise relates primarilyto the behavioral and “alternative” treatmentof obesity. At NCCAM, Donze is responsible forthe training and education special emphasispanel, as well as other review panels as needed.Dr. Martina Schmidt was also appointed as ascientific review administrator at NCCAM. Anative of Germany, she earned a B.S. and M.S.in biology and a Ph.D. in microbiology, all fromthe University of Wurzberg, Germany. In 1997,she received a Fogarty fellowship and joinedNIH as a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. LindaWolff at the National Cancer Institute’s Centerfor Cancer Research, Laboratory of CellularOncology. Schmidt’s research focusedon analysis of the function and regulation ofgenes that are involved in myeloid leukemogenesis.In 2004, she joined the Center for ScientificReview as a scientific review administratorintern before her move to NCCAM.Top:Dr. Laurie Friedman DonzeBottom:Dr. Martina Schmidt519_23Septissue(c).indd 510/14/05 9:04:36 AM

Right:NIH director Dr. Elias Zerhouni (c, inballcap) and CC director Dr. John Gallin(on the director’s left) meet with NIHgroup that left Sept. 4. They include (froml) Mark Ritter, Maryland Pao, MelanieBacon, Jean Murphy, Mike Polis, AmyGarner-O’Brien, Jim Shelhamer, AlicePao, James Gibbs, Deb Gardner, BobDanner, Mary Sparks, Sashi Ravindran,Grace Kelly and Susan Hoover.KATRINA RESPONSEcontinued from page 1Middle:Ten NIH Police officers went to the Gulf,including (kneeling, from l) Cpl. AlexanderNegretti, Sgt. Fredric Boyle, Cpl. WallaceCarter and Cpl. Gary Pickering. Standingare (from l) Cpl. Dexter Moore, Cpl.Thomas Cioffi Sr., MPO James Pineiro,MPO Craig Rowland, MPO HermanBartz III and Lt. James Skyrm.Above:NIH’ers handle phones in Bldg. 10 medicalboard room. They are (from l) DinoraDominguez, Laura Lee, Dora Bell, NancyJenkins, Dr. Fred Gill and Kathy Bronson.photos: bill branson6 NIH RECORD SEPTEMBER 23, 2005• An advance team and medicalteam numbering about50 people deployed temporarilyto a field hospital inMississippi but most, exceptcommissioned officers, wererecalled after 5 days.• The Clinical Center madeavailable 100 beds of “surgecapacity” for patients whomight need to be transferredfrom the affectedareas, including young cancerpatients who wouldneed specialized services.“I encourage you to be creative,”Zerhouni urged atthat first meeting, whilea large-screen TV tunedto CNN silently broadcastimages of the unfoldingdrama in New Orleans.“We must help people whoare hurting now. It is theright thing to do. Let’s do it the right way—the NIH way.”More than 1,000 NIH’ers from a staggeringbreadth of disciplines and backgrounds volunteeredin the storm’s aftermath. In addition tophysicians and nurses they included maintenanceworkers, officers from the NIH Police,who needed to be deputized as U.S. Marshals inorder to serve, procurement officials and publicaffairs staff. Volunteers, who had to be ingood physical condition, were asked to committo tours of 2 full weeks, and to be immunizedagainst hepatitis and tetanus. Those who couldnot be deployed had the option at least of sendingprayers; special multi-faith services wereheld in the CRC 7th floor chapel Sept. 6-9.Whether they stayed and prayed or delivered firstaid, NIH’ers were quick and generous in theirresponse. Said one witness to the high-level conferences,“No one at NIH was being obstructionist.”NIH not only marshaled its own resources inresponse to Katrina, but also reached out tolong-time partners at AAMC, Suburban Hospitaland the National Naval Medical Center to seehow best to accommodate the unfolding situation.Medical partners included volunteers fromDuke University and Johns Hopkins University.Because of the sudden need to cooperatewith nonfederal allies, legislative experts at NIHquickly worked with Congress to smooth the wayto signing on volunteers.As head of the NIH Command Center, Zerhounicreated a number of ad hoc working groupsto oversee the various facets of NIH’s response.Concluding one of the earliest emergency sessions,he said, “I thank you for all those out therewho may not have a home tonight.” He added,in one of a series of urgent email letters to allemployees in the tragedy’s first week, “We willneed to set aside business as usual in this unusualtime.”Key players in the initial response included Dr.Pierre Noel of the CC’s department of laboratoryParting was tough for many who responded.19_23Septissue(c).indd 610/14/05 9:04:41 AM

SEPTEMBER 23, 2005VOL. LVII, NO. 19medicine, who was put in charge of NIH’s field hospitalcontingent. He was assisted by Elaine Ayresof the Clinical Center, a PHS logistics expert. Capt.Diane Walsh of the CC nursing department servedas NIH liaison with the HHS Secretary’s OperationsCenter.Among the first NIH’ers on the ground in Katrina’swake were ORF engineer John Walker, who wasdeployed Sept. 3, and NIDDK nephrologist Dr. JefferyKopp, who left for Baton Rouge with a cadreof 38 PHS officers on Sunday, Aug. 28. Other earlyresponders included disbursing officer William Kelleyof the Office of Logistics and Acquisition Operations,Maj. Ophus Robinson of the NIH Police andLt. Chris Mattingly, an EMT with the Division ofFire and Rescue Services.As the Katrina response unfolded, the NIH homepage on the web served as a reliable source ofupdates, including where to send cash. The annualCombined Federal Campaign debuted early, onSept. 2, in order to accommodate donations, andthe NIH R&W Association instituted a HurricaneRelief fund. NIH and its partners also expandedthe medical consultation hotline to include informationfor patients in the region devastated byKatrina. Consultations were available in environmental/toxicconcerns, infectious diseases, tropical/geographicalmedicine, ophthalmology, HIV/AIDS, psychiatry, cardiac/pulmonary diseases andcancer, among other topics.Zerhouni hinted that the many offers by NIH’ers toopen their homes to people dislocated by Katrinamight eventually be taken up. “This will be a longand difficult period for those who have suffered somuch,” he said in an all-hands email Sept. 1. “Wewill have many opportunities to contribute to therebuilding process over the months ahead. I amgrateful for your commitment.”Cdr. Chris Chamberlain (l) and colleague Dr. Hakson Jin areamong 6,000 PHS commissioned officers in the Public HealthService. At right, read about their preparedness.photos: woleola akinsoCommissioned Officers Focus on Readiness, Heed Call of KatrinaWhen a number of NIH clinicians, nurses and other commissioned officers headedto the Gulf coast recently to help displaced residents survive the aftermath of HurricaneKatrina, it was only the most recent deployment in an unusually responsiveyear. The group briefly staffed a 250-bed hospital in Meridian, Miss.“It’s what many members of the Commissioned Corps have trained for. The mission,as always, focuses on readiness. Maintaining physical fitness, being fullyimmunized and having the training and readiness needed when deployed into anemergency area—as we are now demonstrating with Katrina—is paramount,”said Dr. Richard Wyatt, executive director of NIH’s Office of Intramural Researchand a rear admiral in the corps.With a rich past tracing back to the late 1700’s,the corps has historically lived up to its missionstatement: “protecting, promoting and advancingthe health and safety of our nation.” Stintsin recent times have taken NIH and other PHSofficers to such war-torn regions as Afghanistan,Africa, Iraq, and now, the remnants ofKatrina.Overall, there are about 6,000 commissionedCorps vet Chamberlainofficers in the Public Health Service, with thelargest number coming from the Indian Health Service, followed by the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration andthe Bureau of Prisons. Presently, 400 NIH commissioned officers, including 111from the Clinical Center and 78 from the National Cancer Institute, are part ofthe structured force. Among the 400 at NIH are 168 medical officers and approximately100 nurses, but also veterinarians, pharmacists, dietitians, environmentalhealth specialists, therapists, sanitary engineers and computer specialists, accordingto Kenneth Diepold, NIH liaison to the Surgeon General.NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci spent 27 years in the corps. NIH deputy directorfor intramural research Dr. Michael Gottesman is also a retired CO. Presentlyactive NIH officials in the corps include CC director Dr. John Gallin, NIDDKdeputy director Dr. Griffin Rodgers, NIDCR deputy director Dr. Dushanka Kleinman,NINDS clinician Dr. Mark Hallett and Dr. Harvey Klein, chief of the CCdepartment of transfusion medicine.During the presidency of John Adams in 1798, corps officers provided care forsick and injured seamen in Boston. Today’s mission is no less vital. “We saw itfirst-hand recently in Asia, when 30 such officers were deployed to provide aidand care to victims of the tsunami disaster,” said Wyatt, who is a 34-year corpsvet. “And now we have this type of situation again, with Katrina.”Commissioned officers at NIH have a dual role—they perform their main job,conducting research, treating patients and providing other public health activities.They also have to be ready to respond to emergencies.Cdr. Chris Chamberlain acknowledges her twin functions. A CC pharmacy specialistand 18-year veteran of the corps, she makes countless daily contributionsat NIH—serving as a liaison between the pharmacy department and patientsundergoing treatment. While providing direct assistance to the Transplant andAutoimmunity Branch, NIDDK, her duties range from assisting with the dosingof anti-rejection medication for immunosuppressed patients to making hospitalsrounds with physicians. She also routinely conducts follow-ups with outpatients.The importance of her job notwithstanding, Chamberlain knows that if anatural disaster strikes, she could be whisked away and deployed elsewhere in amoment’s notice. “It’s both a challenging and a rewarding position,” she said.—Jan Ehrman719_23Septissue(c).indd 710/14/05 9:04:42 AM

On hand at the recent OSE-sponsoredfilm were (from l) Dr. J. AlexHaller (guest speaker at Sciencein the Cinema); Clayton LeBouef(who played Vivien Thomas’sbrother in the film); Jessica Floria(who played a pediatric patient atHopkins); John Leslie Wolfe (whoplayed Dr. Walter Dandy, leadingsurgeon at Hopkins); and KateMcCabe, who wrote the article onwhich the film was based.MEMORABLE MOVIEcontinued from page 1poignant content and special guests in attendance.The film tells a true story in which medical science,history and sociology converge. It followsthe 34-year association of two men who overcamesocial stigma and developed a revolutionarytechnique that would save countless lives.In 1930, Vivien Thomas was a 19-year-oldAfrican American carpenter who dreamed ofgoing to medical school. Dr. Alfred Blalock wasa white surgeon and a rising star among hispeers. In the lab, Blalock asked the scientificquestions. Thomas figured out the best ways tofind the answers. With only a high school education,Thomas assumed the role of a seniorresearch fellow and developed into a talentedsurgical technician. He devised unique surgicalinstruments and worked out complex techniquesin animal models. The film’s title comesfrom Blalock’s remarks about the nearly flawlesshealing of a surgical incision Thomas madein a canine heart.The pair’s achievements are even more remarkablebecause of the setting in which they tookplace. It was an era marked by the Great Depression,World War II, racial tension and segregation.The young lawyer Thurgood Marshall had justbegun to champion the cause of civil rights andthe desegregation of schools. So in 1941, whenBlalock and Thomas came to Johns Hopkins Universityfrom Nashville, people stared at Thomasin his white lab coat. At that time and place, blackemployees were janitors and had separate buildingentrances and rest rooms. This unusual duowas about to open a lot of previously locked doorsin medicine and society.Helen Taussig, a pediatric cardiologist at Hopkins,approached Blalock for help with her “bluebabies.” These patients have a congenital syndrome—tetralogyof Fallot—that limits bloodflow to the lungs. The resulting lack of oxygenmakes their skin appear blue. Blalock acceptedthe challenge and began to work with Thomason developing a corrective procedure.In 1944, Blalock performed surgery on a younggirl while Thomas stood behind him, coachinghim through the procedure he had perfected. Byrearranging blood vessels, the team turned theblue baby pink again. That first successful operationlaunched the modern field of cardiac surgeryand simultaneously rattled the social status quo.Following the film, the Science in the Cinemaaudience was treated to an insider’s perspective.The guest speaker and expert in the film’smedical subject was Dr. J. Alex Haller, emeritusprofessor of pediatric surgery, pediatrics andemergency medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital.Haller had trained with Blalock during hisresidency and had first-hand knowledge of theevents portrayed in the film. He spent over 100hours as a consultant to HBO producers duringthe making of the movie. Also present werethree actors from the film and Katie McCabe,who wrote the award-winning article on whichthe film was based (“Like Something the LordMade,” Washingtonian magazine, 1989).Haller added his own stories to those presentedin the film. He emphasized a point he felt wasnot made clear. He said that Thomas’s “role asthe teacher of medical students, residents andjunior faculty members was a critically importantpart of the training of cardiac surgeons atJohn Hopkins. He trained many techniciansand helped other doctors in their research,including those at NIH.”Haller spent a year working in an NIH researchlab with Alfred Casper. Both men had trainedat Johns Hopkins and were working on a studyinvolving heart-valve abnormalities. During acanine surgery, Haller skillfully halted a seriousbleeding episode. “That was beautifully done,”Casper said. Haller replied that he had “trainedwith Alfred Blalock.” On a subsequent occasion,Casper managed a more severe bleedingproblem. “That was fabulously done,” remarkedHaller. Casper replied, “with a twinkle in hiseye, ‘I trained with Vivien Thomas.’”The audience learned more through a questionand-answerexchange with Haller. In responseto a question about the use of animals inresearch, Haller recalled an incident from the1950s when Taussig received a standing ovationfrom a crowd of animal rights activists in Baltimore.Holding her poodle in her arms, she said,“He’s alive because of what we have learnedabout human congenital heart abnormalities.”Thomas and Haller had performed life-savingsurgery on the dog.Haller confirmed the Blalock-Thomas partnership.“The relationship was different outsidethe hospital as was typical of our society then.Vivien was treated just like a colleague. On theother hand, they [Thomas and Blalock] had differentbathrooms.”McCabe praised the film’s accuracy and subtletyin portraying the diverse social worlds of theprincipal characters. “That’s one of the beautiesof film. You can create a context of the socialenvironment...without a single line of dialogue,”she said. She also gave high praise to the scriptwriter, Peter Silverman, who was able to capturethe nuances of the Blalock-Thomas relationship.If Thomas visited NIH today, he’d be steppinginto a new world—one he helped pioneer.8 NIH RECORD SEPTEMBER 23, 200519_23Septissue(c).indd 810/14/05 9:04:44 AM

SEPTEMBER 23, 2005VOL. LVII, NO. 19NIDA director Dr. Nora Volkow delivers the plenary presentation,“Progress in Translating Drug Abuse Researchinto Clinical Practice,” at a NIDA meeting in Miami.NIDA Holds Variety of Outreach EventsThe National Institute on Drug Abuse is undertakinga variety of outreach efforts to educatehealth care providers, physicians, researchersand others about the latest findings on drugabuse and addiction and their application toclinical practice. The institute sponsored or participatedin three meetings recently in Miami.More than 600 people attended a 2-day conference,“Smart Practice, Practical Science: BlendingTreatment and Research,” that was heldat the Sheraton Bal Harbour Hotel. The workshopformat allowed lively discussions betweenresearchers involved in designing sciencebasedtreatment programs and the practitionersimplementing them across the country.Cosponsors of the conference included the Floridanode of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network,the University of Miami, Operation PAR Inc.,the Village South Center for Drug Free Livingand the Florida Society of Addiction Medicine.During the same week, the Substance Abuseand Mental Health Services Administration andthe National Association of State Alcohol andDrug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) held a meeting,“Forging Federal-State Collaborations toBlend Research and Practice.” It was the latestin a series of meetings held over the past yearto examine strategies to enhance the adoptionof evidence-based practices in state drug abuseprevention and treatment systems.The third event was NASADAD’s annual meeting.These events are part of NIDA’s effort to tryto bridge the gap between clinical practice andscientific research in the drug abuse treatmentfield. These collaborations will ensure the applicationof research knowledge into improvedtreatment.Above:Volkow greets University of MiamiPresident (and former HHSSecretary) Donna Shalala (l) andFlorida First Lady Columba Bushat a NIDA meeting in Miami.Left:Robert Morrison (r), director ofpublic policy for the National Associationof State Alcohol and DrugAbuse Directors (NASADAD),congratulates NIDA’s Dr. TimothyCondon (l) who received the awardfor outstanding service and leadershipin support of State Alcohol andDrug Abuse Authorities. The awardwas presented at NASADAD’sannual meeting in Miami.919_23Septissue(c).indd 910/14/05 9:04:46 AM

trainingCIT Computer ClassesCIT Computer ClassesAll courses are given without charge. For more information call (301) 594-6248 orconsult All courses the are training given program’s without charge. home page For more at http://training.cit.nih.gov.information call (301) 594-6248 orconsult the training program’s home page at http://training.cit.nih.gov.Internet Assisted Review (IAR) 9/27itemdateIntroduction to the Extramural Customer AssistanceREquest item System (ECARES) 9/27two-line entrydatePublic Key Infrastructure (PKI) 101 9/27itemdateIntroduction to Statistics 9/27-28itemdatePerl for Beginning Programmers 9/27-10/6itemdatePython for Programmers 9/28Bringing Data Files into SAS 9/29Creating Presentations with PowerPoint 10/12Reference Manager 11 (PC) Basics 10/13Complementary & Alternative Medicine: Databases, E-Journalsand Other Sources 10/20NIH Training Center ClassesThe Training Center supports the development of NIH human resources throughconsultation and provides training, career development programs and otherservices designed to enhance organizational performance. For more informationcall (301) 496-6211 or visit http://LearningSource.od.nih.gov.Delegated Acquisition Training Program 9/20-23NBS Travel System for Organizational Administrators 9/27-28NIH Foreign Travel (NBS Travel System) 9/28-29Principles of Clinical Research ClassRegistration for the 2005-2006 “Introduction to the Principles and Practice of ClinicalResearch” began on Aug. 1. The course will run from Oct. 17 through Feb. 21, 2006.The deadline for registering is Oct. 5. Classes will be held on campus on Monday andTuesday evenings from 5 to 6:30. There is no charge for the course but purchase of atextbook is required. A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of thecourse, including a final exam. For more information or to register, visit http://www.cc.nih.gov/researchers/training/ippcr.shtml or call (301) 496-9425.FAES Seeks Executive DirectorThe Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES), a non-profit organizationthat supports intramural research programs at NIH, is recruiting for an executivedirector. A full description of the organization and the position’s responsibilities,scope and compensation can be found on the FAES web site, www.FAES.org. If interestedand qualified, mail letter of interest, resume and four references to: The SelectionCommittee, FAES, 1 Cloister Court, Suite 230, Bethesda, MD 20814. No phone calls.Principals only. Applications accepted until the position is filled.Duncan To Give Nanotechnology Series TalkThe NCI Nanotechnology Seminar Series will feature a lecture by Dr. Ruth Duncan,professor of cell biology and drug delivery, and director of the Centre for PolymerTherapeutics at Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom, on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 3p.m. in the Natcher Bldg., Rm. E1/E2. For details, visit http://nano.cancer.gov.10 NIH RECORD SEPTEMBER 23, 2005The award-winning “Live Oaks in Fog” was taken onthe Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, Darien, Ga. in 1995.The photographer, Dr. Harvey Kupferberg, served aschief, preclinical pharmacology section, Epilepsy Branch,NINDS, prior to his retirement from NIH in 2000.Camera Club Holds CompetitionOnce a month on Tuesday evenings, the ClassicResidence for senior citizens in Chevy Chase opensits doors to the members of the NIH Camera Club, anR&W-sponsored organization of emerging, seasonedand expert photographers. A professional from theWashington area shares photographic expertise andimages, then judges photos on a topic such as natureor architecture or photojournalism, in three categories—slides,color and black-and-white prints. OnTuesday, Oct. 11, this year’s NIH-wide photographycompetition will take place. All members of the NIHcommunity are invited to participate. For a handoutwith competition details, email Brenda Hanning,hanningb@mail.nih.gov.Fencer Pinkus Wins Veterans ChampionshipDr. Larry Pinkus, scientific review administrator of theatherosclerosis and inflammation in the cardiovascular sciencesstudy section in the Center for Scientific Review andpresident of the R&W Fencing Club, won the gold medal inmen’s saber (age 60+)at the World VeteransChampionships on Sept.3 in Tampa. He wasselected by U.S. Fencingfor the USA VeteransFencing team in saber;four men and fourwomen are selected forthe team in each weapon(foil, epee and saber)based on points earnedin national competitionsthroughout the year. Thisis Pinkus’ third time onthe team (1999, 2004,2005). He won a bronzemedal in saber in 1999.He describes fencing asa “lifetime sport” and a“physical chess game”and has been competing for close to 40 years. He tookup the sport in college at Johns Hopkins University, andattributes his success to good coaching (two of his coacheswere U.S. Olympic team coaches) and continuing to adaptand refine his game with age. To learn more about the NIHR&W Fencing Club, visit www.recgov.org and look underNIH, clubs and fencing.19_23Septissue(c).indd 1010/14/05 9:04:48 AM

SEPTEMBER 23, 2005VOL. LVII, NO. 19volunteersHealthy Volunteers NeededHealthy volunteers are needed to participate in a study of adrenal gland functionsponsored by NICHD. Volunteers should be over 18 years of age. The studyconsists of two visits to the Clinical Center and involves blood work, a stimulationtest of adrenal gland function, saliva and urine collection. Participants willbe compensated. For more information call 1-800-411-1222 (TTY 1-866-411-1010).Asthma Study RecruitsAn asthma study at NIH is recruiting children ages 5 to 17. The study willmeasure the usefulness of a new procedure for evaluating asthma in children.All study-related tests will be provided at no cost. Compensation is provided.Call 1-800-411-1222 (TTY 1-866-411-1010). Se habla español. Refer to study04-I-0126.Healthy Volunteers NeededHealthy volunteers are needed for a new study that investigates a blood-thinningmedication. If you are 21 to 65, consider participating in this study thatmay develop a better treatment for individuals with blood clot. All study relatedtests are provided at no cost. Compensation is provided. For more informationcall 1-800-411-1222 (TTY 1-866-411-1010). Se habla español. Refer to study05-H-0164.Study of Genes, Aging and CognitionHealthy volunteers, over the age of 55, are needed for a study of the geneticsof aging and cognition. Participation requires a blood draw and non-invasiveclinical, neurological and cognitive testing procedures. No overnight stays. Nomedication trials. Compensation provided. Call Bobby Das at (301) 435-4593 oremail DasB@intra.nimh.nih.gov. Refer to protocol 00-M-0085.PHS Commissioned Officers PromotedThe 3rd annual Public Heath Service commissionedofficer promotion ceremony, held in Masur Auditoriumrecently, honored 29 Commissioned Corpsofficers who work at NIH. RADM Richard G. Wyatt,NIH representative to the Surgeon General’s policyadvisory council, presided. NIH director Dr. Elias Zerhouniwelcomed Surgeon General Richard Carmona,and cited the various collaborative projects under waybetween NIH and the Office of the Surgeon General.Carmona gave keynote remarks and officiated, alongwith Deputy Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu.The officials congratulated the promoted officers andtheir families on their career advancement and accomplishments.Special to this year’s event was the honoringof NIH officers who retired during the past year.Promoted officers included: Nurse Officers: CDR IreneDustin, CDR Suzanne Fillippi, CDR Dianne Hilligoss,CDR Akua Kwatemaa, CDR Kathleen Morton-Cooper,CDR Linda Scott, CDR Beverly Smith, CDR SusannahWargo, LCDR Stacy Barley, LCDR Leigh Bernardino,LCDR Geri Hawks, LCDR Jacquin Jones, LCDRAlexi Mosquera, LCDR Madia Ricks, LCDR DorisWurah; ROG-Medical Officer: CAPT Kirk Druey, CAPTCaroline Philpott; Medical Officer: CAPT Lisa Rider,CAPT Eric Wassermann, CDR Thomas Herndon, CDRMichelle Leff; Scientist Officer: CAPT Rebecca Sheets;Veterinarian Officer: CAPT Yvette Davis, CAPT DonaldGardner, CDR Venita Thornton, LCDR Lauren Davidson;Health Services Officer: LCDR Claudine Samanic;Pharmacist Officer: LCDR Kun Shen; and EnvironmentalHealth Officer: LCDR Jason Barr.Below:The 2005 NIH promoted officers and officials involved in the ceremonypose for a group photo.Study of Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderNIH is recruiting for a study of patients with new onset (9 months or less) obsessive-compulsivedisorder (OCD). An initial outpatient evaluation at the ClinicalCenter and follow-up visits are required. Patients may continue to be followedby their physicians and continue medications and therapy for OCD while inthis study. If your child has recently started having compulsive behaviors orthoughts, call 1-800-411-1222 (TTY 1-866-411-1010). Refer to study 02-M-0281.Healthy Children SoughtNIMH seeks healthy children 6-18 for mood and anxiety disorder study. Studymay include physical exam, brain imaging, lab work and psychological interviews.Compensation provided. Call 1-800-411-1222 (TTY 1-866-411-1010). Referto study 01-M-0192.Right:U.S. Surgeon GeneralRichard Carmona(second from l) andNIH director Dr. EliasZerhouni (r) challengeeach other on who canattach CDR MichelleLeff ’s boards thefastest.1119_23Septissue(c).indd 1110/14/05 9:04:51 AM

seenFilm Festival Draws MoreThan 65,000The 9th annual NIH-ComcastOutdoor Film Festival attractedmore than 65,000 moviegoersfrom NIH and the communityto support charities at NIHincluding the Children’s Inn,Friends of the Clinical Center,Special Love/Camp Fantasticand the R&W Foundation.Funds raised for these charitiesamounted to almost $50,000.Attendees enjoyed such moviesas Shrek 2, Million Dollar Baby,Raiders of the Lost Ark and SharkTale during the 10 evenings offilm. Above, a full moon hoversover a large crowd assembledon the lawn. At right, theMaru family has a great time atRaiders of the Lost Ark. Below,students and friends from theMaret School get together at thefestival. R&W President RandySchools thanks Strathmore Halland the American Speech-Language-HearingAssociation forhosting the event after it movedfrom the NIH campus following9/11.12 NIH RECORD SEPTEMBER 23, 200519_23Septissue(c).indd 1210/14/05 9:04:55 AM